A Time of Courage Book Review

​​Title: A Time of Courage
Author: John Gwynne
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2020
Pages: 674
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
Rating: 9/10

“Today there will be a reckoning. Today will be a time of vengeance. … Today will be a time of COURAGE!”

It’s time to settle an ancient feud that will determine the fate of humanity. Allies will be sought out, powerful weapons will be forged, and armies will gather… For the Battle of the Banished Lands awaits. 

Pros
Battle scenes
The first major battle at Dun Seren was absolutely epic. It was easily one of the best battle scenes I’ve ever read. The multiple POVs, realistic dialogue, mid-battle surprises, and creative and cunning solutions all come together to form an absolute rollercoaster of an experience. It made the first half of the book a 10/10. 

Incredible surprises
There were a few fan-favorite surprises throughout the book from discoveries to unexpected allies. One of my favorite tropes is featured in the book… Here comes the cavalry. Right when you think the good guys have lost, an unexpected arrival turns the tide of the fight. I get goosebumps every time. 

Deft, subtle word choice 
Gwynne does a superb job of choosing the perfect way to describe a situation or feeling. One of my favorite examples involves Jin when Gwynne describes her anticipation as “moths fluttered in her belly.” As one of the antagonists, she didn’t deserve having butterflies in her belly so instead, she had moths in her belly. It’s the subtle, little word choices that set Gwynne apart for me as an author. 

Cons
Battle fatigue
At the start of the book, we immediately pick up the battle of Drassil right where it left off in A Time of Blood. That sets the tone for the rest of the book that heavily leans on intense, suspenseful fighting. When we reach the end of the book, the last 200 pages are about 90% battle scenes. I think it’s safe to say that I was suffering from battle fatigue. 

Overall… 
My time in the Banished Lands has come to an end. From The Faithful and the Fallen to Of Blood and Bone, an epic tale has been told. I highly recommend these two series.