Synopsis
In the remote land of Laskar the seven ruling clans have vied with each other for power for over a century. The son of the Reavesburg Clan Chief, Rothgar, has been groomed all his life for a role supporting his elder brother, Jorik, in leading their kingdom when their father’s time finally comes to an end.
However, the rulers of their greatest rivals, the Vorund Clan, are in the grip of something older and far darker. They have been conquered by evil, a remnant from the time when the gods warred with one another and the world of Amuran collapsed into the Fallen Age.
Everything is about to change …
The first book in The Brotherhood of the Eagle series, Hall of Bones begins a tale of epic fantasy, magic and intrigue.
Review
Hall of Bones by Tim Hardie is a book that has earned its accolades. Finalist in SPFBO 7 and subject to multiple glowing reviews, it has been on my TBR for a long time. I’m glad to report that I have now read it and it was awesome.
Tim has a way with words and his insight into his protagonist, Rothgar, makes the book not only an enjoyable read, but endlessly compelling as Rothgar navigates politics, betrayal, and the realization that the world is not what he believed it to be.
In this expansive tale, Hardie starts us with Rothgar’s upbringing and takes us through his challenges and entanglements as he progresses into a young adult. Similar to the journey of Fitz in the Farseer Trilogy, Rothgar has to navigate his foibles and relationships as he works to tow the line between duty and his own desires.
Without spoiling much of anything, I was unprepared for the direction the second book took, and it made the preceding parts all the more interesting. Tim has a gift for keeping complex ideas simple even as he entwines narrative devices and voices. So much so that while the first part of the book could garner favorable comparisons to Bernard Cornwell, the second section reminded me of Moon Knight comics at times.
Even the transition to a different sort of story felt effortless and gave me new characters to get to know and enjoy. While the first part of the book revels in Norse inspiration, battles, and intrigue, the second half pulls the curtains back and reveals more of the world than we knew existed. Tim had me on the edge of my seat as I was pulled towards a thrilling climax I certainly didn’t see coming.
My favorite part though was the relationship between the characters and the protagonist and each other. It made the world feel lived in and like we were glimpsing at a specific moment of life rather than being artificially told a story. Standouts for me were Johan, Karas, and Nuna. Each was distinct from the main character with their own goals and priorities.
Read this book. Read the sequels. For fans of: Bernard Cornwell, Robin Hobb, and Amon Amarth.
Love it.
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