Heretic

The Gray Assassin #3

by Gregory A. Wilson

The renegade assassin Grayshade has brought his companions and his quest for answers—or vengeance—to the heart of the Order of Argoth, in the grand city of Tellisar. Neither Grayshade nor the Order will rest until the other is vanquished … no matter the cost.

And Grayshade is not alone. As he walks the markets, the districts, and the rooftops of the city, allies and enemies of unexpected origins reveal themselves, seeking to help or hinder him. Grayshade has seen enough of death. But can his determination to forge a new future, for himself and those he cares for, save him from the failures of his past?

Heretic is a novel of discovered love and ultimate sacrifice, a story about whether we can rise from the shadows into the light.

“Wilson wraps up his fabulous The Gray Assassin Trilogy in the best possible way in Heretic. There’s all the action and wondrous magic you’d expect but so much more. The theme of redemption, of owning your past to build a better future, is front and centre, especially for Grayshade himself, lending a depth and compassion to this story rarely found in sword and sorcery. I loved it. You will. Highly recommended.” — Julie E. Czerneda, Hall of Fame author of the Night’s Edge series from DAW Books

“Heretic is an exciting novel of redemption through community. Wilson’s strength as a storyteller shines through the vividness of the city of Tellisar, the backdrop of the assassin Grayshade’s quest. This is a great read for anyone who loves classic fantasy TTRPGs and dagger-filled adventures.” — Darcie Little Badger, author of Elatsoe

“The Gray Assassin Trilogy is a gripping tale, a superb fantasy adventure wherein real characters stride off the pages to spend time with you, a bright hoard of gold and gems. Seize yours now!” — Ed Greenwood, internationally bestselling author and creator of The Forgotten Realms

“Pulls no punches in making its heroes work for a heart-pounding finale. Wilson knows how to challenge characters at every turn and take readers on a journey. Excellent conclusion to The Gray Assassin Trilogy.” — Brandon Crilly, Aurora-winning author of Catalyst

Genres: Fantasy

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Gregory A. Wilson is the author of The Gray Assassin Trilogy, the fantasy novel The Third Sign, the award-winning graphic novel Icarus, called “fluent, fresh, and beautiful” by critics, and the 5E adventure and supplement Tales and Tomes from the Forbidden Library, along with a variety of short stories, academic articles, and books. He is also Professor of English at St. John’s University, where he teaches courses in speculative fiction, creative writing, and Renaissance drama. He is the co-host of the critically acclaimed podcast Speculate!, and under the moniker Arvan Eleron he runs a highly successful TwitchTV channel focused on story and narrative. He lives with his family in a two-hundred-year-old home near the sea in Connecticut; his virtual home is gregoryawilson.com.

Reviews

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Heretic, the final chapter of Gregory A. Wilson’s trilogy, assassin Grayshade faces his biggest turning point yet. The story brings its themes of faith and redemption to a powerful close, mixing stealthy action with a fantastic character arc as Grayshade breaks free from his past.

It's a brilliant finale that wraps everything up with a few great twists, easily outshining the second book.

[E.D.E. Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilson hit the trilogy's ending brilliantly and with deep intention and passion, and I am honored to have been the book's editor.