Jonathan French: The True Bastards

Hi everyone

The True Bastards is the second book in The Lot Lands series by Jonathan French.
I got my book from Bol.com.

"Fetching was once the only female rider in the Lot Lands. Now she is the leader of her own hoof, a band of loyal half orcs sworn to her command. But in the year since she took power, the True Bastards have struggled to survive. Tested to the breaking point by the burdens of leadership, Fetching battles desperately to stave off famine, desertion, and the scorn of the other half-orc chieftains, even as orcs and humans alike threaten the Lots' very existence. Then an old enemy finds a way to strike at her from beyond the grave--and suddenly only one, faint hope for salvation remains." 

This book was brutal. I liked it a lot, but it was really brutal; the kind of brutal that leaves you reeling. We’re talking good people dying, torture, betrayals, and a world that feels like it’s always on the edge of collapse. If you’re not ready for grimdark with heart, this might not be for you. But if you are? Buckle up, because this book takes you on a wild ride.

The story is slower than the first book, not in a bad way, but it’s less relentless. A lot happens, and it’s never truly slow, but there were moments where the plot dragged just a bit. Some events, decisions, or twists felt unnecessary, like they were there more for shock value than to serve the story. But even with those moments, the book never lost my attention.

What I loved most was that Jonathan French chose Fetch as the main character most especially not just as a token leader, but as a fully realized, complex hoofchief. Her arc is fantastic. She’s tough, flawed, and fiercely loyal, and watching her struggle and grow into her role was so satisfying. Honestly, I love all the characters in the True Bastards hoof. They’re raw, real, and addictive; the kind of characters you can’t help but root for, even when they’re making terrible decisions.

I’m excited to read the third book in the series because it promises to be just as good as this one. If you love gritty fantasy with heart, brutal stakes, and characters who feel like family, this series is absolutely for you.

Have you read The True Bastards? Did you love it as much as I did, or did you find it too brutal? I’d love to hear your thoughts!  

Happy reading!
Helena