The Free - by Brian Ruckley (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

They are the most feared mecenary company the kingdom has ever known.
Led by Yulan, their charismatic captain, the Free have spent years selling their martial and magical skills to the highest bidder -- winning countless victories that have shaken the foundations of the world. Now they finally plan to lay down their swords.

Yet when Yulan is offered a final contract, he cannot refuse -- for the mission offers him the chance to erase the memories of the Free's darkest hour, which have haunted him for years.

As the Free embark on their last mission, a potent mix of loyalty and vengeance is building to a storm. Freedom, it seems, carries a deadly price.

Review Quotes

"...the author delivers what...readers want: a big cast of interesting, sympathetic characters involved in complex, intelligent action and intrigue."--scifi.com on Winterbirth

"Far above run-of-the-mill epic fantasy."--Library Journal (Starred Review) on The Free

"Heroic fantasy splashed with 300-style gore. . .Ruckley's realistic characters and sparing use of magic breathe new life into well-trod epic territory."--Entertainment Weekly on Winterbirth

"Mesmerizing, magical, and human.... Ruckley keeps the story riveting even into the final pages."-- Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on The Free

"Ruckley is an imaginative, dramatic storyteller."--Associated Press

"The author's unapologetically stark yet darkly poetic narrative displays a refreshing lack of stereotypical genre conventions, ensuring a fervent audience of epic fantasy fans..."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Winterbirth

About the Author

Brian Ruckley was born and brought up in Scotland. After studying at Edinburgh and Stirling Universities, he worked for a series of organizations dealing with environmental, nature conservation and youth development issues. He lives in Edinburgh. Find out more about Brian Ruckley at www.brianruckley.com.