Customer Reviews

The War of the Dwarves

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tungdil Bolofar the dwarf has become a legend amidst the various species like the Dwarves, Elves and humans after he led their side to victory over the Nod'onn. Everyone knows defeat would mean genocide with the total destruction of Girdlegard.

The hero hopes to rest somewhat on his laurels but remain vigilant. Tungdil is aware of how precarious the triumph is as the Alfs and the Bognilim Black Water immortal Orcs still plot to drive the Dwarves and humans out of their position of power. He also hears whispers that the demi-god Avatars are preparing to invade from the Outerlands to ethnically cleanse what they believe is evil. However, it is what he does not know yet is that the biggest threat of all are the blood thirsty lethal Thirdlings Dwarves ho are planning a violent coup d'etat.

The follow up to The Dwarves is a super fantasy that expands the Heitz mythology for instance with the addition of the Freeling Dwarves and the new malevolence. The story line moves at a terrific pace on sea, land and underground as the hero of the previous war is back dealing with another nasty menace and treachery from within. The War of the Dwarves is a strong saga as the key cast including the bad dudes seem genuine while the political and social structure of the species enhance the incredibly action packed fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

The second book in Markus Heitz's Dwarves series, The War of The Dwarves, continues the story of Tungdil Goldhand and his friends as the fight for the land of Girdlegard. While humans, elves and other common fantasy races appear in the story, the series focuses on dwarves as the protagonists. Heitz does a wonderful job of this. I couldn't put the first book down and the second is shaping up to be just the same. I highly recommend both books.

The main character is extremely likeable and you sympathize with his situations easily despite this being a fantasty story. The inner and external conflicts play off of each other very well - which is a sign of very good writing. Clearly, Marcus takes the time to think about what he's writing and HOW it's coming up off the page. Can't say the same for ass clowns like Hilary Mantel and her tediously pretensious novel, WOLF HALL. This is a non-example of everything that actually DOES work with The War of the Dwarves.

The War of the Dwarves is written in manner that does not inhibit the pace of the story... and it is always clear WHO is speaking and to WHOM they are speaking... and, again, you care about the protagonists. I can't say any of these things about WOLF HALL... one of the few books I could not wait to put down (never finished it - which never happens with me, to give you a hint at how bad that POS is).

With The War of the Dwarves, on the other hand, I was sad to finish it. It was like a friend for me at night when it was close to bedtime, I'd go away to this fantastical realm and follow Tungdil Goldhand on his amazing journey.

Thank you Marcus - craftmanship AND good story telling. Good combination. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.

After reading the first book I immediately picked up and began to read this one. After conquering the evil mage, Tungdil and his band of dwarves, among other companions ranging from all different types of races, begin to restore their weary race in a new kingdom. Dealing with the harsh loss of their friends, they much each face their own trials and tribulations right off the bat. Nothing seems to stay peaceful for long, and you can feel the pain they experience.

The book is high paced and action packed at nearly every turn, with interesting characters and a wonderful array of creatures and seemingly endless hordes of beasts. The detail and descriptions that go into this novel let you truly see and experience the world of Girdlegard through your mind's eye from the sights of an epic war, to the small warm heart filled feelings of even the smallest triumphs. It pulls you along like a fluid moving river and leaves you begging for more.

Again the pacing is just fantastic. I had to finish reading the book! There were some things written that I thought was just "thrown" in to move the story along but it still worked. Battles are still weak in the writing department but better than the first. Can't wait for the 3rd book this coming Winter.

Very much enjoyed reading the book, The Dwarves by Markus Heitz, The story line develops and moves quickly. Goon charater development without too much details unless the author felt it necessary for use later. Interesting idea of having the main character as a dwarf, read a lot of books where dwarfs are supporting characters. Provided enough background on dwarf society to give the background without dwelling on the topic as in some anthropological studies class. Curretnly reading the second book. Could not follow some use of words but I believe this is a transcription from a German work and there may not have been a clear way to translate.

"The War of the Dwarves" continues the fascinating series centered around Tungdil Bolofar, the humble dwarven hero from the inaugural novel "The Dwarves". The great plot immediately begins as the meteor streaks west across the sky, the harbinger to a new menace threatening Girdlegard. Tungdil, raised among humans, tries to avoid politicking between the dwarven clans and challenges many dwarven traditions.

The Orc chieftain Prince Ushnotz and the älfar Ondori provide interesting antagonistic viewpoints. The numerous plot twists and shocking events including the awesome fights and battles kept me engrossed. The German translated novel has suspect editing with an instance of naming Boëndal instead of Bundror. Overall the book is a great adventure.

An enhanced map of the significant terrains and a more comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

I highly recommend the series to any fan of the fantasy genre.

Thank you.

Would you believe that I waited to read this book? Why I did that is beyond me. This was fantastic. I read the first one and loved it but usually followups are not what you hope for. Not this one. It was even better and it was very fast pace just like the first one. Do yourself a favor and get this book along with the first one. You DO need to read the first one before the second. The ending was a surprise for sure. I hope he plans to put out another one in this series. Believe me I will not wait to read it.

This is by far the best book I have ever read. I am sad that have finished it.

5 Stars on this one, because if you love Dwarves, this is the best series you will find.

This one had some shocking, slightly more graphic details, and really a huge story line. Can't wait for the next one!

***** Spoiler alert! ******* Things I didn't much care for, again: #1 Tungdil was still a clumsy dork in this book, one would assume that after many battles and becoming a Hero of his time, that he would stop tripping over himself and others during fights. #2 The book hopped around 5x more than the last one, this one covered I believe 6-8 different groups, races, & friends. Should have been titled The War of the Dwarves, and just about everyone else associated with them, except for Gnomes. #3 The romantic aspect of story, was a little hard on the eyes. Tungdil is not only clumsy during fight scenes, but emotionally as well. Very odd approach to romance, is the only way I can put it. It made me feel very uncomfortable for Tungdil, like a situation where it's best to pretend it just never happened. #4 Tungdil's best fight scene was with Romo, the thirdling, and it just HAD to be ruined via interference from his friends. What the heck. #5 As it was a story that was pretty exciting, it did feel that the author just sort of gave up at the end, threw together a generic situation and climax to a journey (that was FILLED with pain, betrayal, blood and death), and left you thinking "...that... that's it...? all your friends, and their babies are dead because.... of some nutty elf lady?" Although! Tungdil's final encounter with a "bad guy" was slightly unexpected and appreciated. ************