Forge of Darkness

Kharkanas Trilogy, Book 1

By: Steven Erikson

Narrated by: Daniel Philpott

Steven Erikson entered the pantheon of great fantasy writers in 1999 with his debut, Gardens of the Moon. In the span of just 10 years, he completed his epic telling of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, collecting hordes of fans along the way. Now Erikson returns with a place for new listeners to enter the Malazan world, a trilogy that takes place at a time before the events of the concluded series.

Forge of Darkness takes listeners to Kurald Galain, the warren of Darkness, and tells of a realm whose fate plays a crucial role in the fall of the Malazan Empire and surrounds one of the Malazan world’s most fascinating and powerful characters, Anomander Rake. It’s a conflicted time in Kurald Galain, where Mother Dark reigns above the Tiste people. But this ancient land was once home to many a power...and even death is not quite eternal.

The commoners’ great hero, Vatha Urusander, longs for ascendency and Mother Dark’s hand in marriage, but she has taken another Consort, Lord Draconus, from the faraway Dracons Hold. The idea of this union sends fissures throughout the realm, and as the rumors of an inevitable civil war burn through the masses, something emerges from the long-dead seas. The Vitr - an ancient power that shakes the dormant and dying powers of the past. Caught in the middle of it all are the Sons of Darkness: Anomander, Andarist, and Silchas Ruin of the Purake Hold.

It’s a time of great strife as the past and the present of this warren boil with unfathomable alliances, great deceptions, and even greater passions...of both love and hate. This ancient tale within the world Erikson introduced in the Malazan Book of the Fallen should appeal to fans of George R. R. Martin for its characters and intrigue, but goes leaps further in the realm of the imagination.

©2012 Steven Erikson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Too Quiet

Would you listen to Forge of Darkness again? Why?

Steven Erikson is probably the best fantasy writer it has ever been my pleasure to read or listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Forge of Darkness?

Kadaspala ripping out his own eyes in grief.

Which scene was your favorite?

Anomander Rake meeting Caladan Brood for the first time.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It doesn't start how you think it does.

Any additional comments?

The audio on this book was recorded far too low. I was straining to hear for over 1/2 the book.

Poor choice with the narrator

I really didn't like this narrator, it was so hard to get through and if it wasn't for my love of the Malazan world I wouldn't have.

Difficult , Rewarding

If only the author could find a way to tell his story with fewer words, it would be a masterpiece of modern fantasy. The heavy Melvillian prose, plethora of characters with similar names, and leaps around timeliness and POV are especially difficult to follow on audio, but the narration is brilliant.

Many questions answered

A fantastic deep dive into the distant past that is often alluded to but seldom expounded upon in the main series.

The only major complaint I have is the narrator's bizarre choice for voicing characters of the Azathanai race. For some reason, Mr. Philpott seemed to think the appropriate accent for an arcane and mysterious race of god like beings, that are central to the plot of the trilogy, was "Groundskeeper Willie but less restrained".

It's literally the most over the top cartoon Scottish accent that I've ever heard in an Audible fantasy novel. It's wildly inappropriate for the characters and tonally shifts the source the source material to a disruptive degree.

This was not the only misstep by the narrator, it's just the most egregious one. He's clearly unfamiliar with the series in general and wasn't even vaguely briefed on it before entering the recording booth.

A Precursor Epic Fantasy - A Rewarding Beginning!

Steven Erikson challenges the traditional fantasy genre' with his "Book of the Fallen" series, and again, more so, with this first book in his new precursor Kharkanas trilogy, "Forge of Darkness."

First, a brief review: A stirring, powerful, thought-provoking, wonderful "must read."

Now, a bit more info.

I've read this before I listened to it. It's HUGE. Just as in his "Fallen" works, this requires you to think. AND. It's setting the groundworks for a strong, amazing trilogy down the road. If you liked "Gardens of the Moon," which I've already reviewed here at Audible, you'll love this book. "Gardens" carries it's work somewhat herein, so you'll be comfortable. The descriptions are astounding, the plots and storylines immense, and the fantasy element is superb. A powerful mix of fantasy, machiavellian plots and engaging characters.

No spoilers here, as usual. I WILL tell you to look at my review of Erikson's "Gardens of the Moon," so you can get a better idea, if you need one.

This is EPIC. Strong fantasy at it's finest. And just like "Gardens," it's not a casual listen.

This is fantasy on par with NOTHING else out there. It's unique and refreshing. And again, anyone who knows Erikson's works will agree: He's preparing us in this first book for very great things.

Enjoy.