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Keepers of the Hidden Ways #2
The Silver Stone
In a place of ruthless politics and doomsday prophecies, Ian Silverstein's swordsmanship and mettle were tested...and he was judged most worthy. Now he must journey back to Tir Na Nog - to save the life of an ailing god.
A strange illness has struck Hosea Thorsen in Hardwood, North Dakota. And unless Ian can return him to his abandoned home, the Old One will surely die. But war's winds are blowing the Hidden Ways, threatening the long-standing harmony of the Middle Dominions. And it is Ian whom Odin himself has chosen as peacekeeper - to carry the great god's spear...and his warning.
A strange illness has struck Hosea Thorsen in Hardwood, North Dakota. And unless Ian can return him to his abandoned home, the Old One will surely die. But war's winds are blowing the Hidden Ways, threatening the long-standing harmony of the Middle Dominions. And it is Ian whom Odin himself has chosen as peacekeeper - to carry the great god's spear...and his warning.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1996
13 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Joel Rosenberg
85 books236 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the political/thriller author, Joel C. Rosenberg
Joel Rosenberg was the author of the bestselling Guardians of the Flame books as well as the D'Shai and Keepers of the Hidden Ways series. He made his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Note: This is a different person than the political/thriller author, Joel C. Rosenberg
Joel Rosenberg was the author of the bestselling Guardians of the Flame books as well as the D'Shai and Keepers of the Hidden Ways series. He made his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 8, 2009
Somewhat weaker than the first book in the series; there's a rather contrived plot in which the protagonist's friend from the first book gets more screen time.
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February 1, 2021Review written December, 1999
Here's another one where far too much time had passed since I read the first book in this series. I think the third one is actually out in the bookstores, so the fault is strictly my own. However, I was lost through much of the book, because I couldn't for the life of me recall "what had gone before."
Nevertheless, I've always enjoyed Rosenberg's style, and this book was no exception. I started reading his stuff back when he first published his Guardians of the Flame stuff, and have eagerly devoured anything he's published. I'd suggest, however, that you read the first book in the series, The Fire Duke, before starting on this one.
Again (I guess), we follow the adventures of Ian Silverstein, aka Silver Stone as he is drawn into the mythical world of Tyr na nog, where Norse mythology plays a very important part in the tale. Odin tricks Ian and his companions into undertaking a quest, which is not exactly what it seems to be. He's supposed to deliver a message to the Sons of Tyr asking them to back off from the precipice of war upon which they're poised.
However, some of the Sons think that Ian is the Promised Warrior, who will lead them to victory and dominion over the entire land. Others don't believe he's the promised one, and most of Ian's challenges on his quest revolve around this conflict.
Actually, the whole story is a little shallow, but it kept me entertained for a few hours. Ian's companions are all somewhat one-dimensional, in my opinion, just a great bunch of guys and gals - doing the right thing whatever the odds.
Here's another one where far too much time had passed since I read the first book in this series. I think the third one is actually out in the bookstores, so the fault is strictly my own. However, I was lost through much of the book, because I couldn't for the life of me recall "what had gone before."
Nevertheless, I've always enjoyed Rosenberg's style, and this book was no exception. I started reading his stuff back when he first published his Guardians of the Flame stuff, and have eagerly devoured anything he's published. I'd suggest, however, that you read the first book in the series, The Fire Duke, before starting on this one.
Again (I guess), we follow the adventures of Ian Silverstein, aka Silver Stone as he is drawn into the mythical world of Tyr na nog, where Norse mythology plays a very important part in the tale. Odin tricks Ian and his companions into undertaking a quest, which is not exactly what it seems to be. He's supposed to deliver a message to the Sons of Tyr asking them to back off from the precipice of war upon which they're poised.
However, some of the Sons think that Ian is the Promised Warrior, who will lead them to victory and dominion over the entire land. Others don't believe he's the promised one, and most of Ian's challenges on his quest revolve around this conflict.
Actually, the whole story is a little shallow, but it kept me entertained for a few hours. Ian's companions are all somewhat one-dimensional, in my opinion, just a great bunch of guys and gals - doing the right thing whatever the odds.
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October 23, 2025Expert swordsman Ian Silverstein crosses from Hardwood, North Dakota, into a magical realm to serve as peacemaker and to save the life of the ailing god Odin, in the second book in the fantasy-adventure series, which began with The Fire Duke. Original.
August 19, 2020
Not as exciting as The Fire Duke, but still a rich and deep exploration of his world of Tir na Nog. And I love Ephie Selmo like she was one of my very own Aunts. Rosenberg is VERY good.
November 30, 2020
I couldn't finish this volume at all. It just wasn't a book that kept my interest at all.
The characters were bland and just not worth following.
The characters were bland and just not worth following.
March 30, 2014
Rosenberg spins another fun tale of adventure in Tir Na Og when Ian has to take Uncle Hosea there to find a cure for his worsened heart condition. He's maneuvered into an agreement with Habard, the Old One formerly known as Odin to act is his harbinger in exchange for helping Hosea. Along the way, he is ensnared deeper into a web of deceit and manipulation so subtle that he is unaware. Fortunately, his friends Ian and Maggie follow him to render aid he doesn't know he needs, and he has his faithful friend and landlord, Artie, all but given up on life after the passing of his wife of 50 years.
Rosenberg again tells a story of fencers from Earth dealing with the politics and magic of another world, but does so in his typical way where all characters are deep and have mundane problems and baggage that drives their actions and personalities, even as they deal with survival in a fantasy world. While they encounter many creatures and legacies of myth, the difference between reality and the stories passed down over the ages prove far more dangerous than the pretty stories that developed.
Rosenberg again tells a story of fencers from Earth dealing with the politics and magic of another world, but does so in his typical way where all characters are deep and have mundane problems and baggage that drives their actions and personalities, even as they deal with survival in a fantasy world. While they encounter many creatures and legacies of myth, the difference between reality and the stories passed down over the ages prove far more dangerous than the pretty stories that developed.
November 30, 2016
The next in this unfortunately abbreviated series. I'd only read it the once, when it came out, and had completely forgotten the ending, which was met with the figurative raised eyebrow and "Oh, yeah!"
October 30, 2008
I actually liked this one better than the first one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews