I couldn't finish Book #1, so I don't think I'll be getting around to continuing this series. I had started it and was really impressed with the first chapter so I requested Books 2 and 3 when they were available but I should have waited until I'd finished it.

Thanks for consideration.

A gritty, bloody, tale perfect for fans of Warcraft. Follow Fetching as she tries to hold her hoof together on the brink if collapse. And dont forget the war pigs!

This review appeared originally on Booknest.eu and was written by our reviewer Drew McVittie. Link below.

Struggling to hold her hoof together in diminished circumstances, and separated from her two closest friends, Fetching isn’t going to give up without a fight. Not against murderous hyenas, an seemingly unstoppable orc or even the sludge that’s slowly poisoning her.

This is based on a proof copy and contains mild spoilers for the previous instalment, The Grey Bastards.

After the events of The Grey Bastards; the hoof, renamed the True Bastards, is in difficulty. They’ve lost their home, they can barely keep everyone fed and they’ve lost a number of brothers. None of them feel it as much as Fetching, their new chief. Having long been looked down on for being the only female half-orc in the hoof, she is determined to do everything she can to keep her brothers alive, even if it means keeping her own illness from them.

Given that The Grey Bastards made the list of my favourite reads of 2018, it’s safe to say I was looking forward to this one. The shift in protagonist from Jackal to Fetch was unexpected but is well-handled and makes a lot of sense given the on-going plot. Fetch is every bit as tough, if not more so, than Jackal or any of the other Bastards, with her stubbornness and fierce protectiveness coming through as her defining characteristics. In most cases, she’s also more level-headed and capable of thinking her way around a situation. This is something she desperately needs as the Bastards are beset from various sides and in various ways.

One thing that I especially liked about The True Bastards is that you’re given an even greater sense of the bonds between the members of the hoof. Unlike The Grey Bastards, where there were factions pushing against each other, here the half-orcs are generally united and working together. One of the parts that stayed with me was when one character was dying, the group gathered around him, carefully lifting him onto his mount so that he could fulfil their creed, “Live in the saddle, die on the hog.”.

Another thing was my impression that the world was broadening, with new characters giving new information about the lands beyond the Lot and returning characters revealing unsuspected back-stories, some of which is of vital importance to Fetch.

Like the previous instalment, the action is hard and brutal, the conversations often funny and laced with curses, and there is plenty of both. But it feels as though the characterization is deepening, becoming surer, giving the book an even great impact. Definitely recommended.

https://booknest.eu/component/k2/drew/1681-the-true-bastards-the-lot-lands-2-by-jonathan-french-book-review

This one book I will wholeheartedly recommend because it was such a good read and somehow I forgot to post the review on here on time but better late than never. pls pls pls read this book. buy it and you won't regret it.

I was actually a little hesitant to pick up The True Bastards at all because while I liked the first book, I didn’t love it the way so many others in the fantasy community seemed to. It was absolutely raved about for months and yeah, I liked it… just not as enthusiastically. The True Bastards on the other hand. Wow. I was really into this and part of that might be because it felt somewhat smaller scale and I just liked Fetching way more than Jackal.

This picks up some time after the events of The Grey Bastards and Fetching is now chief of the True Bastards. She’s the only female hoof leader in the Lot Lands and that’s just one of her many struggles. Her hoof and her people are starving and are relying on charity from another hoof but it’s not enough and the dangers of the Lots are literally at their door. Their former fortress is no more and they’re all in a shoddily walled town lacking what they need to stay properly afloat in the chaos. Also, there’s a full blooded orc mage haunting the lands with his pack of horrifying hyenas that will literally tear people to shreds. To say that Fetch has a lot on her hands is possibly the understatement of the century.

I loved getting inside her head – she has so much to deal with and a deadly secret to keep on top of all that. Her right hand man Oats is gone because he was starving himself to death so others could eat and Jackal is off trying to hunt down Crafty, the mage that started all this mess originally. She seems to be suffering from a case of imposter syndrome, despite the fact that she’s tough and clever and her hoof clearly loves her. The book has plenty of action, but also skims logistics and the dynamics of leading that the previous book never really got the chance to cover. We get to see more of the elves and learn more of the world outside of the Lot Lands and Hispartha which I thought was pretty fantastic. It’s given readers a taste of the world as a whole rather than the corner that it was previously zoomed in on. I think the next book will further expand horizons as well

Overall, I was impressed and surprised at the extent of my enjoyment. I was initially daunted by the nearly 600 page book mostly because I felt like I enjoyably trudged through the first, but I found myself picking this up every chance I got. I had to know what happened next and things were so fraught that characters really might die and I just HAD TO KNOW, you know? I don’t know for sure that there will be future books, but boy, the ending really set things up for an adventure and a half! I really hope the author carries on the story just a little more because now I’m stoked for battle!

I was given a free ARC of this book for my honest review through NetGalley.
That being said, I must mention that this is book 2 in a series, and I didn't realize that when I requested having not read book 1.
I really enjoyed the "fight" the MC showed as the only female in the botallion. As the story continued it almost became blatantly clear why she acquired the position she attained. She was legit at what she did. Through it all - including riff-raff from others in her field.
That being said, it would have been nice if the mindset of those around Fletching changed because of her work and success, but alas, it hardly did, if at all. I would have enjoyed seeing a light bulb come on a few times for some of the people she came across throughout the book.

Fetch is the only female chieftain in this fantasy world of elves, orcs and humans. She leads her own "hoof", battalion and community and seeks to safeguard all from starvation and enemies. This is the second in a series and, fair disclosure, I did not read the first. Perhaps that is why I could not get to a point where I was interested in this novel, its characters or events. I found it plodding and unnecessarily misogynistic with casual references to rape and crude language. While the author was perhaps trying to emphasize how strong Fetch was as a the sole female leader in the book's world, she didn't do anything to counteract the way that women were portrayed and treated in the book. I love fantasy novels and had heard a lot of buzz about this author and series but just could not get into this one. It was well written, but just not for me.

If you liked the first book of the series, you'll like this.

Characters are true to themselves, making decisions that show more about them than most authors bother including. I love the characters in this series, for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they have an impressive depth.

Questions raised in the first book are answered, details that didn't matter are brought forward to examine, motivations are discussed and judged... It seems like French wrote two books in advance, they blend together so well.

Still not a fan of the dialogue; almost all the characters speak like a monologue, doesn't seem natural. But at least it's consistent with everybody.

You need to start with "The Gray Bastards", so read that now, then pick up this book.

Fantastic!!!! I could not put this book down once I started reading it!! If you like fantasy that's like Tolkien you must try this!!

Even though it took me a little to get into this novel, I ended up enjoying it as much as the first book in this series.

The world, the Bastards, the politics, and the plot - all managed to enthrall me.

I must admit, I didn't understand why Fetching became the commander of the hoof, but throughout the novel it became clearer and clearer - she was the better woman for the job. Clear leveled and smart, she did an amazing job.

I would have loved to read the next book right away, that's how invested I've become in the Bastards and the future of the lots. Also, it's not often that the second book in a series is as good as the first, I was truly impressed by the entire plot. It was never boring, but I just wish the author wouldn't kill as many characters as he does, very much like Pierce Brown and GRRM.

I strongly suggest you read book one first. I did not realize this was the second in the series. i just stayed lost for most of the time. The characters were interesting and the world building different. Still read book one first.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for my open and honest review.

"I am Fetching, leader of the half-orc hoof known as the True Bastards. I need to know who you cocksuckers are and what you are doing in the fucking lots."

Once again, we visit the badlands of Ul-wundulas in all its dirty, and blood smeared glory. Instead of the Intrepid Jackal as the main narrator, we follow Fetch through her turmoil of keeping the hoof from dying off. After the events of the first novel (you can find my review here), we have the Bastards' home destroyed and their leader killed. Fetching is the new leader of the dwindling band of Bastards. She must confront starvation, hoof politics, and her failing health. All while working to defend the hoof from "Devil Dogs (hyena-like creatures)," and scheming Frails.

Unlike, Jackel, I found Fetch to be a much more sympathetic character and narrator. She often demonstrates a levelheadedness that Jackal did not have, and I found it necessary and well-written for the role she was managing as chief. She is an outcast female character, set within a very male, patriarchal world. This means that she has to have a backbone of steel. But Fetch is a well-rounded character; the steel of her spine is tempered with vulnerability. Also, Fetch is separated from her two best friends who, in the previous novel, offered her a bit of comfort and stability. However, her fierce protectiveness is effectively passed on to the hoof. She will do anything to keep the hoof alive. This includes keeping the spreading sludge filth in her body a secret. This bit of characterization is excellent and believable writing on the Part of Johnathon French.

Worldbuilding in this book is fantastic and an extension of the world that was created in The Gray Bastards. In the story, we learn a bit more about what the world is like outside of Ul-wundulas. This adds even more depth to the world, and I can't wait to see where French goes with it.

One of the difficulties I had with this book is the pacing. It is not as fast-paced as the first novel. There is quite a bit of action to be sure and some kick-ass fight scenes, but it did not flow as quickly as the first book. This might be due to the change of narrator. It isn't necessarily a detractor, just very different.

I can't tell you what happens at the end of this book, because that would ruin the fun. But be sure that the next book in the series is set up to be crazy.

This book is a killer. Fetch is a well-written anti-hero. You cheer her on, you sympathize with her, and you want to know what happens next. It is a page-turner with fabulous action. I highly recommend this kick-ass book and can't wait to read what else happens on the hog.

This was a great follow-up to the first book, albeit one that was very different in tone. The first book was a lot of fun at times and got more heavy and serious as it went on, but this one was heavy and serious from the start. And every time you thought things couldn't get any worse for these characters, it did. Then it got worse again. And again. There was a lot of hardship and a lot of death, but there were also occasionally moments of joy, and the scenes of high action and battle were gripping and intense.

I was disappointed at first about the POV change because I had really enjoyed Jackal's POV and his character, but there's no denying Fetch is a great character too, in completely different ways. She's not what I would call a "fun" character, but that's because she's never had the chance to be. She's spent her whole life in a man's world, constantly having to prove herself, always being disrespected, learning how to blend in when necessary in order to get by but also how to stand up for herself. She's kick-butt and tough as nails but also compassionate. She's smart and able to think on her feet, but also able to think ahead and make the tough decisions. She kept getting blamed for things even though she was doing a damn good job given the absolutely horrendous situations she had to deal with. She was very well-written and just a fantastic female character.

I have to admit I missed certain characters who weren't around for part of this book, but we did get to know some other characters more this time. There were also some new characters. All of them were unique and well-written. I also loved seeing the loyalty among the hoof members. I cared about these characters and what happened to them. Even Polecat.

The plot and world-building were wonderfully done again too. This book had a lot of intricacies and secrets that really came together in the end and were quite surprising and interesting. I'm really glad each book so far has stuck to only one POV because not only does it let you get to know that character really well, it also keeps things from getting too confusing and keeps me feeling very connected to the story, which can be a problem for me sometimes in high/epic fantasy.

I will once again warn, for anyone who hasn't read the first book, that many of the characters are vulgar, crude, lewd, sexist, etc., so this is not a series for anyone who is bothered by those sorts of things.

Anyway, there's not much more I can say about this without spoiling anything for the series. This is a great high fantasy series about half-orcs riding giant hogs with lots of action and violence and intricate world building but also some great characters!

ARC eBook provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I got this book from Netgalley, I was unaware that it was the second in a series (as that was only mentioned at the very, very bottom of the page), but I went into it still hopeful that I would enjoy it, as the important context is typically given across books.

Unfortunately, that wasn't really the case with this book. I enjoyed the parts I was able to understand and am willing to give it another shot if I ever give the first book a try. Aside from that, the plot and characters were overall okay.

This story is the meat and potatoes of the Lot Lands series. Although, not as action packed and intriguing as The Grey Bastards, True Bastards does have a lot of information that holds the story line together.

With so much going on in this book I have great expectations for the next book! Hold on to your hog because this whole series is going to take us on a wild adventure!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.

Excellent sequel. I loved the focus on Fetching and her character. I think this book had a good balance of character and plot. My only real complaint is that it has a somewhat slow start, which interrupts the pacing a bit. Full review to be posted at thefantasyinn.com later in October or early November.

Trampled by the hoof… run over by hogs… All that French had done in The Grey Bastards and MORE! If TGB was an introduction to this world, The True Bastards is a sequel that takes the badlands to the ranks of a great fantasy epic.

Things have not gotten any easier in The Lots since the last lines of The Grey Bastards… with Jackal out of the picture and being the new hoofmaster, it is up to Fletch to lead and protect: the inner conflicts of the hoof, the responsibility to feed the people of Winsome, the need of a new wet-nurse, dealing with her own sickness contracted from the Sludge Man… It’s the life of a hoofmaster after the kiln is gone, the regular shit you have to deal with in The Lots.

But I didn’t trust French for a minute… I knew something big and juicy had to change the course of this book. Something that would make the hoof so desperate that the plot would shake and tumble out from under this easy exposition. Two things force Fletch to turn her sight outside the walls of Winsome and to the attention of the other hoofs: Djinn, ‘Devils in animal guise…’ have come to the lot. Some sort of supernatural hyenas! And a tribe has migrated into the badlands, invited by the wizard, Crafty. Another faction to be worried about and another group in The Lots for Hispartha, Bermudo, and the Cavaleros to try to grind under their heel. Will these conflicts be too much for Fletch and The True Bastards? Will any of the old crew be back to help?

This series is the grimdark Western you never knew you wanted. Like all great books, I can see the many layers or ways it can be read and enjoyed. There’s tightly-written fighting scenes, the sarcastic crude dialogue, the political manipulation of the Empire and opposing hoof, but what I connected best with is the brotherhood of the hoof. The way French writes about these half-orcs: the hierarchy, the showdowns around the table, and the way they have each others’ backs.

Here’s a couple other things that caught me in my reading: The world that you thought was sufficiently explored in TGB is expanded in such wonderful ways. From city to caves deep under ground to the dangers of The Lots, French adds and adds to the adventure. Also, this book sees Fletch is thrust into the forefront, she shoulders the work of adding to the now thin ranks of the hoof. Will she advance from her own ranks of slops or from the outside? Ok, one more thing: A fucking cyclops!!!!!

At the end of the book I felt beat up, trampled, yet I knew that I’d be back in The Lots soon in Book 3.

‘LIVE IN THE SADDLE. DIE ON THE HOG.’

5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing, and Jonathan French for an advanced copy for review.

This is the continuing saga of the hoof that were once known as the Grey Bastards, now known as the True Bastards. The hoof is now lead by Fetching, after the events of the previous book in the series left her in charge. The Bastards are suffering from a food shortage. Their foundling children are starving, and they’re all eating as little as possible while still trying to remain well enough to build a wall around their town to protect themselves from threats like the orcs, the centaurs, and a new type of animal that’s hunting the lots: seemingly immortal hyenas. Eek.

Fetch was one of my favorite characters in the first book, so I was truly excited to get a book from her perspective. She’s such a great character to cheer for, just as snarky and foul mouthed as Jackal ever was. Fetch tries to find out where these evil predators are coming from (she has suspicions) all while trying to hide an ailment that she contracted a year back. If the hoof finds out, it will weaken her position, which is already weak given that she’s the only woman chief and is already scorned by most of the other hoofs.

This one is full of all the crassness and snark that the first was, which I quite enjoy because it gives a realistic vibe to the setting of the Lot Lands. They are not a great place to live, whether you’re a frail, a mongrel, a thick, or any other kind of being. Everyone hates everyone else, for one reason or another, and it usually comes down to either race or gender. So, much like book one, this one is full of all kinds of language and themes that are not going to be for everyone, and the world that these characters live in is often very, very sexist/racist/homophobic. That’s just the reality of the place they live, and so to me it added realism. But again, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.

Fetch rises above the scorn to be the best leader she can be, and so I found it absurdly easy to cheer for her to win the day, but all is not well for a lot of this book. Fetch and the Bastards get run through the ringer in this one, and I’ll admit that it got me in the feels a couple of times. Fetch is combating scorn and dismissal from pretty much all sides, but still has a hoof with loyal members, like Mead, Polecat, and Hoodwink. Of course, many of the characters from the first book make a reappearance here. Oats and Jackal are not present, at first, but… well, I knew that they’d make an appearance eventually. There are several new characters here who are really interesting, like Xhreka, a halfling woman with an interesting ability, Incus, a deaf thrice-blood, and Sluggard, a mongrel who has more-or-less grown up in the human kingdom of Hispartha, rather than the Lot Lands.

So, all told, I really liked this one. It was full of action, and twists and turns. I laughed (a lot), and I even got a bit misty-eyed for Fetch more than once. I wasn’t expecting such an emotional ride, but I didn’t in the Grey Bastards either and it got me in the feels too, so really I should have learned my lesson by now. If you liked The Grey Bastards, you are almost certain to like The True Bastards. I sure did! It is a crass, often hilarious, and often feels-inducing adventure, which checks a lot of my boxes.

Thanks to the author, as well as Crown via NetGalley for the review copy!

This continues to be an interesting and unique fantasy series that I greatly enjoy. This took the world of the first book and expanded upon it greatly.

A great action-filled sequel to Grey Bastards. I appreciated that this title had Fetch (a woman) as a viewpoint character, as the world is very male-dominated and she's one of the most interesting characters in the series. Weird magic, strange gods, high stakes, and lots and lots of combat.