John Gwynne

New York Times bestselling author of brutal, epic fantasy. Creator of The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone, and The Bloodsworn Saga. David Gemmell Morningstar Award winner. Viking reenactor crafting tales of warriors, honor, and ancient gods.

John Gwynne is the author of epic fantasy series The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone and The Bloodsworn Saga. Born in Singapore, Gwynne spent his childhood moving frequently due to his father's position in the RAF. Books became his friends when growing up because they moved often, and in an ever-changing world, books anchored him, offering both solace and adventure.

Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University, and before becoming a full-time author, held diverse jobs ranging from packing soap in a factory to playing double bass in a rock band and digging ditches for a landscaping crew. In 2002, while working as a lecturer at Brighton University, Gwynne felt a definitive spark to write, following the release of The Two Towers, the second film in Peter Jackson's landmark adaptation of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. When his wife suggested he try writing a book, that question ignited the fire that would lead to his successful career.

Malice, his debut novel, won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut Fantasy of 2012, establishing Gwynne as a powerful new voice in epic fantasy. His writing style has been praised for its staunchly grim perspective, keen wit, and morally complex characters who exist in shades of gray rather than simple good versus evil. Influenced by legends like J.R.R. Tolkien, Bernard Cornwell, and George R.R. Martin, Gwynne creates worlds filled with ancient prophecies, brutal combat, and deeply human characters facing impossible choices.

His work has earned acclaim from fellow authors, with Robin Hobb calling his books "a satisfying and riveting read" and Anthony Ryan praising them as "masterfully crafted, brutally compelling" epics. The Faithful and the Fallen series spans four books exploring themes of prophecy and betrayal in the Banished Lands. Of Blood and Bone returns to the same world generations later, while The Bloodsworn Saga introduces a brand-new Norse-inspired setting where the bones of dead gods promise power to those brave enough to seek them.

Gwynne lives on the south coast of England with his wife and four children, balancing his writing career with Viking reenactment and caring for his many animals. His hands-on experience with historical combat and weaponry infuses his battle scenes with visceral authenticity, making him a favorite among readers who crave action-packed fantasy with emotional depth and unflinching stakes.