Books like The Forge in the Forest

The Forge in the Forest is the sequel to The Anvil of Ice. Moody and atmospheric, The Winter of the World holds up well for a series written in the eighties. Michael Scott Rohan introduces some horror elements in this fantasy and the feel of the novels are generally rather dark The ‘world’ of Winter of the World appears to be an amalgamation of the Ice Age, Robert E. Howard's Hyborian Age and, you guessed it, J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. This novel also evoked a very real sense of vast distance and remoteness, which I really enjoyed. The plot itself contains some rather grandiose and dramatic elements, as well as melodramatic coincidences aplenty, as befits a high fantasy tale.There are one or two so-called tropes here, such as the Duergar (and the dragons of The Anvil of Ice), but these are not prominent elements. The magic element in this series is handled way differently than was the norm at the time. Make no mistake, I LOVE the old-school fantasy stuff. I have no qualms with dragons, elves, and the like, even if I am in the minority. Bring them on, says I. However, it is refreshing to take a break now and then, and read a fantasy that, well, does it somewhat differently. So, as far as that is concerned, Michael Scott Rohan seems to have been slightly ahead of his time. This series is definitely somewhat different.The smithing and metalwork elements that lie at the heart of these novels are what truly make them unique. Add a few very cool characters and one or two genuinely creepy scenes to the mix, as well as some truly barbaric villains, and you have another seriously underrated gem of a series. There are also some philosophical arguments touched upon, concerning the nature of life and immortality, which I found interesting.The novel is written exceptionally well, even wistful. Good pacing and atmosphere, as showcased here, can make a good novel a brilliant novel. So, if high fantasy, or heroic fantasy is your thing, you really, really owe it to yourself to read this series. You will, unfortunately be somewhat lost if you start here. Read The Anvil of Ice first.