2008-08-05 The World on Fire: Fantasy Meets the Eighteenth Century

Dislike reading names you can't pronounce? Love novels that give you clear mental images? Like classic fantasy and military history? Well if any of these qualifiers describe your taste, then you'll thoroughly enjoy "A Darkness Forged In Fire" by Chris Evans.

As a teen enthralled with Tolkien, Donaldson and others, I didn't mind the intricate detail and stumbling over names. I love both authors and many others. I was ravenous for more.
As an adult, for some reason, I get frustrated with complicated names and twisted imagery. Perhaps its because there is so much I want to read, and that I read 4-6 books at a time.
The first in a planned trilogy, "A Darkness Forged In Fire" met all my adult criteria. It was easy to read (and in fact, I couldn't put it down), the names easily rolled off my mental tongue, it presented a clean blend of fantasy (multiple races, witchcraft, creatures and landscapes) with solid, descriptive military narrative. It presented me with enough sub-plots to keep me interested and wondering throughout the entire book, without being confused. It also left me hanging in places so that I am looking forward to Book Two.

I've read a few reviews subsequent to finishing the novel, and I find the criticism of side plots and unrelated events unfair. I can only surmise that the reviewers weren't aware, or forgot, that this is part one of a trilogy...

The Elf Konowa, struck up images of Sean Bean in the Sharpe Series - irreverent and indifferent while instilling loyalty amongst his troops. Likewise, the dwarf, Yimt, with his shatterbow reminded me of Sharpe's trusted rifleman and his scattergun... Descriptive narrative took care of the rest. Shako's, flintlocks, canteens and kilts gave the novel a military flavor with some attitude.

Konowa's father, the wizard, Rallie, the "reporter" and her various creatures, Visyna the elf (and a witch) as well as the cast of characters, demons, possessed familiars and creatures all bring the element of fantasy full circle. Combining the historical with the fantastical, using humor and suspense, Chris has written a solid first novel.

Is it Tolkien or Donaldson? No. Few attain or hope to attain that status. What "A Darkness Forged in Fire" is, however, is a fun, engaging novel worth every penny from a new author full of promise. Buy it. It's worth waiting for the rest of the trilogy!