It was the most unlikely of paths for the simple farmer, but one he must now embrace. Erik has become a hero, a warrior... and a leader. The journey to find the lost dwarvish city of Orvencrest is almost complete, but the nearer Erik and his companions are to their goal, the greater the danger.
As Erik nears the end of his quest, he is now torn between his dwarvish allies, his family, and fulfilling the mission given to them by the Lord of the East. It is Erik who must decide what is best for the rest of the world.
As he discovers atrocities and forgotten histories, buried deep within an abandoned, dwarvish city, Erik unwittingly awakens an ancient evil, one the world hasn't seen for a thousand years. It is an evil that threatens to enslave the world again, but the chains are not made of iron, but of fire.
There is only one choice for Erik now, to die or to break the flame...
Christopher Patterson lives in Tucson, Arizona with his wife and three children. Christopher has a Masters in Education and is a teacher of many subjects, including English, History, Government, Economics, and Health. He is also a football and wrestling coach. Christopher fostered a love of the arts at a very young age, picking up the guitar at 7, the bass at 10, and dabbling in drawing and writing around the same time. His first major at the University of Arizona was, in fact, a BFA in Classical Guitar Performance, although he would eventually earn a BA in Literature and a BFA in Creative Writing.
Christopher Patterson grew up watching Star Wars, Dragon Slayer, and a cartoon version of The Hobbit. He started reading fantasy novels from a young age, took an early interest in early, Medieval Europe, and played Dungeons and Dragons. He has read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and the Wizard of Earthsea many times and heralds Tolkien, Jordan, and Martin, among others, as major influences in his own writing.
Christopher is also very involved in church, especially music and youth ministries, and is very active, having been a competitive power lifter since high school.
He thanks his grandmother for letting him waste paper on her typewriter while trying to write the "Next Great American Novel" and his parents for always supporting his dreams.
This is a great story that truly deserves 5 stars, but I'm only giving it 4. Here's why. It's categorized as Christian fiction. I agree that it is and it's an enjoyable read. I love how Erik's character matures from book 1 to book 3, has some visible flaws, but doesn't compromise on many of his values. There are key elements that are clearly drawn from the bible like, " there is no greater love than someone laying down his life for their friend." That's John 15:13. The other characters mature as well. Great story line. Believable, but still fantastical characters.
The main reason that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the suggestive scenes in the book. It does a great job of juxtaposing the purity of Erik, and gives a bit of realism to the story. It was too much at times though. Granted, its not long, drawn out scenes, but be aware that they are sprinkled throughout the book.
Overall, the book has great value as fantasy fiction, and I hope he continues the story.
Aw yeah. This fantasy novel begins with a map of the fantasy world explored therein, my favorite thing about old-school fantasy novels.
Author Christopher Patterson is clearly having a glorious time writing these stories, and it comes through on the page. The whole production is just fun, old-school, Dungeons & Dragons sword & sorcery stuff, the kind that would be in a dog-eared paperback on a WaldenBooks shelf.
It has magic weapons, dwarves, cursed places. In other words, good stuff.
My favorite exchange:
“What did this?” Erik asked. Bryon shook his head. “I don’t know. Some dog, lizard, cat-like thing.” “Dog, lizard, cat-like thing?” Balzarak repeated.
So fun.
This one is book 3 in a series, so I suggest reading the first two, then this one. Mathematically, that's how you have to do it.
This gives you even more quality reading material. You deserve it!
I'm delighted that this didn't actually become a "trilogy" because I am very invested in the characters . I said it in my other review and I will say it again.... Books that one could read in just a couple hours can be great and there is a place for them..... BUT I LOVE LONG STORIES. I believe that Christopher Patterson, if he chooses to continue to write like this (and I hope he does), could absolutely get to the level of Jordan, Goodkind, Hobb, Sanderson, Brooks....a.k.a. "THE MASTERS" 😁 I only have one request/critique ... I love when maps are included, I will flip back and forth tracking the characters movements throughout the story. It is quite irritating however when many of the towns, villages, landmarks etc...are not on the map but then there are towns that never even get mentioned.
This is the last book in the Trilogy, and I have enjoyed all of them. The central character Erik continues his journey and his maturing along with discoveries of evil lying in wait. The complicated and brave Dwarfs are here in full force and Erik has learned to listen to his dagger. A well-done conclusion to the trilogy but at the same time I can see the possibility of Erik continuing – fingers crossed.
Excellent series. Each book was better than the previous one. Well written characters. High fantasy quest literature done right. Highly recommended. Obviously the series isn't done yet, so I'm looking forward to the next book.
An excellent high fantasy quest series done right. Well drawn characters and lots of action and magic. Each book was better than the previous one. I am looking forward to the next book.
I read a lot and this trilogy of books has kept me busy this week. Erik's adventures have been daunting and miraculous, just how we love them. The books are well written and my husband's name is one of the characters, supper cool to see.
Good book for all fantasy readers, just need more now....
This trilogy did get better and better as it went on, pacing and such was good. I assume there is a new book in this series coming soon, as lots of loose ends are left, and while the main arc is kinda wrapped up, I am anxiously awaiting a conclusion to these plots.
Well written, a great adventure, waiting anxiously for book IV.
Enjoyed your 3 books in the series. I am eagerly awaiting for book 4 and 5 and hopefully book 6. I really like the diversity of characters , the story is a great adventure. . Thank you very much for the spiritual elements of the book and characters of true integrity.
I am sad to have finished the Shadow's Fire trilogy, but thrilled to have found another author to follow. Patterson is masterful in his craft. If there aren't more books in this particular series, I do hope Christopher Patterson has written more books period. Because now I want to read everything he has ever written.
I can’t believe I am going to have a d wait to see more of this story. Fans of Lord of the Rings will love this epic tale of the humble farmer turned warrior. Please release to the next book soon!
What aa adventure. This series keeps getting better and better. I need book 4 asap. Great characters and great pacing. I highly recommend this series. It is based around the characters spiritual belief.
This is the third book in the series and it's supposed to be a trilogy, but with the way this third book ended I would assume that there will be at least one if not two more book to wrap everything up.
Sometimes you get what you were looking for. I wanted a classic Tolkienesque story and that's what this is. Don't get me wrong it's not a knock off but like Jordan , Patterson does use the frame work that's been laid. 2 thumbs up. Look forward to reading more
I completely enjoyed all three books of Christopher Patterson. This 3rd book really got me bonded to the main characters. The plot twists kept me surprised an hungry to keep reading. Iam really looking forward to more books with these characters from Christopher Patterson
Eric has changed in his Journeys. So many friends lost and fighting for his life has made him stronger. He has proven himself the type of man others follow. Now he finally returns home. How will his family see him? Great third installment of this series.
This book was just great. Once again I read it through and hardly put it down until I was done. I wonder if Eric will meet the Gypsies again? And who will be left when this is over?
This is a very fun fast paced adventure with our characters coming alive,as we follow you find yourself in the story,this is what storytelling is all about.