Een bewind van staal

The Sorcerer's Ring #11

by Morgan Rice

In EEN BEWIND VAN STAAL (BOEK #11 IN DE TOVENAARSRING), moet Gwendolyn haar mensen beschermen als het Koninklijk Hof bezet wordt. Ze wil hen uit de Ring evacueren—maar er is één probleem: haar mensen weigeren te vertrekken. Er ontstaat een machtsworsteling, en Gwens heerschap wordt voor het eerst uitgedaagd—terwijl de Ring in groot gevaar is.

Achter de McClouds ligt de dreiging van Romulus en zijn draken, die zich, nu het Schild is uitgeschakeld, voorbereiden op een catastrofale invasie. Er staat niets meer tussen hen en de complete vernietiging van de Ring. Romulus is, met Luanda aan zijn zijde, niet te stoppen zolang de maancyclus nog niet voorbij is, en Gwen moet vechten voor haar leven—en dat van haar baby en haar mensen—in een epische strijd van draken en mannen. Kendrick leidt de Zilveren in een heldhaftige strijd, en wordt bijgestaan door Elden en de nieuwe rekruten van de Krijgsmacht, evenals zijn broer Godfrey, die iedereen verrast met zijn eervolle daden. Desondanks is dat misschien toch niet genoeg.

Ondertussen is Thor in het Land van de Druiden op de missie van zijn leven. Hij reist door een geducht, magisch land, waar magische regels gelden. Hij moet al zijn kracht aanspreken en wordt gedwongen om dieper te graven, en zo de geweldige krijger—en Druide—te worden die hij voorbestemd is om te zijn. Hij wordt geconfronteerd met monsters en uitdagingen zoals hij nog niet eerder heeft meegemaakt, en moet zijn leven wagen om zijn moeder te vinden.

Erec en Alistair reizen af naar de Zuidelijke Eilanden, waar ze worden begroet door zijn mensen, inclusief zijn competitieve broer en zijn jaloerse zus. Erec heeft een dramatische laatste ontmoeting met zijn vader, en het eiland bereid hem voor om de troon als Koning te bestijgen. Maar op de Zuidelijke Eilanden moet men vechten voor het recht om Koning te zijn, en in een epische strijd zal Erec de test van zijn leven ondergaan. In een dramatische wending leren we dat verraad zelfs hier, op een plek van nobele krijgers, op de loer ligt.

Reece moet na zijn wraak op Tirus op de Hoge Eilanden vechten voor zijn leven. Pure wanhoop verenigt hem weer met Stara. Ze zijn beiden voorzichtig in elkaars aanwezigheid, maar op elkaar aangewezen om te overleven—en hun missie komt tot een hoogtepunt in een episch gevecht op zee, dat het hele eiland in gevaar brengt.
Zal Gwen in veiligheid komen? Zal Romulus de Ring vernietigen? Zullen Reece en Stara samen eindigen? Zal Erec herrijzen als Koning? Zal Thor zijn moeder vinden? Wat zal er van Guwayne terecht komen? Zal er iemand overleven?

EEN BEWIND VAN STAAL is een episch verhaal van vrienden en geliefden, rivalen en minnaars, ridders en draken, intriges en politieke machinaties, van volwassen worden, van gebroken harten, van bedrog, ambitie en verraad. Het is een verhaal van eer en moed, van lotsbestemming en tovenarij. Het is een fantasie die ons meeneemt naar een wereld die we nooit zullen vergeten, en die alle leeftijden zal aanspreken.

Boek #12--#17 in deze serie zijn ook verkrijgbaar!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Ebooks, Adventure, Epic, Audiobook

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Morgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.

TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!

Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!

Reviews

[Scott Mcdaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is great, just not when told by this author. There is so much that makes me think its kind of stupid, for instance Argon tells Thor that his mother's castle is all the way on the other side of the island of druids and he has to face his fears and such, but he only faces two people. His dad demon form and his dad normal form then apparently just after a day it feels like, BOOM he's there. I feel like the author is just trying to stretch the series out in these short books. And not putting much time in each one, just trying to make money is my guess.

[Ravenous Raven of Mordor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reign of betrayals.

As always...
4.5 Stars

Bonuses

Noooooo you were suppose to live forever.

[Jessica Brennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you need some light reading and you're a fan of series, that certain type of reader who always wishes you could find out what happens in the end to even the most stereotypical of characters; then this is a good series for you. There just isn't the connection you get with well-written, multi-faceted characters.

[Rodney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess better than the last, but ugh...there's one more book in the series already written. I'll read that, and then I'm done. I can't stomach such bad writing any longer.

[Elice Mcneely · Rating 1 out of 5]

Needs an Editor

Same ole drabble.

Grammatical errors and spelling errors.

Repetitive statements over and over again

Why is this even a separate book?

[Edwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deel 11, en ook hierin weer veel missende woorden en typo's (laat ik daar maar van uit gaan). 'te voer' ipv 'te voet' en dat soort dingen.

'zijn beknopte sneden als een mes door de nacht'. Zijn beknopte WAT?

'.. en werden elk door één van de genezeressen van de Koningin'. opnieuw WAT?

En dan heb ik het nog niet gehad over de grootste fout die er in mijn ogen kan bestaan, namelijk het feit dat Thor en Gwen getrouwd zouden zijn, terwijl in het vorige deel besloten was, om na de dood van Selese, het huwelijk uit te stellen.

Door een daad van Reece breekt er bijna een oorlog uit tussen De Ring en de Hoge Eilanden. Reece wordt uitgestuurd om zijn excuses aan te bieden aan de vader van de door hem gedode Falus. Eenmaal ter plaatse dood hij echter de vader en breekt die burgeroorlog alsnog uit. Als Gwen daarvan hoort is zij woedend op haar broer, en terecht. Maar eenmaal weer bij elkaar is het enige wat zij zegt dat hij haar nooit meer moet dwarsbomen, en daar blijft het bij. Hij wordt niet eens zonder eten naar zijn kamer gestuurd.

Voor de rest... Ik heb het boek net uit, en ben nu al een groot deel van het verhaal kwijt. Dat zegt genoeg denk ik.

2 1/2 ster, omdat ik verder in een goede bui ben

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are both predictable and twisting parts to this series...so many unexpected deaths! Just when you think things are things are okay, along comes another pitfall.

I have the bundle, 10, 11, 12 but wanted to post a short review for #11. Battles are many, honour matters most and love and happiness is forever thwarted.

A great series for action, some suspense, mystery and imagination.

Recommended.

[David Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m upset with a few shocking events.
So I’ll only give it a four. Lol

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and had to get the other 16 in the series. Not a stand alone book, part of a series and should be read in sequential order...worth the read! I just could not put it down. Some days i read for 8 hours straight. What a great fantasy ride. So much is happening in these books but the author writes it so it is easy to follow, like several little stories happening in one book. The characters I found to visualize, like and or dislike quickly. Descriptions were intense and in depth enough to make me feel as I were there in the story as a character myself.

If you like action, romance, fantasy, magic, castles, knights, battles of good and evil and valor then you will love this series. There is gruesome killing but the author does not go into a deep description and make it gory. There is great love and romance but nothing even pg rated. Lots of fantasy but not to extravagant. It amazes me how creative this author is and I constantly wondered "what in the world will happen next?".

To me a perfect story, a perfect read, and i think it would make a great movie! Reminded me a bit of the "Lord of the Rings. I would highly recommend this series and this author to anyone that even considers these mixed genres.

[Greyscotty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh. My. God! Of all the books in this series I have slogged through so far this is the absolute worst! There are errors all over it. Misspellings, mispronunciations, character name switches and - even the transposition of two island chains. Come on, Morgan, get it together; for the sake of those of us who pay for these things.

BTW: it really did take 12 days to wend my way through it!

[Darin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story line, only negative is the editing. Typos are not as forgivable as they used to be, spell check is just to prevalent, and editors should have caught them before it hit presses as well.

[Amloid Mesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story continues, I am holding on trying to get to the end. Still the story is good, but the grammar and poor editing continues.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book takes place immediately following the previous book. The religious undertones were not near as overt in this one. Everyone is in danger. Reese has to go back to the Upper Isles and apologize to Tyrus for killing one of his sons, but instead Reese kills him and then has to fight his way out. His cousin Stara is devastated that Reese's fiancee is dead because she knows he will never marry her now. Luwanda can't handle her life and when her husband is killed she decides to run away to the Empire. Romulus just so happens to be waiting at the edge of the bridge and when she crosses the barrier it falls. Romulus, his army, and the dragons that he has control over for a month all cross into the ring and start killing any and everything in their path. But Gwen had a dream that something bad was happening and Argon confirmed it was real so she evacuated everyone to the ships. Luwanda is devastated, again, this time that she can't kill her sister so she tries to kill Romulus, but because of the spell it doesn't work and he kills her. Thor is battling his own mind as he tries to access his mother in the land of the Druids. Eric and boo make it to his homeland in time to see his father and then he dies. Eric doesn't want to be king, but his father gives him advice so he decides to go through with it. He has to beat all of the challenges in single combat, starting with his brother who doesn't take the defeat well. Eric wins, and he spares the final challenger, who decided to fight to the death. It's finally wedding day and boo has him close his eyes so she can surprise him, but as his eyes are closed the final challenger, the one he spared, sneaks in and stabs him in the back. I'm not worried about Eric; there have already been 2 significant deaths and boo has saved him from worse with her druid magic. She will save him in the next book. Gwen and her ships arrive at the Upper Isles where there's already a battle raging because of Reese, but she and her ships show up and win the day with her battle strategy. Then they round up all of the opposing commanders and Gwen is tired of peace so she decides to kill everyone who has been opposing her. This had more action and was less angst-y than some of the previous books. But the queen is still 17, her fiance is still 15, and the children are running the show and none of the adults think that is a bad thing. Definitely still just hate listening to this series because I am not enjoying any of it.

[Kameron Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Reign of Steel by Morgan Rice was great. It had an interesting plot, albeit slightly predictable, that keeps you entertained. Full of interesting struggles and characters this was a great, quick read. The character Kendrick specifically sticks out to me. He is willing to accept wisdom even if he personally doesn't agree with it. It has an interesting point of view as there aren't that many secondary characters, you experience it from everyone's view. It is a definite for anyone interested in reading it. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone. Sorry for the vagueness, I just don't want to ruin any of it.

[Kenith Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried to get through this series, but I can't finish it. Way too many inconsistencies and unexplained events throughout the entire story. Like how is the shield still active if the sword of destiny was destroyed? Furthermore, how does it even work? Makes no sense. Also, how do all of these armies and kingdoms that keep getting decimated keep replenishing their numbers? Not to mention the repeated dialogue every time someone thinks it's their final moment. Ugh! I'm just glad I didn't spend money on the books.

[KK from KY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in the series felt like it was finally getting somewhere. Apparently the somewhere was at another cliff. I am invested in this series and will continue to the end. But I’m not sure how there can be so many books left when even the main characters keep dropping like flies. I must go on though just to discover what happens to baby Guwayne.

[Sonia Knippshild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series. Needs better proofreading.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so . Shelley Ma

[Kimberly Kavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it good twist

[KI NG · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love dis book

[Myra Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.

[Aleksandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tylko jeden wątek i jedna scena tego tomu mnie zainteresowała. Mam na myśli wątek Godfrey’a oraz Illepry, których historia szczerze mnie zaciekawiła.

[Carlozz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorio

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m currently on a roll and addicted to this series. I just keep wanting to find out what happens next. You need to read this series in order!

[Evan Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure where this series is headed, but mostly downhill. The writing (or at least the editing) is bad and contains a multitude of grammatical errors and just plain poor or incorrect word choice.

I'm only finishing it just to get to the end of the story and while there are pearls of enjoyment in it. I just wish that the editing was better and maybe the author had taken the time to think about what she wanted to write and write at a deeper level. Too many times the character follows a formula: X encounters problem, feels despair, suddenly inspiration hits, prays, and overcomes the problem. OK, many stories are like this, but with Ms. Rice's writing, this formula plays out over a couple of pages (or sometimes just a paragraph or two) and all the chapters seems to end in cliff-hangers. It begins to lose any sense of enjoyment since we know the character isn't dead, dying, falling out of or into love (whatever) since we have already seen this repeated in previous chapters by almost every main character only to have the character reemerge with a resolution (and a subsequent new problem) in a subsequent chapter.

The language (and yes I know these are YA novels) are written very poorly as well such as: "Suddenly Thor knew he would not survive and prepared for his death!!!!" - overly dramatic and less effective since this same sentiment is repeated over and over throughout the story by him and many other characters. I added the exclamation marks just to emphasize the absurdity.

These may be YA novels, but that doesn't excuse the poor language, pace issues and superficial characters. Ms. Rice please don't write to the lowest common denominator. These stories could be more interesting with much better writing style, depth, and pace. Perhaps if they weren't cranked out so fast. I feel like these stories are written as fast as possible without regard for language, consistency, plot and character development. Deus Ex Machina (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_... for those of you not familiar with the concept)is rampant and overused in the entire 'The Sorcerer's Ring' novels.

Lastly, what's with all the praying to god? I don't recall it being that bad in the previous novels and certainly don't remember it being a trigger for Thor or his sister to enable their druid powers - it seems a sudden and jarring new concept as these characters didn't seem that concerned about a god concept previously (I admit, my memory fails me though as I haven't read the series over the last year and I could be wrong, but somehow to me, it seems either a new concept or just more recently overused!)

That said, I will probable finish the series just to find out how and where the characters end up, but most enjoyment has been lost and I'm resorting to speed reading just to get 'er done. The most redeeming part of these novels is the low price. However, I've read many lower price novels on Amazon Kindle or Kobo that are fantastic and quite enjoyable as well, maybe even more so that this series.

[Kim]

I enjoyed this book very much this is the best series I've read in a long time. And I would recommend it to anyone. Reece had just impaled a dagger into Tirus's chest but Reece was just like frozen still for a few seconds in disbelieve of what he just done. But on the other hand Tirus was his enemy for killing Selese. Now Reece was feeling vengeance for a great wrong had been set right.
But Reece was feeling numb to the world felt the odd feeling of preparing to greet death himself bracing for the demise that would surely follow. The was filled with all of Tirus's men all of whom stood their also in shock all witnessing the event. Reece braced himself for death. But yet had no regrets.
Their were thousands of Mc Clouds flooding the landscape and King's Court. Mc Clouds streaming into King's Court and taking it for their own.
Elden, Conven, O'Connor stood in the Legion training grounds beside him the three of them watching over the new recruits Thorgrin had left them with Elden watched with an expert eye as the boys galloped back and forth across the field, trying to leap over ditches and launch spears through hanging targets.
Elden, in a rage, was about to grab Merek and throw him, until he looked out at the horizon, and he froze. He could not fathom the sight before him. There, on the horizon, great clouds of black smoke rose into air. All from the direction of King's Court.
Great shouts arose on the horizon, the shouts of an army---along with the sound of a crashing portcullis. Elden's heart sank; the gates to King's Court had been stormed. He knew that could only mean one thing---a professional army had invaded. Today, of all days, on Pilgrimage Day, King's Court was being overrun.
Conven and O'Connor burst into action, shouting out to the recruits to stop what they were doing, and rounding them up.
Kendrick gallop down the mountain to help leading a thousand Silver to battle for King's Court.
Mc Clouds turned and saw them, for the first time, they had real fear in their eyes. A thousand shining Silver knights, all of them riding in perfect unison, like a storm coming down the mountain, all with weapons drawn, all hardened killers, none with an ounce of hestitation in their eyes.
Launda avenged for being exiled from King's Court for Bronson, and never being treated the way she deserved to be and being skipped over for the youngest also avenged herself on everyone who had doubted her, on everyone who had cast her off as meaningless.
Launda is on a ship with Romulus head to the Upper Isles.
Gwendolyn and her people she is the Queen of at King's Court are on the Upper Isle now Gwendolyn has to think of Guwayne her son to kept safe as well as her people.

[Roberto Mattos · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this episode Morgan continues this superb story. Thor is away in a quest to find his mother in a magical land, the Land of the Druids, fighting with enemies he never thought would exist. Reece is trying to survive in the Upper Isles after his revenge against Thirus for killing Selese and he is reunited with Stara and the remaining of the loyal members to the Ring. Gwendolyn is trying to rescue her people, leading them to the Upper Isles, even against there will, as Romulus is invading and destroying the Ring with his dragons. Erec is with Alistair in the South Islands, to claim his throne upon his father death, but nothing is easy over there. He has to fight his way to the throne. Packed with action, this book will keep you entertained for hours. And there is not an idle moment until you turn the last page! Get ready for another very entertaining episode of this incredible saga. You will not get tired of following Thor, Gwendolyn and all our heroes in this new episode. Just be aware that in order to savor every moment of this episode, I recommend that you start reading from the first episode to better understand the dynamics among the characters, as well as have a full idea on the environment of the story.

[Snufkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the third book of The Sorcerers Ring, I wasn't intending to carry on reading this series as I felt it was time to move away from fantasy for a bit...then discovered that I had already downloaded this on my kindle. So I went from volume 3 to 11, and actually didn't feel like I had too many gaps (perhaps because not a huge amount of surprise seems to have happened in the middle volumes). The fact that all the characters are still splintered and have their own adventures makes it a little frustrating - and then to leave what seems to be the climax to the next volume... Perhaps if the 12 volumes could be cut, trimmed and honed into 3 books, it would be more powerful, as the world itself and the storyline is gripping and endearing. Despite not being particularly original (destiny sword, battling yourself, etc), it all fits together nicely...

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I know there is a book 12, but it seems as if all of them are going to die, so who will be left? Lots of those that have survived everything else have finally met their maker. It surprised me a little to know that Alistair was not able to save Erec when she has saved others. It also surprises me that Gwen didn't send her little boy with Steffen to someplace safe instead of placing him in a small boat on the ocean. Maybe that is where the next book goes, following GuWayne and then Thor returns to start a new kingdom? Who is going to be able to fight Romulus if Argon is gone except for Thor? It seems like a sad way to end a book. For those of you who like happy endings, this book leads you to believe it isn't going to happen.