In a world devastated by the fall of the Drenai stronghold, the brutal Nadir hordes spread terror and despair. Amidst this chaos, in the small village of Gothir, a young girl is seized by slavers, ignored by all but the courageous peasant boy, Kiall. His desperate attempt to rescue her propels him on an epic and perilous journey across savage steppes and through the dreaded Halls of Hell. Kiall, destined to confront ferocious beasts, deadly warriors, and malevolent demons, will either emerge a man or perish in the attempt. He is not alone in this monumental undertaking; legendary heroes, including the formidable Chareos the Blademaster, the powerful Beltzer the Axeman, and the skilled bowmen Finn and Maggrig, rally to his side. Unbeknownst to them, one among their company harbors a secret pivotal to liberating the world from Nadir tyranny—the prophesied Nadir Bane, the Earl of Bronze. What began as a simple rescue mission transforms into a world-shaking quest for survival and freedom.
Critical Reception
"A seminal work in heroic fantasy, this novel exemplifies David Gemmell's masterful storytelling, delivering a gritty, character-driven narrative that has captivated generations of readers."