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A First Civilization's Legacy #3
Soul Forge
Young Enchantress Thereese lays stricken and silent, her vital essence sapped by the Shard Staff, edging ever closer toward death. Supreme Enchantress Thulease refuses to allow her daughter to fade beyond recovery.To that end, Enchantress Thulease recruits Mercenary Flank Hawk to accompany her as she seeks the legendary Sleeping Sage, and confronts the secretive Svartálfar, known only for their magical prowess and for their menacing cruelty.But first, the mercenary and enchantress, and their stalwart company, must survive brutal beasts and ruthless nomads roaming the Southern Continent’s harsh desert. Then, the untamed wilds of the Northern Mountains must be traversed in a final bid to reach their ultimate goal—the Soul Forge.Even if Flank Hawk and Thulease reach the mythical forge in time, can its magic revive the ailing young enchantress, the one whose life is somehow tied to the Kingdom of Keesee’s ultimate fate?
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First published June 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 2, 2016
What began in Flank Hawk and Blood Sword continues on in Soul Forge: A First Civilization’s Legacy Novel. Not everything in the trilogy is tied off and complete, but a lot of things are by the end of this book.
This is a fantasy series set far in the future where the first civilization (anyone reading this now) has long since collapsed. What is left of humans is scattered far and wide across the globe. Battles rage between various tribes and kingdoms while magic is once again possible along with dragons, souled zombies, trolls, and more.
Supreme Enchantress Thulease needs the help of mercenary Flank Hawk. In the aftermath of the events in Blood Sword, her daughter, the young Thereese, lies in what might be best described as a coma. She is very slowly dying despite Enchantress Thulease and others efforts, magical and otherwise, to keep her alive. Enchantress Thulease Flank Hawk to join her and several others on a quest for a cure.
Imperial Seer Lochelle has suggested that Enchantress Thulease seek out the entity known as the “Sleeping Sage.” To do so they will have to get to the Southern Continent and deal with all matter of man and creature. Assuming they survive and get there safely they then have to somehow convince the Sleeping Sage to give them the information they seek. What was already going to be a very difficult quest is beset by treachery within the group almost from the start as a young woman’s life hang in the balance.
This third book in the series contains all the hallmarks of the earlier books in the series. Hints of a past (our world) that went so wrong in a future that is filled with magic, desperate people, and mutant creatures of various proportions are once again on full display. As fitting as the third novel of a trilogy, Soul Forge: A First Civilization’s Legacy Novel is also a remembrance of things past in terms of the earlier novels in the series and the score of companions lost in previous campaigns.
The result is a complex book that looks forward throughout while at the same time often looks back at preceding events. In the hands of a lesser author such a split read would turn into a maddening and depressing navel gazing read. In this case the technique works very well and adds additional complexity to an already compelling tale.
The ending of Soul Forge: A First Civilization’s Legacy Novel provides a small possibility for the series to continue though the author is at work on his Crax War Chronicles (both books are in my print tbr pile). One hopes that maybe we will again be invited to journey along with mercenary Flank Hawk, his close friend Lily, and others on yet another quest where one can fly with dragons.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
This is a fantasy series set far in the future where the first civilization (anyone reading this now) has long since collapsed. What is left of humans is scattered far and wide across the globe. Battles rage between various tribes and kingdoms while magic is once again possible along with dragons, souled zombies, trolls, and more.
Supreme Enchantress Thulease needs the help of mercenary Flank Hawk. In the aftermath of the events in Blood Sword, her daughter, the young Thereese, lies in what might be best described as a coma. She is very slowly dying despite Enchantress Thulease and others efforts, magical and otherwise, to keep her alive. Enchantress Thulease Flank Hawk to join her and several others on a quest for a cure.
Imperial Seer Lochelle has suggested that Enchantress Thulease seek out the entity known as the “Sleeping Sage.” To do so they will have to get to the Southern Continent and deal with all matter of man and creature. Assuming they survive and get there safely they then have to somehow convince the Sleeping Sage to give them the information they seek. What was already going to be a very difficult quest is beset by treachery within the group almost from the start as a young woman’s life hang in the balance.
This third book in the series contains all the hallmarks of the earlier books in the series. Hints of a past (our world) that went so wrong in a future that is filled with magic, desperate people, and mutant creatures of various proportions are once again on full display. As fitting as the third novel of a trilogy, Soul Forge: A First Civilization’s Legacy Novel is also a remembrance of things past in terms of the earlier novels in the series and the score of companions lost in previous campaigns.
The result is a complex book that looks forward throughout while at the same time often looks back at preceding events. In the hands of a lesser author such a split read would turn into a maddening and depressing navel gazing read. In this case the technique works very well and adds additional complexity to an already compelling tale.
The ending of Soul Forge: A First Civilization’s Legacy Novel provides a small possibility for the series to continue though the author is at work on his Crax War Chronicles (both books are in my print tbr pile). One hopes that maybe we will again be invited to journey along with mercenary Flank Hawk, his close friend Lily, and others on yet another quest where one can fly with dragons.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2016
September 2, 2014
This is the third novel in the First Civilization's Legacy series featuring the mercenary Flank Hawk, a young man with unfailing loyalty to those he serves. In this story, Flank Hawk is recruited by Enchantress Thulease to accompany her on a dangerous quest to learn what spell or magic will save her dying daughter. Some of the other familiar characters from previous novels, Lilly, Major Jadd, Sgt Drux, join them on the quest across the Kingdom. Throughout the journey, Flank Hawk steps up to do what is necessary irregardless of his own personal safety.
Once again, Mr. Ervin does a great job of populating his world with creatures that both surprise and terrify the reader. I'm amazed and delighted by his imagination from deadly desert creatures to the infamous Dark Elves. I found myself turning the pages faster the last third of the novel. Would Flank Hawk once again save the day? No spoilers here. I would definitely recommend reading the first two novels in this series to understand more of the world and what shapes Flank Hawk. Fans of fantasy will definitely enjoy this series. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Once again, Mr. Ervin does a great job of populating his world with creatures that both surprise and terrify the reader. I'm amazed and delighted by his imagination from deadly desert creatures to the infamous Dark Elves. I found myself turning the pages faster the last third of the novel. Would Flank Hawk once again save the day? No spoilers here. I would definitely recommend reading the first two novels in this series to understand more of the world and what shapes Flank Hawk. Fans of fantasy will definitely enjoy this series. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 6, 2014
I am a long time fan of the First Civilization's Legacy series. I love Flank Hawk, Lilly, and the rest. This book is the best so far, and that's saying a lot. Once again, Ervin has put together an edge-of-your-seat adventure with all your old favorite characters, and some new faces to love (or hate). Ervin knows how to build suspense and how to make you feel like you are right there with the characters. This is a good read for anyone who likes unique fantasy adventures that don't pull any punches.
September 30, 2018
5 stars. Great addition to a great series
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews