Customer Reviews

Ironhelm: The Maztica Trilogy, Book 1 (Forgotten Realms )

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

 

 

This book is great, the character development is very realsistic in my opinion. Contrary to another review, I would say that the Knights of Helm vs Native Mazticans conflict is nail-biting. It does not represent the Invaders as any more "Civilised" than those they attack. They are described as having a "washed out" appearance, "strange, sprouting" facial hair and also carrying a rank odour. In the way that events are told, I myself interpreted the book as saying that the conflict was unfortunate, and more the fault of the evil worshippers of the Maztican War God. Another brilliant factor would have to be a secret conspiracy element which definetly does not rip of history.
This is by far the most well-developed Forgotten Realms book I have ever read, although some humour wouldn't have gone amiss.

The first book is by far the best, followed closely by the second (Viperhand). It offers a thrilling experience, good characters and plenty of mystery. Also not too predictable and some nice twists with Realms oldskools that may even surprise the hardcore fans.
After reading the first book you simply MUST read the second, then leave the ending open.

Stay clear of the third volume, cause it spoils everything in my humble opinion.

The great Captain-General Cordell has undertaken a new and exciting adventure, to sail his army west, and reach the far-eastern land of Kara-Tur. However, when they reach land, they find not Kara-Tur, but Maztica, a land of natural beauty and human savagery - and above all, a land with lots of gold! But, things begin to spin out of control, and soon Cordell's greed begins a war that may just destroy the entire land of Maztica. This is a story of bravery and unthinking violence, of conscience and redemption.

Let me start out by saying that I am a big fan of good old fashioned, swords-and-sorcery fantasy literature. But, if there's one thing that I enjoy even more, it's a story where the author successfully takes the swords-and-sorcery to a whole new milieu. Well, I must say that I think that the author of this book succeeded admirably.

In this book, the author does a great job of bringing pre-Columbian Mesoamerica to life, and then adapting the story of the coming of the conquistadors to it. I found the story to be enjoyable, and quite interesting. Overall, I think that this is a great book, well worth reading over and over again...as I have!

I found Ironhelm to be a book that was extermely hard to put down. Right from the start it immerses you in action and adventure. The main plot was easy to guess, as this novel seemed to be based on the Spanish invasion of Mexico. Historical boredom is spared, however, with the lively infusion of magic and fantasy. Although true to the Forgotten Realms setting, it adds a new and original continent. My only complaint is the brief details in some parts of this book. This lack, however, keeps the book fast paced.

Douglas Niles has the right stuff to get the job done. He mixes the magic with the adventure to create a thrilling ride. I need to capture Book 2.

The historical aspect is a rip-off. Names are changed, but the premise is totally unoriginal. Also, I felt betrayed when the characters who started out as 'cool' turned out to be crazy, violent individuals who suddenly didn't make sense in the story or world such as a Dwarf who didn't have a problem with his army slaughtering children. The general who we're supposed to hope succeeds leads an army of child/women killers. And, the whole trilogy seems to say the evil guys are OK because they're the 'civilized' ones. There are plenty of better Forgotten Realms novels out there. Save yourself some time and skip this series.