| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 16 Oct 2004 : 20:48:24
In a pretty bad weekend, something good happened with the arrival today of The Ruby Guardian. I just finished my second read of The Sapphire Crescent last night so the timing is perfect.
The novel's cover looks beautiful. The novel comes in at 308 pages and comes with a map of Arrabar. I'm looking forward to reading what will happen next to the Vambran's family.
SB |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| BlackAce |
Posted - 16 Jun 2007 : 01:18:16
Yes, a throughly enjoyable trilogy, Thomas. Though I would've loved more 'screen time' for Xaphira and Rodolpho. Still, I'll not say more in case I spill Emerald sceptre spoilers! |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 15 Jun 2007 : 20:40:27
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Well, it took me a while to get caught up on these, but I finally finished up the final two books of the Scions of Arrabar trilogy.
Wow, digging some threads out of the mothballs, eh?
quote:
I have to say, the weekend that I finished these books up, I tore through both of them on consecutive days. The stories were very well paced, to my way of thinking, and they kept me going all the way through them.
Thanks so much for the compliments. Makes me remember why I write when I read something like that. I'm glad we "connected" that way.
quote:
If I had any issues with this book, it was probably the Emerald Enclave didn't quite get as much fleshing out as I would have liked (though I did like Vambram and Shinthala's "compare and contrast" points of view). The other issue would likely be the aforementioned Shinthala. I don't mind instant attraction, but the tryst between her and Vambram didn't feel as "organic" as it could have.
A few people have complained about the instant attraction and subsequent tryst. I probably suffered for not having enough room in the book to develop this better, but in the end, I very much saw Vambran as a "sailor" with a "friend" in every port of call and a casual attitude about sexual relations to match. As for Shinthala, I wanted to write her as this older, wiser hippie-type who's into everything green and "the summer of love" mentality. She wanted to take Vambran under her wing, in a manner of speaking. Put the two of them together, and it's just doin' what comes natural.
Thomas |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 13 Jun 2007 : 22:36:46
Well, it took me a while to get caught up on these, but I finally finished up the final two books of the Scions of Arrabar trilogy. I have to say, the weekend that I finished these books up, I tore through both of them on consecutive days. The stories were very well paced, to my way of thinking, and they kept me going all the way through them.
I really like the idea that these books were set in a region of the Realms that hasn't gotten a lot of attention. I also really liked the contrast between some of the upstanding citizens, like the Matrells, and the underlying theme that there is a lot of corruption in Chondath despite the good people there.
I was glad that Vambram's arcane talents were a bit better described. In the first novel, even though I liked the character, I started to feel a bit strained thinking that he was a trained warrior, cleric, and wizard, and for some reason, it never occurred to me that he might have been a sorcerer, which seemed to be spelled out more implicitly in this book.
I also found it interesting that Emriana, while a fun and empathetic character, still came across as a little elitist from time to time. For me it kept her beleivable, but she wasn't so far removed from the "little people" that it was an impediment to enjoying her or liking her overall.
Thomas did an excellent job of making me like Uncle Kovrim. I was devestated by what happened to him, and the ending was gripping because of this. Then again, I was pretty invested in Hetta as well, and I loved her long term planning.
If I had any issues with this book, it was probably the Emerald Enclave didn't quite get as much fleshing out as I would have liked (though I did like Vambram and Shinthala's "compare and contrast" points of view). The other issue would likely be the aforementioned Shinthala. I don't mind instant attraction, but the tryst between her and Vambram didn't feel as "organic" as it could have.
Overall, though, I really loved the book, and I couldn't put it down when I was reading it. I couldn't wait to pick up The Emerald Scepter as soon as I finished this one. Great pacing on this series. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 22:50:54
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
Well i'd be more than happy to read over your first draft, to ensure it's up to scratch of course  My address is... 
Hey maybe candlekeep should see first draft. *VEG*
NDA be gone I say. ;-) |
| DDH_101 |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 22:24:35
Thanks for the reply, Mr. Reid. Your post clears things up for me. |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 18:07:54
quote:
Originally posted by DDH_101
I finished reading The Ruby Guardian last night, and I thought that it was a great follow-up to The Sapphire Crescent.
There was plenty more action in this book than the last one and it was a great second book that explained a lot of the plot and paved the way for the last one in the trilogy.
Excellent! I'm glad you like it.
quote:
One thing I found quite amusing was how love interests for the protagonists just appears out of nowhere in The Ruby Guardian. In the first book, you don't even a female companion for Vambran, and then now all of a sudden he's involved with a high druid who appears to be like older than him. Then Emriana and that priest Pilos? Lol. Spotted a future relationship with those two from a mile away...
Well, with Vambran, I see him as a real playboy, just with a serious side to him. As I said elsewhere on these boards, he's got a gal in every port of call, and he's a real looker, so women have a penchant for throwing themselves at him. It's all very casual, though -- I wouldn't term any of them true love interests.
As for Emriana, she's at that age. You know, a new boyfriend every time the weather changes? Seriously, though, she is the spirited and carefree girl who is interested in the right guy, but Pilos is a bit shy and awkward toward her. There will definitely be some changes down the road for them, both as individuals and as a budding couple.
quote:
I have a question about one little issue though. Isn't Grozier Talricci like a wanted criminal in Arrabar now? After all he did in The Sapphire Crescent and escaping out of prison, why is he still allowed to roam around free in the city? Worse, he has even taken control of House Matrell. How does that work? 
That's a very good question, and in fact, it comes up in a scene in Book 3. Essentially, now that he's got the blessing of Marga to serve as ward to the twins, he's not really wanted. Remember, too, that as long as Bartimus can work his dimension door spells, Grozier can hop around from place to place pretty freely, so long as he doesn't go out in public. And the great family estates in Arrabar are almost like private city-states within the city -- the Arrabar watch isn't going to even think about trying to enforce jurisdiction within the walls of a place where the family can afford its own private army of guards. So as long as Grozier limits his travel to point-to-point magical travel, he can go lots of places.
quote:
Heh, now I can do is just re-read the two books and hopefully time will pass soon enough until The Emerald Scepter is released in August. (sigh)
My editor has the first draft, so things are proceeding. 
Thomas |
| DDH_101 |
Posted - 17 Jan 2005 : 16:21:16
I finished reading The Ruby Guardian last night, and I thought that it was a great follow-up to The Sapphire Crescent.
There was plenty more action in this book than the last one and it was a great second book that explained a lot of the plot and paved the way for the last one in the trilogy.
One thing I found quite amusing was how love interests for the protagonists just appears out of nowhere in The Ruby Guardian. In the first book, you don't even a female companion for Vambran, and then now all of a sudden he's involved with a high druid who appears to be like older than him. Then Emriana and that priest Pilos? Lol. Spotted a future relationship with those two from a mile away...
I have a question about one little issue though. Isn't Grozier Talricci like a wanted criminal in Arrabar now? After all he did in The Sapphire Crescent and escaping out of prison, why is he still allowed to roam around free in the city? Worse, he has even taken control of House Matrell. How does that work?
Heh, now I can do is just re-read the two books and hopefully time will pass soon enough until The Emerald Scepter is released in August. (sigh) |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 21 Nov 2004 : 10:40:27
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
I'm still plugging away on the first draft right now. Though now that I know how excited you are to read it, I'm all in a sweat, worried about making sure you get satisfying closure for everything that has come before. I'll do my best.
Thomas
Well i'd be more than happy to read over your first draft, to ensure it's up to scratch of course My address is... |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 20 Nov 2004 : 23:03:43
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
  WOW! Just finished reading his novel. Absolutely fantastic!
Wow . . . thanks for the high praise, Lord Rad. Seriously. Authors rarely admit it head on, but it's that kind of enthusiasm that keeps us at our craft. We write because we have to, but knowing that there people out there who really latch on to what we're trying to do in such a favorable way is both gratifying and justifying. It tells me that I'm doing something right.
quote:
I'm certainly looking forward to the next novel, how's it coming on?
I'm still plugging away on the first draft right now. Though now that I know how excited you are to read it, I'm all in a sweat, worried about making sure you get satisfying closure for everything that has come before. I'll do my best.
Thomas |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 20 Nov 2004 : 20:23:12
WOW! Just finished reading his novel. Absolutely fantastic!
I loved The Sapphire Crescent and have been looking forward to The Ruby Guardian for a year. I never imagined that this book could be a patch on the first book, but I was wrong. All the mystery, suspense, tension and spine-chilling factors are in this book too. The last couple of chapters have given me goosebumps.
Thomas, how can you leave it like that?! ARGH!!
I initially envisaged that the Ruby Guardian itself would be Xaphira, but the picture on the front and one of the main focuses of the novel turned out to be Emriana. I assume that the Emerald in the third book will be to do with the involvement of the Emerald Enclave?
You sure have one hell of a task on with The Emerald Sceptre
I'd almost forgot about the opening chapter of the book until in came into play later on. That's one of the excellent ways in which you write the novels in this series, nothing appears to come together and there are so many different stories going off...then suddenly, BLAM (in fact, BLAM BLAM BLAM), it all hits and leaves the reader exhausted 
I loved the way you gave the atmosphere of the inn where Em accompanied Xaphira. From then on the tension and feeling Em must have had when she followed who she thought was Xaphira was great. Being thrown into the water and then finally escaping back to safety was great. I was almost in tears of relief and exhaution myself when she uttered "ive have the worst day" Amazing!
So thanks for writing an amazing series of novels and keeping me so deeply hooked. You're a great asset to the Realms, what with Insurrection and with the Scions of Arrabar Trilogy!
I'm certainly looking forward to the next novel, how's it coming on? |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 06 Nov 2004 : 05:34:28
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
Barnes & Noble my friend. Amazing, huh?
Thomas
Based upon my experience with B&N in several different cities, nope. Par for the course as a matter of fact. Still, sorry that it happened to your novel.  |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 06 Nov 2004 : 05:29:21
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Is this a national chain in your area or just a small local bookstore?
Barnes & Noble my friend. Amazing, huh?
Thomas |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 05 Nov 2004 : 16:10:28
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
Well, I finally managed to obtain a copy from my beloved bookstore--the same store that has had the darned thing since last Friday, but somehow managed to shove the entire boxload into the overstock section of the back room rather than actually putting copies on the shelves. Sheesh! 
Thomas
Oh dear Cyric 
Is this a national chain in your area or just a small local bookstore? |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 05 Nov 2004 : 15:36:14
Well, I finally managed to obtain a copy from my beloved bookstore--the same store that has had the darned thing since last Friday, but somehow managed to shove the entire boxload into the overstock section of the back room rather than actually putting copies on the shelves. Sheesh!
Thomas |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 05 Nov 2004 : 12:17:38
The Ruby Guardian is in stores in the UK Looks VERY nice! Excellent cover art for what i'm sure is an excellent story. Very clever how the emblem in the novels title wraps around as part of the art into the books spine, just as with the first novel. |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 03 Nov 2004 : 05:41:31
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
[brNow, if only I can get my hands on a copy of The Ruby Guardian, the constant daily trips to my local hobby store are beginning to wear on my knees
You and me both, Alaundo. I still don't have a copy! 
Thomas |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 02 Nov 2004 : 16:18:06
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
In case anyone is interested, Wizards has posted a new character profile I put together for the Scions of Arrabar trilogy, as well as a repost of the author profile I did last year, before the first book came out. Note that the accompanying picture is several years old; I have considerably less hair now.
Thomas
Well met
Oh we're all certainly very interested, Thomas In fact, Lady Kazandra stopped by to announce such only a few days past. Thank ye for providing the links here, nevertheless, it's a good idea considering the discussion herein
Now, if only I can get my hands on a copy of The Ruby Guardian, the constant daily trips to my local hobby store are beginning to wear on my knees |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 02 Nov 2004 : 16:11:42
In case anyone is interested, Wizards has posted a new character profile I put together for the Scions of Arrabar trilogy, as well as a repost of the author profile I did last year, before the first book came out. Note that the accompanying picture is several years old; I have considerably less hair now.
Thomas |
| Valondil the Ranger |
Posted - 31 Oct 2004 : 01:05:46
Whoops, didn't notice there was a second page. That just goes to show how much I'm paying attention |
| Valondil the Ranger |
Posted - 31 Oct 2004 : 01:01:33
Damn. That can't be good. I'm currently reading Shadow's Witness. After that I plan on reading Twilight Falling, and I've already heard about the cliffhanger in that book.
Too many of these things! |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 31 Oct 2004 : 00:02:36
quote:
Originally posted by Valondil the Ranger
Oooooh! 1 Matrell dead. My money's either on Hetta or...er...been too long since I read the SC, so I can't think of anyone else
Anyway, I can't wait for this book
One of my players finished the book today. She really enjoyed it as well although her comment for the novel's end was: "Not good. Not good at all." |
| Valondil the Ranger |
Posted - 30 Oct 2004 : 22:39:38
Oooooh! 1 Matrell dead. My money's either on Hetta or...er...been too long since I read the SC, so I can't think of anyone else
Anyway, I can't wait for this book |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 27 Oct 2004 : 14:10:45
quote:
Originally posted by Lysander
I wonder if the E.E. is portrayed as I've always thought of them (as some unholy combination of Earth First, Earth Liberation Front, CARE, IMF, etc... the benevolent appearing 'over-power' that isn't so benevolent if you don't toe the party line), but then again, that's just my campaigns
You're not the only one. In discussing the novel with another FR fan, she mentioned that is how she was told to view the EE when she first started gaming in the Realms. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 27 Oct 2004 : 14:09:24
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
Has anybody else got a copy of this highly-anticipated book? I was hoping it would be out in the UK this week but other than Sirius, nobody over in the US has mentioned seeing it anywhere
Quick question - is there a map included in the novel?
Online vendors are now showing it as available. There is a map of Arrabar in the novel that shows prominent locations such as the Matrell estate, other prominent family estates, Waukeen's temple, etc. |
| Lysander |
Posted - 27 Oct 2004 : 12:58:26
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
I know I'm not going to get any clear answers from an author. However, any chance the reason this sea elf or elves keep assisting the family might be addressed in the last novel?
Yep. 
Thomas
Thank you. Additionally, it was nice in this novel to get a look inside the Emerald Enclave. I didn't realize how violent they can get when motivated.
Well, not that it would take much, but that sealed the deal for me. The Rotting Plauge, and the Emerald Enclave? I wonder if the E.E. is portrayed as I've always thought of them (as some unholy combination of Earth First, Earth Liberation Front, CARE, IMF, etc... the benevolent appearing 'over-power' that isn't so benevolent if you don't toe the party line), but then again, that's just my campaigns (I liked Jewel of Turmish; but saw the Druid portrayed in there as more on the less reactionary end of the organization.) |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 27 Oct 2004 : 09:28:19
Has anybody else got a copy of this highly-anticipated book? I was hoping it would be out in the UK this week but other than Sirius, nobody over in the US has mentioned seeing it anywhere
Quick question - is there a map included in the novel? |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 22 Oct 2004 : 19:37:52
quote:
Originally posted by Thomas M. Reid
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
I know I'm not going to get any clear answers from an author. However, any chance the reason this sea elf or elves keep assisting the family might be addressed in the last novel?
Yep.
Thomas
Thank you. Additionally, it was nice in this novel to get a look inside the Emerald Enclave. I didn't realize how violent they can get when motivated. |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 22 Oct 2004 : 17:37:52
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
I know I'm not going to get any clear answers from an author. However, any chance the reason this sea elf or elves keep assisting the family might be addressed in the last novel?
Yep.
Thomas |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 22 Oct 2004 : 14:37:35
I finished this novel last night. Good timing as Shining South will arrive today.
The Ruby Guardian stands as a fine novel in a series I'm really enjoying. The second half of the novel was the most compelling for me as the various Matrell clan members deal with foes in a variety of settings. This novel was difficult to read at times. However, this had nothing to do with the writing which was fine. It was due to the fact that the Matrell family really takes a beating in this novel. Thomas M. Reid does a really good job of bringing a good collection of villians that make me long to see them suffer some horrible fate. The villians haven't reached the Bolton/Frey level with me (George R.R. Martin reference), but they are rising.
Final count for the Matrell if I'm counting right:
1 Dead; 1 undead; 2 imprisoned; 1 who has turned on the family; and we still have a novel to go.
This is a middle novel and you can tell as we are left with more than one cliffhanger. There is a magical plague now in the region and a conspiracy that reaches to the highest government and religious office in Arrabar. Plus, Reid delivers a plot twist at the end that I never saw coming and that made my jaw drop open. Suffice to say, nothing has been as it seems apparently since the start of this series.
One question for the author that I'll post here.
Thomas M. Reid:
On pages 78-80, Vambran receives some assistance from a sea elf. On page 208, it appears that Emriana also has received some assistance from a sea elf. I know I'm not going to get any clear answers from an author. However, any chance the reason this sea elf or elves keep assisting the family might be addressed in the last novel?
Thanks again for a good read.
SB |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 19 Oct 2004 : 15:19:08
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Thanks .
Now, from what you've read so far, is The Ruby Guardian more compelling in terms of the plot than The Sapphire Crescent, or less so?
Well, recall, I'm only a little of a third through the novel. However, right now, I'd give the nod to The Sapphire Crescent. |
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