Discover new selections
$0.00 with 100 percent savings
Digital List Price: $3.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Hammer of Doom: Harbinger of Doom Volume 1 (Harbinger of Doom series) Kindle Edition

4.1 out of 5 stars 474 ratings

Claradon never led his House's forces into battle before. But now he must. His father, the mighty lord of Dor Eotrus, went missing, along with his men, heroes all, while investigating a mysterious fog and otherworldly howling. It's up to Claradon to find him, to bring him home, or avenge his death if he has fallen. Claradon is a brave knight -- noble, skilled, and courageous; a warrior born and bred; a northman, tall and strong, but he's not prepared to face the ancient evil invading his lands. An evil with powers beyond mortal imagination. An evil that threatens to overrun Midgaard and destroy all that Claradon holds dear.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
★★★★★ "Thater is one of the most talented and exciting authors of our time. He is right up there with Tolkien, maybe even better. His unique writing technique leaves you pondering what is going to happen next and yearning for more." --- a Google Play reviewer
★★★★★ "...a must read for all fans of classic sword and sorcery. A blend of Howard, Moorcock, Wagner, with a twist of Lovecraft. Well written and hugely entertaining." --- an Amazon reviewer
★★★★★ "For a long time I have searched for a fantasy worthy of Lord of The Rings and I have found it!" --- an Amazon Reviewer
★★★★★ "The Harbinger of Doom Series is a masterfully written story with Epic Heroic Battles, adventure and great characters." --- an Amazon Reviewer
★★★★★ "From page to page Thater weaves a tale so thoroughly explicit you feel like you're more than an observer." --- an Amazon Reviewer
★★★★★ "A fantastic mix of Norse and Middle eastern mythology held together by an epic tale."
★★★★★ "Absolutely the best action medieval books that I have read since the Lord of the Rings series..."
★★★★★ "Stylishly written epic fantasy tale with a Norse slant"
★★★★★ "The action is fast and furious," "the story sucks you in and doesn't let go."
★★★★★ "Pulls no punches in describing the horror of war..."
★★★★★ "By far, the best epic fantasy I have read."
★★★★★ "One of the best book series ever!!!"
★★★★★ "Epic Tolkien-esque fantasy"
★★★★★ "Masterful storytelling."
★★★★★ "Fantastic," "Enthralling," "Brilliant"
★★★★★ "One of those gems"
BOOKS BY GLENN G. THATERTHE HARBINGER OF DOOM SAGA:
VOLUME 1:
HAMMER OF DOOM
VOLUME 2:
LORD OF LIES
VOLUME 3:
KNIGHT ETERNAL
VOLUME 4:
DWELLERS OF THE DEEP
VOLUME 5:
BLOOD, FIRE, AND THORN
VOLUME 6:
GODS OF THE SWORD
VOLUME 7:
THE SHAMBLING DEAD
VOLUME 8:
MASTER OF THE DEAD
VOLUME 9:
SHADOW OF DOOM
VOLUME 10:
WIZARD'S TOLL
VOLUME 11:
DRUMS OF DOOM
VOLUME 12:
BLOOD OF KINGS
VOLUME 13+ (forthcoming)

THE HERO AND THE FIEND
(A novelette set in the Harbinger of Doom universe)

THE DEMON KING OF BERGHER
(A short story set in the Harbinger of Doom universe)

THE KEBLEAR HORROR
(A short story set in the Harbinger of Doom universe)

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 12 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR GLENN G. THATER'S HARBINGER OF DOOM SAGA

★★★★★ "Thater is one of the most talented and exciting authors of our time. He is right up there with Tolkien, maybe even better. His unique writing technique leaves you pondering what is going to happen next and yearning for more." -- a Google Play reviewer

★★★★★ "...a must read for all fans of classic sword and sorcery. A blend of Howard, Moorcock, Wagner, with a twist of Lovecraft. Well written and hugely entertaining." -- An Amazon reviewer

★★★★★ "For a long time I have searched for a fantasy worthy of Lord of The Rings and I have found it!" -- An Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★ "The Harbinger of Doom Series is a masterfully written story with Epic Heroic Battles, Adventure and great characters." -- An Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★ "From page to page Thater weaves a tale so thoroughly explicit you feel like you're more than an observer." -- An Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★ "Heroes, Wizards, and Demons -- oh my!""A fantastic mix of Norse and Middle eastern mythology held together by an epic tale."

★★★★★ "Absolutely the best action medieval books that I have read since the Lord of the Rings series..."

★★★★★ "Stylishly written epic fantasy tale with a Norse slant."

★★★★★ "The action is fast and furious," "the story sucks you in and doesn't let go."

★★★★★ "Pulls no punches in describing the horror of war..."

★★★★★ "By far, the best epic fantasy I have read."

★★★★★ "One of the best book series ever!!!"

★★★★★ "Epic Tolkien-esque fantasy."

★★★★★ "Masterful storytelling."

From the Author

I've done lots of things. I've gotten degrees and taken advanced courses in various fields: physics, engineering, religious studies, history. I've taught college courses, been a physicist, a licensed professional engineer, and I've investigated some of the most complex and high profile engineering disasters of the last twenty years. I've even testified as a forensic engineering expert before the supreme court of the State of New York. After reading the battle scenes in my books, some of my readers have asked me whether I also used to be a spy or a Special Forces operative. I can't comment on that, I tell them. My non-fiction work has been read around the world. I write some of that every day, and I still enjoy it. But all my life, for fun, I've written fantasy stories. I started writing them before I did any of the things I mentioned above, and I'll probably keep writing them for as long as I'm around. A few years ago, I decided to make a business out of it and get them published so others can read them too. I hope that you'll give my books a read.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AFORJS2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ; 2nd edition (January 13, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 13, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 474 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Glenn G. Thater
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

JOIN GLENN G. THATER'S VIP NEWSLETTER GROUP!

Sign up for my free Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/vwubH to get periodic emails with special offers and discounts on Glenn G. Thater's books. Check out my website http://www.glenngthater.com

For more than twenty-five years, Glenn G. Thater has written works of fiction and historical fiction that focus on the genres of epic fantasy and sword and sorcery. His published works of fiction include the first twelve volumes of the Harbinger of Doom saga: Hammer of Doom; Lord of Lies; Knight Eternal; Dwellers of the Deep; Blood, Fire, and Thorn; Gods of the Sword; The Shambling Dead; Master of the Dead; Shadow of Doom; Wizard's Toll; Drums of Doom; and Blood of Kings;

the novella, The Gateway; and the novelette, The Hero and the Fiend.

Mr. Thater holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with concentrations in Astronomy and Religious Studies, and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in Structural Engineering. He has undertaken advanced graduate study in Classical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, and Astrophysics, and is a practicing licensed professional engineer specializing in the multidisciplinary alteration and remediation of buildings, and the forensic investigation of building failures and other disasters.

Mr. Thater has investigated failures and collapses of numerous structures around the United States and internationally. Since 1998, he has been a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Forensic Engineering Division (FED), is a Past Chairman of that Division’s Executive Committee and FED’s Committee on Practices to Reduce Failures. Mr. Thater is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional and has testified as an expert witness in the field of structural engineering before the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Mr. Thater is an author of numerous scientific papers, magazine articles, engineering textbook chapters, and countless engineering reports. He has lectured across the United States and internationally on such topics as the World Trade Center collapses, bridge collapses, and on the construction and analysis of the dome of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.

Many of Mr. Thater's stories and story excerpts are posted on his official website http://www.glenngthater.com, where fans may leave comments and questions.

THE HARBINGER OF DOOM SAGA

The Harbinger of Doom saga centers around one Lord Angle Theta, an enigmatic warrior of unknown origins and mystical power. No mortal man is his match in battle. No sorcery can contain or confound him. No scholar or sage can outwit him. But for all his skills, he is but one of us; a man, a human, who shares our faults, our dreams, and our ambitions. He boldly strides across the land, fearless, peerless, and cloaked in mystery, all his will bent on righting such wrongs as he deems fit.

Until the day the Gateway opened and turned the world on its head. On that fateful day, Korrgonn came and washed away our dreams. And his outre realms of chaos set their unholy mark upon our world and claimed it for their own.

Only Theta and his companions see the enemies aligning against us. Only they foresee our end coming - the end of civilization, the end of the world of man. Only they can hope to turn the tide of madness and preserve all that we hold dear.

But no man, not even our greatest hero, can stand against the Lords of Chaos and the dark armies of Nifleheim at their command. Fiends that infiltrate unseen within our ranks, that tear down our temples and our traditions; that devour us from within, unseen, unknown, unheralded, and unopposed until the hour grows far too late.

Through the murk and mist that hangs before our eyes, one man only sees true. One man pierces the veil of magic that blinds us all and marks the world as it truly is, revealing secrets, secrets of Angle Theta, so horrifying as to shatter a man's mind and call into question the very nature of good and evil.

Join us now on our journey back to the days of high adventure.

BOOKS BY GLENN G. THATER

THE HARBINGER OF DOOM SAGA:

HAMMER OF DOOM

LORD OF LIES

KNIGHT ETERNAL

DWELLERS OF THE DEEP

BLOOD, FIRE, AND THORN

GODS OF THE SWORD

THE SHAMBLING DEAD

MASTER OF THE DEAD

SHADOW OF DOOM

WIZARD'S TOLL

DRUMS OF DOOM

BLOOD OF KINGS

VOLUME 13+ forthcoming

THE HERO AND THE FIEND

(A novelette set in the Harbinger of Doom universe)

THE DEMON KING OF BERGHER

(A short story set in the Harbinger of Doom universe)

THE KEBLEAR HORROR

(A short story set in the Harbinger of Doom universe)

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
474 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline vividly developed and enjoy its fast-paced narrative that keeps them engaged until the end. They appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the well-written plot and characters, while another mentions the sword fighting scenes. The book receives positive feedback for its readability and educational value, with one customer noting it appeals to both young and old readers. The language quality receives mixed reviews, with some finding it well-written while others note stilted dialogue.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

57 customers mention "Story quality"49 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the vividly developed storyline of this fantasy book, with one customer describing it as a memorable epic tale.

"A wonderful tale that kept me riveted. It has a great tempo with no dull parts. Can't wait to start book 2" Read more

"A good sword and sorcery story made better by incorporating Viking mythology of dark figures and dark forces...." Read more

"...near real life characters highlighted with deadly imagination and creativity. Will form a great video game for the kids if taken on the lighter side...." Read more

"...Even though it's more of a re-telling, the author did a good job of setting scenes in terms of darkness, confusion, glory, and vindication...." Read more

52 customers mention "Readability"49 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as wonderful, exciting, and fantastical, with one customer noting it had them reading at all hours.

"...game of dungeons and dragons, this book was easily relatable and a fun read...." Read more

"A good sword and sorcery story made better by incorporating Viking mythology of dark figures and dark forces...." Read more

"...A very good hand on books related to sorcery, black magic, witchcraft, demonology etc which used to trouble kingdoms of ancient world...." Read more

"...did a good job of setting scenes in terms of darkness, confusion, glory, and vindication...." Read more

19 customers mention "Pacing"14 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing, describing it as fast-paced and engaging, with one customer noting how it draws readers in quickly and keeps them interested until the very end.

"A wonderful tale that kept me riveted. It has a great tempo with no dull parts. Can't wait to start book 2" Read more

"Thater draws you in quickly with little pretense. It was less formulaic to me than most fantasy books calling themselves epic...." Read more

"...It was a quick read, with a few grammatical errors (using "rode" in place of "road" for example)...." Read more

"Slow build. Anti-climactic due to this being one of the authors who wish you to read only their books, never finishing the story...." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"15 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the well-written plot and emotional depth.

"...Quite a range of characters the author develops as well. I will read the next book." Read more

"...Very interesting turn of events and near real life characters highlighted with deadly imagination and creativity...." Read more

"...easy to close ones eyes and see every aspect of the kingdoms, knights of legend, and monsters from the deep depicted within this book...." Read more

"...Theta is a mighty man of war with ancient armor, weapons and wisdom encompsing both forbidden knowledge and magic...." Read more

6 customers mention "Violence level"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the violence level in the book, featuring sword fighting and otherworldly evil, with one customer noting it includes some of the scariest stories of demons.

"...Positives: A hair raising narration of one of the scariest stories of demons, the dead and the ugly creatures that invade the human and mortal world..." Read more

"...and believable characters, court intrigue and an unforgiving, violent world. Asks, little, gives a lot and kept me engaged till the end...." Read more

"...This book was full of the characters emotions, reactions, and violence. Loved it all." Read more

"...Then the action is fast and furious with plenty of sword fighting and magic use...." Read more

5 customers mention "Educational value"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book educational, with one review noting it appeals to readers of all ages.

"...One of the Harbinger of Doom Series by the author, who is an eminent scholar, scientist, engineering consultant, lecturer and also a forensic..." Read more

"This will appeal to readers young and old alike. On one level, standards of fantasy: a beast's gallery, evil wizards and heroic knights...." Read more

"Easy read developed creatures and people well. Enjoy the author and look forward to reading more. Keep em conning. Thanks Carllininger" Read more

"The first 40-percent of this book is slow paced but highly educational...." Read more

18 customers mention "Language quality"9 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the language quality of the book, with some finding it well written and readable, while others note that the dialog is stilted.

"...chaos, and set the stage for vividly described battles scenes so well written, the reader will feel as if s/he is fighting alongside the brave..." Read more

"...and Norse, too much jumping from one character to another, stilted conversations, and on and in...." Read more

"...Great write Mr Thater!" Read more

"...It was a quick read, with a few grammatical errors (using "rode" in place of "road" for example)...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    A wonderful tale that kept me riveted. It has a great tempo with no dull parts. Can't wait to start book 2
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2013
    Thater draws you in quickly with little pretense. It was less formulaic to me than most fantasy books calling themselves epic. Having a familiarity with both the books and the game of dungeons and dragons, this book was easily relatable and a fun read. I found myself turning pages to find out more about the hero and the evil that appeared at their door step. I will pick up the next book in the series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
    A good sword and sorcery story made better by incorporating Viking mythology of dark figures and dark forces. Quite a range of characters the author develops as well. I will read the next book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2014
    Volume One of the Harbinger of Doom Series by the author, who is an eminent scholar, scientist, engineering consultant, lecturer and also a forensic investigator. A very good hand on books related to sorcery, black magic, witchcraft, demonology etc which used to trouble kingdoms of ancient world.

    Storyline: The House of Eotrus ruling the northern province of the Lomion kingdom is attacked by scary demons from the world of the dead, the Nifleheim. A patrol led by the king of Eotrus, Lord Aradron Eotrus, along with his brave Knights and House wizard, are brutally killed and their bodies mutilated, by these demons which took the forms of strange animals with different ugly shapes and exoskeletons. These fiends, backed by the demon Gods of Nifleheim, plan to enter the human world through a mysterious hole in the Vermion forest near Eotrus province and kill all the mankind to take over the mortal world. The son of Lord Aradron, named Claradon, along with the valiant Knights, Sir Gabriel and Lord Angle Theta (a foreigner who came to the rescue of the Eotrus), lead a second patrol to find out what happened to the first one. They, in the midst of Vermion forest come across a mysterious hole and an ancient temple, which is used as a gateway, by the demons of Nifleheim, to cast a spell on the humans and kill them brutally to capture their soles and convert them into their slaves. Sir Gabriel and Angle Theta fight bravely with all their skills against these ugly, nauseating, scary creatures and prevent them from entering the mortal world, in the nick of moment. In the ferocious tussle with Lord Korrgonn (son of Azathoth, the God of the Dead), Gabriel loses his life. His soul captured by the demon God. Though the patrol of Claradon was successful in driving the demons back to Nifleheim, they vow to avenge the brutal murder of Gabriel and also bring his soul back to human world, from the demonic clutches of Nifleheim.

    Positives: A hair raising narration of one of the scariest stories of demons, the dead and the ugly creatures that invade the human and mortal world to capture their souls, through mystical powers and sorcery. Very interesting turn of events and near real life characters highlighted with deadly imagination and creativity. Will form a great video game for the kids if taken on the lighter side. One of the memorable epic fantasy stories. Triggers interest in going for the rest of the books in the series.

    Negatives: The question of whether the mortal world can really face the powers of the dead from the other world is still unanswered. The characters like Angle Theta and Sir Gabriel are depicted as mortal heroes without magical powers but said to be just carrying some daggers and swords powered by some ancient witchcraft. Did not appear practical, when it comes to facing the mighty demons of Nifleheim, which were both physically and spiritually described to be much more superior.

    My rating is 2.75 out of 5
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2014
    Liked this book a lot. Even though it's more of a re-telling, the author did a good job of setting scenes in terms of darkness, confusion, glory, and vindication. Characters could have been a little more strongly differentiated, as two of the heroes were very similar in disposition. That might be borderline though, as they were both near-immortals.
    I'll read further from this author in the future.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2013
    Entertaining and engaging, Gateway to Nifleheim by Glenn G. Thater enthralls from the very beginning. I had read the novella version of this book, The Gateway, and was intrigued to see the release of the full-length version of the story and purchased it immediately. I am so glad I did! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action-filled fantasy/sorcery tales.
    Monsters enter the Earth's realm through a mysterious portal, intent upon chaos, and set the stage for vividly described battles scenes so well written, the reader will feel as if s/he is fighting alongside the brave knights from House Eotrus.
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2013
    Thater captures the very essence of epic battles between good and evil. Filled with dazzling imagery, "Gateway to Nifleheim" sets the stage for a series unlike any I've read before. The characters and story line are so vividly developed it is very easy to close ones eyes and see every aspect of the kingdoms, knights of legend, and monsters from the deep depicted within this book. I encourage every reader who enjoys epic tales of knights, justice, and good versus evil to read this book. I eagerly look forward to reading the rest of the series, and learn what happens to the characters within.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022
    Whew. Too many weird, unpronounceable names of people and places, some weird blend of other world and Norse, too much jumping from one character to another, stilted conversations, and on and in. I lasted about four chapters and quit; I didn’t even speed read through to see if the story ever picked up. My apologies to the author for my critique of his work.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Kindle Customer Pauline
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hammer of doom.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2023
    Great read for the winter months.
  • kowalski Sebastian
    3.0 out of 5 stars Gute Geschichte
    Reviewed in Germany on January 10, 2021
    Gute Geschichte
    Report
  • Wing Chiu Li
    4.0 out of 5 stars I get it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2014
    I've read the other reviews, I shall try to be short and to the point. I've started using the kindle app to get affordable books to read recently. I'm a big fan of Epic fantasy and science fiction. While this series is no legendary masterpiece, it is a good pulp fiction read and gets it right in most of the places.
    The formula is a tribute to Robert E Howard (and possibly his comtemporary H P Lovecraft) , including the literary device of the pseudo-anthropological intros, the struggles of civilisations attempting for longetivity, aspiring to surpass their flaws and become truly great.
    I liked this and will get all the books. Even Terry Goodkind became a better writer eventually. Keep writing Thater!
  • MueDi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Schöne Phantasie
    Reviewed in Germany on March 11, 2014
    Das Buch ist schnell durchgelesen, was sicherlich nicht nur am geringen Umfang liegt, sondern auch an der interessant geschriebenen Geschichte. Mich hat es zumindest so weit gefesselt, dass ich Teil 2 auch noch lesen werden - muss einfach wissen, wie es weitergeht!!!!!
  • Bookshelf Builder
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good tale frustratingly delivered
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2013
    Clearly the author is a fan of classic heroic fantasy--Moorcock, Howard, with maybe some Lovecraft thrown in (I haven't actually read any Lovecraft yet, but some of the prose is as I'd imagine his work, if that makes sense). This is not at all a Bad Thing, and was my primary reason for being excited about the book. It promised some a classic-style heroic tale grounded in Norse mythology, and with an Eternal Champion a la Moorcock to boot.

    Unfortunately, it was a bit of a let-down to read. Instead of sparse Moorcockian prose delivering the tale at a good pace, full of twists, turns and tragedy, Thater is verbose to the point of killing the pace. It was more like Goodkind (Bad Thing), and only the determination to get to the end kept me going. Far from the historically-grounded tale I expected, it seems to be set in one of those pseudo-European manga/video game worlds with a few mytho-historical names thrown in, invented by someone with no grip on the source material (it has a prologue claiming historical sources, a device which falls flat when what follows is so far removed from history). The dialogue is over-long, tedious and full of jarringly anachronistic phrases ("Mr Fancy-Pants"?). Descriptions of people and places slow down the action in the wrong places. It's not quite clear who the protagonist is, and the "Geometry Knight" is kept at arms length to maintain his enigma (unlike Moorcock's champions). Maybe the novelette version was a bit punchier (i.e. better), because some of this seems a bit tacked-on.

    STILL, once it did get going, and I'd learned to live with the characters' constant chattering (especially Ob), there were some good bits. The final showdown is still full of relentless, thesaurus-thumbing description, but instead of being used to convey bland background it is put to better use in describing the horrors of the eponymous gateway. Proper heroic fantasy, at long last, and it just about redeems itself.

    So basically it suffered from lack of critical editing, like most self-published stuff, which is a shame because I'd actually like to read more of the story but not if it's going to be such a slog.

    But hey, at least it's not about a farmboy who learns he has a magical gift and goes to Wizard School to fulfil his destiny!

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?