Free (Kindle) The Iron Lords by Andrew J. Offutt [Epic Sword & Sorcery Quest Fantasy]

[ATDrake]

The Iron Lords by the late Andrew J. Offutt (ISFDB, Wikipedia, SFE), is the 1st novel in his vintage War of the Gods on Earth series of classically epic sword & sorcery adventure fantasy, starring the obligatory villager orphaned by a tragic occurrence who sets out on a quest to avenge his lost loved ones and find healing for his injured sister, in the process encountering challenges and trials that will determine whether his future will be as a healer or destroyer, of which this installment is the obligatory first which sets him on his destined path, free courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press' Venture imprint, who are e-printing it from its 1979 edition originally out from Jove.

I must say, I rather like how the opening begins with an in-universe faux-introductory epic poetry piece, just like an ancient saga.

Currently free @ Amazon (available to Canadians & in the UK and pretty much everywhere else that Amazon sells worldwide, since this is being done via their KDP Select exclusive-or-else program)

In addition to his contributions to the Conan mythos and various sword & sorcery fantasy, apparently the author is best known for certain other-genre (some of which have sfnal overlap) work, and there's an utterly fascinating retrospective piece about it which I don't think I can directly link you to due to mentions of adult content (the article is otherwise safe for work if your workplace isn't picky about plain text regarding such), but it's the New York Times Magazine link in his ISFDB entry, if you're interested, and provides a rather insightful look into how the very prolific pulp-style multi-genre authors can end up compartmentalizing their professional identities for various aspects of their work, among other things.

Description
A world in peril, and one man to save it…

A savage tragedy rocked Jarik’s world that day. In one moment he was orphaned, again, without village, without purpose, without anywhere to belong – but not alone.

He set off on a quest for vengeance and glory, to lay waste to the hawkers who had destroyed his village with murder, rape and fire. By his side was his sister Torsy, and inside of him was another. Someone who couldn’t exist, shouldn’t exist, but did.

On his journey across the sea he looks not only for revenge but to unroot his unknown origins, as well as those of Oak, his mysterious counterpart. And to cure his adoptive sister Torsy of her shock and find a place they can truly belong.

Along the way he becomes embroiled in struggles with in godly legend and humanly vices, battling marauders, his host village and social isolation daily.

And now he undertakes his greatest lesson: learning the arts of war.

His destiny is unfolding before him, but down two different paths.

The path of the great healer, or of the violent avenger?

He must decide.

The Iron Lords is a gripping fantasy adventure, the first volume of the War of the Gods on Earth series.

[Dr. Drib]

Got it.

Thank you!

[ATDrake]

Now a repeat freebie.