This another of my 'originally borrowed a copy of this from the library more years ago than I care to remember' books - I've been reading fantasy for most of my life now, so I have quite a few like that (I did return the library copy and buy my own, in case of any confusion - I don't steal from libraries). I was wondering if I'd still rate it four stars if I was reading it for the first time now, and after some consideration, I think so. This is an older book (originally published in the UK in 1

This another of my 'originally borrowed a copy of this from the library more years ago than I care to remember' books - I've been reading fantasy for most of my life now, so I have quite a few like that (I did return the library copy and buy my own, in case of any confusion - I don't steal from libraries). I was wondering if I'd still rate it four stars if I was reading it for the first time now, and after some consideration, I think so. This is an older book (originally published in the UK in 1993) and it shows in some respects, but not in a bad way.



Our first main character is Rache Kallmirsson, who belongs to a northern tribe called the Renshai; the northern tribes are all pretty Scandinavian/Viking in their set-up - blond, warrior types, complete with the Norse pantheon of Odin & Co to worship. It seems that the Renshai are crazy, murderous warriors even among these pseudo-Vikings (they start learning how to use a sword virtually as soon as they can walk) and have been exiled from the mainland for their pillaging tendencies, but when our story starts they're being wiped out by other tribes for reasons that become clear later on. Rache escapes and finds sanctuary in the town of Santagithi, becoming the captain of the guard owing to his crazy sword skills.



But there are wizards and a prophecy about a war that will herald the end of days in true Ragnarok style, so obviously things aren't going to stay peaceful for very long.



I don't know if I would call this an epic fantasy as such; yes, there are multiple PoV characters (not an insane number, thankfully), and magic and action, and even a bit of travelling, but this books seems to have too much of a sword and sorcery feel to it for that. It's pitched strongly in the action-heavy end of the market, with sword fight a-plenty; it's perhaps more reminiscent of the better TSR Forgotten Realms books.



This book won't win any prizes for in-depth characterization or flowing prose, but I found it an enjoyable, fast read that moved quickly from start to finish. It certainly wasn't perfect (Garn, you deserved another slap) but I found it just as entertaining as I always have.



There are nine books in this series currently, but are handily broken into three trilogies, so it isn't strictly necessary to read all nine of them. They may be worth a read if you've been drowning in flowing prose lately and want something more action orientated to cleanse your palate.