The Sword Defiant - Gareth Hanrahan

nSet in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons, and bloodthirsty vengeance. nThe sword cares not who it cuts. n n Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord's cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad.

That was the easy part. n n Now, when Aelfric - keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker - learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the nine heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer.

Yesterday's eager heroes are today's weary leaders - and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves. n n If there's one thing Aelfric knows, it's slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends.

n nI will buy any novel that Gareth Hanrahan ever writes.

• The Fantasy Inn n n Hanrahan has an astonishing imagination.
• Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bonesn