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The Malice

Book 2 in the series:The Vagrant

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The Malice by Peter Newman is the second book in The Vagrant series, following the journey of Vesper, the adopted daughter of the titular character. Vesper finds herself entangled in an epic quest to defeat a powerful infernal emerging from the Breach, all set in a richly imagined and strange world. The narrative style is unique, blending elements of modern, medieval, and alien settings, creating a fantasy story with a sci-fi feel. The story unfolds with compelling characters, twisted plots, and gripping storylines, reminiscent of authors like China Mieville, with a writing style that is both challenging and rewarding.

Characters:

Characters are complex and relatable, with Vesper leading the story through her growth and challenges, complemented by a unique supporting cast.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is lyrical yet sparse, balancing impactful prose with the challenges of less detailed descriptions, evoking comparisons to literary fiction.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a unique journey that emphasizes character growth and world history over typical action-driven storytelling, culminating in a surprising climax.

Setting:

The setting combines post-apocalyptic landscapes with fantasy elements, creating a richly defined world with a complex history.

Pacing:

The pacing is mixed, with moments of tension interspersed with slower sections that some readers perceive as filler, reflecting the depth of character and plot development.
For over a thousand years it has grown. Slowly at first, a hidden cancer under the skin of the earth, a hairline crack exhaling alien wisps, disturbing yet harmless. But beneath the surface, pressure ...

Notes:

The Malice is the second book in Peter Newman's Vagrant trilogy.
The story follows a young girl named Vesper and her journey with her baby goat and broken knights.
It features a unique take on demons, including friendly, neutral, and evil types.
Vesper is portrayed as a strong character, displaying unexpected leadership skills at a young age.
The writing style combines literary prose with a sparse, almost abstract approach to description.
The world is a mix of post-apocalyptic elements and traditional fantasy themes like knights and swords.
The sword, referred to as The Malice, is central to the plot and has a deep history tied to the storyline.
Each chapter explores the consequences of a past event known as 'the collapse' and how it transformed the world.
The narrative is enriched with flashbacks that explain historical elements of the world, enhancing the reader's understanding.
Readers have noted similarities between The Malice and works by N.K. Jemisin, particularly in world-building talent.
Characters encounter remnants of demonic armies from the previous book, creating a continued sense of danger and intrigue.
Some readers found the pacing uneven, feeling there was filler until the climax, while others appreciated the depth of the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, trauma, and existential despair reflecting the darker elements of the fantasy genre.

From The Publisher:

Following Peter Newman's brilliant debut THE VAGRANT, is the much-anticipated sequel THE MALICE.

In the south, the Breach stirs.

Gamma's sword, the Malice, wakes, calling to be taken to battle once more.

But the Vagrant has found a home now, made a life and so he turns his back, ignoring its call.

The sword cries out, frustrated, until another answers.

Her name is Vesper.

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About the Author:

PETER NEWMAN is the author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning Vagrant Trilogy: The Vagrant, The Malice, The Seven. He sometimes pretends to be a butler for the Tea and Jeopardy podcast, which he co-writes and for which he won a Hugo Award in 2017. His first book, The Vagrant, won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award in 2016 for best Fantasy Debut of the Year. Peter writes for George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards series and will first appear in Knaves Over Queens. He has also written for the computer game Albion Online. He lives in Somerset.www.runpetewrite.comTwitter: @runpetewrite

 
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