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Mithgar (Publication) #12
Into the Forge
Finally, the story of the Great War of the Ban is told! Two young wanderers are given a small copper coin by a dying human, who tells them to deliver it "East to Agron" and "warn all, " but dies before explaining who they are to deliver it to, and what they are to warn them of. Making matters worse, in order to deliver the message, the pair must pass through a war in the East between the Black Mage Modru and the alliance of free folk opposing him, and end up being drawn into events which threaten to overwhelm them, save for the coin which has much more significance than anyone could imagine!
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
34 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Dennis L. McKiernan
69 books517 followersMcKiernan was born in Moberly, Missouri, where he lived until he served the U.S. Air Force for four years, stationed within US territory during the Korean War. After military service, he attended the University of Missouri and received a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1958 and an M.S. in the same field from Duke University in 1964. He worked as an engineer at AT&T, initially at Western Electric but soon at Bell Laboratories, from 1958 until 1989. In 1989, after early retirement from engineering, McKiernan began writing on a full-time basis.
In 1977, while riding his motorcycle, McKiernan was hit by a car which had crossed the center-line, and was confined to a bed, first in traction and then in a hip spica cast, for many months. During his recuperation, he boldly began a sequel to J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The publisher Doubleday showed an interest in his work and tried to obtain authorization from Tolkien's estate but was denied. Doubleday then asked McKiernan to rewrite his story, placing the characters in a different fictitious world, and also to write a prequel supporting it. The prequel, of necessity, resembles The Lord of the Rings; the decision of Doubleday to issue the work as a trilogy increased that resemblance; and some critics have seen McKiernan as simply imitating Tolkien's epic work. McKiernan has subsequently developed stories in the series that followed along a story line different from those that plausibly could have been taken by Tolkien.
McKiernan's Faery Series expands tales draw from Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, additionally tying the selected tales together with a larger plot.
McKiernan currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
(Biography taken from Wikipedia)
In 1977, while riding his motorcycle, McKiernan was hit by a car which had crossed the center-line, and was confined to a bed, first in traction and then in a hip spica cast, for many months. During his recuperation, he boldly began a sequel to J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The publisher Doubleday showed an interest in his work and tried to obtain authorization from Tolkien's estate but was denied. Doubleday then asked McKiernan to rewrite his story, placing the characters in a different fictitious world, and also to write a prequel supporting it. The prequel, of necessity, resembles The Lord of the Rings; the decision of Doubleday to issue the work as a trilogy increased that resemblance; and some critics have seen McKiernan as simply imitating Tolkien's epic work. McKiernan has subsequently developed stories in the series that followed along a story line different from those that plausibly could have been taken by Tolkien.
McKiernan's Faery Series expands tales draw from Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, additionally tying the selected tales together with a larger plot.
McKiernan currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
(Biography taken from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 12, 2023
I last read this book back when it came out in 1997 when my son was a year old or so most likely reading when he was napping or sleeping.
Great to return to as I forgot a lot of what happened with the travels and adventures of Tip and Beau, the Warriors in this novel looking to return a coin to its owner putting them in the middle of a war.
While traveling with two elves the question of reactions came up “choices made are much like stones cast in a vast pond, the resulting ripples moving outward in an ever widening circle, causing echoes in all they touch”.
McKiernan, like always, is able to combine humor, philosophy, emotion, and deadly odds with his fantasy to create rich world building in his world of Mithgar.
Great to return to as I forgot a lot of what happened with the travels and adventures of Tip and Beau, the Warriors in this novel looking to return a coin to its owner putting them in the middle of a war.
While traveling with two elves the question of reactions came up “choices made are much like stones cast in a vast pond, the resulting ripples moving outward in an ever widening circle, causing echoes in all they touch”.
McKiernan, like always, is able to combine humor, philosophy, emotion, and deadly odds with his fantasy to create rich world building in his world of Mithgar.
August 5, 2011
Dennis L. Mckiernan is not an easy author to read. With that said, this was the first of his books that I have read, and is a very good place to start. While this book was not his first in the Mithgar world, it does take place prior to most of his others.
At first, all I could think was this book is yet another Tolkien rip-off (The reader is introduced to the main characters who are Warrows - a tiny, sort people with great dexterity... sound familiar?). However, as I started plowing into this book, I soon realized that while this novel does have alot in common with The Lord of the Rings, it does deviate quite a bit from the standard epic fantasy...
1. The main character does not suddenly develop godlike powers.
2. The main character does not find out he is the long lost son/nephew/brother to the ultra powerful king or emperor.
3. The main character does not sit back through the beginning of the story and let the grand muckamuck wizard lead him by the hand until he become the ultra-powerful world savior.
4. While there are "special" (read magical) weapons, there are none that are super ultra powerful that kills an entire army.
5. The main character does not need to throw a magic ring into the fires of Mt. Dhoom, if that needs to happen, it probably happened by the aforementioned wizard in #3 without bothering the main character at all.
The main character get lucky a few times which helps him survive. He is an average "person" who gets caught up in world changing events as he makes his own future. While there are prophecies, they are not all encompassing road maps to killing the great evil of the world.
This novel is endearing as it proves that epics fantasies do need average people doing average deeds to help save the world. This is a very impressive story, well written, and while it does leave some questions unanswered, they have their own books, and their own answers. Mckiernan does not try to answer every question about an entire world (or worlds) history during one book and instead spreads them among other stories.
At first, all I could think was this book is yet another Tolkien rip-off (The reader is introduced to the main characters who are Warrows - a tiny, sort people with great dexterity... sound familiar?). However, as I started plowing into this book, I soon realized that while this novel does have alot in common with The Lord of the Rings, it does deviate quite a bit from the standard epic fantasy...
1. The main character does not suddenly develop godlike powers.
2. The main character does not find out he is the long lost son/nephew/brother to the ultra powerful king or emperor.
3. The main character does not sit back through the beginning of the story and let the grand muckamuck wizard lead him by the hand until he become the ultra-powerful world savior.
4. While there are "special" (read magical) weapons, there are none that are super ultra powerful that kills an entire army.
5. The main character does not need to throw a magic ring into the fires of Mt. Dhoom, if that needs to happen, it probably happened by the aforementioned wizard in #3 without bothering the main character at all.
The main character get lucky a few times which helps him survive. He is an average "person" who gets caught up in world changing events as he makes his own future. While there are prophecies, they are not all encompassing road maps to killing the great evil of the world.
This novel is endearing as it proves that epics fantasies do need average people doing average deeds to help save the world. This is a very impressive story, well written, and while it does leave some questions unanswered, they have their own books, and their own answers. Mckiernan does not try to answer every question about an entire world (or worlds) history during one book and instead spreads them among other stories.
March 10, 2018
The Hel's Crucible duology is comprised of Into the Forge and Into the Fire. It's actually one really long story, so I suggest reading them back to back. It's the story of the War of The Ban, one of the most important events in the history of Mithgar, one which is mentioned frequently (and mysteriously!) in the earlier volumes. Forge moves rather slowly, but Fire picks up the pace and satisfactorily wraps up numerous plot points that have been left hanging for a long time. McKiernan's Mithgar series is one of the best modern high fantasies, and this is one of the keystone stories. (And no, it's not just for Tolkien fans!)
March 21, 2019
A great book, Into the Forge follows two warrows Beau and Tipperton (AKA Tip) as they try to delever a copper coin to fulfill a mission of great import with the instructions of take this east and find Argon warn people.
The warrows are my favorite characters in the mithgar universe, humble underestimated and witty. There are various races that they meet on the way to conplete thier quest. A fortunate thing as Tip has never been far from his home in Twoforks, having met few of his own kind. Theres a bit for everyone: love, mystery, sorrow, gore, banter (Although not as whitty as I thought it was when I first read it as a teen it still made me laugh).
The warrows are my favorite characters in the mithgar universe, humble underestimated and witty. There are various races that they meet on the way to conplete thier quest. A fortunate thing as Tip has never been far from his home in Twoforks, having met few of his own kind. Theres a bit for everyone: love, mystery, sorrow, gore, banter (Although not as whitty as I thought it was when I first read it as a teen it still made me laugh).
August 18, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It was by luck that I got this book and I've not been disappointed. Its got action, adventure and romance. I've laughed and cried with this book.
It is the first book by Dennis L. McKiernan that I've read but it won't be the last.
A lot of reviews mention Lord of the Rings with Dennis L. Mckeirnan work, so what I enjoyed it and that's all that matters.
It is the first book by Dennis L. McKiernan that I've read but it won't be the last.
A lot of reviews mention Lord of the Rings with Dennis L. Mckeirnan work, so what I enjoyed it and that's all that matters.
October 4, 2023
For those who prefer the journey to the destination, the works of Dennis L. McKiernan to which I’ve been exposed (The Dragonstone, Into the Forge, and Once Upon a Summer Day) are perfect. McKiernan has performed some serious world-building in preparation for these novels and he makes sure that the reader explores each league of the journey. Don’t get me wrong. There are some exciting encounters as well as some more mundane ones, supernatural challenges as well as more natural ones. Yet, one cannot help but have the feeling that McKiernan’s style is more apt for those who liked Fellowship of the Ring rather than Return of the King.
Into the Forge is the first novel of a duology which McKiernan entitled Hel’s Crucible. It is epic in scope yet, much like the classic epic in the genre, it is more about the personal decisions and development of individual personalities than about the horrendous aspects of war swirling around the multiple cultures of this well-conceived world. One almost sees this first volume as an overwhelming underdog position of a grand strategic wargame as the ultimate evil antagonist positions his pieces at all the vital logistic chokepoints of the map. And these chokepoints make a huge difference because the protagonist has been commissioned with an ordinary-looking artifact that seems to be of great importance. Yet, it is not clearly magical or understood by those whom the main protagonist meets. I look forward to discovering its real significance in the second volume.
Meanwhile, as the diminutive protagonist moves from danger to danger and discovery to discovery, McKiernan has opportunity for metaphysical discussions and speculation. The creation story in Into the Forge has no imago Dei as the first folklore curator engaged by the adventuring party states: “In spite of what some preach, ‘tis the greatest conceits for any peoples to believe they are created in the image of gods.” (p. 101) More important for McKiernan is his insistence on the interconnectedness of all things, the “Butterfly Effect,” if you will. Even with the “Butterfly Effect” emphasis, though, there is a provision for “free will:” “But for those events which overtake us-be they random or driven by the choice of another-it is how we respond to them which may help determine the nature and degree of what will come about in the end.” (p. 166)
Although it does not settle the issue, I particularly enjoyed the question engendered by one character’s near turning to the dark side in anticipation of a bloody vengeance. “Well, then, tell me this, bucco: just how many will you have to kill before the balance is struck?” (p. 305) Said question is asked in many different ways with many different nuances throughout the tale. Where the balance will settle will be up to the sequel and each reader to decide. Regardless, it is a fascinating exploration.
In addition, many epic fantasies limit the dramatic deaths to those met on the road or the equivalent of Star Trek “red shirts.” McKiernan isn’t afraid to kill off important characters-love interests, benevolent leaders, heroic warriors, and sympathetic “civilians.” Unlike the “red shirts,” there is not a great deal of relief when the supporting characters buy it, even when the main characters are spared. Death is costly and painful in these novels, as it should be.
Into the Forge only brings one to a tentative conclusion. I look forward to reading the second volume and finding the secret of the mundane-looking artifact. Don’t read Into the Forge if you’re looking for an action-scene rollercoaster. The action scenes are well-done, but they are not the primary focus for this volume.
Into the Forge is the first novel of a duology which McKiernan entitled Hel’s Crucible. It is epic in scope yet, much like the classic epic in the genre, it is more about the personal decisions and development of individual personalities than about the horrendous aspects of war swirling around the multiple cultures of this well-conceived world. One almost sees this first volume as an overwhelming underdog position of a grand strategic wargame as the ultimate evil antagonist positions his pieces at all the vital logistic chokepoints of the map. And these chokepoints make a huge difference because the protagonist has been commissioned with an ordinary-looking artifact that seems to be of great importance. Yet, it is not clearly magical or understood by those whom the main protagonist meets. I look forward to discovering its real significance in the second volume.
Meanwhile, as the diminutive protagonist moves from danger to danger and discovery to discovery, McKiernan has opportunity for metaphysical discussions and speculation. The creation story in Into the Forge has no imago Dei as the first folklore curator engaged by the adventuring party states: “In spite of what some preach, ‘tis the greatest conceits for any peoples to believe they are created in the image of gods.” (p. 101) More important for McKiernan is his insistence on the interconnectedness of all things, the “Butterfly Effect,” if you will. Even with the “Butterfly Effect” emphasis, though, there is a provision for “free will:” “But for those events which overtake us-be they random or driven by the choice of another-it is how we respond to them which may help determine the nature and degree of what will come about in the end.” (p. 166)
Although it does not settle the issue, I particularly enjoyed the question engendered by one character’s near turning to the dark side in anticipation of a bloody vengeance. “Well, then, tell me this, bucco: just how many will you have to kill before the balance is struck?” (p. 305) Said question is asked in many different ways with many different nuances throughout the tale. Where the balance will settle will be up to the sequel and each reader to decide. Regardless, it is a fascinating exploration.
In addition, many epic fantasies limit the dramatic deaths to those met on the road or the equivalent of Star Trek “red shirts.” McKiernan isn’t afraid to kill off important characters-love interests, benevolent leaders, heroic warriors, and sympathetic “civilians.” Unlike the “red shirts,” there is not a great deal of relief when the supporting characters buy it, even when the main characters are spared. Death is costly and painful in these novels, as it should be.
Into the Forge only brings one to a tentative conclusion. I look forward to reading the second volume and finding the secret of the mundane-looking artifact. Don’t read Into the Forge if you’re looking for an action-scene rollercoaster. The action scenes are well-done, but they are not the primary focus for this volume.
February 9, 2020
An enjoyable read - Dennis has quite the attention to detail , a familiar type of novel to the habitual Fantasy reader. There is travel through many lands with various obstacles and constant strife.
Some unhappy results at the end but the various magical foes brought well to life. Main characters quite relatable to you and me.
Some unhappy results at the end but the various magical foes brought well to life. Main characters quite relatable to you and me.
May 15, 2020
Solche Romane sind der Grund warum das Fantasy-Genre immer noch belächelt wird. Autoren wie McKiernan sind verantwortlich dafür, dass ein Genre mit viel Potenzial den Sprung zur Seriosität nicht schafft. Platte, farblose Charaktere - statt Hobbits gibts halt Wurrlinge. Schreibstil unter aller Kritik. Geschichte nach Herr-der-Ringe-Schablone abgepaust. Stillos. Unnötig.
March 17, 2018
I have waited a while to read this duology, and it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this High Fantasy saga. I enjoyed the read and I enjoyed the characters who are introduced.
January 16, 2020
Excellent read
Enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed Dennis McKiernan's work. I recommend this story to anyone who loves fantasy. Will read more.
Enjoyed this book. I have always enjoyed Dennis McKiernan's work. I recommend this story to anyone who loves fantasy. Will read more.
February 18, 2020
A bit slow to read. The constant name changes got a bit too much to keep track. Hopefully the second book is better.
April 17, 2020
For my review of this series see "Into the Fire"
May 31, 2022
3.5 stars. The ending really dragged
did-not-finish-or-start
October 29, 2023DNS 10/28/23
April 18, 2024
This book is very similar to Tolkien, so at times, it feels like a retelling. Not bad, just not enough newness for a higher rating.
February 10, 2025
Solid. Maybe 4.5. Part 1 of a duology
October 5, 2016
I love epic fantasy, and this does not dissappoint. Tolkien fans will definitely see the similarities and you are definitely aware of Mr. McKiernan's love for the genre. Some might see plagarism, but I think it's just a great appreciation for style. Very exciting read, and a great story. It's part one of two, and do not look for closure, this is only the beginning.
July 2, 2015
This is quite possibly the single most boring fantasy novel I have ever had the displeasure of reading. The vast majority of the novel is spent describing the journey of two Warrows (who are totally not Hobbits at all, nosirree) in excruciating detail. Tip and Beau have been charged with delivering a coin to a king in the easter part of the world as a warning about the war that has broken out between the gods of good and evil. What does the coin mean? Is it magical, or just a symbol? I have absolutely no idea. The entire novel goes by without my ever learning even the most basic fact about why this quest is significant or why I should care. A war that engulfs the entire world of Mithgar is raging, and yet McKiernan chooses to focus on two characters who basically do nothing. The idea of focusing on the small people in a big event is a nice one, but it doesn't work when so far they have had no effect on anything. I feel as if this entire book could have been condensed into a handful of chapters and added to the second novel as a prelude.
Beyond the dullness of the events, the characters themselves are fairly barebones cliches. The warrows are a miller and a healer. The healer heals and says "oh, my" far too much. The miller starts to learn to play a lute and angsts about the horrors of war. Their elven companions are even more poorly developed, though I do appreciate that one of them is female, meaning that this book has a slightly better go at having significant women than the other Mithgar novels I've read. These characters don't even manage to be 2D cliches - at least those might be interesting. Instead, there isn't enough material for a properly fleshed out character even if you squished everyone together. I wasn't a huge fan of McKiernan's retread of Lord of the Rings or his sequel, but at least he had a few clever spins on ripping off Tolkien. This novel attempts to depict his setting's equivalent of the War of Wrath and fails to excite any emotion other than boredom. I honestly do not know if I'll bother to read the second half of the duology, but if I do, my expectations could not possibly be lower.
Beyond the dullness of the events, the characters themselves are fairly barebones cliches. The warrows are a miller and a healer. The healer heals and says "oh, my" far too much. The miller starts to learn to play a lute and angsts about the horrors of war. Their elven companions are even more poorly developed, though I do appreciate that one of them is female, meaning that this book has a slightly better go at having significant women than the other Mithgar novels I've read. These characters don't even manage to be 2D cliches - at least those might be interesting. Instead, there isn't enough material for a properly fleshed out character even if you squished everyone together. I wasn't a huge fan of McKiernan's retread of Lord of the Rings or his sequel, but at least he had a few clever spins on ripping off Tolkien. This novel attempts to depict his setting's equivalent of the War of Wrath and fails to excite any emotion other than boredom. I honestly do not know if I'll bother to read the second half of the duology, but if I do, my expectations could not possibly be lower.
August 31, 2013
I think that Goodreads needs to update their review window because I just lost the entire review because I clinked on something that shouldn't have been a link.
By the way, the book sucks even more than the review writing window. The author, having written sound effects for a battle, such as "Thkk" and "plang", attempted to describe the sound of an arrow being pulled from a corpse: "censored". No, author. Spelling the F word with "th" doesn't make it anymore appropriate.
Also, the author likes to start sentences with "And then" a lot. Doesn't make for a thrilling read. I can't believe the author thought Tolkien's estate would accept this thinly disguised fanfic as a continuation of Lord of the Rings. The characters treat a battle like it's a drive-by entertainment, something to break up the monotony of travelling. Their response when they see a dragon fry a bunch of dwarves? "Maybe we should stop riding out in the open where the dragon can see us." "I do say, Tipperton, that sounds like a good idea."
Yeah...... This book wasn't even good enough as a bathroom reader. And yes, Tipperton is the main character's name.
By the way, the book sucks even more than the review writing window. The author, having written sound effects for a battle, such as "Thkk" and "plang", attempted to describe the sound of an arrow being pulled from a corpse: "censored". No, author. Spelling the F word with "th" doesn't make it anymore appropriate.
Also, the author likes to start sentences with "And then" a lot. Doesn't make for a thrilling read. I can't believe the author thought Tolkien's estate would accept this thinly disguised fanfic as a continuation of Lord of the Rings. The characters treat a battle like it's a drive-by entertainment, something to break up the monotony of travelling. Their response when they see a dragon fry a bunch of dwarves? "Maybe we should stop riding out in the open where the dragon can see us." "I do say, Tipperton, that sounds like a good idea."
Yeah...... This book wasn't even good enough as a bathroom reader. And yes, Tipperton is the main character's name.
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September 15, 2009Well... this book was ...
It had...
Bad writing. Bad, bad writing, no biscuit for you, Author!
Aside from the massive quantities of derivative plot (has everyone read Tolkien?) there were words that were used incorrectly, writhing unending sentences, and garbage bags full of overwriting and overexplaining.
Why did I keep reading it? Partially, because I was looking for the next BAD bit. Honestly, if this man had retained a decent editor, or someone to quieten down his purple prose, he might have had something.
It had...
Bad writing. Bad, bad writing, no biscuit for you, Author!
Aside from the massive quantities of derivative plot (has everyone read Tolkien?) there were words that were used incorrectly, writhing unending sentences, and garbage bags full of overwriting and overexplaining.
Why did I keep reading it? Partially, because I was looking for the next BAD bit. Honestly, if this man had retained a decent editor, or someone to quieten down his purple prose, he might have had something.
July 6, 2011
Dennis McKiernan has to be the most frustrating author to read ever. Does no one edit his books? At times I feel like I am reading Dostoevsky with all the different names he uses for things and the words he just seemingly makes up out of thin air. Into the Forge is the first half of a duology and isn't a horrible story, but the writing style is so hard to work through that it really isn't a pleasant read.
Oh well, forging ahead to Into the Fire where I am sure I will continue to struggle with the writing while somewhat enjoying the story itself.
Oh well, forging ahead to Into the Fire where I am sure I will continue to struggle with the writing while somewhat enjoying the story itself.
March 8, 2010
I am a fan of Mithgar and as such I have yet to come across a Mithgar book I didn't like. Of course some are better than others and it's been a while since I read this particular book, but it is an enjoyable story and time well spent.
November 25, 2011
Disappointing. Inferior rip-off of Tolkien, lacking the good plot and characters. The author uses the book as a blatant platform for his sociological views--which you can do, if it blends seamlessly into the story, except here it doesn't.
September 28, 2020
A lot of travelling that needed a little more excitement thrown in. There is a big lead up to a battle that, when it finally happens, is too brief but still exciting. A good fantasy adventure story that leads up to part two, Into the Fire.
October 6, 2015
The battle sequences were passable but if I had to read one more character declare "Lor'!", I may have hurled. It was amusing to read about characters "mak[ing] heady love" when normally it's all about being "sweet and gentle."
March 17, 2015
Nope.
March 2, 2020
This is my second time reading this and I never get bored. DM is right there along side Tolkien as a master story teller. Now I’m back to book #2!
November 3, 2015
I love McKiernan, and Into the Forge doesn't disappoint!
September 1, 2012
Quite enjoyable. Bad guys are bad, which is always fun. Now on to the 2nd book!
January 20, 2014
Decent Tolkien ripoff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews