Welcome to the lands of swords and sorcery, where people live and die by the sword and only the bravest of souls stand between the common folk and the forces of darkness. Join me as I wander different planes and hear the stories of their greatest defenders and the sagas of their worthiest warriors.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
Greatheart is the second in the limited Birthright series of books. I'd imagine it's a story of outcasts...but I prefer to think of it as one of individuals, individuals unique to their races. After all, Cald isn't really an outcast--an orphan, actually--unless you consider his life after the events of the novel. The two goblins, Bersmog and Stognad, aren't outcasts either...except that they can never return to their original tribe. But that's a matter of choice on their part, as is their decision to remain with the elves instead. They are individuals brought into a partnership with Cald and Prince Eyrmin, himself an individual and definitely not an outcast.
I'll say it plainly: this is one of my favorite books! I don't know why exactly it is, except that it is. That should tell you something about the author's skill and mastery. The characters--from Cald to Prince Eyrmin to Bersmog to the awnsheghlien--are all vividly real and immediate. The character interactions are completely believable and eminently in keeping with their personalities. Physical description of the battles is minimal but detailed--as it should be, to my mind--while that of the surroundings is excellent: much of the action takes place in the forest, yet you never get tired of hearing about the trees and all. When I think about it, though, I guess what I like most about this book is that Cald, though human, has gained an elven love of the forest that ordinary humans could never attain, and it is that love and his love for his foster father that makes him willing to sacrifice his life to save those he loves. Oh, and I also liked that there could also be good awnsheghlien, like the Stag of the Sielwode.
If you read any of the Birthright books, let it be this one. Greatheart is a terrific story which, sadly, has no choice but to end somewhere. But it is getting to that ending that makes it all worthwhile. It's a pity the Birthright line of books has been discontinued or put on indefinite moratorium, because if all of their books were like this one, they could draw audiences other than those interested in D&D games and worlds.
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