The Iron Wars

The Iron Wars, book 3 of the outstanding "Monarchies of God" series by Paul Kearney, is one of those novels that keeps you planted in your chair until you've turned the last page, and then leaves you thirsting for more. Kearney absolutely outdoes himself with this volume. Where vol.1 was the satisfactory introduction, and vol.2 the strong buildup, volume 3 goes full throttle. It is a page-turning machine, with more action and intrigue than you can shake a stick at. Paul Kearney is a top-notch writer, not just by the story he creates, but also the prose he presents. Sometimes, it can be his undoing, as occasionally he spends an exorbitant amount of narrative in situations that don't require it. With the Iron Wars, there are no such problems. He achieves the perfect blend of action and description, and what results is possibly one of the most enjoyable fantasy books I have ever read. Because this is the third volume of a five-book series, there is only a minimal amount of rehashing the previous events. Kearney avoids hammering the same points over and over. He keeps the tale on the move, making it nearly impossible to take a break. Another strength of Kearney is the lifelike, believable characters. There are characters you will absolutely love, there are characters you will utterly hate, and then there are the ones that you still haven't decided whether you should like them yet (simply because they are so multi-faceted). These people literally draw you into the story, creating scenes that are wholly authentic. Although I am remiss to divulge any spoilers, I'll say that this was the best read I've had it a great long time, and I've read many a book. I cannot wait to find out what books 4 and 5 have in store for me. Don't pass up this series!

This book was really good in my opinion. I do not think I could give it 5 stars however because I do not find the writing that good or the plot to be very surprising. I, unlike others, do not heavily bash writing that is sometimes predictable. Sometimes characters actually act in rational ways so when they do there should not be surprises. However I am a history buff and like the unique parallels to the real world infused into the book. I think it is a pretty unique story and am thouroughly enjoying the series. One thing I would like to see though is someone using a bow and arrow which would probably be a far superior weapon to these slow constantly lit arquebusses.

I read this book from cover to cover over about a day and a half. I think it is the best book in the series so far, and I liked them all. In the vast panorama that Kearney is painting, the characters come to life more and more - Golophin the mage, Corfe the hero, and the many others - they draw you in and become real. The plot likewise twists, turns and intertwines from the battlefield to the bedroom to the cathedral. If you liked the first two books, you'll definitely like this one.

In "The Iron Wars," Paul Kearney outdoes what he has done in the first two books of "The Monarchies of God" series. This book is much more political than the first two novels and this has much more military action than them as well. This book opens up with a riveting prologue that will be sure to lure you in to this creative tale. From there you are taken back to the lands of Normannia and its doings. Even though this book doesn't deal with what is going on on the Western Continent, this book is still great. Most of the novel involves Albrec and Avila and their quest to bring the biography of Saint Ramusio to Macrobius and the war that is being taken place with the Merduks. Therefore, most of this book takes place in Torunna, while some of it takes place in Hebrion's capital, Abrusio. Kearney's writing skills are superb. Not many author's are capable of doing what Kearney does. He gives you many plots and lots of characters and manages to keep you hooked like a skilled writer should. You won't be bored while reading this book as important events take place one after the other. This isn't the best fantasy novel that I've ever read but it will certainly leave an impression on me in years to come. If you have read the first two novels of "The Monarchies of God" series then this is the book for you to read. This book will not disappoint and I guarantee that you will enjoy this novel immensely. This is what fantasy is all about it. Happy Reading!

Paul Kearney's third book in this series begins to finally tie together some of the plot lines that have built up during the previous two books. Needless to say, his high quality of writing is again on show. Likewise, the gritty nature of warfare in this series makes this book one for more adult readers. The author manages to combine absorbing plot threads and action with quality characters, and a sense of depth that other authors such as George R Martin have become (rightly) famous for. I highly recommend this book, along with its two precursors as well-worthwhile reading material. As always, never judge a book by it's cover. My first impressions of the dustjacket design and story synopsis were lukewarm at best. Having finally picked it up and read it I was far more impressed than I thought I would be. Of course, if you don't read them in order you're shorting yourself.