What do you think?
Rate this book
Lands of the Firstborn #2
The Sword Unbound
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.
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.
624 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2024
49 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 11, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley and Orbit for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
First off, I loved Spellbreaker in this installment -probably even more than I did in Book 1- and suddenly OP magical talking swords might be my favourite thing to read right now, js! It's such a supreme rpg vibe and I stan!
Truthfully though, this was a bit of a slog...Alf spent the majority of this book hunting down old teammates embroiled in this, that and the other, and trying to convince them to not be assholes because of their shared glory days. And while he was one of the few I cared about, I pretty much hated everyone who wasn't him, Lath, Olva, Derwyn, Cu or Bor! That sounds like a lot, but no. There wasn't enough of them for me.
Alf's journey through disillusion wasn't a surprise, nor was the dimming shine of the Nine, fading with every two-faced stabbing or arrow to the almost death. But it was frustrating to read nonetheless, and after the many futile pages of Berys and Lae...my gawd if I could shake some sense into a giant man I would...
Also, Lath is my baby boy and should be protected at all costs.
But wasn't.
Would love it if someone (GH) gave a fk, and would send a big oaf to bring my boy home, yeah? Lath's aloneness is still choking me up, and trust that the stories/characters I personally found most compelling in this installment, were the ones that had real emotional substance behind them.
Moving on.
I absolutely loved Olva's arc, and also, I wished GH gave us a more empowered Derwyn. Kiddo could potentially be a badass, so I hope Book 3 has something immense brewing on the horizon!
Despite my feelings about most of this book's focus, the last quarter was still pretty rad and I'm alright with the way Book 2 ended. Very much hoping that Lands of the Firstborn will deliver a bit more of an emotionally impactful story, because the pieces are there to elevate this series to another level, but I guess it will depend on what Book 3 has in store for the surviving Nine, and the people left (to) who love them!
First off, I loved Spellbreaker in this installment -probably even more than I did in Book 1- and suddenly OP magical talking swords might be my favourite thing to read right now, js! It's such a supreme rpg vibe and I stan!
Truthfully though, this was a bit of a slog...Alf spent the majority of this book hunting down old teammates embroiled in this, that and the other, and trying to convince them to not be assholes because of their shared glory days. And while he was one of the few I cared about, I pretty much hated everyone who wasn't him, Lath, Olva, Derwyn, Cu or Bor! That sounds like a lot, but no. There wasn't enough of them for me.
Alf's journey through disillusion wasn't a surprise, nor was the dimming shine of the Nine, fading with every two-faced stabbing or arrow to the almost death. But it was frustrating to read nonetheless, and after the many futile pages of Berys and Lae...my gawd if I could shake some sense into a giant man I would...
Also, Lath is my baby boy and should be protected at all costs.
But wasn't.
Would love it if someone (GH) gave a fk, and would send a big oaf to bring my boy home, yeah? Lath's aloneness is still choking me up, and trust that the stories/characters I personally found most compelling in this installment, were the ones that had real emotional substance behind them.
Moving on.
I absolutely loved Olva's arc, and also, I wished GH gave us a more empowered Derwyn. Kiddo could potentially be a badass, so I hope Book 3 has something immense brewing on the horizon!
Despite my feelings about most of this book's focus, the last quarter was still pretty rad and I'm alright with the way Book 2 ended. Very much hoping that Lands of the Firstborn will deliver a bit more of an emotionally impactful story, because the pieces are there to elevate this series to another level, but I guess it will depend on what Book 3 has in store for the surviving Nine, and the people left (to) who love them!
May 9, 2024
3.5 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/OqKPLv-OPAc
This is a solid sequel in this epic fantasy series. I enjoyed the first book, but I will acknowledge that it was very traditional. As someone who prefers more unique or innovative stories, this one just felt safe and perhaps a bit predictable. The second book is quite similar.
That being said, I think this author has good prose with solid character and worldbuilding. I just wish this series had the uniqueness that made me fall in love with the Gutter Prayer. This series is good but I still prefer the author's first series.
If you are interested in this epic fantasy series, I strongly recommend going back to the beginning with The Sword Defiant.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review: https://youtu.be/OqKPLv-OPAc
This is a solid sequel in this epic fantasy series. I enjoyed the first book, but I will acknowledge that it was very traditional. As someone who prefers more unique or innovative stories, this one just felt safe and perhaps a bit predictable. The second book is quite similar.
That being said, I think this author has good prose with solid character and worldbuilding. I just wish this series had the uniqueness that made me fall in love with the Gutter Prayer. This series is good but I still prefer the author's first series.
If you are interested in this epic fantasy series, I strongly recommend going back to the beginning with The Sword Defiant.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 14, 2024
Gareth Hanrahan writes big idea fantasy. By that I mean that he isn't satisfied with merely telling an entertaining fantasy story that follows the popular formula. Rather, he mixes in crazy elements like inanimate objects that can think, talk, and act. His settings aren't your standard fantasy locales either, they usually have a life of their own and are almost living breathing characters themselves, as we see so magnificently in his ongoing Black Iron Legacy series (a must read by the way). Getting back to his current series though, THE SWORD UNBOUND continues the Lands of the Firstborn story that began with the awesome opener The Sword Defiant. And it continues it in fascinating fashion I might add.
Diving into this sequel after being absolutely blown away by its predecessor was a little unnerving to be honest. The first book was so good that I hoped I would be just as dazzled by this one. I needn't have worried because THE SWORD UNBOUND expands the scope of the overall story and delivers some of the best and darkest fantasy I've experienced in a while. It's hard not to enjoy a book that includes the dead city Necrad, cloaked in secrets and malicious magic, zombies risen from the dead to terrorize the populace, past/present heroes of legend like The NINE who are each individually flawed causing them to at times engage in a power struggle that could threaten the future for everyone, and a pain in the ass sword that although as powerful as any weapon ever crafted, isn't always the most pleasant or cooperative most of the time.
Does any of this make you want to read this series? Because it sure as hell should! And that's what I mean when I say that Hanrahan doesn't settle for writing "standard" or "safe" fantasy. You are always going to be challenged, made uncomfortable, experience things that you almost never see in a fantasy novel, and oh have an incredible amount of fun along the way. I had an absolute blast reading THE SWORD UNBOUND and at times I just couldn't be bothered to do anything else but read this book. It's tough to get better when you are already writing some of the best fantasy stories out there, but if it is possible than I believe Gareth Hanrahan is doing just that. Sometimes I can't believe the risks he takes and the boundaries he pushes, but it always finishes like a masterpiece painting or a brilliant concerto.
Ultimately though my favorite part of this book, as with any Hanrahan book, is his crazy inventive and atmospheric settings. I mentioned that they are almost characters in their own right and I truly mean that. I'm amazed at how vividly both Necrad and its surrounding cities and forests are portrayed. There's an ominous feel to everyone and everything who populate them, whether they be humans, dwarves, witch elves, vampires or goblins. And those are just a sampling of the types of characters you will come across. Honestly there's just so many things to keep you engaged in this book and series and if you don't have it on your to-read shelf, you are missing out on such a magical journey.
Ultimately I really enjoyed this sequel so much. It's a fast-paced read for a book of its 600+ page length and continues to wow with a story that is second to none. This is everything you could ever want in an engrossing fantasy novel that hits you with one mind-blowing scene after another. Come for the cranky sentient talking sword and legendary heroes of old, stay for the next level worldbuilding, dark magic, and intense scheming/treachery. A one of a kind fantasy and another stunning achievement from Gareth Hanrahan that will leave you wanting that next book in your hands yesterday.
Diving into this sequel after being absolutely blown away by its predecessor was a little unnerving to be honest. The first book was so good that I hoped I would be just as dazzled by this one. I needn't have worried because THE SWORD UNBOUND expands the scope of the overall story and delivers some of the best and darkest fantasy I've experienced in a while. It's hard not to enjoy a book that includes the dead city Necrad, cloaked in secrets and malicious magic, zombies risen from the dead to terrorize the populace, past/present heroes of legend like The NINE who are each individually flawed causing them to at times engage in a power struggle that could threaten the future for everyone, and a pain in the ass sword that although as powerful as any weapon ever crafted, isn't always the most pleasant or cooperative most of the time.
Does any of this make you want to read this series? Because it sure as hell should! And that's what I mean when I say that Hanrahan doesn't settle for writing "standard" or "safe" fantasy. You are always going to be challenged, made uncomfortable, experience things that you almost never see in a fantasy novel, and oh have an incredible amount of fun along the way. I had an absolute blast reading THE SWORD UNBOUND and at times I just couldn't be bothered to do anything else but read this book. It's tough to get better when you are already writing some of the best fantasy stories out there, but if it is possible than I believe Gareth Hanrahan is doing just that. Sometimes I can't believe the risks he takes and the boundaries he pushes, but it always finishes like a masterpiece painting or a brilliant concerto.
Ultimately though my favorite part of this book, as with any Hanrahan book, is his crazy inventive and atmospheric settings. I mentioned that they are almost characters in their own right and I truly mean that. I'm amazed at how vividly both Necrad and its surrounding cities and forests are portrayed. There's an ominous feel to everyone and everything who populate them, whether they be humans, dwarves, witch elves, vampires or goblins. And those are just a sampling of the types of characters you will come across. Honestly there's just so many things to keep you engaged in this book and series and if you don't have it on your to-read shelf, you are missing out on such a magical journey.
Ultimately I really enjoyed this sequel so much. It's a fast-paced read for a book of its 600+ page length and continues to wow with a story that is second to none. This is everything you could ever want in an engrossing fantasy novel that hits you with one mind-blowing scene after another. Come for the cranky sentient talking sword and legendary heroes of old, stay for the next level worldbuilding, dark magic, and intense scheming/treachery. A one of a kind fantasy and another stunning achievement from Gareth Hanrahan that will leave you wanting that next book in your hands yesterday.
December 17, 2025
The first book holds a special place in my heart, so I was hoping book two would be even better and finally hit five stars.
Unfortunately, the already slow pace got even slower, and so much of the book felt like filler content, with very few things actually happening.
But that doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it as a whole, or that I don't love Alf to death, no sir.
I also had a blast with the worldbuilding, and character development, those were the highlights of the book for me. I wish we saw more of the Nine though, there were some interesting choices made about which characters to feature instead of them.
At least Olva had her chance to shine, she was probably my favourite this time around (don't tell Spellbreaker I said that).
I'm looking forward to book three anyway, hopefully it'll pick up the pace a little, also, I like that I have no idea how it's going to end.
Pre read:
FINALLY A SEQUEL 👁️👄👁️
Unfortunately, the already slow pace got even slower, and so much of the book felt like filler content, with very few things actually happening.
But that doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it as a whole, or that I don't love Alf to death, no sir.
I also had a blast with the worldbuilding, and character development, those were the highlights of the book for me. I wish we saw more of the Nine though, there were some interesting choices made about which characters to feature instead of them.
At least Olva had her chance to shine, she was probably my favourite this time around (don't tell Spellbreaker I said that).
I'm looking forward to book three anyway, hopefully it'll pick up the pace a little, also, I like that I have no idea how it's going to end.
Pre read:
FINALLY A SEQUEL 👁️👄👁️
July 25, 2025
Sadly, this five star series prediction has let me down.
It wasn’t bad. It was just very similar to so many of the other fantasy books I have read. From the storyline to the characters.
I went into this series expecting subversion and a unique take on the old-trodden fantasy narrative. Instead, it squanders potential and retells the traditional fantasy tale.
There were no true heroes out there, just rich bastards on thrones, or cruel bastards with swords, or magic bastards with spells, or stupid bastards squatting in farms watching life go by.
I liked how the author commented on how he past is always regarded through rose-tinted glasses. How different people experience, remember, reflect on events differently. How you can be haunted by your own legend.
Interestingly, we start with Bor’s perspective - a character that has a distinct voice, a despicable sense of morality and honour, and conflicting beliefs.
Then, we return to a more travelling quest following Alf with more political snippets from Olva.
I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and my interest was not peaked enough to continue on to book three, unfortunately.
Despite there being a talking demon sword.
Physical arc gifted by Orbit Books.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
It wasn’t bad. It was just very similar to so many of the other fantasy books I have read. From the storyline to the characters.
I went into this series expecting subversion and a unique take on the old-trodden fantasy narrative. Instead, it squanders potential and retells the traditional fantasy tale.
There were no true heroes out there, just rich bastards on thrones, or cruel bastards with swords, or magic bastards with spells, or stupid bastards squatting in farms watching life go by.
I liked how the author commented on how he past is always regarded through rose-tinted glasses. How different people experience, remember, reflect on events differently. How you can be haunted by your own legend.
Interestingly, we start with Bor’s perspective - a character that has a distinct voice, a despicable sense of morality and honour, and conflicting beliefs.
Then, we return to a more travelling quest following Alf with more political snippets from Olva.
I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and my interest was not peaked enough to continue on to book three, unfortunately.
Despite there being a talking demon sword.
Physical arc gifted by Orbit Books.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
May 5, 2024
The Sword Unbound
by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
Lands of the Firstborn #2
Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
Orbit Books
Ages: 18+
In his attempt at saving the world, again, Alf is labeled a traitor. His sister and nephew are back from (spoiler), and something came with him, also they are 'ruling' the city.
The first fifty pages of this story were interesting, but that ended because there were so many extra paragraphs that didn't want to end. It was like being beaten with words.
I pushed myself, but at 70% I started skimming. I couldn't take the rambling as the characters went through their 'day' because nothing felt real. It felt like a school teacher giving a monotone lecture about what was happening, and then repeating things a few pages/chapters.
The 'glimpses' into the past, present, and future, didn't add to the 'magic', because the way it was told, not shown, took the magic and interest away.
There was no action; the characters only seemed to go from here to there, and then talked to each other about what had just happened and what they wanted to do about it. The 'creatures' were mostly only mentioned and most not honorably.
This book was telling me a story, not showing, and I got so bored that I didn't care anymore. I ended up jumping to the last chapter and even though there's a book three, I will not be reading it!
1 Star
by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
Lands of the Firstborn #2
Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
Orbit Books
Ages: 18+
In his attempt at saving the world, again, Alf is labeled a traitor. His sister and nephew are back from (spoiler), and something came with him, also they are 'ruling' the city.
The first fifty pages of this story were interesting, but that ended because there were so many extra paragraphs that didn't want to end. It was like being beaten with words.
I pushed myself, but at 70% I started skimming. I couldn't take the rambling as the characters went through their 'day' because nothing felt real. It felt like a school teacher giving a monotone lecture about what was happening, and then repeating things a few pages/chapters.
The 'glimpses' into the past, present, and future, didn't add to the 'magic', because the way it was told, not shown, took the magic and interest away.
There was no action; the characters only seemed to go from here to there, and then talked to each other about what had just happened and what they wanted to do about it. The 'creatures' were mostly only mentioned and most not honorably.
This book was telling me a story, not showing, and I got so bored that I didn't care anymore. I ended up jumping to the last chapter and even though there's a book three, I will not be reading it!
1 Star
Want to read
November 19, 2024This cover is everything, so gorgeous + moody + unsettled. I mean, LOOK AT IT. ❤️🔥 Nothing is easy for poor Alf.
May 31, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
To say I was WAITING for this book would be an understatement. I absolutely loved the first and instalment and loved this one too. So much happened in this installment that the ending has me nervous about what will happen in the next book. Alf and Spellbreaker as always are my favorites. If I were Alf I'd have given into Spellvreaker immediately lol It's the one of two flaws I see in Alf. The other being how trusting he is with his fellow 9.
The book picks up pretty much where we left off in The Sword Defiant. I love one of the main themes of this book is what happens after the heroes win. The Nine are all flawed and those flaws have all been exasperated by the trauma of the war. Each member of the Nine is trying to find there place in the world after defeating Lord Bone but I think Lath and Alf are the two that struggle the most with this. Lath because he practically gets abandoned by everyone and Alf doesn't really understand how to be there for him. Alf struggles with accepting that they have all changed and are no longer the same people. As well as his denial of him being more than just a good strong guy.
The other theme I see that I like is that sometimes heroes can do bad or evil things. In my opinion we see this with several things that Blaze, Laerlyn, and Berys do. They all have good intentions and their hearts are in the right place but the ways they go about are anything but good. They all start up a chain of events that are the climax of the book. From the ending of the book things seem to have settled but if we've learned anything from this world that's probably far from true.
I was happy to see the return of some of my favorite side characters. In particular Bor and Cu. Obviously the dog in any book will always be a favorite of mine. Both of their story lines did not disappoint and was happy to see some chapters from Bor's pov.
I definitely recommend this book and series if you're a fan of epic fantasies that are on the grittier side with great banter. I can't wait to see what happens to all of my favorites and I hope the third book comes out soon!
To say I was WAITING for this book would be an understatement. I absolutely loved the first and instalment and loved this one too. So much happened in this installment that the ending has me nervous about what will happen in the next book. Alf and Spellbreaker as always are my favorites. If I were Alf I'd have given into Spellvreaker immediately lol It's the one of two flaws I see in Alf. The other being how trusting he is with his fellow 9.
The book picks up pretty much where we left off in The Sword Defiant. I love one of the main themes of this book is what happens after the heroes win. The Nine are all flawed and those flaws have all been exasperated by the trauma of the war. Each member of the Nine is trying to find there place in the world after defeating Lord Bone but I think Lath and Alf are the two that struggle the most with this. Lath because he practically gets abandoned by everyone and Alf doesn't really understand how to be there for him. Alf struggles with accepting that they have all changed and are no longer the same people. As well as his denial of him being more than just a good strong guy.
The other theme I see that I like is that sometimes heroes can do bad or evil things. In my opinion we see this with several things that Blaze, Laerlyn, and Berys do. They all have good intentions and their hearts are in the right place but the ways they go about are anything but good. They all start up a chain of events that are the climax of the book. From the ending of the book things seem to have settled but if we've learned anything from this world that's probably far from true.
I was happy to see the return of some of my favorite side characters. In particular Bor and Cu. Obviously the dog in any book will always be a favorite of mine. Both of their story lines did not disappoint and was happy to see some chapters from Bor's pov.
I definitely recommend this book and series if you're a fan of epic fantasies that are on the grittier side with great banter. I can't wait to see what happens to all of my favorites and I hope the third book comes out soon!
October 12, 2024
Mr Hanrahan is at the top of his game here. Everything I loved about The Sword Defiant is continued and expanded upon, from the familiar-yet-fresh setting and worldbuilding, top-notch character relationships (Spellbreaker interacting with literally everyone is consistently fantastic), and intricately woven plotting. This series feels tailor-made for me - as a massive fan of Tolkien and classic fantasy worlds, I ate up every page like a Michelin star meal.
I also continued to really enjoy Mr Hanrahan’s prose. He has a good grasp of authorial voice, imbuing his prose with his own character - he has found a way of walking the line between stylised and straightforward writing in such a way as to find an appropriate balance.
I found the way Mr Hanrahan balanced his multiple storylines intriguing, switching between a few POV characters in a way that really worked for me, and each one found a way to sink its hooks into me. This is definitely going into my top books of the year for sure.
Very much looking forward to book 3 next year! Now onto Black Iron Legacy books 2 and 3 😍
I also continued to really enjoy Mr Hanrahan’s prose. He has a good grasp of authorial voice, imbuing his prose with his own character - he has found a way of walking the line between stylised and straightforward writing in such a way as to find an appropriate balance.
I found the way Mr Hanrahan balanced his multiple storylines intriguing, switching between a few POV characters in a way that really worked for me, and each one found a way to sink its hooks into me. This is definitely going into my top books of the year for sure.
Very much looking forward to book 3 next year! Now onto Black Iron Legacy books 2 and 3 😍
July 11, 2025
I loved this book as much as the first. It reminded me why I fell in love with fantasy as a teenager.
The worldbuilding and descriptions continued to be epic and I was genuinely in fear for Alf’s life at times. There were brilliant twists and turns and betrayals and I finished the book feeling emotionally drained.
The only thing that stopped this being 5 stars for me was the lack of battles. The land is being ripped apart by rebellion and we see very little action. We don’t see the sieges or battles except through the eyes of a bard. Now I get we only see what the main characters do, so I respect it would have been hard to show everything but I would have liked a little more in the way of fighting.
But this series has earned its place in my bookshelves never to removed because I loved Alf’s sword so damned much. It’s a brilliant series so go get it.
Full review to come on through the British Fantasy Society.
The worldbuilding and descriptions continued to be epic and I was genuinely in fear for Alf’s life at times. There were brilliant twists and turns and betrayals and I finished the book feeling emotionally drained.
The only thing that stopped this being 5 stars for me was the lack of battles. The land is being ripped apart by rebellion and we see very little action. We don’t see the sieges or battles except through the eyes of a bard. Now I get we only see what the main characters do, so I respect it would have been hard to show everything but I would have liked a little more in the way of fighting.
But this series has earned its place in my bookshelves never to removed because I loved Alf’s sword so damned much. It’s a brilliant series so go get it.
Full review to come on through the British Fantasy Society.
March 20, 2025
Ah… the dreaded fantasy book two… where the politics and world building take over and many readers are screaming for something to happen already!
The main characters are still present and others take more precedence and while my attention flagged her and there I was still curious enough to stay the course.
On to the final book, The Sword Triumphant, ARC provided by NetGalley
The main characters are still present and others take more precedence and while my attention flagged her and there I was still curious enough to stay the course.
On to the final book, The Sword Triumphant, ARC provided by NetGalley
January 20, 2025
Another stellar tale from Gareth Hanrahan! I enjoyed this even more than book one of the series. The author really deepened the characters and expanded the lore. As always, Hanrahan's fluid prose makes for an enjoyable and rich reading experience and his vivid imagination puts him among the all-time top tier of fantasy authors in terms of worldbuilding.
I eagerly await the conclusion of this trilogy!
I eagerly await the conclusion of this trilogy!
Read
June 11, 2024The Sword Unbound builds on the events and themes from The Sword Defiant, book one in the series. Things continue to grow more desperate, with a disillusioned Alf realizing that perhaps blind obedience isn’t the best way to make decisions, especially when those decisions often have final consequences. My heart broke for him a little bit as he began to really see his fellow members of the Nine as flawed, possibly even villainous, people.
The author’s brilliant use of a twisted epic from a bard expands on this in a way that reminds the reader that heroism is based on who tells the tale afterwards. In the book, this shift in how Alf is portrayed is taken with mixed reactions, with a rebellion beginning to stir. This is where things get a little confusing for me. You see, technically a lot is going on. There are plots aplenty, the day-to-day running of an evil kingdom conquered by the “good” side, and questions of loyalty. However, not much seems to actually happen. The pace is much slower in The Sword Unbound. I don’t mind, as I found the added developments interesting, but it you’re looking for nonstop action, this won’t be the book for you.
The characters continue to grow and shift like sand, with trustworthiness being a sliding scale. As with real people, the characters in the book are flawed. I love seeing morally gray characters and watching them all try to justify their actions. No one ever sees themself as the villain, after all.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Spellbreaker. Like a certain Ring, the sword Spellbreaker whispers in its owner’s mind, creating doubt and making increasingly bloodthirsty offers. I really loved that it is a character in its own right. The way Alf interacts with Spellbreaker and how it capitalizes and vocalizes Alf’s own insecurities is fantastic. In fact, their interactions almost stole the show.
The Sword Unbound continues an epic that takes the common ideas of good triumphing over evil and twists things until you wonder how someone defines “good” and how many bad decisions it takes to wash away that classification. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Orbit Books and Angela Man for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The Sword Unbound is available now.
The author’s brilliant use of a twisted epic from a bard expands on this in a way that reminds the reader that heroism is based on who tells the tale afterwards. In the book, this shift in how Alf is portrayed is taken with mixed reactions, with a rebellion beginning to stir. This is where things get a little confusing for me. You see, technically a lot is going on. There are plots aplenty, the day-to-day running of an evil kingdom conquered by the “good” side, and questions of loyalty. However, not much seems to actually happen. The pace is much slower in The Sword Unbound. I don’t mind, as I found the added developments interesting, but it you’re looking for nonstop action, this won’t be the book for you.
The characters continue to grow and shift like sand, with trustworthiness being a sliding scale. As with real people, the characters in the book are flawed. I love seeing morally gray characters and watching them all try to justify their actions. No one ever sees themself as the villain, after all.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Spellbreaker. Like a certain Ring, the sword Spellbreaker whispers in its owner’s mind, creating doubt and making increasingly bloodthirsty offers. I really loved that it is a character in its own right. The way Alf interacts with Spellbreaker and how it capitalizes and vocalizes Alf’s own insecurities is fantastic. In fact, their interactions almost stole the show.
The Sword Unbound continues an epic that takes the common ideas of good triumphing over evil and twists things until you wonder how someone defines “good” and how many bad decisions it takes to wash away that classification. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Orbit Books and Angela Man for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The Sword Unbound is available now.
May 2, 2024
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.
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.
May 13, 2024
I love Gar's writing and this was no exception, I instantly slipped back into Lands of the Firstborn. I loved Olva's journey in this book, and it also did a great job of putting us in Alf's shoes when it came to working out who to trust but at no point was that confusing. I loved the moments that made you reinterpret a scene from two hundred pages before.
These are just the right flavour of fantasy for me, some big concepts and world shattering consequences but ultimately it's about these characters.
These are just the right flavour of fantasy for me, some big concepts and world shattering consequences but ultimately it's about these characters.
June 4, 2024
Absolutely fantastic, but then again I would expect nothing else from this author.
I was impressed when the previous instalment took a the generic fantasy setting and made it fresh and interesting, and this book somehow made it even better. There are countless book series where I end up feeling a little disappointed the more the setting is explored and mysteries are revealed, but with Hanrahan it only ever gets cooler.
I was impressed when the previous instalment took a the generic fantasy setting and made it fresh and interesting, and this book somehow made it even better. There are countless book series where I end up feeling a little disappointed the more the setting is explored and mysteries are revealed, but with Hanrahan it only ever gets cooler.
September 10, 2024
Okay so, I'm still giving this 4 stars even though I also gave 4 stars to book 1 and I do think book 1 is better.
I enjoyed this one from a character growth perspective a ton. I truly think everyone needed to listen to the freaking sword because we could have cut this plot down a ton hahahaha
That was my biggest issue, the plot was so meandering in the middle but the back brought it back around for me! The ending was very Middle Earth vibes too which I liked!
I enjoyed this one from a character growth perspective a ton. I truly think everyone needed to listen to the freaking sword because we could have cut this plot down a ton hahahaha
That was my biggest issue, the plot was so meandering in the middle but the back brought it back around for me! The ending was very Middle Earth vibes too which I liked!
May 2, 2024
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I can't believe I read this book so quick. I picked up the first one some time ago and read it shortly before this. All I can say is wow....I didn't think I'd finish this book so quick. Picks right where left off with great character, plot, and world building. Highly recommend.
March 10, 2024
Excellent sequel to a very good book. This story continues with Alf an aged warrior hero trying to hold his world together when he is just not very equipped to think the deep thoughts about how to go about doing so. The demon sword Spellbreaker continues to be the foremost personality in this story. But we also follow Olva's story as well as Bor's. The characters remain detailed and deep, the world well thought out and written and the plot twists back and forth in an Epic way. This is just plain an enjoyable read. It has a great magic system, fascinating places and a fascinating main character who didn't put enough points into his intelligence and perception stats. Very fun book, thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for letting me read this book.
September 21, 2024
It was only a few days ago that I finished part 1 of this series. I said that the book was great but ended with some irritating ambiguity, and I gave it 4 stars.
I was wrong.
This is a brilliant story, and brilliantly told. Hanrahan captures the complexity of morality, with his characters moving not from black to white, but in the many shades of grey. It’s impossible not to feel connected to Alf and his struggle to make the right choices, and the other characters are so fleshed out that every aspect of the plot makes sense.
I listened to it on Audible and the narration was brilliant too.
I was wrong.
This is a brilliant story, and brilliantly told. Hanrahan captures the complexity of morality, with his characters moving not from black to white, but in the many shades of grey. It’s impossible not to feel connected to Alf and his struggle to make the right choices, and the other characters are so fleshed out that every aspect of the plot makes sense.
I listened to it on Audible and the narration was brilliant too.
Want to read
March 2, 2024Just got an ARC! I love the cover art:) Guess I'll need to get on it, review to come soon:)
April 1, 2024
Garath Hanrahan has done it once again. Created a uniquely dark fantasy with so much depth it feels as though you are in the world. The storytelling is written with such depth that the characters, atmosphere, and magic system are something you can grasp and be a part of. This is why this book is a 5 star review. This series is a 5 star review as well. I did have a harder time getting into this book but after the first 5 chapters I was hooked. Hanrahan's world building is so intricate that some readers might have to reread some parts, I know I did.
Hanrahan bring new depth to Alf, Spellbreaker, The Nine, Necrad, and the magic sytem that it really does put him at the top of the genre. The world class dark atmoshpere of this book gives you images unlike anything else.
The character work is written as though even the smallest characters have depth. This helps you understand the storytelling and actions even more than in The Sword Defiant. If you want a book and series that will grab your emotions as well as captivate you by his prose, pick up any of Hanrahans books. Especially this series.
5 stars, I can't change my mind on this. I will continue to purchase all of Hanrahans books and support this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for this opportunity.
Hanrahan bring new depth to Alf, Spellbreaker, The Nine, Necrad, and the magic sytem that it really does put him at the top of the genre. The world class dark atmoshpere of this book gives you images unlike anything else.
The character work is written as though even the smallest characters have depth. This helps you understand the storytelling and actions even more than in The Sword Defiant. If you want a book and series that will grab your emotions as well as captivate you by his prose, pick up any of Hanrahans books. Especially this series.
5 stars, I can't change my mind on this. I will continue to purchase all of Hanrahans books and support this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for this opportunity.
May 23, 2024
*slams fist on the table* MORE ILDORAE IN BOOK THREE OR I RIOT.
July 29, 2024
The Sword Unbound has all of the elements needed to make for a fantastic sequel. Conspiracy, political unrest, and a reluctant hero plopped in the middle of two branching paths. Throw in a sentient sword for good measure. I am an ideal reader for this series based on that description alone, but I found myself running into the same issues I had with the first installment.
Firstly, the things that Hanrahan does well. I thoroughly enjoyed the trope subversion and worldbuilding. Hanrahan continued to nail the atmosphere of the world, and Necrad in particular. There's such an ominous feel to the city, plagued by pit fiends and malicious witch elves. I love the vatlings, with Threeday being a favorite character of mine despite limited screen-time.
And speaking of this worldbuilding, most people have emphasized that this is a very traditional fantasy series. Yet I find that Hanrahan manages to keep some aspects fresh. The elves, although very Tolkienesque in appearance and wisdom, have unique issues with their immortality that were expounded upon greatly. This was the most interesting part of the novel for me, and I'm genuinely excited to see what comes next for the elves now.
Spellbreaker continues to be fun. Yet, here we start moving into some of the issues that I had with the book. I found most of the characters to be middling. Aelfric felt even more flat in this novel than the previous, with the most interesting parts of his story being driven by Spellbreaker. In a way, I felt as though Aelfric took a more passive role in his story than his own bloody sword did! I just couldn't find myself caring about most of the characters. Why care about Derwyn, beyond the sake of the plot? I just felt no emotional connection to any of them, and I cannot really say why.
Ultimately, my biggest issue with the book is that very little seems to actually happen. Most of the action happens at the beginning and end of the novel, with much of the middle feeling like fluff. I felt as though there were not enough plot checkpoints to warrant a length of nearly 600 pages.
If you enjoyed the first novel, you will likely enjoy this one as well.
Firstly, the things that Hanrahan does well. I thoroughly enjoyed the trope subversion and worldbuilding. Hanrahan continued to nail the atmosphere of the world, and Necrad in particular. There's such an ominous feel to the city, plagued by pit fiends and malicious witch elves. I love the vatlings, with Threeday being a favorite character of mine despite limited screen-time.
And speaking of this worldbuilding, most people have emphasized that this is a very traditional fantasy series. Yet I find that Hanrahan manages to keep some aspects fresh. The elves, although very Tolkienesque in appearance and wisdom, have unique issues with their immortality that were expounded upon greatly. This was the most interesting part of the novel for me, and I'm genuinely excited to see what comes next for the elves now.
Spellbreaker continues to be fun. Yet, here we start moving into some of the issues that I had with the book. I found most of the characters to be middling. Aelfric felt even more flat in this novel than the previous, with the most interesting parts of his story being driven by Spellbreaker. In a way, I felt as though Aelfric took a more passive role in his story than his own bloody sword did! I just couldn't find myself caring about most of the characters. Why care about Derwyn, beyond the sake of the plot? I just felt no emotional connection to any of them, and I cannot really say why.
Ultimately, my biggest issue with the book is that very little seems to actually happen. Most of the action happens at the beginning and end of the novel, with much of the middle feeling like fluff. I felt as though there were not enough plot checkpoints to warrant a length of nearly 600 pages.
If you enjoyed the first novel, you will likely enjoy this one as well.
Want to read
March 2, 2024Just got an ARC! I love the cover art:) Guess I'll need to get on it, review to come soon:)
May 3, 2024
9.5 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Decades ago, the Nine defeated Lord Bone and saved the world, liberating the ancient city of Necrad in the process. Ever since, the remaining members of the Nine have watched over Necrad, ensuring that no one else rises from the city of power to threaten the stability of all. But now, the southern lords have begun to chafe at the independent city—and come to collect their due: the city and its treasures.
Once a hero, a new song labels Alf a traitor—to mixed success. While the immortals surely believe it, having seen him slay their immortal prince, the commonfolk are not so sure. In fact, this act has sparked a rebellion in the south, one that threatens the very army the lords have built to overthrow Necrad.
And now Alf finds himself in the southlands, while his sister and nephew hold Necrad as the Uncrowned King. While the city prepares for war, Alf is doing all he can to prevent it. And while the Lammergeier has had more than his fill of bloodshed, the sword upon his back would have him paint the world red.
—
There were no true heroes out there, just rich bastards on thrones, or cruel bastards with swords, or magic bastards with spells, or stupid bastards squatting on farms watching life go by.
—
I was slightly conflicted on the Sword Defiant, there was none of that here as the Sword came Unbound. The world-building and setting were excellent; the Lands of the Firstborn beautiful in their imperfection. Carved out of a wilderness that would see them dead, overrun with monsters that would eat them, the mortals of the lands across the sea still have more than enough time to quibble amongst themselves, spilling blood and picking fights. While there is arguable evil in the lands, they would sooner war with one another than face the rising threat. Between the unraveling lore and events of the story, I was well immersed such that I had no trouble passing hours without noticing. And here, a week or two removed from the tale, I still have no problem diving back into it in my dreams.
I found the characters of Sword Defiant a mixed bag; in Sword Unbound they are much better. Same characters, but deeper and better built. Bor’s story constantly evolves from renegade to anti-hero to a possible redemption arc. Olva would see her son safe, or perhaps lose him to shadow. Alf just wants to hit things, but is forced to think them through; he may even be forced to resolve the fate of the land himself. The supporting and side characters were equally strong, unique, and just as entertaining. The story was immersive, as I’ve said, and there were no real drawbacks that I would dwell on.
TL;DR
All in all, I don’t have too much to say about the Sword Unbound. While I was torn on the concept at first, by the end of Book #2, I am in love with it. A great read, and an intricate and thoroughly enjoyable series. I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Decades ago, the Nine defeated Lord Bone and saved the world, liberating the ancient city of Necrad in the process. Ever since, the remaining members of the Nine have watched over Necrad, ensuring that no one else rises from the city of power to threaten the stability of all. But now, the southern lords have begun to chafe at the independent city—and come to collect their due: the city and its treasures.
Once a hero, a new song labels Alf a traitor—to mixed success. While the immortals surely believe it, having seen him slay their immortal prince, the commonfolk are not so sure. In fact, this act has sparked a rebellion in the south, one that threatens the very army the lords have built to overthrow Necrad.
And now Alf finds himself in the southlands, while his sister and nephew hold Necrad as the Uncrowned King. While the city prepares for war, Alf is doing all he can to prevent it. And while the Lammergeier has had more than his fill of bloodshed, the sword upon his back would have him paint the world red.
—
There were no true heroes out there, just rich bastards on thrones, or cruel bastards with swords, or magic bastards with spells, or stupid bastards squatting on farms watching life go by.
—
I was slightly conflicted on the Sword Defiant, there was none of that here as the Sword came Unbound. The world-building and setting were excellent; the Lands of the Firstborn beautiful in their imperfection. Carved out of a wilderness that would see them dead, overrun with monsters that would eat them, the mortals of the lands across the sea still have more than enough time to quibble amongst themselves, spilling blood and picking fights. While there is arguable evil in the lands, they would sooner war with one another than face the rising threat. Between the unraveling lore and events of the story, I was well immersed such that I had no trouble passing hours without noticing. And here, a week or two removed from the tale, I still have no problem diving back into it in my dreams.
I found the characters of Sword Defiant a mixed bag; in Sword Unbound they are much better. Same characters, but deeper and better built. Bor’s story constantly evolves from renegade to anti-hero to a possible redemption arc. Olva would see her son safe, or perhaps lose him to shadow. Alf just wants to hit things, but is forced to think them through; he may even be forced to resolve the fate of the land himself. The supporting and side characters were equally strong, unique, and just as entertaining. The story was immersive, as I’ve said, and there were no real drawbacks that I would dwell on.
TL;DR
All in all, I don’t have too much to say about the Sword Unbound. While I was torn on the concept at first, by the end of Book #2, I am in love with it. A great read, and an intricate and thoroughly enjoyable series. I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
July 9, 2024
In the second volume of Lands of the Firstborn, The Sword Unbound, Gareth Hanrahan returns to his reluctant hero Sir Aelfric Lammergeier and his increasingly overwhelming task at winning the peace, having barely won the war.
The magnificent premise rolled out in volume one showed that defeating a vast evil force is not enough to save the world because all you do is create a power vacuum. As the various interested powers escalated their feud throughout The Sword Defiant so book two opens with the inevitable war for prominence poised to explode across the lands. Alf, armed with his sentient but evil sword, sets out to negotiate for peace at which point a new (albeit ancient) player enters the arena, throwing everything into greater upheaval.
Surrounding Alf are a cast of fascinating characters, starting most especially with his sword, Spellbreaker, whose oathsworn faithfulness plays brilliantly against its unfailing malignance. Alf’s sister, Olva, finds herself promoted from rustic estate manager to Widow Queen and regent to the magical city of Necrad, home to profound and confusing evil. Meanwhile, Bor, the sellsword determined to amount to something, anything, goes on a journey of legend.
Hanrahan has delivered a stellar second act that delivers a rushing finish that will confound and surprise in equal measure. I await the final volume with eager interest.
(Proof copy supplied. Opinions my own.)
The magnificent premise rolled out in volume one showed that defeating a vast evil force is not enough to save the world because all you do is create a power vacuum. As the various interested powers escalated their feud throughout The Sword Defiant so book two opens with the inevitable war for prominence poised to explode across the lands. Alf, armed with his sentient but evil sword, sets out to negotiate for peace at which point a new (albeit ancient) player enters the arena, throwing everything into greater upheaval.
Surrounding Alf are a cast of fascinating characters, starting most especially with his sword, Spellbreaker, whose oathsworn faithfulness plays brilliantly against its unfailing malignance. Alf’s sister, Olva, finds herself promoted from rustic estate manager to Widow Queen and regent to the magical city of Necrad, home to profound and confusing evil. Meanwhile, Bor, the sellsword determined to amount to something, anything, goes on a journey of legend.
Hanrahan has delivered a stellar second act that delivers a rushing finish that will confound and surprise in equal measure. I await the final volume with eager interest.
(Proof copy supplied. Opinions my own.)
April 24, 2024
I can't help but feel like most of the events of this book wouldn't have happened if people would get over things. Like Alf constantly comparing things to being in the Nine or wishing things were as they used to be. Or Bor wallowing in self-pity constantly. Those things got on my nerves so bad that it made me take a lot longer to get through this book because I would just get so angry at the characters. I found myself losing interest around 60% because it seemed like that's all there was. Alf living in the past, Bor living in self pity. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I was happy to see Bor die. I'm glad he got the heroic ending he hoped for, but I was just so tired of his self-pity. I liked the changes we saw in Olva. Gaining earth power and finally being able to rescue Derwyn from Necrad. I love Spellbreaker and seeing the actual growth of this sword compared to the others. I honestly found myself thinking several times that I wish Alf would shut up and listen to the sword, and things would work out better. I'm excited for book three and seeing Alf FINALLY moving on with his life as well as seeing what happens with the rest of the world now. I'm left slightly confused with where things stand with Derwyn/ Pierre/ Lord Bone, and I hope it's quickly explained in the next installment. Overall, this was a solid read, and I enjoyed it for the most part. It definitely helps that the pacing of this one was far better than the first, and I really enjoyed the POVs from all the main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
I've been looking forward to reading book 2 in the 'Lands of the Firstborn' series for a while. It kicks off pretty much soon after the end of book 1. A peripheral character from book 1, gets a lot of 'point of view' pages and it fleshes out the events we've already read. In fact in a very clever way it gives a different perspective on the main characters actions.
Alf, Olva, and the other characters all have unexpected and rich character arcs. But again the star of the show is Spellbreaker. The blood thirsty sentient sword that repels magic, steals, or rather, cuts through every scene it's in. It also has the best lines: "Imagine it, wielder! A red tide from Arden to Eavesland."
However, something strange and wonderful happens around halfway through this book. Rather than tick the boxes of the High Fantasy tropes checklist, the story veers into unexpected territory. The lines on the page run off into the territory of actual Myth. If you've read the book you'll know what I mean. I felt like I was reading a mythological tale from a long lost book of sagas.
Simply astonishing.
Alf, Olva, and the other characters all have unexpected and rich character arcs. But again the star of the show is Spellbreaker. The blood thirsty sentient sword that repels magic, steals, or rather, cuts through every scene it's in. It also has the best lines: "Imagine it, wielder! A red tide from Arden to Eavesland."
However, something strange and wonderful happens around halfway through this book. Rather than tick the boxes of the High Fantasy tropes checklist, the story veers into unexpected territory. The lines on the page run off into the territory of actual Myth. If you've read the book you'll know what I mean. I felt like I was reading a mythological tale from a long lost book of sagas.
Simply astonishing.
May 10, 2025
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley.
Score: 3.25/5 (rounded to 3/5)
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
The Sword Unbound is a dark tale of the cyclic nature of good and evil. A unique take on classic fantasy trope, the book is sadly held back by uneven pacing and meandering plotlines concluding in a confusing conclusion leaving readers scratching their heads, wondering about the future of the final book in the Lands of the Firstborn series.
The Lands of the Firstborn series is a Dark Fantasy retelling of the classic Tolkenian epic fantasy tale, with a unique twist. The first book in the series, The Sword Defiant creates a fantasy world all too familiar to most of us steeped in classic epic fantasy, a tale of Good Vs. Evil. However, the Dark Lord was defeated by our gang of stereotypical, DnD-esque protagonists before the series' events. The series revolves around the aftermath of the fortress of the Dark Lord Bone, Necrad, which has now fallen into the hands of the victorious Nine who must try to pick up the pieces.
But our protagonists are not protagonists in the classic sense.
This is after all, dark fantasy. This is after all, grimdark.
The Sword Unbound continues the trials of our two major POV characters, the warrior, Aelfric "Alf", renowned as the Lammergeier (Vulture), one of the fabled Nine along with his "trusty" cursed sentient blade Spellbreaker, and his sister, the widowed Olva Forester, as they continue to navigate the murky labyrinth of deceit and evil, both from forces without, and within. In an inversion of epic fantasy tropes, this book further paints the elves as further away from the luminous bastions of virtue and casts them with more sinister motives. In classic epic fantasy fashion, the hearts of men are ever-corruptible as they fight for control over the city of Necrad, the epicenter of dark magicks in the land. Add some healthy amounts of treachery, violent bloodthirsty action, under the ominous cloud of prophesy and resurrection, and you've got yourself a solid slab of Dark Fantasy novel!
The premise of Lands of the Firstborn intrigued me enough to pick up the first book, and I enjoyed the trope subversion, even though I found the plot and setting itself to be quite middling. Unfortunately, my issues with the Defiant are only exacerbated in Unbound. The pacing and chapter structure in both books rely on a few chapters following either Alf or Olva, and then a switch to the other. The constraints of having only two main narrators hindered the more expansive and detailed storytelling that this genre begs for.
The characterization of Alf also wears down the reader mighty quickly as he straddles the line between the gruff nobility of Aragorn and the violent and brooding hyper-competence of Logen Ninefingers (The First Law series) yet does justice to neither of the two archetypes. Mostly his character comes off as overly whiny and grinds the already shaky pacing to a halt with his incessant wool-gathering about glories and miseries past. His word SpellBreaker continues to be a plucky, sardonic sidekick and feels more like an audience-insert/fourth wall breaker in this book. In fact, Spellbreaker feels more like an "active" protagonist driving the plot forward as Alf, his wielder holds the plot back.
In contrast, Olva had a far more interesting storyline in the first book and continued to expand as a character as she enters the violent political intrigue of The Sword Unbound as she finally enters Necrad and wrestles with her place in a supernatural battle with her son, Derwyn who is suddenly pivotal to the plot (spoilers from The Sword Defiant). It will be interesting to see where her plot finally concludes in the third novel.
There is a smattering of other characters, including other members of the Nine who survived the first book, who delve deeper into their self-serving schemes, further subverting the classic fantasy protagonist trope. The Sword Unbound introduces a slew of other characters, wood elf (think Legolas, but kind of evil?!), witch elf (vampires), and a few others, none of whom are particularly memorable. The notable exceptions are Bor (the pinnacle of TheHeartsOfMenAreEasilyDeceived archetype), and the elf ranger Agyla, who is serving the major antagonist. I did enjoy the character of the Bard who is the creator of The Tale of the Nine, the central in-universe tale of the defeat of Lord Bone, but is a self-serving fame-chasing, cowardly, narcissist, who weaves new tales of middling truth and blatant lies to serve his own ends. An example of a trope subversion done right!
My major issue with both books, and more grievously with Unbound is that very little "actually happens" in the book. If you take away all the brooding, and the whining, and the whinging, and the woolgathering, there are very few plot checkpoints that the book goes through. Hanrahan's prose is passable, even competent, but lacks that flair that would be needed to breathe life into his unique premise, and his narratives are severely damaged by jerky pacing.
The climax of The Sword Unbound was also so abruptly jarring, with very little buildup, and very little converging of plotlines, that I was nearly confused, and had to confirm that this series was a trilogy and not a duology. Perhaps yet another case of expectation subversion, one cannot help but wonder where the plot would go next, as most of the major plotlines "seem" to be tied up.
If this is another case of Somehow the Dark Lord Bone returned, I am going to throw a chair across the room!
The Sword Unbound (and the Lands of the Firstborn series) is so hellbent on inverting fantasy tropes, that the process of telling a compelling narrative, with interesting characters (beyond inversions) with solid pacing, is sadly left wanting.
Score: 3.25/5 (rounded to 3/5)
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
The Sword Unbound is a dark tale of the cyclic nature of good and evil. A unique take on classic fantasy trope, the book is sadly held back by uneven pacing and meandering plotlines concluding in a confusing conclusion leaving readers scratching their heads, wondering about the future of the final book in the Lands of the Firstborn series.
The Lands of the Firstborn series is a Dark Fantasy retelling of the classic Tolkenian epic fantasy tale, with a unique twist. The first book in the series, The Sword Defiant creates a fantasy world all too familiar to most of us steeped in classic epic fantasy, a tale of Good Vs. Evil. However, the Dark Lord was defeated by our gang of stereotypical, DnD-esque protagonists before the series' events. The series revolves around the aftermath of the fortress of the Dark Lord Bone, Necrad, which has now fallen into the hands of the victorious Nine who must try to pick up the pieces.
But our protagonists are not protagonists in the classic sense.
This is after all, dark fantasy. This is after all, grimdark.
The Sword Unbound continues the trials of our two major POV characters, the warrior, Aelfric "Alf", renowned as the Lammergeier (Vulture), one of the fabled Nine along with his "trusty" cursed sentient blade Spellbreaker, and his sister, the widowed Olva Forester, as they continue to navigate the murky labyrinth of deceit and evil, both from forces without, and within. In an inversion of epic fantasy tropes, this book further paints the elves as further away from the luminous bastions of virtue and casts them with more sinister motives. In classic epic fantasy fashion, the hearts of men are ever-corruptible as they fight for control over the city of Necrad, the epicenter of dark magicks in the land. Add some healthy amounts of treachery, violent bloodthirsty action, under the ominous cloud of prophesy and resurrection, and you've got yourself a solid slab of Dark Fantasy novel!
The premise of Lands of the Firstborn intrigued me enough to pick up the first book, and I enjoyed the trope subversion, even though I found the plot and setting itself to be quite middling. Unfortunately, my issues with the Defiant are only exacerbated in Unbound. The pacing and chapter structure in both books rely on a few chapters following either Alf or Olva, and then a switch to the other. The constraints of having only two main narrators hindered the more expansive and detailed storytelling that this genre begs for.
The characterization of Alf also wears down the reader mighty quickly as he straddles the line between the gruff nobility of Aragorn and the violent and brooding hyper-competence of Logen Ninefingers (The First Law series) yet does justice to neither of the two archetypes. Mostly his character comes off as overly whiny and grinds the already shaky pacing to a halt with his incessant wool-gathering about glories and miseries past. His word SpellBreaker continues to be a plucky, sardonic sidekick and feels more like an audience-insert/fourth wall breaker in this book. In fact, Spellbreaker feels more like an "active" protagonist driving the plot forward as Alf, his wielder holds the plot back.
In contrast, Olva had a far more interesting storyline in the first book and continued to expand as a character as she enters the violent political intrigue of The Sword Unbound as she finally enters Necrad and wrestles with her place in a supernatural battle with her son, Derwyn who is suddenly pivotal to the plot (spoilers from The Sword Defiant). It will be interesting to see where her plot finally concludes in the third novel.
There is a smattering of other characters, including other members of the Nine who survived the first book, who delve deeper into their self-serving schemes, further subverting the classic fantasy protagonist trope. The Sword Unbound introduces a slew of other characters, wood elf (think Legolas, but kind of evil?!), witch elf (vampires), and a few others, none of whom are particularly memorable. The notable exceptions are Bor (the pinnacle of TheHeartsOfMenAreEasilyDeceived archetype), and the elf ranger Agyla, who is serving the major antagonist. I did enjoy the character of the Bard who is the creator of The Tale of the Nine, the central in-universe tale of the defeat of Lord Bone, but is a self-serving fame-chasing, cowardly, narcissist, who weaves new tales of middling truth and blatant lies to serve his own ends. An example of a trope subversion done right!
My major issue with both books, and more grievously with Unbound is that very little "actually happens" in the book. If you take away all the brooding, and the whining, and the whinging, and the woolgathering, there are very few plot checkpoints that the book goes through. Hanrahan's prose is passable, even competent, but lacks that flair that would be needed to breathe life into his unique premise, and his narratives are severely damaged by jerky pacing.
The climax of The Sword Unbound was also so abruptly jarring, with very little buildup, and very little converging of plotlines, that I was nearly confused, and had to confirm that this series was a trilogy and not a duology. Perhaps yet another case of expectation subversion, one cannot help but wonder where the plot would go next, as most of the major plotlines "seem" to be tied up.
If this is another case of Somehow the Dark Lord Bone returned, I am going to throw a chair across the room!
The Sword Unbound (and the Lands of the Firstborn series) is so hellbent on inverting fantasy tropes, that the process of telling a compelling narrative, with interesting characters (beyond inversions) with solid pacing, is sadly left wanting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews