Doubleday then asked McKiernan to rewrite his story, placing the characters in a different fictitious world, and also to write a prequel supporting it. The publisher Doubleday showed an interest in his work and tried to obtain authorization from Tolkien's estate but was denied. During his recuperation, he began writing a sequel to J. In 1977, while riding his motorcycle, McKiernan was hit by a car that had crossed the center-line, and he was confined to a bed, first in traction and then in a hip spica cast, for many months. In 1989, after early retirement from engineering, McKiernan began writing on a full-time basis. He worked as an engineer at AT&T, initially at Western Electric but soon at Bell Laboratories, from 1958 until 1989.

After military service, he attended the University of Missouri and received a BS in electrical engineering in 1958 and an MS in the same field from Duke University in 1964.

Air Force for four years, stationed within US territory during the Korean War. McKiernan was born in Moberly, Missouri, where he lived until he served the U.S. It has since grown to reflect a much broader variety of influences, including 'fairy tales and Oz books and folk tales and other such stories'. His primary setting, Mithgar, was originally meant to host Middle-Earth stories that were sequels to Tolkien's work. His genres include high fantasy (set in various fictitious worlds), science fiction, horror fiction, and crime fiction. In addition, the ending is both poignant and sweet, wrapping up what can only be described as a classic fantasy tale.Duke University Pratt School of Engineeringĭennis Lester McKiernan (born April 4, 1932) is an American writer best known for his high fantasy The Iron Tower. Might not cut it against today's gritty, personal and darkly emotional stories but to me it was a delight.

As I read it, I could easily imagine myself sitting around a fire listening as a talented storyteller or bard related this tale to a group of wide-eyed kids and equally wide-eyed adults. Another thing that I thoroughly enjoyed was that this series is written in a 'storytelling' type style. I really loved reading a tale where I knew exactly who was what and knew that good must triumph and evil will be defeated. After reading so many dark tales lately with deep issues, unique magic systems and blurred lines between good and evil, I was in the mood for some traditional fantasy where the 'bad' people are pure evil and the 'good' people were shining examples of honor, loyalty, and high moral standards. This is one of those series that I consider a 'fun' read.

The Iron Tower by Dennis L. McKiernan