The Dark Tide

The Iron Tower Trilogy, Book 1

By: Dennis L. McKiernan

Narrated by: Cameron Beierle

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Tuck Underbank is a Warrow -- think a hobbit with shoes and "large jewel-like eyes" -- living in the peaceful Boskydells. When an unnaturally cold winter strikes and the evil Modru threatens the world, he and a number of his fellow Thornwalkers go to the High King's aid. But a vast expanse of lightless blizzard called the Dimmendark (sounds bad, doesn't it?) is spreading over the land, and Tuck soon finds that the "dark tide" is going to swamp them all.

Despite the fact that they're tiny and temperamental, the Warrows get included in the military forces. But the High King doesn't have enough warriors to hold off the horde of slobbering monsters who are coming to attack. And the battle goes horribly wrong, separating the friends from one another and possibly dooming them all.

©1985 Dennis L. McKiernan (P)2009 Books In Motion

A great reworking of The Lord of the Rings

As long as you approach McKiernan's first two Mithgar series as reworkings or retellings of Tolkien's LotR saga, you'll be able to appreciate them for the rousing tales of heroism and adventure that they are. McKiernan is actually a first rate storyteller, and one who developed his own style and voice in later novels, but the Iron Tower Trilogy remains a beloved tale of epic fantasy for me.
Cameron Beierle's narration was solid, which was something of a pleasant surprise because I had some issues with his narration of David Eddings' Belgariad novels.

J.R.R. couldn't have done it better, himself.

A shining example of what fantasy could and should be. I wouldn't change a word.

Middle Earth done right

Does the Dark Tower trilogy steal from LOTR? Absolutely. Is Dragondoom inspired by the Hobbit? Undoubtedly. However, McKiernan writes a story that improves upon every idea put forth by Tolkien. Look, Tolkien is famous for being first. Unfortunately, that's about all you can say for his writing. He was a linguist, not an author or a story teller which is probably why his writing is so terribly dry, boring, and needlessly descriptive. McKiernan's stories are well fleshed out and stirring. If you can't get past the similarities to Tolkien, then pick up Voyage of the Fox Rider or Eye of the Hunter. (or from Audible, the Silver Call duology) Two EXCELLENT McKiernan books that are entirely original. If you're like me and you can't stand reading Tolkien's textbooks...pick up the Iron Tower..and enjoy the story the way it could have been...better!

As for the audio version of the Iron Tower. Once I got used to his narration, I thoroughly enjoyed Bierle's style. Only problem I had was Patrel's voice (being the smallest of the Warrow's) was the deepest..which grated on me. Otherwise I loved all three audiobooks.

The Dark Tide

it was awesome!!! it has been years since I read the book. I loved it then and I still do

Good listen if you like lotr fanfiction

I like it even tho it reads like LOTR fanfiction, the warrows are like hobbits but much deadlier

A Tough Review Of A Carbon Copy...

Let's get to it - Short and sweet.

If you like the Lord of the Rings, but want to avoid the detailed monologues, descriptive family histories, and tedious and long world descriptions found in the Lord of the Rings, this series may be for you.

Here's the problem. This can't be more of a carbon copy of the formula used in The Lord of the Rings - An unlikely hero, a ragtag group to bring about an almost impossible task, a dark enemy of pure evil to get in the way, along with various races mixed up in the war. Only this tiny hero and his team can possibly overcome the impending doom that threatens to swallow the world.

Sound familiar?

Of course it does, but here's where my interest lies: It's a well-written carbon copy without the trapping of an epic trilogy. Think lighter, more casual listening for the simple fun of it. Most people do NOT make it through the Lord of the Rings because of that very reason - It's HEAVY reading. Will you re-listen to this yearly like you might with LotR? Definitely NO. You will however, consider revisiting it once in a very blue moon.

It's written well, and consistently well, at that. BUT...remember, Lord of the Rings it is NOT. Lower your literary expectations for just a little while, loosen your tie, and have a little fun with this enjoyable first book in the series.

masterful performance!

Cameron Beierle has established himself as the premier storyteller of his age. a fine fantasy story becomes a magic journey in his capable hands.

The Tide is rising

In the realm of fantasy literature, the echoes of Tolkien's monumental "The Lord of the Rings" are heard far and wide. Dennis L. McKiernan's "The Dark Tide: The Iron Tower Trilogy, Book 1" is no exception, but it dances to its own tune, crafting a story that stands independently despite its familiar roots. As I embarked on this audio adventure, I found myself traversing a landscape of rich storytelling and intricate characters, yet my journey was marred by the uneven narration of Cameron Beierle.

"The Dark Tide" introduces readers to Tuck Underbank, a Warrow - a diminutive race akin to hobbits but with their unique charm and quirks. McKiernan's world is the peaceful Boskydells, but when an unnatural winter descends and the malevolent Modru threatens their world, Tuck and his fellow Thornwalkers answer the High King's call for aid. The stage is set for an epic struggle against the encroaching darkness, as the enigmatic Dimmendark engulfs the land, casting a shadow of despair.

Let's begin with the auditory aspect of this audiobook. Cameron Beierle's narration is a mixed bag, presenting both strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to character voices, Beierle displays commendable skill. He captures the essence of various characters, including female ones, effectively distinguishing each with distinct vocal nuances. However, it's in the non-dialogue narration that Beierle's performance falters. His switch to what can only be described as a commercialized radio voice during these parts is jarring, disconnecting the listener from the story. It's akin to the sound of a marble rolling around inside a copper pot - an unpleasant intrusion into the immersive experience.

As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that McKiernan draws inspiration from Tolkien's masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings." However, rather than merely replicating Tolkien's world, he reshapes it with his unique vision. And this is where "The Dark Tide" shines. McKiernan's storytelling prowess is undeniable. He manages to address some of the criticisms aimed at Tolkien's work, such as sweeping racial generalizations and the absence of mundane details like characters needing to relieve themselves. In contrast, McKiernan's world is inhabited by characters who act logically, display creativity, and exhibit their humanity, free from the constraints of racial stereotypes.

Tuck Underbank, our diminutive protagonist, is a shining example of McKiernan's character depth. While drawing comparisons to Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings" is inevitable, Tuck proves to be a more personable and multi-dimensional character. His journey is one of growth and self-discovery, which adds layers to his character and makes him relatable on a human level.

Parallel characters like Galen, who bears similarities to Aragorn (or Strider), also undergo their own distinct arcs. Galen's self-assuredness and firm sense of identity set him apart, yet he still experiences personal growth throughout the narrative. This adds depth to the cast, making them more than just archetypal figures.

McKiernan's world-building is another noteworthy aspect of "The Dark Tide." He paints a vivid and immersive landscape, allowing listeners to easily visualize the Boskydells and the encroaching Dimmendark. His attention to detail in describing the world, its creatures, and its cultures enhances the overall experience, drawing readers deeper into the story.

One of the standout features of McKiernan's work is the intriguing religious premise woven into the narrative. It provides a unique perspective on the spiritual elements within the story and adds a layer of depth that enriches the overall narrative.

While "The Dark Tide" pays homage to Tolkien, it does so in a way that doesn't diminish or insult the original work. McKiernan successfully reimagines a classic framework with his distinctive style, crafting a satisfying tale on its own merits. While it may not provide the same type of enjoyment as "The Lord of the Rings," it stands as a worthy companion for those who appreciate epic fantasy adventures.

However, it's worth addressing one notable issue with the audiobook narration. Whether it's due to Cameron Beierle's unfamiliarity with fantasy terminology or unusual spellings by the author, there are instances where pronunciations become distracting. "Ghouls" is pronounced as "Ga-hools," and even "Ogres" sounds peculiar when spoken. This discrepancy in pronunciation can be somewhat perplexing for listeners familiar with traditional fantasy terminology.

In conclusion, "The Dark Tide: The Iron Tower Trilogy, Book 1" by Dennis L. McKiernan offers a compelling and imaginative fantasy tale that, despite its inspirations, stands firmly on its own merits. The audiobook's narration, while strong in character voices, falters during non-dialogue narration, disrupting the overall experience. Nonetheless, the strengths of the story, the depth of its characters, and the vividness of its world-building make it a worthwhile addition to the realm of epic fantasy literature. For fans of fantasy who are willing to embark on a familiar yet distinct journey, "The Dark Tide" is a commendable choice.

Rip roaring

If you like cheering for the "LITTLE GUYS" this is a rip-roaring epic adventure, with characters worth rooting for.

Great Story, OK Narration

Would you consider the audio edition of The Dark Tide to be better than the print version?

I would recommend the print version over this particular narration.

How could the performance have been better?

To many pauses in the cadence of the Narration. At times I thought I was hearing a Shattner impersonation. His creation of the various characters was great, the narration between characters was weak.