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The Heroes

By Joe Abercrombie
Series: World of the First Law
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.35 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 73,333 ratings, 4,582 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
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie is a gripping tale set over three days of brutal battle in the fantasy land known as the "Circle of the World". It explores the blurred lines between heroism and villainy as various characters, from soldiers to schemers, are caught in a power struggle during the war. This novel delves into themes of courage, betrayal, and the harsh realities of warfare, all woven together with dark humour and complex character dynamics.
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Format: Hardback
$6000
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're a fan of gritty, character-driven fantasy with intricate battle scenes and dark humour. The story delves into the chaos of war, offering a realistic portrayal of heroism and the blurred lines between good and evil. Expect compelling characters and a gripping narrative that keeps you engaged with its twists and turns.

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The Heroes

Joe Abercrombie's standalone fantasy epic chronicling one battle over three gruesome days.

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

Three men. One battle. No Heroes.

They say Black Dow's killed more men than winter, and clawed his way to the throne of the North up a hill of skulls. The King of the Union, ever a jealous neighbour, is not about to stand smiling by while he claws his way any higher. The orders have been given and the armies are toiling through the northern mud.

Thousands of men are converging on a forgotten ring of stones, on a worthless hill, in an unimportant valley, and they've brought a lot of sharpened metal with them.

Bremer dan Gorst, disgraced master swordsman, has sworn to reclaim his stolen honour on the battlefield. Obsessed with redemption and addicted to violence, he's far past caring how much blood gets spilled in the attempt. Even if it's his own.

Prince Calder isn't interested in honour, and still less in getting himself killed. All he wants is power, and he'll tell any lie, use any trick, and betray any friend to get it. Just as long as he doesn't have to fight for it himself.

Curnden Craw, the last honest man in the North, has gained nothing from a life of warfare but swollen knees and frayed nerves. He hardly even cares who wins any more, he just wants to do the right thing. But can he even tell what that is with the world burning down around him?

Over three bloody days of battle, the fate of the North will be decided. But with both sides riddled by intrigues, follies, feuds and petty jealousies, it is unlikely to be the noblest hearts, or even the strongest arms that prevail.

Three men. One battle. No Heroes.

Series: World of the First Law

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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?

Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes is praised for its energetic and finely crafted high fantasy, blending humour with incisive characterisation. The narrative delves into the brutality and absurdity of war, offering a thought-provoking dissection of a three-day battle in a world shared with the First Law Trilogy. The book balances its bloody and violent scenes with cutting humour and wisdom on the frailties of humanity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399614498

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 44.0mm

Width: 166.0mm

Height: 238.0mm

Weight: 778g

Pages: 512

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Joe Abercrombie Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science Fiction Series: World of the First Law

About the Author

Joe Abercrombie was born in Lancaster, England, studied psychology at Manchester University, and worked as an editor of documentaries and live music before his first book, The Blade Itself, was published in 2006. Two further instalments of the First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings, followed, along with three standalone books set in the same world: Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country. He has also written the Shattered Sea trilogy for young adults, the Age of Madness trilogy for old adults, and Sharp Ends, a collection of short stories. He lives in Bath, England, with his wife and three children. 

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