The True Bastards

A Novel

By: Jonathan French

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

Half orc. All badass. A female chieftain in a brutal wasteland society fights to take what is hers in an action-packed, foul-mouthed fantasy adventure from the author of The Grey Bastards.

“Nonstop action, though not for faint hearts.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Fetching was once the only female rider in the Lot Lands. Now she is the proud leader of her own hoof, a band of loyal half-orcs sworn to her command.

But in the year since she became chief, the Lots have tested her strength to the breaking point. The Bastards are scattered, desperate, their ranks weakened by a mysterious famine, their fortress reduced to smoldering slag. And their troubles are only growing. A pack of ravening beasts circles their camp, while grasping human nobles hatch a plan that will shift the balance of power in the Lots.

Fetch and her comrades are still standing defiant - they’re Bastards, after all - but even the toughest half-orc can take only so much; and Fetch knows they’re on the verge of ruin.

As she strives to lead her hoof to safety and unravel the plots set against them, Fetching must journey through forbidden elven lands, overcome long-standing hatreds, battle a monstrous wizard of terrifying power - and, worst of all, delve into the dark truths of her own existence.

She’s no stranger to fighting the world, but on this journey, sharp steel and a strong hog won’t be enough. To survive these trials, she’ll have to defy not just her foes but the very nature of the Lots.

The True Bastards is the sweeping, ambitious second entry in the Lot Lands series, an irresistibly thrilling, gritty, foul-mouthed adventure that deepens, expands - and again upends - the Bastards’ unforgettable world.

Praise for The True Bastards

"[An] action-packed sequel...the story is filled with relentless action and powered by a cast of adeptly developed and emotionally appealing characters.... Fans will be overjoyed not only with the return of some beloved characters, but also with the novel's conclusion, which sets up the storyline for a much larger adventure to come. Imagine an outlaw biker gang of half-orcs riding giant war pigs and you've captured this saga's gloriously dirty soul." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

©2019 Jonathan French (P)2019 Random House Audio

the change from male to female narrator

the change to a female narrator was a bad move. the narrator was good at her job, just wrong.

Where’s Jackal?

When you develop a great character in book 1,then barely have him in book 2,it leaves a lot to be desired.I get that it’s 3 books from 3 different perspectives but the narrator is inferior to the 1 from book1.Fetching also isn’t as likable as Oats or Jackal in my opinion…that being said I enjoyed it anyway

The True Bastards.

Enjoyed this more than the first book "The Grey Bastards" a bit more world building in this one, and it sets up the third book nicely enough.

ok its not Jackal's story

Fetching takes the lead ad the Bastards tske to hog with a new foe hit on their heals.

A magnificent second act undolf and leave you wanting so much more!!!


I love this series!

Amazing book and a great sequel!!!

I picked up the “Grey Bastards” (book 1) because I liked the cover and I was blown away. The next book in the series did not disappoint. It is very well written, crude and a blast to read. Even if you are not a fan of fantasy, go read “The Grey Bastards” and this book “The True Bastards.” I can’t wait for the next book!!!

fucking outstanding!

I absolutely love this world. it is well built and thought through.

The story is epic fantasy and gloriously gritty. it fulfills all my needs for gratuitous, violence and adult language without loosing the story.

The narrator is great! Well done.

just as awesome

love this book as much as the first. I'm hoping for a third book soon!

Going strong

Book 2 of a series is always in danger of failing to meet the expectations created by a successful first installment, so it is gratifying to discover a series that proves to be consistently fun. There are some great lines, great fights, and great twists. The ending strikes a good balance between wrapping up this part of the story and setting up what comes next. Mr. French seems to be “in the groove” as a writer, leaving me eager to read more.

The story continues, and what an adventure it is!

If you enjoyed The Grey Bastards, don't be afraid of continuing the series with Fetch as the main POV. I had this hesitation, because I really wasn't invested in her character from the first book. Needless to say, my opinion has changed. This story is non-stop action, fighting and battles, with Fetch attempting to lead her people from harms way. Not an easy task, becoming deadly for many.
The language and situations are harsh, as with the first book, but I figure it you're contemplating reading this one, you must already be aware of the wild ride you're in for.
I feel Lisa Flanagan did an outstanding job of narration, with defining the personality of each character, making the experience a memorable one.

True Bastards/A Dark Novel

This novel is dark and raw. It doesn’t make you comfortable when you read it. Just when you think you know the characters and where the story is taking you, everything is turned upside down by a new revelation. You are pulled inside the story to become part of the True Bastards Hoof and you sweat, fight and bleed with your brothers!

This novel is not for the faint hearted, but can be an exciting adventure into the magic of ancient beings and mysteries.