Imprint
- Orbit
- Orbit
- Little, Brown Audio
Fantasy
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Imprint
Little, Brown Audio
- Paperback Jul 18, 2023 | 9780356516530 | RRP $24.99 Buy Now
- e-Book May 2, 2023 | 9780356516523 | RRP $12.99 Buy Now
- Audiobook May 2, 2023 | 9781405557498 | RRP $44.99 Buy Now
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'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
Praise for The Sword Defiant
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An intricate and finely crafted web of compelling characters navigating a city rich in dark and original wonders. I await the sequel with the keenest anticipation
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Mind-blowingly stellar in every respect . . . envision that The Gutter Prayer will not only win many readers' hearts but also win multiple fantasy awards in the near future. Yes, it was THAT good. Read it. Thank me later
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Already one of my favourite books from 2019. It's original, incredibly well-written and honestly just so much fun to read . . . It's the battlecry of an exciting new author who I feel has the potential to hit the very top of the genre. Put simply, you need to read this
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I will buy any novel that Gareth Hanrahan ever writes . . . I've no idea how many books are planned in this series, but I want it to go on forever
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Hanrahan is now one of my favourite authors. I flat out adore this series
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'A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan's astonishing imagination'
Gareth Hanrahan
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.
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