Anvil of Ice; The Winter of the World: Volume I of the Winter of the World

One of the best fantasy series I have ever read. Too bad the books are out of print. Fantsy readers are missing out.

I read a lot of fantasy and SF. This is one series that really stands out. It's a real mix of european and north american myth, set in an ice age. The end of an age of magic,gods and myth, but with a solid 'reality' base.I've read this series more than once, and I still think it's great. Pick it up if you can and read it. It's worth it.

back in the early 90's i unknowingly picked up this series in a used bookstore in san antonio texas. i have turned all of my friends who appreciate fantasy on to the series and will continue to do so. unfortunately, my copies are starting to look like one of jordan's early paperbacks, so i continue to look for them in used stores. tough to find, but if you do, snap it up and enjoy. i only wish his newer series was as good.

Despite having read hundreds (literally) of fantasy novels, none surpass this truly outstanding trilogy. Well, there was Tolkien of course..., but as I like to say: The Lord of the Rings is the best, but The Winter of the World is my favorite. While it is true that the story starts out in a North American-like continent, it is not obvious until viewing the second and third novel's maps. The Anvil of Ice deals with a man who starts as a cattleherder and develops into a powerful smith. He has to deal with many inner conflicts; these continue on throughout the trilogy. Outer conflict comes from the servants of the evil that is the Ice. Definitely a book that all fantasy lovers should read (too bad it is so difficult to find a copy).

I read a lot of fantasy and science fiction. This series was fantastic. I can't belive that no one has ever heard of it. Short of Dune and Lord of Light, books don't get any better than this. This trilogy is the kind that you want to buy in hardcover, save in your library, and hope that your children grow up with a taste for good literature. I was disapointed by Rohan's other trilogy (Chase the Morning, et al.), but it bears nothing in common with these works. The trilogy is a prehistory set in North America long before the arrival of Columbus. If you have enjoyed either Harrison's Hammer and the Cross or Card's Tales of Alvin Maker, you will be sure to enjoy these works.