An epic battle that will decide the fate of the North unfolds in this novel set in the world of the First Law from NYT bestselling author Joe Abercrombie. Three men. One Battle. No Heroes. They say Black Dow's killed more men than winter, and clawed his way to the throne of the North up a hill of skulls. The King of the Union, ever a jealous neighbor, is not about to stand smiling by while he claws his way any higher. The orders have been given and the armies are toiling through the northern mud. Thousands of men are converging on a forgotten ring of stones, on a worthless hill, in an unimportant valley, and they've brought a lot of sharpened metal with them. Bremer dan Gorst, disgraced master swordsman, has sworn to reclaim his stolen honor on the battlefield. Obsessed with redemption and addicted to violence, he's far past caring how much blood gets spilled in the attempt. Even if it's his own. Prince Calder isn't interested in honor, and still less in getting himself killed. All he wants is power, and he'll tell any lie, use any trick, and betray any friend to get it. Just as long as he doesn't have to fight for it himself. Curnden Craw, the last honest man in the North, has gained nothing from a life of warfare but swollen knees and frayed nerves. He hardly even cares who wins any more, he just wants to do the right thing. But can he even tell what that is with the world burning down around him? Over three bloody days of battle, the fate of the North will be decided. But with both sides riddled by intrigues, follies, feuds and petty jealousies, it is unlikely to be the noblest hearts, or even the strongest arms that prevail. For glory, for victory, for staying alive. For more by Joe Abercrombie, check out: First Law Trilogy The Blade Itself Before They Are Hanged Last Argument of Kings Novels in the First Law world Best Served ColdThe HeroesRed Country
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About the author
Joe Abercrombie
Author
Joseph Edward Abercrombie is a British author of epic fantasy books and a film editor. He is the author of The First Law and The Age of Madness trilogies, as well as other fantasy books in the same setting, and a trilogy of young adult novels. His novel Half a King won the 2015 Locus Award for best young adult book.
The Heroes
by Joe Abercrombie
Books Like The Heroes
If you're looking for books similar to The Heroes, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Blade Itself
Joe Abercrombie
First book in the First Law Trilogy that introduces Abercrombie's gritty, morally complex fantasy world. Features flawed characters wrestling with violence and personal ambition. Follows several protagonists with dark motivations and realistic combat experiences. Establishes the brutal, cynical tone that defines Abercrombie's writing style. A perfect starting point for fans of dark, realistic fantasy.
The First Law Trilogy
Joe Abercrombie
The complete trilogy that establishes Abercrombie's dark fantasy world. Introduces key characters and themes explored in The Heroes. Provides deeper context for the brutal, morally complex world of the North. Offers a comprehensive look at Abercrombie's unique approach to fantasy storytelling. Essential reading for fans of The Heroes.
The Blade Itself
Joe Abercrombie
First book in the First Law Trilogy that introduces Abercrombie's gritty, morally complex fantasy world. Features flawed characters wrestling with violence and personal ambition. Follows several protagonists with dark motivations and realistic combat experiences. Establishes the brutal, cynical tone that defines Abercrombie's writing style. A perfect starting point for fans of dark, realistic fantasy.
Best Served Cold
Joe Abercrombie
A revenge-driven novel set in the same world as The Heroes. Follows a mercenary seeking vengeance against those who betrayed her. Explores themes of violence, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Features complex characters making difficult choices in a brutal landscape. Matches the intense, unflinching approach to combat and character development.
Red Country
Joe Abercrombie
Another novel set in the First Law world that blends western and fantasy genres. Follows characters seeking redemption and survival in a harsh landscape. Explores themes of violence, honor, and personal transformation. Continues Abercrombie's style of morally complex characters and brutal action. Offers a similar exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances.
The Lies of Locke Lamora
Scott Lynch
A fantasy novel featuring clever, morally ambiguous characters in a complex world. Follows a group of con artists navigating a dangerous city. Offers a unique take on fantasy storytelling with dark humor and intricate plotting. Provides a different but complementary approach to morally complex characters. Explores themes of survival and cunning.
Prince of Thorns
Mark Lawrence
First book in the Broken Empire trilogy featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist. Follows a young prince seeking revenge and power through brutal means. Presents a dark, gritty fantasy world with complex moral choices. Explores themes of violence, ambition, and survival similar to The Heroes. Offers a similarly unflinching look at human nature in a brutal setting.
The Black Company
Glen Cook
A classic dark fantasy novel following a mercenary company in a brutal world. Presents morally gray characters fighting for survival and uncertain causes. Explores themes of loyalty, violence, and military life. Offers a similar realistic approach to fantasy warfare and character development. Provides a gritty, unromantic view of conflict and heroism.
Kings of the Wyld
Nicholas Eames
A fantasy novel that deconstructs traditional heroic narratives. Follows a group of retired mercenaries reuniting for one last mission. Blends humor with serious themes of friendship and redemption. Offers a different but complementary take on military fantasy. Provides a more comedic but equally nuanced exploration of warrior culture.
Blood Song
Anthony Ryan
First book in the Raven's Shadow trilogy featuring a complex protagonist's journey. Follows a warrior's development through military training and conflict. Explores themes of honor, loyalty, and personal growth. Offers a similarly nuanced approach to military fantasy. Provides a deep dive into a character's martial experiences.
The Way of Shadows
Brent Weeks
A dark fantasy novel following a young assassin's rise to power. Explores themes of survival, violence, and moral compromise. Presents a gritty world where characters must make difficult choices. Offers a similar exploration of violence and personal transformation. Provides a complex look at characters in a brutal fantasy setting.
Gardens of the Moon
Steven Erikson
First book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Presents a complex, morally ambiguous fantasy world with multiple perspectives. Explores themes of war, power, and personal struggle. Offers an intricate, realistic approach to fantasy warfare. Provides a similarly complex view of conflict and human nature.
The Darkness That Comes Before
R. Scott Bakker
First book in the Prince of Nothing series. Presents a dark, philosophical fantasy world with complex characters. Explores themes of violence, power, and moral ambiguity. Offers a deeply introspective approach to fantasy storytelling. Provides a similarly nuanced exploration of human nature and conflict.
The Black Prism
Brent Weeks
First book in the Lightbringer series. Presents a unique magic system and complex political landscape. Explores themes of power, responsibility, and personal transformation. Offers a different but equally nuanced approach to fantasy storytelling. Provides a complex view of characters navigating difficult moral choices.
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