The Sword Defiant (Lands of the Firstborn #1)

Gareth Hanrahan

Adult High Fantasy

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.​

“The Sword Defiant  is a treat for all fantasy fans . . . . It’s an absolute blast.” ― Justin Lee Anderson, author of The Lost War

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.

-Excerpt taken from Goodreads.

Check Goodreads to see the book’s ratings.

My Opinion

“They’d grown apart, but bonds forged in suffering could never be wholly broken.”

4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5) Many years ago, Alf and his 9 friends defeated Lord Bone, essentially saving the world. Alf is tasked with Spellbreaker, a talking and magical sword! Clues keep coming that something is amiss and that the nine, now eight may need to save the world again.

Alf is honorable and valiant and is known as a legend for fighting Lord Bone. His magical sword cracked me up! Spellbreaker is a snarky pest who loves to mess with Alf. The sword also tends toward violence or wrongdoing, even in the hands of Alf. Their journey and banter was hilarious. They were always on opposite sides of each decision.

The other main POV was Olva, Alf’s sister. Her teen boy runs away in search of his uncle but Olva can sense something more sinister at play and vows to find him.

The whole book was adventure from page one. This is definitely for high fantasy lovers as it had elves, ogres and every creature to fulfill your fantasy love. The world was full of creepy cities such as Necrad but also lush mountainsides of peace. The world-building was one of my favorite aspects. I feel the story could go in so many directions, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

General content summary: F words= 20+, C*** words= 1, fighting with an ogre or other fantasy creatures (sword, broken bones, biting, multiple), many fantasy creatures (good and bad), fighting (creatures, weapons, blood, multiple, deaths, battle), alcohol (multiple), child almost killed by a creature (some details), stabbing death (blood, grief), bite, vampires feeding on people (multiple), corpse (few details), beheading, details of someone dying.

Thank you to Orbit Books for the copy!

**As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*