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The Death Gate Cycle #3
Death Gate Cycle 3: Fire-Sea
Long ago, powerful wizards sundered a world into four realms - sky, stone, fire, and sea - and then vanished. Their descendants in the magic arts were confined to their own realms and over time gradually forgot the others. Now the presence of the four separate realms is known only to those few who have survived the horrors of the labyrinth and traversed the central Death Gate, pathway to all of their severed worlds.
In Fire Sea, Haplo the Patryn, who has been commanded to journey to each four worlds through the strangely transforming Death Gate, rides a tide of fiery magma into Abarrach, Realm of Stone. Haplo shares his rune-guarded vessel with the Sartan named Alfred, who until now was thought to be the last living member of this race. Until now - for soon after discovering the deserted, bloodied city of Safe Harbor. Haplo and Alfred - by nature enemies and by necessity comrades- come face to face with the lost tribe of Sartan practicing their most forbidden magic.
Marshalled by the Sartan's most powerful magicians, armies are moving in the night as Abarrach is swept up in civil war. The realm's rulers search desperately for the Death Gate and anyone who has knowledge of it. For the princes and sorcerers of Abarrach are driven by the horrifying knowledge that doom is gradually overcoming their world of catacombs and lava, a doom spelled out in a mystical, inscrutable prophecy that foretells very different fates for the living ...and the dead.
This remarkable series of seven novels - each a complete stand-alone work - is a triumph of epic fantasy. Their first four volumes explore the four different realms of a splintered universe peopled by vivid characters who struggle to find order in the destruction and isolation that has befallen them. In the final three volumes the war for redemption begins, as magicians, wanderers, fighters and friends join in a cataclysmic battle for reunification of one common universe. Intensely imaginative, thoroughly captivating. Fire Sea is the third volume of the introductory cycle and a magnificent tale in its own right.
In Fire Sea, Haplo the Patryn, who has been commanded to journey to each four worlds through the strangely transforming Death Gate, rides a tide of fiery magma into Abarrach, Realm of Stone. Haplo shares his rune-guarded vessel with the Sartan named Alfred, who until now was thought to be the last living member of this race. Until now - for soon after discovering the deserted, bloodied city of Safe Harbor. Haplo and Alfred - by nature enemies and by necessity comrades- come face to face with the lost tribe of Sartan practicing their most forbidden magic.
Marshalled by the Sartan's most powerful magicians, armies are moving in the night as Abarrach is swept up in civil war. The realm's rulers search desperately for the Death Gate and anyone who has knowledge of it. For the princes and sorcerers of Abarrach are driven by the horrifying knowledge that doom is gradually overcoming their world of catacombs and lava, a doom spelled out in a mystical, inscrutable prophecy that foretells very different fates for the living ...and the dead.
This remarkable series of seven novels - each a complete stand-alone work - is a triumph of epic fantasy. Their first four volumes explore the four different realms of a splintered universe peopled by vivid characters who struggle to find order in the destruction and isolation that has befallen them. In the final three volumes the war for redemption begins, as magicians, wanderers, fighters and friends join in a cataclysmic battle for reunification of one common universe. Intensely imaginative, thoroughly captivating. Fire Sea is the third volume of the introductory cycle and a magnificent tale in its own right.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
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About the author
Margaret Weis
673 books5,824 followersMargaret Edith Weis is an American fantasy and science fiction author of dozens of novels and short stories. At TSR, Inc., she teamed with Tracy Hickman to create the Dragonlance role-playing game (RPG) world. She is founding CEO and owner of Sovereign Press, Inc and Margaret Weis Productions, licensing several popular television and movie franchises to make RPG series in addition to their own.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
August 1, 2022
4,5 estrellas en realidad.
Muy buena novela de fantasía épica, la tercera de la saga "El ciclo de la Puerta de la Muerte" y una enorme mejora en comparación a la anterior entrega.
Acá seguimos con las aventuras de Happlo y su perro, que esta vez viajan a explorar el mundo de Abarrach, el reino de piedra plagado de cavernas y lava, sumandoseles inesperadamente en el camino la presencia de Alfred, su enemigo Sartan con el que aprenderán a convivir y entenderse en parte por conveniencia en parte por forzamiento de trama.
Antes de decidirme a leer está saga me di cuenta que la mayoría de sus lectores calificaban esta novela como una de las mejores, o derechamente la mejor, dentro de los siete libros que la componen y al menos de momento no podría estar más de acuerdo. Y es que el libro es oscuro, en partes terrorífico y tremendamente original, dentro de sus páginas conoceremos la desgarradora historia del príncipe Edmund, los horrorosos resultados que ha traído la constante práctica de la nigromancia (destaco esta parte pues de verdad los autores lograron sorprenderme con esto) y la enorme blasfemia y arrogancia en la que han caído los Sartan, seres que al inicio de la saga nos presentaban como los buenos.
El ritmo de la novela también es algo muy destacable, en ningún momento me aburrí o se me hizo lenta y ciertamente hay un desarrollo de personajes superior a las entregas anteriores, comenzando a empatizar finalmente con sus protagonistas y sobre todo con el perro que esta vez de verdad hace notar su presencia.
Y por último destaco también la presencia de los Lázaros y los muertos vivientes. Cuando supe que había zombis en esta novela me imaginé las típicas criaturas tantas veces vistas en series y películas que ya ni logran causar impresión, más los autores hacen uso de un recurso que no había leído o visto en ningún otro lugar antes y que logró hacer que se me erizaran los pelos de la nuca, aplaudo de pie en este aspecto a ambos autores.
Pese a todo lo anterior dicho ¿Por que aún así no le doy nota perfecta a esta novela? Y la respuesta es que hay varios problemas con la lógica interna de los personajes, problemas que podrían dejarse pasar sí fuesen unos pocos, pero los autores incurren en ello de forma casi constante diciendo y contradiciendo las propias acciones y pensamientos de sus protagonistas, como también rompiendo un par de veces las propias reglas internas del mundo que ellos mismos han creado. Y creo que esto es consecuencia directa del hecho de que la novela fue escrita por dos escritores que no se tomaron el tiempo suficiente para coordinar las acciones y motivaciones de sus personajes. No puede ser que estos en determinado momento piensen o digan "A" y dos párrafos después terminen haciendo "B" sin una justificación intermedia que nos muestre porque dicho cambio, y esto es algo recurrente en Happlo, aunque Alfred tampoco se salva de contradicciones.
En cuanto a la lógica de mundo, tampoco tienen sentido situaciones como que en determinado momento nos digan lo poderoso que es un personaje y que sus runas mágicas son capaces de advertirle y protegerlo de todo peligro... y de pronto se envenena con un simple vaso de agua ¿Que acaso tiene runas para lanzas, espadas, etc... pero no para veneno? Vaya magia papanatas del supuesto invencible Patryn.
En fin, si los autores se hubieran dado el tiempo de corregir dichos asuntos, o al menos intentar justificarlos de manera lógica, de seguro la novela sería un cinco estrellas sólido porque pese a las fallas ya mencionadas la trama me sigue pareciendo original, magnífica, y los lugares descritos y las criaturas espeluznantes.
Una gran novela qué me motivó a seguir adelante con la saga tras lo decepcionante que me resultó la segunda parte.
¡Libro muy recomendado que pese a que está conectado a las demás novelas no es necesario haberlas leído para disfrutarla!
Pronto habrá reseña de su siguiente parte, "El mago de la serpiente"
Muy buena novela de fantasía épica, la tercera de la saga "El ciclo de la Puerta de la Muerte" y una enorme mejora en comparación a la anterior entrega.
Acá seguimos con las aventuras de Happlo y su perro, que esta vez viajan a explorar el mundo de Abarrach, el reino de piedra plagado de cavernas y lava, sumandoseles inesperadamente en el camino la presencia de Alfred, su enemigo Sartan con el que aprenderán a convivir y entenderse en parte por conveniencia en parte por forzamiento de trama.
Antes de decidirme a leer está saga me di cuenta que la mayoría de sus lectores calificaban esta novela como una de las mejores, o derechamente la mejor, dentro de los siete libros que la componen y al menos de momento no podría estar más de acuerdo. Y es que el libro es oscuro, en partes terrorífico y tremendamente original, dentro de sus páginas conoceremos la desgarradora historia del príncipe Edmund, los horrorosos resultados que ha traído la constante práctica de la nigromancia (destaco esta parte pues de verdad los autores lograron sorprenderme con esto) y la enorme blasfemia y arrogancia en la que han caído los Sartan, seres que al inicio de la saga nos presentaban como los buenos.
El ritmo de la novela también es algo muy destacable, en ningún momento me aburrí o se me hizo lenta y ciertamente hay un desarrollo de personajes superior a las entregas anteriores, comenzando a empatizar finalmente con sus protagonistas y sobre todo con el perro que esta vez de verdad hace notar su presencia.
Y por último destaco también la presencia de los Lázaros y los muertos vivientes. Cuando supe que había zombis en esta novela me imaginé las típicas criaturas tantas veces vistas en series y películas que ya ni logran causar impresión, más los autores hacen uso de un recurso que no había leído o visto en ningún otro lugar antes y que logró hacer que se me erizaran los pelos de la nuca, aplaudo de pie en este aspecto a ambos autores.
Pese a todo lo anterior dicho ¿Por que aún así no le doy nota perfecta a esta novela? Y la respuesta es que hay varios problemas con la lógica interna de los personajes, problemas que podrían dejarse pasar sí fuesen unos pocos, pero los autores incurren en ello de forma casi constante diciendo y contradiciendo las propias acciones y pensamientos de sus protagonistas, como también rompiendo un par de veces las propias reglas internas del mundo que ellos mismos han creado. Y creo que esto es consecuencia directa del hecho de que la novela fue escrita por dos escritores que no se tomaron el tiempo suficiente para coordinar las acciones y motivaciones de sus personajes. No puede ser que estos en determinado momento piensen o digan "A" y dos párrafos después terminen haciendo "B" sin una justificación intermedia que nos muestre porque dicho cambio, y esto es algo recurrente en Happlo, aunque Alfred tampoco se salva de contradicciones.
En cuanto a la lógica de mundo, tampoco tienen sentido situaciones como que en determinado momento nos digan lo poderoso que es un personaje y que sus runas mágicas son capaces de advertirle y protegerlo de todo peligro... y de pronto se envenena con un simple vaso de agua ¿Que acaso tiene runas para lanzas, espadas, etc... pero no para veneno? Vaya magia papanatas del supuesto invencible Patryn.
En fin, si los autores se hubieran dado el tiempo de corregir dichos asuntos, o al menos intentar justificarlos de manera lógica, de seguro la novela sería un cinco estrellas sólido porque pese a las fallas ya mencionadas la trama me sigue pareciendo original, magnífica, y los lugares descritos y las criaturas espeluznantes.
Una gran novela qué me motivó a seguir adelante con la saga tras lo decepcionante que me resultó la segunda parte.
¡Libro muy recomendado que pese a que está conectado a las demás novelas no es necesario haberlas leído para disfrutarla!
Pronto habrá reseña de su siguiente parte, "El mago de la serpiente"
December 22, 2020
A step in the right direction after the disappointing Book 2, but still weak fantasy made worse by unclear and lengthy infodumping. The world of Arrachus, a slowly cooling magma planet, is well thought out. Too bad the characters are only shadows of their original incarnations acting with inconsistent depth and weak internal logic. But the worldbuilding and the sweeping drama make it passable, if you enjoy plots centering around royal scheming and courtroom politics.
I suspect this should have been a four- to five-part series, as the middle books are so much weaker. Various plot points get belabored as the main premise is rehashed at the opening of each installment, and unnecessary flashbacks abound. But this begins to recapture the appeal of Book One, plus it fits in with the bigger arc unlike "Elven Star" before it. The framework is laid for more to come in the later volumes.
2 stars
I suspect this should have been a four- to five-part series, as the middle books are so much weaker. Various plot points get belabored as the main premise is rehashed at the opening of each installment, and unnecessary flashbacks abound. But this begins to recapture the appeal of Book One, plus it fits in with the bigger arc unlike "Elven Star" before it. The framework is laid for more to come in the later volumes.
2 stars
October 29, 2019
This book is part of a series. The majority of this book can be read as a stand alone but there are parts that a reader would be totally lost. In this one, Haplo and Alfred travel to the world of stone. This world is dying and the residents have little hope of survival.
How could this be a bad book when we have hordes of the dead, a world dying, and a dragon that resides in a sea of fire? I enjoyed this book so much and at this point, it is the best book of the series. Right away I was drawn into the setting where there is little hope and the king that has no answers. It was a dark, gloomy setting and the authors executed it perfectly. I also loved we get more exploration of the characters of Haplo and Alfred. These books are set up as a mystery and each book ties into each other and slowly reveals the mystery. This one Haplo and Alfred shine. Sometime during the read, this book turns into a horror fantasy book and this book turned into a four star rating to a five star rating. The pace was relentless as our heroes were trapped in a desperate situation and on the run. I believe there were several instances where I was holding my breath.
I am enjoying this series and this one just adds to my enjoyment. I like the idea of each book in the series being its own story but adding to the overall arc. This one was terrific with its setting, its genre, and the overall characterization of the minor and major characters. Plus, the character of the dog steals the show and puts a smile on my face.
How could this be a bad book when we have hordes of the dead, a world dying, and a dragon that resides in a sea of fire? I enjoyed this book so much and at this point, it is the best book of the series. Right away I was drawn into the setting where there is little hope and the king that has no answers. It was a dark, gloomy setting and the authors executed it perfectly. I also loved we get more exploration of the characters of Haplo and Alfred. These books are set up as a mystery and each book ties into each other and slowly reveals the mystery. This one Haplo and Alfred shine. Sometime during the read, this book turns into a horror fantasy book and this book turned into a four star rating to a five star rating. The pace was relentless as our heroes were trapped in a desperate situation and on the run. I believe there were several instances where I was holding my breath.
I am enjoying this series and this one just adds to my enjoyment. I like the idea of each book in the series being its own story but adding to the overall arc. This one was terrific with its setting, its genre, and the overall characterization of the minor and major characters. Plus, the character of the dog steals the show and puts a smile on my face.
October 6, 2008
Fire Sea is the third and darkest installment in the series, and the
best so far. A few more revelations are revealed about the Sartans, the
race who had sundered these worlds, but of course I can't tell you those
without spoiling the story.
Suffice it to say, if you liked the first two of the series, you're really going to like this one.
There is more development to Haplo's and Alfred's characters, as they are once again thrown together and are forced to put aside ancient hatred (well, Haplo anyways) to get out of another mess alive.
Weis & Hickman sure know how to spin a yarn. I love their plot developments, and I'm getting quite attached to these characters.
Great series, and I'll be right back into it for the fourth world after
a few more books.
best so far. A few more revelations are revealed about the Sartans, the
race who had sundered these worlds, but of course I can't tell you those
without spoiling the story.
Suffice it to say, if you liked the first two of the series, you're really going to like this one.
There is more development to Haplo's and Alfred's characters, as they are once again thrown together and are forced to put aside ancient hatred (well, Haplo anyways) to get out of another mess alive.
Weis & Hickman sure know how to spin a yarn. I love their plot developments, and I'm getting quite attached to these characters.
Great series, and I'll be right back into it for the fourth world after
a few more books.
November 25, 2017
One of my numerous re-reads of the series. It's probably my favorite volume.
It was a pleasure to come back again to Abarrach, the deathly world of stone. This volume was far more well paced than the previous one, as the discovery of the world was challenging for all the characters. The book gave some satisfying answers about what happened to the Sartans and a new form of magic was introduced, rising interesting questions and leading to difficult decisions. A good volume for Haplo who continues to grow in a very interesting way (plus, the dog). Still a pleasure to re-read it and I didn't need to skip boring parts because Abarrach let few places for them.
It was a pleasure to come back again to Abarrach, the deathly world of stone. This volume was far more well paced than the previous one, as the discovery of the world was challenging for all the characters. The book gave some satisfying answers about what happened to the Sartans and a new form of magic was introduced, rising interesting questions and leading to difficult decisions. A good volume for Haplo who continues to grow in a very interesting way (plus, the dog). Still a pleasure to re-read it and I didn't need to skip boring parts because Abarrach let few places for them.
May 19, 2024
The book tells the story of Abarrach, the world of stone. It has a grim atmosphere as the unfortunate events of Sartan history unfold, and Weis and Hickman did a good job delivering it.
Alfred and Haplo are the main characters, and they make a very interesting "team" together. There are some supporting characters, but they are not as well-developed as those in the previous book. All in all, it’s a good book, and I enjoyed reading it (even though the last quarter felt like it lasted forever).
4.25/5
Alfred and Haplo are the main characters, and they make a very interesting "team" together. There are some supporting characters, but they are not as well-developed as those in the previous book. All in all, it’s a good book, and I enjoyed reading it (even though the last quarter felt like it lasted forever).
4.25/5
December 23, 2020
Book 3: Haplo and Alfred Hang Out with Dead People
September 12, 2016
After the disaster that was book two "Elven Star", I was rather skeptical of continuing with the series. But then I remembered the excellent first book "Dragon Wing" and I decided to give this series another try, especially after hearing how good it becomes later on. After reading the third installment, "Fire Sea", I have to say I'm glad I continued!
Even thought the Fire Sea isn't so good as Dragon Wing, it still holds very very well. It has an unique setting, a bleak and dark atmosphere, and it continues to unravel some of the mysteries we encountered before. I found the world to be fascinating, with the rivers of lava flowing through endless caves, armies of dead marching through the tunnels and giant stone colossus providing life for its inhabitants. I also liked the characters, especially the bickering between Haplo and Alfred. Seeing two enemies working side by side and helping each other was really enjoyable and I hope the authors expand on this relationship. There were also some great lines in this one. I especially liked this one, where Alfred says to a phantasm he has nothing to offer instead of these three things:
"Pity, mercy, compassion. That's all, I'm afraid," said Alfred.
"That is everything," said the phantasm.
Unfortunately, the strengths of this book are also its weaknesses. Even though the bickering between Haplo and Alfred is entertaining, it becomes tedious after a while. Haplo is always pissed off and Alfred is always a mumbling buffoon. It seems that they never change, despite everything they go through. The setting of the world also becomes tiresome. In Dragon Wing, the world was different, there were several floating islands and several different races. Here, everything is pretty much the same. Undead here, undead there. It is because of these things that I can't give this one more than four stars.
The series definitely holds my interest and I will continue on, to see how things evolve. Let's just hope there won't be any more "Elven Stars". :P
Even thought the Fire Sea isn't so good as Dragon Wing, it still holds very very well. It has an unique setting, a bleak and dark atmosphere, and it continues to unravel some of the mysteries we encountered before. I found the world to be fascinating, with the rivers of lava flowing through endless caves, armies of dead marching through the tunnels and giant stone colossus providing life for its inhabitants. I also liked the characters, especially the bickering between Haplo and Alfred. Seeing two enemies working side by side and helping each other was really enjoyable and I hope the authors expand on this relationship. There were also some great lines in this one. I especially liked this one, where Alfred says to a phantasm he has nothing to offer instead of these three things:
"Pity, mercy, compassion. That's all, I'm afraid," said Alfred.
"That is everything," said the phantasm.
Unfortunately, the strengths of this book are also its weaknesses. Even though the bickering between Haplo and Alfred is entertaining, it becomes tedious after a while. Haplo is always pissed off and Alfred is always a mumbling buffoon. It seems that they never change, despite everything they go through. The setting of the world also becomes tiresome. In Dragon Wing, the world was different, there were several floating islands and several different races. Here, everything is pretty much the same. Undead here, undead there. It is because of these things that I can't give this one more than four stars.
The series definitely holds my interest and I will continue on, to see how things evolve. Let's just hope there won't be any more "Elven Stars". :P
August 11, 2014
With the third book in the series, things are definitely starting to ramp up, and more secrets are being revealed. This book definitely picked things up several notches higher than the second volume. Part of this is due to an even more fascinating world, and a darker, more intricate plot. The world of stone is much of what you'd expect for a completely underground realm. Also the plot, without giving too much away, focuses on the powers of necromancy and the twisting of the original Sartan ways, and is definitely presented in a rather spooky feel. As this book wraps up, it definitely makes you want to immediately pick up and start book four.
One thing that stands out to me is that this is an incredibly creative series. Each world is realized with detail, and it's obvious much planning has gone into the worldbuilding. Not only that, but the slow revelation of the plot is well-planned out, and pulls you along in the attempt to discover more and more of the answers, and the unveiling of the mystery of these worlds. I am starting to understand a little bit about what is going on, and so that is definitely increasing my enjoyment as well.
This is a solid read that will have you diving into the rest of the series to find out what happens next.
July 24, 2016
Hands down, this is the best of the series. And the creepiest. With the most scope. In my review of Elven Star, I said that the interaction between Haplo and Alfred, Patryn and Sartan respectively and age-old arch enemies, are what makes this series sing. Fire Sea is when it all changes.
First, you have both of them together for the whole book. They are caught on the most inhospitable world yet and have to trust each other to survive. Alfred finds what he has been seeking: fellow Sartan who are alive. Then he and Haplo discover to their horror that on Abarrach, world of Stone, alive is sort of a relative term. That the Sartan here have warped their wonderous powers to a horrible end.
The people we meet on this world are not like the other two. They are good people caught in a terrible situation and trying to do what is right. We can't help but feel for them and love them. The plot is life and death...lots and lots of death...and is not afraid to the big questions that go along with it. in the background we have Haplo and Alfred sparking off of each other like two stones yet somehow forging a friendship in spite of themselves. It's breathtaking.
First, you have both of them together for the whole book. They are caught on the most inhospitable world yet and have to trust each other to survive. Alfred finds what he has been seeking: fellow Sartan who are alive. Then he and Haplo discover to their horror that on Abarrach, world of Stone, alive is sort of a relative term. That the Sartan here have warped their wonderous powers to a horrible end.
The people we meet on this world are not like the other two. They are good people caught in a terrible situation and trying to do what is right. We can't help but feel for them and love them. The plot is life and death...lots and lots of death...and is not afraid to the big questions that go along with it. in the background we have Haplo and Alfred sparking off of each other like two stones yet somehow forging a friendship in spite of themselves. It's breathtaking.
August 4, 2010
While I still object to not reserving the word "fire" for the title of the book dealing with the Realm of Fire, this was a vast improvement over Elven Star. It had all the things that made Dragon Wing so enjoyable: a plot that gets going reasonably quickly and is full of intrigue and twistiness, interesting characters with some depth, and a setting that was actually relevant to the plot.
There was some dragginess in the middle, but generally, I enjoyed this one, and breezed through it pretty quickly. One more world, and we'll get to the part where it all comes together. That should be interesting.
There was some dragginess in the middle, but generally, I enjoyed this one, and breezed through it pretty quickly. One more world, and we'll get to the part where it all comes together. That should be interesting.
March 26, 2024
1 2
It's kind of unfortunate W&H made the connecting thread of this series the dour and personality-less asshole Haplo instead of literally almost any other character, but at least Zifnab isn't in this one anymore. Alfred, from the first book, does return, and the focus is entirely on the Sartans now.
In this third world Haplo visits, the humans, elves, and dwarves (the mensch, which is again clarified in a footnote as if it's only reasonable to cater to people who pick up the third book in a series without having read the first two; given that the target audience was 14-year-olds in 1991, though, maybe a lot of them did come across these books like that) died out centuries ago and the Sartans never did, though they turned to necromancy for free labour. Maintaining their undead labour pool is a drain on their magic, however, and they aren't really capable of doing anything else and slowly dying as a result. I'd tag this as a spoiler because the first time this is hinted at—with all the subtlety you'd expect—it's positioned as if it's going to be a big reveal near the end, but along the way W&H seem to forget about that and it's treated as common knowledge that people just... don't seem to care about.
It actually does seem as if the story went in a different direction than the one initially planned, but—possibly because that new direction was also going to very much need to kill off the character they had as a first-person narrator for the first couple of chapters through a memoir he wouldn't have had time to write before dying and they didn't want to rewrite those chapters—the ending they finally went with is kind of an ass-pull. The annoying thing is that it didn't need to be—just a few extra bits of exposition could have made it feel much more plausible and coherent.
Still, it's a bit late in the game to start complaining about W&H not being very good writers now. They do get credit for trying to effect some character development for Haplo and Alfred; I just hope the "higher power" that kept getting mentioned in the Sartan research either won't return or will turn out to be something other than Mormon brain worms again.
It's kind of unfortunate W&H made the connecting thread of this series the dour and personality-less asshole Haplo instead of literally almost any other character, but at least Zifnab isn't in this one anymore. Alfred, from the first book, does return, and the focus is entirely on the Sartans now.
In this third world Haplo visits, the humans, elves, and dwarves (the mensch, which is again clarified in a footnote as if it's only reasonable to cater to people who pick up the third book in a series without having read the first two; given that the target audience was 14-year-olds in 1991, though, maybe a lot of them did come across these books like that) died out centuries ago and the Sartans never did, though they turned to necromancy for free labour. Maintaining their undead labour pool is a drain on their magic, however, and they aren't really capable of doing anything else and slowly dying as a result. I'd tag this as a spoiler because the first time this is hinted at—with all the subtlety you'd expect—it's positioned as if it's going to be a big reveal near the end, but along the way W&H seem to forget about that and it's treated as common knowledge that people just... don't seem to care about.
It actually does seem as if the story went in a different direction than the one initially planned, but—possibly because that new direction was also going to very much need to kill off the character they had as a first-person narrator for the first couple of chapters through a memoir he wouldn't have had time to write before dying and they didn't want to rewrite those chapters—the ending they finally went with is kind of an ass-pull. The annoying thing is that it didn't need to be—just a few extra bits of exposition could have made it feel much more plausible and coherent.
Still, it's a bit late in the game to start complaining about W&H not being very good writers now. They do get credit for trying to effect some character development for Haplo and Alfred; I just hope the "higher power" that kept getting mentioned in the Sartan research either won't return or will turn out to be something other than Mormon brain worms again.
June 12, 2022
4 stars- Dutch hardcover
Abarrach, the Realm of stone. Here, on a barren world of underground caverns built around a core of molten lava, the lesser races, humans, elves, and dwarves, seem to have all died off. Here, too, what may well be the last remnants of the once powerful Sartan still struggle to survive.
For Haplo and Alfred, enemies by heritage, traveling companions by necessity. Abarrach may reveal more than either dares to discover about the history of Sartan... and the future of all their descendants.
I really, really am enjoying this series, immensely. I can not wait to get to the next book, and I am saddened that its only seven books in all.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy series. The characters really come alive, and you will find yourself feeling every emotion that the main characters feel.
The authors did an excellent job of bringing the reader to each of the four, unique world's that they designed.
Abarrach, the Realm of stone. Here, on a barren world of underground caverns built around a core of molten lava, the lesser races, humans, elves, and dwarves, seem to have all died off. Here, too, what may well be the last remnants of the once powerful Sartan still struggle to survive.
For Haplo and Alfred, enemies by heritage, traveling companions by necessity. Abarrach may reveal more than either dares to discover about the history of Sartan... and the future of all their descendants.
I really, really am enjoying this series, immensely. I can not wait to get to the next book, and I am saddened that its only seven books in all.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy series. The characters really come alive, and you will find yourself feeling every emotion that the main characters feel.
The authors did an excellent job of bringing the reader to each of the four, unique world's that they designed.
July 12, 2024
This was a buddy read with my husband and definitely my favorite of the series so far! It is darker than my usual preference, but also hauntingly captivating. The writing was incredibly well done…I could visualize everything in my mind so clearly! The spiritual parallels were cleverly executed and unforgettable.
And the dog! Long live the dog!!!
And the dog! Long live the dog!!!
August 4, 2017
Het derde deel in de poort des doods serie en deze keer is het verhaal grimmiger dan ooit. Haplo (mijn favoriete personage) en Alfred (de klungelige Sartaan) worden gedwongen om samen te werken om de wereld van Abbarach te overleven. De lagere rassen van elf, mens en dwerg zijn verdwenen, alleen een laatste restje Sartanen is er nog maar door het gebruik van necromancie zijn er inmiddels meer wandelende doden dan levenden. De interactie tussen Haplo en Alfred, twee aartsvijanden, maakt het verhaal zo interessant. Helaas mistte ik de mensen, dwergen en elven wel, dat gaf altijd wat extra dimensie aan de wereld.
Ik kijk zeker uit naar deel 4, waar de laatste van de 4 werelden aan bod komt.
Ik kijk zeker uit naar deel 4, waar de laatste van de 4 werelden aan bod komt.
November 24, 2014
Dynamic of this book is very good in addition to all the favorite monsters and thrilling adventure there is also moral dilemma between "good" and "bad" characters. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions"
February 13, 2017
Here the story turns into an epic.
Love this book still.
Love this book still.
July 12, 2024
It was great >20 years ago. It is greater as a buddy read.
June 1, 2021
Vuurzee beschrijft dit verhaal veel beter dan de omschrijving "Het rijk van steen". Boek 3 in de reeks is eigenlijk vooral akelig en dit door het thema van de necromancie.
Weis & Hickman beschrijven het herrijzen uit de doden op een plausibele manier (het zijn niet voor niks mee van de beste Fantasy auteurs ter wereld) maar leuk is het allemaal niet. Toch wordt het stramien van de vorige verhalen aangehouden. Eerst krijgen we een heel stuk waar de lokale bewoners en hun omstandigheden worden beschreven, een gevaar dat hen bedreigt en een queeste die daar uit volgt. Dan komen Haplo en dit keer ook Alfred (ik vraag me af of de verstrooide tovenaar in het vorige deel Alfred in vermomming was?) zodat het duo (met Hond eigenlijk een trio) samen ten strijde trekt. Nu ja, samen? Veeleer tegen mekaar dan met elkaar. Het zorgt wel voor veel verduidelijkingen doordat de auteurs de gedachten en gesprekken van de Patryn en Sartaan ten volle kunnen benutten. Hond speelt en speciale rol, Alfred heeft het door, beter dan Haplo en, vermoedelijk, de meeste lezers.
Ook het einde is niet geheel onverwacht, opnieuw een vlucht door de Poort des Doods, de manier waarop is wel net zo origineel als het geheel. Als drakenliefhebber vind ik dat de vuurdraak een speicale vermelding verdient.
Hopelijk kunnen de schrijvers dit onwaarschijnlijk hoge niveau in de volgende delen behouden, het liefst dan toch wat vrolijker.
Weis & Hickman beschrijven het herrijzen uit de doden op een plausibele manier (het zijn niet voor niks mee van de beste Fantasy auteurs ter wereld) maar leuk is het allemaal niet. Toch wordt het stramien van de vorige verhalen aangehouden. Eerst krijgen we een heel stuk waar de lokale bewoners en hun omstandigheden worden beschreven, een gevaar dat hen bedreigt en een queeste die daar uit volgt. Dan komen Haplo en dit keer ook Alfred (ik vraag me af of de verstrooide tovenaar in het vorige deel Alfred in vermomming was?) zodat het duo (met Hond eigenlijk een trio) samen ten strijde trekt. Nu ja, samen? Veeleer tegen mekaar dan met elkaar. Het zorgt wel voor veel verduidelijkingen doordat de auteurs de gedachten en gesprekken van de Patryn en Sartaan ten volle kunnen benutten. Hond speelt en speciale rol, Alfred heeft het door, beter dan Haplo en, vermoedelijk, de meeste lezers.
Ook het einde is niet geheel onverwacht, opnieuw een vlucht door de Poort des Doods, de manier waarop is wel net zo origineel als het geheel. Als drakenliefhebber vind ik dat de vuurdraak een speicale vermelding verdient.
Hopelijk kunnen de schrijvers dit onwaarschijnlijk hoge niveau in de volgende delen behouden, het liefst dan toch wat vrolijker.
May 25, 2021
I have to agree with most reviewers in Goodreads... after the lukewarm experience that was Elven Star, the third instalment of the Death Gate cycle puts most things back on track. Certainly, certain passages of Fire Sea are a little heavy-handed on world-building and exposition, but the story itself is engaging (and actually eerie and blood-curling at times) and we can relate to both the main and the secondary characters (both recurring and new). Indeed, they are doomed from the start: the introductory chapters make a great work of conveying the imminent fate of a dying world and the heroic, but doomed, efforts of this fallen gods to save their civilization. However that doesn't mean that we can't actually share their plight and their trials, even if they are the direct consequence of their own hubris and their dabbling in a dark strain of magic. Weis and Hickman were quite successful in creating a dark world that matched the dark themes they were tackling in this book. The twisted ecology of this fire world is far more cohesive and logical than in the two previous books and it is a perfect setting to reveal some of the darker aspects of the Sartan-Patryn conflict and the actual nature of the world before it was torn apart.
January 14, 2021
3/5
El tercer libro de la heptalogía de este dúo de autores está notablemente mejor que su antecesor. Se recupera parcialmente el tono de la primera entrega, aunque persisten ciertos episodios de humor que te sacan de la historia, restando en lugar de sumar.
El libro gira en torno al mundo de la nigromancia, su concepción y práctica por un determinado grupo que se creía extinto. Presenta mucha más acción que el anterior y en general es una lectura satisfactoria, pero sin resultar demasiado convincente, lo suficiente como para continuar con la lectura de la saga.
El tercer libro de la heptalogía de este dúo de autores está notablemente mejor que su antecesor. Se recupera parcialmente el tono de la primera entrega, aunque persisten ciertos episodios de humor que te sacan de la historia, restando en lugar de sumar.
El libro gira en torno al mundo de la nigromancia, su concepción y práctica por un determinado grupo que se creía extinto. Presenta mucha más acción que el anterior y en general es una lectura satisfactoria, pero sin resultar demasiado convincente, lo suficiente como para continuar con la lectura de la saga.
July 27, 2025
Prosigue la gran aventura de Haplo a través de los distintos mundos de la saga. En esta ocasión llegará al reencuentro de su gran enemigo, al que poco a poco le unirá una curiosa relación de dependencia.
La trama principal continúa la exploración de los distintos aspectos de este particular universo; hay una gran revelación sobre los orígenes del lore, y también la aparición de un concepto mágico que tiene pinta de que será importante en el futuro.
La trama principal continúa la exploración de los distintos aspectos de este particular universo; hay una gran revelación sobre los orígenes del lore, y también la aparición de un concepto mágico que tiene pinta de que será importante en el futuro.
January 25, 2023
I have no words. I need to take a break before continuing - the story ponders heavily on my heart, as I begin to understand more and more...it's a beautiful, but sad story altogether, skillfully woven into our imagination.
April 4, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first two, however it was still great. Compared to the first two books, the characters didn’t quite feel as fleshed out and I think the pacing was a little off in this book. However, I love this weird partnership forming between Haplo and Alfred.
March 20, 2019
Was okay to read but it my cup of tea.
September 6, 2019
I am still so so so so in love with this series. If I could give this book in particular more than 5 stars I would. I don't know what to say that wouldn't be spoilers. Just. Ahhhhhhhhh.
February 17, 2021
Not bad, but more of the same. Pretty much same story, different places.
August 16, 2022
Por mucho la mejor novela de lo que llevo de esta serie.
Una historia redonda, cocinada a fuego lento, repleta de intrigas políticas, mágicas e incluso fuerzas sobrenaturales.
Una historia redonda, cocinada a fuego lento, repleta de intrigas políticas, mágicas e incluso fuerzas sobrenaturales.
March 1, 2024
Best book of the series so far! Loving the growth that Haplo is going through
April 21, 2025
Después de la absoluta ida de la olla que fue el segundo tomo, este es más normal. Más trágico de lo que suelen ser estos autores, pero mejor.
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