Release Date: 04/06/15
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
SYNOPSIS:
They are the enemies of the dwarves and control the darkest magics, but even then power of the Älfar has its limits. To save their own people, they must enter into an unwinnable war.
Sinthoras and Caphalor, two very different Älfar, watch as their plans come to fruition: the hidden land - the home of the dwarves - has fallen to their army of trolls, barbarians and Älfar, and now the lands of the hated elves are within their grasp.
But the alliance is beginning to crumble as greed triumphs over obedience. And Sinthoras and Caphalor face another threat: an enemy from the empire of the Älfar, thought to be defeated, has resurfaced, and while their best warriors fight in the hidden land, the Älfar homeland lies almost defenceless...
This edition contains bonus material!
REVIEW:
Markus’ world continues to grow as the Alfar continue their march on their hated enemies, the Dwarves and as they continue to work, the world darkens. It’s definitely a different type of tale as its told from the darker sides aspects and for me as a reader, that’s always a challenge for an author to not only give the reader characters that they like but ones that they can understand when in previous outings they’ve been the out and out villains.
Treading the boundaries is a fine line and a good many other authors tend to take a step too far either turning it partly comical or keeping the darkness so that you don’t want to spend time with them.
All round, this book is a title that has great prose, a solid arc and where book two by many authors flail a little, this one keeps the throttle going throughout and when backed with solid dialogue kept me glued to the last page. Magic.
Release Date: 05/07/12
SYNOPSIS:
For the last time, the dwarves are going to war - and the outcome will decide the fate of their race. There has been no word from the brave warrior Tungdil since the vicious battle at the Black Abyss. Dragons, magicians, and the malevolent alfar have advanced far into the kingdom of Girdlegard, ruthlessly seizing vast areas of land. The dwarves seem to be facing their next battle with little hope of survival. But then the inexplicable happens. A dwarf dressed in black armour returns from the abyss with a formidable army in tow. He calls himself Tungdil, and for his most loyal friend Ireheart and his allies, this means a new hope. But soon doubts begin to arise ...Could this really be Tungdil, or is this warrior following his own dark agenda? It is a question of the future of Girdlegard - and the future of all the dwarves.
REVIEW:
I’ve been a huge fan of Markus’ inventive world, I’ve loved spending time there as the world has unfurled with the characters fates being played out in the great scale of things and when added to the wonderful descriptiveness alongside solid world-building has been one of the series that I’ve had to have as soon as its out.
The prose is sharp, the action sequences bloody and all in this has been a real joy to read, throw into the mix some cracking double dealing, some political machinations and all in this is a solid title. All in this series for me has been a pure joy from start to finish and definitely one I’d recommend to other fantasy fans.
Release Date: 27/10/11
SYNOPSIS:
Life has not been easy for battle-weary Tungdil the dwarf. But this heroic warrior can't rest yet, as he must now face the most formidable enemy the kingdom has ever encountered. A new evil is terrorising the land of Girdlegard. Monstrous hybrid creatures are on the rampage, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. They are out to steal an artefact which is vital for the kingdom's defence, and whoever holds it could control the world. With the existence of the dwarves under threat, Tungdil must resort to his trusty double axe and risk everything he knows to save his country from annihilation ...Hold your breath for THE REVENGE OF THE DWARVES, the next thrilling instalment in this spectacular epic from international bestselling author Markus Heitz.
REVIEW:
Having enjoyed the series to date from Markus, I was wondering what he would do to bring the latest exploit to the fore and give it a new edge to help take our heroes to a new level. All in the book has great prose, a whole host of supporting cast that the reader can fall in love with and on top of that all theres plenty of combat, wit and of course bloodshed.
Add to this Markus’ writing style of spartanesque description, great dialogue backed up with a solid overall arc hidden beneath the seams and the reader is in for one hell of a ride, although that said, I’d say to read the previous titles first to get the full flavour.
BOOK BLURB:
The dwarves have gone to battle and they have been victorious. But outside the realm, dark forces are working ...A secret army of Orcs, made immortal by the hidden powers of the Black Water, now marches towards Girdlegard, set to unleash its fury upon the kingdom. Sooner than they realise, Tungdil and his comrades will need to summon all their courage to do battle against this bloodthirsty horde. The Orcs are not the only threat. An unspeakable new power is growing and threatens the very existence of the dwarves. But both enemies have forgotten one very important truth: a dwarf is never more dangerous than when total obliteration seems inevitable ...
REVIEW:
Having read the original title and fallen for the characters within, I really did want this title as soon as it was out. However being a tad forgetful I’d missed its original release only to be reminded a few months later that I’d missed it. This incidentally led to self reflection about whether or not my first impressions from the original read were correct or whether or not the secondary offering could live up to the first.
What unfurls is the continual search for our principle protagonists heritage alongside the overall arc of defeating the evil that’s lurking almost unseen in the background. Beautifully written, this series is going to be one that’s a real guilty pleasure for a number of readers who have only just been introduced to this pretty prevalent German author. Add to the mix great character growth, some top notch dialogue and an almost Tolkienesque scope and it will soon be a series to step to the fore of a many “stunty” fans.
With last years David Gemmell Award Winner coming from Poland, you'd probably be surprised at the number of foreign authors that are currently getting translated to present new fiction to the market. Fantasy is ahead of the trend with more foreign authors per genre than many others proving that fantasy fans enjoy a well woven tale no matter what language it originally appeared in. Markus Heitz is perhaps a prime example as he's sold well in not only his native Germany but also in Russia and other Eastern Countries. Now for the first time, his epic Dwarves series appears in English and will undoubtably conquer many a fantasy fan with the sheer scope and talent behind the thus far quartet. Markus chats about writing, his life and above all how the fate of worlds can be decided by those lowest to the ground...FT: Writing is said to be something that people are afflicted with rather than gifted and that it's something you have to do rather than want. What is your opinion of this statement and how true is it to you?
MH: I would say, that creativity is a sweet curse. I can't stop thinking about stories, new stories, new projects. After three days of doing nothing, I get nervous and have to write. But it’s been part of my life since I was 14 years old. And I’m sure I will always write, even if no one wants to read my forthcoming books - I hope that THIS will never happen!
FT: When did you realise that you wanted to be a writer?
MH: When I was 14 I wrote my first shortstory. It was not more than a few lines on a DinA5-page. But the stories grew, and I realised that writing in general is a beautiful thing! At 17, I wanted to be a writer, but after finishing school, I studied to become a teacher. But I abandoned this aim, made some money as a freelancer journalist and wrote books instead. Then came the success of The Dwarves... and since 2004, I am inventing stories full-time. Hooray! There is no better way for me.
FT: It is often said that if you can write a short story you can write anything. How true do you think this is and what have you written that either proves or disproves this POV?
MH: I don't know. I started with shortstories so perhaps that is a proof.
FT: If someone were to enter a bookshop, how would you persuade them to try your novel over someone else's and how would you define it?
MH: Haha, I am not a bookseller and don't know the tricks. But I would say: "Buy this, try this and come back if you finish it. I’ll ask you three questions about the novel and if you can answer, you will win 10,000 bucks." Evil, I know. But I guess it would work!
I would define the novel as: "A big book about small ones with a good heart and an iron will. Not forgetting the great tasting beer!"
FT: How would you "sell" your book in 20 words or less?
MH: "Buy this. It could save your life to know something about fighting against orcs. Doesn't your boss look like an orc?"
FT: Who is a must have on your bookshelf and whose latest release will find you on the bookshops doorstep waiting for it to open?
MH: Latest release of another author? ... no chance. I have no time to read. I must write, you know.
FT: When you sit down and write do you know how the story will end or do you just let the pen take you? ie Do you develop character profiles and outlines for your novels before writing them or do you let your idea's develop as you write?
MH: Everything is plotted from the beginning to the end, stories and characters. Sometimes, scenes change a little bit while I am writing, but I keep the overview.
FT: What do you do to relax and what have you read recently?
MH: I do Karate, listen to music (Gothic things), like to cook (Indian style) and meet with friends. I read only magazines, like STERN or SPIEGEL.
FT: What is your guiltiest pleasure that few know about?
MH: Hum.... I am boring. I have none. Except for... no. This is not a pleasure. :o)
FT: Lots of writers tend to have pets. What do you have and what are their key traits (and do they appear in your novel in certain character attributes?)
MH: No miaow, no wuff, no moowh. In other words: no pets! In my childhood, I often visited a farm.
FT: Which character within your latest book was the most fun to write and why?
MH: In my latest book "Die Legenden der Albae", which is about the bad guys and anti-Elbs, this was Sinthoras and Caphalor. They are bad, evil and at the same time sophisticated.
FT: How similar to your principle protagonist are you?
MH: Looking to Sinthoras and Caphalor: I hope, in no single way.... Looking to Tungdil: Well, we both like black beer.
FT: What hobbies do you have and how do they influence your work?
MH: As I mentioned before: Karate (no influence) and cooking - sometimes I create cookies and recipes for meals, which find their way in the books.
FT: Where do you get your idea's from?
MH: This is easy - from everywhere. I can't say it more precisely. Ideas can hit me any place, any time. That's the reason I have always something to write on with me: a black Moleskine book.
FT: Do you ever encounter writers block and if so how do you overcome it?
MH: No, I haven't yet had this block.
FT: Certain authors are renowned for writing at what many would call uncivilised times. When do you write and how do the others in your household feel about it?
MH: I write from 9am to 6pm, with a little break for dinner and tea. This is my regular drug: black tea, the hardest, blackest leaves, like Assam or indeed the english variations. Or I brew indian spice tea, fresh and hot, with real spices. Kicks the mind!
FT: Sometimes pieces of music seem to influence certain scenes within novels, do you have a soundtrack for your tale or is it a case of writing in silence with perhaps the odd musical break in-between scenes?
MH: I have a wide collection of different soundtracks, depending on the scene which I am writing. I also listen to Russian classical music.
FT: What misconceptions, if any, did you have about the writing and publishing field when you were first getting started?
MH: Nothing. Everything was fine. Sorry for this...
FT: If music be the food of love, what do you think writing is and please explain your answer?
MH: Writing is the food for soul and imagination.
Because: Every reader "sees" the scene, while reading the book, in their own way. They only need imagination and I can let them have adventures, feel with the heroes in good and bad days and be a part of the story.
FT: What can you tell us about the next novel?
MH: That there will be always a next novel.
In Germany, this will be "Drachenkaiser" which means "Emperor of the Dragons". It is set in the Golden Twenties and it is about dragons, Dragonfighters, Airships and Doubledeckers, séances and magic mixed up with real history of the 20s.
One of the cities, which are important, is York. I mean, a city with 500(!) ghosts in it, THIS is a invitation for an author like me! And the pub The Golden Fleece.
In the UK The Dwarves has just been published (Orbit, £7.99) and the next in the series The War of the Dwarves will be out on the 4th March 2010.
FT: What are the last five internet sites that you've visited?
MH amazon.de, spiegel.de, phantastik-news.de, schattenmond.com, stern.de
FT: Did you ever take any writing classes or specific instructions to learn the craft? If so please let us know which ones.
MH: I didn't. I studied german literature and history and got my magister-degree, but this has nothing to do with writing, I think. I did roleplaying for 16 years, many years as a gamemaster. This was a good preparation for storytelling.
FT: How did you get past the initial barriers of criticism and rejection?
MH: Believe in the stories. Believe in writing and NEVER SURRENDER!
FT: In your opinion, what are the best and worst aspects of writing for a living?
MH: The best: everything is possible. All you need is a pencile and sheet of paper, and you can build worlds and universes and more.
The worst: Writing is drug. You can't stop...
BOOK BLURB:
For countless millennia, no man or beast has ever succeeded in breaching the stone gateway into Girdlegard. Until now ...Abandoned as a child, Tungdil the blacksmith is the only dwarf in a kingdom of men. But when he is sent out into the world to deliver a message and reacquaint himself with his people, the young foundling finds himself thrust into a battle for which he has not been trained. Not only his own safety, but the life of every man, woman and child in Girdlegard depends upon his ability to embrace his heritage. Although he has many unanswered questions, Tungdil is certain of one thing: no matter where he was raised, he is a true dwarf. And no one has ever questioned the courage of the Dwarves.
REVIEW:
Published for the first time in English, this offering from German, Makus Heitz, is sure to hit all the right buttons with the readers, its got a tale that will suck you in with it’s classical fantasy elements of Dwarves (as the title suggests), Elves and Magicians both good and evil. What also is worth bearing in mind is that its part of a Quartet to date with the second part due to follow shortly for the modern reader. Add to the mix a tale that’s well told, gripping characterisation and a mindset of sheer determination that has won Heitz an audience the world over. This book, I feel, will top a number of lists towards Christmas as word spreads of the authors talent coupled by an excellent translation from the original language. Remember who gave you the nod when you finally get round to discovering it.
