Customer Reviews

The Anvil of Ice: The Winter of the World

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first book of Rohan's trilogy. Like so many others, I can't believe this is out of print. It's easily in the top third of the trilogies/series I've read. As some others have said, this series has 'everything' you look for in good fantasy.

This trilogy is one of those rare things; a set of books you can laugh and cry at, and when you get to the end you just wan't more and more. I read the first book when it came out in the UK, and believe me when I say that waiting for each next book in the series was painfull, but when it came out.....you couldn't help but dance round the bookshop in joy.

I've never got so involved with a story that inspired me so much before. It's a cross between the dark side of Gormenghast and the scope of Lord of the Rings.

Only one other author has come close, Roger Taylor; the rest are way, way behind.

I read a lot of fantasy and science fiction. This series was fantastic. I can't belive that no one has ever heard of it. Short of Dune and Lord of Light, books don't get any better than this. This trilogy is the kind that you want to buy in hardcover, save in your library, and hope that your children grow up with a taste for good literature. I was disapointed by Rohan's other trilogy (Chase the Morning, et al.), but it bears nothing in common with these works. The trilogy is a prehistory set in North America long before the arrival of Columbus. If you have enjoyed either Harrison's Hammer and the Cross or Card's Tales of Alvin Maker, you will be sure to enjoy these works.

I read a lot of fantasy and SF. This is one series that really stands out. It's a real mix of european and north american myth, set in an ice age. The end of an age of magic,gods and myth, but with a solid 'reality' base.

I've read this series more than once, and I still think it's great. Pick it up if you can and read it. It's worth it.

Despite having read hundreds (literally) of fantasy novels, none surpass this truly outstanding trilogy. Well, there was Tolkien of course..., but as I like to say: The Lord of the Rings is the best, but The Winter of the World is my favorite. While it is true that the story starts out in a North American-like continent, it is not obvious until viewing the second and third novel's maps. The Anvil of Ice deals with a man who starts as a cattleherder and develops into a powerful smith. He has to deal with many inner conflicts; these continue on throughout the trilogy. Outer conflict comes from the servants of the evil that is the Ice. Definitely a book that all fantasy lovers should read (too bad it is so difficult to find a copy).

Scott Rohan takes all the glitter of the ordinary fantasy novel and transmutes by solid smithcraft. This story starts with a thunderclap, storms off in fury and ends breathlessly, with the sequel looming like clouds in the distance. He is a very good writer with a style all his own, rich but not obscure, erudite but not pedantic. His hero becomes more appealing instead of more distant as his powers grow. The gods are truly fearful and unpredictable, playing and joking with destinies yet bound by destiny themselves. Of the vast and awesome landscapes, of the histories and myths, he shows us incredibly much in so few pages, and leaves us yearning for more. So: the Ice is advancing to blot all life off the face of the World. Neighbouring peoples, who could be brothers, wage war and do not see the freezing danger. Into these besieged lands is launched a young man to whom there is more than meets the eye. He has it in him to be a great hero, but he has also a fierce temper, plus impatience, foolishness, generosity and other faults in plenty to get him into trouble and to make him lovable. Don't wait: read it.

back in the early 90's i unknowingly picked up this series in a used bookstore in san antonio texas. i have turned all of my friends who appreciate fantasy on to the series and will continue to do so. unfortunately, my copies are starting to look like one of jordan's early paperbacks, so i continue to look for them in used stores. tough to find, but if you do, snap it up and enjoy. i only wish his newer series was as good.