Rob J. Hayes

Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations

About Rob J. Hayes

Having served in a hundred different offices as a keyboard monkey Rob J. Hayes finally decided to follow his life long passion of daydreaming. After writing a small horde's worth of short stories, he released his debut dark fantasy trilogy "The Ties that Bind" in 2013 as an indie publication and followed it up with the steampunk caper "It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise" in 2014.

In 2017 he released his piratical duology, Best Laid Plans, and in 2018 the first book, Where Loyalties Lie won Mark Lawrence's Self Published Fantasy Blog Off.

Rob has now tried his hand at Science-Fiction (Drones, 2018) and Military Fantasy (City of Kings, 2018), and even East-Asian influenced fantasy (Never Die, 2019).

"One of self publishing's rising stars" - Mark Lawrence, author of Prince of Thorns

"Hayes spins a tale like a wushu master spins a kick - with deft speed, grace, and bone-crushing impact." - Dyrk Ashton, author of Paternus

"Books like this deserve to be read by all lovers of fantasy. It's got just about everything you could ask for in the genre; and a few things you'd never think to ask." - Filip, BookNest.eu

"Hayes writes some of the darkest and most brutal fiction around." - Fantasy Book Review

"Rob J. Hayes remains one of the best writers of grimdark fantasy around and should always be mentioned with Erikson, Lawrence, Abercrombie, and Morgan. He is a master of making compelling and memorable characters that always capture your attention." - BookNest

Michael R. Fletcher

Joe Abercrombie

Peter McLean

Mark Lawrence

Dyrk Ashton

John Gwynne

Are you an author?

Help us improve our Author Pages by updating your bibliography and submitting a new or current image and biography.

Learn more at Author Central

1 11 1

$0.99

Kindle Edition
$5.99

Kindle Edition
$5.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$2.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$8.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition
$4.99

Kindle Edition

Author Updates

Books By Rob J. Hayes

All Formats Kindle Edition Audible Audiobook Paperback Audio CD

Along the Razor's Edge: an Epic Fantasy (The War Eternal Book 1) Mar 30, 2020

by Rob J. Hayes

( 248 )

$0.99

An empire in flames. A prisoner of war. An unbreakable will to escape.

At just fifteen Eskara Helsene fought in the greatest war mankind has ever known. Fought and lost. There is only one place her enemies would send a Sourcerer as powerful as her, the Pit, a prison sunk so deep into the earth the sun is a distant memory. Now she finds herself stripped of her magic; a young girl surrounded by thieves, murderers, and worse. In order to survive she will need to make new allies, play the inmates against each other, and find a way out.

Her enemies will soon find Eskara is not so easily broken.

An emotional roller coaster in this unique Epic Fantasy. Perfect for fans of Michael J. Sullivan and Mark Lawrence, be one of the first to dive into Award-Winning Author Rob J. Hayes’ new epic fantasy world.

What Reviewers are saying:

“A fully fleshed out beast of a story about a girl who refused to be broken, who refused to lose hope of vengeance and those who got swept up into her vortex along the way.” - Maxine's Obsessions

“Along the Razor’s Edge will make you mad. It will make you hold your breath, pump your fist, pause and reflect, and swear at 2am. It will do all these things and more, because it is one hell of a great story. For me, it was more than just reading a book. It was an experience.” – Fantasy Book Review

“Rob Hayes is a master of fantasy. He has a unique vision, brilliant ideas, and the finesse to make it captivating. Furthermore, this is one of those stories that will sink into your skin, and stay there for a while.” – Bookworm Blues

Buy Along the Razor's Edge today and dive into a world of magic, monsters, and warring gods.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Lessons Never Learned (The War Eternal Book 2) Apr 28, 2020

by Rob J. Hayes

( 112 )

$5.99

I am the weapon.

Eskara is free of the Pit, but far from safe. She is beset by the ghosts of those she has killed, and plagued by the ancient horror that possesses her. Enemies dog her heels, determined to see the last Orran Sourcerer dead. Worse still, there is new player in the game, one far more dangerous than anything she has faced before.

But there is one place that might offer her both the safety she needs to survive, and the power she needs to strike back; Ro’shan, the flying home of a God.

Eska will soon learn that all power comes with a cost, and some prices are too high.

The thrilling continuation of The War Eternal trilogy raises the stakes and pits Eska against more dangerous enemies. Perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Mark Lawrence.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

From Cold Ashes Risen (The War Eternal Book 3) May 26, 2020

by Rob J. Hayes

( 117 )

$5.99

The Corpse Queen Comes.

Eskara has lost everything. The War Eternal has cost her everything she loves, and the Iron Legion has taken the rest. Yet there is something that is still hers, something that kept her warm during her time in the Pit. Anger and a lust for vengeance. First on the list of those who must pay, the Emperor of Terrelan.

Her friends counsel peace, but her inner demons push for war, and Eska finds herself caught in the middle. Will she find a way to reap her vengeance? Or will the enemies of her past catch up to her first?

One thing is certain. The world will soon know fear when the Corpse Queen ascends her throne.

The stunning conclusion to The War Eternal trilogy sees Eska facing her most dangerous enemies yet, both within and without. Perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Mark Lawrence. Find out how Eskara's story ends in this emotional finale.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Pawn's Gambit: a standalone fantasy novel (The Mortal Techniques) Jan 26, 2021

by Rob J. Hayes

$4.99

The Mortal Techniques novels are a series of stand-alone stories that can be read entirely independently, set in the award-winning Mortal Techniques universe.

Merciless gods, vengeful spirits, immortal assassins, and empires at war collide.

Five years ago, Yuu made a mistake that cost her everything. Once a renowned strategist and general, now she is on the run, royal bounty hunters snapping at her heels. But what if there was a way to get back what she lost, a way to bring back a murdered prince?

Once a century, the gods hold a contest to choose who will rule from the Jade Throne. Each god chooses a mortal champion, and the fate of heaven and earth hangs in the balance.

On a battlefield full of heroes, warriors, assassins, and thieves can Yuu survive long enough to learn the rules of the game, let alone master it?

Pawn's Gambit is a stand alone story set in the award-winning Mortal Techniques universe. It's a wuxia adventure filled with heroes, gods, spirits, and magic.

Other Formats: Paperback

Where Loyalties Lie: Best Laid Plans book 1 (First Earth Saga 4) May 26, 2017

by Rob J. Hayes

( 70 )

$4.99

Winner of Mark Lawrence's 3rd Self Published Fantasy Blog Off

Finalist in BookNest's 2017 Fantasy Awards

Nominated for a r/Fantasy Best of 2017 Stabby Award

'Feels exactly like a world populated by pirates should; fun and vulgar and more than a little dangerous.' - BookNest

Everyone knows Drake Morrass is only out for himself.

As the fires of a dying city burn on a distant shore, Drake sees an opportunity to unite the other pirate Captains under his flag and claim himself a crown.

If he is to succeed he will need allies and credibility. Who better than gentleman pirate, Keelin Stillwater, renowned for taking ships without bloodshed, as well as his skill with a sword.

Enemy ships sail their waters, setting the Pirate Isles ablaze. The sinister Tanner Black threatens to steal the throne before Drake has even sat in it. Now Drake must somehow convince the other pirate Captains that his best interests are also theirs.

Dive into this swashbuckling adventure today!

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Never Die: a standalone fantasy novel (The Mortal Techniques) Jan 29, 2019

by Rob J. Hayes

( 201 )

$4.99

The Mortal Techniques novels are a series of stand-alone stories that can be read entirely independently, set in the award-winning Mortal Techniques universe.

Samurai, shinigami, vengeful spirits, and an impossible quest.

Ein is on a mission from God. The God of death. Time is up for the immortal Emperor of Ten Kings and the Reaper has given the quest to an eight-year-old boy. Ein knows he can't do it alone. He needs allies, heroes who will fight for him. How else can an eight-year-old boy hope to do the impossible?

Whispering Blade, Iron Gut Chen, the Century Blade, and Flaming Fist. These are all names of legend. And the god of death has given Ein a way to bind them to his cause. There is only one catch. In order to serve him, they must first die.

Never Die is a stand alone story set in the award-winning Mortal Techniques universe. It’s a wuxia adventure filled with samurai, shinigami, heroes, and vengeful spirits.

Winner of the BookNest award for Best Self Published Fantasy of 2019.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Heresy Within: The Ties that Bind book 1 (First Earth Saga) Jun 21, 2017

by Rob J. Hayes

( 290 )

$2.99

For generations the Inquisition has stood between humanity and the forces of darkness. But has it failed?

Arbiter Thanquil Darkheart is a witch hunter for the Inquisition, on a holy crusade to rid the world of heresy. He’s also something else: expendable. When the God Emperor gives Thanquil an impossible task, he knows he has no choice but to venture deep into the Wilds to hunt down a fallen Arbiter.

Even the best swordsman is one bad day away from a corpse. It’s a lesson Blademaster Jezzet Vel’urn isn’t keen to learn. Chased into the Wilds by a vengeful warlord, Jezzet makes it to the free city of Chade. But instead of sanctuary all she finds are more enemies from her past.

The Black Thorn is a cheat, a thief, a murderer and worse. He’s best known for the killing of several Arbiters and every town in the Wilds has a WANTED poster with his name on it. Thorn knows it’s often best to lie low and let the dust settle, but some jobs pay too well to pass up.

As their fates converge, Jezzet, Thanquil, and the Black Thorn will need to forge an uneasy alliance in order to face their common enemy.

A dark and gritty action-packed epic with demons, witch hunters, swords and magic. Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie and Peter V. Brett, find out why thousands of readers have fallen for Award-Winning Author Rob J. Hayes' epic fantasy saga.

What Reviewers are saying:

“The Heresy Within is an amazingly dark debut. If you like Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch or Mark Lawrence, make sure this is your next book.” - Fantasy Book Critic

"Kicks down the door and takes no prisoners." - Seth Skorkowsky, author of the Valducan series.

What Amazon readers are saying:

★★★★★ "Excellent characters, interesting story can’t wait for book two"
★★★★★"Without doubt one of, if not THE best fantasy adventure books I have read in the last ten years.”
★★★★★"Great characters,terrific storyline and a storyteller to bring it all together.”
★★★★★"I found myself devouring the book, unable to stop for much else."
★★★★★"The story couldn’t have been better, a true fantasy wet dream for me.

Buy The Heresy Within and lose yourself in a new world of danger, demons, and adrenaline.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Colour of Vengeance: The Ties that Bind book 2 (First Earth Saga) Jun 21, 2017

by Rob J. Hayes

( 142 )

$4.99

This is the 2017 self-published re-release of The Colour of Vengeance by Rob J. Hayes.

BEATEN, BATTERED AND DAMNED NEAR BROKEN WITH A BOUNTY ON HIS HEAD SO LARGE HE’S TEMPTED TO TURN HIMSELF IN, the Black Thorn finds himself on trial for the crime of being him. Despite the impending probability of death he has but one thought on his mind; taking revenge against the Arbiter who took his eye.

In order to carry out his vengeance Thorn must first escape Sarth and recruit a new crew, each one with their own designs on revenge.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Price of Faith: The Ties that Bind book 3 (First Earth Saga) Jun 21, 2017

by Rob J. Hayes

( 129 )

$4.99

This is the 2017 self-published re-release of The Price of Faith by Rob J. Hayes.

NOT EVERYONE HAS A DESTINY.

Separated and miserable, Thanquil Darkheart and Jezzet Vel’urn both have their reasons for wanting to leave the Dragon Empire. Jezzet flees from the wrathful fury of an Empress scorned while accompanied by the ever insidious Drake Morrass and Thanquil sets out to find and judge his one heretical loose end.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Ties that Bind trilogy: The Heresy Within, The Colour of Vengeance, The Price of Faith (First Earth Saga) Apr 11, 2018

by Rob J. Hayes

( 7 )

$8.99

When there are no heroes left, it's up to the villains to save the world.

The award winning epic fantasy, The Ties that Bind trilogy has been collected into one box set for the first time ever.

Even the best swordsman is one bad day away from a corpse. It’s a lesson Blademaster Jezzet Vel’urn isn’t keen to learn. Chased into the Wilds by a vengeful warlord, Jezzet makes it to the free city of Chade. But instead of sanctuary all she finds are more enemies from her past.

Arbiter Thanquil Darkheart is a witch hunter for the Inquisition, on a holy crusade to rid the world of heresy. He’s also something else: expendable. When the God Emperor gives Thanquil an impossible task, he knows he has no choice but to venture deep into the Wilds to hunt down a fallen Arbiter.

The Black Thorn is a cheat, a thief, a murderer and worse. He’s best known for the killing of several Arbiters and every town in the Wilds has a WANTED poster with his name on it. Thorn knows it’s often best to lie low and let the dust settle, but some jobs pay too well to pass up.

As their fates converge, Jezzet, Thanquil, and the Black Thorn will need to forge an uneasy alliance in order to face their common enemy.

This box set contains all three volumes; The Heresy Within, The Colour of Vengeance, and The Price of Faith. It's a epic fantasy spaghetti western full of demons, witch hunters, action, and betrayal. Pick it up today and discover why this is award winning epic fantasy.

What the critics are saying:

"An amazingly dark debut. If you like Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch or Mark Lawrence, make sure this is your next book.” - Fantasy Book Critic

Go pick this up and let the author tell you a tale of high adventure. Just keep one hand on your purse and another on your sword at all times. - BookNest

Kicks down the door and takes no prisoners. Its exciting, vulgar, funny, and extremely entertaining. - Seth Skorkowsky, author of Damoren

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Fifth Empire of Man: Best Laid Plans book 2 (First Earth Saga 5) Sep 26, 2017

by Rob J. Hayes

( 42 )

$4.99

The Fifth Empire of Man is the second book in Rob J. Hayes' piratical fantasy series, Best Laid Plans.

The Pirate Isles are united under Drake Morrass’ flag, but the war has only just begun.

There’s still a long way to go before he’s able to call himself King, and traitors at every turn. The Five Kingdoms and Sarth have assembled a fleet of ships unlike any the world has ever seen and they intend to purge the Pirate Isles once and for all by fire and steel.

Revenge, never far from Keelin Stillwater’s mind, is finally within his grasp and he sets sail to the Forgotten Empire. But more than dense jungles and ruined cities await him there. Vengeful gods and malignant spirits now call those cursed lands home, and they are not wisely disturbed.

Meanwhile, Elaina Black tries to secure herself powerful allies and the forces those allies can spare. She’s set her course on the throne: either by Drake’s side or over his dead body.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

City of Kings (First Earth Saga Book 6) Aug 6, 2018

by Rob J. Hayes

( 41 )

$4.99

War makes monsters and corpses of us all.

For generations the blooded have ruled the Wilds, cultivating a lawless frontier and bleeding the good folk dry. The Black Thorn, once the most wanted outlaw the world has ever seen, is set on stopping them, and bringing an end to the great game that oppresses them all.

Crucible is the only blooded fortress left, but not for nothing is it called the City of Kings. Its defences are unbreakable, its walls unassailable, all built so one hundred can hold back a thousand. Worse yet, the Black Thorn is running out of time and there are darker things hiding underground, looking to turn the city into a tomb.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

←Previous Page
1
2
Next Page→

More Information

Are you an author? Visit Author Central to change your photo, edit your biography, and more

See Author Pages Frequently Asked Questions

Anything else? Provide feedback about this page

Similar authors to follow

About Rob J. Hayes

Customers Also Bought Items By

Are you an author?

Author Updates

Winner of the BookNest award for Best Self Published Fantasy of 2019.

More Information