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The Dwarves of Ice-Cloak #1
The Crippled King
The life of a dwarven prospector is one of shame, loneliness, and a constant battle for survival. Striking it rich is the only way for Naen to keep his bones from bleaching in the sun without heritage or memory. When riches finally fall into his hands, he encounters a group of indentured servants fleeing from a vengeful master. A dwarf-maid named Jade leads the refugees, but she has her own desires for her future and they don’t seem to include Naen. Yet in the face of the brutal wilderness, they need help to survive, and the experienced Naen could give it. When spring comes, should he leave them to their fate and return to the wilds alone, or should he stay with the outlaw dwarves and face the coming onslaught?
Mocked as the King of the Cripples, the epithet could become Naen’s true heritage as the ragged refugees prepare their mine to withstand the vengeance of dwarven kings.
Mocked as the King of the Cripples, the epithet could become Naen’s true heritage as the ragged refugees prepare their mine to withstand the vengeance of dwarven kings.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2022
356 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
A. Trae McMaken
18 books48 followersFrom the struggles of a dwarven prospector to the adventures of a diminutive squirrel-rider, A. Trae McMaken's decades-long passion for writing fantasy literature has led him into many worlds and introduced many characters. He lives and works near the shores of Lake Huron, watching as his flock of sheep munch grass. He has had a varied career as a traveling storyteller and folklorist, a fiddler and singer, but these days he much prefers to stay put and write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 22, 2025
A lone dwarf hunting for his own mine stumbles into the find of a century… except it belongs to another lone miner. But when it accidentally becomes his, and then a troupe of escaping slaves need somewhere safe to live, he's stuck between his future, and the future of a clan. The Crippled King delivered exactly what was promised - visceral, epic fiction, fast driving action, deep with intense characters, and a world that feels so real you'll assume its a sequel to Lord of the Rings. In fact, the author dreamt of writing fiction for the dwarves of Moria, and this is it.
I could not get through this book fast enough, and burned a whole weekend on it. The story itself is so heroic and epic, and yet so raw and real, that I was brought to tears several times.
Think of a dwarf 'Aragorn' who raises an army against a cruel system of kings and slavery. A series of accidents pushes Naen into falling in love, and being broken open by the call to dig out a home in a mountain.
Naen is constantly torn between the lone life he wants, and the unexpected mantles pf leadership. He builds an ark for cripples and unwanted slaves, and raises a kingdom, a people.
The novel is choked with beautiful and believable worldbuilding. Each chapter teaches you something new and real about the world of dwarfish delving, how rocks and smelting and smithying is their blood.
Few books make my top list, and this is absolutely one of them. It is clear enough to watch as a film in our minds, but also clear enough to feel along with Naen, his anger and loss, his slow turn from being a runaway loner into the role of reluctant king.
I could not get through this book fast enough, and burned a whole weekend on it. The story itself is so heroic and epic, and yet so raw and real, that I was brought to tears several times.
Think of a dwarf 'Aragorn' who raises an army against a cruel system of kings and slavery. A series of accidents pushes Naen into falling in love, and being broken open by the call to dig out a home in a mountain.
Naen is constantly torn between the lone life he wants, and the unexpected mantles pf leadership. He builds an ark for cripples and unwanted slaves, and raises a kingdom, a people.
The novel is choked with beautiful and believable worldbuilding. Each chapter teaches you something new and real about the world of dwarfish delving, how rocks and smelting and smithying is their blood.
Few books make my top list, and this is absolutely one of them. It is clear enough to watch as a film in our minds, but also clear enough to feel along with Naen, his anger and loss, his slow turn from being a runaway loner into the role of reluctant king.
April 26, 2024
Amazing start for a series!
This was a pleasant surprise. Not only is it well written as far as the basics go (the market seems flooded with books that can't seem to even tell a coherent story, let alone a compelling one), but McMaken has put together a wonderfully unique tale. This is a fantasy story about dwarves. We know the stereotypes: short, bearded, few females, hard working, mining culture, etc. No he doesn't flip all that on its head in a lame attempt to be clever, but he also doesn't just give us paint-by-numbers dwarves. He takes the tropes, leans into some, tweaks others, puts narrative meat on the bones, fleshes out his own spin on a dwarf society in, and generally makes them his own. I've never seen anyone delve into the workings like this. Fantasy world building. Not just window dressing or backstory for some other tale (that's probably primarily about humans or elves) but focused on dwarves and their world. And it all starts with our protagonist Naen, a near-outcast prospector who has been living in the wilderness for decades hoping to strike it rich. This leads to an epic story of building a kingdom and great lead into what could be a long, terrific series.
This was a pleasant surprise. Not only is it well written as far as the basics go (the market seems flooded with books that can't seem to even tell a coherent story, let alone a compelling one), but McMaken has put together a wonderfully unique tale. This is a fantasy story about dwarves. We know the stereotypes: short, bearded, few females, hard working, mining culture, etc. No he doesn't flip all that on its head in a lame attempt to be clever, but he also doesn't just give us paint-by-numbers dwarves. He takes the tropes, leans into some, tweaks others, puts narrative meat on the bones, fleshes out his own spin on a dwarf society in, and generally makes them his own. I've never seen anyone delve into the workings like this. Fantasy world building. Not just window dressing or backstory for some other tale (that's probably primarily about humans or elves) but focused on dwarves and their world. And it all starts with our protagonist Naen, a near-outcast prospector who has been living in the wilderness for decades hoping to strike it rich. This leads to an epic story of building a kingdom and great lead into what could be a long, terrific series.
May 5, 2025
Hail, King of the Cripples!
This was such an epic tale of a shattered, worthless dwarf rising from abandonment to heroic stature! It was never his desire, but the position fell to him out of need and he wore it well. Great tale! In my imagination I stood in the Hall of Waters and watched it all!
This was such an epic tale of a shattered, worthless dwarf rising from abandonment to heroic stature! It was never his desire, but the position fell to him out of need and he wore it well. Great tale! In my imagination I stood in the Hall of Waters and watched it all!
February 20, 2024
A wonderful story. The first act is kind of a slow burn, then it's just amazing dwarf stuff from there. I was entertained and enthralled! If you're a fan of medieval fantasy, if you want wholesome dwarf content, if you like base building, this is for you!
July 23, 2024
Quite good!
July 15, 2025
What a ride. Can't wait to hit book two.
October 14, 2024
Overall, I loved it. The world-building was fantastic; it reminded me of LotR and old fantasy Warhammer dwarves. The author did an outstanding job of describing the setting and culture, really drew me in and brought it to life. This didn't feel like the height of the dwarven civilization, however, more like we're on a journey with them as they rise to their full potential.
As someone from Colorado who spent much time in the mountains, I especially enjoyed the author's attention to geology and the development of the mountains and underground environments.
The story was great and emotional. Like all good dwarf stories, it brought me great joy while leaving me in a puddle of my own tears. I'm looking forward to the next one, even though this one broke my heart a bit. This is a story that can stand right beside the excellent books of the Warhammer Dwarves.
As someone from Colorado who spent much time in the mountains, I especially enjoyed the author's attention to geology and the development of the mountains and underground environments.
The story was great and emotional. Like all good dwarf stories, it brought me great joy while leaving me in a puddle of my own tears. I'm looking forward to the next one, even though this one broke my heart a bit. This is a story that can stand right beside the excellent books of the Warhammer Dwarves.
December 27, 2023
Much like our protagonist, Naen, I feel I’ve discovered a rare gem. I am not even sure how I stumbled onto this book, it must have been an ad on social media, but this is one of those surprise books that seem to appear out of nowhere and knocks it out of the park.
Another review likened this to a lost tale from Middle-earth and I completely agree. The prose is laser-focused and sucks you in—I devoured this book in only a few days—and the POV Naen is fully fleshed and easy to root for. And unlike some fantasies there is an extra layer of depth here that was particularly fascinating, particularly the moments in which Naen struggles against inner temptations, as well as certain aspects of the story that are rather nightmarish and startling. I absolutely love slightly horrific elements included in fantasy, not enough fantasy books employ it or execute it well.
Above all this is a story about dwarves, who are often overlooked in favor of elves or heroic men or other magical beings. But dwarves—when not done in a cheesy fashion—are perfect for these kinds of stories. When reading LotR dwarves are actually involved quite a lot, but the inner workings of their society are kept secret. This story is like getting a first-hand account of those dwarven cultures in Tolkien, except with a slightly more modern tone. Really wish I could correspond with the author himself just to tell him how terrific this novel is. Will dive into the second book soon.
G
Another review likened this to a lost tale from Middle-earth and I completely agree. The prose is laser-focused and sucks you in—I devoured this book in only a few days—and the POV Naen is fully fleshed and easy to root for. And unlike some fantasies there is an extra layer of depth here that was particularly fascinating, particularly the moments in which Naen struggles against inner temptations, as well as certain aspects of the story that are rather nightmarish and startling. I absolutely love slightly horrific elements included in fantasy, not enough fantasy books employ it or execute it well.
Above all this is a story about dwarves, who are often overlooked in favor of elves or heroic men or other magical beings. But dwarves—when not done in a cheesy fashion—are perfect for these kinds of stories. When reading LotR dwarves are actually involved quite a lot, but the inner workings of their society are kept secret. This story is like getting a first-hand account of those dwarven cultures in Tolkien, except with a slightly more modern tone. Really wish I could correspond with the author himself just to tell him how terrific this novel is. Will dive into the second book soon.
G
October 27, 2025
Wow. I picked this up not expecting much. It was for the "Elves & Dwarves" square for Fantasy Bingo, and I had put it off to almost the last square because I'm just not a fan of the tropes around those two fantasy races. I'm really glad I waited, because this book crossed my path later in the process and I don't think the other choice I had selected would have been as good. The sample for this intrigued me because the main character at the beginning was a far, far distance from being a king, and not "crippled", so there was some curiosity factor in how he was going to get to Point A to Point B... and then it won me over with the strength of it characters, worldbuilding, and the overall premise.
When I talk about what makes me love a book, I frequently fall back to the word "nuance". I want the world and the characters to have layers and for the conflicts to be more than surface level, and this book delivers really well on this. We have a world that has recognizable dwarvish tropes (squat people, mostly male, big on mining and hoarding gold and jewels) but then adds a lot of specificity to the culture that makes it it's own unique (the way things are ruled by kings and the main people with power in society are skilled craftspeople who have their position through inheritance that favors the first two sons in a family and leaves any additional sons as throwaways to spend their lives in grunt-work unless they choose to leave home to try to strike it rich in the outside world. That specificity drives the story as we follow one of those third sons who left home and has not had much worth living for in his life gives this a great outsider-finding-his-place sort of vibe. The main character is a loner by circumstance, and early in the book, does several selfish things that could have converted him from a surly loner to an actual bad person - except that he wears the guilt for those things for the rest of his life, and spends the rest of the book making restitution for his choices.
Premise-wise, the book follows the main character as he finds a mine that is every "extra sons" dream - a place that would let him strike it rich, but circumstances shift as he makes an enemy of a powerful mine owner and is joined by refugees in how own mine. The bulk of the book is seeing the community of this new mine evolve and grow from a ragtag group trying to just survive the winter and find a way to survive the invasion from the other mine that they know is coming to having a thriving society that can hold its own against much larger players. The focus is focused largely on the growing pains of the mine and how our hero's position in that group shifts over time until he becomes the titular "king", with a lot of descriptions of how the society of the mine organizes itself and deals with growing pains as more members join, punctuated by several crises when their new home is threatened by outside forces. I wouldn't call this "cozy", but I do think the pacing of the community-building elements would appeal in a similar way to what folks get from the cozy genre - while those looking for a more epic vibe will get plenty of that, too.
I liked this a lot. Would recommend.
When I talk about what makes me love a book, I frequently fall back to the word "nuance". I want the world and the characters to have layers and for the conflicts to be more than surface level, and this book delivers really well on this. We have a world that has recognizable dwarvish tropes (squat people, mostly male, big on mining and hoarding gold and jewels) but then adds a lot of specificity to the culture that makes it it's own unique (the way things are ruled by kings and the main people with power in society are skilled craftspeople who have their position through inheritance that favors the first two sons in a family and leaves any additional sons as throwaways to spend their lives in grunt-work unless they choose to leave home to try to strike it rich in the outside world. That specificity drives the story as we follow one of those third sons who left home and has not had much worth living for in his life gives this a great outsider-finding-his-place sort of vibe. The main character is a loner by circumstance, and early in the book, does several selfish things that could have converted him from a surly loner to an actual bad person - except that he wears the guilt for those things for the rest of his life, and spends the rest of the book making restitution for his choices.
Premise-wise, the book follows the main character as he finds a mine that is every "extra sons" dream - a place that would let him strike it rich, but circumstances shift as he makes an enemy of a powerful mine owner and is joined by refugees in how own mine. The bulk of the book is seeing the community of this new mine evolve and grow from a ragtag group trying to just survive the winter and find a way to survive the invasion from the other mine that they know is coming to having a thriving society that can hold its own against much larger players. The focus is focused largely on the growing pains of the mine and how our hero's position in that group shifts over time until he becomes the titular "king", with a lot of descriptions of how the society of the mine organizes itself and deals with growing pains as more members join, punctuated by several crises when their new home is threatened by outside forces. I wouldn't call this "cozy", but I do think the pacing of the community-building elements would appeal in a similar way to what folks get from the cozy genre - while those looking for a more epic vibe will get plenty of that, too.
I liked this a lot. Would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
Fucking spectacular, moving emotional story of one stubborn prospector with real honor
Brokenspear, the poorest dwarf under his mountain, works the hardest for all and never for himself. Just a down on his luck prospector wandering the wilds looking for a good claim to mine. From one misadventure to another he soon finds a claim and a dwarf-wif bear death who owns said claim. Kill her and take the claim or save her and move on once she is well?
The answer to that question will be answered in a most peculiar but fitting manner. As Brokenspear, once just a nameless prospector will be known by quite a few names beginning with Bearbringer as he brings misfortune most large and foul upon some dwarfs he stumbles into the camp of. There begins the next part of his tale as he learns of his own greed and the unexpected price. Will he move on when things get difficult or don’t go his way?
Or will he find personal penance in some oathbreaking refugees of a nearby mine? He initially dreams of being a rich king of the claim but as usual things do not go his way and how he handles that will set the tone of his future and if the oathbreakers will survive the repercussions of their former masters.
He was named the King of Cripples by Goldhelm, who unwittingly created something greater than any one dwarf could ever hope to create of his own purpose. At first it sounded like mocking, but legends are began in small stories that grow in the telling. Brokenspear is one such tale of a dwarf who decided to live for all the dwarfs that were looked down upon, broken of body or mind. He saw the value in food and provisioning being the tasks of the unwanted, he didn’t try to lead, he just taught others all the skills he could share, then demanded other skilled craftsman shared their knowledge more freely with any under this mountain who wished to learn a new trade. This and his simple dress and bearing soon gain him something greater than any gem discovered under the mountains by dwarf. He found the love of a people who he tirelessly worked for the betterment of with no demands or requests for more than that everyone else contribute to the mine community as well. This simple idea begins a revolution.
Brokenspear, the poorest dwarf under his mountain, works the hardest for all and never for himself. Just a down on his luck prospector wandering the wilds looking for a good claim to mine. From one misadventure to another he soon finds a claim and a dwarf-wif bear death who owns said claim. Kill her and take the claim or save her and move on once she is well?
The answer to that question will be answered in a most peculiar but fitting manner. As Brokenspear, once just a nameless prospector will be known by quite a few names beginning with Bearbringer as he brings misfortune most large and foul upon some dwarfs he stumbles into the camp of. There begins the next part of his tale as he learns of his own greed and the unexpected price. Will he move on when things get difficult or don’t go his way?
Or will he find personal penance in some oathbreaking refugees of a nearby mine? He initially dreams of being a rich king of the claim but as usual things do not go his way and how he handles that will set the tone of his future and if the oathbreakers will survive the repercussions of their former masters.
He was named the King of Cripples by Goldhelm, who unwittingly created something greater than any one dwarf could ever hope to create of his own purpose. At first it sounded like mocking, but legends are began in small stories that grow in the telling. Brokenspear is one such tale of a dwarf who decided to live for all the dwarfs that were looked down upon, broken of body or mind. He saw the value in food and provisioning being the tasks of the unwanted, he didn’t try to lead, he just taught others all the skills he could share, then demanded other skilled craftsman shared their knowledge more freely with any under this mountain who wished to learn a new trade. This and his simple dress and bearing soon gain him something greater than any gem discovered under the mountains by dwarf. He found the love of a people who he tirelessly worked for the betterment of with no demands or requests for more than that everyone else contribute to the mine community as well. This simple idea begins a revolution.
February 2, 2024
Like most first books of a series, this started out a bit slow. Quickly though, the characters came to life and found a place in my heart. Many reviews stated that these dwarves were very Tolkien-ish, but I greatly disagree. And thats a good thing. McMaken writes a very different type of Dwarf. I am glad that he was bold enough to write his OWN version of a dwarf rather than just make them cookie cutter versions of Master Tolkien's short warriors. The main character was almost biblical at times. A simple man/king that takes in the crippled, the old, and the deformed, and treats them as equals. He frees slaves from their bondage. He teaches of a new way to live. While at the same time having hints of the Spartacus uprising, combined with Tolkien's battle of the five armies . The final battle is one of the most detailed, and dare I say, legendary battles I have ever read.
My one and only gripe is that the writer chose to use swear words from our world. When these dwarves cuss , they use our F word and often say S%#t! It would have taken just a few minutes to come up with some unique dwarvish swear words.
When I read a fantasy novel I completely lose myself in that world. Every time I read a cuss word from my own world in this book, I was instantly sucked out of this wonderful , rich world and back into my own. It would take me a page or two to once again become part of the writers world. It was like being in a wonderful dream, only to be awakened by my spouse because I am snoring. It always takes me a long time to get back to sleep.
Overall, this is a great book for fantasy/adventure fans. More particularly, I am sure McMaken wrote this book with true dwarf fans in mind .
My one and only gripe is that the writer chose to use swear words from our world. When these dwarves cuss , they use our F word and often say S%#t! It would have taken just a few minutes to come up with some unique dwarvish swear words.
When I read a fantasy novel I completely lose myself in that world. Every time I read a cuss word from my own world in this book, I was instantly sucked out of this wonderful , rich world and back into my own. It would take me a page or two to once again become part of the writers world. It was like being in a wonderful dream, only to be awakened by my spouse because I am snoring. It always takes me a long time to get back to sleep.
Overall, this is a great book for fantasy/adventure fans. More particularly, I am sure McMaken wrote this book with true dwarf fans in mind .
September 9, 2024
Librazo único que por desgracia solo está en inglés, pero que tengo que recomendar a cualquier persona que, como yo, lleve fascinada con los enanos desde que abrió el Señor de los Anillos en la adolescencia.
Evidentemente es café para muy cafeteros (es uno de esos libros que me ha encantado pero no tengo ningún colega al que recomendar). Dicho esto, me parece fascinante cómo el autor ha cogido las 4 ideas que se llevan repitiendo desde que Tolkien imaginó la raza de los enanos como una especie de judíos nórdicos caricaturescos obsesionados con la riqueza y la maestría artesanal, y las haya utilizado para imaginar en profundidad toda la estructura social, económica y política que necesariamente habría detrás. Esto me ha parecido fascinante y me he leído el libro del tirón, pero es que además, la historia de un grupo de personajes que escapan de la única sociedad que conocen y los problemas que encuentran al intentar reconstruir de cero una realidad mejor sin poder dejar atrás los valores que tenían me parece espectacular.
Dejando de lado todo lo anterior, como novela de aventurilla, viaje del héroe y supervivencia en un paisaje hostil tiene partes muy interesantes y merecería la pena solo por las descripciones de los paisajes, las penurias del protagonista y lo bien escrito que está.
Espectacular, me lo volveré a leer.
Evidentemente es café para muy cafeteros (es uno de esos libros que me ha encantado pero no tengo ningún colega al que recomendar). Dicho esto, me parece fascinante cómo el autor ha cogido las 4 ideas que se llevan repitiendo desde que Tolkien imaginó la raza de los enanos como una especie de judíos nórdicos caricaturescos obsesionados con la riqueza y la maestría artesanal, y las haya utilizado para imaginar en profundidad toda la estructura social, económica y política que necesariamente habría detrás. Esto me ha parecido fascinante y me he leído el libro del tirón, pero es que además, la historia de un grupo de personajes que escapan de la única sociedad que conocen y los problemas que encuentran al intentar reconstruir de cero una realidad mejor sin poder dejar atrás los valores que tenían me parece espectacular.
Dejando de lado todo lo anterior, como novela de aventurilla, viaje del héroe y supervivencia en un paisaje hostil tiene partes muy interesantes y merecería la pena solo por las descripciones de los paisajes, las penurias del protagonista y lo bien escrito que está.
Espectacular, me lo volveré a leer.
May 1, 2025
This book is for anyone who has ever felt less than others because of the cards they were dealt at birth.
Where do I begin? Not only is this one of the best dwarven stories I've come across, it's also one of the most touching.
The world starts off divided, selfish, and judgmental. Just like the characters! But as the story progresses, they begin to realize there's more to life than their own hoard and riches.
Being a cripple goes from something shameful to a title one can wear with pride. What stood out to me most was how natural that progression felt. It wasn't forced. There were little to no clichés. The characters just organically grew more appreciative. not just of material things, but of skills, friends, family… all of these became more and more important over time.
This book made me laugh and cry. many tears were shed, though thankfully, not all of them were sad.😅
The author doesn't just tell a story, he shows it. The world is described in such vivid detail that you can see the caverns unfold before you in all their glory.
10/10 read.I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If the others are as good as the first, this might even climb into my top 3 all time favourite series.
Where do I begin? Not only is this one of the best dwarven stories I've come across, it's also one of the most touching.
The world starts off divided, selfish, and judgmental. Just like the characters! But as the story progresses, they begin to realize there's more to life than their own hoard and riches.
Being a cripple goes from something shameful to a title one can wear with pride. What stood out to me most was how natural that progression felt. It wasn't forced. There were little to no clichés. The characters just organically grew more appreciative. not just of material things, but of skills, friends, family… all of these became more and more important over time.
This book made me laugh and cry. many tears were shed, though thankfully, not all of them were sad.😅
The author doesn't just tell a story, he shows it. The world is described in such vivid detail that you can see the caverns unfold before you in all their glory.
10/10 read.I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If the others are as good as the first, this might even climb into my top 3 all time favourite series.
January 5, 2026
I’m very surprised with how good this book was. This was actually recommended to me by my dad a few months ago and I’m pissed I waited so long to read it now that I’m done it.
This story follows the character of Naen. An outcasted dwarf who’s been alone for 17 years, living as a prospector. When suddenly stumbling upon another dwarf trapped under a fallen tree, his luck finally turns around.
Honestly right from the start I enjoyed this book. The author did a very good job at world building without making it feel like info dumping.
The characters in this story are phenomenal. Honestly they are some of the best written characters in a book that i’ve read. Each one of them felt so realistic and I was able to easily pick up on the type of personality they had without the author having to directly say it.
The story itself is great. Although I was a little worried going into it since I didn’t think there was much of a plot, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Each chapter had me eager to read more. If it wasn’t the unexpected moments, then it was the interesting politics of the dwarf colony that had me hooked. This book not only made me happy and laugh, but also ball my eyes out at the end.
This story follows the character of Naen. An outcasted dwarf who’s been alone for 17 years, living as a prospector. When suddenly stumbling upon another dwarf trapped under a fallen tree, his luck finally turns around.
Honestly right from the start I enjoyed this book. The author did a very good job at world building without making it feel like info dumping.
The characters in this story are phenomenal. Honestly they are some of the best written characters in a book that i’ve read. Each one of them felt so realistic and I was able to easily pick up on the type of personality they had without the author having to directly say it.
The story itself is great. Although I was a little worried going into it since I didn’t think there was much of a plot, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Each chapter had me eager to read more. If it wasn’t the unexpected moments, then it was the interesting politics of the dwarf colony that had me hooked. This book not only made me happy and laugh, but also ball my eyes out at the end.
January 25, 2025
Naen must choose between selfish greed and helping indentured servants escape a life of oppression. While a prospector’s life was lonely, he would not have to share his wealth. On the other hand, the beautiful Jade might just change her mind and marry him if he shares his newly acquired claim, an almost untouched mountain rich with gems and resources, with her people. But does he have what it takes to govern a community?
I enjoyed the beginning of the story as Naen discovers a new mine and claims it when its previous owner dies from a bear attack. I especially liked the ambiguity surrounding her death. But as the story deepens it becomes repetitive: work in the mine, defend the mine, work in the mine, defend the mine, over and over this happens with no real character development. And Naen’s character seemed to contradict himself when making decisions about his future path. He seemed to always choose his path based on other people’s expectations and not what was best for himself. I did not like the ending at all.
I enjoyed the beginning of the story as Naen discovers a new mine and claims it when its previous owner dies from a bear attack. I especially liked the ambiguity surrounding her death. But as the story deepens it becomes repetitive: work in the mine, defend the mine, work in the mine, defend the mine, over and over this happens with no real character development. And Naen’s character seemed to contradict himself when making decisions about his future path. He seemed to always choose his path based on other people’s expectations and not what was best for himself. I did not like the ending at all.
January 26, 2023
This was an interesting read for me, and the first time I've read a book with dwarves being the main focus. The pacing is a bit slower than one would expect for a book that's more on the shorter side, but it works quite well. Despite the fact most of the plot takes place in and around a single mountain chain, it doesn't feel like there would be a lack of world-building. It gives a good insight into the dwarven culture over time just right.
As for the plot, that's quite simple - a lone prospector ends up carving out a home in a mountain for a group of refugees running from debt to their rulers and it's mostly his mining expertise as well as knowing what it takes to survive in the wilds to make the mountain home to more than just himself - and assure that they won't end up destroying each other before the disgruntled kings do. Because it's clear since the start their reckoning will come...
Final rating: ~90%
As for the plot, that's quite simple - a lone prospector ends up carving out a home in a mountain for a group of refugees running from debt to their rulers and it's mostly his mining expertise as well as knowing what it takes to survive in the wilds to make the mountain home to more than just himself - and assure that they won't end up destroying each other before the disgruntled kings do. Because it's clear since the start their reckoning will come...
Final rating: ~90%
October 20, 2025
Naen is the third son of impoverished dwarves and, as such, has no real role other than labouring. He decides to take to the hills and explore possible mining locations. Having wandered a long way and for a long time he finds a mine that seems interesting however it belongs to a dwarf-wif who is very old. There was quite a lot to like about this story of discovery. Things are not straightforward in Naen's life and I'm not sure he is ever really happy however he maybe leaves a legacy. The insights into the lives of dwarves I enjoyed. So far so good.
However... I fail to see how this book can be compared with Lord of the Rings which some seem to do. It has dwarves in and that's about it. The book could really do with some decent proof reading. I don't often spot those kind of issues but I did in this one. Equally while I liked Naen to some degree virtually all the other characters were at best 2 dimensional. Not bad but not a series I would continue with.
However... I fail to see how this book can be compared with Lord of the Rings which some seem to do. It has dwarves in and that's about it. The book could really do with some decent proof reading. I don't often spot those kind of issues but I did in this one. Equally while I liked Naen to some degree virtually all the other characters were at best 2 dimensional. Not bad but not a series I would continue with.
October 27, 2024
not a series
The book moved extremely slow in the beginning honestly. Just a lone dwarf wandering essentially. It did pick up but my biggest issue with this book is it is presented as a series but honestly it’s more of an anthropology! SPOILER: Naen who we spend the entire book being the main character isn’t in the rest of the books. I was pissed at the end because I pushed through to read this book only to find out the rest of the books basically read as stand alones. I do think the author would benefit from switching perspectives if she’s going to write the books this way. Why spend an entire book with one character if the following books aren’t about that character. I wanted to love the book but honestly by the end it felt shallow. A bunch of passing of time without any real substance.
The book moved extremely slow in the beginning honestly. Just a lone dwarf wandering essentially. It did pick up but my biggest issue with this book is it is presented as a series but honestly it’s more of an anthropology! SPOILER: Naen who we spend the entire book being the main character isn’t in the rest of the books. I was pissed at the end because I pushed through to read this book only to find out the rest of the books basically read as stand alones. I do think the author would benefit from switching perspectives if she’s going to write the books this way. Why spend an entire book with one character if the following books aren’t about that character. I wanted to love the book but honestly by the end it felt shallow. A bunch of passing of time without any real substance.
September 29, 2024
I’ll give this 3.5 stars. It started off intriguing, but the middle was very slow for me. I didn’t love the main character, and I didn’t feel like he had enough of an arc by the end. The other characters weren’t fully fleshed out and there was a lot of missed opportunity with the character of Jade. The last 20 pages really turned it around for me though. That last battle was incredible, and if the rest of the book had been less of digging and building a colony and more conflict I think it would’ve been a lot better. Overall this had great potential but fell a little flat for me.
October 6, 2024
This was such a great read! The first 25 pages or so moved slowly, then the pace picks up and keeps picking up. I really enjoyed Naen's story - how he grows from a prospector to a king. What is unique is he is a king of his people. He works with them and there is always the joke that he is the poorest dwarf in the mine.
Really enjoyed how we get to see how the mine grows and becomes a colony. And Naen finally comes to terms with Jade - just wants her to be happy.
It is sad that he dies, but he has left a wonderful legacy for his people.
Really enjoyed how we get to see how the mine grows and becomes a colony. And Naen finally comes to terms with Jade - just wants her to be happy.
It is sad that he dies, but he has left a wonderful legacy for his people.
December 23, 2024
Good tale. Not your usual dwarf book, this starts out with a prospector stumbling across a mine owned by an old lady...and how he comes to take a prison party there and set up a type of democracy, an unusual thing for dwarves.
It's not full of magic and battles between humans and elves, they are mentioned, briefly, but it's all about the dwarves and their way of life.
Edit: Dropped it down 1 star. Because I expected it to continue, but it doesn't exactly. Each book is years or decades ahead, nothing further is known about the characters and the series gets more depressing and worse for the dwarves with each book.
It's not full of magic and battles between humans and elves, they are mentioned, briefly, but it's all about the dwarves and their way of life.
Edit: Dropped it down 1 star. Because I expected it to continue, but it doesn't exactly. Each book is years or decades ahead, nothing further is known about the characters and the series gets more depressing and worse for the dwarves with each book.
October 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. First off Dwarves stories are my favorite. Starting with the icewind dale trilogy years ago. I thought the characters were good. Lost a bit of sleep reading it late into the night. Was just a bloody good story. Cant wait for the others to read. Moved quick good battles. Just thought there should have been a map of the completed mine to add to the image in my head.
May 20, 2025
Unexpectedly engaging
It wasn't immediately apparent to me where this book was going. Without much dialogue, the beginning was a long narrative, and I honestly didn't know if I'd finish it.
But hang in there. There's excellent character development, and the story does pull you in. I actually could not put it down, and now it's midnight as I finish it.
Now looking forward to Book 2
It wasn't immediately apparent to me where this book was going. Without much dialogue, the beginning was a long narrative, and I honestly didn't know if I'd finish it.
But hang in there. There's excellent character development, and the story does pull you in. I actually could not put it down, and now it's midnight as I finish it.
Now looking forward to Book 2
July 25, 2025
Pleasantly surprised. Well-written, well-paced, and an all around engaging story that manages to set itself apart from the vast sea of mediocre fantasy that seems to get churned out these days. It’s also easy to fall into tropes and cliches, and while the dwarves in the novel certainly share dna with the typical fantasy dwarf, the author has managed to inject a unique feeling of culture and personality to their society that’s refreshing.
October 18, 2025
I gave this a 4/5 stars, but really I feel it was a 3.5. It was well written and the MC had a bit of an arc, which are key, but it didn't get top marks because I wasn't really engaged. I found myself skimming a lot. Maybe it was TOO descriptive? I focused in when there was dialogue or some kind of interaction or conflict. THOSE parts were very good.
I see there are more books in the series, but I'm not really that interested. I will check out other books/series by this author though!
I see there are more books in the series, but I'm not really that interested. I will check out other books/series by this author though!
December 12, 2023
Wow, an impressive tale
This story is fabulous, and I am shocked at how it ended. It started rough, I did not like Nean much, but it picked up quickly and I loved it. The world building and character development was spot on, And the plot was gripping. I am sad to see the back cover of this book.
This story is fabulous, and I am shocked at how it ended. It started rough, I did not like Nean much, but it picked up quickly and I loved it. The world building and character development was spot on, And the plot was gripping. I am sad to see the back cover of this book.
December 27, 2023
This book is a masterpiece. I love seeing a story based around Dwarfs. The story of Naen from who he was to who he became was well written. I haven't been able to put the book down since starting it. I have now ordered the next 3 books just because of how good this one is. Looking forward to reading them. 😊
August 2, 2024
Ghosts
Our author has created a unique storyline 1 that wants you to keep reading and reading and reading to follow the exploits Of a ghost A ghost that spread and created love and understanding through many many lives Thank you dear author for this great Love love and ability that you have given us Can't wait can't wait for the next book
Our author has created a unique storyline 1 that wants you to keep reading and reading and reading to follow the exploits Of a ghost A ghost that spread and created love and understanding through many many lives Thank you dear author for this great Love love and ability that you have given us Can't wait can't wait for the next book
January 12, 2025
I loved this book until the last 25 pages. It read so smoothly and then the voice changed. It's like someone wrote the book up to that point and then someone else came in and said "hey how can we make the ending shitty? Oh I know let's make this beautiful story end in 2 pages instead of 25." So disappointed I'm not even sure that I want to move to book 2.
March 27, 2025
A surprisingly good read. I had good hopes, as I really enjoy dwarves from Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons, and I was not disappointed. I wasn't sure about the protagonist at the start, with their flaws, but they quickly grew into a nuanced character that I really cared for. Dwarven society and logistics were well thought-out. I look forward to reading more from the series and the author.
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