Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

Ross (3284 KP) rated The Iron Circlet in Books

Nov 13, 2017  
The Iron Circlet
The Iron Circlet
Phil Tucker | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The truth of the world starting to be revealed (0 more)
That ruddy circlet (0 more)
Wowsers. I was a little tentative starting this the fourth book in the Chronicles of the Black Gate series, as I found the third book to drag somewhat, though it ended well.
That proved unfounded. This book gets straight back in the swing of things right from the off and the pace just does not let up. Other that a little bit of re-gouping and re-organising at the outset, the plot continues with chapter after chapter offering excitement and plot/character development aplenty.
Tharok is still up to no good, running amok with his massive army of orc-like kragh, backed by trolls and a medusa and looking to capitalise on his victory at the end of book 3.
Tiron finds himself deep behind enemy lines and totally out of his depth but finding ways to adapt.
Asho looks to lead the defence of Ennoia against the kragh invasion, while Kethe tries to do the same in Nous.
And Audsley finds himself in an assassination plot and getting a potted history of the real background of the empire.
This is simply fantasy fiction at its best: an epic world created, full of wonderful creatures and characters with an intricate plot which, while covering numerous threads never becomes untenable, with exciting and surprising battle scenes and twists.
Simply put one of the best fantasy books I have ever read, and I am now greedily wolfing down the final book in the series.
  
40x40

Rob P (30 KP) rated Legend in Books

May 6, 2019 (Updated May 6, 2019)  
L
Legend
David Gemmell | 1984 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Classic Good vs. Evil narrative (2 more)
basically one big battle scene
epic in scope
Fairly short (IMO) (0 more)
I think this may have been the very first fantasy book I read, at the tender age of maybe 11-12.

As such, I'm always going to view this title with rose-tinted glasses as it was my warm welcome to the world of heroic fantasy.

Here's the plot outline - Druss is a badass with a big axe, who's known throughout the world as such.

He believes he is to die in his 60th year after seeing a vision in his younger days, which he now is. Living in isolation after the death of his wife, he has sworn never to fight again.

Meanwhile, a warlord named Ulric, leader of a warring, tribal people known as the Nadir has united the feuding clans and amassed an army bigger than any that exist in the south, and he is coming to stamp his rule on the Drenai empire.

In order to get from north to south, he must pass the ancient fortress of Dros Delnoch. This is the battle ground.

Druss, having heard of the army one million strong heading to crush his people, Druss decides it's once more unto the breach, and travels to the doomed fortress to make his last stand with the forces there.

Lots of engaging characters, moral qualms, and of course visceral battle scenes full of heroics, this is a classic tale of underdog army vs army.

I just bloody love it.

- Rob