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The Sword Defiant

Lands of the Firstborn: Book #1

by Gareth Hanrahan

Narrator George Weightman

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Length 19 hours 17 minutes

Language English

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Bookseller recommendation

“Wow - what an incredible fantasy! Prepare yourself for an adventure that feels both familiar and wholly original, set in a dark world with even darker magic, where the lines between good and evil are blurred and messy. They thought the reign of evil would end with the death of the Dark Lord. They were all deceived. Now the Nine Heroes of the old war are scattered, dead, or distant, and it is up to Alf to bring them together to face the threat along with his evil, magical, talking sword. (The sword is snarky and amazing!). This book was so much fun to read! It is gritty, exciting, full of secrets, gray characters, and a reluctant hero. If you like fantasy, you'll want to read this book! The audiobook was fun to listen to and brought the characters and story to life.”
— Anna • The Well-Read Moose

Summary
About the author

Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, this thrilling fantasy launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons, and bloodthirsty vengeance.

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.

"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

Fiction Fantasy

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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Audiobook details

Author:
Gareth Hanrahan

Narrator:
George Weightman

ISBN:
9781668628096

Length:
19 hours 17 minutes

Language:
English

Publisher:
Hachette Audio

Publication date:
May 2, 2023

Edition:
Unabridged

Libro.fm rank:
#26,593 Overall

Genre rank:
#3,657 in Fantasy

Reviews

"Employing an enviable skill with both plotting and prose, Gareth Hanrahan has in The Gutter Prayer woven 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."—Anthony Ryan on The Gutter Prayer "A gripping tale that meshes beautifully with its fascinating, darkly inventive setting."—James Islington on The Gutter Prayer "The Gutter Prayer is captivating and complex. Guerdon is a city that seethes with history, horror, and hidden secrets, and Hanrahan's assured style is reminiscent of China Mievelle in the best way possible."—Nicholas Eames on The Gutter Prayer "A groundbreaking and extraordinary novel . . . Hanrahan has an astonishing imagination."—Peter McLean on The Gutter Prayer "Readers who enjoy the intricate worldbuilding of Patrick Rothfuss, Mark Lawrence, Max Gladstone, and Steven Erikson should start with the first volume before tackling this satisfying sequel."—Library Journal on The Shadow Saint "Beautifully written. Gripping. Guerdon is the city of my dreams."—Anna Smith Spark on The Gutter Prayer "This is genre-defying fantasy at its very best. An absolutely stunning debut. Insanely inventive and deeply twisted. I loved it! Highly recommended."—Michael R. Fletcher on The Gutter Prayer "With living candles, ancient ghouls, broken gods, and more, The Gutter Prayer brims with cool and often twisted ideas."—Peter Newman on The Gutter Prayer "Laced with the blackest of humor and packed with magic and mayhem, this is fantasy turned up to 11."—Anna Stephens on The Gutter Prayer "Hanrahan brings the sights, sounds, and smells of Guerdon to life with crisp, lyrical prose that moves swiftly between thrilling action sequences and imaginative worldbuilding."—Publishers Weekly on The Gutter Prayer "I will buy any novel that Gareth Hanrahan ever writes. ... The Shadow Saint is a brilliant book."—Fantasy Inn on The Shadow Saint “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 Expand reviews

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