By Michael A. Stackpole
The DragonCrown War Cycle, Book 1
Published: 2002 Bantam Spectra
Fortress Draconis, like much of Stackpole's work, is a mixing pot of history, classic literature and the more pulp days of fantasy. The author puts his effort into both prose and research, creating not only a fantastic world but realistic events and reactions.
The story of Fortress Draconis is set on a continent in turmoil. A violent warlord from the north, an enchantress of immeasurable power, has besieged the the scattered nations of the south for a quarter century in search of the shattered DragonCrown. The kings and nobles have squandered their time as a new offensive is launched against them and warriors from a new generation, as well as the old, must rise up to fight. The novel explores both war and politics in this turbulent time, using the point of view of three intriguing characters.
Will is a simple thief thrust into extraordinary events, taken from the streets as a cutpurse to the heights of the ivory tower. His character presents an interesting foil to another, his mentor Kedyn's Crow. Will enters the story with energy, charisma and conviction - elements that Crow has begun to lose. Will's story is one of growth, but not the common coming of age tale. He's already matured, living a harsh life in the slums, now adapting to newer, even more hostile environment.
While the events of the book certainly cast Will as the main character, two other points of view are commonly used. Alyx, the princess-general of an exiled nation, rides with an army to free her homeland lost over a generation ago. Alyx soon finds herself dragged into the politics of the free nations, forcing her to accept a role as both warrior and diplomat. Her change does not end there as she finds herself initiated into a strange brotherhood that only meets in her dreams. Likewise, Kerrigan Reese has trouble with everything in his life except for magic. In fact, he's the most powerful magician in the south. Despite his regality, the young wizard shows readers the simpler and more mundane side as he writes letters for soldiers and helps with healers.
One of the coolest features of the setting is the amazing races that inhabit the world. Stackpole takes great pains to create unique and interesting species that have their own logical niche in the world. Frostclaws take the idea of dinosaurs as birds and apply them to a fantasy setting, while the common enemy gibberers have a logical name and understandable viciousness. The ur-zrethi are an underground race with the ability to mold their limbs at will. Finally, there's the elves, who are unlike those of any other fantasy series. Separated into three different nations, the elves are more natural than magical and are understandably grim in their war-torn land.
What really sets Fortress Draconis apart from other fantasy novels is the immense support Stackpole has put into it. First, Fortress Draconis and the rest of the DragonCrown War series are preceded by Dark Glory War, a novel that sets the stage with the war a quarter century ago. The author also started a free podcast reading of the novel (which he promises to finish!). Finally, the author has additional material for sale on his website, $1.00 PDFs on three races and one of the main characters.
Fortress Draconis is a great start for new and veteran fantasy readers, but requires some maturity. Fans of Tracy Hickman, Robert Jordan and R.A. Salvatore will love these books. I especially recommend them to fans of George R. R. Martin that are waiting for the next book in his series - three lengthy novels, an optional novel, and some bonus material should be enough to keep them occupied.
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