It’s nice to see the fox-riding Little People rousing their forest to attack the invading ghouls, gorgons and trolls. These forest battles and skirmishes are quite impressive. The Tree People remind me of non-verbal, non-drinking Ents. I’m not sure what to make of the moving hillocks, they’re like sod farms on the move.
Throughout both books, there is a certain amount of philosophizing about the evils and cost of war and revenge. The evils of war feel a little heavy in this second book. Generally, the dialog is pleasantly rustic and emphatic, without the need for profanity. The characters seemed a bit simple-minded, until I remembered they’re straight off the farm -- literally.
The greatest strength of both parts of the duology is the interweaving of the previous book story lines and the recurring characters into a consistently-written epic of bold deeds and fragile hopes. It’s no surprise that the author’s last words are, 'It’s all connected, you know." Yes, I know. I feel I was there when it all happened.
Into the Fire (Hel’s Crucible, Part 2) has a brief synopsis of the first book, Into the Forge, before plunging back into the war. The Winter skirmishes are as grim as Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow. Don’t become too attached to the characters, because there are no guarantees on who will survive. On the happy side, various characters from Voyage of the Fox Rider and Eye of the Hunter make cameo appearances, lending their invaluable assistance to the war effort. Aravan (Fox Rider), still mourning Aylissa, takes on doomed, impossible missions, perhaps to fulfill some death wish. The Baeron shape-shifting warriors (Eye) are back in force with spears, claws, fangs and other sharp, pointy weapons.