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The Reforged #1
Anvil of Tears
Maeve Cavainna is running and her wings won't save her. The infamous bounty hunter, Logan Coldhand, chases close behind her and intends to drag Maeve back to the planet of Axis to collect the high price on her head. When he finally corners her, the long chase seems to be over… until a frightened alien girl stumbles into their fight and begs for their protection. Maeve and Logan call a reluctant end to their battle and promise to help the girl, but they have agreed to far more than they know. Can the fragile peace between hunter and mark hold long enough to save the lives that depend on them?
Anvil of Tears is the first book in the Reforged Trilogy.
Anvil of Tears is the first book in the Reforged Trilogy.
ebook
First published September 9, 2009
159 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Erica Lindquist
37 books22 followersI never had any intention of writing. I loved reading, but had no ambition to write myself. But then, in college, the fever hit. I started writing and haven't stopped.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 30, 2019
While this started slow, this was actually a really good book, and the characterisation and pace picked up. I'm hanging on the edge of my seat and will be reading more of the author's books!
November 26, 2024
It started off strong, but I'm just not in a sci-fi mood right now. The pacing was a bit odd, but the writing was good and I did like the characters. I've had this on my Netgalley for ages, and I finally got to pick it up. While the cover is good, and the storyline decent, this just wasn't the one for me. 3.5 ⭐
July 7, 2011
I haven't read scifi-fantasy in awhile. Needless to say, after a long hiatus Anvil of Tears was a delight to come across and enjoy. Quelling my gluttonous instincts, I read this more slowly, and savored the fun of being immersed in this alternate world.
Lindquist is a new author to me, but I'll definitely being looking for another read. The inversion of the stereotyping of races in this post-apocalyptic world for one race in particular was refreshing. A great deal of attention was spent creating this world and is easily expressed via the story. Overall, it is a riveting and gritty tale that I look forward to rereading in the future--certainly I'll hunt down the rest of the trilogy.
Lindquist is a new author to me, but I'll definitely being looking for another read. The inversion of the stereotyping of races in this post-apocalyptic world for one race in particular was refreshing. A great deal of attention was spent creating this world and is easily expressed via the story. Overall, it is a riveting and gritty tale that I look forward to rereading in the future--certainly I'll hunt down the rest of the trilogy.
March 17, 2014
This one almost flunked the "100 page test." The opening was so slow and confusing that I nearly abandoned it. And, while I liked it, I can't say that it was worth the bother. Too much convoluted back story. Yes, I know, it added depth to the characters and let the reader in on all sorts of cross purposes and subtleties that the the characters themselves were unaware of, but it wasn't all that well done.
It was okay. I won't read on.
It was okay. I won't read on.
August 29, 2015
Good world building predictable story
Easy to read with very few surprises. But, I like the world the author created. Decent character development considering how many there were (9). Also the main character has a tragic back story that makes her battles against the ruthless bounty hunter with a machine for heart and one metallic hand easy to swallow.
Spoiler:
As soon as the main character Maeve who comes from a race that looks like angels, saves the female street urchin and her unborn baby, you know exactly where the book is heading.
It kept me entertained but I wouldn't read it again.
Easy to read with very few surprises. But, I like the world the author created. Decent character development considering how many there were (9). Also the main character has a tragic back story that makes her battles against the ruthless bounty hunter with a machine for heart and one metallic hand easy to swallow.
Spoiler:
As soon as the main character Maeve who comes from a race that looks like angels, saves the female street urchin and her unborn baby, you know exactly where the book is heading.
It kept me entertained but I wouldn't read it again.
June 5, 2015
It has to be said that this book harvested a lot of the setting/mythos from the Firefly show. However, it is well written and has lovely characters - both well rounded and very, very dynamic. I will definitely be pursuing the series further. Other ratings have complained about the 'slow pace' due to the exposition and description - I personally enjoy those elements, so it was not a problem for me at all. The last 1/5 or so moves very quickly, very little exposition/description, so the action stays the focus.
September 8, 2015
This was fun ! Thoroughly enjoyed it from Page One. Characters and storyline were interesting and went together well in this space fantasy.
June 21, 2017
I loved this book. it is a first book ever written by this author and it shouldn't be this good. It's complex, engaging, unique and best of all it's Science Fiction. This story involves multiple intelligent beings from many worlds where nothing is black and white, good or evil. The story centers around Maeve, a drug addicted, winged, first mate of a struggling cargo spaceship and Logan AKA Coldhand, a bounty hunter chasing her across many worlds. The characters on her ship and the trouble that they get into make this a fast, exciting read. This isn't a love story, but a complex dance of emotions, justifications, unexpected or unpredictable selfless actions. This would be a good book for people that loved the short lived TV show Firefly.
September 12, 2019
This starts off very slow and I almost gave up, but I'm glad that I didn't! The characters all had their own interesting backstories and I particularly enjoyed the flashback parts as it gave us a glimpse of their past. There is lots of world-building which can seem a lot at first, but I did pick it all up eventually. Maeve's history was an aspect of the storyline that I enjoyed the most, and I think her character/story has a lot of promise.
All in all, it was interesting and has potential. I'd recommend it to those who are a bit more experienced in the sci-fi/fantasy genres as it can be a tad heavy at times.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
All in all, it was interesting and has potential. I'd recommend it to those who are a bit more experienced in the sci-fi/fantasy genres as it can be a tad heavy at times.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2022
This story has a good storyline, but I think some of the flashbacks did not do much for the present time, in some cases. Like Duaal keep saying, why is Maeve a first mate on this ship? She doesn’t help anyone.
Coldhand is an interesting person, a book on him alone would be nice.
I will not give anything away. It is a good read if you keep at it, which may be hard for some people and I understand. Hence the 4 stars.
Coldhand is an interesting person, a book on him alone would be nice.
I will not give anything away. It is a good read if you keep at it, which may be hard for some people and I understand. Hence the 4 stars.
March 25, 2023
Don't let the slow start stop you from reading this book - once it gains momentum, it doesn't slow down! The characters were great, I especially loved Maeve. I thought the world-building was good, and it's easy to imagine the story unfolding before your eyes like a movie. The action scenes are vividly described, and will definitely get your heart racing. An interesting sci-fi/fantasy story that holds promise for this new series.
August 22, 2022
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a really good mix of hard core Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I did find it hard to follow at the start with all the different names thrown at you.
Although far fetched in places this has everything you could wish for.
The action comes at you non stop and makes this a real page turner.
This is a really good mix of hard core Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I did find it hard to follow at the start with all the different names thrown at you.
Although far fetched in places this has everything you could wish for.
The action comes at you non stop and makes this a real page turner.
February 15, 2019
Most excellent
Its so nice to read a good detailed space sci-fi book that is well written and efited, that builds good characters we can relate to. And especially one that is a complete story. Thank you Erica.
Its so nice to read a good detailed space sci-fi book that is well written and efited, that builds good characters we can relate to. And especially one that is a complete story. Thank you Erica.
April 3, 2019
Got 12% in and just don't think I can keep going. Have zero feel who the main character is and what drives her other than she is a junkie fairy.
August 21, 2019
An enjoyable science fiction adventure with engaging characters and plot. I would gladly add this book to my shelf — and read other titles to follow.
September 2, 2019
Once I began reading the story I was captivated. Good writing style, good story, great characters. I hope that there will also be some romance in the next books
September 12, 2019
This was a good book, the characters where likable and engaging and the story kept you interested until the very end . I look forward to more!!
April 25, 2020
This was a great start to a series, the characters were interesting and I enjoyed the plot of the book immensely. Overall I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading more in the series.
February 13, 2014
I think there was something great about this book. It was new and different. The characters weren't teenage werewolves that all ended up happily ever after in the end, and I liked that. I liked the variety of cultures and back-stories.
However, there were quite a few things that bothered me about the book. The different perspectives sometimes didn't seem possible. It was kind of obvious when, for instance, the character Coldhand naturally jumped to a conclusion versus when the authors forced a truth to randomly manifest itself in his logic. On the whole, though, the characterization was good and the writing was fresh, even if some metaphors seemed random at times. I thought the scenes were dealt with unevenly, giving multiple chapters to some pretty basic concepts while briefly skimming over extensive ideology in a few hasty sentences. And the end just sucked. I'm sorry. Maeve got way too... self... something there.
But all in all, I really enjoyed the story and reading it. I was reminded a little too much of zombie apocalypse crap there at the end, and the repeated description of Maeve's wings was damn annoying from the very start. And it was a biiiiiit predictable. BUT, I liked it. Most of the quotes were beautiful and well-thought out. The plot was good. Most of the writing was quirky and amusing (just a little overdone at parts).
I'll probably have to buy the second and third books to finish the story, and if the writing improves just a teensy bit, it could be amazing.
However, there were quite a few things that bothered me about the book. The different perspectives sometimes didn't seem possible. It was kind of obvious when, for instance, the character Coldhand naturally jumped to a conclusion versus when the authors forced a truth to randomly manifest itself in his logic. On the whole, though, the characterization was good and the writing was fresh, even if some metaphors seemed random at times. I thought the scenes were dealt with unevenly, giving multiple chapters to some pretty basic concepts while briefly skimming over extensive ideology in a few hasty sentences. And the end just sucked. I'm sorry. Maeve got way too... self... something there.
But all in all, I really enjoyed the story and reading it. I was reminded a little too much of zombie apocalypse crap there at the end, and the repeated description of Maeve's wings was damn annoying from the very start. And it was a biiiiiit predictable. BUT, I liked it. Most of the quotes were beautiful and well-thought out. The plot was good. Most of the writing was quirky and amusing (just a little overdone at parts).
I'll probably have to buy the second and third books to finish the story, and if the writing improves just a teensy bit, it could be amazing.
May 8, 2012
I read this book on my phone's Kindle app. It's an interesting mix of both sci-fi and traditionally fantasy elements, though I'm not 100% certain that this combination succeeds the entire time here.
The good:
-Complex backstories for the protagonists.
-Obvious time and effort put into worldbuilding.
-REAL ALIENS that aren't just humans with bumpy foreheads. (Huge props for this one.)
-Genuinely creepy religious sects (cults?) in terms of the Nihilists and the Sisters.
The not-so-good:
-Complex backstories....that are all super traumatic. No one came aboard the Phoenix just because? We've got a stowaway, an alien that's the only one of his kind in known space, a bounty hunter With A Terribly Sad Past, plus there's Maeve and her whole deal...sheesh. It's like the Ship of the Damned or something.
-Sooooooo much exposition. OMG. I actually got bored and started flipping past this stuff. I rarely do that. (Okay, I'm not that interested in Parisian sewers, either, Les Mis.)
-Flashbacks that seemed to come at odd intervals. I can see how these things could work onscreen or something, but it really didn't gel for me.
-Definitely needed a lot of editing. Sections of the story just dragged on and on and on...
-Introducing the actual antagonists rather late in the game was kind of strange. I mean, it was obvious that Coldhand was going to hang around and keep helping in spite of himself, so he wasn't *really* a villain, after all.
The good:
-Complex backstories for the protagonists.
-Obvious time and effort put into worldbuilding.
-REAL ALIENS that aren't just humans with bumpy foreheads. (Huge props for this one.)
-Genuinely creepy religious sects (cults?) in terms of the Nihilists and the Sisters.
The not-so-good:
-Complex backstories....that are all super traumatic. No one came aboard the Phoenix just because? We've got a stowaway, an alien that's the only one of his kind in known space, a bounty hunter With A Terribly Sad Past, plus there's Maeve and her whole deal...sheesh. It's like the Ship of the Damned or something.
-Sooooooo much exposition. OMG. I actually got bored and started flipping past this stuff. I rarely do that. (Okay, I'm not that interested in Parisian sewers, either, Les Mis.)
-Flashbacks that seemed to come at odd intervals. I can see how these things could work onscreen or something, but it really didn't gel for me.
-Definitely needed a lot of editing. Sections of the story just dragged on and on and on...
-Introducing the actual antagonists rather late in the game was kind of strange. I mean, it was obvious that Coldhand was going to hang around and keep helping in spite of himself, so he wasn't *really* a villain, after all.
July 17, 2015
I tried....Oh, so very hard to read this book.
So....so hard.
I've been trying to give up on it for over a month, but I kept wanting to give it another shot, just in case the pace picked up and things got exciting.
Well, 48% later, and not being able to read more than a page at a time due to complete utter boredom, I just can't waste any more time on it.
I think a lot of the problem is that there is just so much going on, yet absolutely nothing taking place. Mauve is a morose, doomed character that has no appeal and no connection to anything. I couldn't identify with her and I felt nothing toward her, even with her dire past.
Coldhand is another completely detached character that has no charm or intrigue about him. I was kind of hoping he'd spice the book up a bit, but he doesn't.
I'm not even sure what the crew of the Blue Phoenix is supposed to be doing. They take on a pregnant refugee, then all of a sudden the plot turns into some kind of religious investigation. The transition wasn't smooth, and the plot doesn't make sense. I have no idea why they have bothered to get so involved on Stray. But I don't really care to find out the answers to my questions anymore. It's just too slow, and without any emotional attachment to any of the characters I have absolutely nothing invested in reading this book except time. And I'd rather use that time to read something I am going to enjoy.
So....so hard.
I've been trying to give up on it for over a month, but I kept wanting to give it another shot, just in case the pace picked up and things got exciting.
Well, 48% later, and not being able to read more than a page at a time due to complete utter boredom, I just can't waste any more time on it.
I think a lot of the problem is that there is just so much going on, yet absolutely nothing taking place. Mauve is a morose, doomed character that has no appeal and no connection to anything. I couldn't identify with her and I felt nothing toward her, even with her dire past.
Coldhand is another completely detached character that has no charm or intrigue about him. I was kind of hoping he'd spice the book up a bit, but he doesn't.
I'm not even sure what the crew of the Blue Phoenix is supposed to be doing. They take on a pregnant refugee, then all of a sudden the plot turns into some kind of religious investigation. The transition wasn't smooth, and the plot doesn't make sense. I have no idea why they have bothered to get so involved on Stray. But I don't really care to find out the answers to my questions anymore. It's just too slow, and without any emotional attachment to any of the characters I have absolutely nothing invested in reading this book except time. And I'd rather use that time to read something I am going to enjoy.
January 30, 2013
Really interesting sci fi story of a princess from the fallen White Kingdom who is on the run from a bounty hunter who is chasing her for the price on her head.
Lots of different alien races described in this book. Really inventive and intriguing as to how they are all interwoven. Well written characters that make you like them, love them or love to hate them! Lots of texture and gritty locations. I really like the world of Axis where the planet is one big city (not an original idea, but...). The "city" is made up of many different levels; the closer you are to the surface, the better the neighborhood.
I do have some questions, though, for the writers. What ever happened to Jess, Logan's girlfriend, wife? Does she die? Did she leave him because he no longer feels anything? Does Logan eventually feel something for Maeve? Does he seek her out again? What happened to the crew of the Blue Phoenix? Did the ship get repaired?
One more thing... This copy of the book is riddled with typos. Mostly, missing words, or wrong words for the sentence. Please edit the book and do a reprint. Perhaps you already have. I hope so.
Overall, I really liked it.
Lots of different alien races described in this book. Really inventive and intriguing as to how they are all interwoven. Well written characters that make you like them, love them or love to hate them! Lots of texture and gritty locations. I really like the world of Axis where the planet is one big city (not an original idea, but...). The "city" is made up of many different levels; the closer you are to the surface, the better the neighborhood.
I do have some questions, though, for the writers. What ever happened to Jess, Logan's girlfriend, wife? Does she die? Did she leave him because he no longer feels anything? Does Logan eventually feel something for Maeve? Does he seek her out again? What happened to the crew of the Blue Phoenix? Did the ship get repaired?
One more thing... This copy of the book is riddled with typos. Mostly, missing words, or wrong words for the sentence. Please edit the book and do a reprint. Perhaps you already have. I hope so.
Overall, I really liked it.
October 1, 2014
Anvil of Tears by Erica Lindquist and Aron Christensen
This is a tale of civilization lost and survivors guilt. Maeve, a fairy, is pursed by an implacable bounty hunter driven by the challenge of a "mark" wanted for genocide.
Logan Coldhand is dealing with his own survivor's guilt as his truncated body and mind struggle to maintain his sanity. His chase of Maeve is based as much on the challenge as the ridiculously high bounty.
Maeve Cavainna is running from her past and making every effort to manipulate her future.
The plot of the story has two guilt ridden protagonists surrounded by both enemies and friends. The setting is a galactic civilization that encompasses a variety of sentient beings. The remnants of Maeve's race are the down trodden pariahs. A cult of death prays on the downtrodden of all races and ends up crossing both Logan Coldhand and Maeve Cavainna, a glass knight. Mayhem and action ensue in the dark religious clash.
A bounty hunter tale with psychological twists.
I recommend it.
Web: http://cifiscape.onyxneon.com/lindqui...
September 20, 2015
I can sum up my feelings thusly - it was like being forced to eat pablum for every meal for three days to keep from srarving. It might keep you alive, but you have to breath deeply after every bite lest you lose it all.
The last time it took me five days to complete a book, it was an assignment that I had to use Cliff Notes to write my report. I got a very interesting grade, an 'A' followed by 23 minus'. I wonder if he suspected?
It may be different for you, so don't get too upset about how I felt. I felt like I was being forced to walk through rolling sand dunes it was so tough for me. However, that's exactly how I felt about the classic "Dune", so what kind of reviewer does that make me?
I felt the book was boring, disjointed and one in which it was nearly impossible to track the direction of the story line.This is the first book ever where I wished the 'hero' evil. I could not find a single saving grace.
The heroine switched from maudlin to terrified to aggressive to boring.
Miss Lindquist, I apologize for my feelings. I hope my downer review doesn't take you down from the high rating other readers gave you.
The last time it took me five days to complete a book, it was an assignment that I had to use Cliff Notes to write my report. I got a very interesting grade, an 'A' followed by 23 minus'. I wonder if he suspected?
It may be different for you, so don't get too upset about how I felt. I felt like I was being forced to walk through rolling sand dunes it was so tough for me. However, that's exactly how I felt about the classic "Dune", so what kind of reviewer does that make me?
I felt the book was boring, disjointed and one in which it was nearly impossible to track the direction of the story line.This is the first book ever where I wished the 'hero' evil. I could not find a single saving grace.
The heroine switched from maudlin to terrified to aggressive to boring.
Miss Lindquist, I apologize for my feelings. I hope my downer review doesn't take you down from the high rating other readers gave you.
October 7, 2012
Only on the 4th chapter - very reminiscent of the Stardoc series or perhaps the TekWar series. There's still lots of book left, and might I also add, this book is free on Amazon right now which is why I grabbed it to begin with.
...
Now that I've gotten further through the book, the grammatical errors seem to be multiplying in force. There was already one update for the amazon kindle version of this book (which was made for these very errors). They are frequent enough, now, that it's starting to take away from the book. I'm involved in this really great story and then *BAM* ripped out of the imaginative world as I'm trying to figure out what they meant in a sentence. A shame, because had it been through the paces with a good editor, there would be nothing but praise for this book.
...
Now that I've gotten further through the book, the grammatical errors seem to be multiplying in force. There was already one update for the amazon kindle version of this book (which was made for these very errors). They are frequent enough, now, that it's starting to take away from the book. I'm involved in this really great story and then *BAM* ripped out of the imaginative world as I'm trying to figure out what they meant in a sentence. A shame, because had it been through the paces with a good editor, there would be nothing but praise for this book.
September 9, 2014
This is such a wonderful read. The main character, Maeve, feels so guilty over what she did that she just wants to die, but she wants to die like a warrior, in battle. Enter Logan Coldhand, a cop turned bounty hunter who picked up the trail for Maeve's bounty. He's relentless, he's unfeeling, and he's not really happy, either. But they both give each other a reason to move through every day. Maeve wants to outrun him; he wants to turn her in for the exorbitant bounty on her head.
This novel starts off as a slow read. At the beginning of the first six or so chapters, there is a section of background history for whatever area the chapter takes place in. It's useful information, but it's a little dry to read. Once you get past that to the actual story of the chapter, it moves smoothly and will keep you enthralled.
Overall, this story is epic and moving. A definite read, and if you can get by without all the history, you can skip the dry sections and still get the story.
This novel starts off as a slow read. At the beginning of the first six or so chapters, there is a section of background history for whatever area the chapter takes place in. It's useful information, but it's a little dry to read. Once you get past that to the actual story of the chapter, it moves smoothly and will keep you enthralled.
Overall, this story is epic and moving. A definite read, and if you can get by without all the history, you can skip the dry sections and still get the story.
January 30, 2014
All the best roller coasters start off slow. Stick with this one to the first big hill. The ride is worth it.
If I had a shelf for "classic space opera," then this title would be proudly displayed there. Sadly, there isn't enough great space opera being written to devote a whole shelf for it.. That's why this was such a delightful find.
The world-building is vivid, the grand sweeping galactic history is rich and interesting, and the characters are unforgettable. Their choices aren't always good, but they're always driven by real emotion, and once things get moving, there's plenty of action to keep the plot lively. The narrative was a lot heavier on tell than show for my tastes, but it still caught my interest early and held me all the way to the very satisfying ending.
If I had a shelf for "classic space opera," then this title would be proudly displayed there. Sadly, there isn't enough great space opera being written to devote a whole shelf for it.. That's why this was such a delightful find.
The world-building is vivid, the grand sweeping galactic history is rich and interesting, and the characters are unforgettable. Their choices aren't always good, but they're always driven by real emotion, and once things get moving, there's plenty of action to keep the plot lively. The narrative was a lot heavier on tell than show for my tastes, but it still caught my interest early and held me all the way to the very satisfying ending.
July 10, 2014
Really nice story line, interesting characters and I especially liked the way the present story is interrupted by past happenings for each of the characters involved, allowing us to glimpse fragments of their history and emotions. I liked the fairy and the bounty hunter even when I didn't much cared for them, which says a lot about how their were consistent and true to themselves. The intrigue was a little childish and didn't make much sense, but past that, the action was pretty thrilling, the author's imagination at its best in the creation of the crew of the Phoenix and the description of their habitats. The real surprise came at the ending: I never would have guessed who put the bounty out for the fairy.
August 14, 2012
Overall, I enjoyed Anvil of Tears. The crew of the Blue Phoenix reminded me a lot of Firefly and were fairly well developed for the most part. I was impressed with both Maeve and Coldhands. For the most part, the book was well-paced. However, there were a few continuity issues (the Dailons going from androngeny to defined sexes), there were draggy part, I hated the whole Kessa/Vyron/baby thing (HATED IT!), and was jarred by the authors' use of exclamation points in the actual storytelling, not in dialogue. For a free book, it was enjoyable. I ended up buying the next book because for the most part I wanted to know more.
January 23, 2013
I really want to like this book and maybe I'll come back and give it more stars. I agree with many of the other reviewers - there is definitely some potential here, but it develops so slowly and there are no characters that you connect with in time to push you through the first few chapters. I can't remember what chapter I was on when I set it down last time, but I haven't picked it back up again. For those of you who like space opera or science fiction mixed with magical elements and fairies, those elements are there. And bounty hunters who may or may not be headed towards redemption. So loaded with possibility.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews