Oblivion's Forge

Oblivion's Forge

The first book in the Aona dark fantasy series

Close to death, a loner who lives a life of slavery to geomantic forces tries to forget the horror he glimpsed and the god-like beings that threaten the very existence of the world.

A young woman cursed by a witch seeks shelter in a castle as winter closes in- only to find herself propelled into a nightmare.

A healer who has reached the limit of her abilities and endurance when she struggles with a mysterious, incurable disease, seeks help from her mentor but is swept up in events beyond her control.

In each of these people and many others, ancient forces stir in response to the existential threat facing the world of Aona. A suffocating darkness to stand against the destroying light; a raging torrent of power bestowed through a thousand years of blood.

Oblivion's Forge is the first book in the Aona series, which tells of a monumental struggle between two great powers, an unparalleled existential war.

“What if all of this- our powers, our world- is that last light hanging in the void?”

Reviews

“For lovers of Dark Fantasy this book is a rare and delightful find. On a grand scale, Aona is a world caught in a war between two evil factions. Regardless of which faction wins, it is unlikely the plight of the races populating this world will improve. Mr. Williams has chosen to present this world and its strife through the eyes of several characters, each caught in the conflict, unable to escape. Through their stories, the tale unfolds with mounting and unrelenting tension.

Oblivion's Forge explores new areas of Fantasy in an edgy and engaging manner that makes this a book hard to put down. There are no shining heroes or beautiful trembling maidens. But there are a several very real characters, manipulated by powers beyond their control, striving to find ways to cope. Through his words, Mr. Williams forces the reader to contemplate how they would react in these circumstances and to wonder if they could survive.

I can't wait to dive into "Secret Roads", the sequel to this great book.”

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“I was so taken by the opening sample available on the on-line reader that I bought the paperback. This is an intricate and thoughtful piece of work, well-crafted and detailed. ”

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“It's a rare modern fantasy series that manages to present both a rich, vivid world while also creating characters that are both relatable and likeable. Simon Williams accomplishes that and more with Oblivion's Forge. The sense of foreboding and impending drama permeates each page and keeps the reader wanting to know where the book will take us.”

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“Beautiful and evocative narration, multifaceted characters and a complex storyline that demands the readers' attention... it is not your typical fantasy "good versus evil" kind of book. Dark, raw and brutal, there is no sugar coating or romanticism in Oblivion's Forge, but a harsh reality that for the fantasy genre is quite rare and refreshing.”

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“This novel had me enthralled from as early as the sample pages. It's rare to find such treasures and Simon Williams' series works will be among those I follow from today forward. It was well paced action with lyrical description and a plot well crafted.”

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“Lyrical at times, often gritty, the prose is propulsive... the world is evoked with style and verve. Welcome Simon Williams to your bookshelf. You won't be disappointed.”

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“Simon Williams has constructed a compelling and believably fantasy world in Oblivion's Forge. This novel manages to evoke the sense of wonderment that is achieved by Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings while also managing to create something entirely new.”

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