Winterbirth (The Godless World, 1)

The character development is phenomenal. I felt strongly for all of the characters. The world, including it's mythology, it's races, and it's history is unique. It is captivating and morbidly charming. This is well thought out fantasy. The characters are really great, and the action sequences are gripping. It is thoroughly entertaining as well as though provoking and, after about 100 pages or so of set-up, moves rather quickly. I'll keep it short as I am about to start on book 2 (Bloodheir) of the trilogy. But this one really does deserve five stars. -CR

At last I found a jewel in the bleak world of current fantasy series. Those that complained of a slow start, I beg to disagree. Although no major action happens prior to page 100 or so, it was absolutely necessary for the writer to present his world, which i might add, is absolutely original. And when the action does happen, it hits you like a bomb. Throughout those first pages, though, there is a strong sense of suspense and foreboding. While we are introduced to the characters, B. Ruckley also lays out for us the landscape masterfully. I love his character development. It is unrushed, letting you get to know their personality before testing their mettle later on. If I was to compare it to any other works out there, it would be to SOFAI by GRRM, not because the world building or stories are similar (it is not!!), but because the feeling is that there is no safety for any of the charecters. As the story builds, there is never any sense of predictability. Also, similar to GRRM, you get invested in the characters. These guys and gals are not unidimensional. I love his style of writing. There is no unnecessary descriptions, and perhaps where this book may be lacking is in the LACK of physical description of the characters mostly. I love it! Just started Bloodheir and already I'm hoping I wont have to wait forever for the sequel. As usual, when I do find a book that I fall in love with, I'm absolutely biased, and ignore its flaws. In fact, the flaws for me go almost unoticed, in the face of a superb and original story told with aplomb. Go read it!

Not sure about the reviews where people have said "nothing happens". Within the first few chapters, a major event with lots of action happens. Anyway, I loved George R. R. Martin (at least until book 3) and this reminds me of his work. It's fantasy, but without much magic; I would call it military fantasy. As with Martin, there are battles, treachery, intrigues, and feuds. The characters aren't quite as engaging as Martin's... they're kind of plain and it's harder for me to empathize or have favorite characters. But the back story for the world, the details and believability of the setting and plot are so well done that the somewhat lacking characterization isn't a problem. Overall, I'd have to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gritty fantasy novels. I look forward to the second book!

After the failure of the one race during the First Age, the Gods created five races when they rebuilt the world in the Second Age. Everyone prospered until the Huanin and Kyrinin attacked the brutal wolven Whreinin; the Gods are upset and concluding that their creation is flawed abandoned their children ending the Second Age in chaos and beginning the Third Age of the Godless World where after years of open hostilities, a truce exists between the High Thanes of the True Bloods though their direct report Thanes still somewhat fight. However, in the Third Age, war explodes when irate High Thane Ragnor oc Gyre the Thane of Thanes of The Bloods of the Black Road, still outraged over the exile in 942 for heresy, sends his Gyre forces to conquer the lands of the Haig True Bloods south of the Vale of Stones. The war expands beyond Anlane as the Dargannan Haig Blood revolt against the Haig High Thane. All sides in the complex dispute believe they have a noble cause, but for most of the Godless World honor or not means simply their death. By 1102 the Godless World has become a hellhole with death everywhere. In this maelstrom on the southern side of the Veil of Stones Orisian nan Lannis-Haig begins an odyssey filled with bleak hope and plenty of blood. This epic fantasy is grim with no magical last second heroics as Brian Ruckley paints quite a dark realm. The story line is fast-paced and filled with non stop action that traverses much of the Godless World. Yet the key to this excellent fantasy is the cast as the leaders of the various armies seem genuine in a Machiavellian way; for instance some see terrific personal profit in the war. Orisian and his accompanying warriors are not your typical heroes as they understand war is hell and act accordingly. Readers who enjoy a powerful enthralling thriller will appreciate Brian Ruckley's aptly named WINTERBIRTH. Harriet Klausner

I was looking for a new book to take on vacation and found this gem. I have never read this author before, but if this book is representitive of his work I will definately buy more. Great book beginning to end with nice story lines and twisting plots. If an epic series is your preference then this trilogy is for you. I look forward to the next books.