Talk about a whirlwind! Epic Fantasy in the classic tradition is my bread and butter, as is said, yet I am used to them being epic in length as well. So while many could reasonably argue Orphan's Quest would benefit from many more words and pages, it did not waste a single one that was there: Instantly drawing one into the life and plight of the young orphan Chip in the Kingdom of Vanalon where all young men are sworn to defend humankind and which happens to be ruled by a fat idiot of a king. Thanks goodness for Queen Charlotte and Princess Eleanor! A very readable book, the pages seemed to turn of their own accord as the weapons master Garth Stone imparted his wisdom – "Everything you want is on the other side of fear" and "self-disciple is freedom" – are my favorites, while watching Grand Wizard Xander handle fools brought instant smiles. Ah yes, and the battle scenes. A reviewer of my own The Last War once said "that every battle-scarred vista becomes cinematically real in the reader’s mind", so I now take great pleasure is saying the same thing of Terry Ironwood's Orphan's Quest. Chip's journey to the Pass of Death and battles against the demons were like watching a film in my head, flowing swift and clear as the Rocky River. In short, if you are looking for Epic Fantasy of the classic tradition that is actually (instead of comparatively) short then you will likely find a home in Terry Ironwood's The Great Forget Series.
(P.S. If you, dear reader, are an author/publisher and reading this review makes you want to ask me for a review too then PLEASE read my Contact Me? page.)
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