A review by ceena
The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French

5.0

This is one of those reviews I wish I had written days after reading instead of over a month later. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to give the book justice.

I absolutely loved this book. There were times I did need to take breaks from it, but that is because I'm not a huge epic fantasy reader. I was hooked the whole time though. Usually when reading these more complex fantasy novels, I feel like I'm drowning in details, which I understand why it needs to be done and I know some people LOVE it, but this book never made me feel that way. From the get go I was pulled in and slowly the information is given about the world and people at just the right speed for me.

I will say, at first I wasn't sure what the point of the story was-- what is it about and where is it going? For the most part, I didn't care because I was so invested in Jackal and the problems he was facing. It did catch me off guard though when I was only halfway through the book and thought I was almost done --although I usually read book less than 400 pages, so that might have contributed as well.

This book is gritty and I tended to read it in a more stereotypical deep, gravely male voice because it just fits Jackal so well and the merciless world he lives in. This definitely feels more like Sons of Anarchy in a Lord of the Rings setting. It was so interesting! This is a book to read slow and savor. I think most of the characters are pretty well developed and I'm hoping that they will show up in future books.

Yes, I am totally going to be continuing this series. I recommend this one to people looking for a gritty, badass epic fantasy andwho don't mind cursing.