Despite having read hundreds (literally) of fantasy novels, none surpass this truly outstanding trilogy. Well, there was Tolkien of course..., but as I like to say: The Lord of the Rings is the best, but The Winter of the World is my favorite. While it is true that the story starts out in a North American-like continent, it is not obvious until viewing the second and third novel's maps. The Anvil of Ice deals with a man who starts as a cattleherder and develops into a powerful smith. He has to deal with many inner conflicts; these continue on throughout the trilogy. Outer conflict comes from the servants of the evil that is the Ice. Definitely a book that all fantasy lovers should read (too bad it is so difficult to find a copy).