Today see the official release of Dean F. Wilson’s third book in the Children of Telm series… The Chains of War. Dean kindly agreed to write a guest post which appeared on the blog earlier today.
The Chains of War is the third book in the Children of Telm series. I would say ‘third and final’ but who knows…? There is enough possibility left at the end for the story to continue beyond the pages and into the imagination, as good stories always do.
The first thing that struck me when unpacking the book was the cover. The artwork for this first edition of the trilogy by Soheil Toosi is superb. They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but here the illustrations are perfect to set the tone for what lies within. On another note, I feel I should mention that the books are clearly presented in a good sized typeface which makes for easy reading by a bedside lamp… quite lethal…
I would say, right at the start, that as with any other such series, you will need to read the two preceding volumes to get the full feeling of the world that the author has created. Iraldas is a complex place, where magic is part of life, the impossible is normal and where the gods are both out of reach and infinitely reachable… a dichotomy that Wilson explains as an attempt to show that mortal and divine may be more closely linked that we realise.
Those acquainted with the Mysteries will recognise Wilson’s own knowledge of the subject, from which he draws inspiration to create some truly beautiful details in his world.
“…I’ve had plenty of time to count all the stars in my eyes and though new ones won’t grow for me, no, they certainly will grow for you.”
The book opens with the return of a god, carefully, delicately picking his way amongst the living. But Corrias is no warrior and the darkness of Agon cannot be defeated through his agency, so although there is triumph, the journey is far from over. Ifferon is armoured ready for battle, yet exchanging the robe of the cleric for a warrior’s garb serves to disguise his true identity as the chains are placed on his wrists…The story leads on to the final confrontation with Agon and the speaking of the Words… but to see what happens you will have to read the book…
“… there is always room for the heart to grow…”
A superb third book in the series. Highly recommended.
Review based on a pre-release copy of the paperback.
The Chains of War;
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