The Sword Unbound
Ratings4
Average rating3.6
He thought he was saving the world. That was his first mistake. Twenty years ago, Alf and his companions defeated the Dark Lord and claimed his city. Now, those few of the Nine that remain find themselves unwilling rebels, defying the authority of both the mortal Lords they once served and the immortal king of the elves - the secret architect of everything they've ever known. Once lauded as a mighty hero, Alf is now labelled a traitor and hunted by the very gods he seeks to bring down. As desperate rebellion blazes across the land, Alf seeks the right path through a maze of conspiracy, wielding a weapon of evil. The black sword Spellbreaker has found its purpose in these dark days. But can Aelfric remain a hero, or is his legend tarnished forever? This second novel continues Gareth Hanrahan's acclaimed epic fantasy series of dark myth, daring warriors and bloodthirsty vengeance. Praise for The Sword Defiant: "A treat for all fantasy fans . . . . It's an absolute blast." ― Justin Lee Anderson, author of The Lost War "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 (starred review) "This novel has the potential to become a fan-favorite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue, and endearing characters." ― Library Journal "I will buy any novel that Gareth Hanrahan ever writes." ― The Fantasy Inn For more from Gareth Hanrahan, check out: The Black Iron Legacy The Gutter Prayer The Shadow Saint The Broken God
Series
Featured Series
2 primary books#2 in Lands of the Firstborn
Lands of the Firstborn is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2023 with contributions by Gareth Hanrahan and Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan.
Reviews
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So glad I was finally able to read this!
When I started reading this, I didn't think I would like it as much as the first one because it wasn't following any of the main characters. I was so invested in the Nine, and I just wanted more of them.
After continuing on, I get why it started that way and it's brilliant! Now I'm just sad that I have to wait for the next one.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
3.5/5 - Definitely not where I thought this was going based on the last book.
This pacing of this book felt very weird. The book is split into parts with each part focusing on one POV/plot of Bor, Olva and Alf which also gives insight into the three major factions at the start, Earlking, Necrad, and the rebellion respectfully. Each part ended on a cliffhanger that was related to one of the other plot points than the next part would go back in time and show how the cliffhanger was reached from another perspective. It worked by creating some tension in the subsequent chapter, like how did Alf loose Spellbreaker, but always felt like stepping away from the most interesting plot and slowing down.
That is until the part part of the book when the whole plot setup in the previous book is concluded very quickly. The book is left in a way that the main characters stories feel completed and I would be happy with it. However if it is left there it calls into question why the books focused on certain aspects only to have them dropped in the finale. An example would be how much time we spent in Necrad, talking about it, exploring it, only for it to be taken over by an evil faction and not dealt with further.
I would be interested to see if Hanrahan will return to this world in the future, it might change how I feel about the ending.
