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The Free Bastards

Series: The Lot Lands
4.28 goodreads logo

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( 2,053 ratings, 206 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Free Bastards, Jonathan French continues the saga set in a gritty fantasy world where kinship and loyalty are sacred. The narrative follows a group of rugged characters who must confront their own pasts and personal demons as they battle against formidable foes and unforeseen challenges. This tale of camaraderie, redemption, and adventure expertly weaves together action and emotion.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're a fan of gritty, character-driven fantasy with plenty of battles, camaraderie, and high-stakes adventure. The story captures the essence of underdog heroes fighting against overwhelming odds, mixing humour, action, and emotional depth. If you enjoy a blend of rough camaraderie and epic storytelling, this tale is likely to resonate with you.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Following the runaway success of The Grey Bastards - one of the biggest debut epic fantasy launches of the last five years - and its sequelThe True Bastards comes the third and final book in the Lot Lands series: The Free Bastards

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

ONE OF THE MOST ORIGINAL FANTASY SAGAS TO COME ALONG IN YEARS Kirkus

The long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy, which began with Jonathan French's critically acclaimed debut The Grey Bastards.

War has come to the Lot Lands - and Oats stands upon the frontline. The formidable armies on the horizon are bolstered by divine champions, dread sorcerers, and gunpowder. But Oats has won impossible fights before. He's a thriceblood, after all, more orc than man. And he hasn't forgotten how to kill. He'll stack the bodies high for his chief and his brethren if that's the price of freeing the Lots from human tyranny.

Besides, the invading forces are getting a damned sight more than they bargained for. They're not facing a handful of half-orc hoofs, but a true army - one forged from all the peoples of the Lots. At its head are Fetching, in full command of the ruinous power that runs through her veins, and Jackal, armed with the blessings of a dead god.

Brimming with epic battles, surprising sorcery, and fiendish twists, The Free Bastards is the rousing final instalment to Jonathan French's vastly popular Lot Lands trilogy.

Praise for the Lot Lands series:

An addictively readable - and undeniably cool - fantasy masterwork Kirkus

If you're looking for a filthy, fierce, fun-fuelled read, then the Bastards have got you covered Fantasy Hive

A gritty adventure with a fantastic, foul-mouthed voice Django Wexler

A bloody good tale of battle, betrayal and war pigs Brian McClellan

Jonathan French has to be lauded for his plot ingenuity, bawdry charm and vicious characters. Fantasy Book Critic

I'd like to raise a tankard to The Grey Bastards' brilliance Fantasy Faction

Series: The Lot Lands

View all
  • The Free Bastards
    ONE OF THE MOST ORIGINAL FANTASY SAGAS TO COME ALONG IN YEARS Kirkus The long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy, which began with Jonathan French's critically acclaimed debut The Grey Bastards. War has come to the Lot Lands - and Oats stands upon the frontline. The formidable armies on the horizon are bolstered...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Grey Bastards
    AN ADDICTIVELY READABLE - AND UNDENIABLY COOL - FANTASY MASTERWORK Kirkus BRING ON THE ORCS . . . Jackal is proud to be a Grey Bastard, member of a sworn brotherhood of half-orcs. Unloved and unwanted in civilised society, the Bastards eke out a hard life in the desolate no-man's-land called the Lots, protecting frail and noble human civilisation from...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The True Bastards
    'AN ADDICTIVELY READABLE - AND UNDENIABLY COOL - FANTASY MASTERWORK' Kirkus on THE GREY BASTARDS Following the runaway success of Jonathan French's critically acclaimed fantasy adventure THE GREY BASTARDS comes book two in the LOT LANDS series - THE TRUE BASTARDS. LEAD FROM THE SADDLE. DARE TO SURVIVE. Fetching was once the only female rider in the Lot Lands. Now...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jonathan French's The Free Bastards is praised for its addictive readability and distinctive fantasy style, described as a filthy yet charismatic narrative with a unique voice. Reviewers appreciate its gritty, action-packed adventure featuring emotionally complex characters and the inventive plot. The book's blend of battle, betrayal, and war pigs offers a fresh, engaging twist to the fantasy genre, reminiscent of the works of Joe Abercrombie and Steven Erikson.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356515533

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 46.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 400g

Pages: 576

About the Author

Jonathan French resides in Atlanta with his wife, son, and cat. He is a devoted reader of comic books, an expert thrower of oddly-shaped dice and a serial con attendee.

Also by Jonathan French

View all
  • The Grey Bastards
    AN ADDICTIVELY READABLE - AND UNDENIABLY COOL - FANTASY MASTERWORK Kirkus BRING ON THE ORCS . . . Jackal is proud to be a Grey Bastard, member of a sworn brotherhood of half-orcs. Unloved and unwanted in civilised society, the Bastards eke out a hard life in the desolate no-man's-land called the Lots, protecting frail and noble human civilisation from...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The True Bastards
    'AN ADDICTIVELY READABLE - AND UNDENIABLY COOL - FANTASY MASTERWORK' Kirkus on THE GREY BASTARDS Following the runaway success of Jonathan French's critically acclaimed fantasy adventure THE GREY BASTARDS comes book two in the LOT LANDS series - THE TRUE BASTARDS. LEAD FROM THE SADDLE. DARE TO SURVIVE. Fetching was once the only female rider in the Lot Lands. Now...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

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