Springwar

A Tale of Eron #2

by Tom Deitz

From the author of Bloodwinter comes the continuation of that epic tale, as two rival kingdoms clash while heroes, heroines, and rogues on both sides -- and no side -- vie for control of a world-altering magic more powerful than anyone's wildest imaginings.

As the realm of Eron sits frozen in the grip of winter, two men struggle through the snow-clogged Wild toward the citadel of their the arrogant goldsmith Eddyn, haunted by his past crimes, and his bitter rival, Avall, anxious to increase the power of his clan. Each man brings news of a magical gem discovered in the northern mines.

Meanwhile, Avall's twin sister, Merryn, and her lover, exiled prince Kraxxi, have been captured by Kraxxi's outraged father. As Ixti's king readies his first assault in a devastating war against an unsuspecting Eron, he will force Merryn and Kraxxi to terrible betrayals that will bring Eron's fall ever nearer.

As the armies of Ixti crash across the border, Avall and Eddyn must seek their destinies. For each knows the power of the magical gem and can use it for unbelievable good -- or unimaginable evil.

Genres: Fantasy

576 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Thomas Franklin Deitz (January 17, 1952- April 27, 2009) was an American novelist from Georgia. He had a B.A. and M.A. in medieval English from University of Georgia. He was the author of the "Soulsmith Trilogy," comprised of the books Soulsmith , Dreambuilder , and Wordwright . He also wrote a popular series consisting of Windmaster's Bane , Fireshaper's Doom , Darkthunder's Way , Sunshaker's War , Stoneskin's Revenge , Ghostcountry's Wrath , Dreamseeker's Road , Landslayer's Law , and Warstalker's Track . His stand-alone novel The Gryphon King centers around a few of the characters from the later novels in the last series mentioned.

Deitz also won the Phoenix Award in 2007. This award is given at the annual DeepSouthCon to a professional who has done a great deal for Southern Fandom.

Deitz was a well-liked college instructor as well, with stints as an adjunct English faculty member at Gainesville State College, Lanier Tech, and Tri-County Community College, and received a tenure-track appointment as assistant professor in Fall 2008 at Gainesville State College. He was recognized as GSC's adjunct faculty member of the year in 2008.

In addition to writing, Deitz's creative outlets included visual art (murals, fantasy art, and more); drama (with minor roles in a number of community and college productions); model automobile collecting; costumery; and other pursuits via the Society for Creative Anachronism. He was a founding member of the SCA's Barony of Bryn Madoc.

Deitz died on Monday, April 27 2009 of heart failure. He had a heart attack in January of this year and was a candidate to receive a Ventricular assist device (VAD) but had suffered too much damage to his heart for the device to be implanted.
(From Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Micax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Springwar continues and brings the tale started in Bloodwinter to its logical conclusion. War has erupted, and Avall, his rival Eddyn and Avall's sister are in the thick of it. Much as in the first book, bad decisions are made - but mostly from ignorance or happenstance, or follow from decisions taken earlier. As such, there are fewer "huh" moments than in the first book, which is a good thing.

The characters are still a bit lacking, but familiarity makes them a bit better. The conflict is also clear and sensible and overall this is probably the best book of the series, and a fairly good stopping point if you have had enough. One major plot thread from Bloodwinter is basically left unresolved, but otherwise this is a pretty good stopping point for the series, if one doesn't feel like any more of Eron. And honestly - it could be something to consider, because this is really the peak of the series.

[Ivan Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I haven't read the first book, this was surprisingly still good as a standalone thanks to the synopsis of the first book on the first few pages. One thing that I wished though was it could have been more vivid and descriptive, I loved the dialogues and the politics behind it but a ther could have been better grasp and feel of Tir Eron

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than the first book of the series. The major characters begin to come into their own, plus I understood more about the cultures and geography so wasn't confused.