| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Strahd Von Zarovich |
Posted - 15 Dec 2003 : 20:06:40
Well what can I say.....
..... Voronica Whitney-Robinson has done it again. Another amazing book from a really amazing writer.
What do others think to it?
It has so much detail in it, and it describes an area of Faerun that has been looked over, in novels, before. Besides one other book I am led to believe.
It really gives you a good picture of Thay and the culture and even down to their laws and political structure.
Once again I was so happy to read about Thazienne Uskevren (Tazi).I think this character deserves her own series of books, along side her other Sembia friend Erevis Cale.
If any of Voronica's friends read this, then I would like to wish her a speedy recovery also.
Kind Regards
Strahd Von Zarovich |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 09 Aug 2008 : 00:52:32
A good read, well worth the time invested. Especially liked Zsass Tam and Tazi's interaction and conversation at the end. If the 100 year jump had not occured , I would be wondering when they would cross paths again. |
| The Red Walker |
Posted - 30 Jul 2008 : 15:01:52
I am about 3/4 through this novel and I am enjoyoing it thouroughly!
I love all the Thay tidbits, I just wish I had read it before I read Unclean and Undead. I really enjoy Veronica's work and would love to read more from her! |
| George Krashos |
Posted - 29 Dec 2004 : 04:37:11
quote:
Originally posted by Kameron M. Franklin
As a "newish writer" to the Realms, I readily admit to treading lightly when it comes to expanding established Realmslore on iconic or mainstay aspects of the setting. There are at least two areas in Maiden where Phil encouraged me during revisions to implement lore-affecting changes, or reveal "history" that wasn't in the game material concerning NPCs. In the end, I feel confident and excited about what I added. Not only does the story fill out Luthcheq, if you're interested in Thay, I got to play around in Loviatar's Manor.
That sounds fantastic Kameron, and more power to you! Well thought out additions to the current body of realmslore are always welcome and add meat to the skeleton. I note that personally, I'm not always after the complete detailed family tree of Szass Tam or a room by room description of the ruler's palace in Cimbar - sometimes it's the little asides (names of inns, streets, the head of the city guard, a unique edible or 'drinkable', poisons, flora, small geographical features, et. al.) that add the spice that makes a good FR novel into a great one.
quote:
P.S. George, I read "The Simbul's Gift" as part of my research for Maiden after a recommendation by Eric Boyd. Just thought it was funny you mentioned that book.
One of the more interesting FR novels and certainly top quality in terms of writing. I did struggle with it at times - I think because I had some "creative differences" with some of the characterizations and I also found it to be a very humourless and intense tale. I think I prefer some 'lightness' to creep into my FR novels, no matter how dark and menacing the subject matter. Looking forward to "Maiden of Pain", Kameron.
-- George Krashos
|
| Kameron M. Franklin |
Posted - 28 Dec 2004 : 17:35:30
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
I did enjoy this book but felt let down by the few things mentioned above and the fact that it added little to my knowledge of Thay. Newish FR authors are seemingly doing one of two things at the moment. Doing cursory research on their topic (usually involving reading FRCS 3E) and then writing with all guns blazing, or doing good research but using that material alone to provide the background detail and flavour. In other words, they aren't adding anything new - mayhap because they are overwhelmed by the detail already on offer and struggled to stay 'true' to it in the first place, don't know how to add to the tapestry, or don't really care to add realmslore to the setting as part of their writing 'brief'.
-- George Krashos
As a "newish writer" to the Realms, I readily admit to treading lightly when it comes to expanding established Realmslore on iconic or mainstay aspects of the setting. There are at least two areas in Maiden where Phil encouraged me during revisions to implement lore-affecting changes, or reveal "history" that wasn't in the game material concerning NPCs. In the end, I feel confident and excited about what I added. Not only does the story fill out Luthcheq, if you're interested in Thay, I got to play around in Loviatar's Manor.
P.S. George, I read "The Simbul's Gift" as part of my research for Maiden after a recommendation by Eric Boyd. Just thought it was funny you mentioned that book. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 27 Dec 2004 : 07:31:16
quote:
Originally posted by Lameth
Very good book.
But I don`t know why it is a Rouge book. The big fight at the end hat nothing to do with stealth etc.
The Thief abilities in the book where low.
I agree. The latter part of the novel with the huge battle just did not fit in for the character or the series. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 27 Dec 2004 : 07:29:04
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
Perhaps a wider perspective and a glimpse at new and interesting aspects of the setting she is writing in (people, details of places - heck, details on anything to do with Thay or her next FR port of call) will improve what is already a decent body of FR work.
-- George Krashos
I'd love the author to let Tazi loose on her home country of Sembia in a full novel. I'm sure such a work would show some new and interesting aspects of this setting while featuring a colorful character. |
| George Krashos |
Posted - 27 Dec 2004 : 06:52:07
I just finished this Xmas present and overrall, enjoyed the book. It was clear that Voronica had done her homework on Thay (there were a few realmslore glitches, but nothing too bad) although some of her Thay didn't quite gel with the previous version as presented by Lyn Abbey in "The Simbul's Gift".
I liked the fact that the author didn't give in to temptation and provide us with a cast of "exotics' to add spice to her prose. That was generated by excellent characterisations and decent pacing. The story did drag in the part where Tazi was being "recruited" by Naglatha, and speaking of her, she was a somewhat odd choice as the catalyst for the bad guys plot thread. She fit in perfectly (given her Selgaunt activities) with the author's desire to showcase Tazi but I felt she would have worked better as an agent of one of the other Zulkirs, perhaps Aznar or Lauzoril, rather than making such a bold play on her own. Szass Tam should have crushed her like the low-ranking bug that she was previously in the FR firmament.
I did enjoy this book but felt let down by the few things mentioned above and the fact that it added little to my knowledge of Thay. Newish FR authors are seemingly doing one of two things at the moment. Doing cursory research on their topic (usually involving reading FRCS 3E) and then writing with all guns blazing, or doing good research but using that material alone to provide the background detail and flavour. In other words, they aren't adding anything new - mayhap because they are overwhelmed by the detail already on offer and struggled to stay 'true' to it in the first place, don't know how to add to the tapestry, or don't really care to add realmslore to the setting as part of their writing 'brief'.
I'm not sure if Voronica was any of the "ones" above or her thought processes re this novel (other than showcasing Tazi's character development) but don't think she achieved much more than that. Perhaps a wider perspective and a glimpse at new and interesting aspects of the setting she is writing in (people, details of places - heck, details on anything to do with Thay or her next FR port of call) will improve what is already a decent body of FR work.
-- George Krashos
|
| Lameth |
Posted - 31 Oct 2004 : 12:01:21
Very good book.
But I don`t know why it is a Rouge book. The big fight at the end hat nothing to do with stealth etc.
The Thief abilities in the book where low. |
| Arion Elenim |
Posted - 19 Dec 2003 : 04:51:23
I was going to say: "My friends, I have a crush on Veronica Whitney-Robinson." Then it occurred to me that we all probably do... 
Seriously, Mrs. Whitney-Robinson, just wanted to say it makes me feel great to see another member of the wonderful FR media that I so greatly enjoy (and aspire to, for that matter) here on the forums.
Thanks for taking time out to post a few for us simpering, slobbering Realms geeks! |
| Zacas |
Posted - 18 Dec 2003 : 05:03:57
::blinks a bit at VWR...:: What are you doing out of the tor... er... interview room?! Get back in there! ::shooes her back into the room mentioned among the interview thread...:: No leaving until i get my signed copy :P hehe... j/k |
| Voronica Whitney-Robinson |
Posted - 18 Dec 2003 : 02:35:38
I am very pleased to hear that you have enjoyed The Crimson Gold! I had a good time writing the novel as I have been intrigued with Thay for some time. And I have a soft spot for Tazi, even though she attracts the wrong sorts wherever she goes.
Glad to hear that the story I wanted to tell hit the mark with so many of you.
Thank you very much for your kind praise.
Now, could someone tell Alaundo to unlock the door. He told me to wait right here, but now I can't find my way out.... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 16 Dec 2003 : 11:37:31
Wow...
All this high opinion on the novel...I wish my order would arrive today instead of next week...Curse this ancient planar portal delivery service I still persist on using...
|
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 16 Dec 2003 : 09:22:11
What an excellent picture of Thay you painted, Voronica! The flavor of the kingdom was amazing!!  The atmosphere made it feel like a whole new world.
...and you sure made my blood boil whilst reading about the slavery in Thay! GRRRR I HATE THAYANS!
I know what you mean, Bellua Aeneus Lacerta. I have read this novel fastest than any other! couldnt put it down at all!! |
| Bellua Aeneus Lacerta |
Posted - 16 Dec 2003 : 04:18:18
I just finished reading it about 10 minutes ago.
What a story V!
I absolutely could not read it fast enough.
Introduced some new things I hadn't heard of happening before. The Thunder Blessing? Only great things can come from that |
