Shane Kiely asked John Gwynne:

Big fan of Malice, really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. In the process of getting Valour. The books have a very strong Celtic vibe to them especially Corban's own people. What drew you to this culture in particular rather than the more standard pseudo medieval world of a lot of fantasy universes?

John Gwynne Hi Shane, excellent question. There are a few reasons why there's a strong celtic feel to the Faithful and the Fallen. Firstly, my parents are Welsh. Whilst I didn't grow up there - my dad was in the RAF so we moved roughly every three years to wherever he was posted - I visited often and I've always loved it there, from the geographical beauty to the cultural idiosyncrasies. My elder brother has lived in Scotland for most of his life, and I hold great affection for that bleak, beautiful landscape, as well. I've never been to Ireland - a place I'd dearly love to visit, more so because of the wonderful Irish friends I have had the pleasure to make. Also I love celtic mythology, tales of the Tuatha de Danaan, the Fomorii and the Fir Bolg, Cuchulain, Bran the Blessed and Pryderi.

I read a lot of historical texts and historical fiction and have been frequently drawn to Boudicca's revolt, to Iron Age Europe, Caesar's Gallic War, Arthur - the Dark Age version more than the medieval romanticising. Beowulf, the Volsung Saga, Attila the Hun, the Franks and Merovingians, and Charlemagne. This is a period of history that fascinates me, all the more I suppose because it is the Dark Ages and there are more gaps in our knowledge than earlier or later periods hold. A ripe play-field for fantasy!

So, the short answer to your question is: because I like it :)

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed Malice. Hope that you enjoy Valour just as much.

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