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 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

“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 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 laterAlready 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 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 foreverHanrahan is now one of my favourite authors. I flat out adore this series 'A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan's astonishing imagination'”

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
Hanrahan's outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers -- BOOKLIST (starred review)
A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan's astonishing imagination -- Peter McLean, author of PRIEST OF BONES
Hanrahan's RPG roots are clear, but it's the incredible depth of his imagination that make his world and story unique. He takes traditional characters and settings, throws in his own unique and monstrous creations and builds something completely fresh. Simultaneously familiar and completely original, The Sword Defiant is a treat for all fantasy fans, and especially for RPG players. It's an absolute blast. -- Justin Lee Anderson, author of THE LOST WAR
I loved every page. With The Sword Defiant, Hanrahan takes all of my favourite fantasy tropes and infuses them with creativity and vigour. The characters were unforgettable. Best of all, by the final page, I felt like I'd been on a true adventure -- Brian Naslund, author of BLOOD OF AN EXILE
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 . . . This novel has the potential to become a fan-favourite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue and endearing characters -- LIBRARY JOURNAL
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
Gritty and rousing . . . Hanrahan creates fully realized environments with rich histories -- BOOKPAGE (starred review)
Hanrahan is one of the best in the business at creating fantasy worlds that feel alive . . . It's a world that takes familiar fantasy archetypes, and turns them into cool characters with big personalities . . . I'll say it again - I'll read any book that Gareth Hanrahan writes -- THE FANTASY INN
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 a stellar world builder . . . I tore through The Sword Defiant in a few sittings despite its enormous size. The plot and world are exciting and beg to be explored . . . It is a fever dream adventure fantasy that begs you to take a look at it -- THE QUILL TO LIVE

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.

'A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan's astonishing imagination' Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones THE SWORD CARES NOT WHO IT CUTSMany 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. Praise for Gareth Hanrahan: 'Hanrahan is now one of my favourite authors' Booknest 'I will buy any novel that Gareth Hanrahan ever writes' The Fantasy Inn 'Hanrahan has an astonishing imagination' Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones 'Mind-blowingly stellar in every respect . . . Fantasy readers, be wise and buy this book, because there's simply nothing like it' Novel Notions on The Gutter Prayer 'A gripping tale that meshes beautifully with its fascinating, darkly inventive setting' James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Los t on The Gutter Prayer

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