The Sword Defiant, Gareth Hanrahan
The Sword Defiant, Gareth Hanrahan
List: $38.99 | Sale: $27.30
Club: $19.49

The Sword Defiant

Author: Gareth Hanrahan

Narrator: George Weightman

Unabridged: 19 hr 17 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 05/02/2023


Synopsis

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

About 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.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Nick on February 20, 2023

Original review posted on my blog Out of This World SFF: [URL not allowed] Gareth Hanrahan is such an imaginative author and one of my favorites when it comes to churning out edgy entertaining fantasy that doesn't fit the usual stereotypes. His Black Iron Legacy series is so bri......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on July 04, 2023

4.0 Stars Review Video: [URL not allowed] This was a solid first book in a new epic fantasy series. In terms of characters and plot, this one is rather traditional. This classic setup gives the story a familiar and comforting tone. I have previously read and loved the author's other work, Th......more

Goodreads review by ♥Milica♥ on May 07, 2023

I cried during the first and last chapter of the book (and a few times in between), that's probably all you need to know about how fast I got attached to the characters. I was honestly not expecting that to happen so quickly, but I'm glad it did. I ended up loving this book and not wanting it to end,......more

Goodreads review by Kevin on May 04, 2023

witcher meets lord of the rings, if both combined were a dnd campaign......more

*4.75 Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature! The Sword Defiant is a memorable start to a new fantasy story from Gareth Hanrahan, author of the incredible The Black Iron Legacy trilogy, brimming with a richly detailed world and complex characters. It's grittiness and magic really makes it stan......more


Quotes

"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