The Fire Duke
Joel Rosenberg

Rating:  
Series: Keeper of the Hidden Ways
Next Novel: The Silver Stone
Publisher: Avon Fantasy
Publish Date: 1995

           The Fire Duke is a fast paced, well crafted tale which blends together my favorite elements of reality, fantasy and horror to create a pleasing total package. The fantasy element takes place in the "Middle Dominion" (is anyone NOT thinking of Middle Earth when they read that?) which is land that still relies on the point of a sword to settle most disputes. However, this world is fairly well settled and tamed, leaving the excitement to be discovered in palace intrigue and duels based on matters of honor. The notable exception to this analysis comes from Rosenberg's use of Norse mythology to spice up the scene. It is never really explained how the gods from Norse legends wound up in the Middle Dominion, but the appearance of werewolves and Odin lends the story additional depth. The more "realistic" part of the story takes place in a little town in North Dakota. Hardwood, ND, is filled with quirky and interesting small town folk, who offer a solid foundation for the more fanciful elements of the story to stand upon.

            Within the first few chapters Torrie, Ian and Maggie, three college friends, find themselves drawn into a mysterious world which only Torrie has any idea about. It seems that Torrie's father, a notorious traitor and revered swordsman in the Middle Dominion has left some unfinished business that now must be attended to by his son. What follows is a journey complete with duels, dwarves (although they are not called that), magic and a plot to unmake the universe.

Rosenberg has a crisp, enjoyable style. He excels in describing character motivation and creating realistic scenes for the players to interact within. He really develops the relationship between Maggie and Torrie as well as Torrie and his parents. The only character that may have been a bit overdone was Ian. The continual references to his alcoholic father made me wonder if this guy had any other thoughts in his head aside from his messed up childhood. I was also a bit disappointed that the first battle scene with the werewolves was not better developed, but the author shows he can "do action" in later duels.   Rosenberg also does a great job with making the architecture in the book interesting.  The "Builder" has a tendency to insert hidden cubby holes and passages which contain everything from weapons and money to magic portals and escape routes. This is the first book in series that promises to continue to entertain. Three swords are well deserved for The Fire Duke.

Reviewed by Chris Hart