| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 30 Aug 2007 : 09:28:43
Well met
This is a Book Club thread for Shadowstorm (Book 2 of The Twilight War trilogy), by Paul S Kemp. Please discuss chapters 13 - 17 herein. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dennis |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 17:39:06
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
paul I hate to point out the obvious ...but here goes....
The beggar was Cyric, pretenting to be Mask, pretending to be a beggar. Phew!
Agreed. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 17:37:40
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Im a little surprised he finds Tamlin to have "Potential", and has taken a fondness to him, but living in his fathers shadow would cast some empathy to the situation.
So was I. Tamlin struck me as a weakling. So I don't know what's gotten into Rivalen's mind that he saw him that way.
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
His role in the battle with the dragon was SUPER.
'Tis one of my favorite battle scenes. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 12 Feb 2008 : 16:21:27
quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
I finished Shadowstorm as well. And basically, there is not much to say other than 'Splendid work, entirely!' I enjoyed the last chapters as much as I enjoyed the first book of the trilogy and all previous chapters of this book.
A few magnificent parts that I recall and have not commented on before:
- the summoning of the elementals to burn the city and crush the city walls. I lovved the idea and the discription of the circle magic to summon them. Great thinking!
- the Simulacrum - Great fight, great intrigue, devestating realisation!
- Abelar tasting his 'darker' side is very interesting as well, even though I would have liked to see him a little more stedfast in his trust towards his God. As was mentioned before, I also hope he does not end up as a blackguard. Where would be the light in Sembia than?!
- And finally the ending: Valumvax and his tower on the prime! Can't wait to see how this will be continued in the last book!
Thank you, Paul!
I appreciate that, Erg. Thank you kindly. 
Paul |
| Ergdusch |
Posted - 12 Feb 2008 : 15:35:18
I finished Shadowstorm as well. And basically, there is not much to say other than 'Splendid work, entirely!' I enjoyed the last chapters as much as I enjoyed the first book of the trilogy and all previous chapters of this book.
A few magnificent parts that I recall and have not commented on before:
- the summoning of the elementals to burn the city and crush the city walls. I lovved the idea and the discription of the circle magic to summon them. Great thinking!
- the Simulacrum - Great fight, great intrigue, devestating realisation!
- Abelar tasting his 'darker' side is very interesting as well, even though I would have liked to see him a little more stedfast in his trust towards his God. As was mentioned before, I also hope he does not end up as a blackguard. Where would be the light in Sembia than?!
- And finally the ending: Valumvax and his tower on the prime! Can't wait to see how this will be continued in the last book!
Thank you, Paul! |
| alarion |
Posted - 03 Dec 2007 : 14:58:10
Greetings, Paul (and anyone else)
I have just finished the second book of the "Twilight Wars Trilogy", "Shadowstorm" (actually, a finished the book some time ago, but I couldn't reply here earlier).
I was really amazing by the end. Splendid work!
I will try to not be so long in my comment. Simply to say that Rivalen Thantul take the big role in the book. He is awesome!
I would just say that in the case of Tamlin Uskreven being corrupt by Sharīs grace made me think in the character of Keph, from the book "Mistress of the Night" (a character that I really dindīt like, or to be clear, a character that isnīt interesting). But in the case of the son of Thamalon, it was good anyway, since Tamlin needed some shine of his own.
In the case of Abelar Corrinthal I was a little disappointed. It was a good character, a true paladin in the first book, but, therefore, his relationship with Lathander is not one of devotion, but one of "interest". This means that if he doesnīt get what he want, he just blame his god... well, I think this doesnīt work good in the book, Abelar could be upset, but renegate his past, his deeds, everything... I really look forward to not see him become another blackguard of whatever god.
May he stay in the light, Paul!! |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 04 Oct 2007 : 02:32:51
Indeed, I'm very excited about that story! |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 16:14:25
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I did miss Varra (after several books we still don't know much about her!), but I have the feeling I'll get to see more of her in the next novel.
Thank you, RF. And Varra (and Rivalen) play a large role in my short story, "Continuum," which will appear in Realms of War.
Thanks for the heads up Paul. Interesting charcters to be sure! |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 14:18:50
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I did miss Varra (after several books we still don't know much about her!), but I have the feeling I'll get to see more of her in the next novel.
Thank you, RF. And Varra (and Rivalen) play a large role in my short story, "Continuum," which will appear in Realms of War. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 02:23:34
Finished reading this novel a couple days ago, but didn't get around to commenting until now.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel. Seriously, Mr. Kemp, you truly have a knack for not only telling a good story, but making all the pieces "fit together" thematically. I did miss Varra (after several books we still don't know much about her!), but I have the feeling I'll get to see more of her in the next novel. The Abelar story arc took a surprising and unexpected turn--when I first "met" Abelar I would never have expected him to fall from grace like he did. I also loved the interaction between Rivalen and Tamlin--those were probably my favorite scenes, I have to agree that Tamlin's ultimate path was highly probable, if not inevitable. As for Rivalen...I can't believe I actually like this character. He deserves to die, but he's the type of villain that I love rather than love to hate...or just hate.
Take care,
RF |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 20:21:21
paul I hate to point out the obvious ...but here goes....
The beggar was Cyric, pretenting to be Mask, pretending to be a beggar. Phew! |
| TobyKikami |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 17:44:43
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
TobiK,
I'm greatly pleased that you enjoyed the novel.
As for your question: Someone on my blog asked the same question and theorized that the beggar, if he was real and not merely a figment of Elyril's increasingly strange halucinations, was either Mask or Cyric. Interesting, no?
I will tell you that the beggar was real, and was either Mask or Cyric, but you'll have to decide for yourself which it was (or PM me and I'll stop being coy and tell you outright ; I just think some things are fun to leave open).
Okay, I'll bite... or I would, if you took PMs. As of this post, seems that you don't. Ooh, subtle. I get the picture.
EDIT: Thanks for the message. It doesn't list any contact info in your profile (at least for me), and I couldn't send one from the form. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 14:02:52
quote:
Originally posted by TobyKikami
Read it, finished it, loved it... and now for a completely petty question. Was there anything more to that one beggar who seemed to Know Things about Elyril, i.e. that she's a priestess? Of course, it can be readily explained by "she's nuts," but after the one scene in Shadowbred I'm more inclined to scrutinize seemingly random beggars who Know Things.
TobiK,
I'm greatly pleased that you enjoyed the novel.
As for your question: Someone on my blog asked the same question and theorized that the beggar, if he was real and not merely a figment of Elyril's increasingly strange halucinations, was either Mask or Cyric. Interesting, no?
I will tell you that the beggar was real, and was either Mask or Cyric, but you'll have to decide for yourself which it was (or PM me and I'll stop being coy and tell you outright ; I just think some things are fun to leave open). |
| TobyKikami |
Posted - 25 Sep 2007 : 22:53:29
Read it, finished it, loved it... and now for a completely petty question. Was there anything more to that one beggar who seemed to Know Things about Elyril, i.e. that she's a priestess? Of course, it can be readily explained by "she's nuts," but after the one scene in Shadowbred I'm more inclined to scrutinize seemingly random beggars who Know Things. |
| Braveheart |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 08:59:08
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
[quote]
I was flipping through "Powers of Faerun" today and noticed that it mentions a conflict between the Risen Sun heresy and the shades. Is this canon (and therefore does it correlate with your storyline?) or is it just some plotline for DM?
Braveheart,
Eric Boyd read a draft of Shadowstorm (and Shadowbred, too) well before their respective releases. I'm not entirely sure if the reference you mentioned reflects him incorporating something he read in one of those drafts, or if it's just an instance of the FR hivemind.
There is a reference in either Powers or the 3.5 EQuivalent of Lords of Darkness (why the name escapes me I don't know) which, when discussing the Church of Shar, mentions a mysterious High Priest who was organizing the various Sharran cells in Sembia under his leadership. That was a reference to Rivalen and the events of the coming Twilight War, if I recall correctly.
There's a timeline for the Risen Sun heresy (RSH( in "Powers of Faerun" describing events that are taking place in 1374 DR. It mentions that Brennus Tanthul is severely wounded as some clercis of the RSH attack a shade camp near the ruins of Karse. A few months later three princes of Shade attack the RHS in their stronghold and are driven off. The leader of the RHS then performs a "miracle" bei resurrecting most of the fallen.
This probably occurs before Shadowbred and Shadowstorm, I'm not sure which year exactly they are set in. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 12 Sep 2007 : 14:19:29
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
[quote]
I was flipping through "Powers of Faerun" today and noticed that it mentions a conflict between the Risen Sun heresy and the shades. Is this canon (and therefore does it correlate with your storyline?) or is it just some plotline for DM?
Braveheart,
Eric Boyd read a draft of Shadowstorm (and Shadowbred, too) well before their respective releases. I'm not entirely sure if the reference you mentioned reflects him incorporating something he read in one of those drafts, or if it's just an instance of the FR hivemind.
There is a reference in either Powers or the 3.5 EQuivalent of Lords of Darkness (why the name escapes me I don't know) which, when discussing the Church of Shar, mentions a mysterious High Priest who was organizing the various Sharran cells in Sembia under his leadership. That was a reference to Rivalen and the events of the coming Twilight War, if I recall correctly. |
| Braveheart |
Posted - 12 Sep 2007 : 09:12:57
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
The battle between Rivalen and the green dragon was fun to read, are we going the see more of the Cult in Shadowrealm? The dragon certainly won't forget the encounter...
Fun is good. As for whether those of the Scaly Way will once more rear their heads, well...you'll have to wait and see.
 - but it's nearly a year until Shadowrealm is going to be available.. *whine*
I was flipping through "Powers of Faerun" today and noticed that it mentions a conflict between the Risen Sun heresy and the shades. Is this canon (and therefore does it correlate with your storyline?) or is it just some plotline for DM? |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 20:51:32
quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
I'm really pleased Abelar's story worked for you, Red Walker. I enjoyed writing his whole arc.
Paul
It shows in your work. I would think it would be hard to do writing of that quality without really enjoying your characters. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 10:54:32
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Great Work once again Paul.
I loved what you did with Ablar.
He was almost too good. Then they took his son and killed his people.
It was interesting to see what he went through, decide what he needed to do about it, then realize what it could cost him.
Then he just decided that he didn't give a damn what the cost was, he had to do it. Because he couldn't face his son if he didn't.....even if he wasn't sure he could face him after he did!
Great stuff!!!
I'm really pleased Abelar's story worked for you, Red Walker. I enjoyed writing his whole arc.
Paul |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 10:53:56
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
The battle between Rivalen and the green dragon was fun to read, are we going the see more of the Cult in Shadowrealm? The dragon certainly won't forget the encounter...
Fun is good. As for whether those of the Scaly Way will once more rear their heads, well...you'll have to wait and see.
|
| ywhtptgtfo |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 00:53:57
Ok, I finally finished the book (I only skimmed through it the first time). I think it is one of the best FR books I've read this year. I hope there will be a cat-fight between Selune and Shar in the third book. |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 10 Sep 2007 : 19:24:35
Great Work once again Paul.
I loved what you did with Ablar.
He was almost too good. Then they took his son and killed his people.
It was interesting to see what he went through, decide what he needed to do about it, then realize what it could cost him.
Then he just decided that he didn't give a damn what the cost was, he had to do it. Because he couldn't face his son if he didn't.....even if he wasn't sure he could face him after he did!
Great stuff!!! |
| Braveheart |
Posted - 09 Sep 2007 : 20:12:15
A very interesting read and certainly one of the best FR novels (so far ). It was interesting to witness how Abelar continually doubts his faith and finally giving in to his doubts when presented with his son's abduction. His despair was certainly a sweet gift for Shar.
I'm not sure how to interpret Rivens comment after Abelar killed Forrin, but it seems to me that Abelar may turn to Mask, witnessing which great deeds Mask's Chosen can achieve. Quite the same actually as happened with Tamlin and Shar: only wanting to see the bright side of the coin. Continuing this Star-Wars-analogy, would Tamlin then become Darth Vader, the servant of Rivalen who redeems himself in the end?
The battle between Rivalen and the green dragon was fun to read, are we going the see more of the Cult in Shadowrealm? The dragon certainly won't forget the encounter...
|
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 08 Sep 2007 : 20:08:09
quote:
Originally posted by ywhtptgtfo
[quote]One question for Mr. Kemp btw: Did someone cast a resurrection spell on Rivalen after the events of "Return of the Archwizards" trilogy or did he simply survive the encounter?
ywhtptgtfo,
That is being left deliberately unanswered at the moment. Sorry about that. |
| ywhtptgtfo |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 23:29:51
quote:
He was already starting to question it a little when he was pondering why the Risen Sun Heretics still got their abilities from Lathander. He got away from wondering about this when duty called, and especially when he was provided with miracles from Lathander to bolster his faith, but all of that came crashing down when his son was taken from him.
Interestingly enough, the same issue has been brought up in "Mistress of the Night" (also features Variance and her fellow Sharrans!) where heretics of Selune are also given the same treatment. I guess we'll wait to find out if the rationale behind this is the same or not (although, I kind of have the feeling that those guys may not be heretics at all... due to the rumoured 4th ed pantheon-revamping).
One question for Mr. Kemp btw: Did someone cast a resurrection spell on Rivalen after the events of "Return of the Archwizards" trilogy or did he simply survive the encounter? |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 17:53:49
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
but Tamlin actively tore into what he was and sacrificed people to Shar. In a way, its really sad, and I almost hope that his family doesn't have to see him in this manner.
It is sad, but foreseeable, I think. The essential core of Tamlin's character was/is his need for approval from a powerful, competent father figure. That's why his father's quiet disappointment hurt him so much, and why Cale's sometimes less than quiet contempt for him hurt just as badly (this, incidentally, reflects a failure of Cale's character, too, in that he could have done more to bring Tamlin along than just offer censure). Tamlin's falling under Rivalen's sway (and Rivalen's qualified fondness for him) was more or less inevitable, given the context.
And Rivalen is a persuasive dude, after all (Palpatine's got nothing on him ). |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 17:35:59
As far as Abelar and his son's abduction causing him to loose faith, I'd argue that its not just his son's abduction. That was the catalyst. He was already starting to question it a little when he was pondering why the Risen Sun Heretics still got their abilities from Lathander. He got away from wondering about this when duty called, and especially when he was provided with miracles from Lathander to bolster his faith, but all of that came crashing down when his son was taken from him.
I think that the miracles were just a sort of "band aid" to his faith, and that the infection had already started when he realized that Lathander may not be more inclined to agree with the "traditional" Latherderites over the heretics.
Had these events taken place over a longer stretch of time, he may have had no problem reconciling his beleifs to what he had been presented with. Taken all together within a few days of one another, its a lot to assume that any man will be able to deal with.
We don't know that he is forever a man who has lost his faith. He may return yet to Lathander (though he may never have the outlook to be a paladin again) or he may find that his true path is along a different way. But I woulndn't call it a failing on his part that his faith lapsed when tested. |
| PaulSKemp |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 11:12:39
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I do think its kind of interesting that a lot of people in this book do seem to run smack dab into a crisis of faith. Rivalen runs into this when he wonders about his father knowing about his murder of his mother. Elyril runs into it when it comes to the Nightseer turning on her, and in a away, Tamlin's "crisis" of lack of faith, feeling that he should have some faith, kind of falls into this category.
KeJr,
I do enjoy raising matters of faith with my characters. I hope it works for the readers. This whole matter gets framed by Cale and Riven back in Shadowbred: "What kind of faith never doubts, Riven?" "What kind of faith always doubts, Cale?"
Those are interesting questions, I think. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 02:31:07
I didn't want to jump straight to Abelar, but on the theme of Abelar and his faith, there are a couple of interesting aspects to this. You could argue that a faith never tested really isn't faith. As far as Rivalen's faith, I would say that his biggest test was killing his mother to convert his father. Abelar, if he does return to Lathander, might end up having a stronger faith than ever. And if he doesn't, then he needs to find what will fulfill him in his life.
I do think its kind of interesting that a lot of people in this book do seem to run smack dab into a crisis of faith. Rivalen runs into this when he wonders about his father knowing about his murder of his mother. Elyril runs into it when it comes to the Nightseer turning on her, and in a away, Tamlin's "crisis" of lack of faith, feeling that he should have some faith, kind of falls into this category.
I didn't think I would, and I kind of saw it coming, and yet Tamlin's "moment of choice" really was, even moreso than Abelar's was a point of no return. Abelar may never be a pure servant of Lathander, being able to strike without questioning his motives, but Tamlin actively tore into what he was and sacrificed people to Shar. In a way, its really sad, and I almost hope that his family doesn't have to see him in this manner.
I really liked Rivalen's fight with the dragon. On one hand it reinforced how powerful he was and how much of a force of nature a dragon is at the same time. The scene would have been easy to ruin with Rivalen overpowering the dragon easily, but it would have been equally bad to have seen Rivalen as completely ineffective against it. It struck me as just right.
|
| Arkhaedun |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 02:21:52
Ahem . . . little friendly reminder time. Nobody has really done anything over the line at this point, but lets avoid discussing any real world religions or politics, as is the standard way we do things here at Candlekeep. Such discussions can easily get heated and go in directions not intended, and hurt feelings not meant to be inflamed.
Thanks all. |
| Iliphar1 |
Posted - 06 Sep 2007 : 23:02:59
quote:
Abelar is rather reflective of the attitudes shown by many Christians and Catholics these days.
... and I thought, that Catholics are Christians as well
Your observation seems to be often true, there are some faithful people (I wouldn't attribute that only to Christians though!) who believe, they know, how their God acts, and when things happen, that shouldn't happen according to their own teachings, they angrily reject God.
In that sense, Abelar's crisis of faith might be a way to more closer understanding of his deity (if he returns to his faith of course)
I'm indeed very curious about Abelar's future! It's good to know, that good deities practice Grace and Forgivness |
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