| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Berkthgar |
Posted - 02 Dec 2013 : 15:58:34
Have any of you read the Companions yet? What do you think about it, I am soon the finish the Last Threshold? |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kyrel |
Posted - 26 Dec 2013 : 01:34:38
quote:
Originally posted by jordanz
He'll still outlive them ...with the possible exception of Bruenor. Them being back is a dream come true for me.
And a nightmare come true for me...
The Companions of the Hall should have been left dead, and frankly, Drizzt should either have been allowed to die, or he should have continued his development from the last three books. Having the Companions brought back in this manner, and at this point in the history of the Realms just sucks and cheapens the personal stories of the Companions :-(
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| BEAST |
Posted - 25 Dec 2013 : 17:56:52
quote:
Originally posted by khanio07
Just finished reading the companions. What is next? Meaning, when does RAS plan to release the next book in the series[...?]
Companions Codex I: Night of the Hunter, MAR-2014.
Companions Codex II: Rise of the King, AUG-2014. |
| Chosen of Asmodeus |
Posted - 25 Dec 2013 : 11:33:53
quote:
Drizzt has survived this long ....
And I have no doubt he will survive for much longer.
But so will the rest of the companions.
Sure, there'll always be the implication that after the stories end, they'll die of old age and Drizzt will live on, but I doubt we'll ever see it come to fruition in the stories themselves.
quote:
Post SpellPlague Bruenor was old but 100 years prior (during most of their adventures) he was in the prime of life. Regis was ineffective in combat....[/quote
No, Bruenor was passed his prime from his very first appearance. He wasn't old yet, he was middle aged, but he wasn't in his prime.
quote:
I did not like seeing Wulgar, Artemis, and Bruenor aging, I'd rather they go down fighting in their prime. Same goes for Drizzt....
Eh, that was never going to happen. The only reason it almost did with Wulfgar is because RAS had simply run out of ideas for what to do with him.
So, them growing old, I liked it. It humanized them, to me. Put some dents in their armor.
[quote]I dont think the companions returning to glory has any impact on whatever new heroes pop up, the realms is large enough for them all IMO.
The Realms is. Mithral Hall and the surrounding area isn't. Realms authors are territorial to an almost ilogical degree, so that area is RAS's little sandbox, and he's especially finicky about keeping things precisely how he likes them.
This ties in to my previous point about the Many-Arrows situation not being Bruenor's fight; by having Bruenor be the one to take it on, he is denying the current king the chance to rise to the challenge.
It's not about glory, it's about letting the new generation come into it's own. |
| jordanz |
Posted - 25 Dec 2013 : 05:41:36
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
The informed assumption that he'll outlive them is one thing. The reality of it actually happening is another thing entirely.
Drizzt has survived this long ....
quote:
I have other problems with this, as well. Among the characteristics I liked about Bruenor and Regeis was that Bruenor was old and past his prime, and that Regeis was out of shape and had to rely on his charm and wit more than any physical ability. I liked that Catti-brie got crippled, that she and Wulfgar actually aged. Now they're all back to the prime of their lives, except Bruenor who hasn't even hit his prime yet. It takes away from some of their charm, in my opinion.
Post SpellPlague Bruenor was old but 100 years prior (during most of their adventures) he was in the prime of life. Regis was ineffective in combat....
I did not like seeing Wulgar, Artemis, and Bruenor aging, I'd rather they go down fighting in their prime. Same goes for Drizzt....
quote:
Another thing I don't like is the set up for the next book with Bruenor dealing with Many-Arrows. Now, regardless of how RAS handles this, whether he's going to surprise me or go down the road I dread he will, this wasn't Breunor's battle to fight.
One of the things that made Bruenor's decision to make peace with Obould in The Orc King so powerful was the uncertainty of it. He didn't know if he was doing the right thing or not, and in all likelihood, he wasn't(and didn't) live to see the outcome. The fallout from this, for good or ill, should have been something for Bruenor's successors to deal with. It should have been a challenge for future kings to rise to.
Good points yet I will still want to read the tale, if for no other reason but to find out how R.A. handles this.
quote:
So I also don't like one of the wider implications of this; that the return of the companions is going to hold back future generations from achieving things on their own.
Of course, I could be way off base with that one, it's just speculation on my part. But it's a fear I have, never the less.
I dont think the companions returning to glory has any impact on whatever new heroes pop up, the realms is large enough for them all IMO. |
| Berkthgar |
Posted - 25 Dec 2013 : 03:48:01
Just finished reading the companions. What is next? Meaning, when does RAS plan to release the next book in the series, for this one was a thrilling book! couldn't put it donw! |
| Chosen of Asmodeus |
Posted - 19 Dec 2013 : 04:46:50
quote:
Originally posted by jordanz
He'll still outlive them ...with the possible exception of Bruenor. Them being back is a dream come true for me.
The informed assumption that he'll outlive them is one thing. The reality of it actually happening is another thing entirely.
I have other problems with this, as well. Among the characteristics I liked about Bruenor and Regeis was that Bruenor was old and past his prime, and that Regeis was out of shape and had to rely on his charm and wit more than any physical ability. I liked that Catti-brie got crippled, that she and Wulfgar actually aged. Now they're all back to the prime of their lives, except Bruenor who hasn't even hit his prime yet. It takes away from some of their charm, in my opinion.
Another thing I don't like is the set up for the next book with Bruenor dealing with Many-Arrows. Now, regardless of how RAS handles this, whether he's going to surprise me or go down the road I dread he will, this wasn't Breunor's battle to fight.
One of the things that made Bruenor's decision to make peace with Obould in The Orc King so powerful was the uncertainty of it. He didn't know if he was doing the right thing or not, and in all likelihood, he wasn't(and didn't) live to see the outcome. The fallout from this, for good or ill, should have been something for Bruenor's successors to deal with. It should have been a challenge for future kings to rise to.
So I also don't like one of the wider implications of this; that the return of the companions is going to hold back future generations from achieving things on their own.
Of course, I could be way off base with that one, it's just speculation on my part. But it's a fear I have, never the less. |
| Arcanus |
Posted - 15 Dec 2013 : 16:12:46
quote:
Originally posted by Therise
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
From a literary perspective, the reincarnated companions being the genetic children of their new parents means exactly diddly. They're the same characters. They've got new looks, some new abilities, and some new experiences, but fundamentally, they're the same people they were before, just with some character development, and not particularly organic character development, at that.
They've met some new people and have had some new experiences from growing up all over again; Drizzt met new people and had new experiences that affected his personality and outlook on the world without having to die and spin the wheel of reincarnation.
You may choose to believe this, but make no mistake: it's a belief, and it's not necessarily shared by others.
If I died, and several decades later a goddess decided to reincarnate my soul into a new body, this would have an enormous impact on who I am as a person. It would change my perspective on the afterlife, the nature of spirits and souls, and fundamentally cause me to re-order my entire approach to life and its meaning. Additionally, I would begin a new life with new parents, grow up in a new era and family, and perhaps even a different culture. All of this would involve decades-worth of learning and adjusting, changing who I am and pushing me to grow in some rather unexpected ways. I would want to hold on to meaningful memories and relationships from my past life, but I'd also have an entirely new world and life to deal with as well.
To say that "in a literary sense, they're exactly the same characters" not only ignores ALL of that, it's being intentionally dismissive. Each of the companions have been slowly questioning almost everything about existence and life itself. They also must contend with quite literally having a new life and everything that comes with it: new parents, new friends, new social situations, and in some cases, entirely new enemies and responsibilities. Wulfgar, remember, lived out his life with a new family, wife, children, decades of a fulfilling and meaningful life, plus he was reborn into a new family and all that entailed. Catti-brie was literally held and trained by a goddess, then became an entirely new person. Regis, he has become what he couldn't ever have become in his old life/body, and he has a host of new friends and enemies from this new life. Bruenor has questioned his culture, life's meaning, and even his gods.
This all means nothing to you in terms of character growth? You can dismissively handwave all of that away as if it's meaningless, but that's being rather petulant, IMO. This is no simple "raise dead" spell following a fight that went south.
Do not forget that the companions were reborn with all of their faculties intact. Mentally they were still themselves. Sure things that happened when they grew up again may have effected them but they would approach any problem with the same old mindset.
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| jordanz |
Posted - 15 Dec 2013 : 07:19:36
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
quote:
Originally posted by Therise
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
From a literary perspective, the reincarnated companions being the genetic children of their new parents means exactly diddly. They're the same characters. They've got new looks, some new abilities, and some new experiences, but fundamentally, they're the same people they were before, just with some character development, and not particularly organic character development, at that.
They've met some new people and have had some new experiences from growing up all over again; Drizzt met new people and had new experiences that affected his personality and outlook on the world without having to die and spin the wheel of reincarnation.
You may choose to believe this, but make no mistake: it's a belief, and it's not necessarily shared by others.
If I died, and several decades later a goddess decided to reincarnate my soul into a new body, this would have an enormous impact on who I am as a person. It would change my perspective on the afterlife, the nature of spirits and souls, and fundamentally cause me to re-order my entire approach to life and its meaning. Additionally, I would begin a new life with new parents, grow up in a new era and family, and perhaps even a different culture. All of this would involve decades-worth of learning and adjusting, changing who I am and pushing me to grow in some rather unexpected ways. I would want to hold on to meaningful memories and relationships from my past life, but I'd also have an entirely new world and life to deal with as well.
To say that "in a literary sense, they're exactly the same characters" not only ignores ALL of that, it's being intentionally dismissive. Each of the companions have been slowly questioning almost everything about existence and life itself. They also must contend with quite literally having a new life and everything that comes with it: new parents, new friends, new social situations, and in some cases, entirely new enemies and responsibilities. Wulfgar, remember, lived out his life with a new family, wife, children, decades of a fulfilling and meaningful life, plus he was reborn into a new family and all that entailed. Catti-brie was literally held and trained by a goddess, then became an entirely new person. Regis, he has become what he couldn't ever have become in his old life/body, and he has a host of new friends and enemies from this new life. Bruenor has questioned his culture, life's meaning, and even his gods.
This all means nothing to you in terms of character growth? You can dismissively handwave all of that away as if it's meaningless, but that's being rather petulant, IMO. This is no simple "raise dead" spell following a fight that went south.
I'm not denying that it's character growth. I'm denying that it's natural and organic character growth. I'm denying that they are new characters; they're the same characters with new development- development that was unnecessary to start with.
And it's not "decades later", at least not from their perspective. For Cat and Regeis, it's been a few weeks. For Wulfgar, a couple days. For Breunor, less than an hour. During which time it's clearly explained to them that their views on the afterlife are completely accurate, that this is a special case, and that once they're going to be the same people, same memories.
I concede that they're going through new experiences, and that they'll be affected- perhaps profoundly- by those experiences. But that doesn't make them new characters, any more than the experiences Drizzt has had since their deaths have made him a new character.
My overall point is that their coming back, in whatever form by whatever method, undermines what I considered to be a very important message from the last few books. A message that had been built up for years prior; Drizzt is going to outlive his loved ones. That is just one of the realities he's going to have to face as an elf. That's something that can resonate with readers who have lost loved ones; that they move on, go on living without these people.
Now the message is that a goddess is going to bring back Drizzt's best friends and true love after they die as a personal favor for him for having done absolutely nothing to deserve it beyond being popular with the fans.
And you're right, not everyone's going to agree. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion.
He'll still outlive them ...with the possible exception of Bruenor. Them being back is a dream come true for me. |
| Chosen of Asmodeus |
Posted - 15 Dec 2013 : 05:53:07
quote:
Originally posted by Therise
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
From a literary perspective, the reincarnated companions being the genetic children of their new parents means exactly diddly. They're the same characters. They've got new looks, some new abilities, and some new experiences, but fundamentally, they're the same people they were before, just with some character development, and not particularly organic character development, at that.
They've met some new people and have had some new experiences from growing up all over again; Drizzt met new people and had new experiences that affected his personality and outlook on the world without having to die and spin the wheel of reincarnation.
You may choose to believe this, but make no mistake: it's a belief, and it's not necessarily shared by others.
If I died, and several decades later a goddess decided to reincarnate my soul into a new body, this would have an enormous impact on who I am as a person. It would change my perspective on the afterlife, the nature of spirits and souls, and fundamentally cause me to re-order my entire approach to life and its meaning. Additionally, I would begin a new life with new parents, grow up in a new era and family, and perhaps even a different culture. All of this would involve decades-worth of learning and adjusting, changing who I am and pushing me to grow in some rather unexpected ways. I would want to hold on to meaningful memories and relationships from my past life, but I'd also have an entirely new world and life to deal with as well.
To say that "in a literary sense, they're exactly the same characters" not only ignores ALL of that, it's being intentionally dismissive. Each of the companions have been slowly questioning almost everything about existence and life itself. They also must contend with quite literally having a new life and everything that comes with it: new parents, new friends, new social situations, and in some cases, entirely new enemies and responsibilities. Wulfgar, remember, lived out his life with a new family, wife, children, decades of a fulfilling and meaningful life, plus he was reborn into a new family and all that entailed. Catti-brie was literally held and trained by a goddess, then became an entirely new person. Regis, he has become what he couldn't ever have become in his old life/body, and he has a host of new friends and enemies from this new life. Bruenor has questioned his culture, life's meaning, and even his gods.
This all means nothing to you in terms of character growth? You can dismissively handwave all of that away as if it's meaningless, but that's being rather petulant, IMO. This is no simple "raise dead" spell following a fight that went south.
I'm not denying that it's character growth. I'm denying that it's natural and organic character growth. I'm denying that they are new characters; they're the same characters with new development- development that was unnecessary to start with.
And it's not "decades later", at least not from their perspective. For Cat and Regeis, it's been a few weeks. For Wulfgar, a couple days. For Breunor, less than an hour. During which time it's clearly explained to them that their views on the afterlife are completely accurate, that this is a special case, and that once they're going to be the same people, same memories.
I concede that they're going through new experiences, and that they'll be affected- perhaps profoundly- by those experiences. But that doesn't make them new characters, any more than the experiences Drizzt has had since their deaths have made him a new character.
My overall point is that their coming back, in whatever form by whatever method, undermines what I considered to be a very important message from the last few books. A message that had been built up for years prior; Drizzt is going to outlive his loved ones. That is just one of the realities he's going to have to face as an elf. That's something that can resonate with readers who have lost loved ones; that they move on, go on living without these people.
Now the message is that a goddess is going to bring back Drizzt's best friends and true love after they die as a personal favor for him for having done absolutely nothing to deserve it beyond being popular with the fans.
And you're right, not everyone's going to agree. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. |
| Therise |
Posted - 14 Dec 2013 : 21:31:11
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
From a literary perspective, the reincarnated companions being the genetic children of their new parents means exactly diddly. They're the same characters. They've got new looks, some new abilities, and some new experiences, but fundamentally, they're the same people they were before, just with some character development, and not particularly organic character development, at that.
They've met some new people and have had some new experiences from growing up all over again; Drizzt met new people and had new experiences that affected his personality and outlook on the world without having to die and spin the wheel of reincarnation.
You may choose to believe this, but make no mistake: it's a belief, and it's not necessarily shared by others.
If I died, and several decades later a goddess decided to reincarnate my soul into a new body, this would have an enormous impact on who I am as a person. It would change my perspective on the afterlife, the nature of spirits and souls, and fundamentally cause me to re-order my entire approach to life and its meaning. Additionally, I would begin a new life with new parents, grow up in a new era and family, and perhaps even a different culture. All of this would involve decades-worth of learning and adjusting, changing who I am and pushing me to grow in some rather unexpected ways. I would want to hold on to meaningful memories and relationships from my past life, but I'd also have an entirely new world and life to deal with as well.
To say that "in a literary sense, they're exactly the same characters" not only ignores ALL of that, it's being intentionally dismissive. Each of the companions have been slowly questioning almost everything about existence and life itself. They also must contend with quite literally having a new life and everything that comes with it: new parents, new friends, new social situations, and in some cases, entirely new enemies and responsibilities. Wulfgar, remember, lived out his life with a new family, wife, children, decades of a fulfilling and meaningful life, plus he was reborn into a new family and all that entailed. Catti-brie was literally held and trained by a goddess, then became an entirely new person. Regis, he has become what he couldn't ever have become in his old life/body, and he has a host of new friends and enemies from this new life. Bruenor has questioned his culture, life's meaning, and even his gods.
This all means nothing to you in terms of character growth? You can dismissively handwave all of that away as if it's meaningless, but that's being rather petulant, IMO. This is no simple "raise dead" spell following a fight that went south.
|
| Chosen of Asmodeus |
Posted - 14 Dec 2013 : 20:18:42
From a literary perspective, the reincarnated companions being the genetic children of their new parents means exactly diddly. They're the same characters. They've got new looks, some new abilities, and some new experiences, but fundamentally, they're the same people they were before, just with some character development, and not particularly organic character development, at that.
They've met some new people and have had some new experiences from growing up all over again; Drizzt met new people and had new experiences that affected his personality and outlook on the world without having to die and spin the wheel of reincarnation. |
| sfdragon |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 23:32:06
that is true, Bruenor isnt of that line and neither is Wulfgar of his line.
That said, it might not necessarily be the bloodline as it is their souls that would allow... well for aegis fang anyway.
Bruenor led thieves into the throne area.... on that note, it might work for him again after he becomes king of mythril hall again. |
| Tanthalas |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 20:26:54
quote:
Originally posted by Madpig
Also interesting thing is how Wulffie got Aegis Fang back. I mean it should be most prized possession of Icewind tribes. But I think he could have anounced who he really was. Or he could have born to he's own decendants. That would be really interesting scenario.
At the moment I can't remember how Aegis-Fang was passed along, but if it was something like "the strongest of the tribe gets it" Wulfgar wouldn't need to be part of his old bloodline. |
| Madpig |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 07:03:23
quote:
Originally posted by BenN
@Therise -
As you mentioned, their associations with each other have not changed - and its these relationships which are (or have been) the core of RAS's novels. While their physical forms have been reincarnated if you like, their relationships will (presumably) carry on where they left off.
While I think is partially true, I think one of the more important factors has changed. Bruenor is no longer part of Battlehammer bloodline.
Also interesting thing is how Wulffie got Aegis Fang back. I mean it should be most prized possession of Icewind tribes. But I think he could have anounced who he really was. Or he could have born to he's own decendants. That would be really interesting scenario. |
| The Arcanamach |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 06:11:05
*Facepalm* I forgot about Regis being (half) genasi so you are correct. I guess Mielikki's influence caused them to look very similar (if not almost identical) to their former lives. |
| BenN |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 05:20:07
@Therise -
As you mentioned, their associations with each other have not changed - and its these relationships which are (or have been) the core of RAS's novels. While their physical forms have been reincarnated if you like, their relationships will (presumably) carry on where they left off. |
| Therise |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 05:04:54
I'm gonna side with Gyor on this. If you read The Companions really carefully, Mielikki did not put them into exact (but younger) body copies of their old selves. All of them look quite different, and Regis in particular is perhaps the most genetically different - now being part genasi. I think it's safe to say that there are certain aspects of them that allow them to recognize each other, but even then it was very clear that these people are all reincarnated and not simply "raised" from the dead... meaning, they -are- the genetic children of their new parents.
And they each clearly have new lives, new origin families, and "growing up" histories that are entirely different than their former lives. They died, and their spirits were reborn into new families. They weren't just "popped" into the uteruses (uteri?) of new surrogate mothers. Their new parents ARE their parents in this new life. They just have intact memories of their prior lives, thanks to Mielikki.
That is quite a lot like the Dax (Star Trek DS9) analogy in some respects. I get what Gyor was trying to say there. Their prior lives and attachments - except for their associations with each other - are fully dead, gone, and in the past. They're like Devas, really, except that their former-life memories aren't faulty.
To me, this really doesn't qualify as a "Bobby Ewing" or a reboot, where their deaths had no meaning and they're all just simply "Raised" from the dead. No, this is something completely different that we've not seen before in the Realms, unless you consider the Reincarnation of the elf Fflar in Baker's books. The companions have been given new lives, their old ones are over... well, except for Drizzt. He's the same old big sensitive lug we all still love.
|
| The Arcanamach |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 04:35:17
quote:
If anyone was going to get resurrected, I wish it would have been Innovindil.......
Now THAT is something I can agree with. |
| BenN |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 04:21:07
I thought it was well-written, but I don't really care for the old companions pulling a Bobby Ewing & coming back from the dead. Of course this is a fantasy genre, but in previous books Drizzt having to cope with losing his friends made the character more believable and likeable.
In future installments, can we assume that none of the companions are going to get bumped-off again? If there is a sense that a character (especially one with whom we empathize) may buy the farm at any time, then the story becomes more engaging (see: Game of Thrones). If there is no such sense, then the story becomes a lot less interesting.
I would have preferred to see what happens between Drizzt, Dahlia, Entreri & co. If anyone was going to get resurrected, I wish it would have been Innovindil....... |
| The Arcanamach |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 04:14:06
Oh also, I don't really agree that their deaths or the meaning of their deaths were undone. They still lived significant lives and died heroically...nothing will change that. Can they out-do their previous lives? Possibly. Will they? Also possible. It all depends on what RAS & Wizbro has in store for the Companions. I agree it will be a tall order, and maybe it wont be possible (or even warranted). RAS, in the (many) years to come...may decide that they will all die peacefully after making the North a much safer place. And that, IMHO, is what THE COMPANIONS themselves would consider a life well-lived...and they will have earned a life of peace in their waning years. Just two coppers for you guys to rub together. Cheers. |
| The Arcanamach |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 04:06:49
Gyor, I see the parallel you're drawing between the Companions and the Dax symbiont, but there is a distinct difference. Dax is passed from one host to another...all of which have completely different genetic material. The Companions, while they SHOULD have wholly new genetic material having been birthed by different parents, clearly do not because they look exactly as they did in their youth. So much, in fact, that Drizzt recognized all them, even Bruenor (whom he never knew as a youth). I think it's safe to say that the miracle performed by Mielikki actually bypasses the parallel to Curzon/Jadzia/Ezri Dax. |
| Krafus |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 00:58:41
[/i]The Companions[/i] is one of the best Salvatore novels. Like other readers, at first I was bummed that Drizzt's old friends were coming back. Couldn't he move on and find new companions? But to Salvatore's credit, he made the old companions come back as different characters to a degree or another, especially Regis, who greatly changed in both personality and abilities. And I have some rather ominous suspicions about Wulfgar... |
| Mirtek |
Posted - 13 Dec 2013 : 00:08:31
quote:
Originally posted by Gyor
None of those death are undone.
But their meaning is undone. For Bruenor and Wulfgar these death were indeed the epic finals of epic lines. Two crowning moments of awesome that surpassed two almost unsurpassable lives. A more fitting end could have hardly been possible.
Now these two epic events are just some fillers in the middle, with a new rest of the show after them that can't really surpass these deathscenes even if Bruenor singlehandly destroyed the kingdom of Many Arrows and throttles the latest Obould barehanded
|
| Chosen of Asmodeus |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 23:55:14
Ok, a web search informed me that those characters are from Star Trek, but beyond that I know absolutely nothing about any of them.
That being said, you and I are going to agree to disagree on the "new characters" thing. Far as I can tell, the changes are just skin deep. |
| Gyor |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 16:31:15
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus
Well, Bob had a choice; he could either choose to bite the bullet and live with the time skip, or he could do what he did and bide his time until he could pull something out of his [expletive deleted] and undo what Wizbro made him do.
Now, as a writer myself, I can certainly sympathize with not liking being told what to do, but then Bob goes and makes some pretty great lemonade with the lemons that he got handed. Bruenor and Wulfgar's deaths were the perfect culmination of their lives. Cat's death was heartbreaking tragedy. Regies got the short end of the stick, true, but aside from that, he wrapped up their stories as best as could be expected; better, really.
And then he goes and undoes all of that. So yea, mission accomplished, Bob; you outlasted the developers and got what you wanted, but in doing so you ruined what good you did in the mean time.
I'm reminded of Marvel Comics, the One More Day storyline, where in order to undo developments that the editor didn't like(i.e., Peter Parker getting married and revealing his secret identity to the public), they came up with a nonsensical, overly complicated, out of character story that trampled on the previous decade and a half of character development, as opposed to writing a story that actually tackled serious issues such as divorce.
So, yea. Far as I'm concerned, The Companions is the One More Day of the Realms. Least there were no deals with the devil involved; Bob can't write devils well to save his life.
None of those death are undone. This isn't a resurrection spell.
Those characters are all died.
These are all new characters who happen to retain the memories of thier past life, but they not really those characters any more then Ezri Dax is Jadzia Dax or Jadzia Dax is Curzon Dax.
Each of these Character's have an interesting conflict between thier past memories and the current lives and families, obligations from the past, aka Drizzt conflict with the lives they have built for themselves.
Catty going to find Drizzt is the equavilant of Jadzia going with Kor, Koloth, and Kang to kill the Albino based on a promise Curzon made to those three. But Jadzia Dax is still a different person compared to Curzon, I doubt Curzon would have married Worf, oh course I can't be certain of that. |
| Euranna |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 14:54:05
Therise, I think you nailed it on the head. It was full of hope and felt like the way the Realms once did, and will again (according to Bob's interviews about wiping the slate clean and getting back to a state of freshness).
I found it very engaging and appreciated the statement of hope to kick of The Sundering. As well as the struggle of our long time friends dealing with their new situations. Having all the knowldge but not the body/status, not an easy thing, and Bob made that very clear.
The Neverwinter saga was dark, but so was the world. They were hard books to read because of that lack of hope. I still liked them and will read them again because they fit the time and environs of the Realms at that point. But, I missed the idealism of past Drizzt novels. Don't get me wrong, I love anti-heros as well, and some not so heroic figures, but I also like my heros to be heros and symbols of hope and ideals that can be difficult to strive towards. :)
It's a good read. |
| sfdragon |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 06:42:40
glad Im not the only one who felt bummed by the end of neverwinter..... glad I sold them back |
| Therise |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 03:19:04
quote:
Originally posted by khanio07
Have any of you read the Companions yet? What do you think about it, I am soon the finish the Last Threshold?
Personally, although I enjoyed the whole Neverwinter series, it was kinda bumming me out by the end of it.
I absolutely LOVED The Companions because it felt hopeful, had good nostalgic moments, and brought character advancement to every one of Drizzt's companions. It felt noble and heroic and wonderful again, like the old Realms novels. 
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| CorellonsDevout |
Posted - 12 Dec 2013 : 02:47:54
It was better than the last several Drizzt books |
| Berkthgar |
Posted - 03 Dec 2013 : 19:55:34
quote:
Originally posted by Caolin
quote:
Originally posted by khanio07
My favorite book was passage to dawn!
I Think I'll get the audiobook of the companions, it makes it so much more engaging I believe
I've been an audiobook freak since I started having to ride the bus to work every day. But for some reason I haven't taken the plunge with the Realms novels yet.
Have you listened to any of the other Realms audiobooks? I'm curious how the voice acting is?
I have listened to all the drizzt books via audiobook. I dont who or what source they came from, my older gave them to me.
BUt let me tell you, listening the hours on end to those audiobooks were the best times of my life. It was just beautiful. it was a mans voice for everything except the icewind dale trilogy.. i love drizzt and his companions |
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