Forging Paradise is a part of the nine-book Legends of the Four Races series. It is Book Two in Legends of the Four Races, Book Two in the Weapons Trilogy and Book One in the War Trilogy. At the beginning of the book, the author offers a diagram to show how the nine fantasy novels will be interconnected. I think this diagram will definitely be helpful in knowing how the books are linked and what order they will best be read in. This was the first book that I read by this author. In spite of the book being part of several other series, I was greatly relieved to see that it stood well on its own. I would like to read other books by this author; however, it is not necessary to do so to understand what is happening in this story.

The adventure begins when a small farming village that sits at the edge of the wastelands is destroyed. The people of the village of Brymor had no defenses or magical apprentices to help them. One survivor, a teenage boy, manages to escape and warn others of what he has witnessed. It is realized that the mythical Ferfolk have come with their demonic beasts to leave the wastelands and take over the abundant lands of humankind. The leader of the Ferfolk army wants the power and glory of being responsible for leading these people to an easier life. He will stop at nothing to succeed.

Ogama, a banished wizard, has an idea on how to defeat these people. He chooses five warriors to help with this mission. One of the things that they have to do is help him create magical weapons that can defeat the evil ones. Being magical, these weapons are difficult to control on their own. The warriors have to fight being taken over by their power. Being only five in number, they have a huge task ahead of them. It is not easy for them to trust each other, yet they have to learn to work together to save mankind.

I totally enjoyed this novel. The author, E.A. Rappaport, immediately drew me into the story and he had me hooked enough to read it in one sitting. I appreciate that the story has an ending, unlike some books in series. There is definitely more room for stories to follow, but I don't have to wait to find out how this one concludes. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I highly recommend this novel to fantasy fans. I believe Forging Paradise by E.A. Rappaport would also make a great gift for one. I can't imagine anyone not getting hooked on the book!

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