The Iron Wars (The Monarchies of God, Book 3)

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book - I couldn't put it down
Review: I read this book from cover to cover over about a day and a half. I think it is the best book in the series so far, and I liked them all. In the vast panorama that Kearney is painting, the characters come to life more and more - Golophin the mage, Corfe the hero, and the many others - they draw you in and become real. The plot likewise twists, turns and intertwines from the battlefield to the bedroom to the cathedral. If you liked the first two books, you'll definitely like this one.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book - I couldn't put it down
Review: I read this book from cover to cover over about a day and a half. I think it is the best book in the series so far, and I liked them all. In the vast panorama that Kearney is painting, the characters come to life more and more - Golophin the mage, Corfe the hero, and the many others - they draw you in and become real. The plot likewise twists, turns and intertwines from the battlefield to the bedroom to the cathedral. If you liked the first two books, you'll definitely like this one.

Rating:
Summary: Even Better than the First Two Books of the Series!
Review: In "The Iron Wars," Paul Kearney outdoes what he has done in the first two books of "The Monarchies of God" series. This book is much more political than the first two novels and this has much more military action than them as well. This book opens up with a riveting prologue that will be sure to lure you in to this creative tale. From there you are taken back to the lands of Normannia and its doings.

Even though this book doesn't deal with what is going on on the Western Continent, this book is still great. Most of the novel involves Albrec and Avila and their quest to bring the biography of Saint Ramusio to Macrobius and the war that is being taken place with the Merduks. Therefore, most of this book takes place in Torunna, while some of it takes place in Hebrion's capital, Abrusio.

Kearney's writing skills are superb. Not many author's are capable of doing what Kearney does. He gives you many plots and lots of characters and manages to keep you hooked like a skilled writer should. You won't be bored while reading this book as important events take place one after the other.

This isn't the best fantasy novel that I've ever read but it will certainly leave an impression on me in years to come. If you have read the first two novels of "The Monarchies of God" series then this is the book for you to read. This book will not disappoint and I guarantee that you will enjoy this novel immensely. This is what fantasy is all about it.

Happy Reading!

Rating:
Summary: Even Better than the First Two Books of the Series!
Review: In "The Iron Wars," Paul Kearney outdoes what he has done in the first two books of "The Monarchies of God" series. This book is much more political than the first two novels and this has much more military action than them as well. This book opens up with a riveting prologue that will be sure to lure you in to this creative tale. From there you are taken back to the lands of Normannia and its doings.

Even though this book doesn't deal with what is going on on the Western Continent, this book is still great. Most of the novel involves Albrec and Avila and their quest to bring the biography of Saint Ramusio to Macrobius and the war that is being taken place with the Merduks. Therefore, most of this book takes place in Torunna, while some of it takes place in Hebrion's capital, Abrusio.

Kearney's writing skills are superb. Not many author's are capable of doing what Kearney does. He gives you many plots and lots of characters and manages to keep you hooked like a skilled writer should. You won't be bored while reading this book as important events take place one after the other.

This isn't the best fantasy novel that I've ever read but it will certainly leave an impression on me in years to come. If you have read the first two novels of "The Monarchies of God" series then this is the book for you to read. This book will not disappoint and I guarantee that you will enjoy this novel immensely. This is what fantasy is all about it.

Happy Reading!

Rating:
Summary: Paul Kearney does it again.
Review: Paul Kearney's third book in this series begins to finally tie together some of the plot lines that have built up during the previous two books. Needless to say, his high quality of writing is again on show. Likewise, the gritty nature of warfare in this series makes this book one for more adult readers.

The author manages to combine absorbing plot threads and action with quality characters, and a sense of depth that other authors such as George R Martin have become (rightly) famous for. I highly recommend this book, along with its two precursors as well-worthwhile reading material. As always, never judge a book by it's cover. My first impressions of the dustjacket design and story synopsis were lukewarm at best. Having finally picked it up and read it I was far more impressed than I thought I would be. Of course, if you don't read them in order you're shorting yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Never read a book that starts with a rape scene
Review: To put it bluntly, the Monarchies of God series has been getting worse with each additional book. At first, the innovative setting and original plot were enough to make up for the weak characterization and occasionally amateurish writing. But after three books, Mr. Kearney's faults become too glaring to ignore, especially since the novelty has worn off.

Two-dimensional characters are often defined through childish dialogue and direct authorial statements, rather than through their actions. Dialogues are frequently painful to read, being cliché-filled and uninspiring. What's worse, the plotline gives itself away at every turn, and the reader rarely has any doubt where the action is going. Finally, as mentioned in the review title, the book opens with a disgusting rape scene that is inappropriate for younger readers.

My verdict, obviously, is that the Monarchies of God series is no longer worth reading; I'd reccomend George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series instead. The writings better, the characters have depth, and the plot twists are truly unexpected.