Ruin is a fantasy novel by John Gwynne, the first book in his series Of Blood and Bone. It represents a shift in Gwynne’s writing, moving from the Norse-inspired world of The Faithful and the Fallen series to a new, original setting featuring different races and magic systems. The novel introduces readers to a world recovering from a devastating war, focusing on characters grappling with its aftermath.
This novel is significant for several reasons. It marks a development in Gwynne’s established writing style, demonstrating his capacity to create complex and immersive worlds beyond his previous work. The narrative explores themes of survival, prejudice, and the enduring impact of conflict. The exploration of these themes and Gwynne’s skill in character development offer readers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. Furthermore, the initiation of a new series contributes to the ongoing expansion of the grimdark fantasy subgenre.