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Title details for The Sword Defiant by Gareth Hanrahan - Available

The Sword Defiant

#1 in series

by Gareth Hanrahan
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, this thrilling fantasy launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons, and bloodthirsty vengeance.​
"The Sword Defiant is a treat for all fantasy fans . . . . It’s an absolute blast.” ― Justin Lee Anderson, author of The Lost War
Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his eight companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord's cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad. That was the easy part.
Now, when Aelfric - keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker - learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the eight heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer. Yesterday's eager heroes are today's weary leaders - and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves.
If there's one thing Aelfric knows, it's slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends.
"In the tradition of Tolkien and Eddings, with a richly detailed narrative, well-drawn characters, epic battles, and political and religious intrigues, Hanrahan's outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers—who will anxiously await the next book." ― Booklist (starred review)
"This novel has the potential to become a fan-favorite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue, and endearing characters." ― Library Journal
"I will buy any novel that Gareth Hanrahan ever writes." ― The Fantasy Inn
For more from Gareth Hanrahan, check out:
The Black Iron Legacy
The Gutter Prayer
The Shadow Saint
The Broken God

  • Creators

  • Series

    Lands of the Firstborn

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    May 2, 2023

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780316537308

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9780316537308
      • File size: 6498 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      April 1, 2023

      This series launch from Hanrahan (The Broken God) is a slow-burning epic of faith and betrayal that explores what happens to heroes when the adventures are over and the lines between good and evil are no longer so clear-cut. Aelfric is a living legend, a simple farm boy turned knight venerated for his courage, loyalty, and stout heart. He is counted among the nine companions who defeated the necromancer Lord Bone and his horde of horrors. But those glorious days are now 20 years behind him, and all he has left is the treacherous talking sword named Spellbreaker and a new prophecy that portends looming doom. Burdened and wayward, Alf clings desperately to old bonds and once more seeks out the Nine to face this new threat. The ancient miasmic city Necrad is at the center of it all, which is played up through the rich worldbuilding heavily influenced by Tolkien. VERDICT This novel has the potential to become a fan-favorite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue, and endearing characters.--Andrea Dyba

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      Starred review from May 1, 2023
      Informed of a rising darkness that threatens Necrad, Aelfric returns there and is nearly killed by a witch elf. He is sent to the northern provinces to counsel Earl Duna and discovers that the witch elf, Ildorae, has infiltrated Castle Duna. Aelfric captures and interrogates her and learns that nothing is as it seems. When he encounters a being called Death who intends to destroy Necrad, Aelfric flees back to Necrad to inform the council. Aelfric leads the league army to the shores of Lake Bavduin for a parley that ends in disaster before he is saved by Ildorae. In the meantime, Aelfric's sister searches for her son, who has run off. After several adventures she finds herself in Necrad, and Aelfric agrees to help her find her son. In the tradition of Tolkien and Eddings, with a richly detailed narrative, well-drawn characters, epic battles, and political and religious intrigues, Hanrahan's outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers--who will anxiously await the next book.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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