Flightless Falcon (GOLLANCZ S.F.) - Tapa dura

Tamison is a flightless falcon: a worthless man who cannot even work to feed his family. Once a miner like the rest of his family, he lost his nerve after a cave-in which trapped him and killed his father and brother. Now he¿s reduced to occasional menial labour and scavenging for food. In desperation he breaks into the hunters¿ guild to steal meat and is caught.

On his release from four years in prison, Tamison, discovering his wife and children have vanished, stolen away by the Brotherhood, renames himself in their image: Sueldan. A ratty stray dog joins him, then a fortune teller with a magical ability. A guard whose own sister was lost to the Brotherhood and a mysterious conman who knows more than he¿s letting on join him in his search for his family. But if Tamison/Sueldan is to rescue them from slavery, he must discover his own wings and take flight.

This is a riveting tale of growth and redemption set in a mediaeval fantasy world. Strong characterisation and a personal quest make this a cut about a lot of generic fantasy.