Circle at Center

Seven Circles #1

by Douglas Niles

In the kingdom of the Seven Circles, the harmony of the realm and the peaceful lives of its inhabitants are undermined as disaffected members of all the various races that live there--eleves, centaurs, goblins, trolls, druits, and other fantastic beings--gather together into a force that could destroy the Seven Circles. Original.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Novels, Science Fiction Fantasy, Elves

388 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

About the author

Douglas Niles is a fantasy author and game designer. Niles was one of the creators of the Dragonlance world and the author of the first three Forgotten Realms novels, and the Top Secret S/I espionage role-playing game. He currently resides in Delavan, Wisconsin with his wife, Christine, and two Bouviets, Reggie and Stella. He enjoys playing his guitar, cooking, and visiting with family.

Reviews

[Jen • Just One More Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is also posted on my blog.

I had a hard time rating this one in the end, initially. I was waffling between three and four stars, and then asked myself, “would I recommend this book or not?” and when the answer came as “eehhhhh welll..” that answered my question pretty clearly lol.

It’s hard to describe, really. It had its issues, but it had its redeeming factors too.

Like. The descriptions were beautiful! Clearly, a lot of research was done into the factual parts (the combat, specifically), and there was so much world building that was so well done I felt like I was actually there. I was very much able to picture the world clearly in my mind, and for a high fantasy book I will always appreciate when that can be done well.

But the downside of this is that there were some parts (again, specifically the combat) where the descriptions just went over my head and I couldn’t clearly picture what was happening. If you don’t already know certain terms used, or don’t reread some passages a handful of times, some things can just get lost on you and take away from the enjoyment. Also, I’m not sure what it was, the wording perhaps? Just, the overall language? But it was VERY hard to get into it. Reading this was very slow going. I never once really felt that urge to just pick up the book and keep reading. The only reason I read it as fast as I did was because I was marathoning it just to get it DONE so I could move on to something else. It was slow going, and never really seemed to get any better.

I did, however, highly enjoy how one of the main characters, Natac, the warrior brought from the Aztecs, was a person of color (clearly; he was Mexican).

But I very much disliked how any race that wasn’t dwarf, human or elf, were characterized and described - as of lesser intelligence, lesser state of being, and essentially just lesser in general. The gnomes and goblins were literally compared to children at one point. I don’t feel this was entirely necessary, and don’t see how anything would have changed if they were given equal intelligence to the ‘more humanoid’ races.

The book also seemed to be a strange mix of supporting feminism and internally misogynistic. In the end, it was the women who won the war as they sneaked behind the lines to kill the two leaders of the opposing side. And they were recognized as such. Women were also never discouraged from fighting and becoming warriors alongside the men, and I love how Darann got to attack Zystyl, and how determined Belynda was to extract her revenge after what Sir Christopher did to her, rather than meekly taking it (then again, in a situation such as hers if she DID meekly take it I couldn’t say anything, because differently people react in different ways to sexual trauma).

But there were also subtle wordings; Karkald’s internalized dehumanization of his wife, Darann (referring to her as his, never referring to her as a person in of herself apart from him, almost refusing to carve her clan name next to his on their message plaque, not listening to her suggestion at the end, trying to force her to stay behind and not fight, etc); the fact that Sir Christopher flat out raped Belynda (the aforementioned sexual trauma) and Zystyl’s craving to do the same to Darann (does sexual assault against women from the villains always have to be a thing?); the related fact that NOBODY guessed the truth of what happened to Belynda regardless of the fact that she refused to speak of it (hello, tattered dress and completely changed and haunted personality and demeanor, it seemed obvious enough to me); how crudely Zystyl’s female second-in-command was spoken of; how the female druids in the service of the two other earth warriors were treated and described as accessories rather than the very available opportunity to describe them as there of their own accord; the fact that in order for a warrior to be brought from earth (always male) a female druid needs to sacrifice her immortal life force to do it; how the ONLY WOMEN who seemed to exist were humans, elves, Darann and one lone faerie; how, once Belynda got her revenge against Sir Christopher, she received no pleasure from his suffering despite how terribly he raped her (whatever man, *I* loved how badly he died)… I think you get the gist.

But at the same time, in addition to the other strong aspects, the strongest person in this fantasy world is a woman (the Goddess Worldweaver), most of the other strong druids are women (particularly the Goddess’s handmaidens), Miradel was highly kickass even as a prematurely old woman and I loved her dearly, Belynda *did* seem to be on the road to recovery in the end despite everything, Darann was ecstatic at her role in the victory and hailed as the hero by her own husband… so, truly, it’s hard to tell how I feel about it gender-wise. I’m torn both ways on this one.

On a different note, I do have to wonder which druid didn’t do her research (which WAS possible, Miradel clearly did with Natac) and was dumb enough to summon a Knight Templar (Sir Christopher) into a druidic world. CLEARLY that did not end well. And for all his talk of blasphemy and doing God’s work, I do have to wonder how he could accept the help of any of the native inhabitants of the land at all. He couldn’t accept druidic magic, but he could accept the help of creatures such as goblins, centaurs, and giants, without killing them on the spot for being ‘demons’? Okay.

And I wasn’t a fan of how conveniently everything came about, how well everyone seemed to learn EVERYTHING with no trouble or description of the process at all and the fact that there was a 25 year jump between part one and part two. It went from utterly refusing to act on a war to the point where they’d still refuse it was happening if their own homes got raided, to 25 years later and the whole place is war-hardened and used to it to the point of it being casual and I just couldn’t find it believable or be upset with main characters died at all. (And in all that time, no other druids summoned any other warriors from Earth, either? None? In that whole time?)

I was also disappointed that the effects of those used for TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, against their will, and suddenly coming to themselves again after the changed possession of the Stone of Command, was not touched on at all. Being essentially possessed and used as a slave for THAT LONG is BOUND to fuck you up. But there wasn’t any mentioning of it, and that upset me over the lost opportunity.

That epilogue though. I don’t know, it was just beautiful. If it’s leading into the next book, then it’s hinting that the next one will feature a Native American main character, after one of these being Mexican, and I deeply approve of the continuous inclusion of people of color. That alone makes me interested in picking up the next book, despite the many flaws of this one.

I’m just not sure I would recommend it to anyone else. The author clearly has skill, and has amazing world building abilities along with the ability to create a good, unique fantasy story (unique being the keyword, this is not a plotline I recognize from anywhere else!).

But there was a lot in the execution that simply could have been done better, so for all my personal interest and desire to continue the series, perhaps you would be better off finding something more fulfilling.

[Su · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a lot of respect for Niles' work as he is an enthusiastic and prodigious writer with talent for bringing strange fantasy worlds to life, but this one left me cold.

From the extremely generic and bland dialogue, to the even more generic character descriptions (often left to minimalistic and over-worn phrases like 'an elf', 'the dwarf') and ridiculous logic like 'oh, we're at war and people are being slaughtered and fed into evil dwarf horde cook-pots. Let's party!'

The BBG has it in for the female Seer, and gives up his entire race war to pursue her, but then suddenly goes (figuratively) blind right at the most critical moment, not that it makes any difference anyway.

Almost all the characters are annoying, shallow and stupid, reading like a beginning-roleplayer's attempt at back-stories/character briefs. Half the time I wanted to give them all a good slapping.

Also as a roleplayer, the good guys have a chance to capture the Very Important Plot Device. Nah, that's too hard, better head home and talk to the committee about what you should do; whenever they can be bothered convening. (what!?)

I'm not a prude (hey, I love sex - especially with other people) but I was also pretty unhappy with the objectifying male-focussed erotic descriptions of 'romance' thrown in here and there and the rape scene was both really unnecessarily descriptive and emotionally underwhelming at the same time in my opinion. It read to me almost as though as it was thrown in off-hand to show how 'mature' and 'edgy' the subject matter was, but had almost no real impact on either the overall plot or any of the characters. To be honest it felt a bit dismissive and facile, a plot point to be ticked off to get to another point, and I think survivors of similar trauma would be unhappy to see it treated so lightly.

For me the final blow was towards the end where the narrative is ratcheted forward 25 years arbitrarily. Why? Did nothing happen? Nothing at all? It's almost like Niles couldn't be bothered writing any more and just fast-forwarded through to the 'good bits'. An attempt is made to cover the time and the effect of the ongoing siege for the main characters, but it all feels shallow and lacklustre. The elven parties still continue unabated despite the imminent extinction of their entire race and culture you'll be glad to hear...

There's some great concepts presented (the dwarven Seers and Delvers are particularly interesting) and had there been more time spent on detailing the cultures and breathing life into them, I might have cared more, but like a slasher flick, my overall impression was that these set pieces were put in place hastily simply to burn later.

Sadly, based on my experience I have no interest in reading the other volumes in this series.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isn't the cover beautiful!?!

I do not fully agree that a cover doesn't make a book. I think in general a title or a cover does peak our interest because when you see a million and one books all staring back at you ... where do you begin? "at the beginning ..." I don't do that.

I enjoyed the story however the book centers on a war and it lasts for 25 years. In a blink of an eye you jump from the start, which peaks your interests and brings the characters together, but quickly jumps to 25 yrs later. I felt like there was too much war but at the same time the story missed something with the blink of 25 years missing; those the characters and rhelm didn't change.

[Sylvie Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big concept, great creatures. I am a sucker for fantastic creatures like dwarves, elves, centaurs, etc. I liked the concept that the worlds can be traversed by level, literally climbing up into the next level. The level of the dwarves was genuinely scary, but the dwarves themselves were strong and brave. I also live how the worlds are interconnected so that a problem on one can disrupt the well being of another.

[Tourmalily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really neat concept, decent execution, interesting characters and a very dramatic conflict, a lot of really problematic treatment of women.

Besides the "sex magic" used to bring warriors into the world of the circle at center (not to mention the fact that it ultimately proves fatal to the woman who initiated the ritual), there's a very gratuitous and alarming rape scene that left a really foul taste in my mouth.

Could have done without that.

[JessicaAFM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic fantasy fare. Very entertaining but basic. I did like that they did draw characters in from primitive Earth. We get a Viking, a Celt and an American Indian as part of our hero party in addition to the staple dwarf/elf mix. I also love how the goblins are recasted as well. Overall, I look forward to the next book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book quite a bit. it's one of those fantasy books that really captures you and doesn't let go. when i finished i wanted to get started on the second in the series immediately. i would recommend it if you're looking for a fun but captivating read.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok I have read better books

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I was really suprised currently reading the 2nd now

[Shayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. A little too heavy on war and battle description.

[Jaime Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow to start, enjoyed reading about certain characters over others.

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
From the start, this book and I had no chemistry at all!
Something about the writing put me off, the world building was meh
Then a sex scene redolent of bad romance novels ( I’m not ashamed to say I read quite a few in my youth!)
Had to quit after 70-80 pages.

[Dawn Pisturino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unimpressed.

[Mavis Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complex, bit slow in places and I don't think the explicit sex & rape scenes were necessary or added anything (writer's fantasies?!)

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Characters were interesting, and then for some reason, I'm not sure why, a war started, no info or back story on the attackers. A lot of characters you liked were killed. The End.

[amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This seems like a really cool story but it’s too slow. I made it halfway and cannot seem to force myself to read more. Shame

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm just not in the right frame of mind, or this isn't the book I want to read right now, but it just didn't hold my attention well. I like the plot, but the writing didn't do it for me.

Maybe I'll give it any go after enough time has passed. Or maybe I'll forget about it.

[Viridian5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Circle at Center by Douglas Niles says it's the beginning of a series, but I won't be picking up the next novel. I didn't get involved with the characters, some of whom were so complacent and dim that bad things happening to them seemed like comeuppance instead of tragedy. It has a few sex scenes written in such vague euphemistic terms that I don't know why he even bothered trying to describe them. He uses a close third person style that made me confused when the narrator of the moment referred to the enemy as "Crusaders" when there should have been no reason that person should have been familiar with the term.

Worst of all, there's a point in the story where he skips over what seemed to be the whole prior point of the narrative--the effort to wake the elves from their complacency to defend themselves--to go 25 years in the future. It avoided plot stuff that I'd be interested in and seemed so arbitrary.

[Patrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Circle at Center begins with a promising concept that quickly dives into the waters of the mundane. While Niles excels at world-building (as the numerous blurbs on the book cover attest), I found most of the characters to be two-dimensional and many of the battle scenes unnecessary. Plus, there's a bizarre 25-year time jump two-thirds of the way through the book.

[Pants · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend lent this to me back in high school for silent reading. That was a few years ago. I distinctly remember the book opening with some kind of sex ritual, an Aztec human sacrifice, and...

No, that’s about it. I think I still have the book report somewhere.

[T J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is rated R for mature readers only. The plot is intriguing but there is graphic sex, rape and cannibalism. I am not recommending this for teens at all. If the author toned down these parts it would of been a great story.

[Justin Fraxi · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can always tell when some fantasy author needs to get laid because there are too many creepy sex/rape scenes.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unreadable

[Kathy Sebesta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way way too much set-up. Way way too meticulous. Took forever before something actually happened. Think I made it to page 60 before I gave up.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book opened with a huge erotic sex scene... kinda wrecked the whole thing for me.