| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| hawkytom |
Posted - 28 Apr 2008 : 23:24:03
Hello, fellow FR fans, readers, scholars and authors! I just finished another set of books and was wondering if anybody had some insight into which novels I should start next!
(I've acquired the entire collection of FR novels, but still have numerous books left to read! This is where I'm looking for some suggestions.)
In order, so far I've read:
-Pools Trilogy
-Finder's Stone Trilogy + Masquerades
-Shandril's Saga
-Empires Trilogy
-Maztica Trilogy
-Moonshae Trilogy
-Druidhome Trilogy
Trying to avoid the Drizzt/RAS books until last, and also stories that are still ongoing. Also I've started to try and read the books as they came out, for instance: Darkwalker on Moonshae, which lead me to read that trilogy followed by Druidhome Trilogy.
So which books do you think I should start reading next? Kind of going for a chronological thing, but it's hard to decide! There are so many factors that make me not sure which book to start next!
Are there any books/series I should try to read early on(asap) because they are very in depth setting the stage for following novels or just in general throughout the realms? Trying to avoid reading books that refer to events that have occurred in books I haven't read yet, etc...
1). I was thinking about reading the Avatar series and then Shadow of Avatar next, but in what order?? Avatar Trilogy then,Prince of Lies and The Crucible Trial of Cyric the Mad, followed by Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy? Or??? Please help.
2). If there are different books I should start before, which are they!?
3). Confused about the "Realms of/Best of" books, the anthologies...is there anywhere online that goes over what the stories in the novels contain? Or what novels they are related to, follow up or prelude into, etc...
Thanks for all your help if you've read this all and reply!!!  |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| hawkytom |
Posted - 01 May 2008 : 22:42:22
Well I decided to start with the Avatar trilogy , thank you all for your input!
I also read a few short stories in the anthologies novels that were related to some of the books I've read!
Lord of Lowhill in Realms of Valor by D. Niles, which featured Pawldo the halfling from moonshae books.
The First Moonwell in Realms of Magic by D. Niles, about the Earthmother/Goddess of Moonshaes.
The Common Spell in Realms of Magic by K. Novak & J. Grubb, with appearances from Alias & Dragonbait from Finder Stone/Masquerades.
They were all good reads! I think those were all the short stories related to the books I've read, but not positive.
Thanks again everybody! |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 30 Apr 2008 : 04:03:33
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
A lot of people suggest reading the Dark Elf trilogy before the Icewind Dale trilogy, but I did the opposite and it worked out just fine.
I've done both. I originally read the books in publication order. Since then, I've gone back and read them in chronological order.
I always recommend chronological, but that's because it makes the most sense to me. I recommend that for any series, be it FR or something like the Jack Ryan books. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 30 Apr 2008 : 02:16:11
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Also, unless you're one of those unfortunate people (like my dad) who has to read every book in a series all at once, so you're doomed if you start a not-finished series . . . there's no reason you can't read the various arcs of Drizzt at different times.
True. There's no rule saying you have to read any book in any order, although jumping around haphazardly might not be satisfying for most people, either.
As always, do what you think works best for you. A lot of people suggest reading the Dark Elf trilogy before the Icewind Dale trilogy, but I did the opposite and it worked out just fine.
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| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 30 Apr 2008 : 01:49:09
If you wouldn't mind my opinion . . . as a devoted reader in addition to writing . . .
I suggest the *Avatar* series.
Few books define the setting quite like these. Read Shadowdale, Tantras, and Waterdeep straight through. That's one story arc--then go onto Prince of Lies, etc., as appropriate, or shift gears and read Shadow of the Avatar.
Also, unless you're one of those unfortunate people (like my dad) who has to read every book in a series all at once, so you're doomed if you start a not-finished series . . . there's no reason you can't read the various arcs of Drizzt at different times.
Cheers
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| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 30 Apr 2008 : 01:37:14
The Shadow of the Avatar trilogy need not be read in any specific order in relation to the Avatar trilogy--it's really more of a stand-alone series that happens to take place at the same time as the AT (the Time of Troubles).
SotA is about the Rangers Three and the plots of the malaugrym; it doesn't have much to do with the doings of Cyric, Midnight, Kelemvor and Adon. |
| Lameth |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 16:35:46
quote:
1). I was thinking about reading the Avatar series and then Shadow of Avatar next, but in what order?? Avatar Trilogy then,Prince of Lies and The Crucible Trial of Cyric the Mad, followed by Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy? Or??? Please help.
Thanks for all your help if you've read this all and reply!!!
These are 8 novels.....just start with them :-) |
| hawkytom |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 16:28:26
Thanks for all the comments guys! I love Forgotten Realms  |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 16:05:01
quote:
Originally posted by Karzak
I disagree. Reading RSE trilogies, especially back-to-back, tends to leave a bitter taste in the mouth since they have a penchant for treading roughshod all over established canon and information/lore given in other novels.
I totally agree.
They are useful, however, if you need an answer to the question of "How the heck did we get to this point?" while looking in dismay over what's happened to the setting over the past few years. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 16:01:09
quote:
Originally posted by Jodes_Quenthal
Return of the Archwizards (You could also jump into the Erevis Cale Trilogy and Twilight War Trilogy after this one if you enjoy the Shade)
You can read the Erevis Cale books and enjoy them fully without ever having read the RotA series (I know, because that's what I did), as long as you have an idea of what the Shades are. The real "beginning" of the EC stories is the Sembia series, and yes, the EC books are highly recommended.
Also, the Shades don't really become a factor in the Erevis Cale story arc until the Twilight War trilogy, anyway. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 15:56:57
quote:
Originally posted by hawkytom
My original plan was Publication order > time-line order, but I think I might go with the whatever intrigues me at the time suggestion as well...hmmm, not sure!
Sounds like a better plan than reading books you aren't really interested in, as you admitted to doing (ie. Maztica trilogy).
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| Karzak |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 14:14:40
quote:
Originally posted by Jodes_Quenthal
These trilogies are what are considered "Realms Shaking" events and are definitely a good read since they interact with one another as well as give you the current situation of the Realms before the 4E hits.
The Last Mythal
Return of the Archwizards (You could also jump into the Erevis Cale Trilogy and Twilight War Trilogy after this one if you enjoy the Shade)
Threat from the Sea
I disagree. Reading RSE trilogies, especially back-to-back, tends to leave a bitter taste in the mouth since they have a penchant for treading roughshod all over established canon and information/lore given in other novels. The Last Mangling is particularly guilty of this (and other crimes against literature too, but that's neither here nor there), but there're plenty of migraine-inducing moments in Return of the Archmunchkins even if you ignore the quality of the writing. |
| Ergdusch |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 10:47:30
Always worth a visit when determining which story goes first and what was last is the web site of our fellow scribe Olove.
Forgotten Realms: The Library has it all listed no matter how you like it - reading order, alphabetical or even according to timeline.
Ergdusch |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 10:39:21
I am a bit dated when it comes to the novels, but I would suggest just going through the Harper series. The order is not that important, except books by the same author. You probably wont like all of them, but most of them are good. |
| Jodes_Quenthal |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 04:43:47
I just started reading "Evermeet" and I think thats an absolute necessity to the Forgotten Realms books since it gives background on the history of the Realms and how certain gods became how they are.
Also the Elminster series is worth checking out since it details some influential eras of the Forgotten Realms and also one of the most important characters in it.
The Cormyr Sage is also a great series to read since it tells the history of one of the centerpieces of the Realms, Cormyr itself.
These trilogies are what are considered "Realms Shaking" events and are definitely a good read since they interact with one another as well as give you the current situation of the Realms before the 4E hits.
The Last Mythal
Return of the Archwizards (You could also jump into the Erevis Cale Trilogy and Twilight War Trilogy after this one if you enjoy the Shade)
Threat from the Sea
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| The Hooded One |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 04:08:41
Yes, I'm afraid quite a few of the "Realms of" anthologies involve characters who crop up in other books, some of which you've already read. Sigh. I'm afraid I'm away from my books right now, and can't sort it all out for you from memory.
I'm thinking the tales in Realms of the Deep ONLY cross over with Mel Odom's Threat From The Sea trilogy, and . . . no, my poor old brain can't remember clearly enough to say anything useful. There USED to be a Net listing of Realms short stories by place, characters, and dating; Wooly dearest? Faraer? Sage?
love,
THO |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 02:53:26
quote:
Originally posted by Karzak
I've never read the Pools books, so I wouldn't know. But for the Finder's Stone trilogy etc, did you catch Tymora's Luck and Finder's Bane? Not the same characters (well, except for Finder, natch), but same authors, and I think you'll like them too. Massive pain to find copies of those, though.
I had to buy those books four times! The first time, I got the books as they were coming out. Those were lost in the fire. I bought a replacement set. Then I was wanting to buy them for my brother-in-law, since he liked the Finder's Stone trilogy. So I bought them again, in a lot of five books. The seller, after two months, only sent three books -- and the two that weren't sent were Tymora's Luck and Finder's Bane. So then I had to buy them a fourth time.  |
| hawkytom |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 01:49:51
Ah yes, forgot that Crown of Fire was one of the Harper books I was thinking they didn't really have an order, just making sure!
My original plan was Publication order > time-line order, but I think I might go with the whatever intrigues me at the time suggestion as well...hmmm, not sure!
Does anybody know if any of the short stories from the Anthologies books involve any of the characters from any of the series I've read? Thanks again! |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 01:02:03
quote:
Originally posted by hawkytom
Also have a question about the Harpers series, which I forgot to mention. Should I try to read those consecutively or just as they fall into place from other series?
Many of those novels are stand-alone, and again I would not recommend reading them in the numbered order. Some of those books have been consolidated into a seperate series, such as the Songs and Swords books (highly recommended, btw!), and some of them are related, such as the Shadowmage books.
Looks to me like you read some Harper novels already (Crown of Fire and Masquerades). |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 00:56:11
quote:
Originally posted by Karzak
Chronological order is bollocks in the Realms, since unlike, say, Dragonlance, there's no main storyline tying all others together. Trying to chase down novels according to their in-book DR could prove... problematic. There's a timeline of the novels out there somewhere, though; I'm sure someone will link it.
I agree. I can't say I recommend reading all the FR novels in published order. I say focus on the books that actually interest you the most.
quote:
Some of the "Realms of..." tie in with a trilogy of novels - there's one for the Rogue Dragons, and one for the something sea something by Mel Odom, one for the Last Mangling-of-Canon, and another for Return of the Archmunchkins.
That was funny.
Anyway, yes, many of the short stories are "one-offs". Some involve characters from the novels, others are pretty much direct tie-ins with a certain novel or series. Some novel characters actually made their debut in a short story, however (like Fox-at-Twilight). |
| hawkytom |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 00:17:49
Awesome! Thanks, I'll check those two books out!...fortunately I have all the novels on my shelf now, but ya those two were a little more expensive than most if I recall correctly when I was book hunting :)
Also have a question about the Harpers series, which I forgot to mention. Should I try to read those consecutively or just as they fall into place from other series?
I'd have to double check, but if I remember correctly...aren't either Finder's Bane or Tymora's Luck part of the Harper's series? So should I read the prior harper's book as well? Although I've read Masqerades, which involved the Finder's Stone characters, which was Harper#10 I believe and seemed to be ok :)
Thanks a lot Karzak! |
| Karzak |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 00:08:59
I've never read the Pools books, so I wouldn't know. But for the Finder's Stone trilogy etc, did you catch Tymora's Luck and Finder's Bane? Not the same characters (well, except for Finder, natch), but same authors, and I think you'll like them too. Massive pain to find copies of those, though.
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| hawkytom |
Posted - 29 Apr 2008 : 00:02:10
Honestly to some extent I enjoyed them all, some more than others of course! :)
-Pools trilogy being my first was also my favorite, maybe because it was "my first", but still I loved those characters and wanted more Ren/Shal/Tarl adventures!
-Finder's Stone Trilogy+Masquerades: Also loved it! I just wish there was more stories to read about the characters, they need to go on more adventures! :(
-Shandril's Saga was a little different feel, didn't feel as party oriented/dungeon crawlish, more centered around Shandril and various people mixed in to help her with her adventure, liked it a lot!
-Empires&Maztica trilogy were not my best, but they were still good novels...I mainly read them early on because I had my doubts about them and wanted to "get through them". I like more character development/party based/dungeon crawl books, instead of army/war/faction oriented books, etc..
-Moonshae/Druidhome great books, just finished and enjoyed the characters...although I got a little tired about hearing about the "goddess" vs "new gods" thing. :P
Overall:
+++ Pools / Finder's Stone (Top-Tier: SAD there wasn't more books to read)
++ Shandril's / Moonshae/Druidhome (Mid: OK with the fact that there wasn't another book)
+ Empires / Maztica (Bottom Tier: GLAD there wasn't a 4th book) |
| Karzak |
Posted - 28 Apr 2008 : 23:38:40
Among what you've read, which ones did you enjoy?
Chronological order is bollocks in the Realms, since unlike, say, Dragonlance, there's no main storyline tying all others together. Trying to chase down novels according to their in-book DR could prove... problematic. There's a timeline of the novels out there somewhere, though; I'm sure someone will link it.
quote:
Originally posted by hawkytom
Trying to avoid the Drizzt/RAS books until last
Aha, why?
quote:
1). I was thinking about reading the Avatar series and then Shadow of Avatar next, but in what order?? Avatar Trilogy then,Prince of Lies and The Crucible Trial of Cyric the Mad, followed by Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy? Or??? Please help.
Pretty much. Not that it matters a whole fat lot. Shadow was published way after the original Avatar, I think, so maybe it'll spoil you if you read it first. So read after if that sort of thing mars the experience for you.
quote:
3). Confused about the "Realms of/Best of" books, the anthologies...is there anywhere online that goes over what the stories in the novels contain? Or what novels they are related to, follow up or prelude into, etc...
Some of the "Realms of..." tie in with a trilogy of novels - there's one for the Rogue Dragons, and one for the something sea something by Mel Odom, one for the Last Mangling-of-Canon, and another for Return of the Archmunchkins. Most of the older ones, like "Valor", "Arcane" and so on are pretty haphazard in their relation to other novels (many of the stories are from authors who never wrote in the Realms again - some of them are actually quite decent, too). "Best of..." are just compilations of certain authors' short fiction, with the majority of the stories contained being reprints. |
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