SEVEN FORGES - James A Moore


Captain Merros Dulver, a respected soldier of the Fellein Empire, is hired to map out the Blasted Lands - a distant, desolate place that lies in front of the never-explored Seven Forges mountain range. There, Merros quite unexpectedly meets a man by the name of Drask. Drask has a hand made entirely of silver but moves as smoothly and easily as a hand of flesh. 

Drask guides Merros and his party into the Seven Forges where they encounter a warrior race known as the Sa'ba Taalor. The Sa'ba Taalor communicate directly with their gods and if their gods decree they should attack or conquer they will do so without hesitation, knowing the gods fight on their side.

The Sa'ba Taalor wish to be friendly with the Fellein and Merros brings a party back to his homeland, though a nagging voice in his head has him wondering if that's such a good idea.  Merros has lived a life full of fighting, but he's never encounter anyone like the Sa'ba Taalor and it would not be a good idea to tick them off ... which is precisely what someone will do.

I've read a couple of these books previously, but I'd hadn't read the first book and so I've decided to read the series all the way through, re-reading those books I'd already read because ... well ... these are just so darn good!

I recognize that author James A Moore plays with some familiar tropes (wizards and mages and creatures bred for fighting) but he packages this story in a writing style that is absolutely delicious. 

Having read a few of the other books, it was really great to see the set-up and experience how the factions met, friended, and feuded. 

Moore's set-up of the Sa'ba Taalor is stunning. We immediately get a sense of the power, even when they are at an uncomfortable (for them) peace and trying to be friendly.  Seeing them through the eyes of someone who might be considered their equal and who senses that he can't rival them in any way really provides a great viewpoint.

I'm fully a fan of Moore and his style.  This book, from the classic sword & sorcery mold of Robert E Howard and Fritz Lieber, is a 'suck-you-in-and-don't-let-you-rest' thrill ride.

Looking for a good book? Seven Forges by James A Moore is the first book in a fantasy series that will most definitely appeal to fans of epic fantasy, full of action, adventure, intrigue, and battles that will leave you breathless.

4-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

Seven Forges

author: James A. Moore

series: Seven Forges #1

publisher: Angry Robot

ISBN: 9780857663832

paperback, 398 pages

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