The Free Bastards

The Lot Lands

By: Jonathan French

Narrated by: Will Damron

The long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy—another irresistibly swashbuckling, swaggering, foul-mouthed fantasy from the author of The Grey Bastards.

“[A] rip-roaring, shelf-bending conclusion . . . nothing short of an adventure fantasy masterwork.”—Kirkus Reviews (Best Books of the Year)

War has come to the Lot Lands—and Oats stands upon the frontline.

The Hisparthan armies on the horizon are mighty, bolstered by divine champions, dread sorcerers, and gunpowder. It’s almost more than the half-orc rebellion can hope to repel.

But Oats has won impossible fights before. He’s a thriceblood, after all, more orc than man. And he hasn’t forgotten how to kill. He’ll stack the bodies high for his chief and his brethren, if that’s the price of freeing the Lots from human tyranny.

Besides, the invading forces are getting a damned sight more than they bargained for. They’re not facing a handful of half-orc hoofs, but a true army—one forged from all the peoples of the Lots. At its head are Fetching, in full command of the ruinous power that runs through her veins, and Jackal, armed with the blessings of a dead god.

Yet Oats can’t help but find his faith wavering. Once the strongest Bastard, he soon realizes that in this battle, even the strength of a thriceblood is easily conquered. And after a grievous loss strikes, he begins to fear that this war will lead the Lots not to freedom but to ruin.

So when another path to peace beckons, he has no choice but to walk it. Even if it means betting the Lots’ fate, and his own, on the promises of the Bastards’ wiliest adversary—and making a perilous journey into the heart of Hispartha itself.

Brimming with all the epic battles, surprising sorcery, and fiendish twists a Bastards fan could wish for, alongside unforgettable moments for characters old and new, The Free Bastards builds a new future for the Lots—even as it gives our beloved trio of Jackal, Fetching, and Oats the rousing, blood-soaked sendoff they deserve.

©2021 Jonathan French (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Triumphant . . . thrills with combat and astonishing magic, balanced by skillful character development . . . Fans will relish this thoroughly satisfying finale.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A brutal, thrilling read, laced with dark humor and tough decisions, unexpected gut-punches and genuine surprises.”—Fantasy Book Review

Fun Series

I didn't know what to expect, but it was a really fun series! I would like to read more books in this world, seems to have tons of material to pull from

Predictable- The story line is getting old

If you liked the 1st and second book, get this one.

I think I m done with the series, as not much new is being introduced here.

Excellent!!!

This series was one of the best I’ve listened to. The world is unique, the characters are engaging and the story is outstanding. I highly recommend this book and series.

emotional roller coaster

You know it is something to be said for a book filled with emotions!

worth it!

it was an excellent listen! some things left unanswered but overall fantastic! I definitely recommend it!

No words for how good this is!

This book was the best of the series.

As always the action was fast paced and characters felt like old friends or new enemies.

You should read this book!

Will Damron brought this book to life with his narration!!!!

Great series

Loved these books, sad they are over. I wish the writer would write more stories in this setting.

Excellent.

Beautiful finale to a great series. Great story and equally great performers. First time I've been sad to finish a series in years.

Well written

Really enjoyed this series. Character development is excellent. Reminds me of a combination of The Black Company by Glen Cook and the Black Dagger Brotherhood, with a bit of a number of other series woven in there. Recommended.

great novel

great novel series I would recommend to anyone that loves a good war/magic world.