Iron Dawn

The best thing about this book is how it combines "dark and grim" stuff with funny stuff. Life in the Bronze Age was hard and brutal, and Stover portrays it as such. However, Stover peppers the book with genuinely humorous dialogue and characters, which keeps the tone from being too dark. Kheperu the unapologetic pervert was my particular favorite. Cynical, lewd, and cowardly, Kheperu spouts some of the books funniest lines, and somehow ends up doing the right thing. Barra is a strong, solid heroine, and should appeal both to fans of Xena and fans of The Mists of Avalon. The only bad thing about this book was when Barra suddenly developed the "sight", which seemed hokey. Overall, though, a highly entertaining read.

Fast-paced, with hard action and a feel of reality to it, Iron Dawn drew my attention on the first page and held it in a steel grip for the rest of the book. I couldn't put it down! The descriptions are vivid, and set the imagination on fire. Barra, Leucas, and Kheperu are all very real people, with pasts and personalities as subtle and potent as they come. Great book if you like playing action sequences in your mind, and don't mind your books tinged with bone and blood. This is a must read!

Iron Dawn is an exquisite blend of high and dark fantasy, filled with strong, meaningful characters who take on a life of their own and won't get out of your mind after you're through reading the book. This one is NOT to be missed!

Fast-paced action and wit. Great characters. Can't wait for the sequel to come out