In a world where the minds of modern readers thirst for creativity, adventure, and new worlds, sanctuary for many may be found only in the tales of fantasy and adventure. However, a high demand of this fantastic literature has existed among the growing fantasy-loving populous since the legacy left by J. R. R. Tolkien in many works such as The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarilion. While many authors pay tribute to the father of modern High Fantasy, few can equal the style and imagination of Tolkien's works... until now. Kenneth E. Harding's The Song of the Sword is one creation that does justice to the forefather of fantasy, J. R. R. Tolkien.
Harding's realm begins with the creation of the first of his novels, The Song of the Sword. This novel consists of two separate books, separated by years but still constructing one gigantic picture that comes to life in the resolution of the entire story. One may read the first book believing that they have completed a great story, when in fact they have only scratched the surface of a much more grand, elaborate picture. In fact, Harding's realm is so extensive that the first novel is but an introduction to an entire world history that will come more alive and exciting with each novel. Just as Tolkien's Middle-earth does, Harding's Overworld in The Song of the Sword promises to grasp the attention of all readers until every novel is completed.
Another great factor that many novels of today lack is a sense of adventure. Throughout the story, an entire quest takes place, putting the reader in the shoes of each character. As colorful and detailed descriptions of people and places are given, Harding creates a universe that forbids the reader to put down their book. When traveling from the heavenly Tower of Tir Narindor to the hellish demon land of Morgundul, one can see that Harding's realm knows no limits.
Though some of the characters possess supernatural skills, Harding does not remove the humanity from the characters of the novel. Emotions and reactions of each character are realistic, unlike most modern fantasy novels, which seem to create robot-like characters with no real emotion or ambition. Revenge, romance, joy, humor, and tragedy are all elements of the story that takes place.
Are you a fantasy lover who feels you are wasting much of your time and money on brand-name books with fancy covers but dry text? Do you find yourself reading the same Tolkien book time after time because nothing else out there seems to match that Old English style and boundless adventure that you crave? Are you tired of boring, stale characters and senseless plots that seem to lead you in pointless circles? Look no further than Harding's The Song of the Sword! With a world so vast and an adventure so extravagant and exciting, The Song of the Sword has the potential to be the next great wave to come across High Fantasy lovers everywhere.
-Christopher Stout, author of the Elderworld series
June
2, 2000
Reviewer: A reader from Edwardsville, Illinois
I found Kenneth E. Harding's novel a refreshing break from the run-of-the-mill fantasy epics that promise much with a beautiful illustration gracing the cover, then after patiently digging for the treasure in the pages I'd usually end up disappointed.
Using colloquialism one might expect from ages past, the story hits the ground running right away. I found it time well spent and I'm looking forward to the next novel in the series.
Reviewer: Don McCown, Undiscovered Musician and Lyricist
Fantastic! Characters almost come to life as they embark on interwoven journeys that excite tales of a land that exists through the imagery of the story teller. Braided with magic and dangerous adventure.
Reviewer: Kyung Bae Lee
Wow, you know what? I started to read your book from where I left off since yesterday. I couldn't stop reading it! I am serious! I am having so much fun with reading your book.
To tell you the truth, I have never read fantasy novels before in my whole life, but this novel is really fun. It's so descriptive so that I could even picture as I am reading it.
Well, since I don't know much about fantasy novels, I can't say whole lot about your novel. Actually, I could, but I shall not choose to utter much about your masterpiece, for you might be offended :) Well, at least I can say that your novel is so great! (Don't be offended since I am just a foreigner who knows very little about English).
Ken Lee:
Incredibly intriguing. Mesmerizing eyes and hearts of readers with vivid imageries, Kenneth E. Harding invites you to a mammoth journey intertwined with courage, perseverance, and fate. Endeavored to distance his work from the current paltry trend of frothy fantasy novels, Kenneth E. Harding embarked upon his novel with richness and elegance soaked into line after line, to meticulously construct the world of thrilling adventure, where no one has yet stepped in. Hard to put it away!