| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 03 Mar 2003 : 21:49:18
Does no one but Salvatore know how to write? I've enjoyed all his FR books (he's starting to wind down a bit in his recent books; he should write some more non-Drizzt books), but I had to force myself to finish "Daugher of the Drow" (I kept hoping it'd get better) and I'm having trouble making myself finish "Silverfall" (I keep hoping it'll get better). |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 21:43:49
I know what you mean. Some of the best paintings I've ever seen were for books. In fact, two books that I have I bought partially because I'd seen the images online and liked them. (Notably Her Majesty's Wizard . . . a guy in jeans and sneakers being knighted by a princess who has to use a stick in place of a sword while a dragon with torn wings looks on. I took one look at that and was just dying to know what was going on . . . .) |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 18:16:00
Fortunately, the Maztica novels are not available at my libraries.
I would never read anything having anything to do with Maztica (unless it had a *lot* to do with Amn), because the cover of the campaign sourcebook looks really dumb. It doesn't even look worth the time to print out the free PDF, even at someone else's expense. I marvel at the amount of lame crap TSR/WotC cranked out.
I live to judge books by their covers. |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 17:38:01
Yeah, sure. Ask him, not me.
Go ahead and read them, since you won't be doling out any money. From a learn-about-the-places point of view, I guess they aren't too bad. You did say you might have liked his moduals, and if you look at them as a learning tool it might be better. However, as novels, they kinda suck. (To put it bluntly.) Don't bother with Maztica, anyway -- you won't be DMing there, and it's basically a Cortez-in-the-Realms story. |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 17:18:47
DragonofJustice:
Are Niles' books at least worth reading for incerasing one's FR background knowledge for DMing? I'm not going to *buy* any books, I'm only going to read the ones I can get at my library, and some of Niles' are among those. |
| DragonofJustice |
Posted - 06 Mar 2003 : 06:49:32
The little wyrm has a point. Niles FR books tend to . . .what is the description I am looking for . . . I know, they make one narcaleptic. Though the watershed trilogy. . .but not an FR's series. |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 23:12:29
Bookwyrm:
Not a big fan of Niles, eh? I only *think* I remember liking his modules(it's been a zillion years since I played/DM'd (A)D&D). |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 21:47:40
[Gags] Maybe his moduals were good, but don't be thinking the books are too. After Moonshae, Druidhome, and Maztica, I automatically dismiss Niles' books out of hand. |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 19:32:51
Bookwyrm:
Luckily, I have three fairly sizeable library systems within easy reach. And I see that one of them now has all of Douglas Niles' Moonshae and Druidhome books, so I'll give them a whirl. I think I recall liking at least some of his modules. |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 06:49:11
quote:
Originally posted by branmakmuffin
If it's available in one of my locally handy library systems, I will. Not surprisingly, all of Salvatore's stuff is all over the place, but the availability of other FR authors is spotty.
Actually, in my county's library system, the only FR books carried are Salvatore's . . . actually, only Drizzt books. I feel sorry for people who see that and think that Drizzt is the Forgotten Realms. 
quote:
Originally posted by DragonofJustice
DOJ frowns silently pondering something before holding up a slightly shamed hand.
Work's been a bit overwhelming lately, just so you know my excuse in advance. Lords of Stormweather?
Bookwyrm quickly sidles away from DoJ, so as not to be hit by any flames. At the curious looks, he quickly says, "Oh, I just see him around sometimes . . . ."  |
| DragonofJustice |
Posted - 05 Mar 2003 : 02:00:14
DOJ frowns silently pondering something before holding up a slightly shamed hand.
Work's been a bit overwhelming lately, just so you know my excuse in advance. Lords of Stormweather? |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 19:07:22
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Rad, I can't believe you've hung around this site as long as you have, and yet have NOT read E:IoE. Why, it's a source book with plot! And it's a good read! Now move it!
::hangs head in shame::
I know, i know, ive no excuse  I WILL get round to reading it, but NOTHING is gonna get in the way of Lords of Stormweather right now!!!  |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 18:32:37
Bookwyrm:
>[Bookwyrm walks in, takes a look at what has been said, and promptly
>slaps both Rad and Branmakmuffin upside the head.]
No way. I'm the incorporeal reincarnation of the Headless Horseman
<snip> (can you tell I'm more comfortable with Usenet than with web-based bulletin boards?)
>And Mr. Muffin. Yes, DotD is slow. But it's not her best work by
>far. Now, you march yourself out right now and buy Elfshadow. In
>fact, pick up Elfsong while you're at it. Scratch that, get all of
>Songs and Swords. Now. GO!!!
If it's available in one of my locally handy library systems, I will. Not surprisingly, all of Salvatore's stuff is all over the place, but the availability of other FR authors is spotty. |
| DragonofJustice |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 05:14:59
DOJ saunters in casually and listens to the conversation.
Some might think I am being heretical, but while I enjoy Greenwood, I can't say he's the best author. Elaine really is good. The Bookwyrm is correct for once.
Yes I am marking the day as we speak.
Just know that though they may not write many books, there are several books that are impressive. Look at the Avatar Trilogy, for instance. Not only is it a privital series in FR, but it was very enjoyable.
All I am saying is while Salvatore is one of the best writers out there, do not discount the one hit wonders. |
| Strahd Von Zarovich |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 04:07:35
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Rad, I can't believe you've hung around this site as long as you have, and yet have NOT read E:IoE.
Some folk just do not fully appreciate the books they have on their shelves 
[Wipes one inch of dust off Rads shelves]
I bet there are folks out here that have not touched half of the books that have been written about the Realms. I know I am just scratching the surface.
Rad reads like nobody I know these days, and he manages to squeeze in a social life at the same time. I am sure he will get around to reading every single book published one day.
[Picks Rad up off the floor from what looks like some intense slapping at the side of the head]
Strahd Von Zarovich |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 04 Mar 2003 : 03:56:36
[Bookwyrm walks in, takes a look at what has been said, and promptly slaps both Rad and Branmakmuffin upside the head.]
Shame on you both!!
Rad, I can't believe you've hung around this site as long as you have, and yet have NOT read E:IoE. Why, it's a source book with plot! And it's a good read! Now move it!
And Mr. Muffin. Yes, DotD is slow. But it's not her best work by far. Now, you march yourself out right now and buy Elfshadow. In fact, pick up Elfsong while you're at it. Scratch that, get all of Songs and Swords. Now. GO!!! |
| branmakmuffin |
Posted - 03 Mar 2003 : 23:18:36
ArionElenim:
>Yeah, take a look at Elaine Cunningham's work....it is simply
>fantastic...
Well, I thought "Daughter of the Drow" was *OK* in some parts, but not enough to make me want to read any other FR stuff by her.
I don't like short stories (by anyone), so I'm no likely to read anything by those other authors you mentioned. I will admit that I've only read FR works by three authors other than Salvatore, but so far, I'm not very impressed. I should take up WotC up on that call for a new novel mentioned in another thread (assuign it's for real), because I know I can write better than Ed Greenwood. I think "Silverfall" is really boring. About the only reason I'm reading it is so I can bone up on some non-Drizzt-connected FR stuff for DMing.
I'm not out to hurt anyone's feelings, and I promise that if someone says they think Robert E. Howard is a lousy writer, I won't take it personally. |
| Arion Elenim |
Posted - 03 Mar 2003 : 23:06:13
(Eyes Rad with annoyance...sigh)
ah well.....read the book before you criticize, one and all! :)
OH, Rad, you haven't read it yet? I've been doing ads for that book here forever!!!...I think by now Elaine Cunningham owes me a kickback... |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 03 Mar 2003 : 22:32:00
quote:
Originally posted by ArionElenim
My favorite is Evermeet: Island of Elves...
No?! Surely not?!  <sarcasm off>
I really must get around to reading Evermeet, I think I will learn to embrace it just as you have ArionElenim. Im saving it for a rainy day  |
| Arion Elenim |
Posted - 03 Mar 2003 : 22:29:07
Yeah, take a look at Elaine Cunningham's work....it is simply fantastic...
My favorite is Evermeet: Island of Elves...
There are also WONDERFUL short stories to be had by folks like Dave Gross, Jeff Grubb, David Cook, etc...all over the place!!!
Expand, man! |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 03 Mar 2003 : 22:21:52
I disagree. I have just this minute finished reading Daughter of the Drow and LOVED it! Cant wait to start reading Tangled Webs! I found DotD a really good read, nothing like the hard reading of Greenwood-style. Also check out the WotSQ series and the Sembia series, theyre all extremely well written and I think that the active authors of the Realms currently are the best we have ever had! The quality of novels over the past year or so have has been fantastic....IMHO! |
