A Darkness Forged in Fire by Chris Evans

Blake found this book in a shed when his brother moved into his new place a couple years ago.  I didn't notice it on the shelf until a couple weeks ago and decided to try it out since I was having a hard time getting though A Casual Vacancy.  I really enjoyed this book and want to get the rest for Christmas now.  I know there are at least three books in the series.  I will have to look up more information to see if there are more books to come.

This is not a young adult fantasy, but a nice adult fantasy without the language or sex that seems to accompany so many adult books.  Blake gives me a hard time for reading young adult literature and not adult or classic literature more.  Honestly, most adult literature I have a hard time reading now because I find myself focusing on the language and sexual content and not being able to just read and enjoy the book.  Classic literature is often hard and slow to read.  I read for enjoyment,  not to increase my vocabulary and intelect.  I apologize if this does not seem like a good enough reason to read, but for me it is good enough and does not need to make me think or increase my intelect.

Our main character is Konowa Swift Dragon, a former commander of the Iron Elves who were disbanded when Konowa murdered an evil Viceroy without permission from the Queen.  He was then exiled in the forest, which he hates since he is a tainted elf touched by the Dark Shadow Monarch and can not bond with an Oak like other regular elves.  He finds himself called back to command the Iron Elves under the command of the Prince however, the Iron Elves no longer include elves, but regular men and one dwarf.  They are in search of "The Star" so that the Shadow Monarch does not get it for Her power.  Unfortunately, they also learn that the Prince wants the Star and all other magical relics for a museum of education.  They fight extinct monsters and find that the Iron Elves are now cursed and when they die they become Shades forced to continue fighting with the Iron Elves.  Book 1 ends with a terrific battle and the Star is kept safe from the Shadow Monarch, however, they find that the Shadow Monarch did not necessarily want the Star but wanted the Iron Elves for herself.  Konowa must now fight his dark power along with the entire batallion in order to keep themselves from falling into Her hands.