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The Farsala Trilogy #3
Forging the Sword
"The spirit of the ancient champion, Sorahb was reborn into the body of a deghan youth, who raised an army of peasants to resist their Hrum conquerors."Sorya, Kavi, and Jiann do everything they can to keep control of what little land remains free from Hrum rule. They have most of the peasantry, a small, untrained army, and the Suud helping them, but there is still one important piece a sword that is able to withstand the Hrum's watersteel. Without it, Farsala will fall.
But what none of these young heroes can foresee is the growing desperation of the Hrum leaders. It will lead them to break some of their own laws and sacred pacts. It will also reveal truths about the nature of war, the nature of human beings, and -- most important -- themselves.
But what none of these young heroes can foresee is the growing desperation of the Hrum leaders. It will lead them to break some of their own laws and sacred pacts. It will also reveal truths about the nature of war, the nature of human beings, and -- most important -- themselves.
Hardcover
First published November 1, 2006
12 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
About the author
Hilari Bell
100 books648 followersAs far as writing is concerned, I call myself the poster child for persistence. Songs of Power, the first novel I sold, was the 5th novel I'd written. When it sold I was working on novel #13. The next to sell, Navohar, was #12, and the next, A Matter of Profit, was #9. The Goblin Wood was #6, and the first Sorahb book, Flame (later renamed Farsala: Fall of a Kingdom), will be #15. You get the picture.
My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.
Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.
I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.
My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.
Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.
I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 31, 2014
Forging the Sword is the final volume in the excellent, non-European political fantasy Farsala trilogy. The first book, Fall of a Kingdom, is good; it establishes the world and its lead characters' motivations very well. The second book, Rise of a Hero, is better. This, the final volume, is the strongest of them all. It's exciting, to read and reread a series that gets better as it goes.
The trilogy is about the attack of the Hrum empire on the kingdom of Farsala. That summation leaves out the meat of the story, though. The series begins with the ruling class of Farsala - their politics, their class system, their treatment of subordinates. It continues as the story of the cities and countrymen, the miners and desert-dwellers and peddlers that comprise the kingdom. It becomes an examination of the lengths people will go to fight for freedom - and where they'll draw the line - and what exactly freedom means. It's about governance. It's about trust and betrayal and rebellion, and how individual people can affect empires and kingdoms. It's about how far people will go for revenge. It's about war, and what goes into a war beyond the actual fighting; it's about teamwork and spies and prisoners. It's about risky - and entertaining! - plans and clever tactics.
The Farsala trilogy is a smart, thoughtful story with good and bad on both sides, a story with a strong eye toward political implications and the imperfections of kingdoms and human beings. (There are times when it could be more nuanced - not because the story lacks nuance, but because sometimes it's hammered home a bit strongly.)
I'm spending a lot of time talking about the books' themes and how they really work for me, but the reason they work as well as they do is because of the characters who live the story.
There are three protagonists, three points of view: Soraya, the spoiled daughter of the noble commander of Farsala's army; Jiann, her unacknowledged illegitimate half-brother in the Farsalan army; and Kavi, the peddler with the painful past and complicated future. I find Kavi's point of view the most compelling, but all three grow, and that growth feels earned and remarkably well done. These are three journeys with surprising, but fitting, destinations.
And then there are the little snippets, almost unconnected to the plot, about the legendary hero Sorahb. In a way they're the story's heart, a hint at its greatest theme. The ideas these snippets suggest about history and myth, truth and lies and ambiguity - they give the series a greater historical perspective, an overview of how history is shaped and about the stories we tell ourselves.
It's something that connects very well with Kavi's characterization, something that makes the book feel more complete. Something that makes the ending very satisfying.
I haven't even mentioned the Suud or the Kadeshi or the Hrum swordsmanship. Or Mazad. This is fantasy that's smart and political and detailed. A story where every apprentice who spills a keg of nails on the road before a Hrum patrol passes is Sorahb.
Or is he?
The trilogy is about the attack of the Hrum empire on the kingdom of Farsala. That summation leaves out the meat of the story, though. The series begins with the ruling class of Farsala - their politics, their class system, their treatment of subordinates. It continues as the story of the cities and countrymen, the miners and desert-dwellers and peddlers that comprise the kingdom. It becomes an examination of the lengths people will go to fight for freedom - and where they'll draw the line - and what exactly freedom means. It's about governance. It's about trust and betrayal and rebellion, and how individual people can affect empires and kingdoms. It's about how far people will go for revenge. It's about war, and what goes into a war beyond the actual fighting; it's about teamwork and spies and prisoners. It's about risky - and entertaining! - plans and clever tactics.
The Farsala trilogy is a smart, thoughtful story with good and bad on both sides, a story with a strong eye toward political implications and the imperfections of kingdoms and human beings. (There are times when it could be more nuanced - not because the story lacks nuance, but because sometimes it's hammered home a bit strongly.)
I'm spending a lot of time talking about the books' themes and how they really work for me, but the reason they work as well as they do is because of the characters who live the story.
There are three protagonists, three points of view: Soraya, the spoiled daughter of the noble commander of Farsala's army; Jiann, her unacknowledged illegitimate half-brother in the Farsalan army; and Kavi, the peddler with the painful past and complicated future. I find Kavi's point of view the most compelling, but all three grow, and that growth feels earned and remarkably well done. These are three journeys with surprising, but fitting, destinations.
And then there are the little snippets, almost unconnected to the plot, about the legendary hero Sorahb. In a way they're the story's heart, a hint at its greatest theme. The ideas these snippets suggest about history and myth, truth and lies and ambiguity - they give the series a greater historical perspective, an overview of how history is shaped and about the stories we tell ourselves.
It's something that connects very well with Kavi's characterization, something that makes the book feel more complete. Something that makes the ending very satisfying.
I haven't even mentioned the Suud or the Kadeshi or the Hrum swordsmanship. Or Mazad. This is fantasy that's smart and political and detailed. A story where every apprentice who spills a keg of nails on the road before a Hrum patrol passes is Sorahb.
Or is he?
July 7, 2014
This third book in the Farsala trilogy was great! I truly enjoyed reading it, and the entire series. It was fun, exciting, and unexpected.
*Spoiler*
I especially like the lack of romance. It was really nice to explore the intricacies and deepness of relationships that are not remotely romantic in nature.
While the setting and overall story were great, I loved the characters best. Kavi is probably the coolest peddler/rebel/spy ever. The official story of Sorahb side by side with the actual events is truly interesting. Hilari Bell is such a fun author to read! I have not yet read anything of hers that I didn't like.
*Spoiler*
I especially like the lack of romance. It was really nice to explore the intricacies and deepness of relationships that are not remotely romantic in nature.
While the setting and overall story were great, I loved the characters best. Kavi is probably the coolest peddler/rebel/spy ever. The official story of Sorahb side by side with the actual events is truly interesting. Hilari Bell is such a fun author to read! I have not yet read anything of hers that I didn't like.
August 22, 2016
How does a ragtag volunteer army in need of a shower
Somehow defeat a global superpower?
Sooooooooo I was super surprised these books didn't whip out a romance in the last act.
Maybe a real review coming someday.
Somehow defeat a global superpower?
Sooooooooo I was super surprised these books didn't whip out a romance in the last act.
Maybe a real review coming someday.
August 8, 2010
This book had me up until 1 a.m. It was a fantastic conclusion to the Farsala trilogy: The battle plans had verisimilitude (though honestly, I know nothing of war so I can't judge). The importance of honor rang true with me. Jiaan's character development was absolutely stunning, and I particularly enjoyed his interactions with Fasal. A perfect ending. But the best part, for me, was the twist in who "Sorahb" ended up being. This trilogy is highly recommended.
July 24, 2015
This trilogy should be read by all. It deals with issues of society, class, war, myth, heroism, hope, despair and change. The multifaceted characters are jewels with unbelievable depth. The precious stones are polished and refined with each turn of the page.
June 25, 2025
This was a great ending to the series. Highly recommend these books
June 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and it was an excellent end to the series. Definitely a series I would recommend, especially to early-mid teens.
Great characters and told from different perspectives. I also like how they intermingled the "legend: of Sorahb with what actually happened. Very enjoyable.
Great characters and told from different perspectives. I also like how they intermingled the "legend: of Sorahb with what actually happened. Very enjoyable.
April 12, 2008
Forging the Sword is the final installment of the Farsala trilogy by Hilari Bell and it leaves none to disappointment. With the three main characters Jiaan, Kavi, and Soraya, we come to see history become legend and legend into myth as they invoke the name of the Farsala's folk hero Sorahb to fight the Hrum out of their lands. Armed with nothing but a small army of peasants, age-old magic and their wits, we see the transgression between these estranged allies to almost friends, in the complex novel that shows that enemies in war both have good motives for doing so, while it's just some who are ethically and morally corrupt.
October 25, 2011
I really liked how the book ended. In this book I finally liked all three main characters at the same time. They learned what they were suppose too and changed for the better because of it. They became stronger and better people in a time of adversity. I liked how it pointed out that in war not everyone you are fighting against are bad and not everyone you are fighting with are good.
December 9, 2012
"Forging the Sword" draws the illustrious-- and surprising!-- conclusion to 'The Farsala Trilogy.' The story shines with brilliant characters and sparkling dialogue, but it goes a step further by compelling readers to think about true leadership and true nobility. Furthermore, this was the first war story I read in which the lines get a little blurry: Who exactly are the bad guys? And why?
August 31, 2019
*** Mild spoilers ahead ***
In this, the final book in the Farsala Trilogy, the three protagonists are now together for the most part, with ongoing strained relations (given that Jiaan is determined to kill Kavi as soon as the current conflict with the Hrum is ended).
The main problem with this book is that the story climax is very rushed. At the 75% mark, I was assuming there must be a fourth book in the series ("Wielding the sword?"), since there was no signs of an imminent resolution of either the external plot or the character's inner issues. The final conflict just felt like one more mini-quest in a series full of them, and the partial reconciliation of the protagonists to each other (and their own problems) tumbles together without a proper build-up.
Language: PG
Violence: PG
Sexuality: PG
In this, the final book in the Farsala Trilogy, the three protagonists are now together for the most part, with ongoing strained relations (given that Jiaan is determined to kill Kavi as soon as the current conflict with the Hrum is ended).
The main problem with this book is that the story climax is very rushed. At the 75% mark, I was assuming there must be a fourth book in the series ("Wielding the sword?"), since there was no signs of an imminent resolution of either the external plot or the character's inner issues. The final conflict just felt like one more mini-quest in a series full of them, and the partial reconciliation of the protagonists to each other (and their own problems) tumbles together without a proper build-up.
Language: PG
Violence: PG
Sexuality: PG
December 24, 2017
Bell, Hilari Forging the Sword 494 p. Simon and Schuster -
The Hrum have only four months left to completely conquer the country of Farsala and the resistance fighters are well organized and getting even smarter. Soraya, Jiaan and Kavi all lead important groups that work together and apart to sabotage the Hrum and the Hrum leaders resort to breaking their own laws in a desperate attempt to defeat the country and its mysterious leader "Sorahb".
The fitting finale of the Farsala trilogy that students will love and enjoy. Bell's original thinking is welcome after watching poorly written copy-cat novels become topsellers and blockbuster movies. Point your students towards this excellent series as an antidote!
MS, HS -ESSENTIAL
The Hrum have only four months left to completely conquer the country of Farsala and the resistance fighters are well organized and getting even smarter. Soraya, Jiaan and Kavi all lead important groups that work together and apart to sabotage the Hrum and the Hrum leaders resort to breaking their own laws in a desperate attempt to defeat the country and its mysterious leader "Sorahb".
The fitting finale of the Farsala trilogy that students will love and enjoy. Bell's original thinking is welcome after watching poorly written copy-cat novels become topsellers and blockbuster movies. Point your students towards this excellent series as an antidote!
MS, HS -ESSENTIAL
January 31, 2018
Powerful story - I enjoyed the development of the characters as they had to learn to rid their hearts of hate and realize what is most important. To see the strength come from within to endure pain for the good of a righteous cause, to change ones struggle with hate to understanding and even forgiveness, and how to work together to create the tools necessary to fight the enemy. This author did a great job in painting the picture so realistically to be able to envision what is happening. This book series was hard to put down, truly enjoyed it.
January 16, 2021
Forging the Sword is pretty similar to the first two books in the Farsala Trilogy, so my likes and dislikes are similar as well. My biggest issue with the book is its simplification of politics - very much "feudalism bad," "democracy good" which is just kind of weird when it's set in medieval times? Felt like 14th century propaganda in a way! But overall, I really like the characters, the plot is easy to follow and fast-paced, and the ending was satisfying. I'll be seeking out more Hilari Bell books!
September 18, 2023
this whole trilogy was consistently really good. it's like a kind-of-political, kind-of-war-focused fantasy story? i don't usually like books that have battle scenes and tactics, but i actually liked them here, it's very readable and engaging. i think i like it more than a lot of war stories because it's very character-focused. it's gripping and the pages seems to fly by, and the cultures of the world and moral dilemmas of the characters are thoughtful and interesting.
January 27, 2018
A great ending to a great series. I enjoyed it. The characters were each unique and I came to care about them and be frustrated with them in turn, and as normal people, not all their actions were perfect. The story was still far fetched in some aspects and repetitive in others, but overall a quick, entertaining read.
May 14, 2019
This was an exciting adventure, a great conclusion to the trilogy. The characters showed growth, changing from aggravating to likable over the course of the story. Even the traitor proved trustworthy as time went on. I was surprised that the author did not pursue the usual romance angle, but instead let each main character pursue his/her own goals for the rest of life.
September 1, 2022
Really enjoyed the character growth and the plotline. The ending was unexpected but surprisingly satisfying. I missed the usual romance subplot typical of my usual reading, but it wasn't unexpected for a middle reader series. Would definitely recommend the series to teens and tweens and even older kids, depending on their reading ability.
February 7, 2018
I didn't think this book could be as good as the last one, but the author really outdid themselves. Sorabh's story throughout this novel is very well written. It does a great job of wrapping up the trilogy and still giving you a great story.
March 20, 2020
The ending felt a tiny bit flat and/or fast, but it was due to the characters actions that they won, so it left a memorable ending in my mind. A very solid trilogy overall. I might even have to read it again.
June 18, 2022
4.5 - This trilogy was fantastic, some of the best fantasy I've read in quite some time. Bell once again spun a tale full of questions of morality and politics and I was really impressed. Really wish she was still writing.
February 10, 2018
I can not stress enough how much I loved this trilogy! It is masterfully written and one that you will want to devour, put down, pick up, and devour again....
July 12, 2018
A satisfying conclusion to an enjoyable fantasy trilogy. It cleverly pits heroes and villains against one another in a rousing tale of war without glorifying it. Nicely done.
March 15, 2019
First 100 pages is mainly battles . Not my thing. Yawn.
May 29, 2020
This was a great trilogy to read during the stress of 2020. Great escape no matter how old you are.
October 13, 2020
Good conclusion to the series
January 16, 2021
Third in a trilogy. Read it long ago but couldn't remember the ending. Enjoyable but not spectacular
April 7, 2022
Ok, it had good arcs for everyone involved. Despite me stanning for the opposing team I liked it.
May 16, 2022
I don't think I like how this ended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews