The Grey Bastards is a gritty fantasy novel set in the Lot Lands, a wasteland dividing the human kingdom from the realm of full-blooded orcs. The story follows the Grey Bastards, a band of half-orcs known as a 'hoof', who patrol the region on hogs, engaging in battles and political intrigue. The protagonist, Jackal, aspires to lead the Grey Bastards, leading to a power struggle within the group. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and camaraderie, with a blend of dark humor, vivid action scenes, and intricate world-building.
The book presents a unique blend of elements reminiscent of Sons of Anarchy and Mad Max infused with fantasy elements like Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. It explores the dynamics of a male-dominated, warrior culture within the Grey Bastards, highlighting the complexities of the characters and their relationships. The narrative unfolds with a fast-paced and relentless plot, interweaving political intrigue, exceptional world-building, and thought-provoking themes within a dark and immersive setting.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The novel includes high content warnings for violence, strong language, sexual themes, and misogynistic content.
From The Publisher:
"[A] fantasy masterwork . . . a dirty, blood-soaked gem of a novel [that reads] like Mad Max set in Tolkien's Middle-earth."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Jackal and his fellow half-orcs patrol the barren wastes of the Lot Lands, spilling their own damned blood to keep civilized folk safe. A rabble of hard-talking, hog-riding, whore-mongering brawlers they may be, but the Grey Bastards are Jackal's sworn brothers, fighting at his side in a land where there's no room for softness.
And once Jackal's in charge-as soon as he can unseat the Bastards' tyrannical, seemingly unkillable founder-there's a few things they'll do different. Better.
Or at least, that's the plan. Until the fallout from a deadly showdown makes Jackal start investigating the Lot Lands for himself. Soon, he's wondering if his feelings have blinded him to ugly truths about this world, and the Bastards' place in it.
In a quest for answers that takes him from decaying dungeons to the frontlines of an ancient feud, Jackal finds himself battling invading orcs, rampaging centaurs, and grubby human conspiracies alike-along with a host of dark magics so terrifying they'd give even the heartiest Bastard pause.
Finally, Jackal must ride to confront a threat that's lain in wait for generations, even as he wonders whether the Bastards can-or should-survive.
Delivered with a generous wink to Sons of Anarchy, featuring sneaky-smart worldbuilding and gobs of fearsomely foul-mouthed charm, The Grey Bastards is a grimy, pulpy, masterpiece-and a raunchy, swaggering, cunningly clever adventure that's like nothing you've read before.
Praise for The Grey Bastards
"Saddle up the war boar and set off on a wild, gory thrill-ride that ends in an awesome climax and begs for a sequel."-Daily Mail (UK)
"Non-stop action, though not for faint hearts . . . the Grey Bastards live up to their name in all respects."-The Wall Street Journal
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The Grey Bastards?
About the Author:
JONATHAN FRENCH lives in Atlanta with his wife and son. He is a devoted reader of comic books, an expert thrower of oddly shaped dice, and a serial con attendee.
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