Fear not, fellow wanderer of fictional realms! In this guide, we’ll break down John Gwynne’s books in order—covering publication dates, series breakdowns, and the best reading sequence to maximize the epic payoff. Whether you’re a newbie craving your first taste of the Banished Lands or a die-hard fan revisiting old favorites, this is your one-stop resource. Let’s unsheathe our swords and charge ahead.
Who Is John Gwynne? A Quick Dive into the Author Behind the Legends
Before we tackle the John Gwynne reading order, a little backstory: John Gwynne is a former bookseller and Viking re-enactor (yes, you read that right—he lives the warrior life). Drawing from Norse mythology, Arthurian lore, and his own vivid imagination, Gwynne crafts stories where no character is purely good or evil, and every victory comes at a gut-wrenching cost. His debut, Malice, exploded onto the scene in 2012, earning rave reviews for its cinematic action and emotional depth.
Gwynne’s worlds are brutal yet beautiful, filled with wyrms, giants, and starstone-wielding champions. If you love George R.R. Martin’s intrigue or Joe Abercrombie’s grit, Gwynne’s your next obsession. Now, onto the books—spoiler-free, of course!
List Of John Gwynne Books in Order by Year
Discover the complete list of John Gwynne books in order by year, featuring his epic fantasy series like The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone, and The Bloodsworn Saga. Explore his richly crafted worlds, unforgettable heroes, and thrilling battles. Perfect for fans of immersive fantasy and powerful storytelling. Start your John Gwynne reading journey today!
| Series Name | Book Number | Title | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Faithful and the Fallen | 1 | Malice | 2012 |
| 2 | Valor | 2014 | |
| 3 | Ruin | 2015 | |
| 4 | Wrath | 2016 | |
| Of Blood and Bone | 1 | A Time of Dread | 2018 |
| 2 | A Time of Blood | 2019 | |
| 3 | A Time of Courage | 2020 | |
| The Bloodsworn Saga | 1 | The Shadow of the Gods | 2021 |
| 2 | The Hunger of the Gods | 2022 | |
| 3 | The Fury of the Gods | 2024 |
John Gwynne Books in Publication Order
For the purists who want to experience Gwynne’s evolution as a storyteller, here are the full John Gwynne books in order by release date. This list includes all nine main novels across his three major series (no novellas or short stories here, as they don’t alter the core reading flow).
- Malice (2012) – Book 1 of The Faithful and the Fallen
- Valor (2014) – Book 2 of The Faithful and the Fallen (Note: Titled Valor in the UK)
- Ruin (2015) – Book 3 of The Faithful and the Fallen
- Wrath (2016) – Book 4 of The Faithful and the Fallen
- A Time of Dread (2018) – Book 1 of Of Blood and Bone
- A Time of Blood (2019) – Book 2 of Of Blood and Bone
- A Time of Courage (2020) – Book 3 of Of Blood and Bone
- The Shadow of the Gods (2021) – Book 1 of The Bloodsworn Saga
- The Hunger of the Gods (2022) – Book 2 of The Bloodsworn Saga
- The Fury of the Gods (2023) – Book 3 of The Bloodsworn Saga
As of October 2025, no new releases have been announced, but Gwynne’s active on social media—keep an eye out for whispers of more sagas!
John Gwynne Books by Series: A Breakdown for Series Devotees
Gwynne’s bibliography shines brightest when read by series. His first two (The Faithful and the Fallen and Of Blood and Bone) share the interconnected “Banished Lands” universe, while The Bloodsworn Saga stands alone in a Norse-flavored world of blood oaths and ice giants. Here’s each John Gwynne series in order:
The Faithful and the Fallen (4 Books)
This quartet kicks off Gwynne’s career with a bang, blending political intrigue, divine wars, and heartbreaking choices. Set in a medieval-inspired land torn apart by prophecy, it follows young Corban and a cast of flawed heroes as they fight demonic hordes.
- Malice (2012): A tournament gone wrong ignites a war that shatters kingdoms. (The perfect entry point—grab it if you’re new!)
- Valor (2014): Alliances form and break as the Ben-Elim (angelic warriors) descend.
- Ruin (2015): Betrayals cut deep, and ancient evils stir.
- Wrath (2016): The finale delivers cataclysmic battles and resolutions that will wreck you (in the best way).
Why start here? It’s Gwynne at his rawest—think Game of Thrones meets The Name of the Wind, but with more heart.
Of Blood and Bone (3 Books)
A direct sequel series set 100+ years after The Faithful and the Fallen, this trilogy explores a fragile peace unraveling into new conflicts. Fans call it “even better than the original” for its deeper character arcs and fresh threats.
- A Time of Dread (2018): Sig, Bleda, and Riv—three young warriors—uncover a conspiracy that echoes the old gods’ return.
- A Time of Blood (2019): Alliances fracture as Kergardul’s shadow looms large.
- A Time of Courage (2020): Epic sieges and sacrifices culminate in a world-altering climax.
Pro tip: Reading the first series first unlocks Easter eggs and emotional gut-punches, but it’s standalone enough for newcomers to enjoy.
The Bloodsworn Saga (3 Books)
Gwynne’s Norse-inspired triumph—a standalone series that’s faster-paced and bloodier, perfect if you crave Viking vibes without prior homework. It’s won awards and spawned fan theories about crossovers (though none confirmed).
- The Shadow of the Gods (2021): Bounty hunters Orka and Varg navigate a shattered world of broken oaths and vengeful ghosts.
- The Hunger of the Gods (2022): Gods awaken, and loyalties are tested in a web of treachery.
- The Fury of the Gods (2023): The saga roars to a close with divine fury and human resilience.
Reader favorite: This series is Gwynne’s most accessible—start here if The Faithful and the Fallen feels intimidating.
What’s the Best John Gwynne Reading Order?
Good news: Gwynne’s worlds are designed for flexibility. Here’s a tailored John Gwynne reading order based on your vibe:
- Chronological Banished Lands Order (Recommended for Immersion): The Faithful and the Fallen (Books 1-4) → Of Blood and Bone (Books 5-7). Then dip into The Bloodsworn Saga for a palate cleanser.
- Standalone Starter: Jump straight into The Shadow of the Gods—it’s self-contained and hooks you fast.
- Publication Order (For Storyteller Fans): Follow the list above to see Gwynne’s style evolve from gritty debut to polished mastery.
Whichever path you choose, avoid spoilers—Gwynne’s twists hit like a wyrm’s tail swipe!
Why Binge John Gwynne’s Books? 5 Reasons to Clear Your Schedule
- Unmatched World-Building: From starstone forges to ice-bound fjords, his settings feel alive and immersive.
- Characters You’ll Fight For: No cookie-cutter heroes here—expect tears, cheers, and “I hate to love you” moments.
- Breathtaking Action: Battles aren’t just fights; they’re symphonies of strategy and savagery.
- Themes That Linger: Loyalty, redemption, and the cost of power—Gwynne makes you think while you thrill.
- Community Buzz: Join Reddit’s r/Fantasy or Gwynne’s X feed for discussions that rival the books’ intensity.
Pro readers have devoured 10,000+ copies of Malice alone—your TBR shelf is begging for this upgrade.
Ready to Quest Through John Gwynne’s Worlds?
There you have it: your foolproof guide to John Gwynne books in order. Whether you start with the prophetic fires of Malice or the oath-bound chills of The Shadow of the Gods, one thing’s certain—you’re in for an unforgettable ride. Which series calls you first? Drop a comment below, share your favorite Gwynne moment, or tag a friend who’s overdue for some epic fantasy.
Happy reading, and may your shields hold strong. What’s next on your shelf? If this guide helped, pin it for later or share it—let’s spread the word about this fantasy gem.
Looking for more author guides? Check out our posts on Brandon Sanderson books in order or Robin Hobb reading order. Adventure awaits!
