Customer Reviews

The Iron Throne (Birthright)

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

 

 

Knowing that TSR's produced some real stinkers (approximately a third of the grossly exploited Dragonlance series for example), it's great to see something that captures the essence of the high fantasy genre while putting in some interesting spins. The female characters are great, and rather than being simple sex objects and baby machines, in a very real way the story revolves around them. For example, the immediate effects of the seductress' actions were still being felt a generation later, her nefarious achievements far outstripping anything the men accomplished, including even the Mordred-like Gorgon. As for the high fantasy feel, it seemed that finally elves were magical, 'halflings' weren't just cloned from Tolkien (I can't stand kender either), and the monster was a formidable beast and enemy of a thousand years who still had a weak spot. Birthright is perhaps the best AD&D world created, even if it never really got the chance it deserved. The book reflects this.

The author, Mr. Hawke, was an excellent choice to start TSR's new world of Birthright. Characters, while not fantastic, were believable and likable. Hawke took many old ideas and gave them a new face in this book, something I have found that not many authors are able to do, especially within the fantasy genre. The story and plot were good, and I was also pleased to see some new races in the story. If the author had spent as much time on the characters as he did on the history of the world of Cerilia, Iron Throne would have definitely been worthy of a ten. A word to readers: This book would not be good for young readers, as well as people looking for an easy, unintellectual read. For those preferences, a great book would be the second in this series, Greatheart, by Dixie Lee McKeone

I liked the Birthright setting as a game world.This book puts a little extra color to the landscape of the world.The main character is the chamberlain to the Prince who is thrust into a war by the death of his father.It is a very enjoyable read.

The Birthright world is no more, and none of the 5 books written are still in print. While I didn't enjoy them all, I did like this book. It sets up the world and politics nicely, and gives you a chance to see what the Birthright universe is all about. It is still a good read along with the sequel and last Birthright book War.

"The Iron Throne", the first of five books set in the Birthright gaming world, is a book that requires patience on the part of the reader. The book begins in an intriguing manner, mainly the abduction of a prominent character and the beginnings of a civil war. The long running civil war is the central theme in this novel.

A select few in the war torn empire all try to achieve the title of emperor upon the death of the current, aging emperor. The one direct descendent is missing and another takes over the role as emperor. Once the descendent is found alive, another round of the civil war begins. The result has a lasting effect on the empire. The background of the nation is overly detailed and not absolutely essential to the central story. Once the civil war begins, the book accelerates at a rapid pace.

After the civil war, a former human named Raesene but now transformed monster named the Gorgon, has his own plans for the empire. Once the Gorgon starts employing members of the empire to achieve his desires, another war soon ensues. The Gorgon also causes some internal strife among major players within the empire.

The ending, while a bit surprising, is presented well and does leave the door open for a sequel. The sequel, "War", was the last of the Birthright books published by TSR. All of the Birthright books are out of print. If you are a fan of historical, civil war fantasy and are a patient reader, "The Iron Throne" would be a worthwhile read.

Birthright was one of the first books I read as an aside to my favorite hobby rpgs. It was successful in passing some time and providing a little inspiration about bloodlines, but other than that, it was only memorable because I read it three or four times.

This book is incredible. True fantasy. I read this almost a year ago, and i am stil amazed by how great it is. There is a little boring history stuff in the first segment, but if you get past that, you will really be rewarded. wow. read it if you like fantasy. You won't be sorry.

The character development of the hero, Michael was well done and believeable. My greatest measurement of whether or not I like a fantasy novel is how much and what do I have to accept to continue reading the book. Just how much is the author avoiding by leaving it up to the gods or magic or other forces? The more they demand that I believe, the less I like it.

This required that I believe in the heroic spirit and a small amount of magic. No problem.

Overall, the whole was well presented and left me wanting more. The end wasn't so great. Perhaps that's what left me wanting more??

It is rather late, and although I should be getting to bed for my health's sake, I must say something about this book...About 2 weeks ago, I finished it's (comparitively) mediocre sequel, and the names of the characters of the Iron Throne STILL evoked emotions in me, even though I finished the book close too a year ago. Now THAT is the indicator of a book that is truly excellent. I commend Mr Hawke for his first book and will always be thankful too him from providing me with such a involving and enjoyable book for the 2 short weeks it took me to gobble the text up.

Signed, Paul Knight

I finished this book more than a year ago and I can still remember the feeling I had when it ended. And it did just that-ended. Simon Hawke does an incredible job in developing characters whilst balancing the concept of a new world in the TSR multiverse. Call it a climax in an anti-climax. I just call it brilliant.