Path of Glory (Boundary's Fall)

By Bret Funk and Alex Brown

Book Overview

The Boundary. The greatest feat of magic in the history of Madryn. An impenetrable barrier, raised to imprison the Darklord Lorthas, bringing an end to the long and bloody MageWar. Nearly a millennium... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 097188191X
• ISBN13: 9780971881914
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Tyrannosaurus Press
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

A Classic Fantasy by a New Author

Path of Glory, by Bret M. Funk, has all the clichés: reclusive Elves, powerful magicians, andlong-forgotten evil in a pre-industrial society. But if you thought the classic fantasy novel hadnothing left to offer, think again. Told mainly from the intimate perspective of two intriguing,three-dimensional characters, Funk puts a realistic and thought-provoking spin on the typicalsword-and-sorcery tale. This first book in the Boundary's Fall series combines modern prose andsensibilities with the epic storylines of Tolkienesque fantasy.The story follows Jeran, a farm boy living with his uncle, and Dahr, an escaped slave whomJeran's family befriends and unofficially adopts. When two former warlords escape from amagical prison, Jeran and Dahr find themselves saddled with the duty of reporting the news tothe king. They are aided by two Magi, who help Jeran discover his illustrious family roots andhis own magical abilities.Jeran's ambivalence regarding his magical "gift" is one of many double-edged topics in Path ofGlory, and it adds a degree of thought and relevance that few fantasy writers even consider.Magi are responsible for most of the civilization's greatest accomplishments, yet they areresented for their power and have been hunted nearly to extinction. The mysterious Elves, whilerevered as wise and nearly immortal, have both helped humanity and enslaved them at varioustimes in their history. The king of Jeran's land must cope with bickering politicians before hecan worry about the decay of a millennia-old magical Boundary. Not many fantasy novelsdiscuss the economic disadvantages of tariffs, but Funk avoids Star Trek preachiness byintroducing questions, not answers, and leaving the reader to draw his own conclusions.In fact, just as with real bureaucracy, years pass before the various countries and races gear upfor the impending war reported by Jeran and Dahr. The story rejoins the boys, now young men,as they embark on a diplomatic mission to the Elves-the first Elf-Human encounter in over acentury. The friendship is shared by a third, the young prince Martyn, who hasn't quite figuredout the balance between authority and responsibility. The journey along the title Path serves as atest of strength and loyalty, especially when Dahr is forced to choose between his sworn dutyand his lifelong hatred of slavery. The book ends just as the party enters the Elves' domain,leaving the rest of the story maddeningly untold until the next installment is published.This novel is a character-centered work; events unfold in an episodic fashion, but the mainstoryline barely gets beyond setup in this first entry of the series. Instead, we experience thecharacters' everyday life. Dahr's knack with animals and Martyn's addiction to flirtation aredemonstrated in numerous character-building scenes. The writing is not nearly as concise as oneexpects; scenes can exist simply for atmosphere and entertainment, but the witty dialogue amongJeran, Martyn, and Dahr keeps boredom

Path of Glory (Boundary's Fall, 1)

I enjoyed Path of Glory very much. It was little slow getting started as the author had to set up the world, characters and story, but a few chapters into the book it got very interesting. I found the characters so believable I feel as if I know them. The description was so well written, that I could have actually visited the places. The story gets a hold on you and you can't put it down. I can't wait for the next book. I think that is book is a definite must read. If you like books like the Wheel of time by Robert Jordan, you will love Path of Glory.

A complete novel

Bret M. Funk's Path of Glory is the kind of book you often look for but rarely find. It is a complete novel; plot, setting, and character development are fully realized. Themes of loyalty, friendship, and courage are interwoven with the greater themes of good versus evil and the impossibility of knowing what we think we "know"-about historical facts, about other cultures, and even about ourselves. The imaginative new world created by Funk is familiar enough to be easily understood, yet different enough to leave room for magic and extraordinary powers. The book is appealing and fresh, creative, and just plain fun. It is a fast read that can only be described as a rousing adventure, but the story is textured and the characters complex. I highly recommend Path of Glory to all age groups.

Magical New World

Bret M. Funk's Path of Glory is a terrific first novel by a thoughtful and imaginative author. Not only is the story a rousing adventure in the tradition of Lord of the Rings or Star Wars, but it is also a welcome reminder of the power of loyalty, friendship, and courage in dark times. The new world created by Funk is familiar enough to be easily comprehended. It is also different enough to leave room for magic, extraordinary powers, and the ability to truly be at one with nature - or the past - or the future. It is a world where both the best and the worst of human nature are possible.A long book that is a fast read, this book is highly recommended for both young and old. With its youthful protagonists and strong messages regarding the power of truth and friendship, it is a perfect gift for young male readers.