Time is ticking away, the latest 'normal' episode in in editorial limbo and we haven't yet recorded our usual Christmas mayhem, so here's another Book Group episode to keep you all going. The Heroes could perhaps be described as Sharpe's Waterloo done fantasy-style. Joe Abercrombie uses it to explore the subject of heroism with all its wrinkles and contradictions. Set in the same world as the acclaimed First Law Trilogy, Abercrombie introduces a whole new batch characters in such a way that enables new readers to get straight into it, whilst rewarding long-time fans with a few familiar faces. If you haven't read his stuff before, we're talking a gritty fantasy adventure, full of dark humour and harsh justice. The focus is always on the characters (a particular strength of this author), with vigorous prose and a suitably cynical tone.

We recommend you read the book before listening to this episode as Spoilers were pretty much unavoidable. The programme is hosted by Scrolls regulars Dion and Clover, who are joined by Geek Syndicate's very own Barry Nugent and long-time listener Louise Maskill. Louise is an avid reader of Fantasy fiction, works as a free-lance editor and has just published her own book about Sussex Dialect (with a similar Norfolk one on the way.) She is currently working on her first novel. Publishers, take note. If you want to carry on the conversation, you can post your comments, thoughts and alternative viewpoints under this article. We welcome your feedback. Taking a leaf from the Comic Book Outsiders, we're actually going to start letting you all know in advance what books are coming up. (Yes, we have been THAT stupid) With that in mind, you may wish to pick up or re-read American Gods by Neil Gaiman in time for our February episode. We always like to involve YOU in the book group, so let us know if you want to take part in that episode. Don't fancy that one? Then put on your thinking cap and send us the name of the book you would like to discuss. You can e-mail us directly at [email protected] or tweet @Dion_Scrolls if you prefer. Who knows, it could be you joining us in the May Book Group.