Sword Defiant

'A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan's astonishing imagination' Peter McLean, author of Priest of BonesTHE 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 Lost on The Gutter Prayer

A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan's astonishing imagination, 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., 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, 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, 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

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.