John Gwynne
Hi Mateo, thanks for the question, and also for your kind words. I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed Malice.
The answer to your question is yes! The ancient Romans and Caesar's Gallic War in-particular were a big influence upon me when I began writing Malice. If you hold the map of the Banished Lands over a map of ancient Europe you'll see that Tenebral loosely lines up with Italy, Ardan with Cornwall, Forn Forest with the Black Forest, and so on. Also I've tried to add a historical flavour with names - people and places of Tenebral are Latin-based. Veradis for example means 'True' in Latin. The Vin Thalun have Greek names, people of the west - Ardan, Cambren, Domhain are all Celtic, as are Benothi the giant clan. I could go on about this subject for a very long time :)
I enjoy ancient history and my writing is definitely inspired by it.
The answer to your question is yes! The ancient Romans and Caesar's Gallic War in-particular were a big influence upon me when I began writing Malice. If you hold the map of the Banished Lands over a map of ancient Europe you'll see that Tenebral loosely lines up with Italy, Ardan with Cornwall, Forn Forest with the Black Forest, and so on. Also I've tried to add a historical flavour with names - people and places of Tenebral are Latin-based. Veradis for example means 'True' in Latin. The Vin Thalun have Greek names, people of the west - Ardan, Cambren, Domhain are all Celtic, as are Benothi the giant clan. I could go on about this subject for a very long time :)
I enjoy ancient history and my writing is definitely inspired by it.
More Answered Questions
A Goodreads user
asked
John Gwynne:
Truth and courage tattoo... Truth on one wrist and courage on the other or Truth and courage in script on inner bicep?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more