| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 07 Jul 2008 : 00:32:46
Picked this up a few days ago, but have not had time to start it.
But, I did notice that it is 375 pages. I was thinking we usually get close to 320 for typical Realms novels. Could this be the start of a good trend with future novels or was the story just so darn good that the editor let it go long? |
| 13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Icelander |
Posted - 07 Oct 2012 : 10:13:07
I approved of this novel.
Violence was not sanitised or cartoony. Ugly things are presented in all their ugliness, which was refreshing. Nothing more jarring than having supposed 'bad guys' act like they know that the Bureau of Standards and Practices is watching them. 'Oh, no, we can't do that. We'd get letters!'
Ironically, considering his past, the novel features one of the few D&D characters not to be either a sociopathic murder-hobo or an intolerable naif. Berun actually appreciated the impact of killing, but he didn't shy away from it when not acting would have allowed worse harm to come to pass. And fortunately, he didn't angst about it when the victims were named important characters and oddly fail to mention it when they were spear-carriers.
Best of all, the issue wasn't dodged by having 'non-lethal' options be safe and reliable, as if blunt trauma to the head just turns off a light, but people wake up fine. The truth that any violence is potentially lethal is acknowledged and dealt with maturely.
Characters were real characters, not just representatives of Team Evil and Team Good. No one was acting for teh Evulz or for Justice, but instead characters had plausible motivations, personalities and flaws. D&D aligment had little or no impact on whether or not the characters were opposed to one another or allied, which makes for a much more realistic and interesting plot.
The 'twist' was foreshadowed enough so that it came not as a surprise, but as the anticipated climax that would force characters to face their own self-delusions, which can work just as well (or better) as a true shocker. After all, it's not clever to have the end be completely surprising if the way it is done is by avoiding giving out any information. As it was, the reader knew what was going on and the characters should have, but refused to believe it/failed to question what they were told for perfectly plausible reasons. |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 12 Aug 2008 : 14:42:30
quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I only ask because I felt 375 was WAY longer than usual. Can't blame me for looking for a silver lining by hoping the newer novels will be longer! Of course my other Idea about it having to do with how good the book is, could be true given how good Mark Sehestedt previous book Frostfell was written. But it was no where near this length, it was 306 pages.
I must admit that I miss the days of short fantasy novels. Old pre- Shanara days. And no, I am not joking.
I agree with you. Those 875 page novels are so over bloated |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 12 Aug 2008 : 13:45:37
quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I only ask because I felt 375 was WAY longer than usual. Can't blame me for looking for a silver lining by hoping the newer novels will be longer! Of course my other Idea about it having to do with how good the book is, could be true given how good Mark Sehestedt previous book Frostfell was written. But it was no where near this length, it was 306 pages.
I must admit that I miss the days of short fantasy novels. Old pre- Shanara days. And no, I am not joking.
Hey, then you should try the Double Diamond Saga !!  
ed:sp |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 12 Aug 2008 : 12:30:38
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I only ask because I felt 375 was WAY longer than usual. Can't blame me for looking for a silver lining by hoping the newer novels will be longer! Of course my other Idea about it having to do with how good the book is, could be true given how good Mark Sehestedt previous book Frostfell was written. But it was no where near this length, it was 306 pages.
I must admit that I miss the days of short fantasy novels. Old pre- Shanara days. And no, I am not joking. |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 12 Aug 2008 : 02:20:25
I thought it was terrific. |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 09 Jul 2008 : 14:59:01
I bought it yesterday and will likely read it over my upcoming vacation |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 09 Jul 2008 : 14:42:14
quote:
Originally posted by MerrikCale
this does sound good. And I loved Frostfell
Mark Sehestedt has a bright future in the realms indeed!! |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 08 Jul 2008 : 03:12:11
this does sound good. And I loved Frostfell |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 07 Jul 2008 : 16:01:44
quote:
Originally posted by Ranak
I noticed the thickness immediately as well and checked the page count. 375! Glorious.
I am super psyched about the premise, rangers of the Yuirwood vs. Assassins. Two stealthy groups battling it out. I have only read the prologue and will not spoil with any details until the book club is up and running, but this one has potential to be very interesting indeed.
[quote]Originally posted by The Red Walker
I only ask because I felt 375 was WAY longer than usual. Can't blame me for looking for a silver lining by hoping the newer novels will be longer! Of course my other Idea about it having to do with how good the book is, could be true given how good Mark Sehestedt previous book Frostfell was written. But it was no where near this length, it was 306 pages.
I will save discussion for the book club as well, but I am pleased with how it is going for sure! |
| Ranak |
Posted - 07 Jul 2008 : 09:03:45
I noticed the thickness immediately as well and checked the page count. 375! Glorious.
I am super psyched about the premise, rangers of the Yuirwood vs. Assassins. Two stealthy groups battling it out. I have only read the prologue and will not spoil with any details until the book club is up and running, but this one has potential to be very interesting indeed.
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I only ask because I felt 375 was WAY longer than usual. Can't blame me for looking for a silver lining by hoping the newer novels will be longer! Of course my other Idea about it having to do with how good the book is, could be true given how good Mark Sehestedt previous book Frostfell was written. But it was no where near this length, it was 306 pages.
|
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 07 Jul 2008 : 01:08:16
I only ask because I felt 375 was WAY longer than usual. Can't blame me for looking for a silver lining by hoping the newer novels will be longer! Of course my other Idea about it having to do with how good the book is, could be true given how good Mark Sehestedt previous book Frostfell was written. But it was no where near this length, it was 306 pages. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 07 Jul 2008 : 00:46:57
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Picked this up a few days ago, but have not had time to start it.
But, I did notice that it is 375 pages.
That is pretty darn lengthy. Is it the sign of a new trend? Don't know. Bladesinger was shorter than the average FR novel, but that didn't start a new trend of shorter novels. |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 07 Jul 2008 : 00:37:44
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Picked this up a few days ago, but have not had time to start it.
But, I did notice that it is 375 pages. I was thinking we usually get close to 320 for typical Realms novels. Could this be the start of a good trend with future novels or was the story just so darn good that the editor let it go long?
320 is actually lengthy for a non RAS or Ed book |
