Thunderscape #02: Darkfall

This book was my introduction to the world of Aden, a fantasy world on the brink of Steam Age technology when its civilization was all but destroyed by the Darkfall. Battered but not broken, the people of Aden struggle to fight against both the forces of the Darkfall as well as the tyrants that have seized power in its aftermath. The story of Grimlak the paladin and his companions is truly an epic saga. Their tale begins as an undercover mission into the realm of Urbana, where they must rescue a high-ranking mechamage who wishes to defect. As they race to escape Urbana's sinister forces, they learn there is more to their mission than they thought. Before their story is over, they fight Ice Pirates alongside the Frost Elves of Sea Reach, are captured by the Watchers of the Eye, win a Splatter tournament, and descend into the darkest pits of Kyan's insect hives. This is one of the finest and most enjoyable fantasy novels I have ever read, and I encourage anyone who is a fan of the genre to pick up this tale of a fascinating variant of the typical fantasy world. You won't be disappointed.