Step into the gritty, thrilling world of Heart of the World, where assassins wield vendettas and a tyrannical empire threatens to crush all hope! Col Buchanan’s fantasy series, set in a richly crafted universe, follows the Roshun assassin Ash and young Nico as they navigate a land torn by war and ambition. This saga blends heart-pounding action with deep themes of resistance and sacrifice, making it a hidden gem for epic fantasy fans.
With its unique mix of gunpowder technology, airships, and low-magic settings, Heart of the World offers a fresh take on the genre. Ready to explore a world where courage battles corruption? Let’s dive into Buchanan’s masterpiece!
How Heart of the World Began
Irish author Col Buchanan, born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, crafted Heart of the World as an escape from his own troubles, drawing inspiration from gritty fantasy like David Gemmell’s *Legend*. Buchanan, a self-described 'quiet dreamer,' poured his love for trailblazing stories into this series, starting with his debut novel, *Farlander*, in 2010. His vision was to create a fantasy world that felt historical yet innovative, focusing on real human struggles rather than mythical creatures.
Buchanan’s background as a copywriter and his unconventional life—think retreats in the Mourne mountains and stints in Zen monasteries—shaped the series’ raw, introspective tone. Published by Tor, Heart of the World grew from a single novel into a four-book saga, earning praise for its bold storytelling and complex characters.
The Heart of Heart of the World
The series kicks off with *Farlander*, where street urchin Nico becomes the apprentice of Ash, a Roshun assassin tasked with avenging clients’ deaths. As the Mann Empire, led by the ruthless Holy Matriarch Sasheen, conquers nation after nation, Nico’s journey intertwines with a vendetta against the Matriarch’s son. *Stands a Shadow* (2011) escalates the war, focusing on Ash’s quest for vengeance and the siege of Bar-Khos, a city clinging to freedom.
*The Black Dream* (2015) deepens the saga with new characters and darker stakes, while *Fierce Gods* (2017) concludes the series as Bar-Khos faces its final stand against Mann. Themes of power, freedom, and the personal cost of resistance run deep, set against a world where zeppelins soar and swords clash alongside rifles. Buchanan’s sparse magic and detailed world-building create a gritty, immersive experience that feels both cinematic and intimate.
The series stands out for its flawed, relatable characters—like Ash, an aging warrior haunted by loss, or Che, an imperial assassin wrestling with loyalty. Buchanan’s empathetic writing and multi-perspective storytelling make every battle and betrayal resonate, earning comparisons to Joe Abercrombie for its dark, character-driven intensity.
Why Heart of the World Resonates
Heart of the World has carved a niche among fantasy fans for its bold departure from high-magic tropes, offering a grounded yet thrilling narrative. Its focus on human resilience and moral ambiguity speaks to readers who crave stories with depth and heart. Though not as mainstream as *Game of Thrones*, the series has a devoted following, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon praising its pacing, world-building, and unpredictable twists.
Buchanan’s ability to weave hope into a war-torn world ensures the series’ lasting appeal. Its influence lies in proving that lesser-known fantasy can still deliver epic stakes and emotional payoff, inspiring readers to seek out hidden gems in the genre.
- First Book Published: *Farlander* (2010)
- Total Books: 4
- Setting: The war-torn Heart of the World, centered on Bar-Khos
- Author’s Inspiration: David Gemmell’s *Legend*
Ready to join Ash and Nico in their fight against tyranny? Grab *Farlander* and dive into Heart of the World’s epic fantasy adventure today!