Dream of Legends by Stephen Zimmer (Fires in Eden: Book 2)

9/10

Book two of ‘The Fires in Eden’ series finds Janus and the other ‘exiles’ (people from our world) learning more about the fantastical realm of Ave.

Unfortunately they have arrived at a time of great unrest and conflict. The assault upon the Kingdom of Saxany and the tribes of the Five Realms ignites as the Unifier’s gaze turns southward across the seas to the faraway lands of Midragard. These are desperate and dangerous times for everyone with war inevitable. It will take all the guile, skill and courage of everyone to survive.

Anyone familiar with Zimmer’s work will know that he writes people exceptionally well, no matter what world or realm they are from!

There is a palpable sense of fear and anxiety early in the book and the reader is reminded that everyone has been taken out of their comfort zone. All the usual elements are present: fantastic creatures, frenetic action, desperation, courage and resolve.

Driving the plot is the truly menacing and Machiavellian Unifier. Here is a villain who knows how to pull the strings and manipulate people to get his own way. Everything he does is under the guise of being for ‘the good of everyone’ but really his actions mask his true self-serving evil motives and desires.

I found myself immediately drawn into the Saxan struggle as they attempt to repel the invasion of their land and make a bold stand against overwhelming odds. Also the plight and continued stalwart struggle of the people of the Five Realms engages and keeps the pages turning.

Despite being set in a fantasy world there are plenty of universal themes explored and whether it is a human from our world or an inhabitant of Ave the thoughts and emotions of its characters will resonate with readers.

‘Dream of Legends’ manages to expand and enhance on the first book with the action taking place on the ground, in the air, on the seas and even in a subterranean world where giant grey skinned beings known as the Unguhur live. We also meet the seafaring people the Midragardians and importantly the exiles learn more about their place in the greater scheme of things.

If ‘Crown of Vengeance’ was about the exiles then this entry is very much about the inhabitants of Ave, particularly their struggle for freedom. Hefty at over 700 pages long, but ultimately rewarding, this epic and ambitious Fantasy adventure will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading of bravery and heroism in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. I am certain that this entry will continue to enthral its fans. Bring on book three!

Published 2010 by Seventh Star Press
ISBN: 9780983108627

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