| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Chosen of Bane |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 03:55:55
Just curious what everyone else thinks...
I'm looking for the last realms novel that you finished and said "wow, that was a freakin amazing book!". Maybe you weren't expecting much and it really surprised you or maybe it was just a flat out amazing story.
For me I have to say Halls of Stormweather. I've been trying to read series that I have missed and I am now on Shadow's Witness but I loved Halls of Stormweather! I usually don't think to highly of Anthologies so I wasn't expecting much but I read it this weekend and when I finished I felt like I should stand up and applause!
Maybe I'm just a geek and nobody else feels like this after a book but I'm curious about the last book that really blew you away. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 07 Apr 2005 : 23:41:05
quote:
Originally posted by wwwwwww
I'm going to get crucified for this, but I also believe that Mr. Greenwood puts blame on editing a little too often. Everytime he gets criticized, it seems like he throws all wrong-doing in that particular direction.
I must disagree with you. After reading Elminster's Daughter, I made several comments in a thread here. At least one of the things I had a problem with, Ed took sole responsibility for, and agreed with me on. |
| Schala |
Posted - 07 Apr 2005 : 20:31:54
The last book I read that made me go 'Wow!' was a long time ago. That book was Princes of Lies. No other book has even came close, except perhaps Servant of the Shard. I suppose I'm a bit biased though, considering those books revolve around my two favorite characters. |
| Crust |
Posted - 07 Apr 2005 : 18:49:39
Well said. Perhaps you're right... I also greatly enjoyed The Forsaken House, The Rage, Black Wolf, Starless Night, Seige of Darkness, Elfshadow, and I'm very much enjoying the Realms of Dragons anthology. |
| wwwwwww |
Posted - 07 Apr 2005 : 17:31:41
That's great that you like them Crust, but remember, a good book is not necessarily one that challenges the reader, but one that is enjoyed. If I don't enjoy reading a book, to me it's not a good book. In my opinion, Mr. Greenwood has done some really good stuff, and he's done some stuff I wouldn't make my worst enemy read. That's not a personal attack, that's a personal opinion. He does write some thought provoking material. But he's also written brain dead material (they go here and kill some things, then they go here and kill some things, then they go here and . . .) that just isn't worth the time. Have you read any of his "Band of Four" novels?
For any reader, it is all about what he/she enjoys. That's the bottom line . . .
I'm going to get crucified for this, but I also believe that Mr. Greenwood puts blame on editing a little too often. Everytime he gets criticized, it seems like he throws all wrong-doing in that particular direction.
quote:
Originally posted by Crust
All of Greenwood's books did that for me, with the exception of Hand of Fire.
Specifically, Spellfire, Crown of Fire, Stormlight, The Shadow of the Avatar books, Silverfall, El in Myth Drannor, The Temptation of El, and El in Hell really impressed me. El in Hell more than any of the others. I had this to say about the novel last fall:
quote:
Listen up, folks:
Ed Greenwood's FR novels exist entirely on a higher plane. I can't tell you how annoyed I get reading some of the more recent FR novels. The diction is hand-fed to us, and that simplicity exists in, really, every FR novel but Greenwood's. Greenwood stimulates the FR reader more than any other FR author. His books are must-reads for any FR reader, gamer, or DM.
Elminster in Hell is the most amazing, exciting, and (truly) ambitious novel of the entire FR library, and a warm pat on the back for any reader who has been following Elminster throughout his exploits.
The novel contains moments that are far beyond anything found in any other FR book. The Simbul and her Blood Ring, Halaster, Geryon, Asmodeus, and, of course, Mystra herself battling the minions of Hell... How can anyone not love that??
I understand the dream sequences stray from the main plot line, and I do remember flipping ahead, asking myself, "Man, when do we get back to the hellish blood-letting?" Those memory sequences act as a wonderful pat on the back for any FR reader who has read all of Greenwood's books. It also makes sense at this point that we are given a glimpse of Elminster's mind, considering how Elminster is possibly insane, and even more so after the scouring of his mind. Elminster in Hell gives us a look at Elminster's inner thoughts, and it also lets us see his most prized memories. This is a wonderful thing for a character to give to us. The memory sequences have a purpose, and that purpose goes beyond the novel itself.
My only gripe is that we don't have Nergal in the Book of Vile Darkness. Some of those devils were amazing! I remember Geryon from that old 2E module Paladin in Hell. There's a great picture of him battling a group of epic PCs.
Elminster in Hell is epic, it's ambitious, it's simply amazing. It does something that NONE of the other FR novels do: it challanges the reader. 
Long live Ed Greenwood. 
If I remember correctly, The Sage of Stars responded to the above post, saying, among other things, this:
quote:
“Nuh-uh. I just don’t see it.”
To them I say:
Then, sorry, but trust me and all of these other people in the field: I’m afraid there’s something wrong with whatever you’re using to see with.
Amen. 
|
| Crust |
Posted - 07 Apr 2005 : 16:32:28
All of Greenwood's books did that for me, with the exception of Hand of Fire.
Specifically, Spellfire, Crown of Fire, Stormlight, The Shadow of the Avatar books, Silverfall, El in Myth Drannor, The Temptation of El, and El in Hell really impressed me. El in Hell more than any of the others. I had this to say about the novel last fall:
quote:
Listen up, folks:
Ed Greenwood's FR novels exist entirely on a higher plane. I can't tell you how annoyed I get reading some of the more recent FR novels. The diction is hand-fed to us, and that simplicity exists in, really, every FR novel but Greenwood's. Greenwood stimulates the FR reader more than any other FR author. His books are must-reads for any FR reader, gamer, or DM.
Elminster in Hell is the most amazing, exciting, and (truly) ambitious novel of the entire FR library, and a warm pat on the back for any reader who has been following Elminster throughout his exploits.
The novel contains moments that are far beyond anything found in any other FR book. The Simbul and her Blood Ring, Halaster, Geryon, Asmodeus, and, of course, Mystra herself battling the minions of Hell... How can anyone not love that??
I understand the dream sequences stray from the main plot line, and I do remember flipping ahead, asking myself, "Man, when do we get back to the hellish blood-letting?" Those memory sequences act as a wonderful pat on the back for any FR reader who has read all of Greenwood's books. It also makes sense at this point that we are given a glimpse of Elminster's mind, considering how Elminster is possibly insane, and even more so after the scouring of his mind. Elminster in Hell gives us a look at Elminster's inner thoughts, and it also lets us see his most prized memories. This is a wonderful thing for a character to give to us. The memory sequences have a purpose, and that purpose goes beyond the novel itself.
My only gripe is that we don't have Nergal in the Book of Vile Darkness. Some of those devils were amazing! I remember Geryon from that old 2E module Paladin in Hell. There's a great picture of him battling a group of epic PCs.
Elminster in Hell is epic, it's ambitious, it's simply amazing. It does something that NONE of the other FR novels do: it challanges the reader.
Long live Ed Greenwood.
If I remember correctly, The Sage of Stars responded to the above post, saying, among other things, this:
quote:
“Nuh-uh. I just don’t see it.”
To them I say:
Then, sorry, but trust me and all of these other people in the field: I’m afraid there’s something wrong with whatever you’re using to see with.
Amen.
|
| The Sage |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 13:57:26
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Wooly and Sage, I'm sure you'll enjoy Viper's Kiss, read it next. ;)
Not an option I'm afraid  .
I've fallen waaay behind on my reading of the latest DL novels... ::again ducks away from Big Al:: ...so Blades of the Tiger will be the next WotC novel I read.
|
| The Sage |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 13:54:11
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm hoping I'll have the same reaction.
I haven't had the opportunity to read my copy of Viper's Kiss yet...
Nor have I...
::choke, splutter::
..furthermore, I recall that The Sage has managed to find the time to read these....Eber...Eberoon novels! 
It was curiosity, mainly.
And I was also keen on seeing for myself what Keith Baker's abilities as a novel author would be like.
|
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 03:22:54
quote:
Originally posted by Basara
The last FR novel that had the "Wow" factor for me was Dissolution, Insurrection was a bit of a let down
What about the latter novel let you down? |
| Basara |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 01:51:56
The last FR novel that had the "Wow" factor for me was Dissolution, Insurrection was a bit of a let down and from the reviews of the other three I'm sceptical.
As for a non-FR novel, Wicked, The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West! What a beautiful, seductive novel written by Gregory Maguire. The author has remarkable wordcraft and I found myself falling in love with the wicked witch. It's magical! I'd reccommend it to everyone. Give it a shot, it might leave you spellbound. |
| Paec_djinn |
Posted - 04 Apr 2005 : 10:37:47
Mostly originality, the trial and the many unexpected twists in the story. Other than that, I can only point you to the link CoB passed. |
| Chosen of Bane |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 19:10:49
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Paec_djinn
I'll have to change Condemnation to Crucible: Trials of Cyric the Mad. Condemnation while it's still a good book just didn't match Crucible's plot.
What about the latter's plot do you feel made it a better choice?
Paec_djinn gave a very detailed review of this novel here:
http://www.candlekeep.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4083
I tend to agree as Crucible is my favorite realms novel of all time. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 17:25:18
quote:
Originally posted by Paec_djinn
I'll have to change Condemnation to Crucible: Trials of Cyric the Mad. Condemnation while it's still a good book just didn't match Crucible's plot.
What about the latter's plot do you feel made it a better choice? |
| Paec_djinn |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 14:57:17
I'll have to change Condemnation to Crucible: Trials of Cyric the Mad. Condemnation while it's still a good book just didn't match Crucible's plot. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 06:43:57
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
But hey, Steven Schend was the editor for the aforementioned tome. That's gotta count for something. 
Who? 
Not to mention Jim Butler is President of the Company if I recall correctly...and that's name that should ring a bell to gaming fans. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 05:45:35
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
The last book to truly WOW me was Viper's Kiss, by Lisa Smedman. It was not only as good as the first installment in the House of Serpents trilogy, it surpassed it. It has a mature storyline and compelling characters--I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you haven't checked out the Serpent novels yet, do so, and you'll be glad you did.
Glad to hear you liked it as well. I have yet to encounter a novel by Lisa Smedman that I did not enjoy.
Same here, actually. :) She is a talented writer.
Wooly and Sage, I'm sure you'll enjoy Viper's Kiss, read it next. ;) |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 05:25:25
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Well I did just finish reading a tome with plenty of stuff that can be ported to the Realms... I believe you have it, as well: Faeries.
Nope. That's not a tome I own. Nice try buddy, but you're going to have to share the cell of false Great Readers with The Sage alone.
I must have been thinking of Kuje and the Sage.
But hey, Steven Schend was the editor for the aforementioned tome. That's gotta count for something. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 03 Apr 2005 : 01:41:32
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Well I did just finish reading a tome with plenty of stuff that can be ported to the Realms... I believe you have it, as well: Faeries.
Nope. That's not a tome I own. Nice try buddy, but you're going to have to share the cell of false Great Readers with The Sage alone. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 19:47:08
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Nor have I...
Sniff, and they call themselves Realms fans or Great Readers. 
Well, I did just finish reading a tome with plenty of stuff that can be ported to the Realms... I believe you have it, as well: Faeries. |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 18:50:34
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm hoping I'll have the same reaction.
I haven't had the opportunity to read my copy of Viper's Kiss yet...
Nor have I...
::choke, splutter::
..furthermore, I recall that The Sage has managed to find the time to read these....Eber...Eberoon novels! |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 17:12:29
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Nor have I...
Sniff, and they call themselves Realms fans or Great Readers. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 17:10:56
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
The last book to truly WOW me was Viper's Kiss, by Lisa Smedman. It was not only as good as the first installment in the House of Serpents trilogy, it surpassed it. It has a mature storyline and compelling characters--I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you haven't checked out the Serpent novels yet, do so, and you'll be glad you did.
Glad to hear you liked it as well. I have yet to encounter a novel by Lisa Smedman that I did not enjoy. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 16:03:47
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm hoping I'll have the same reaction.
I haven't had the opportunity to read my copy of Viper's Kiss yet...
Nor have I... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 11:40:15
I'm hoping I'll have the same reaction.
I haven't had the opportunity to read my copy of Viper's Kiss yet...
|
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 02 Apr 2005 : 07:23:15
The last book to truly WOW me was Viper's Kiss, by Lisa Smedman. It was not only as good as the first installment in the House of Serpents trilogy, it surpassed it. It has a mature storyline and compelling characters--I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you haven't checked out the Serpent novels yet, do so, and you'll be glad you did. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 28 Mar 2005 : 13:43:14
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I do wonder though, what unedited Greenwood would truly be like...  .
A much thicker novel it would be at least or one that would require much smaller font if they wished to keep the same page count.
And what to write about?
Oh, where to begin...  .
|
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 28 Mar 2005 : 03:53:25
Like Steve, shouldn't take sides, but I can echo sentiments about:
Forsaken House
Condemnation
as my latest mind-bashers, and throw in:
Twilight Falling
as well.
Then again, I've never read a Realms novel I didn't like for one reason or another.
db |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 27 Mar 2005 : 18:41:13
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I do wonder though, what unedited Greenwood would truly be like... .
A much thicker novel it would be at least or one that would require much smaller font if they wished to keep the same page count. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 27 Mar 2005 : 17:42:22
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I do wonder though, what unedited Greenwood would truly be like... .
It's definitely something I should like to read. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 27 Mar 2005 : 16:48:11
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Oh, and when I did my Adventure Hooks for the next compendium, I worked in a semi-BattleTech reference. I'm sure you'll catch it.
I'm looking forward to it... .
quote:
I've said more than once that I'm not a huge fan of Ed Greenwood's fiction. Due to the many posts of the lovely Lady Hooded One, I've come to realize that a lot of that was the way the editorial axe had been applied to the books...
I've expressed my personal gripe about that elsewhere, so I don't feel the need to do it here. I do wonder though, what unedited Greenwood would truly be like... .
|
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 26 Mar 2005 : 19:46:49
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
See, do I stick up for my fellow Feist fans or what?
You do indeed. BTW, on the topic of Feist, check the e-mail I just sent you. |
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