The Four Forges

Alternative Worlds

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The Four Forges
Jenna Rhodes
Daw, May 2006, $23.95, 560 pp.
ISBN: 0756402743

When the Vaelinars came to the world of Kerith, they had no idea who they were, where they came from, how they got to this strange orb that was nowhere near their home. The Elven brought magic to a land that had destroyed it during the Mage’s War. They raised themselves above the natives and fought one another until they drew up the Accords, which led to the halt of Vaelinars dueling with one another or making war on the other planetary inhabitants.

Now the world stands on the precipice of war again as the rogue Vaelinar Quendius has broken the Accord for years by selling weapons he makes to anyone who wants them. The evil Ravers and Bolgers start attacking humans. The rivers are being poisoned while assassins try to kill the Vaelinar warrior Queen Lariel, a rare voice of reason. The Galdarkans bred by the Magi from the Kernan race are being forcibly united by Abayan Drort using a demon possessed hammer to achieve the objective. The half-breed Sevryn held captive for two decades by Quendius and Rivergrace a full blooded Vaelinar raised by humans remain the last hope to stop the breaking apart of the Accords; however he must recover his memories and she must accept her destiny.

Names aside (readers will need a scorecard), the first book of the Elven Way is a fantastic epic fantasy in what looks like will be a special series similar to the works of Tad Williams and other great epic fantasists. This tale is told from the point of view of many of the major players, which leads to understanding the essence of the characters even if the POV shifts seem a bit confusing at times. The key cast members are believable individuals with distinct personalities. Jenna Rhodes leaves enough threads for readers to look forward to the next tale but in a paradox THE FOUR FORGES feel complete.
 

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