A Plague of Giants
A Novel
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4.5 • 108 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
From the author of The Iron Druid Chronicles, a thrilling novel that kicks off a fantasy series with an entirely new mythology—complete with shape-shifting bards, fire-wielding giants, and children who can speak to astonishing beasts
“A spectacular work of epic fantasy . . . an absolute delight.”—Shelf Awareness
MOTHER AND WARRIOR
Tallynd is a soldier who has already survived her toughest battle: losing her husband. But now she finds herself on the front lines of an invasion of giants, intent on wiping out the entire kingdom, including Tallynd’s two sons—all that she has left. The stakes have never been higher. If Tallynd fails, her boys may never become men.
SCHOLAR AND SPY
Dervan is an historian who longs for a simple, quiet life. But he’s drawn into intrigue when he’s hired to record the tales of a mysterious bard who may be a spy or even an assassin for a rival kingdom. As the bard shares his fantastical stories, Dervan makes a shocking discovery: He may have a connection to the tales, one that will bring his own secrets to light.
REBEL AND HERO
Abhi’s family have always been hunters, but Abhi wants to choose a different life for himself. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Abhi soon learns that his destiny is far greater than he imagined: a powerful new magic thrust upon him may hold the key to defeating the giants once and for all—if it doesn’t destroy him first.
Set in a magical world of terror and wonder, this novel is a deeply felt epic of courage and war, in which the fates of these characters intertwine—and where ordinary people become heroes, and their lives become legend.
Don’t miss any of Kevin Hearne’s action-packed Seven Kennings series
A PLAGUE OF GIANTS • A BLIGHT OF BLACKWINGS • A CURSE OF KRAKENS (Coming Later!)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Urban fantasist Hearne (the Iron Druid Chronicles) stumbles badly in his first epic fantasy novel, which fails to make good use of elements borrowed from real-world cultures. An illusionist bard who can take on the appearance of the person whose story he is retelling recounts the events of a year prior: a volcanic eruption disrupts the years of peace among the nations of Teldwen, heralding the coming of two races of pale giants: one from a known nation looking for refuge after the destruction of their island, and another of unknown origin whose mission seems to be looting and slaughtering. The story is imaginative and engrossing, but some readers won't look kindly on the inclusion of one nation that uses the guise of being refugees to mask an attempt at invasion and another with clear South Asian influence, the portrayal of which centers around foul odor, poverty, and the lack of magical ability. (When one does acquire magic, he uses it to become a snake charmer.) The pale Hathrim are depicted as sympathetic even after they invade another nation, take their land, and start a war. The inclusion of an additional narrator whose importance is unclear just adds to the muddle. This is an altogether disappointing first glimpse into Hearne's Seven Kennings series.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful complex world
Gosh, this is a hard review to write. I had a hard time deciding on how many stars. I won’t say it’s a bad read. I feel like it depends on what kind of reading mood I’m in. If you’re looking for a fast read where you don’t have to think, this isn’t it. The author builds a huge and wonderful complex story. I feel like there will be some wonderful books in this world , especially after the world building. This author has some really amazing ideas and is a genius at thinking this stuff up. It is more of a serious read than his other series. I think it will be one of those epic tales that will always be remembered through the ages.
**I was given a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. **
Exceptional!
Kevin Hearne has really outdone himself with this series! Great concept, plot, and character development! Keep this series coming!
Amazing book, can’t wait for the next
I’m overwhelmed by A Plague of Giants and am re-reading it for the third time. Kevin Hearne has been masterful in conjuring up a new world with a wide variety of interesting characters, presenting each individual with their own unique viewpoint and with a masterful literary device allowing us to hear them all in their voice while keeping the story progressing logically.
As sad as I was to see the end of the Iron Druid series, I’m thrilled that there will be a few stories about the people of the kennings. I can’t wait to introduce this book to friends and family and to hear the full audiobook.