Elfen wie Feuer

Iron Elves #2

by Chris Evans, Wolfgang Thon (Translator)

Sie sind Elfen wie Feuer – ihr Mut erlischt nie!

Konowa Flinkdrache und seine Elitetruppe der Stählernen Elfen haben dem Calaharischen Imperium Treue geschworen. Doch während um sie herum die alten Legenden in all ihren Schrecken wahr werden und wilde Magie das Reich ins Chaos stürzt, sind sich die Stählernen Elfen ihrer Loyalität nicht mehr sicher. Sie sind die Einzigen, die den Untergang noch abwenden können. Zunächst müssen sie aber herausfinden, wer der Feind ist – und wer ihre wahren Freunde sind …

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, High Fantasy, Adult, Novels, Epic Fantasy, Ebooks

416 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2009

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book of this trilogy & this one picks up where it left off. Definitely needs to be read in order. It was pretty good, but I got kind of lost in how the magic worked. A lot of the action seemed too convenient to the plot & not particularly logical. Good, enjoyable characters. Many were fun caricatures that grew in depth & the dialogue had me chuckling more than once.

Still, overall, I just sort of lost interest because I couldn't keep focused. I had to just suspend all disbelief & go along with it. The third book isn't available in audio from my library, but could buy it from Abebooks for $4. I might just do that for the entire trilogy but only because I think my wife would like them. I won't buy the third book just for myself. Not sure if I'll read it if I do buy it.

2.5 stars

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

And now the Iron Elves (most of whom are not, in fact, elves) have sailed across the sea to a desert kingdom to continue the fight against the forces of the Shadow Monarch (think: Galadriel who succumbed to the temptation of the One Ring) and others who would stand between them and their prize. More adventure, more dark magic, more musketry, complications ensue -- yeah, it's a middle book, but it's an enjoyable middle book, and I'm cheerfully continuing on to the third.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book continues where book 1 left off. Konowa and The Iron Elves are destroying the Shadow Monarchs trees on islands on their way to the desert on the south. There Konowa hopes to meet up with his exiled men, the true Iron Elves and with them take up the fight to banish the Shadow Monarch. But as they come closer darkness is growing, and there are rumours about another Star falling in the desert. Everyone wants the starts power for their own purpose, and Konowa knows that he held it once and did not free his men from their terrible oath, but can he do it again?

I really liked book 1, A Darkness Forged in Fire. It was good, and then suddenly it was so good that I did not want to put it down. Not the same feeling here because all books are different, but this was still great epic fantasy, and after reading this I do want to read book 3 that is out sometime 2010.

A negative thing about this book is that he did not move forward the possible relationship between Visyana and Konowa. Are there to be more books? Because then he movie it slow, as it was now they did not even say a word to each other. That was a tad bit slow since there obviously is something there.

The other negative part for me was that this was mostly about Allwyn, yes he was crucial to the book as he can see their fallen comrades and talk to them, he has a tree for a leg and he can handle the dark magic the best. It was his story in a way, still I missed Konowa.

But don't get me wrong, this was still good fantasy. The battle continues and I am really starting to like the different soldiers, while not so much others. Here we learnt more and got to see more of everyone, and of course big epic fight in the end when the star has come. The Empire wants it, the desert wants it, mysterious powers wants it, the Shadow Monarch wants it, yes it's not an easy battle and he manages to surprise me in the end.

Good old fantasy, with a big slice of military, I do like it. I will always like fantasy the best because it has this way of capture me the most. It's the excellent world building, the thought behind the political unrest and so forth. Oh and gotta have a nice map too, I want to see where I am going. This book has all those things, and I hope book 3 keeps up the good pace.


"They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn't mean they couldn't sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion."

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Excellent second book in the Iron Elves series :D As in the previous book the blending of Napoleonic mentality in a fantasy world works brilliantly :D The characters as in the previous book of the series are rendered brilliantly in three dimensions and continue to grow throughout this book :D Throughout the book the Iron Elves actually manage to gel into an effective force with great results though not without there hiccups along the way! :D Many of the character that you would have though deserved a comeuppance in the first book actually also grow in change resulting in the majority of them actually showing startling signs change for the better :D Though their are some big exceptions :D

The world in which the Iron Elves fight across is once more highly detailed and rendered with Iron Elves exploring more of it from islands to deserts :D The are are many moments of action and adventure which is pretty much constant but at the same time this is interspersed with some of genuine humour! ;) :D One example being its ok to have your friends and enemies with you on campaign but never bring your parents along!;):D The predatory wives also spring to mind! :D Lol An excellent book and highly recommended! :D

[Cinnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS is Book Two of The Iron Elves series by Chris Evans. I recently reviewed the first book, A Darkness Forged In Fire, and was thrilled to have THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS sitting here waiting or me. I was excited about continuing the story ofKonowa and his men, yet at the same time I was nervous. I didn ’t know if the second book could hold up to the first but I was pleasantly surprised. THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS held up wonderfully to the expectations set forth in the first book making for a great, action packed read.

THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS continues the story of Konowa Swift Dragon, a banished elf come back to civilization. In A Darkness Forged In Fire, Konowa was called back into service as the former regiment, the Iron Elves, was reformed. With most of the troops barely surviving the ensuing battles between light and dark and the rest suffering a fate worse than death, the bedraggled bunch create a great story. Now, in THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS,Konowa and his men embark on a mission to find the original Iron Elves while rumor of another fallen Star of great power begins to spread.

Full of action, packed with suspense and kissed with the perfect amount of romance, THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS is a wonderfully epic read. Evans does an amazing job of creating a world where a land of fantasy mixes with modern characteristics, creating a world that is distant and yet very near all at the same time. Evans style of writing and his ability to create realism in his stories forms an atmosphere where the characters come to life and leap, or rather battle, off the page.

I’m usually a fan of romance, but I find myself drawn back to The Iron Elves series. Although I love the softer and tenderer moments that can be found, the action sequences were fantastic and even a little addicting. Pages after a battle I would find myself still going over the action sequences and would end up turning back to relive the adrenaline rush.

I mentioned in A Darkness Forged In Fire that Evans did a great job of keeping the tension flowing throughout the book. This is maintained if not made even better in THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS. Evans creates an ebb and flow of emotion as he leads us through the story. Not even page on the book is full of action and suspense, yet every page is tense. Each word in the story leads us somewhere, the feeling of something pulling at us quite palpable. If you plan on reading this story slowly, perhaps making it last a few weeks, I’m going to recommend that you don’t even bother. It is quite difficult to put down Evans’ work, even more so with this new installment ofKonowa.

My favorite aspect of THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS was the fact that the story seemed just a bit darker. We get to follow some minor characters from the last book a bit more closely and emotions run much more intense. While the first book was a lovely introduction to the world of the Iron Elves, THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS really introduces us to the darkness of the hearts of the fighters and those they are fighting against.

Fair warning time: As in A Darkness Forged In Fire, there are a few graphic and violent scenes. Not enough to turn me off from the book, but I wanted to put the warning out there nonetheless.

THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS was a wonderful book that is sure to please any Fantasy lover. Even if Fantasy isn't quite your thing, I'm fairly certain that the action, mystery, and intrigue gracing the pages would be enough to keep any reader enticed. Although I still came across a few instances where the pace seemed a little off or characters knew things when I had no clue how they could know them, I still found THE LIGHT OF BURNING SHADOWS to be a total winner.

I would suggest that anyone who likes their stories with a bit of magic take a look at THE LIGHT OF THE BURNING SHADOWS. This is an epic tale of magic and adventure that keeps the heart racing from the front cover all the way through to the back.

[Chip · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the first installment long enough ago that I couldn't remember much of the plot or characters. Note to self: never start reading a series with the second book. This book jumps in right where the first book left off (apparently) and assumes you're up to date with the happenings from before (which I wasn't, as years and many books have passed since then). For me, then, this reading was a struggle to remember why meaningful glances were meaningful, the difference between black frost fire and white fire, who were the good guys and the bad... when I reached the end (yet another cliffhanger, book three on its way I'm sure) all I could say was "meh"... to recapitulate my summation of Book One, this is Lord of the Rings meets Inuyasha, now crossed with Prince of Persia. By the end of the book the anti-hero's situation is no more resolved than at the beginning and he's no closer to completing his quest. I realize Lord of the Rings encompassed multiple volumes, but *it was Lord of the Rings*! Evans is no Tolkien and there's so little desire left in me to see how this turns out that I won't be reading the rest of the series. Okay, maybe if I'm stuck in an airport and it's the only book...

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #1 was a good read this #2 and I hope to remember to look for #3 as the author is slow.
>>>
Finish this last night and it left me with a cliff hanger so I hope to see the next book soon before I forget the story details. #2 was NOT as good a story as the first. It seemed thin in action and heavy in characters moaning about their fate. Still, its an OK series and I'll look for the rest of the story in the future.

[Daniel Macgregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a piece of literature, other people have said everything that could be said and more. However, as a history major, I was suprised to find that the author was a historian. Reading the book, it does pretty good with its own world's history. It is always treated as a natural part of the world, and only is made the focal point when it makes absolute sense. Also, as someone who has had to read a lot of dry historical texts, I can tell you that this book, while not being a masterpiece, if you have a few hours free, will give you a nice little ride.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another episode in the trilogy. Now that the Iron Elves are assembled, the war against the Shadow Monarch heats up. Very well narrated, one stays pretty attached to the characters, even the annoying Prince. I'm looking forward to the final book, but alas, the audiobook is read by someone else.

[John Tallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good steady read

[Dagmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continued saga of Konowa Swift Dragon, the Iron Elves and the magical powers battling for control is well-done. My favorite characters right now are Rallie and Alwyn Renwar.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Valorie Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Red Star will stay with the Elfkynan people, but more stars will certainly fall. Konowa Swift Dragon and his Iron Elves now realize the full weight of the curse they are bound under and fear their immortality of service. Konowa and his men want the curse to end, but they don’t know how to end it. To strengthen and reinforce their numbers, Konowa sends the Iron Elves south to look for the former elven members of the group. With the Shadow Monarch still alive, the new Viceroy of Elfkyna under her spell, and his men upset that Konowa chose to let the Elfkynan keep the star instead of use it to free them of the curse, Konowa is ever more determined to use the power in the acorn given him to defeat the evil forces and free his men.

He just doesn’t know how.

Still suffering the Prince who wants to use the stars as collections of knowledge while expanding the oppressive Calahran Empire, Konowa is at the breaking point. Private Renwar is also battling his own ghosts. Almost killed during the last big battle, he lost a leg and neared death. Getting so close to the other realm has put him in a state of living limbo. Along with the constant pain of his wooden leg being rejected by the magic of the frost fire curse, he is connected to the shades of the dead Iron Elves.

The Viceroy of Elfkyna, now a dark servant to the Shadow Monarch, is set out on a mission to spread her dark forest, which he does dutifully as Her Emissary. The frost fire curse gives the Iron Elves the ability to destroy the dark forests, but the more they use the powers, the deeper they fall into the curse. Now there is also a new flame, a white flame that consumes the shadow until the body is dead. Most interesting is that those who die of the white flame are cured of the curse and do not return as shades. Unfortunately, though, they still die. Can the Iron Elves harness this power to free them of the curse? Will they find the former Iron Elves and defeat the Shadow Monarch, keeping the stars out of the hands of darkness?

If you think this book is going to resolve anything, you are wrong. But isn’t that great? It means there are more books to come. At the end of the book, you are literally left at the edge of your seat because you cannot believe that what has happened indeed really happened. Evans very effectively wraps up his story with a proper cliffhanger to leave you wanting more. I absolutely loved the foreboding way The Light of Burning Shadows ended and am going to watch the web for information about book three, which I have to read.

Even more masterfully, Chris Evans weaves in elements of our world into the one he has created. I like connecting the parallels such as the Dwarf slave trade, the one omnipotent creator one soldier raves about, and the imperialist spirit of the Calahrian Empire that seems very familiar when one understands the history of our world. If not for the magic and mystical creatures involved, one could easily see this series as an historical and Napoleonic epic. Fans of military fiction, battles, and fantasy are going to love this book. I also think there’s something about the dark nature of the book that will appeal to people who enjoy supernatural and paranormal fiction. The Shadow Monarch and the Viceroy are certainly evil enough to sate anyone’s need for dark forces! For those of you who love romance, there is some of that included, too. Konowa and Visyna like each other, but they can’t seem to see eye to eye and Visyna is worried for Konowa as he wields the dark power. She feels that he won’t be able to properly control or resist it. He, of course, sees differently.

I cannot wait for book three because I need to know how the book will end. I hope for the best for Private Renwar and I hope that the darkness is defeated, that the men are severed from the power of the curse, and that Konowa becomes the elf he has never been. Oh, and that he and Visyna stop fighting long enough to love each other properly.

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vojenská síla, magie, vše se splétá dohromady a každý se vydává na hon. Hvězdy, předměty obrovské magie schopné měnit svět, se vracejí. Kdo získá hvězdu, kdo koho chrání a kdo koho zachrání? Hvězda v Elfkyně byla zachráněna a nese lidu naději na svobodu, na osvobození od Impéria, které jej potlačuje. A teď se vrací Pouštní klenot, hvězda země pouští. Kdo získá tuto hvězdu? Železní elfové, vojáci Impéria svázaní krvavou přísahou, kterou otrávila zlá Temná vládkyně? Nebo jiná moc, která hoří bílým plamenem a která se probouzí ze starých věků zapomenuta v srdci pouště? Nebo snad Posel Temné vládkyně?

Yimt zavrtěl hlavou. "Mýty už nejsou, co bývaly. Dneska je všechno staré zase nové." (str. 146)

Je jedna věc, na kterou si u Evanse zatím nemůžu stěžovat – a to je nedostatek akce. Autor do děje zaplétá hodně napínavých momentů, převratů a zapojuje do svého příběhu nové prvky. Děj Světla hořících stínů byl dobrý, jen někdy to autor trochu natahoval. Evans píše čtivě, proto mě překvapilo, jak dlouho mi trvalo, než jsem se začetla. Naštěstí se stačilo do toho dostat a příběh pak ubíhal rychle.

Autor má hrstku svých postav s kterými pracuje a které má doopravdy propracované. Líbí se mi jejich různorodost a také to, že se autor na žádnou jednu nezaměřuje, všechny mají svou roli. Občas mě překvapily, občas zklamaly. Konowa, naše hlavní postava, elf, který byl kdysi vyhnán, ale vrátil se vydobýt zpět svou čest, jako obvykle bavil vtipnými hláškami. Tenhle sarkastický elf se s černým humorem už musel narodit. Největším překvapením pro mě byl princ Tykin. Jeho postava se vyvíjí, prohlubuje a možná nebude tak zkažená a rozmazlená, jak jsem si myslela. Ale jen možná. S hodnocením si musím ještě chvilku počkat.

Ať už Konowa nesnášel jízdu na koni jakkoli, plavba po moři byla ještě horší. Koně jste přeci jen mohli zastřelit. (str. 35)

Ve Světle jsme se přesunuli trochu dál, opustili Elfkynu a zaměřili se na Nazalu, zemi pouští. Autor hezky splétá stíny minulosti a propůjčuje tak nové zemi hloubku, vlastní historii a také své děsy a démony. Evans zemi vykreslil dobře, i když jde poznat, že se hodně inspiroval opravdovým Blízkým východem a arabskými zeměmi. Což vlastně ani není na škodu.

Stejně tak se mi líbí oddanost Impériu Konowy nebo trpaslíka Yimta. Autor si dokázal pohrát se slovíčky jako čest a hrdost a napsat je neuvěřitelnými způsoby, takže znamenaly více, než by člověk čekal. Tahle vojenská oddanost a atmosféra, která se knihou táhne, sice ještě není úplně dokonalá, přesto už má pevné základy a knihu svým způsobem prohlubuje.

Moc měla tendence hromadit se, dokud nevybuchla a nerozprášila se po velkém prostoru. Takto se rodila a umírala Impéria. – Yimt (str. 74-75)

Světlo hořících stínů je dobrý fantasy příběh, poutavý a plný akce. Co se mi líbilo, bylo popisování magie a světa Evanse, poznávání nové kultury a jiné části světa. Také popisování Železných elfů jako vojenské jednotky bylo místy skoro geniální. A konec. Opět trochu přerývavý, ale překvapivý a napínavý. Pokud bych to ale měla srovnat, druhý díl byl slabší, než první, přesto si drží svou úroveň. Autor stále přicházel s novými nápady a nečekanými zvraty. Dobře, děj mě tolik nestrhl a postavy tolik nefascinovaly, možná v knize nebylo tolik vtipných momentů jako v jedničce, nebo se autor až příliš věnoval ději a zapomínal na postavy jako takové, ke kterým se choval spíše jako k figurkám. Ale pořád je to jedna z lepších klasických fantasy, která se mi dostala do rukou. Zápory kniha vlastně ani nemá, jen je hodně věcí na knize lehce nedotažených, mohly by, a přesto nejsou tak dobré, jak by mohly být. Uvidím u třetího dílu, co s tím autor provede.

[Sensitivemuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with various fantasy epic series I've read, there are different story arcs in this plot. You have the main plot; to stop the Shadow Monarch. Then you have Konowa's quest, which is to free him and his Iron Elves from this dreaded Blood Oath and to also recruit back his original Iron Elves army. Then you also have the interesting plot of Renwar, a soldier in the Iron Elves who has trouble with visions, and hears voices. He realizes he is different from the rest of them and wants desperately to end his Oath and free himself from his agony. True, this may seem like a lot to read, but it's not confusing or muddled. Everything is clear and easy to understand so you won't get lost while reading because eventually it all ties together in the end.

I loved this book. Although I sort of had to go back and jog my memory a bit I loved the action and the doses of comedy mixed into this story. There is plenty of action so you will not be bored with this book. I find it interesting this nice mix of cannons and muskets with magic and swords. It add a uniqueness to this type of fantasy story and in some ways it reminds me a lot of the Sharpe series (which I enjoyed reading as well). There were parts in the story where the dreaded realization hits you and you're blindsided with a giant revelation or a surprise. I've been blindsided at least two or three times reading this book. Plus the ending was a total cliffhanger and I couldn't believe it ended that way and I had to reread the last few pages to make sure I got it right (but I still couldn't believe it ended like that)

I find myself very attached to some of these characters (I usually do with several characters while reading fantasy). You actually follow Renwar more in this story as he's central to what's been happening, and you see how he develops as a character. I like Yimt. He provided the comic relief but you knew he loved his squad and cared for each of them in his own way. It was too bad you don't really read much of Konowa (not like the first one) as I like him a lot (he reminds me a lot of Richard Sharpe of the Sharpe series) but he's changed and not necessarily for the better.

Overall a really good book. The plot moves quick and to the point. Unlike some series where when you reach the "middle point" of the series everything stands still then the series start to drag. Not with this one. You're taken to the next stage with more surprises in store. I can't wait for the third one.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

c2009.FWFTB: oath, troublemakers, elf-witch, desert, library. Trawling through my books on GR, I came across the earlier book in the series and remembered that I really enjoyed it. So, when I found this second book in the library, I really had no choice but to read it. The style of writing just suits me down to the ground. It is not overly clunky or overworked - it is succinct and descriptive at the same time. I love the humour that runs through the book. It is not manufactured; in other words, you can see the quips being made in a real life situation. I have read a number of books by Mr Evans now and I have no doubt that I will read anything else he publishes. The book’s cover page is a quote from ‘In Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John Mccrae. “ We are the Dead. Short days ago/We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow” Particularly apt for this book but also strikes a chord within me with the timing being so close to the various remembrances of the First World War going on at the moment. I have a real penchant for the War poets - so moving - and so descriptive. Perhaps all hawks within any government should be forced to read and discuss them before making any decisions. Rant over.
I wholeheartedly agree with Karen Travis who is quoted on the back cover ‘A gutsy fantasy set in a world of Imperial greed and magical plotting, with an eye for the ordinary soldier’s plight that would have done Kipling proud’. The cover design is credited to Alan Dingman and the sword is credited to John Picacio. I am quite glad there were 2 credits because I couldn’t quite make out what it was. I thought it was Yimt’s shatterbow. I had a look at some of Mr Dingman’s portraits and they are really good. I know that he has done a few other, really outstanding book covers to boot. Mr Picacio is a award winning illustrator and also has a number of book covers to his credit.Definitely and highly recommended to the normal crew. 'Alwyn reached for the first weapon he could find and came up with a pillow. He ripped the covering and tossed it into the air, scattering feathers everywhere. In the ensuing confusion, he ran through the white cloud and met the soldiers on the other side.’

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Light of burning shadows is the second installment in Chris Evans epic fantasy trilogy 'The Iron Elves' and if anyone has read my review and thoughts on book 1 (A darkness forged in fire) then you will already know how much i love his work. When a first book in a series or trilogy is so good and has set the bar high as a concequence it is then hard for the author to maintain that same momentum into the second book and to keep the readers attention engaged, but with this fantasy trilogy you do not have to worry as it was just as thrilling, exciting and mesmirising as the first. With book 1 ending on a cliffhanger it was naturally an eagerly anticipated read that did not give out on more mystery and drama, but that which presented the reader with tons of new and engaging events within the first few pages that could only keep you guessing building on the excitement and tension. The military style of the books is so cleverly entwined within a fantasy world that is so breathtaking and stunningly origional, alongside a whole new cast of charicters that you cannot help become attached to and fall in love with immediately. If things seemed to be going horribly wrong (aka disasterous) for our hero in book 1 then things seem to only escilate and multiply with the magnitude of evil and danger, making it become even more tense so that you find yourself on the edge of your seat nearly about to topple off the edge. It is not just a 'bridge' between book one and book three but a chance to enlargen upon what is an already inspirational storyline within a collosal fantasy world but also a really great read on its own. Anyone who is a lover of great writing, really well written fiction and an epic read just has to try Chris Evans because his Iron Elves are in a league of thier own and it is a stunningly captivating book.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:

The Light of Burning Shadows continues the story of the Iron Elves a few months after the end of the Battle of Luuguth Jor depicted in A Darkness Forged in Fire. The Iron Elves have won a reputation as fearsome fighters with unwavering loyalty to the Calharian Empire. Their reward for success and beating suicidal odds? More impossible assignments.

Traveling to remote islands and the deserts of the Calharian Empire, the Iron Elves encounter a new supernatural enemy. As they make sense of their new enemy's powers, the Elves discover powers of their own that derive from their oath.

This time around, some things have changed. The Iron Elves see the advantages in the Crown Prince's leadership and the Crown Prince has become protective of his troops. The interaction between the Crown Prince and the commanding officer Konowa reflects their growing respect for one another. I thoroughly enjoyed the increased emphasis on Sergeant Yimt Arkhorn in The Light of Burning Shadows. One of the most interesting characters that I've encountered lately, Yimt has the street smarts and the familiarity that comes with spending much of his life as an enlist man. He guides the younger troops through sticky situations, keeps up their spirits, and acts as the glue that keeps the troops together. The sole dwarf in the Iron Elves, more than anyone else he understands what it means to be an outsider.

A complex, carefully crafted fantasy and military adventure, The Light of Burning Shadows is a wonderful escape.

Publisher: Pocket (July 28, 2009), 384 pages.
Courtesy of Pocket Books.

[Jessica Strider · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Iron Elves series starts immediately where A Darkness Forged in Fire finishes. The Iron Elves are clearing the Shadow Monarch's sarka har and rakkes from the 7 islands in the Onmedan Sea before heading to the desert to pick up the original Iron Elves. Or so Major Konowa believes. It turns out there are other reasons to head for the desert, and other magics at play. For a second star is returning, and several powerful people would like control of it.

This book deals primarily with the fall out of the first book's actions. Those actions are only moderately explained, so you might want to reread the last few chapter of A Darkness before starting Light. The Iron Elves are not happy with the curse they're under or the power that comes with it. Private Alwyn Renwar has to deal with an artificial leg and the knowledge that death won't stop his pain. And when magical white fire seemingly sets one of their compatriots free of the curse, death suddenly doesn't seem such a high price to pay in order to achieve that freedom.

A lot of authors forget that a large part of the story, especially when it comes to battle, is the downtime between confrontations and how the soldiers deal with the stresses that come from a military lifestyle. Chris Evans brings all of this in nicely, allowing the characters to develop from caricature soldiers into real people.

The pacing is quick though at times it feels little is happening in the story as there's a lot more political intrigue than outright fighting. But it's a quick read and the ending has several surprises that will have you wishing the next book were already out.

[Lura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following review is for both A Darkness Forged in Fire and its sequel The Light of Burning Shadows.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't read military fantasy. I've never been so glad to have made an exception.

From the first chapters, I loved the main characters: Konowa Swift Dragon and Visyna Tekoy. Between their rather obvious attraction to each other and ongoing verbal sparring, I often forgot I was reading military fantasy.

Then Yimt, the sole dwarf, would come onto the scene and remind me again. I think he's my favorite character. I adore him, even with his inapproriate ways. Maybe because of them.

Though the books are called the Iron Elves series, they have few actual elves in them. Most of the characters are human, with only two members of the Iron Elves regiment being actual elves.

Throughout both A Darkness Forged in Fire and The Light of Burning Shadows, both by Chris Evans, the three characters named above kept me hooked. The action didn't hurt. A good bit of fighting, lots of character interactions, lots of colorful characters, and maybe a hint of romance are what you have to look forward to in these books. Both are good reads, though not necessarily quick ones. The prose is gorgeous and poetic.

My only complaint is the relatively short length of book two. Hopefully, the third Iron Elves book - due summer 2010 - will be longer. Please?

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than book #1! Chris Evans has an amazing ability to combine humor, adventure and incredibly likable characters. And his character development is one of the best I've found in a book in ages, see the relationship between Konowa and Prince Tykkin, for example. In the first book, Prince Tykkin was an arrogant prick of the highest order. In this one, he and Konowa start finally working together and even agree on stuff, which shocks both of them. And I literally cheered when Prince Tykkin punched Suljak and told him that Konowa was a loyal soldier and he would not tolerate anybody slandering him! That was awesome!

Another fascinating character is Alwyn, his affinity for the frost fire and his friendship with Yimt. I don't really agree with the Three Witches, Rallie, Chayii and Visyna, their "my way or the highway" attitude grates a bit, but even they are likable which just shows Evans' talent, that he can make you like every character!

I can't wait to read book #3 which is the final one in the series. I bet it'll be a ride!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook, and I have to say, the guy reading this was AMAZING. Definitely the best narrator for any audio recording I've ever heard. Props to him.

The story itself was pretty good. It's part two of a militaristic fantasy. I'm not usually a fan of strict military stories, but this one has plenty of other magical elements to it that I enjoyed it a lot. For the most part, it was exciting and flowed pretty well. There were a few parts where I was confused by the flow of events, but I think it may have been because I was listening to it instead of reading it. The only really slow parts were when the author went into detail about regiments and a soldier's life, etc. Top it off with a good cliffhanger and I'm a fan. Not everyone likes things to end without total resolution, but I've always been intrigued by multiple or dramatic cliffhangers. I'm planning on reading the next one when it comes out.

[Bjoern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good sequal, that find's it's place in between the simple continuation of the first part and enough of an own identity to not be boring in comparison to it.

the author manages to put countless hints and snippets into his story, that seem to prepare for some really great explanation scenarios later in the series (trilogy?) and some big surprises. Hopefully he will be able to follow this preparations with a big bang finale.

The cast is still interesting and shows a good mixture of abilities, affiliations and background stories without going too far in the regions of cliché and standard party-building-recipes, even if some of the "all time classics" are recognizable between the lines.

Add to this the unique setting in a quasi Napoleonic world with muskets and the soldiers of an empire roaming a colonized world and the boopk ends as a pageturner making it hard to wait for the next volume.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed that this book stayed true to the feel of the Iron Elves #1. A slight mix of Tolkien-type creatures amidst war and mysticism once believed to be fable. Without giving away too much, this is not a book you want to try to read without reading A Darkness Forged in Fire first. I read the first story a while back but I feel like this one had much more action in it. Although the story was intriguing, adventurous, and well-written I was slightly disappointed that it seemed like the middle portion to the Iron Elves Saga. I was left yearning for closure to the story until the very last page which made it difficult to put down. That being said, I still want to read the next one.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly tame for adult fantasy, but not aimed at youngsters, probably. Book 2 continues much like the end of the first with the newly re-cast regiment known as the Iron Elves setting off for the desert wastes to find the original Iron Elves, a lost library, and the location where the next Star will fall.

Muskets and magic, kind of fun. Doesn't bog down in the military minutae but sticks to the plot(s) and respects the characters. The world building is good. Nothing at all wrong with this series, it just doesn't enthrall me.

[Carol Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s been a while since I read a fantasy adventure, and I think this is the first book I’ve read this year that I actually recommended to my husband. The book grabbed me in the first chapter and never let go.

Magic, political maneuverings and military strategy all wind together to make this an excellent read. I do wish that I had read A Darkness Forged in Fire first. I think it would have given me more background on what was going on and the characters. I will go back and read the first one, though, while waiting impatiently for the next.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read Chris Evans until I picked up the first book, A Darkness Forged in Fire, which was fantastic. The Light of Burning shadows continues his excellent writing style and knowledge base of Napoleonic style battles mixed with British Colonialism, and the possible politics that go on in the ranks of the officers and common soldiers. He has mixed these elements with fantasy that draws the reader in and leaves them wanting more the way Steven Eriksons Malazon Book of the Fallen series, or Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story took an odd turn where the main character really didn't have much of a front and center role and has become more of a flat character in the sense that all he does is hate and not much else. The character hasn't grown.

However, some of the side characters have gone through more development. It appears that the author wanted to focus on two other characters more than the main captain.

[Bookwyrm13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best way i can come up with to give a feel for the ambiance,feel,attitude of this book is with a direct quote from it.
..."They might be doomed, damned and buggered for all eternity, That didn't mean they couldn't glitter like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion.".... or " using subtlety on you lot is like a witch not wearing her hat....no point"

[Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't care for book 2 in the series quite as much as I loved book 1. In many ways, this one is a classic "second act", upping the tension and the potential stakes (Yimit! Ally!) but not actually advancing the plot very far, instead positioning people for the climax in book three.

It's still good and gives more context to the Empire that Konowa fights for, but it's not as satisfying or meaty as the first book.

Still, I did enjoy it and I'm looking forward to the finish.