Their world was ending, all the heroes were dead, the leaders confused, and their enemies were head and shoulders above them. But there was no one else; they were the dregs, the last worst hopes.

Nehring Ardgour has summoned Skoll and Hati from hell. They have torn through the proud and ancient country of Engevelen and the angelic Methueyn Knights that protect it. Armies have died, cities have fallen. None of the great remain. No brilliant inventors, no powerful knights, no master wizards.

No heroes.

But it gets worse. Farrah Harbinger has looked into the future and foretells the coming of an enemy worse than all the others, a creature of destruction and entropy like no other. A being who will grind all hopes and memory of civilization into dust: the One, True Devil.

Who can stop it? Who is left to even try?

Surely not Val, an arrogant young wizard who no one takes seriously, or Mick, an old man who can’t even remember his name. Certainly not Dav, who cannot seem to tell left from right or up from down, or Aveline, a squire filled with more questions than courage. No one would pick them to save the world, and yet there is no one else left.

Prequel in the world of dynamicist. in paperback, ebook and audiobook

Last worst hopes

⚡️"From the jump, the stakes feel desperately high in this standalone, set in the world of Hunt's Dynamicist Trilogy, and the pacing is swift for a complex and vividly detailed epic fantasy. Last Worst Hope has the urgent energy of the final book in a trilogy, as uneasy allies must face their doubt and trauma, and learn to trust each other and themselves, all while Hell (literally) breaks loose.

A superior epic fantasy, driven by strong characterization and a sense of utter desperation." - Booklife Reviews Editor's Choice Winner

"Hunt exemplifies how to make heroes shine within the large cast of a sprawling saga. A sumptuous bonus meal for fans who devoured the author's Dynamicist trilogy." - Kirkus Reviews

"A Cracking page-turner with an unlikely group of misfits. Hunt's highly gripping standalone, set in the world of his Dynamicist Trilogy, is as much a cerebral story as an action-driven tale. Over the course of this book, Hunt offers a brisk, deeply intricate story that succeeds in keeping its large cast of colorful characters in focus, particularly the band of misfits who overcome crippling self-doubt to find their own place in the pantheon of heroes. Readers will be impressed by Hunt's insight into dark places in the human soul as well as his fantasy world's abundant cultural details, including magic systems, factions, history, demons, knights, wizards, warriors, and unique relationships. Hunt's expert accumulation of razor-sharp detail, his psychological contemplation, and evocation of a marvelous landscape, a mix of magic and science, all lend an utter compulsion to the storytelling. The major pleasure comes from following the group through an impenetrable maze of fast-paced chases. As the chaos surrounding the group increases, the troubled protagonists grow closer. Along the way, Hunt poses relevant questions about hope, promise, integrity, duty, resolve, resilience of human spirit in the face of extremities, and honorable conduct when faced with the severest of survival choices. Featuring a diverse ensemble cast and a unique magical world packed with courageous heroes and sinister villains, this is a whirlwind adventure that will leave readers hungry for more." - PrairieS Book Review

"The characters, be it major or minor, are all intriguing and authentic, but none is more captivating than the unlikely group of heroes themselves, who show that courage is not the lack of fear but it is resistance to fear. Hunt skillfully reviews both his fantasy world and past events, making it easy for new readers to get in the story. And he does so without hampering the pacing or momentum. The vivid setting of the ancient nation of Engevelen is matched by a skyrocketing plot interspersed with deliciously entertaining and well-constructed scenes of fierce battles and magic. Equally intriguing is Hunt's musing on friendship, courage, bravery, integrity, and duty. Un-put-downable." - BookView Reviews Recommended Read

"A great read with strong characterization. It's likely to appeal to fans of epic fantasy novels such as those of Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan." - Reedsy Discovery

“Last Worst Hopes by Lee Hunt is an extraordinary epic tale with a phenomenal conflict, following a motley group of misfits in the struggle to defend what is left of their land against an invincible enemy. The author’s unique sense of characterization is extraordinary and the characters Hunt creates have inimitable journeys and burdens. Last Worst Hopes is deftly plotted, a novel with a fascinating setting and lovable characters. This is a tale of hope in the face of imminent annihilation, and while the characters experience despair, they are propelled — hopefully —toward a future they are determined to shape. It is a work of sheer brilliance — robust, deft, and balanced.” - the Book Commentary