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The Sword Defiant

By Gareth Hanrahan
Series: Lands of the Firstborn
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3.87 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,758 ratings, 340 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 Sword Defiant by Gareth Hanrahan is a gripping tale set in a richly imagined fantasy world. It follows a band of heroes, once celebrated for their triumph over evil, now facing the shadows of their past victories. The protagonist must grapple with an ancient weapon's power while old alliances are tested as a new darkness threatens to rise.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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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 drawn to epic tales of fantasy where heroic figures wield legendary weapons in their quest to confront ancient evils. It offers a rich tapestry of intricate world-building, intricate narratives, and deeply developed characters, making it a captivating read for fans of magical sagas and adventure-driven stories. This might be your pick if you're keen on exploring the depths of courage, betrayal, and the burdens of past choices in a mystical and immersive setting.

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Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons and bloodthirsty vengeance. The first book in a gripping new series from the author of The Gutter Prayer.

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
'Hanrahan's outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers' Booklist, starred review

THE SWORD CARES NOT WHO IT CUTS

Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine 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 nine 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.

Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons and bloodthirsty vengeance.

'The front runner for my book of the year... The Sword Defiant is a love letter to roleplaying games, to Tolkien, to what epic fantasy has been about for me through my whole life. I adored this book from the first page to the last. Hanrahan has taken the best of the old, the best of the last two decades, and then brought it screaming into the modern era. Fans of Gemmell and Abercrombie need this on their shelves'

Ed McDonald, author of Blackwing

'Both a love letter and evolution of the epic fantasy novel... The Sword Defiant is an epic tale of how no world stands still forever... Highly recommended!

Run Along the Shelves

'Hanrahan is one of the best in the business at creating fantasy worlds that feel alive... I'll read any book that Gareth Hanrahan writes'

The Fantasy Inn

Series: Lands of the Firstborn

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  • The Sword Defiant
    'Hanrahan's outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers' Booklist, starred review THE SWORD CARES NOT WHO IT CUTS Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine 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...
    By Gareth Hanrahan
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Sword Unbound
    He thought he was saving the world. That was his first mistake. Twenty years ago, Alf and his companions defeated the Dark Lord and claimed his city. Now, those few of the Nine that remain find themselves unwilling rebels, defying the authority of both the mortal lords they once served and the immortal king of the elves – the secret...
    By Gareth Hanrahan
    Paperback
    $2799
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Sword Triumphant
    The Sword Triumphant is a brilliant and fitting conclusion to a truly epic series by Ed McDonald, author of Blackwing. 'Tell the Lammergeier that Blaise has need of him for one last service. Tell him to bring his sword.' In his youth, Aelfric slew the Dark Lord and saved the world, only to find out, many years later, that his...
    By Gareth Hanrahan
    Paperback
    $2799
    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?

Gareth Hanrahan's The Sword Defiant is praised as an imaginative and engaging epic fantasy that expertly blends classic tropes with fresh, modern twists. Critics highlight its deep world-building, intricate plot, and memorable characters, describing it as both a tribute to and evolution of traditional fantasy narratives. The book has garnered acclaim for its combination of familiar elements with unique creativity, making it a compelling read for fans of both classic and contemporary fantasy, as well as roleplaying game enthusiasts.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356516530

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 May 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 40.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 396g

Pages: 576

Collections

Fantasy Fiction Gareth Hanrahan General Fiction Historical Fantasy Horror & Supernatural Sci-Fi & Fantasy Series: Lands of the Firstborn

About the Author

Gareth Hanrahan's three-month break from computer programming to concentrate on writing has now lasted fifteen years and counting. He's written more gaming books than he can readily recall, by virtue of the alchemical transmutation of tea and guilt into words. He lives in Ireland with his wife and three children. Follow him on Twitter at @mytholder.

Also by Gareth Hanrahan

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  • The Broken God
    ENTER A CITY OF DRAGONS AND DARKNESS The Godswar has come to Guerdon, dividing the city between three occupying powers. A fragile armistice holds back the gods, but other dangerous forces seek to exert their influence. Spar Idgeson, once heir to the brotherhood of thieves, has been transformed into the living stone of the new city. But his powers are...
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  • The Sword Unbound
    He thought he was saving the world. That was his first mistake. Twenty years ago, Alf and his companions defeated the Dark Lord and claimed his city. Now, those few of the Nine that remain find themselves unwilling rebels, defying the authority of both the mortal lords they once served and the immortal king of the elves – the secret...
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  • The Sword Triumphant
    The Sword Triumphant is a brilliant and fitting conclusion to a truly epic series by Ed McDonald, author of Blackwing. 'Tell the Lammergeier that Blaise has need of him for one last service. Tell him to bring his sword.' In his youth, Aelfric slew the Dark Lord and saved the world, only to find out, many years later, that his...
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  • The Gutter Prayer
    'A groundbreaking and extraordinary novel... Hanrahan has an astonishing imagination' Peter McLean, author of PRIEST OF BONES 'Beautifully written. Gripping. Guerdon is the city of my dreams' - Anna Smith Spark, author of THE COURT OF BROKEN KNIVES In the ancient city of Guerdon, three thieves - an orphan, a ghoul and a cursed man - are accused of a...
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  • The Shadow Saint
    HANRAHAN HAS AN ASTONISHING IMAGINATION - Peter McLean, author of PRIEST OF BONES With his acclaimed debut, THE GUTTER PRAYER, Gareth Hanrahan introduced a world of sorcerers and thieves, broken gods and dangerous magic. Now this epic tale continues in THE SHADOW SAINT, the gripping second novel in the BLACK IRON LEGACY. As the Godswar draws ever closer and tensions...
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  • The Dungeon Book
    Pre-order
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    Enter a world of dungeons and dragons, magic and manticores, goblins and gargoyles in this captivating standalone fantasy from the author of The Gutter Prayer. 'Full of wit and adventure, twists and turns, wonderful monsters and astonishing revelations. An absolute joy' — M. R. Carey, bestselling author of Once Was Willem Bait doesn't remember a time before the dungeon. Before...
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