Forge of Darkness

Kharkanas Trilogy, Book 1

By: Steven Erikson

Narrated by: Daniel Philpott

Steven Erikson entered the pantheon of great fantasy writers in 1999 with his debut, Gardens of the Moon. In the span of just 10 years, he completed his epic telling of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, collecting hordes of fans along the way. Now Erikson returns with a place for new listeners to enter the Malazan world, a trilogy that takes place at a time before the events of the concluded series.

Forge of Darkness takes listeners to Kurald Galain, the warren of Darkness, and tells of a realm whose fate plays a crucial role in the fall of the Malazan Empire and surrounds one of the Malazan world’s most fascinating and powerful characters, Anomander Rake. It’s a conflicted time in Kurald Galain, where Mother Dark reigns above the Tiste people. But this ancient land was once home to many a power...and even death is not quite eternal.

The commoners’ great hero, Vatha Urusander, longs for ascendency and Mother Dark’s hand in marriage, but she has taken another Consort, Lord Draconus, from the faraway Dracons Hold. The idea of this union sends fissures throughout the realm, and as the rumors of an inevitable civil war burn through the masses, something emerges from the long-dead seas. The Vitr - an ancient power that shakes the dormant and dying powers of the past. Caught in the middle of it all are the Sons of Darkness: Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin of the Purake Hold.

It’s a time of great strife as the past and the present of this warren boil with unfathomable alliances, great deceptions, and even greater passions...of both love and hate. This ancient tale within the world Erikson introduced in the Malazan Book of the Fallen should appeal to fans of George R. R. Martin for its characters and intrigue, but goes leaps further in the realm of the imagination.

©2012 Steven Erikson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A Precursor Epic Fantasy - A Rewarding Beginning!

Steven Erikson challenges the traditional fantasy genre' with his "Book of the Fallen" series, and again, more so, with this first book in his new precursor Kharkanas trilogy, "Forge of Darkness."

First, a brief review: A stirring, powerful, thought-provoking, wonderful "must read."

Now, a bit more info.

I've read this before I listened to it. It's HUGE. Just as in his "Fallen" works, this requires you to think. AND. It's setting the groundworks for a strong, amazing trilogy down the road. If you liked "Gardens of the Moon," which I've already reviewed here at Audible, you'll love this book. "Gardens" carries it's work somewhat herein, so you'll be comfortable. The descriptions are astounding, the plots and storylines immense, and the fantasy element is superb. A powerful mix of fantasy, machiavellian plots and engaging characters.

No spoilers here, as usual. I WILL tell you to look at my review of Erikson's "Gardens of the Moon," so you can get a better idea, if you need one.

This is EPIC. Strong fantasy at it's finest. And just like "Gardens," it's not a casual listen.

This is fantasy on par with NOTHING else out there. It's unique and refreshing. And again, anyone who knows Erikson's works will agree: He's preparing us in this first book for very great things.

Enjoy.

Complex and Intricate

Very long work full of surprises, and packed with content. This one took me longer to finish than his others, but it is well worth doing.

Good thing I've read the Malazan books!

At least I had a basic understanding of some of it, lol. This is another one that will require at least 2 more reads.

Erikson's best yet

I've been taken by each of Erikson's books so far, but this one is the most articulate, most cohesive, and most compelling yet. Please keep them coming!

I can't believe I have to wait for the next book!

Where does Forge of Darkness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right at the top. The production is great, the narrator is engaging and consistent. Erikson is at his most philosophical and his prose is deliciously dark, but at times still warm and humorous.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Draconus. He is the beating heart of the book for me.

What about Daniel Philpott’s performance did you like?

The most important thing about a narrator for me is that they make it easier, not harder, to follow the storyline. Philpott does this.