The Heroes

by Joe Abercrombie
The Heroes cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy, Political, Military, Adventure
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £25.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10394
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780575088757
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-01-27
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Heroes plunges readers into a brutal and unforgiving world where the fate of the North hangs in the balance. As armies converge on a forgotten battlefield, the lives of three men—Black Dow, the ruthless king; Bremer dan Gorst, the disgraced swordsman seeking redemption; and Prince Calder, the power-hungry manipulator—intertwine in a dance of violence and intrigue. Each man's path is fraught with personal demons and external threats, painting a stark portrait of a world where honor is a luxury few can afford. /n/nAmidst the chaos of war, the novel explores themes of power, betrayal, and the human cost of conflict. The characters' struggles are not just against their enemies but also against their own flaws and desires, making for a compelling narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human nature. As the battle rages on, the lines between heroism and villainy blur, leaving readers to question who truly deserves the title of hero.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-01-24
fantastic 4.50

The book features brilliant characters, wonderful prose, and an awesome concept. It is highly enjoyable and well-crafted, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

This review highlights the book's brilliant characters, wonderful prose, and awesome concept. They appreciate the depth of character development and the engaging narrative, which makes the story highly enjoyable. The reviewer finds the book's portrayal of war to be both brutal and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. They also note the fast-paced narrative, which keeps readers engaged despite the heavy subject matter.

Quick quotes

    It has brilliant characters, wonderful prose, and an awesome concept.

    The book is highly enjoyable and well-crafted, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

    The depth of character development and the engaging narrative make the story highly enjoyable.

Grimdark Magazine · 2025-07-29
brilliant 4.25

The book is action-packed and poignant, facing the horrors of war with a cynical smile and a beleaguered shrug. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on the nature of heroism and conflict.

This review praises the book for its action-packed narrative and poignant exploration of war. They appreciate the cynical yet engaging perspective on heroism, which adds depth to the characters and the story. The reviewer finds the book's portrayal of war to be both brutal and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the grimdark genre. They also note the engaging prose and the unique setting, which adds to the overall appeal of the book.

Quick quotes

    Facing the horrors of war with a cynical smile and a beleaguered shrug, Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes is an action-packed, poignant, and engaging read.

    The book offers a unique and engaging perspective on the nature of heroism and conflict.

    The engaging prose and the unique setting add to the overall appeal of the book.

Novel Notions · 2021-04-07
harrowing 4.00

The book is a grimdark military fantasy that doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, both physical and mental. It offers a stark and unflinching portrayal of battle and its impact on soldiers.

This review highlights the book's unflinching portrayal of war, emphasizing its grimdark nature. They appreciate the depth of character development and the raw, unfiltered depiction of battle, which makes the story both intense and thought-provoking. The reviewer finds the exploration of the psychological and physical toll of war to be particularly compelling, making it a standout in the genre. They also note the fast-paced narrative, which keeps readers engaged despite the heavy subject matter.

Quick quotes

    The Heroes is thoroughly a military grimdark fantasy; Abercrombie doesn't shy away from displaying the horror of war, both physically and mentally.

    The book offers a stark and unflinching portrayal of battle and its impact on soldiers.

    The depth of character development and the raw, unfiltered depiction of battle make the story both intense and thought-provoking.

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