Rating: 
Summary: A slowly developing novel with an incredible ending
Review: "The Iron Throne", the first of five books set in the Birthright gaming world, is a book that requires patience on the part of the reader. The book begins in an intriguing manner, mainly the abduction of a prominent character and the beginnings of a civil war. The long running civil war is the central theme in this novel.A select few in the war torn empire all try to achieve the title of emperor upon the death of the current, aging emperor. The one direct descendent is missing and another takes over the role as emperor. Once the descendent is found alive, another round of the civil war begins. The result has a lasting effect on the empire. The background of the nation is overly detailed and not absolutely essential to the central story. Once the civil war begins, the book accelerates at a rapid pace. After the civil war, a former human named Raesene but now transformed monster named the Gorgon, has his own plans for the empire. Once the Gorgon starts employing members of the empire to achieve his desires, another war soon ensues. The Gorgon also causes some internal strife among major players within the empire. The ending, while a bit surprising, is presented well and does leave the door open for a sequel. The sequel, "War", was the last of the Birthright books published by TSR. All of the Birthright books are out of print. If you are a fan of historical, civil war fantasy and are a patient reader, "The Iron Throne" would be a worthwhile read.
Rating:
Summary: A slowly developing novel with an incredible ending
Review: "The Iron Throne", the first of five books set in the Birthright gaming world, is a book that requires patience on the part of the reader. The book begins in an intriguing manner, mainly the abduction of a prominent character and the beginnings of a civil war. The long running civil war is the central theme in this novel. A select few in the war torn empire all try to achieve the title of emperor upon the death of the current, aging emperor. The one direct descendent is missing and another takes over the role as emperor. Once the descendent is found alive, another round of the civil war begins. The result has a lasting effect on the empire. The background of the nation is overly detailed and not absolutely essential to the central story. Once the civil war begins, the book accelerates at a rapid pace. After the civil war, a former human named Raesene but now transformed monster named the Gorgon, has his own plans for the empire. Once the Gorgon starts employing members of the empire to achieve his desires, another war soon ensues. The Gorgon also causes some internal strife among major players within the empire. The ending, while a bit surprising, is presented well and does leave the door open for a sequel. The sequel, "War", was the last of the Birthright books published by TSR. All of the Birthright books are out of print. If you are a fan of historical, civil war fantasy and are a patient reader, "The Iron Throne" would be a worthwhile read.
Rating:
Summary: Birthright
Review: Birthright was one of the first books I read as an aside to my favorite hobby rpgs. It was successful in passing some time and providing a little inspiration about bloodlines, but other than that, it was only memorable because I read it three or four times.
Rating: 
Summary: Mytical entry into a great new fantasy world!
Review: Hawke uses a fresh new idea into the world of magic with the Birthright powers. I found the battle scene near the end to be very good as well as combining other races into the world of man(elves, hobbits, goblins, orogs, dwarves) which gives the book some variety. It makes for great light reading and an escape from your troubles. I found the ending to be VERY abrupt since the author didn't left many questions unanswered and quickly writen. Other than that, it is a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Mytical entry into a great new fantasy world!
Review: Hawke uses a fresh new idea into the world of magic with the Birthright powers. I found the battle scene near the end to be very good as well as combining other races into the world of man(elves, hobbits, goblins, orogs, dwarves) which gives the book some variety. It makes for great light reading and an escape from your troubles. I found the ending to be VERY abrupt since the author didn't left many questions unanswered and quickly writen. Other than that, it is a great book.
Rating:
Summary: An INCREDIBLE read
Review: I finished this book more than a year ago and I can still remember the feeling I had when it ended. And it did just that-ended. Simon Hawke does an incredible job in developing characters whilst balancing the concept of a new world in the TSR multiverse. Call it a climax in an anti-climax. I just call it brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: This book is simply one of the best fantasies I've ever read
Review: It is rather late, and although I should be getting to bed for my health's sake, I must say something about this book...About 2 weeks ago, I finished it's (comparitively) mediocre sequel, and the names of the characters of the Iron Throne STILL evoked emotions in me, even though I finished the book close too a year ago. Now THAT is the indicator of a book that is truly excellent. I commend Mr Hawke for his first book and will always be thankful too him from providing me with such a involving and enjoyable book for the 2 short weeks it took me to gobble the text up. Signed, Paul Knight
Rating:
Summary: I liked this book alot.
Review: It was a pretty good book the only thing I didn't like about it was the end of it
Rating:
Summary: Possibly the best TSR book ever?
Review: It was hard to put this book down. I would give it 5 stars but the second Birthright novel, Greatheart, was even more intriguing than this one. If you're tired of the usual heroic band of adventurers seeking treasure or saving the world than this is the book to buy.
Rating: 
Summary: An Original Masterpiece
Review: It was hard to put this book down. I would give it 5 stars but the second Birthright novel, Greatheart, was even more intriguing than this one. If you're tired of the usual heroic band of adventurers seeking treasure or saving the world than this is the book to buy.
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