The Mine Lord: A New Epoch for the Dwarves of Ice-Cloak

The Dwarves of Ice-Cloak

by A. Trae McMaken

A New Epoch for the Dwarves of Ice-Cloak

When a young dwarf named Yorvig travels to a mining claim in the wilds of the Red Ridges, he learns by hard experience that his fellow prospectors are more focused on ore than survival. Thinking he alone can hold disaster at bay, Yorvig plots his way to becoming captain of the mine. He only expected to lead in a fight against starvation, but far greater danger arrives in forms both fair and foul. The mine grows beyond what they ever imagined, and while Yorvig's authority must grow with it, the challenges of love and loyalty will not make it easy—nor will the old foe who is determined to drive their folk from the Red Ridges for good.

The Mine Lord is a standalone novel set in the same world as the author's four book The Dwarves of Ice-Cloak. Originally released as the popular fantasy web serial of the same name, The Mine Lord is now available in paperback and e-book formats. Also available is the short companion novel Jackal of the Waste.

Genres: Fantasy

567 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2024

About the author

From the struggles of a dwarven prospector to the adventures of a diminutive squirrel-rider, A. Trae McMaken's decades-long passion for writing fantasy literature has led him into many worlds and introduced many characters. He lives and works near the shores of Lake Huron, watching as his flock of sheep munch grass. He has had a varied career as a traveling storyteller and folklorist, a fiddler and singer, but these days he much prefers to stay put and write.

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Reviews

[Ben Duerksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A longer and more detailed entry than all the previous books, but I don’t think it was for the better. The first half to 3/4 of the book covers the establishment of a new mine/colony, and is filled with minutiae of that process. The book almost feels like the author got lost in the creative process, though, and realized at some point there was an end-point to hit and only so much space to do it in. The last portion of the book, which is the consequential crescendo, felt rushed, especially after the snails-pace of the first section. The story is still enjoyable, the pacing just feels immensely off and like this really should have been 2 books with more added to the second.

[Steven Nowak · Rating 5 out of 5]

** small spoilers***

I would give this book 6 stars if I could.

WOW what a great tale. Of the 5 books of this series I have read , this was the best. This was the story of Yorvig and his White Whale. A story of two rivals. Two equals. Each a great leader. I could not help but think of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables while reading this. Two opposing forces, bound by destiny to cross paths in a final, dare I use the popular term... EPIC battle.

This took us from Yorvig's early days as a amateur prospector to being the leader of a huge Dwarf colony . All the while there is this ominous sub plot between our main character and his Ursi rival.

It is a thick book and I am so glad. I am happy McMaken was bold enough not to cut out huge parts of the story to make it a smaller read .

If you are looking for a long, but steadily moving adventure, that takes place over many decades ... this is it!!

[Jeff Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love reading how the mine is started and going through the setup. Yorvig is a another Crippled King. He doesn't want to lead, but he takes on the mantle. The writing is crisp and shows problem / solution thinking in a fantasy setting.

Seeing how theses dwarves have to learn how to fight the ursi is interesting and it's always about the sums. How will the food be impacted by a siege? Really an enjoyable read. Nice Easter Eggs to Tourmaline and Salt!

Very good book!

[Ta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A frustrating book to review, because the first half of the book was absolutely superb. Great widlerness survival, interesting social dynamics, tons of tension and exciting conflics... and then when the time skips started I got the feeling the author was just trying to get the book finished. No more indepth descriptions of anything, just sketching character dynamics, mine problems and rushing for the finale.

A real shame, because I absolutely loved the first part, alas it did not stay as satisfying as I wish it was.

[Paul Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found out there was another book in the series I piked it up right away and am extremely happy I did. These books are so well written with engaging and colorful characters and story lines. This one continues the saga many centuries past the Crippled King's legacy from centuries ago.

A new dwarf, new claim and new series of adventures. Of course the ursi are always getting in the way of having a peaceful place to bang on rocks and drink some ale, but hey, what's a dwarf to do?

If you liked the first few books, you'll also enjoy this one.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic way to end my stay in the Red Ridges! Although it started off a little slow, it picked up quickly, and once it did, I could not put it down. Working a full time job plus life happening, I've been on this book since November 2, but I finally got to finish it. If you love the Lord of the Rings like I do, I highly recommend checking out The Dwarves of Ice-Cloak. All 6 of the books are fantastic, and will keep you wanting more!

[Brian Everson · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Light

I truly enjoyed this book Not only did it have all the action That I love ITIT also showed many of the aspects of the dwarfs In there on ending love of stone May they always rule under it Thank you dear author for putting this together I hope to read more Yours truly is a unique mind

[Beverly Fuqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that the books in this series are mostly stand alone stories of the dwarves. Mostly they take place years apart and have new characters. This story was very exciting, the dwarves battling the ursi, which are like evil goblins, for their lives, and their homes and families.

[Carla Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for this book - it is my favourite in the Dwarves of Ice-Cloak! I read the companion book, Jackle of the Waste, as recommended (chapter 74) and was happy I did! It made this amazing book last just a little bit longer! Well done!

[Robert J. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the dwarves!!!

I love the stout folk!!!!!! Keep them coming. Great read. Great character development and back stories. Keep it going on

[Danell M Hiltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I could not put these down. Read all 5 in the series, The Dwarves of Ice Cloak, in one stretch!

[Nancy Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book

For those who like this genre you won’t go wrong reading The Mine Lord. I was entertained throughout and as I’m sure many other readers have been and will be.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the world building and problem solving of the characters. The time skips were sudden but appropriate.

[Oli-Nator Voss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good dwarf adventure

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Sadie Lewis]

Absolutely loved the story from beginning to end. They relate back to previous times and it's a good update of previous books, but it is a book in its own standing.

[brian h caple · Rating 5 out of 5]

superb reading

Best series of books of any genre I’ve read in ages.Thoroughly recommend them what ever you normally read and I shall look for other works by this author