The Grey Bastards: A Novel

Jonathan French

Jun 2018 · The Lot Lands Book 1 · Sold by Crown

About this eBook

“[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 

Ratings and reviews

I've been stuck in the cosmere for too long, stepped out and found this. It was a breathe of fresh air. it's very influenced by Sons Of Anarchy, set into a high fantasy set of races. i couldn't stop reading it. the main character in is named jackal - Jax, then Oats - Ope (Opie) claymaster - clay marrow mead - juice polecat - tig (Tigger). but the story itself is new and exciting, I was hooked. it's something I didn't know I needed so bad. kudos to this author and look forward to new works

Im not assuming, but since it's written by a male writer. the story is very male oriented and slightly sexist, but other than that it's written well. I like fantasy worlds like Tolkien Settings with Orcs and Elves. I may get a copy.

Die on the hog! This story sucked me in from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. Sons of Anarchy meets Middle Earth with an ensemble cast of characters that are easy to root for, made it hard to put this book down!

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.