Dennis L. McKiernan Books In Order

Publication Order of Mithgar: The Iron Tower Books

Publication Order of Mithgar: The Silver Call Books

Publication Order of Mithgar Books

Publication Order of Mithgar Graphic Novels

Publication Order of The Black Foxes Books

Publication Order of Mithgar: Hel's Crucible Books

Publication Order of Once Upon Books

Publication Order of Mithgar Universe Books

Chronological Order of Mithgar Universe Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Thieves' World Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Dennis L. McKiernan is a bestselling American author famously known for his high fantasy series, The Iron Tower. The authors other genres include horror fiction, science fiction crime fiction, and high fantasy set in different fictional worlds. Dennis was born and raised in Moberly, Missouri. He served in the United States Air Force based with US territory during the Korean War. After the military service, McKiernan went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1958 from the University of Missouri and a Masters from Duke University in 1964. The author worked as an engineer at AT&T, formerly known as Western Electric and also at Bell Laboratories. McKiernan began writing fulltime after an early retirement from engineering in 1989.

While driving his motorcycle in 1977, McKiernan crashed into a car and was confined to bed for many months. During his healing process, he started a continuation to Tolkien’s series, The Lord of the Rings. Doubleday showed interest in McKiernan’s work and tried to obtain a go ahead from Tolkien’s estate, but it was declined. Instead, the publisher informed him to rewrite his story, and place the characters in a new world and also write a prologue supporting it. Many critics saw McKiernan as an imitator to Tolkiens work, but the author has since then developed series that followed a different storyline from those written by Tolkien.

The Dark Tide

The Dark Tide is the first book in Dennis’ high fantasy series, The Iron Tower set in a fantasy world of Mithgar. Initially published in 1984 as a trilogy, comprising of The Dark Tide, The Darkest Day, & Shadows of Doom, it was later published as an omnibus in 2000.

In the debut novel, along long and unnatural winter hit hard the lands of Mithgar, and the rumors are that Vulgs are attacking on Warrow farms. In response, all young men Warrows train to be Thornwalkers and provide security over their homeland. Danner Bramblethorn, Tuck Underbank, and couple of others pack up and leave behind Tuck’s love and all their beloved ones.

After a deadly fierce battle with some Vulgs along the way, resulting to the death of one of their crew, and the Warrows together with their leader Patrel Rushlock set foot at Spindle Ford and assume their guard positions. A messenger from the king’s fortress arrives informs them that Modru of Gron is invading the people of Mithgar and requesting Boskydell for assistance, unfortunately, he & Tuck’s friend are murdered when a Vulg invade knocking them into the frozen river- Tuck survives this attack.

Patrel, Danner, and Tuck are among the Warrows who make their way to Challerain Keep (a fortress) where they are introduced to King Aurion, his future daughter in Law, and his prince Igon as well as elf Hroshmarshal Vidron and Gildor Goldbranch. The trio are also invited to Princess Laurelin’s 19th birthday party- but in the midst of the party, a message bearer arrives claiming that the throne is about to be attacked. Warrows and Tuck participate in the battle against Modru’s Horde but unfortunately gets lost inside a crypt with Galen. Tuck finds a small red arrow, manages to escape the slaughter as the fortress is torn down and he together with the prince ends up in a town where they are fed and cared for. However, it is then disclosed that Igon was discovered comatose in the snow, but the Gildor arrives to claim that the king is dead.

The first book in The Iron Tower trilogy is a brilliant read. Even though initially received critics to its similarity to J.J.R. Tolkien’s series, The Dark Tide plot closely mirrors Lord of the Rings and contains same races as well. The only difference between the two series is that the hobbit-like race in McKiernan novels is not as worthless as in Tolkien’s books and they actually serve an important role that many readers will find more enjoyable in Tolkien’s books. Additionally, McKiernan is straightforward to the point in his writing; it is not filled with endless descriptions that otherwise would slow the story to a crawl. The plot is fast-paced, an excellent characterization which narration is flowing pretty well from chapter to the next.

Shadows of Doom

The second book, Shadows of Doom, opens up with an extended narration of the previous novel, with Laurelin’s abduction by the Modru’s forces. She alternately treated brutally and well, being carefully and gently bathed and then sent into a jail with a deadly monster outside and she is also a witness to the torture and the killing of an elf named Vanidor, Gildor’s twin brother.

Galen and Tuck make the hesitant decision to go and unite their alliances instead of trying to save Laurelin and then accompanies them. They also take alongside Brega, who navigates them into an abandoned dwarf mine known as Kraggen-Cor, where they are attacked by a giant tentacle creature. They carefully navigate their way across Kraggen-Cor but are soon attacked by a Gargon. Tuck manages to distract the Gorgon by stabbing it in the leg thus allowing others kill it and escape. They meet more elves who provide them with weaponry. Meanwhile, Patrel and Danner return to Boskydell which they find it in ruins with several people dead, but with Merrilee’s help, they manage to destroy the attacking Ghuls and claim back their native land. However, the biggest mission that lay ahead of them is reclaiming Mithgar from Modru and rescuing Princess Laurelin.

The Darkest Day

Tuck and Merilee are finally reunited as the army march to kill Modru, who is planning to bring his master from his exile. He is using the mysterious stone known as Myrkenstone to cloud Mithgar in total darkness so that his army will not be affected by the sunlight. However, despite this, the good guts attack, but Danner is killed in the fierce battle. Tuck infiltrates, with only one objective in mind, to save Princess Laurelin and bring down Modru. However, with most of his friends dead, and a powerful enemy to fight, will he succeed in his mission? Once again Dennis L. McKiernan has woven a brilliant high fantasy novel, the third in The Iron Tower trilogy.