gyttja's review
1.0
Hade inga höga förväntningar på den här boken då jag köpte den för att läsa uppe i fjällstugan och visste inte något om den. Kan förstå att folk gillar boken med den var tyvärr inget för mig. Det jag störde mig mest på är dialogen som jag aldrig tycker känns levande och därför ej häller karaktärerna. Berättelsen fokuserar mycket på det mystiska folkslag som träffas på precis i början. Genom resten av boken får man beskrivet för sig hur stora och starka dessa är, hur mycket vapen de bär på och hur extremt dödliga de är. Kvinnorna av detta folkslag är lika dödliga och muskulösa och inte att förglömma, för författeren kommer påminna dig om och om igen, väldigt vackra. När jag tänker efter så tror jag att varenda kvinnlig karaktär som är med någon gång beskrivs som vacker. Det jag ändå gillade med boken var att den gick lätt att läsa trots väldigt underligt språk ibland.
mferrante83's review against another edition
4.0
Before I started Graduate school way back in the late ‘aughts I read a little book called Writ in Blood by James A. Moore. Set in the small town of Serenity Falls, Writ in Blood was a fantastic little book that marked the beginning of a trilogy detailing the horrific past and present of a small town long past its heyday. Sadly by the time I was done with graduate school the Serenity Falls series was out of print. Moore recently entered the fantasy scene with Seven Forges published by the fine folks over at Angry Robot. The novel opens with the mercenary caption Merros Dulver on an expedition into the dangerous Blasted Lands there to investigate the enigmatic Seven Forges; a range of strange mountains. Sent by the Emperor’s Sorcerous advisor, Desh Krohan, Merros is startled to discover that the Blasted Lands and the Seven Forges themselves are not as uninhabited as previously thought.
Billed by some as epic fantasy there is something very old school swords and sorcery about Seven Forges. Moore seems to be working with a milieu less reminiscent of J R. R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan but rather feels like something closer to the works of Robert Howard, C. L. Moore, Michael Moorcock and Frtiz Lieber. Maybe it’s for this reason, and I might be completely off base here, that I suspect that Seven Forges is in truth a novel of science fantasy. The Blasted Lands, created by some great cataclysm; a ruined city full of strange beasts; the Seven Forges themselves and some details about the S’aba Taalor learned over the course of the novel lead me to believe that we are dealing with a setting that is taking place somewhere in the far future.
The early parts of Seven Forges deal with Merros’ expedition and the discovery of the S’aba Taalor. From there, as the expedition is introduced to the people who live in and beyond the Blasted Lands, the novel deals with the repercussions of that discovery. The empire of Fellein begins to treat with this strange new people whose odd culture seems primarily founded a zealous dedication to survival and the martial arts filtered through a religion lead by the gods represented by the Seven Forges themselves. There is a constant sense that the people of the Fellein Empire are off balance and that hidden currents and knowledge held by the S’aba Taalor are driving events forward. This sets up a nice undercurrent of tension leaving readers constantly wondering about the motivations of this strange people.
Seven Forges struggles somewhat with characterization. The novel sets up an immediate connection with Merros Dulver and Moore does a wonderful job in creating a complicated character whose sense of personal honor and duty contrasts with his desire for wealth and notoriety. Other characterizations are less assured. Andover, a blacksmith’s apprentice who is drawn into events due to his crush on Desh Krohan’s apprentice, fills a more traditional fantasy role reminiscent of the farm boy hero and doesn’t move to far past that trope. Desh Krohan is another interesting case; an ancient sorcerer who has shepherded the Fellein Empire across generations is at times slightly comical as he plays upon his reputation for effect. However, Desh’s motivations are never quite clear. There a handful of the S’abor Taalor whose perspective readers are treated to however, Moore has to walk a fine line between illustrating their culture and keeping their motivations somewhat hidden. The result being that I never felt I understood what exactly the S’abor Taalor were trying to accomplish.
Seven Forges is a fast, entertaining read with a rich setting. Moore adeptly handles scenic descriptions, particular during the novel’s opening chapters, and shows a real knack for describing frenetic scenes of battle and violence. Moore is adept at conveying tone both through description and action; a skill that I’d like to attribute to his experience as a horror writer. The closing chapters of Seven Forges really ramp up the action but offer surprisingly little resolution of the many mysteries introduced over the course of the novel. While the ending isn’t exactly a cliffhanger it does leave me eager to start the next book in the series The Blasted Lands.
Billed by some as epic fantasy there is something very old school swords and sorcery about Seven Forges. Moore seems to be working with a milieu less reminiscent of J R. R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan but rather feels like something closer to the works of Robert Howard, C. L. Moore, Michael Moorcock and Frtiz Lieber. Maybe it’s for this reason, and I might be completely off base here, that I suspect that Seven Forges is in truth a novel of science fantasy. The Blasted Lands, created by some great cataclysm; a ruined city full of strange beasts; the Seven Forges themselves and some details about the S’aba Taalor learned over the course of the novel lead me to believe that we are dealing with a setting that is taking place somewhere in the far future.
The early parts of Seven Forges deal with Merros’ expedition and the discovery of the S’aba Taalor. From there, as the expedition is introduced to the people who live in and beyond the Blasted Lands, the novel deals with the repercussions of that discovery. The empire of Fellein begins to treat with this strange new people whose odd culture seems primarily founded a zealous dedication to survival and the martial arts filtered through a religion lead by the gods represented by the Seven Forges themselves. There is a constant sense that the people of the Fellein Empire are off balance and that hidden currents and knowledge held by the S’aba Taalor are driving events forward. This sets up a nice undercurrent of tension leaving readers constantly wondering about the motivations of this strange people.
Seven Forges struggles somewhat with characterization. The novel sets up an immediate connection with Merros Dulver and Moore does a wonderful job in creating a complicated character whose sense of personal honor and duty contrasts with his desire for wealth and notoriety. Other characterizations are less assured. Andover, a blacksmith’s apprentice who is drawn into events due to his crush on Desh Krohan’s apprentice, fills a more traditional fantasy role reminiscent of the farm boy hero and doesn’t move to far past that trope. Desh Krohan is another interesting case; an ancient sorcerer who has shepherded the Fellein Empire across generations is at times slightly comical as he plays upon his reputation for effect. However, Desh’s motivations are never quite clear. There a handful of the S’abor Taalor whose perspective readers are treated to however, Moore has to walk a fine line between illustrating their culture and keeping their motivations somewhat hidden. The result being that I never felt I understood what exactly the S’abor Taalor were trying to accomplish.
Seven Forges is a fast, entertaining read with a rich setting. Moore adeptly handles scenic descriptions, particular during the novel’s opening chapters, and shows a real knack for describing frenetic scenes of battle and violence. Moore is adept at conveying tone both through description and action; a skill that I’d like to attribute to his experience as a horror writer. The closing chapters of Seven Forges really ramp up the action but offer surprisingly little resolution of the many mysteries introduced over the course of the novel. While the ending isn’t exactly a cliffhanger it does leave me eager to start the next book in the series The Blasted Lands.
nixnixnixnixnix's review
1.0
Ugh. What a frustrating read. I was determined to finish it, so I did.
Although it was painful from start to finish. I had a constant, relentless hope that somehow it would live up to its potential.
Totally never happened.
There was potential in the world building. In the relationships between the two main kingdoms. In the mysterious sorcery and the creatures that were never really explained. The rest was an utter drag. The men were all sleazy. The women were painfully demure, dumb, or basically brainwashed. The dialogue was like a B-movie that's trying way too hard rather than just living up to its potential B-movie awesomeness.
The real kicker was the end. The very literal end. The last sentence.
I spent a good 5 minutes trying to figure out if my e-book crapped out and deleted 15 pages, but, nope, it just ends. This wasn't even a suspenseful cliff hanger. It just walked straight off the cliff without a warning. Like a sentence that was cut in half.
I was giving this a solid 2 stars until the cliff hanger that went awry. Now I need to find a palate cleanser for my brain.
Although it was painful from start to finish. I had a constant, relentless hope that somehow it would live up to its potential.
Totally never happened.
There was potential in the world building. In the relationships between the two main kingdoms. In the mysterious sorcery and the creatures that were never really explained. The rest was an utter drag. The men were all sleazy. The women were painfully demure, dumb, or basically brainwashed. The dialogue was like a B-movie that's trying way too hard rather than just living up to its potential B-movie awesomeness.
The real kicker was the end. The very literal end. The last sentence.
I spent a good 5 minutes trying to figure out if my e-book crapped out and deleted 15 pages, but, nope, it just ends. This wasn't even a suspenseful cliff hanger. It just walked straight off the cliff without a warning. Like a sentence that was cut in half.
I was giving this a solid 2 stars until the cliff hanger that went awry. Now I need to find a palate cleanser for my brain.
bookishrabbit's review
2.0
Definitely a disappointing read. I ignored a lot of the lower reviews based on the book description, but I agree with them. Captain Merros Dulver of the Fellein Empire is sent with his men to explore the Blasted Lands, and to get there they have to go through the mountains called the Seven Forges. Different cultures come together, and the question is whether the people of the Seven Forges are going to be allies or enemies to the Fellein Empire.
The writing isn't that great, the dialogue is obvious, and I really didn't care if any of the characters died. The last third or so of the book was much more interesting, and I've heard the next book in the series is better, so I may give it a shot.
The writing isn't that great, the dialogue is obvious, and I really didn't care if any of the characters died. The last third or so of the book was much more interesting, and I've heard the next book in the series is better, so I may give it a shot.
old_tim's review
3.0
The setup for Seven Forges is straightforward. A retired soldier is hired to lead an exploratory expedition into the unmapped wilderness bordering an empire. To his surprise he encounters members of a brutal theocracy. Members of this society, the Sa’ba Taalor, are sent back to the Empire and the effects of this visit could change the world for everyone.
It’s difficult to evaluate Seven Forges because it reads like half a novel. As the book ends, all important storylines are going full speed. How can a reader evaluate the development of character, theme, etc when it is all willfully left until the second volume? At the end of the book, character and world building both feel a bit under cooked. Is this intentional? Will there be significantly more in the next volume? Your guess is as good as mine.
I will say that Moore does a great job controlling the information that we get about these strange people at the edge of the world. The mystery of what exactly is going on with the Sa’ba Taalor is central to the book, so it feels intentional that we don’t know very much about them. However, Moore slowly gives us information, some of which just raises more questions.
This sense of discovery and learning just exactly what is going on is central to what is enjoyable about Seven Forges. Most of the time the reader doesn’t know any more than the characters from the Empire. And as events start to get more complicated, we want to understand just what exactly is going on. But Moore steadfastly refuses to answer all the questions, even as we start to puzzle out answers to a few.
If you are the sort of fantasy reader who enjoys super detailed lists and food descriptions, or elaborate magical systems, then this may be a frustrating read for you. Seven Forges is not that kind of book. I would encourage you to try to embrace the bloody mysteries of this world.
It’s difficult to evaluate Seven Forges because it reads like half a novel. As the book ends, all important storylines are going full speed. How can a reader evaluate the development of character, theme, etc when it is all willfully left until the second volume? At the end of the book, character and world building both feel a bit under cooked. Is this intentional? Will there be significantly more in the next volume? Your guess is as good as mine.
I will say that Moore does a great job controlling the information that we get about these strange people at the edge of the world. The mystery of what exactly is going on with the Sa’ba Taalor is central to the book, so it feels intentional that we don’t know very much about them. However, Moore slowly gives us information, some of which just raises more questions.
This sense of discovery and learning just exactly what is going on is central to what is enjoyable about Seven Forges. Most of the time the reader doesn’t know any more than the characters from the Empire. And as events start to get more complicated, we want to understand just what exactly is going on. But Moore steadfastly refuses to answer all the questions, even as we start to puzzle out answers to a few.
If you are the sort of fantasy reader who enjoys super detailed lists and food descriptions, or elaborate magical systems, then this may be a frustrating read for you. Seven Forges is not that kind of book. I would encourage you to try to embrace the bloody mysteries of this world.
alexiachantel's review
4.0
Moore brings an epic fantasy in a frozen wasteland filled with frightening creatures and complex characters. When you begin Seven Forges the world seems to be doing fine but as you continue the pieces fit into place until you realize things are not truly as good as they seemed.
The world building, memorable characters, and a sense of doom make Seven Forges a fun read and a great start to the new series.
The world building, memorable characters, and a sense of doom make Seven Forges a fun read and a great start to the new series.
mel_d's review
3.0
This was a very good first book and I liked it. I am thinking very seriously of picking the next books, because I really want to see where this is going.
As others have mentioned, the big strength of the book is in the world building and descriptions of the Sa’ba Taalor. By getting to know individual characters we are learning about their civilization and culture. And about their gods who play a very important role. I am not very clear about how the magic system, but this is more to learn in the following books. I greatly enjoyed the interactions between Merros, Wollis, and the Sa’ba Taalor. By highlighting the differences and similarities, we learn about their individual characters and their respective cultures.
Overall, this was a very strong debut in a series and I liked it.
Spoiler
I also want to read about some serious battles and not only about skirmishes.As others have mentioned, the big strength of the book is in the world building and descriptions of the Sa’ba Taalor. By getting to know individual characters we are learning about their civilization and culture. And about their gods who play a very important role. I am not very clear about how the magic system, but this is more to learn in the following books. I greatly enjoyed the interactions between Merros, Wollis, and the Sa’ba Taalor. By highlighting the differences and similarities, we learn about their individual characters and their respective cultures.
Overall, this was a very strong debut in a series and I liked it.
beau_kemp's review
3.0
Mixed feelings about this one. While I enjoyed the story, it was slow to start and took off like a rocket in the last 15% or so, leaving with a cliff hanger ending. The pacing is not all that bothers me, it's the writing style. Hard to tell which character is speaking at times, and the POV can change from one paragraph to the next with no warning and is confusing. I never really connected with any of the characters, except for Merros and to a degree, Desh. Not sure if I will pick up the next book, but the story is interesting enough that it may be worth the while.
vaderbird's review
2.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
dankeohane's review
5.0
This is one of the best, most enjoyable novels I’ve read in a long time, and, quite honestly, the best high fantasy novel I’ve ever read, period. The story begins in motion and never lets up. Helpful in this regard are the multiple story lines throughout the narrative, from the perilous voyage to the land called Seven Forges and the discovery of a kingdom of warriors long separated from the rest of the world, to the story of a young man cruelly beaten and maimed who gets a new chance at life, to the Sorcerer who advices, and in truth pretty much runs, the kingdom of Fellein. The characters are all very unique, especially the people/warriors of the Seven Forges. No cookie-cutter Tolkien-esque cut-outs to be found here. I found each character to be well thought-out and real and, most importantly, infinitely likeable. Moore’s brilliant writing is direct and clear, painting locations and people with concise prose that moves along and doesn’t get bogged down in its own writing. With just enough humor added in for balance, this action-packed, at times violent, novel was consistently a joy to read. As a reader, the fact that I looked forward to returning to the book every day says volumes in my mind. This is what a fantasy novel should be. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.