Customer Reviews

The Four Forges: (The Elven Ways #1)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

Harriet Klausner

This was an odd one for me. The characters took a long time to flesh out, there weren't many differences between any character from one race and any character from another. It felt like the first 500 pages were one long, building chapter, and then the rest of the chapters happen in the last 100 pages, with an ending that sort of makes you say, "huh?" because there was no foreshadowing that I remember of the plot device.

It's similar, as one reviewer wrote, to Tad William's trilogy in that it has an interesting world with an interesting history. Like William's, the characters didn't have fleshed out personalities, save perhaps the father: the rest were stereotypes of their race: contented, hard-working Dwellers; somewhat witty elves; dark, serious Galdarkans. The author treated this first book too much like a first book. She had a lot of room to get you attached to the characters, but decided to save too much for the next in the series. I kept waiting for something to happen and when it finally did (in the last 30 pages or so), it was lackluster.

It had potential, but the author didn't give me enough to care about.

That being said, the weapons introduced were unique and fun to read about.

This book follows no mold for how fantasy is supposed to be written. This book is so against the Tolkien Mold that I could not tear myself away even though I am drawn to the books that fit the traditional Mold. This book Elves are revered, but they all also feared and are flawed their ways. In most fantasy books I read the Elves are always saviors, but in this book their are many sides to the Elves and with the many sides come the different feelings towards them. And thats what I love about this book. It makes you love the Individual Characters, their morals, and their being, and not caring about their power or race. This books takes risks for being different and the storytelling is excellent. The book comes with its own ending, but leaves enough questions unanswered that you cannot help but want to read the next book in the series. To me a very good read

I finally got around to reading TFF. Sheesh, why did I wait so long? This is good stuff. If you're a fan of Elves, this is the book to read. Good job, Jenna!

Jon Baxley
Author
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY

I ordered this book for my son for Christmas. After he read it, I asked him what he thought. He said, "It was awesome!" He's now reading the second in the series.

I read fantasy books all the time, almost exclusively. I absolutely LOVED this book, and as other avid readers know, good books ARE hard to find. The Four Forges is refreshing! The story seems a bit complicated at first but once you get into the book it is hard to put down. The author creates wonderful and interesting characters. Some you love and some you hate. The plot is full of twists and turns and there isn't a dull moment. The author builds up each character but it's done in a way that keeps you reading. I felt like she didn't waste any words (like so many other authors do). To sum it up the book follows the lives of Sevryn (an orphaned elf who grows into a deadly fighter), Nutmeg and her family (a lovable bunch of "Dwellers"), Rivergrace (a shy elf with a mysterious past and mysterious powers), Daravan (a shadowy elf who has his own agenda), Quendius (the villain with powerfully deadly demon weapons), and the Queen of the Vaelinars (the elfs)...and that's only a few of the interesting characters. While reading this book you can also look forward to deadly assassins, rowdy brawls, an ominous Dark Ferryman, and lots of laughs. Conclusion: I LOVED The Four Forges by Jenna Rhodes, great book, great characters! I look forward to more books from this author!

I love this book! It has something for everyone: action, adventure, romance, elves, and fancy swords! Truly amazing. I can't wait for this epic to continue. I have also heard it through the grapevine that the author might appear at the Westercon and a few other book conventions. Can't wait to meet the genius!

Something for everyone, indeed! Wonderful new races, weapons with horrifying powers, characters with mysterious lineage and lost memories, truly evil villians, and just a smidgen of romance, with hints of more to come! Hurry up and write it, Ms. Rhodes!

Wonderful fantasy set in a unique new world. Bold and vivid characters. This is Book one of The Elven Ways series and yet it finishes nicely on its on and does not leave you hanging. Not since George R R Martins series has there been a fantasy epic that steps outside the normal "Tolkien" type and this one has all the makings of being able to stand alongside some of the greats. I look forward to the next book in the series!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I couldn't put it down - I will definitely be looking for the next one :)