I haven't been reading a lot of classic epic fantasy lately, and this is just what I needed.
Malice is everything classic epic fantasy should be. Grand battles, epic journeys, sorcery and magic, kingdoms under siege, a young good-hearted lad in training (with a sister who is every bit as talented and tough), giants riding dragons, well-meaning warriors just trying to do the right thing, bad guys trying their damnedest to do the wrong thing, evil gods on the rise, ships and horses and an awesome princess who is really just regular folk, with plenty intrigue, secret identities, and surprise revelations.
Gwynne has a particular knack for beginning, ending, and intercutting chapters, along with raising stakes and building action. The final third had my heart pounding page after page. If you love door-stopper epic fantasy in the classic vein, or if you think you might, Gwynne’s The Faithful and the Fallen series is for you. Very easily a five star rating from me :)