| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 24 Jan 2003 : 12:14:59
This is quite a tough one unless your very familiar with the novels or have read them close together (which wouldnt seem the thing to do)
Warning to others that this topic will likely contain SPOILERS should there be any replies to this...
I heard that the Spellfire novel (and Crown of Fire) have extra material in the new releases of last year (or whenever it was) as part of Shandril's Saga, to the novels that were released some time ago. Does anyone know what the extra bits are? and which novel they prefer, the old one of new one? |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 17 Feb 2003 : 12:11:08
quote:
Originally posted by ArcticKnight
the most important addition IMO is the Malagruym. In the original Spellfire, Elminster Basically disappears and we are left wondering why he never helps after the WORLD of EVIL is brought down on Shan and Narm.
In Ed's own words:
"I wasn't happy with the way Spellfire first appeared in print, because a third of the novel had to be edited out, and the unfortunate result (leaving aside the loss of breadth and background Realmslore) was that the Malaugrym "behind the scenes" villains went missing, and so the heroes seemed to get callously abandoned by Elminster and the Knights partway through, for no good reason."
as far as i can tell thats the only real major noticable difference, other then little tidbits here and there.
later
Would have to agree with your last statement Knight of the Frozen Frontier
Just finished the trilogy this weekend, and though an enjoyable read, it is a 'Greenwood'. This is not meant in a negative way, but despite his infinite knowledge of the Realms and eye for details, he isn't one of WotC's best novelists. At times the feel of the novels was a bit ... sloppy ... With scenes and plot additions which felt at times a little artificial and overdone.
The overal plotline is good, and has helped me along to deal with a spellfire wielder in one of my PbeM's. The endless appearance of the Realms most famous did grow a bit ... boring ... And despite the revised foreword in the first novel, I was disappointed at the lack of gritty-ness which I expected after reading said foreword.
As mentioned somewhere else about typo's and the like... I encountered some funny things in the books as well. I always believed that Sememmon's consort Ashemmi was female... however she is indicated in one scene with the male gender... And I saw a couple of other gender switches in somteimes the same sentence...
Scores (1-10):
Realms Lore - 9
Story - 7
Style - 5
Overall - 7 |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 12 Feb 2003 : 12:42:49
Well, they've arrived, Shandril's Saga that is, and I've started reading. In the intro, Ed mentions that the items which were cut in the original publication were a lot of detail in how Ed envisioned the Realms - more 'grittier' (to refer to another thread) then what we've come to know through the edited publications. I haven't proceeded far into the first book, and cannot yet make a real good comparisson. But will do so after completing the Trilogy. |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 31 Jan 2003 : 16:12:28
Agree, Greenwood is not the easiest read. Though having read some of his works, I'm a little more familiar and don't expect any problem. Just have to wait a couple of weeks before the books arrive... |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 31 Jan 2003 : 15:24:13
quote:
Originally posted by Mumadar Ibn Huzal
I just ordered the newest versions of Shandril's saga
Ditto, all 3 of mine (plus Insurrection) arrived today from Amazon. I likely wont get around to reading Shandril's Saga for quite some time as I have much more important novels to get through first, and I find Ed Greenwoods writing style difficult at times. |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 31 Jan 2003 : 13:55:33
I guess I'll answer my own question  No life outside the Realms... I just ordered the newest versions of Shandril's saga. The new additions seem interesting enough to warrant a purchase. Besides I didn't have part 3 yet... |
| Mumadar Ibn Huzal |
Posted - 25 Jan 2003 : 09:37:22
Sounds intrigueing enough to go and collect the re-printed versions and part III of the story... Hmmm... is there life besides the Forgotten Realms? |
| ArcticKnight |
Posted - 25 Jan 2003 : 02:53:58
Well both are fine, but since the new Spellfire is updated and kind of "completes" the trilogy i would say read the new one. i read the old one WAYYYY back and read the new one when it was released to refresh for the upcoming "Hand of Fire"
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| Lord Rad |
Posted - 25 Jan 2003 : 01:35:13
Excellent! Thanks ArcticKnight 
Have you read both versions yourself? Which one do you prefer?
Ive just ordered the full Shandril's Saga as I was originally holding off in the hope that WotC would release them in standard size novels but it doesnt seem likely so I bit the bullet and just ordered them.
I started to read the original Spellfire years ago but quit half way through as I wasnt particulary enjoying it, but I intend to start it again soon..... i suppose it would be wisest to read the new release?! |
| ArcticKnight |
Posted - 25 Jan 2003 : 00:04:03
the most important addition IMO is the Malagruym. In the original Spellfire, Elminster Basically disappears and we are left wondering why he never helps after the WORLD of EVIL is brought down on Shan and Narm.
In Ed's own words:
"I wasn't happy with the way Spellfire first appeared in print, because a third of the novel had to be edited out, and the unfortunate result (leaving aside the loss of breadth and background Realmslore) was that the Malaugrym "behind the scenes" villains went missing, and so the heroes seemed to get callously abandoned by Elminster and the Knights partway through, for no good reason."
as far as i can tell thats the only real major noticable difference, other then little tidbits here and there.
later |
