Age of War by Michael Sullivan

Age of War continues the events begun in Age of Myth and continued in Age of Swords. The humans, or Rhunes, have risen from warring tribes living a primitive existence to a cohesive force capable of confronting the elves, or Fhrey, in battle. Formerly believing the Fhrey to be gods, they now realize that Fhrey can die and view the humans as a threat to be exterminated. With the help of the Fhrey, Nyphron, the humans led by Persephone, see the great elven fortress near the border of human territory surrendered. This provokes the Fhrey leader, Fane Lothian, to stir and come deal with the human problem himself. Just as the humans have learned that the Fhrey are not invincible gods, Lothian must learn that humans are more than the animals he has believed them to be.

Age of War continues to develop strong characters both among the human and the elven cast. Politics play a role on both sides, although more so among the Fhrey, where there is something of a split both among the magic-wielding Miralyith and the non-magic Galantians. The humans and the Fhrey move closer to a battle in which the humans are horrible outclassed, dependent on superior strategy and a couple of secret weapons of their own: the invention of steel weapons and a human who can wield magic.

The humans have the more developed and sympathetic characters, from the mystic Suri, to the inventer Roan, the pessimistic warrior Raithe who is in love with their leader Persephone. Persephone herself is torn between her own feelings for Raithe and her duty to her people, which may be better served by the loveless marriage offered to her by Nyphron as part of an alliance between the humans and the Galantians. Sacrifice is a key theme in this book and this series, making the battle that the entire novel is marching towards even more fraught with tension. This battle may be the first step in redefining the power structure of an entire world, or it may be humanities last stand.

The audio version of the book is narrated by Tim Gerrard Reynolds, who does his usual outstanding job in breathing life into the material. Reynolds’ pacing is impeccable, bringing excitement to the action sequences and solemnity to the quiet moments. His voicing and inflection of the characters convey their distinct personalities, social standing and mood. Another superb job of narration.

This is not a jumping off point for anyone unfamiliar with the series, but it will be certain to entertain fans of the series.

I was provided a copy of this audiobook by the publisher.

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