The Steel Remains

by Richard K. Morgan
The Steel Remains cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Fantasy
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  • ID: 9020
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780575085497
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In a world where legends are often twisted and heroes are far from perfect, 'The Steel Remains' introduces us to Ringil, a veteran of brutal wars who now makes a living off his exaggerated tales. When he is pulled into the Empire's slave trade, he uncovers a secret that is far more frightening than the trade in lives. Meanwhile, Archeth, a pragmatic engineer and the last of her race, is summoned by the Empire's most powerful man to investigate a demonic incursion at the Empire's borders. Egar, a steppe-nomad and former fighter for the Empire, finds himself caught in a battle between common sense and religious fervor, but soon realizes that something far more alien is at play./n/nRichard Morgan brings his signature visceral writing style and turbo-driven plotting to the fantasy genre, creating a landmark work with his first foray into the genre. The story is filled with thought-provoking characterization and a vigorous, unsuspecting fantasy world that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2021-02-17
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its intense and violent narrative, featuring a great lead character and a well-developed supporting cast. The gritty and realistic world-building is also highlighted.

The reviewer was captivated by the book's intense and violent narrative, which they found to be a standout feature. They particularly appreciated the lead character, Ringil, and the supporting cast, which they felt were well-developed and added depth to the story. The reviewer also praised the world-building, describing it as gritty and realistic, which added to the overall immersive experience. However, they noted that the book's themes and content might not be suitable for all readers due to its dark and brutal nature.

Quick quotes

    The Steels Remains is a violent and intense grimdark tale with a great lead narrator, a fine supporting cast, and a well-realised gritty and ...

    The Steels Remains is a violent and intense grimdark tale with a great lead narrator, a fine supporting cast, and a well-realised gritty and ...

    The Steels Remains is a violent and intense grimdark tale with a great lead narrator, a fine supporting cast, and a well-realised gritty and ...

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2012-12-18
disappointing 2.00

The book falls short in terms of world-building and character development, with the reviewer finding the basic mechanics of the fantasy world to be unremarkable.

The reviewer found that The Steel Remains left much to be desired in terms of world-building and character development. They felt that the basic mechanics of the fantasy world were nothing to write home about, and the characters lacked depth and complexity. The reviewer also noted that the book's themes and content might not be suitable for all readers, with its dark and brutal nature. However, they acknowledged that the book might have its appeal for those who enjoy a more intense and gritty fantasy experience.

Quick quotes

    The Steel Remains still leaves much to be desired.

    The Steel Remains still leaves much to be desired.

    The Steel Remains still leaves much to be desired.

Fantasy Faction · 2011-05-18
great 4.00

The book delivers on its promise of brutal violence and fast-paced writing, with a style reminiscent of other gritty fantasy works. The reviewer found the narrative compelling and engaging.

The reviewer went into the book expecting brutal violence and fast-paced writing, and they were not disappointed. They found the narrative to be compelling and engaging, with a style that reminded them of other gritty fantasy works. The reviewer appreciated the book's ability to keep them on the edge of their seat, with its intense action sequences and well-crafted characters. They also noted that the book's language and themes might not be suitable for all readers, but for those who enjoy a darker and more intense fantasy experience, it is a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    I expected brutal violence, fast-paced writing and lots of bad language; I wasn't disappointed.

    I expected brutal violence, fast-paced writing and lots of bad language; I wasn't disappointed.

    I expected brutal violence, fast-paced writing and lots of bad language; I wasn't disappointed.

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