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The Iron Teeth #3
A Bloody Road
The war between savage bandit lords continues, and the stage is set for murder and betrayal. After his defeat in Daggerpoint, Werrick personally leads his forces into battle against Herad. The victor will be able to claim the vast North as their own and crown themselves its first king. While only a painful death awaits the loser and all who follow them.
The hobgoblin Blacknail happily serves Herad as a master scout and assassin. As Werrick approaches, all his murderous skills will be put to the test, because Herad's band soon finds themselves outnumbered and backed into a corner. However, nothing is ever so simple in the untamed wilds of the North. As both sides turn powerful magics against each other, secret factions conspire, and deadly beasts are drawn by the bloodshed to feed.
Amidst this chaos, Blacknail will face great suffering and harsh trails. All he wants from life is the thrill of the hunt and some shiny loot, but fate has other plans. Long-term planning isn’t Blacknail’s strong point, but to survive, he might just have to change the world forever.
The hobgoblin Blacknail happily serves Herad as a master scout and assassin. As Werrick approaches, all his murderous skills will be put to the test, because Herad's band soon finds themselves outnumbered and backed into a corner. However, nothing is ever so simple in the untamed wilds of the North. As both sides turn powerful magics against each other, secret factions conspire, and deadly beasts are drawn by the bloodshed to feed.
Amidst this chaos, Blacknail will face great suffering and harsh trails. All he wants from life is the thrill of the hunt and some shiny loot, but fate has other plans. Long-term planning isn’t Blacknail’s strong point, but to survive, he might just have to change the world forever.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2018
109 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 8, 2019
A fantasy seen thru the eyes of not only a cold-blooded assassin... but a hobgoblin even.
The third volume of this atypical series brings us back to Blacknail, a Goblin Vessel (a kind of magic potion specialist) become Hobgoblin. Given his relatively low IQ, his internal reflections are always kind of humorous. Including his opinions on the various members of the merry band of bandits.
It's kind of hard to discuss much without spoiling, but at one point you start seeing where it leads... and that's very, very promising for the series.
Because of course, he's going to stumble to success again.
The third volume of this atypical series brings us back to Blacknail, a Goblin Vessel (a kind of magic potion specialist) become Hobgoblin. Given his relatively low IQ, his internal reflections are always kind of humorous. Including his opinions on the various members of the merry band of bandits.
It's kind of hard to discuss much without spoiling, but at one point you start seeing where it leads... and that's very, very promising for the series.
Because of course, he's going to stumble to success again.
February 14, 2023
Just finished reading this one. I was surprised by the sudden ending and felt a bit disappointed because I thought it was the last book of the series. But then I found out through the linked webpage that there are actually more chapters of book three to read there and two whole books continuing the series from there. I am very much looking forewards to reading it.
PS: Writing this here because I did not find out how to send personal messages to author: I tried leaving a comment on your webpage but ran into some technical issues.
PS: Writing this here because I did not find out how to send personal messages to author: I tried leaving a comment on your webpage but ran into some technical issues.
October 3, 2018
Fantastic story with a unique perspective from our murderous hobgoblin friend. The third story in this trilogy is just as good if not better than the ones before. The nonhuman understanding and the skewed lessons learned by Blacknail from his human master were hilarious. His new personal minion just made everything better. You have got to read this series, no joke. Worth every penny, you won't regret it.
April 24, 2019
This one suffers from a mid book slump as they wander aimlessly through the forest for page after page.
Decent ending, and great setup for the next book though.
Decent ending, and great setup for the next book though.
November 1, 2025
THANK THE GODS I AM FINALLY DONE WITH THIS BOOK... look, don't get me wrong - I have enjoyed the series to this point but as soon as the White Raven dies and Blacknail gets this inflated ego I couldn't stand to read anymore "I'm ThE beST lEaDEr" bullshit.
I get it, hobgob no speak human good - but that is no reason to use the same goddamn phrase 100 times over the span of 50 pages (exaggeration). Saeter was honestly some heavy-duty adhesive that held this story together for me; a lot of the story when Blacknail is the main focus gets old quick. From page 189 to the end of the book (page 324), some form of "i'M tHE bESt LeaDEr" was referenced 78 Gods damned times. For those math nerds, that is almost 60% of the fucking pages! It made reading unbearable, to the point I read up to the area of page 200 in a day or two, then took almost 17 more days to finish the book (after skipping some pages - in my everlasting shame). The amount of sludge I went through to get to that final event was hell!
My personal bitching aside, I enjoyed up to that point - and when I got to the final event, I thoroughly enjoyed that as well. Seeing the Black Snake gang get utterly dismantled was heartbreaking - for as the reader to that point, the team felt so solid and ready to destroy everything. The final stand for the White Raven was sad but meaningful. Even the self sacrifice of Vorscha was felt dearly.
I don't mind Blacknail having his ego, or his looking down on human-kind.. but the extent of it was hard to swallow. I hope that, if Blacknail returns, there is less "i'm THe bESt" and more of the scenery painted in the final words with the Epilogue. The idea of Blacknail (even called a God King - didn't mind at all) leading a city of hobgoblins is so vastly epic! Just for the love of the Gods, please please please cut back on the unnecessary self-boosting Blacknail does. He is such a cool character without the bullshit added.
If you read this whole thing, thanks - I don't mean to bag on a series I enjoy buuuut I couldn't stand by that portion of the writing.
I get it, hobgob no speak human good - but that is no reason to use the same goddamn phrase 100 times over the span of 50 pages (exaggeration). Saeter was honestly some heavy-duty adhesive that held this story together for me; a lot of the story when Blacknail is the main focus gets old quick. From page 189 to the end of the book (page 324), some form of "i'M tHE bESt LeaDEr" was referenced 78 Gods damned times. For those math nerds, that is almost 60% of the fucking pages! It made reading unbearable, to the point I read up to the area of page 200 in a day or two, then took almost 17 more days to finish the book (after skipping some pages - in my everlasting shame). The amount of sludge I went through to get to that final event was hell!
My personal bitching aside, I enjoyed up to that point - and when I got to the final event, I thoroughly enjoyed that as well. Seeing the Black Snake gang get utterly dismantled was heartbreaking - for as the reader to that point, the team felt so solid and ready to destroy everything. The final stand for the White Raven was sad but meaningful. Even the self sacrifice of Vorscha was felt dearly.
I don't mind Blacknail having his ego, or his looking down on human-kind.. but the extent of it was hard to swallow. I hope that, if Blacknail returns, there is less "i'm THe bESt" and more of the scenery painted in the final words with the Epilogue. The idea of Blacknail (even called a God King - didn't mind at all) leading a city of hobgoblins is so vastly epic! Just for the love of the Gods, please please please cut back on the unnecessary self-boosting Blacknail does. He is such a cool character without the bullshit added.
If you read this whole thing, thanks - I don't mean to bag on a series I enjoy buuuut I couldn't stand by that portion of the writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2018
Fun and Exciting
The story continues to amaze and delight. Big changes are forced upon our self-serving protagonist, causing him to travel and grow in ways he never would have. There’s a long lull in the action as Blacknail’s personal journey changes, but it helps to stabilize our understanding of the characters and their world before things get crazy. Oh, and things are gonna get crazy. Time and again I’m delighted to see the world through a hobgoblin’s eyes, to hear his thoughts, and understand his incredibly pragmatic viewpoint. The writing is excellent, the editing is excellent. Definitely buying the books as they come out. Highly recommended.
The story continues to amaze and delight. Big changes are forced upon our self-serving protagonist, causing him to travel and grow in ways he never would have. There’s a long lull in the action as Blacknail’s personal journey changes, but it helps to stabilize our understanding of the characters and their world before things get crazy. Oh, and things are gonna get crazy. Time and again I’m delighted to see the world through a hobgoblin’s eyes, to hear his thoughts, and understand his incredibly pragmatic viewpoint. The writing is excellent, the editing is excellent. Definitely buying the books as they come out. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2018
Amazing
I really like this series so far and this one here has been the best for me, so they just seem to only be getting better. Eager for book #4 for sure. I actually laughed, out loud, A LOT during this read.
Of course the undercurrent of gleeful violence might be a problem for some. I wouldn't know lol. I mean technically Blacknail is a monster anyway, cut him some slack! I like his devious nature and, really, you can't fault his instincts and logic if you cut out those time consuming and annoying morales! Eagerly awaiting #4!!!
I really like this series so far and this one here has been the best for me, so they just seem to only be getting better. Eager for book #4 for sure. I actually laughed, out loud, A LOT during this read.
Of course the undercurrent of gleeful violence might be a problem for some. I wouldn't know lol. I mean technically Blacknail is a monster anyway, cut him some slack! I like his devious nature and, really, you can't fault his instincts and logic if you cut out those time consuming and annoying morales! Eagerly awaiting #4!!!
September 13, 2018
The anticipation is going to kill me
I read this book in about 4 days time with sleep and work breaks(can't spend all day reading). This series has been a favorite of mine. The humor of a hobgoblin's perspective has me laughing nearly every chapter. If you haven't checked this series out, I highly recommend it. The character development alone make it worth it. Can't have a good story if you can't feel for/relate to the characters. Absolutely superb story crafting!
I read this book in about 4 days time with sleep and work breaks(can't spend all day reading). This series has been a favorite of mine. The humor of a hobgoblin's perspective has me laughing nearly every chapter. If you haven't checked this series out, I highly recommend it. The character development alone make it worth it. Can't have a good story if you can't feel for/relate to the characters. Absolutely superb story crafting!
March 9, 2022
I've just finished the first 3 books in this series The Iron Teeth. I really enjoyed them, reading a book from an imagined non-human perspective was very interesting, it made me think about what would actually motivate a goblin and how or why a goblin would do certain things. These books were also rather funny and clever. Thank you Scott Straughan.
August 29, 2018
Super!
This was a very enjoyable read! I really like how the main character has so many flaws to match with his skill and unique mind set. He makes many mistakes as well. This is a unique read and I recommend it for anyone looking for a good fantasy story. Read this!
This was a very enjoyable read! I really like how the main character has so many flaws to match with his skill and unique mind set. He makes many mistakes as well. This is a unique read and I recommend it for anyone looking for a good fantasy story. Read this!
August 29, 2018
Series takes a new direction
I enjoyed the previous books in this series. I assumed that this one would continue those trends and ideas. Nope! Massive change, and new potential for character development. Of course, we still have our favorite psychopath hobgoblin stabbing things.
I enjoyed the previous books in this series. I assumed that this one would continue those trends and ideas. Nope! Massive change, and new potential for character development. Of course, we still have our favorite psychopath hobgoblin stabbing things.
September 14, 2018
Keeps getting better and better
I love this unusual take on a fantasy novel. Black toe is a great protagonist child like but savage with a wonderful vein of humour running through the story. Can't wait to see how he fares in the great green.
I love this unusual take on a fantasy novel. Black toe is a great protagonist child like but savage with a wonderful vein of humour running through the story. Can't wait to see how he fares in the great green.
October 1, 2018
Transitionary book
This book seems to be a way to take blacknail in a different direction, to make him grow. Sort of a transition to an adulthood that most hobgoblins don't usually achieve.
This book seems to be a way to take blacknail in a different direction, to make him grow. Sort of a transition to an adulthood that most hobgoblins don't usually achieve.
November 6, 2022
Unfortunately more of the same. Everything goes too slowly. The story doesn't progress in an interesting direction. The characters stay the same boring selves. I'm not saying it's bad it's just boring.
September 4, 2018
Unique story
Excellent story with a compelling main character. The author has captured a completely unique perspective that makes this one of the most interesting ongoing series.
Excellent story with a compelling main character. The author has captured a completely unique perspective that makes this one of the most interesting ongoing series.
September 5, 2018
One of the best books I've read this year.
September 8, 2018
Great book
Well written with a little but of humor i would recommend this book to freinds. The books main character is different which is refreshing.
Well written with a little but of humor i would recommend this book to freinds. The books main character is different which is refreshing.
October 1, 2018
Fun
Great book. I am looking forwArd to reading book four.
Scott Straughan is an excellent story teller that keeps you reading well past your bedtime
Great book. I am looking forwArd to reading book four.
Scott Straughan is an excellent story teller that keeps you reading well past your bedtime
April 23, 2019
Great
I've read it online for free and bought the book from kindle. What more is there to say? love the characters, love the setting, love the jokes, thanks for an amazing story.
I've read it online for free and bought the book from kindle. What more is there to say? love the characters, love the setting, love the jokes, thanks for an amazing story.
May 21, 2019
Brilliant setup for upcoming carnage
November 2, 2021
Another great read
This is another great chapter of this tale.
I can't wait to get the next book!
CNt wait to see where the story goes.
This is another great chapter of this tale.
I can't wait to get the next book!
CNt wait to see where the story goes.
October 8, 2018
I love books that utilize Orcs/Hobs/Goblins etc as the main character so I feel that I am biased as a reviewer. But out of all the usual goblin POV books, Scotts are by the best. Blacknail is a well fleshed out character that is growing through each book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews