Forge of the High Mage by Ian C. Esslemont

After finishing the fourth book of this series I must reiterate that the author is fond of complexity and that forces you to pay attention. On that note, Dorin from earlier books is now Dancer. Wu is now Kellanved. Luckily Esslemont who is still Esslemont the author, provides a list of characters in the preface. Succinctly the plot is that Kellanved wants to conquer the known world.

Esslemont will introduce a character, provide significant details to their portrait, and then abandon them for a hundred pages.

There are oddities and characters to appeal to any appetite. Giants, shape-shifters, semi-sentient cyborg monsters, gods, demi-gods, mages, warriors, soldiers, frankly if you have read any fantasy, you will probably find a character to identify with in this book.

Again a strong admonishment that due to Esslemont’s attention to detail and the complexity of the plot, I would recommend reading the books in order and pay strict attention to what you read.

I recommend the book.

Forge of the High Mage by Ian C. Esslemont, just not for me. I think its written fairly well, and will hold most readers attention, but it wasn't the book for me. Thank you for giving me a chance with it.