The Brega Path

Rating:
Summary: Follow the "Path"
Review: Dennis McKiernan continues his wannabe-sequel-to-Lord-of-the-Rings, the Silver Call, with "The Brega Path." It's a bit faster and much more amusing than the first book of the duology, but it's still bogged down by too much repetitive action and a supremely dorky lead character.

At the end of "Trek to Kraggen-Cor," Cotton and his dwarf band had managed to kill the evil, monstrous kraken. Now Cotton helps the dwarves make their way into their ancestral home, hoping to meet Perry and the others in a battle that will decide the fate of Kraggen-Cor.

Inside Kraggen-Cor, Perry, Kian, Silverleaf and many others are trying to figure out how to defeat the evil creatures inside. To find their way through, they follow the path through the hundreds of tunnels, which Perry has memorized. But they find themselves first trapped in the hideous Ghath's abandoned cage -- and then enmeshed in a battle they can't possibly win. Unless, of course, Perry unravels the riddle of Narok, a silver horn that the dwarves fear...

Readers who have respect for J.R.R. Tolkien and the unparalleled integrity of his work will cringe at reading McKiernan's early works. Where the Iron Tower Trilogy was blatantly derivative, this is a blatant attempt at a sequel -- everything from the cave-kingdom of the dwarves to the little silver horn is done in "Lord of the Rings." Most people who write this sort of stuff are called fanfiction writers.

What makes "Brega Path" better than "Trek to Kraggen-Cor"? Frankly, it's the ending. McKiernan's endings are either very happy or very depressing, and it's hard not to be charmed by the finale. And surprisingly, McKiernan's writing smooths out quite a bit. But he does get carried away by the idea of a prophecy (enough with the prophecies! Does he write a single book without one?), and too much repetitive action (enough casting of hoods over faces!). The literally earthshattering climax is spoiled by Perry singing in the background.

Perry is still a colossal idiot -- until he actually gets stuck in a bloody, nasty battle, he still doesn't fully clue in that he isn't up to being a warrior. Cotton is pleasant, if you can ignore his ridiculous faux-country-Brit accent. The supporting characters tend to be thin and dull, and the dwarves are completely flat. Expect to get them all mixed up, because they are all the same.

"The Brega Path" has more charm than its predecessor, but it's still deeply flawed, with an unengaging cast and a plot that's drawn out way too long.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning conclusion of the reconquest of Moria
Review: Please see my review to vol 1, The Trek to Kraggen Cor. The reader will regcognize many elements from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The names are changed to protect from copyright infringement. This is still a great story concluding the Dwarves reconquest of their ancient home. Those readers who hungered for more Tolkien when there was no more to be had will be glad to read this.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!!!!!
Review: This is a great book. One that I think every one shouold read

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best!
Review: This is the second book in the Silver Call duology, and it's the second book that I ever read of McKiernan's. It and the first book in the duology hooked me on his books! The characters are real, vivid, and human. Read it, and all of his books!

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best!
Review: This is the second book in the Silver Call duology, and it's the second book that I ever read of McKiernan's. It and the first book in the duology hooked me on his books! The characters are real, vivid, and human. Read it, and all of his books!

Rating:
Summary: Not On Par With The Iron Tower (But Still A Good Book)
Review: This second half of the Silver Call Duology tends to hit the reader over the head with it's anti-war message, but the sense of grand adventure, and the presence of wholesome values, makes it a memorable read.

Rating:
Summary: Totally Awesome
Review: This was my first McKiernan book and it rocks!!! The book was a bit short but the writing was excelent. But don't get too attached to the main charachters because they might just die. I just finished it today (11/21/98) and I almost cried. For those who favor Dwarves in the fantasy world this books for you. An automatic 5+ stars.