The Forging of the Sword (The Darkweaver Legacy) (Paperback)

Mark Robson introduces this novel by saying that it is an 'easy reading' story suitable for all lovers of fantasy. One of his influences has been Tolkien, but although there are magical creatures, it is the human monsters you have to look out for in the book. There are Tolkien echoes in a Firedrake guarding a mystical treasure, in the figure of the mentor/magician, and the sinister black rider. Perdimonn has also been appointed warden of one of the mysterious 'Keys'. However, there are none of those awful elfish songs, and no orcs who speak like muck. I am also reminded of Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), as Calvyn has similar reasons for embarking on his journey as Luke Skywalker did, and he also has a mentor who can speak to him telepathically at crucial moments (although he does not quite sound like Alec Guinness). However, Mark Robson cannot be really be accused of being derivative in this novel: he, like many other successful scribes before him, has simply chosen to portray yet another aspect of the classical hero's journey. If it is good enough for George Lucas, then it is good enough for Mark Robson.

Mark Robson has also brought a lot of himself into this book, and has written, as all writers are advised to do, from his own experience. His own experience of being in the Royal Air Force has obviously coloured his depiction of Calvyn's training in arms. In this novel, the hero is not instructed in some arcane and mysterious martial art; he simply gains his battle technique by joining the local baron's squadron. There, he learns the time-honoured techniques of how to become a successful soldier, with its associated emphasis on discipline and camaraderie. Any arcane arts he acquires are those he teaches himself in his own time. The soldiers under the command of the King of Thrandor come from all walks of life. Here women are treated as equal soldiers along with the men. Indeed, the squadron of recruits that Calvyn joins is trained by the fearsome Derra, a Corporal who is determined that her squadrons should always be the best - which means that Calvyn and his fellows are pushed hard. However, Derra does have a lighter side, revealed in the scene where she persuades Calvyn and fellow private Jenna to visit a fortune teller...

Calvyn does not think much of fortunetellers, having previously encountered many fakes when working as a market trader with Perdimonn. The book really comes alive in a magical confrontation between Perdimonn and Selkor in such a market. For the first time we glimpse something of the complex and enthralling narrative that will sustain the whole of the Darkweaver Legacy. The practice of magic is illegal in Thrandor, so Selkor and Perdimonn must be careful as they exchange threats with each other. Selkor claims that he has come in search of a book and a great power that he intends to use for good, yet Perdimonn does not believe that Selkor is worthy to weald such power. Perdimonn and Calvyn are forced to go on the run, and eventually have to go their separate ways. Calvyn feels very guilty at abandoning his benefactor at such a crucial moment, but Perdimonn has more than arms up his sleeve, even if he is unarmed. Perdimonn begins to get premonitions of the future, times of great danger and strife. Calvyn has known more than enough strife to last a lifetime, thanks to Demarr's Rebels. The Earl Demarr himself has been banished to the Terachim Wastes, but there are many of Calvyn's fellow soldiers who still regard him as a hero. Calvyn makes new friends and allies along the way, such as Jez and Bek, accompanied by a few enemies as his leadership skills come to the fore. Yet Calvyn toys with danger as he pursues a childhood dream, and imminent discovery as an artisan in the forbidden trade of magic. But the time is coming when Calvyn will need to fall back on all his resources and learning just to survive...

The Forging of the Sword is an excellent first novel in The Darkweaver Legacy. The portents for the future books are also magical. Mark Robson has created such a thrilling narrative that you will be very much eager to read more produced from his thoughtful and inventive imagination.