Compelling and Fascinating Fantasy
Simon Williams has constructed a
compelling and believably fantasy world in “Oblivion’s Forge.”
This novel manages to evoke the sense of wonderment that is achieved
by “Game of Thrones” or “Lord of the Rings” while also
managing to create something entirely new. There is a decidedly
believable human element in “Oblivion’s Forge,” as characters
wrestle with familiar issues that are all too frequently left out of
fantasy stories. This is a great read and it will be interesting to
watch how Williams further develops as a writer.
There are a lot of characters in
“Oblivion’s Forge” and the narrative jumps from one to another
frequently. This can be a little bit jarring, especially at first
before you get to know the characters. However, all of the
characters are compelling and it doesn’t take the reader long to
become accustomed to this narrative tactic.
One character that I liked was Vornen.
Vornen is an outcast who is psychically attuned to the energy “gates”
that sometimes spontaneously appear in Aona. He finds himself drawn
to these “gates” although they are extremely dangerous. This
psychic link has a detrimental effect on Vornen’s ability to lead a
normal life, and he finds himself wrestling with various forms of
addiction. He’s cast out of his adoptive home and is left to
wander the world searching for his place in it, while attempting to
avoid the suicidal call of the “gates.” However, as the novel
progresses, Vornen begins to emerge as one of the important players
of Aona.
Another interesting character is Jaana.
These days it has become cliché to downgrade a fantasy novel for
not having enough female characters, but Jaana isn’t included just
to avoid that criticism. Jaana is a healer who finds herself unable
to treat a new illness that’s spreading among the villages of her
region. Concerned with her failure, she seeks out the council of her
mentor, a mystical hermit of some renown. However, when Jaana
finally reunites with her former teacher, she ends up with more
questions than answers.
Most of the characters of “Oblivion’s
Forge” are flawed in some way, but they are self-aware which makes
them interesting. This isn’t a fantasy of “perfect” knights in
shining armor who are confident in every sword stroke. In
“Oblivion’s Forge” the characters are possessed by a desire to
do the right thing, but they are often opposed by their own
inability, or lack of knowledge as to what the right course is. This
personal angst felt by every character is reflected in the overall
events of the novel that seemingly happen at random, but yet also
appear to be connected. What are the mysterious “gates” that
torment Vornen? What is the source of the illness that has befuddled
Jaana, the renowned and respected (if not by herself) healer?
There is a plot going on in the
background of “Oblivion’s Forge” but it is not of the “Dark
Lord” variety. Something is happening and every now and then you
get a glimpse of a clue, but the overall picture is difficult to
grasp. As you peer through the character’s eyes, you sense and
sometimes share their frustration and confusion, even while enjoying
the benefit of the larger perspective that comes from seeing a
variety of angles. This is very good storytelling that improves in
richness with every new clue that is revealed. Suffice it to say
there’s no boring exposition. This book is more like a large,
delightful riddle you share with the characters. If you enjoy
fantasy that involves real characters you can relate to, you’re
going to love “Oblivion’s Forge.”
Get your copy here.
Reviewer Bio:
Walter Rhein is the author of "The Reader of Acheron," "Beyond Birkie Fever," and "The Bone Sword." He is also the editor of "Nine Heroes."
Sounds brilliant!
ReplyDeleteJack F