| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 30 Apr 2006 : 17:32:50
Well met
This is a Book Club thread for The Ruin (Book 3 of The Year of Rogue Dragons Trilogy), by Richard Lee Byers. Please discuss the prologue and chapters 1 - 3 herein.
Richard Lee Byers will be here to answer any questions and respond to comments  |
| 27 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dennis |
Posted - 01 May 2011 : 05:34:06
Rereading some chapters for some research on dragons. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 15 Mar 2011 : 12:09:07
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
The CLASSIC purpose of a prologue, drawn from the ancient (or "Classic"-era, if your prefer) plays the term was lifted from, is to provide an introduction to the main narrative by sharing with the audience/reader a short scene, event, or lore-bit that occurred before the main story, and "sets it up" in the reader's appreciation/comprehension.
love,
THO
To me, it's the same as my aforementioned definition. The 'setting up' has to be gripping. Of course, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's a guarantee the entire novel will be much, much interesting. The prologue of Rage of a Demon King, for instance, is so engrossing, but half of the book is dedicated to boring scenes about Erik. |
| Lady Fellshot |
Posted - 15 Mar 2011 : 05:28:11
Well, It would be more of a gripper if I wasn't pretty sure the characters in it are going to visit the Fugue Plane before the book ends. (No, I have not read further yet, just looking at the trend from the past two books.) |
| The Hooded One |
Posted - 15 Mar 2011 : 02:05:12
"A prologue is supposed to elicit from the reader the mad desire to postpone whatever it is that he is about to do and just continue devouring the book."
I know a lot of marketing department folks who would agree with this one hundred percent, but as an editor, I agree with it only if you modify it to say: "One of the uses of a prologue is to elicit from the reader the mad desire to postpone whatever it is that he is about to do and just continue devouring the book."
The CLASSIC purpose of a prologue, drawn from the ancient (or "Classic"-era, if your prefer) plays the term was lifted from, is to provide an introduction to the main narrative by sharing with the audience/reader a short scene, event, or lore-bit that occurred before the main story, and "sets it up" in the reader's appreciation/comprehension.
None of which is meant to imply that RLB's prologue in THE RUIN isn't a gripper.
love,
THO |
| Lady Fellshot |
Posted - 15 Mar 2011 : 00:47:14
Well, I've finished the first section of The Ruin. I have to say that so far I like it a lot more than the Rite (which was starting to irritate me towards the end). I'm so glad that the story seems to be returning to the pace that the Rage had.
I've been enjoying Taegan and Jivex the most so far, although I am quite happy that a solution has been found for Kara's Hungry Tiger malaise and Dorn's hedgehog dilemma has disappeared after he had a few pleasantly sleepless nights. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 02:35:54
A prologue is supposed to elicit from the reader the mad desire to postpone whatever it is that he is about to do and just continue devouring the book. The prologue of this book did just that.
I agree with the rest that the battle with the linnorn was nicely done. But I was hoping that at least one of them would die.
I like all the characters except the half golem hero. Richard had always used wizards as primary protagonists. I was surprised that in this trilogy he veered from that path.
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| Dennis |
Posted - 04 Oct 2010 : 02:29:21
quote:
Originally posted by brownfox
quote:
Originally posted by ShadowJack
Wow! Just got to the part with the Linnorn... What the hell is a linnorn, anyway? Great book. I too would like to know what /who the druids of Sossal are warring againist? I love the tension between Brimstone and the band. Very nice. You can feeel his hate through the pages...
Here it is...hate to meet this one anywhere!
It looks like that river monster from a hit Korean movie that was released worldwide (forgot the title), albeit more horrible and fearsome.
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| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 16 Nov 2006 : 19:49:13
quote:
Originally posted by brownfox
quote:
Originally posted by ShadowJack
Wow! Just got to the part with the Linnorn... What the hell is a linnorn, anyway? Great book. I too would like to know what /who the druids of Sossal are warring againist? I love the tension between Brimstone and the band. Very nice. You can feeel his hate through the pages...
Here it is...hate to meet this one anywhere!
They look almost like evil canines to me.
By the way, I have to say the battle with the linnorn was great, because I could definitely feel a palpable sense of desperation amongst our band of heroes. I was NOT certain that they'd come out in one piece from that encounter.
Great book so far. |
| brownfox |
Posted - 30 May 2006 : 02:57:50
quote:
Originally posted by ShadowJack
Wow! Just got to the part with the Linnorn... What the hell is a linnorn, anyway? Great book. I too would like to know what /who the druids of Sossal are warring againist? I love the tension between Brimstone and the band. Very nice. You can feeel his hate through the pages...
Here it is...hate to meet this one anywhere! |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 22 May 2006 : 03:08:49
I thought it was cool to see a linnorm in the book. I remember WAY back when they first appeared in Dragon magazine, and I never quite found a way to work one into a campaign. Definately one bad customer. |
| darkcrow |
Posted - 22 May 2006 : 03:00:30
It definitly is good to see these characters again. Especially Pavel and Will. They always get me laughing. This story is very well written, along with book one and two. All the characters are unique with thier own personality. You really feel like you've know every one of them your whole life. The story moves at a great pace. Not to slow and dragged out and not to fast and rushed. When they meet with the Linnorm, I believe Brimstone when he states that he was controlled by the Linnorm. He has more to lose than to gain for the attempt of eliminating his companions. Now they have to deal with the Ice Queen. When I first heard the name my first thought was the movie Narnia. It would seem that they certainly got themselves in deep this time. I must read more to find out. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 15 May 2006 : 15:39:27
And on top of all of that, I forgot to mention that I was also pleased about the references to Sossal, one of the few FR regions that seems, in every edition, to only get peripheral mention, despite the fact that way back in 1e we were told it was a new frontier that had been opened.
But we know they make good furniture.
Since Sossal was again mentioned in Power of Faerun, it was nice to see this come up here as well. |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 15 May 2006 : 08:37:28
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I like Jivex as well. I think in a way its kind of a throwback to Darkwalker on Moonshae to get to see a faerie dragon contribute to the storyline.
Including Iraclyea in the story threw me for a loop. I wasn't quite expecting that story turn, but yet it makes sense for where the story is leading. I'll be looking forward to seeing how Sammaster and the Ice Queen forged their alliance, or how formal it is.
I totally agree! Jivex is great and he always reminded me of the Moonshae's when I first encountered him. I love faeriedragons so was very happy when one appeared in this trilogy 
The Ice Queen element really threw me too, it was completely unexpected, but isn't on a random tangent as orginally thought
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I have to say, the prologue and the first three chapters have really hooked me in more than I was expecting they would. Its been a great read so far, and I can't wait to dig in some more.
Good work so far Richard!
Ditto again! I always worry a little about the final book in a series, and I was expecting this book to be good, but not great. So far, i've definately been proved wrong and am loving every moment |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 15 May 2006 : 04:12:40
Finally getting a chance to sink into this one. Definately a good read so far.
I have to admit I think that Taegan is the most interesting of the group, perhaps because it seemed to take him the longest to really get on board (or perhaps its that I read the short story in Dragon that introduced him before I started the series). I also like the idea of someone trained and obviously skillful in an elven art, as a bladesinger, that has little respect for elven things. I get the feeling that eventually, just as he has started to respect elven ways, eventually he is going to see a bit more about avariels specifically.
I like Jivex as well. I think in a way its kind of a throwback to Darkwalker on Moonshae to get to see a faerie dragon contribute to the storyline.
Including Iraclyea in the story threw me for a loop. I wasn't quite expecting that story turn, but yet it makes sense for where the story is leading. I'll be looking forward to seeing how Sammaster and the Ice Queen forged their alliance, or how formal it is.
Another note on how the Great Glacier has come into the story. While I have always liked the idea of the Great Glacier, I always felt that the old sourcebook spent too much time on the humans there, and tying them too much to real world arctic inhabitants, and not enough time on the really fun fantasy elements of the region. (as a side note, Ed did a fine job of balancing the Bedine and their psuedo historical culture, and the Phaerimm, Netherese ruins, asabis, illithids, and the like). Since I felt that way, I have to say that I really like how Richard has focused on Iraclyea, the artic dwarves, the kupuk, and the monsters of the region, which to me are more interesting in a fantasy standpoint.
I love the tension between Pavel and Brimstone so far, though I will admit, with so much tension already in the party, the jokes between Pavel and Will wear a bit more thin than they did when everyone seemed to be a happy go lucky adventuring party. Okay, Dorn was never happy go lucky.
Speaking of Dorn, I like him as an awkward character plotting new territory as Kara's lover than I did as the constantly brooding tough guy. While I have really enjoyed all the books and I have liked all of the characters, Dorn has been toward the end of the list on my favorite characters in the book up until this book. Nothing against him, but I liked Taegan, Pavel, and Raryn a lot more than Dorn (Will is fun, but feels more like a foil to Pavel than his own character, which I'm not saying is a bad thing either).
I have to say, the prologue and the first three chapters have really hooked me in more than I was expecting they would. Its been a great read so far, and I can't wait to dig in some more.
Good work so far Richard! |
| Beezy |
Posted - 15 May 2006 : 02:37:53
I don't have source books either so I usually have to picture it in my head from the description only |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 11:10:31
quote:
Originally posted by Reader
I'm not sure, but think this is the "Icy claw": http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/devil.htm#iceDevilGelugon
Thanks Reader I read a little further on in the book which explained more of what is was also. Shame there's no picture, i'll check the core books when I get home later.
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| Reader |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 10:51:52
I'm not sure, but think this is the "Icy claw": http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/devil.htm#iceDevilGelugon |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 08:44:09
quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
I agree that Brimstone is a really interesting character. I had wondered what sort of races and creatures were prone to becoming a vampire. So I always enjoy Brimstone and his interactions with Pavel.
The battle with the Linnorn has been one of the best parts of the novel so far. RLB gives you a good sense of the creatures age and power, and he was even able to take control of Brimstone and have him attack the party. So not only were they dealing with a very powerful and ancient beast they had to also fight a vampiric dragon as well.
hehehehe  Yeah, things are stacking up against them a bit... i'd have given up long before now  |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 08:42:59
Wow! 
The end of chapter three was stunning! I was shocked when they all feel ill with the poison and Wurik punches Raryn!
That squad from the Ice Queen was excellent. The "Icy Claw" is pretty damn scary too! What the hell is it? Is it detailed anywhere? So ruthless and intelligent as well. I loved how it tried to tap Wurik's mind to see what he was hiding and how Wurik tried to fill his mind with thoughts of telling the trust.
Nice too how the frost giants kicked the houses apart to let the human warriors go through and search.
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| Reader |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 23:16:01
Great book!! I really like all the references to Faerun lore and the expansions of it. Oh, and the Linnorn can be found in Monster Manual II. |
| EytanBernstein |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 06:54:25
They are essentially enormous primeval malevolent land wyrms. |
| ShadowJack |
Posted - 12 May 2006 : 20:55:28
Wow! Just got to the part with the Linnorn... What the hell is a linnorn, anyway? Great book. I too would like to know what /who the druids of Sossal are warring againist? I love the tension between Brimstone and the band. Very nice. You can feeel his hate through the pages... |
| Beezy |
Posted - 12 May 2006 : 18:00:53
I agree that Brimstone is a really interesting character. I had wondered what sort of races and creatures were prone to becoming a vampire. So I always enjoy Brimstone and his interactions with Pavel.
The battle with the Linnorn has been one of the best parts of the novel so far. RLB gives you a good sense of the creatures age and power, and he was even able to take control of Brimstone and have him attack the party. So not only were they dealing with a very powerful and ancient beast they had to also fight a vampiric dragon as well. |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 12 May 2006 : 17:47:29
Onto chapter 3...(i'm only part way in at the moment)
Amazing scene! There was really a sense of being out in the open and exposed and vulnerable. The whiteout was quite scary!
Again, it's nice to visit another area of the Realms which hasn't been touched upon. Those Kupuks and Tirichiks were fantastic too! Are these two creatures detailed anywhere? I think i've seen the Kupuk's somewhere before (Great Glacier accessory?)
I felt sorry for those Kupuks when Joylin found them slain and being feased upon  A nasty sight and a frightening situation. Great writing how the next scene switches to Wills point of view at the Tirichiks smashing down the dwelling where Joylin is cowering.
Nice touch too how Raryn noticed some similiarities of his brother in Joylin.
Ice Queen!? now that looks like an interesting secret
So far, amazing book and it just never lets up! Fantastic pace and flavour and very well written. |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 12 May 2006 : 17:37:36
The scene with the linnorn is great! This was really well described and put a nice dark edge onto the scene. I was gutted when Brimstone went mad, very clever how he turned it around though and said that the linnorn was controlling him.... was he? wasn't he? hmmmmm
I liked how it showed Brimstone's respect for the linnorn as he flew off before day broke. Nice!
It made me chuckle aloud when Dorn (I think) said to Will about trying to kill the linnorn and Will responded with "what do you think i was trying to do, treat it to a sausage and a jack of ale" 
I just love the whole situation between the band and Brimstone. I'm sure he won't make it through the book and i'll be sad to see him go |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 12 May 2006 : 17:28:52
I'm just in chapter 3 at the moment and am absolutely loving this book
I thought the prologue was just beautifully done. I was so happy to see it set in Sossal too - a place i've always wanted to read about. The dragon flight was so well done and was a great start to the book. I loved those druids too and how they all melded with nature when they fled.
Chapter 1 opened up nice with Taegan and Jivex... gave me a nice homely feeling to meet the old clan again
The meeting with the Nars was good too and it was great to see Brimstone again. He's one of my favorite characters in this series. Funny when he had a Nar warrior in his claws and impaled on this teeth I mean.. I liked how Pavel reacted to Brimstone's actions too as it's against his vows.
I'm wondering about the odd reactions that Will is having to the spells and the amulet... something is underlying here eerie
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| Alaundo |
Posted - 09 May 2006 : 21:08:01
Moved to relevant thread:
quote:
Originally posted by Krendar
I just picked up my copy today from Borders. Since my only real experience to the realms is reading the novels, I am unfamiliar with who the druids of Sossal are battling against. Could someone please fill me in?
I really liked the suprise attack by a flight of white dragons.
Well, now it is time to get to the meat of the story.
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