Thescreescore – In an era where epic fantasy often relies on predictable tropes, author John Gwynne is shattering expectations by pivoting toward the macabre. In an exclusive conversation with thescreescore.com, the celebrated novelist delved into the chilling mechanics of his latest work, The Wolves of War, a project that trades sprawling sagas for a concentrated, bone-chilling descent into Slavic folklore and psychological dread.
Gwynne, known for his visceral depictions of Viking warfare, is venturing into uncharted territory by blending high fantasy with the unsettling essence of horror. He describes the tonal shift as "fantasy moved a little along the line," where the focus sharpens on the terrifying capabilities of both monsters and men. The result is a narrative he likens to a collision between the dark, monster-driven world of The Witcher and the visceral, supernatural terror of Stephen King’s Carrie.
The atmospheric weight of the novel is anchored in the dense, oppressive forests of Slavic myth. Rather than a mere setting, the woods function as a living, breathing antagonist. Gwynne’s research led him deep into the shadows of deities like Perun and Veles, and creatures such as the leshen and the upir. Perhaps most intriguing is his treatment of the legendary Baba Yaga; rather than a one-dimensional villain, Gwynne presents her as a complex, unpredictable force—a figure who can just as easily aid a hero as she can consume them.
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However, beneath the layers of blood and folklore lies a deeply intimate emotional core. The Wolves of War serves as a profound tribute to Gwynne’s late daughter, Harriett, who passed away in 2021. The protagonist, Halia, was crafted to embody the spirit and cherished qualities of his daughter. While the shadow of loss permeates the pages, Gwynne emphasizes that the book is a celebration of her life rather than a mere vessel for grief.
"This book is written as a tribute and celebration of my daughter," Gwynne shared, noting that while the process was bittersweet, it represented a vital return to his craft. After a period of profound silence following his personal tragedy, this two-book series marks a triumphant, albeit darker, homecoming for one of the genre’s most compelling voices. For those looking for a tighter, faster-paced entry point into his writing, The Wolves of War offers a hauntingly beautiful bridge between the epic and the eerie.
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