| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| The Sage |
Posted - 12 Dec 2008 : 23:26:09
Well met
This is a Book Club thread for Shadowrealm (Book 3 of The Twilight War trilogy), by Paul S Kemp. Please discuss chapters 13 - 17 and the Epilogue herein. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dennis |
Posted - 24 Jan 2011 : 23:28:11
Thanks, Paul. Discussing this makes me more eager to read your next novel. 2012 is really a long wait... |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 24 Jan 2011 : 14:49:57
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I was wondering, is the Shadowstorm more powerful and catastrophic than the Rain of Fire?
I'd say yes. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 24 Jan 2011 : 14:49:26
quote:
Originally posted by Ecaporaso
This is an excellent series.
The depiction of the ‘Shar-touched lands’ (I forget the precise circumstances, as I read the series a couple months ago – the destroyed area around the central void) evoked such despair and horror. It’s rare that a book draws me into its setting so completely.
The characters were full and real. The fact that I could empathize with a character as despicable as Rivalen is testament to the author’s skill - There’s a beautiful scene where a weeping Rivalen, in (as I interpreted it) a singular showing of remorse, tosses one of his prized coins into the void he helped create.
I’m looking forward to the author’s future work.
Much obliged, Ecaporaso. Thank you.
Paul |
| Dennis |
Posted - 23 Jan 2011 : 06:58:14
That scene showing Rivalen weeping made me think that probably he could still be saved from his madness. But after reading Continuum, where he felt no compunction whatsoever after killing his mother, obstinately standing by and ignoring her mother's last request, I judged the probability turned nil. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 23 Jan 2011 : 06:53:00
Characterization is one of Paul's greatest strengths. Rarely (or never) would you encounter cardboard characters in his novels. |
| Ecaporaso |
Posted - 23 Jan 2011 : 02:19:33
This is an excellent series.
The depiction of the ‘Shar-touched lands’ (I forget the precise circumstances, as I read the series a couple months ago – the destroyed area around the central void) evoked such despair and horror. It’s rare that a book draws me into its setting so completely.
The characters were full and real. The fact that I could empathize with a character as despicable as Rivalen is testament to the author’s skill - There’s a beautiful scene where a weeping Rivalen, in (as I interpreted it) a singular showing of remorse, tosses one of his prized coins into the void he helped create.
I’m looking forward to the author’s future work.
|
| Dennis |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 17:39:02
I was wondering, is the Shadowstorm more powerful and catastrophic than the Rain of Fire?
|
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 26 May 2010 : 19:52:10
quote:
Originally posted by lepra
So far this is my favorite realms novel in my short realms reading career.
And it's one of the rare books that are dedicated to readers not little Timmy, Annabelle or God. Thank you, Paul Kemp! :)
Thanks, Lepra. I'm glad you enjoyed. :-)
Paul |
| lepra |
Posted - 26 May 2010 : 19:06:16
So far this is my favorite realms novel in my short realms reading career.
And it's one of the rare books that are dedicated to readers not little Timmy, Annabelle or God. Thank you, Paul Kemp! :) |
| Dennis |
Posted - 30 Apr 2010 : 17:01:09
I see, Paul. Well, you may not yet be, but soon you will. Who knows, your Godborn will be your ticket to being "one of the best selling fantasy novelists on planet earth." But I think you already are...Besides what's the point of WotC of putting Bestselling Author in the covers of the Twilight War Trilogy if you are not yet one, right?
Anyway, may Tymora bless you and make Godborn a New York Times bestseller! |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 30 Apr 2010 : 14:29:11
quote:
Originally posted by dennis
paul,
A excellent book like this does deserve a hardcover format, so I hope and wish that WoTC will publish the next two in hc. Anyway, I understand that they most probably base their decision on the "project's" potential success ON the success of the author's previous works. So if you wouldn't mind me asking, have your previous books, specially the last trilogy, equaled or surpassed the sales of any Drizzt novels, or any dark elf books released in hc? 
Dennis, even were I inclined, I couldn't speak to sales numbers. It's covered by the confidentiality provisions in the publishing contract(s).
That said, let me disabuse you of a mistaken impression by saying something general: Bob Salvatore is one of the best selling fantasy novelists on planet earth. I am not. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 30 Apr 2010 : 05:33:33
paul,
A excellent book like this does deserve a hardcover format, so I hope and wish that WoTC will publish the next two in hc. Anyway, I understand that they most probably base their decision on the "project's" potential success ON the success of the author's previous works. So if you wouldn't mind me asking, have your previous books, specially the last trilogy, equaled or surpassed the sales of any Drizzt novels, or any dark elf books released in hc? |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 24 Apr 2010 : 13:23:37
quote:
Originally posted by dennis
Thanks Paul. I wonder why WOTC won't publish your works in hardbound format. You've already proven yourself a lot of times that your books are bestsellers...They even published Agents of Artifice in hardbound even though it is just Ari Marmel's first book. Hmmm, when this new book hits NO.1 IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS (which is very likely), mayhap wotc will publish the other 2 in the trilogy in hardbound.
I appreciate the sentiment, Dennis. As you know, format decisions are entirely under the control of WotC. Hopefully I'll see another hardcover one of these days, but WotC has its reasons for the formatting decisions it makes.
But hey, at least my next Star Wars novel will be released in hardcover and the forthcoming Erevis Cale Trilogy omnibus will be in trade paperback (the big, hardcopy sized paperbacks). So that's something. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 24 Apr 2010 : 13:21:13
quote:
Originally posted by Elfinblade
Interesting. Say Paul, as you've slipped that bit of information, mayhaps you could indulge in some more juicy info? Azriim? 
-Stig-
Can't say anything about that right now, Stig. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 24 Apr 2010 : 02:45:58
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by dennis
Hi Paul! I really like this conclusion to the trilogy. 10 out 10 from me. =) I'm always a fan of the Shadovar, and I must say that you give them as much justice as Troy had in the Archwizards. I wonder, though, now that Rivalen has a portion of Mask's divinity, will he be arrogant enough to challenge/dethrone his own father?
Dennis,
I can't really discuss details of the Cycle of Night trilogy, but Rivalen will definitely appear.
Wow! I can't wait....My excitement intensifies every waking hour!
 Thanks Paul. I wonder why WOTC won't publish your works in hardbound format. You've already proven yourself a lot of times that your books are bestsellers...They even published Agents of Artifice in hardbound even though it is just Ari Marmel's first book. Hmmm, when this new book hits NO.1 IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS (which is very likely), mayhap wotc will publish the other 2 in the trilogy in hardbound.
|
| skychrome |
Posted - 21 Apr 2010 : 23:40:55
quote:
Originally posted by Elfinblade
Interesting. Say Paul, as you've slipped that bit of information, mayhaps you could indulge in some more juicy info? Azriim?
Azriim is too busy with shopping clothes than to appear in petty power struggles on Toril. The new spring collection just came out... |
| Elfinblade |
Posted - 21 Apr 2010 : 19:57:53
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by dennis
Hi Paul! I really like this conclusion to the trilogy. 10 out 10 from me. =) I'm always a fan of the Shadovar, and I must say that you give them as much justice as Troy had in the Archwizards. I wonder, though, now that Rivalen has a portion of Mask's divinity, will he be arrogant enough to challenge/dethrone his own father?
Dennis,
I can't really discuss details of the Cycle of Night trilogy, but Rivalen will definitely appear.
Interesting. Say Paul, as you've slipped that bit of information, mayhaps you could indulge in some more juicy info? Azriim?
-Stig- |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 21 Apr 2010 : 19:14:31
quote:
Originally posted by dennis
Hi Paul! I really like this conclusion to the trilogy. 10 out 10 from me. =) I'm always a fan of the Shadovar, and I must say that you give them as much justice as Troy had in the Archwizards. I wonder, though, now that Rivalen has a portion of Mask's divinity, will he be arrogant enough to challenge/dethrone his own father?
Dennis,
I can't really discuss details of the Cycle of Night trilogy, but Rivalen will definitely appear. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 21 Apr 2010 : 02:21:04
Hi Paul! I really like this conclusion to the trilogy. 10 out 10 from me. =) I'm always a fan of the Shadovar, and I must say that you give them as much justice as Troy had in the Archwizards. I wonder, though, now that Rivalen has a portion of Mask's divinity, will he be arrogant enough to challenge/dethrone his own father? |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 30 Mar 2010 : 13:22:21
quote:
Originally posted by Eye of Hores-Re
Hey there Paul. I know I am slow on my FR reading! lol. I just finished this series this weekend. I really enjoyed it a whole lot. I am generally not inclined to like the "dark hero" type characters, but I certainly like yours. Thank you very much for this story. I have already started implementing some of it in my FR game that I run, which has helped me tremendously! Thanks again.
I appreciate that, Horus. Thank you kindly.
Paul |
| Eye of Horus-Re |
Posted - 29 Mar 2010 : 21:35:16
Hey there Paul. I know I am slow on my FR reading! lol. I just finished this series this weekend. I really enjoyed it a whole lot. I am generally not inclined to like the "dark hero" type characters, but I certainly like yours. Thank you very much for this story. I have already started implementing some of it in my FR game that I run, which has helped me tremendously! Thanks again. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 01 Feb 2010 : 14:33:58
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
Great conclusion, all things considered, except for Shar winning yet again. Thanks for the ride Paul!
Thanks, Kyrene. I appreciate that and I'm glad you enjoyed the series. |
| Kyrene |
Posted - 31 Jan 2010 : 11:10:06
I was really not happy with Mask's demise, although, being the trickster that he is, he did hide a part of his divinity within Cale/Mephistopheles, Riven and Rivalen, before being consumed by his mother, Shar. I liked that we were told his name, too.
The Lathanderites and Abelar's redemption in the face of insurmountable odds was well done. So was Mephistopheles' beatdown by Riven. Although I do fear for Riven, from what he said in the Epilogue. Was he becoming less vigilant enough to dare another trip to Cania?
Mags could also have died, in my opinion. He was becoming too much of a liability, but then, even if I didn't like Erevis' death to help him, he was their friend, not mine. I'd probably also give my life for a friend I felt the same way Cale felt about Mags and Riven.
Great conclusion, all things considered, except for Shar winning yet again. Thanks for the ride Paul! |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 28 Jan 2010 : 20:03:10
quote:
Originally posted by TulkaS-
So you re suggesting that i should post it in the other section ?
I think it would be a good idea since you would like to talk about what happens with Shade/Netheril and others things in the future now that Paul is gone and not about what happened in the book, it would be better in the other section. |
| TulkaS- |
Posted - 28 Jan 2010 : 19:28:01
So you re suggesting that i should post it in the other section ? |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 28 Jan 2010 : 19:16:06
quote:
Originally posted by TulkaS-
Now that paul kemp has departed ways with WotC can anyone tell who will evolve through novels the major characters of shade enclave and of the later new born Netheril Empire ? I mean, ok Erevis Cale and Drasek Riven are paul's fictional children (and as a major fan of paul i really gonna miss his presence in the realms ) but Rivalen and Telamont and Brennus aren't ! So does anyone know who will write a novel and when we ll see them again into action?
I think that is a good and valid question, but would be better to have it's own scroll in the Novels section. And I hope some of those threads are picked up in future novels. |
| TulkaS- |
Posted - 28 Jan 2010 : 19:10:23
Now that paul kemp has departed ways with WotC can anyone tell who will evolve through novels the major characters of shade enclave and of the later new born Netheril Empire ? I mean, ok Erevis Cale and Drasek Riven are paul's fictional children (and as a major fan of paul i really gonna miss his presence in the realms ) but Rivalen and Telamont and Brennus aren't ! So does anyone know who will write a novel and when we ll see them again into action? |
| Firestorm |
Posted - 25 Oct 2009 : 21:37:49
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
GEV,
Thank you kindly. Godborn is scheduled for release in July 2010.
TS, I never spelled out all of the 13 Truths, so that remains an open item.
Errm. One thing I have been curious about since seeing the new cover art.
In the last few books, Mask called the events coming "The cycle of Shadows". Now the new series is called "The cycle of night"? Was that an intentional change?
Kind of like how I saw a preview short in another books for "Shadowbred, Shadowstorm, and Shadoworld", and Shadoworld was changed to shadowrealm after awhile.
Just curious |
| Firestorm |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 05:41:11
I finally read the short Story "The Lady and the Shadow", which depicts Alashar Crywinds being hired to assassinate Telamont Tanthul "Shadow", so it filled in a few of the curiosity blanks I had regarding matters:)
|
| Copper Elven Vampire |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 13:33:48
July 2010? What shall I do until then? I know... quench the thirst with Erik SDB. Have you read Downshadow yet Paul? Holy jumping Jergal!!! If only the two of you could cross over characters in a series!
Anyway... I await 2010, and Godborn.
A serious fan,
GEV |
