The Iron Wars (The Monarchies of God, Book 3) [Paperback]

Paul Kearney (Author)

Book Description

Series: Monarchies of God | Publication Date: February 26, 2002

The third novel in an epic fantasy series about warring nations torn apart by religion and magic.

"Impressive for its human insights, its unusual take on the use of magic and its fine blending of historical elements with sheer invention." (Locus)

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ace (February 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441009174
• ISBN-13: 978-0441009176
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,174,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even Better than the First Two Books of the Series!, May 30, 2002

By 

rzaster - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Iron Wars (The Monarchies of God, Book 3) (Paperback)

In "The Iron Wars," Paul Kearney outdoes what he has done in the first two books of "The Monarchies of God" series. This book is much more political than the first two novels and this has much more military action than them as well. This book opens up with a riveting prologue that will be sure to lure you in to this creative tale. From there you are taken back to the lands of Normannia and its doings.

Even though this book doesn't deal with what is going on on the Western Continent, this book is still great. Most of the novel involves Albrec and Avila and their quest to bring the biography of Saint Ramusio to Macrobius and the war that is being taken place with the Merduks. Therefore, most of this book takes place in Torunna, while some of it takes place in Hebrion's capital, Abrusio.

Kearney's writing skills are superb. Not many author's are capable of doing what Kearney does. He gives you many plots and lots of characters and manages to keep you hooked like a skilled writer should. You won't be bored while reading this book as important events take place one after the other.

This isn't the best fantasy novel that I've ever read but it will certainly leave an impression on me in years to come. If you have read the first two novels of "The Monarchies of God" series then this is the book for you to read. This book will not disappoint and I guarantee that you will enjoy this novel immensely. This is what fantasy is all about it.

Happy Reading!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Paul Kearney does it again., June 11, 2001

By 

Craig H. Dolphin (Custer, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Iron Wars (Book 3 of The Monarchies of God) (Paperback)

Paul Kearney's third book in this series begins to finally tie together some of the plot lines that have built up during the previous two books. Needless to say, his high quality of writing is again on show. Likewise, the gritty nature of warfare in this series makes this book one for more adult readers.

The author manages to combine absorbing plot threads and action with quality characters, and a sense of depth that other authors such as George R Martin have become (rightly) famous for. I highly recommend this book, along with its two precursors as well-worthwhile reading material. As always, never judge a book by it's cover. My first impressions of the dustjacket design and story synopsis were lukewarm at best. Having finally picked it up and read it I was far more impressed than I thought I would be. Of course, if you don't read them in order you're shorting yourself.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling tale!, August 9, 2006

By 

Kafu Rahmansha (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Iron Wars (The Monarchies of God, Book 3) (Paperback)

The Iron Wars, book 3 of the outstanding "Monarchies of God" series by Paul Kearney, is one of those novels that keeps you planted in your chair until you've turned the last page, and then leaves you thirsting for more. Kearney absolutely outdoes himself with this volume. Where vol.1 was the satisfactory introduction, and vol.2 the strong buildup, volume 3 goes full throttle. It is a page-turning machine, with more action and intrigue than you can shake a stick at.

Paul Kearney is a top-notch writer, not just by the story he creates, but also the prose he presents. Sometimes, it can be his undoing, as occasionally he spends an exorbitant amount of narrative in situations that don't require it. With the Iron Wars, there are no such problems. He achieves the perfect blend of action and description, and what results is possibly one of the most enjoyable fantasy books I have ever read. Because this is the third volume of a five-book series, there is only a minimal amount of rehashing the previous events. Kearney avoids hammering the same points over and over. He keeps the tale on the move, making it nearly impossible to take a break.

Another strength of Kearney is the lifelike, believable characters. There are characters you will absolutely love, there are characters you will utterly hate, and then there are the ones that you still haven't decided whether you should like them yet (simply because they are so multi-faceted). These people literally draw you into the story, creating scenes that are wholly authentic.

Although I am remiss to divulge any spoilers, I'll say that this was the best read I've had it a great long time, and I've read many a book. I cannot wait to find out what books 4 and 5 have in store for me. Don't pass up this series!