Synopsis:
When a new enemy comes to power Rothgar’s ruling family and friends are forced to ally with old rivals. Faced with betrayal from within their own clan Rothgar’s survival is by no means certain, as an ancient and malevolent magic grows in strength and threatens all he holds dear.
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:
I picked up the Hall of Bones expecting a Norse-inspired fantasy, perhaps with a grim undertone, having heard much of Hardie’s writing style. On audiobook, it also had the bonus of RJ Bayley at the helm, and therefore the usual super high-quality narration that helps immerse you in the characters. However, what the author dished out came with a superb twist about halfway through, one that turned the story and its structure upon its head as dark magic slid into the plot like dread tentacles. Oh, I do like that.
The first third of the book focuses on Rothgar, his clan leader father and the rest of his family. It is a slow burn but fast journey through Rothgar’s early years as he starts to train to be his older brother’s right hand once he replaces his father. It also serves to introduce the reader to the politics of marriage and pillaging, of inter-clan rivalries and the possibilities of kin slaying. As pressure builds, we begin to understand that life is harsh in the northern lands, that power and greed can twist a people, and that only by ship, sword and allegiances will a clan survive. It is here that I will leave the story arc alone. This is a passage of discovery you should make yourself, that Hardie carries this off with aplomb, drawing the reader into an even darker path filled with magic only hinted at previously, should be enough of a tease.
It is here that I place fair warning. Hardie casts his net wide. There are a lot of characters, more so as the book becomes darker, and though the narrator takes this in his stride, it is important that you understand this. It works for me because the scope of the series is laid out. You know this is going to be epic, that Rothgar’s path will be arduous, and that as evil rises, one man alone will not defeat it.
This series is going to be epic. Fetch me my sword and shield; I’m here for the journey.
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