A Fire In The North

Annals Of Lindormyn #2

by David Bilsborough

Five hundred years ago a huge force defeated an evil, supernaturally powerful tyrant who terrorized and ravaged those who cowered under his lash. Now, terrible news from the north suggests that someone or some thing is once again preying upon the northern lands, threatening to once again darken the lives of those whose forebears still remember the horrific past. Now, a small, motley band faces a daunting challenge. Led by a brave warrior and a visionary priest, they have finally reached the land to the north. They have seen wonders and endured terrifying experiences, barely escaping from a dizzying series of perils, magical and otherwise. But the direst perils lie before them as they approach the evil that has risen again, its dread power terrorizing and enslaving all who oppose it. Finally, the Wanderer, fated to face the ultimate test, will confront his destiny. A world and its trembling masses await the outcome. Fresh and powerfully told, this epic will satisfy fantasy readers as few others have done.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

500 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2008

About the author

David Bilsborough was born in Malvern, England, the hills of which inspired him to create the world of Lindormyn. The Wanderer's Tale is the first of many annals set in that world. He lives abroad, where he teaches English as a second language. He's almost finished with the sequel that will conclude the epic story begun in The Wanderer's Tale.

Reviews

[Steven B Orkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, if JRR Tolkein, Robert E Howard, and HP Lovecraft had a baby, and if that baby grew up to write a 2-book fantasy series, it would probably end up something like the Annals of Lindormyn. The story has some of the flaws of these authors (SO much Tolkeinesque walking...) but their attributes are in evidence as well. Mythic, gritty, violent, imaginative, often phantasmagorically nightmarish, and distinctively told (with a startling, if periodically overwrought, vocabulary), this series (comprising 'The Wanderer's Tale' and 'A Fire in the North') was overall very well-written and entertaining. There are many twists and turns in the dark, complex, and well-thought out plot, but it doesn't feel manufactured. Indeed, Bilsborough is often very unsentimental about what happens to his characters, who are often deeply flawed but no less compelling for it. Bilsborough has created a very detailed and consistent world with distinctive races, species, places, cultures, and history that should please most any fan of the genre. Though there's certainly ample room to tell other stories featuring some or all of the characters, this tale concludes in a satisfying manner, which is a big deal in Fantasy Fiction, which tends to blather on endlessly for book after book.

I had two criticisms of the series.

1) There are no main female characters. I kind of understand why given the parameters of the world Bilsborough has created, but I don't care. I feel strong female characters should be represented, especially in a traditionally male-centric genre like Fantasy Fiction. The one potentially interesting female character is never put to good use. I can only assume the author has future plans for her.

2) The story sometimes has a bit of an identity crisis. Though Bilsborough very effectively shifts POV's between characters as they separate, the actual focal character of the story seems to float between a few different characters over the course of the story. By the last quarter to third of the story, it does become clear, but I felt he could have settled in on this more effectively earlier on.

These are not are not dealbreaker issues. The series is engaging and well-worth reading.

[Robb Coulter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd like to opologize to all the good books I could have read while plodding through this over zealous, self indulgent 2nd book from David Bilsborough. Unlike many reviewers I rather liked the campy feel to his first book. Everyone likes an epic adventure right? A group of pals heading off to slay the evil Rawgr. The first book was over written, over dramatic and the prose was heavy but to me it somehow worked. I therefore was excited to find his next instalment. Unfortunately to me everything that I found campy in the first book became boorish and hard to plod through in the second book. It's hard for me not to like a good ol fantasy adventure but this book was gratuitous in its gore to the extreme and frankly lost its impact. There were enjoyable points with the troupe along the way and so called good over came evil but it was a long 450 some pages. Don't stop writing Mr. Bilsborough just dial it back. Every sentence does not have to be an epic gory death.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The review rounds it up nicely, a step up from before

A better second effort from David Bilsborough after a weak opening to the first novel in this series, the travellers carry on in this novel having just about made it to the other side of the mountains near Melhus Island, their destination, 2 of them lag behind but try catching up by passing through Wrythe, not a good plan, they all eventually meet up with the ending being a rip-roaring finale alongside some of the best I have ever read, I couldn’t put it down till it finished it, still open for another in the series but well-rounded off if this is the finale, worth a visit after you've read the big fantasy series and you're looking for something a little less epic and a little more personal

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always start off with how I do my rating- 5 stars are my favorite books and will re-read and recommend to anyone. 4 stars are ones that I liked a lot but not loved as a favorite. 3 stars are ones that I liked (just liked). 2 stars are ones that I was not fond of. 1 star is for ones I hate and can not stand.

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Apparently Billsborough spent 25 years developing his world of Lindormyn.
He persevered until his first novel in the series, A Wanderer’s Tale, was published. A Fire in the North is the second book. Boldhe journeys through a cold landscape. It is an agonising read. Dense and self-indulgent.

[Lane Beaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great finish to a great story. A sad ending but it was well polished.