The Grey Bastards

by Jonathan French
The Grey Bastards cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Fantasy, Political, Military, Adventure
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9393
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780988284555
  • Published: 2015-10-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In a harsh world where survival is a daily struggle, a gang of half-orcs rides into battle on the backs of massive hogs. They face threats from all sides, including living plagues, marauding centaurs, and manipulative gods who pull the strings from above. This is a tale of grit and determination, where the line between hero and villain is often blurred, and the only way to survive is to fight back./n/nFrom the author of the Autumn's Fall Saga, The Grey Bastards offers a unique blend of dark fantasy and action-packed adventure. The story is filled with vivid descriptions of a world that is both beautiful and brutal, and characters that are as complex as they are compelling. It's a ride that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2025-12-24
gritty 4.00

The book is described as a dark, gritty world with creative embellishments and characters that readers can cheer for. It is seen as a welcome balm in the fantasy genre.

This review portrays 'The Grey Bastards' as a dark and gritty fantasy that offers a refreshing take on the genre. The reviewer appreciates the creative embellishments and the well-developed characters that make the story so engaging. The world-building is particularly praised for its depth and complexity, creating a setting that is both brutal and unforgettable. The characters are highlighted as being relatable and likable, making it easy for readers to root for them throughout the story. The reviewer also notes that the book offers a unique blend of fantasy and Western elements, adding to its appeal.

Quick quotes

    This book is a welcome balm that combines a dark, gritty world with creative embellishments and characters that you can actually cheer for.

    It's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

    The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to root for them.

Before We Go Blog · 2022-04-26
exciting 4.50

The book is described as an action-packed, rollicking, and fun ride set in a brutal world. The main character, Jackal, is highlighted as engaging and the story is praised for its unique setting and characters.

This review paints a vivid picture of 'The Grey Bastards' as an exhilarating adventure filled with action and humor. The reviewer appreciates the gritty and unforgiving world in which the story unfolds, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The main character, Jackal, is particularly praised for his compelling personality and the way he drives the narrative forward. The reviewer also highlights the creative embellishments and the memorable characters that make the story so engaging. It's clear that the reviewer had a lot of fun with this book and found it to be a refreshing take on classic fantasy tropes.

Quick quotes

    An action packed, rollicking, filthy, fun ride of a story.

    Set in a brutal and sometimes unforgiving world, we follow our main character, Jackal, a half-orc.

    This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Fantasy Inn · 2018-05-17
classic 4.00

The book is praised for its classic-style fantasy elements and well-developed characters. The writing is commended for its quality and the diverse cast of characters, including orcs, half-orcs, humans, centaurs, and elves.

This review highlights 'The Grey Bastards' as a classic-style fantasy that excels in character development and world-building. The reviewer appreciates the rich tapestry of characters, from orcs and half-orcs to humans, centaurs, and elves, each contributing to the story's depth. The writing is particularly praised for its quality, making the book a standout in the fantasy genre. The reviewer also notes that the story's setting and characters are well-crafted, creating an immersive experience for the reader. Overall, the book is seen as a must-read for fans of fantasy literature.

Quick quotes

    A classic-style fantasy filled with orcs; half-orcs; humans; centaurs; and elves, this is the one for you.

    It has great characters and writing.

    This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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