| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Paec_djinn |
Posted - 17 Aug 2006 : 03:00:59
Hey guys, was looking over at another forum and found this link to Amazon. Looks like Mr. Reid's Kaanyr Vhok and Alisza trilogy to me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786940247/sr=1-3/qid=1155774652/ref=sr_1_3/002-0081192-3422449?ie=UTF8&s=books
It's set to be released May 2007 and is part of the Empyrean Odyssey (trilogy?) |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Damon33 |
Posted - 16 May 2007 : 13:49:10
I don't think Ethriel's post is a real spoiler since we find out about Aliisza's secret on page 9 of the book. I can see the promise of good interaction in that story line , but for book 1 I just didnt think it was there. A lot of this book seems like a great setup for the rest of the books, but makes this one a harder read because of it. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 16 May 2007 : 03:08:44
Ethriel, I agree with you on that first part...but--while it's not like me to reprimand other posters--your post is rather spoilerish, and there is no spoiler warning for this thread. I think thoughts on the novel that contain spoilers should be posted in the Book Club.
Again, I don't want to come off as reprimanding anyone, but I've been spoiled before by accident and it isn't fun. |
| Ethriel |
Posted - 16 May 2007 : 03:02:20
I thought it was very well done, myself. Personally, I was much more interested in the dynamics with Aliisza and the bit there than Kaanyr's story.
Though, here's hoping to an eventual resurgance of everyone's favorite Drow wizard, especially now. Good book, Thomas! Thumbs up |
| Damon33 |
Posted - 15 May 2007 : 00:55:10
Ok my apologies. I was real sick, then broke my thumb playing basketball so my review is real late. Apologies all around. Here is my review though http://www.fantasybookspot.com/node/1786 I liked it with a few exceptions, not as much as unclean mind you but was a nice read. I think next on my review list is some Dragonlance stuff from what my pile looks like. I really would like everyones thoughts though especially Mr. Reid. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 11 May 2007 : 00:18:41
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
You know, Aliisza really isn't a succubus . . . she's an alu fiend. Ah well. My point about "worse" is that even though the copy is a little cheesy, its more or less an accurate description of the plot, and I've seen ads that completely mangle/misrepresent the plot of a book, or blow it out of proportion.
Just look at the copy for the House of Serpent's trilogy...totally inaccurate, and it's right on the back cover of the books. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 22:07:54
You know, Aliisza really isn't a succubus . . . she's an alu fiend. Ah well. My point about "worse" is that even though the copy is a little cheesy, its more or less an accurate description of the plot, and I've seen ads that completely mangle/misrepresent the plot of a book, or blow it out of proportion. |
| Shemmy |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 15:29:06
quote:
Originally posted by Braveheart
And concerning "Everyone's favorite succubus.": How many succubi with a name are there? 
I can think of around eight just off the top of my head. But I'm wierd I suppose.  |
| Braveheart |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 15:08:57
If you're not familiar with the Realms, you shouldn't start with this book anyway. The book description is usually written by someone in the marketing departement and has nothing to do with the content or the writing style in the book.
And concerning "Everyone's favorite succubus.": How many succubi with a name are there? |
| initiate |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 14:45:13
Yah, oops, not quite sure what I meant by "FR books don't sell", because, as you say, they obviously do; it was late. I suppose I meant that they don't sell to a certain audience which, while they like fantasy, sniff at shared world fiction. I know that a cover blurb can only be considered a small part of a person's decision to buy a book, but, if I'm not familiar with the author or series or whatever, I look at said cover blurb to give me an accurate idea of the book's contents and tone. I think this writeup misrepresents the book's tone.
What really got me was the way Kaanyr Vhok and Aliisza were referred to. "Everyone's favorite succubus"? To me, that sounds ridiculous. This ain't a kid's TV show character. Kaanyr Vhok is Aliisza's "half fiend boyfriend"? I just think it makes the novel sound very light and fluffy. Perhaps its just a matter of taste, but, if I didn't know the Realms at all, this cover blurb would not sell me the book.
Sorry; I think I'm done now.
KEJR: You've seen worse, you say? Dare I ask what horrors you speak of?
|
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 05:06:33
Um . . . FR books don't sell? Why do they keep making them?
And no, it didn't strike me as that bad. A little simplistic, but I've seen much worse. |
| initiate |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 04:50:16
I was eagerly anticipating diving straight into this novel and its book club discussion. However, looking at the adverts in "Depths of Madness", I notice that Book 2, "The Fractured Sky" isn't due until November 2008. While I still very much want to read the book, the eighteen month gap in between volumes one and two makes me want to hold off until the wait has shrunk a little bit.
On a different, gloomier note, I was browsing on Amazon and made the mistake of looking at the product description for this doubtless excellent novel. I have reprinted it in quotes below, because I would like you, my fellow scribes, to read it and tell me if you find, as I do, that it is utterly vile. Perhaps I'm taking it to seriously, (indeed, it is pretty funny in a way), but it seems to me that what follows is an abuse of our poor Faerun.
"Book Description
Ever wonder what could bring a demon to the gates of heaven?
Aliisza and Kaanyr Vhok have returned from their attempted invasion of Menzoberranzan and turned their sights on Sundabar. But before she can complete a mission in that beseiged city, Aliisza finds herself in the one place a demon would never want to go, no matter how sure she is of her wits and cunning: the very heart of Celestia!
Join everyone's favorite succubus and her half-fiend boyfriend, introduced in the War of the Spider Queen series, in the first installment of their own exciting new trilogy!"
Vapid. Repulsive. Disgusting; insulting to the novel and demeaning to the setting. And they wonder why FR books don't sell. This doesn't appear on the book cover . . . does it?
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| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 03:36:01
quote:
Originally posted by Ethriel
I gotta ask: Anything on Pharaun? I'm dying to know
Uhh, look above you, in Alaundo's post...
Just got this book and will begin reading it. |
| Ethriel |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 03:22:42
I gotta ask: Anything on Pharaun? I'm dying to know |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 07 May 2007 : 23:12:19
quote:
Originally posted by Freakboy
For anyone who has read this, I am looking forward to picking it up and don't want any spoilers save for one. Can someone tell me if Phauran shows up at all in the book given Alisza's little "piece" of the Drow mage. One of my greatest hopes for this trilogy has been that Phauran will make an appearance, even if it is only as an undead pseudo pet or something with Alisza. Very early on I had asked Mr Reid if there was any chance of Phauran playing a role in this trilogy, and he said it was too early to say but he didn't reject it outright either.
Enquiring minds must know!!!
Well met
I highly recommend reading the book, Freakboy. 'tis indeed a great read and the start of what I imagine to be a fanstastic tale through the trilogy. To answer your question... (highlight to read) No, it doesn't make an appearance. |
| Freakboy |
Posted - 07 May 2007 : 21:24:30
For anyone who has read this, I am looking forward to picking it up and don't want any spoilers save for one. Can someone tell me if Phauran shows up at all in the book given Alisza's little "piece" of the Drow mage. One of my greatest hopes for this trilogy has been that Phauran will make an appearance, even if it is only as an undead pseudo pet or something with Alisza. Very early on I had asked Mr Reid if there was any chance of Phauran playing a role in this trilogy, and he said it was too early to say but he didn't reject it outright either.
Enquiring minds must know!!! |
| Crust |
Posted - 06 May 2007 : 14:45:00
Aliisza and Vhok were two of my favorite characters from WotSQ. I'm excited to read this one, Mr. Reid. I've always enjoyed your work, ever since that I, Tyrant series. I'm still hunting for an excuse to dump my PCs into that beholder's lair in Eye to Eye. |
| Braveheart |
Posted - 01 May 2007 : 12:47:06
I'll get to it as soon as I can, I hope Amazon sends me the book in time... |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 01 May 2007 : 00:01:14
Will read after I finish reading Cormyr: A Novel. |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 30 Apr 2007 : 17:43:33
Well, again another trilogy starts which i've been very excited about for quite some time. Thomas M. Reid blew me away with his Scions of Arrabar Trilogy, which goes down as one of my top 5 FR trilogies  , as well as his contribution to War of the Spider Queen. The characters of Khaanyr Vhok and Aliisza were a very enjoyable element of the WotSQ series for me, so again, I had high hopes for this book/trilogy.
I'll just give a few short comments on this book. There may be some mild SPOILERS which follow:
The start to the trilogy was quite different to my initial expectations. At first, I wasn't sure it would gel with me, but after a couple of chapters I was completely pulled in and found this to be one hell of a page-turner! Very little of the story takes place in the Realms, and i'm sure it's no secret that the majority of the book is located in the Planes; which I admit, concerned me to start with (being a huge FR loyalist  ).
Thomas has done a great job of switching between different story angles at just the right moment. Constant cliffhangers are dropped into the chapters which leaves you eager to get back to the scene...but then the next scene gets you hooked too. ARGH! the frustration!  The description of the planes is just perfect. To be honest, i've never been a huge fan of the planes, despite finding them intriguing, but Thomas has certainly changed my mind after reading this book. The Elemental Plane of Fire was described amazingly. I could almost feel the heat and opressive atmosphere of the place and the sense of danger was very intense. Many of many favorite scenes of the book take place in this location; truly terrifying.
Khaanyr was portrayed a little different to what I recall from WotSQ; a great character who this time appeared to have a little compassion and kindness. Of course, this changed at times to remind you that he is a fiend afterall I must say that I chuckled out loud on a few occassions due to his actions and dialog. Definately a character that i've become to love so much more after this read.
Aliisza always had my attention in WotSQ due to her ways, and again, she has changed considerably (and comes across disturbingly stunning, too!). I won't say anymore on Aliisza other than she's very interesting throughout this book.
Other great characters are also introduced, and I grew to like/hate/admire them throughout. The book is filled with such varied scenes, from one extreme to the other, and a very colorful array of characters. The more I think over the events of the book, the more impressed I become.
If you're a Realms fan, you'll love this book. If you're a fan of the planes, you'll love this book. If you like both...you'll be blown away!
I'm certainly very eager to get book two in my hands - this is going to be an amazing trilogy if book one is anything to go by!
I'll be posting up the threads for the Book Club later tonight, so please join in discussions therein. |
| Shere Khan |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 19:06:23
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Shere Khan
quote:
Originally posted by initiate
The characters are a big draw too, of course; I found Kaanyr Vhok and Aliisza to be among the more likable entities in WotSQ. One thing I note particularly about both of them: While they're nasty mercenary characters concerned with their own gain above all else, they've never really done anything to make me hate or resent them. They're evil, yes, but "agreeable evil", if that's not an oxymoron, and I think that Mr. Reid's initial portrayal of them in "Insurrection" went far toward establishing this.
Of the surviving characters from WotSQ Aliisza is my favorite. I was a bit disappointed with the WotSQ series overall, but Aliisza was one of the bright spots, particularly as depicted by Mr. Reid. And that's why I'm interested in this new book.
Well met
Oh ye will be very interested in this book, in that case I must say, Aliisa certainly won me over with her seductive ways How Taura....ahem, anyway.
Oh my... I don't put it past our seductively sexy half-demon to bag an angel for her bed.  She'd be the talk of the lower planes. All the other alu-fiends would be so jealous...
BST
|
| Alaundo |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 16:58:36
quote:
Originally posted by Shere Khan
quote:
Originally posted by initiate
The characters are a big draw too, of course; I found Kaanyr Vhok and Aliisza to be among the more likable entities in WotSQ. One thing I note particularly about both of them: While they're nasty mercenary characters concerned with their own gain above all else, they've never really done anything to make me hate or resent them. They're evil, yes, but "agreeable evil", if that's not an oxymoron, and I think that Mr. Reid's initial portrayal of them in "Insurrection" went far toward establishing this.
Of the surviving characters from WotSQ Aliisza is my favorite. I was a bit disappointed with the WotSQ series overall, but Aliisza was one of the bright spots, particularly as depicted by Mr. Reid. And that's why I'm interested in this new book.
Well met
Oh ye will be very interested in this book, in that case I must say, Aliisa certainly won me over with her seductive ways How Taura....ahem, anyway. |
| Shere Khan |
Posted - 24 Apr 2007 : 16:14:41
quote:
Originally posted by initiate
The characters are a big draw too, of course; I found Kaanyr Vhok and Aliisza to be among the more likable entities in WotSQ. One thing I note particularly about both of them: While they're nasty mercenary characters concerned with their own gain above all else, they've never really done anything to make me hate or resent them. They're evil, yes, but "agreeable evil", if that's not an oxymoron, and I think that Mr. Reid's initial portrayal of them in "Insurrection" went far toward establishing this.
Of the surviving characters from WotSQ Aliisza is my favorite. I was a bit disappointed with the WotSQ series overall, but Aliisza was one of the bright spots, particularly as depicted by Mr. Reid. And that's why I'm interested in this new book.
|
| Damon33 |
Posted - 13 Apr 2007 : 12:25:34
Yeah not a problem at all, I like to keep my reviews pretty spoiler free, otherwise if I reviewee has to read them after they already have the book, not much use to anyone :) Will be working on review this weekend. |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 12 Apr 2007 : 19:00:39
quote:
Originally posted by Damon33
Well I am about done with this book and a review is coming so Im sure there will be some questions I have for you soon Thomas :)
Happy to answer, though obviously, since you're reading a review copy, we'll have to use code to keep from spilling the beans until May.
Thomas |
| Damon33 |
Posted - 10 Apr 2007 : 17:30:10
Well I am about done with this book and a review is coming so Im sure there will be some questions I have for you soon Thomas :) |
| Thomas M. Reid |
Posted - 09 Apr 2007 : 22:44:01
Hey, all.
I just wanted to drop a VERY BRIEF note to let everyone know that I've been out of touch of late and not just ignoring you. If I missed any questions, please re-post them and I'll try to get you answers ASAP.
Thanks,
Thomas |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 01 Apr 2007 : 01:29:22
quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
I wonder if Thomas is going to explain FRs Cosmology split from the Great Wheel in this series of novels?
I just finished reading depths of madness and at the end of the book theres mini previews of other authors trilogies
From Crystal mountain Book 3 of the series
"The startling climax will change the nature of the cpsmos forever"
I generally take those promontional statements with a grain of salt. In my experience, those statements tend to be:
1) Inaccurate--see the promo statements for the House of Serpents trilogy.
2) Exaggerated--most promos make it seem like the fate of the world is at stake or some huge change is going to happen as if people would be uninterested in these novels if it weren't.
When these books come out, I'm just going to read and enjoy them regardless of how the "planar structure" issue is addressed. Most new novels that reference the planes use the new cosmology, and that doesn't bother me, even though I liked the old cosmology better. These are just stories.
|
| Shemmy |
Posted - 29 Mar 2007 : 06:36:07
quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
I wonder if Thomas is going to explain FRs Cosmology split from the Great Wheel in this series of novels?
On one hand that would be cool, if years late in coming. I dunno. Some part of me wishes that the book does the exact opposite however, unlikely as it seems, and reverts the cosmology back to where it had otherwise been pre-retcon.
If the book handles things entirely bundled within the trappings of a seperate FR cosmology without any wiggle room to assume certain "planes" are simply divine domains set within larger planes I'll be clearly disappointed. Still, Thomas is a good writer, so we'll have to see if my enjoyment of Vhok and Aliisza as characters, and how he develops them further, will end up outweighing a lingering distaste of what was done to the planes. |
| Dargoth |
Posted - 29 Mar 2007 : 03:13:29
I wonder if Thomas is going to explain FRs Cosmology split from the Great Wheel in this series of novels?
I just finished reading depths of madness and at the end of the book theres mini previews of other authors trilogies
From Crystal mountain Book 3 of the series
"The startling climax will change the nature of the cpsmos forever" |
| initiate |
Posted - 29 Mar 2007 : 01:46:11
Just thought people might like to know that the sample chapter for "The Gossamer Plain" has recently been posted on the novel's product page over at wizards.com. Interesting stuff.
The mildest of spoilers:
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There's a celestial character introduced in this excerpt who I think I could grow to like. Tauran seems fully devoted to the cause of Tyr without being dangerously fanatical, and several of the things he says and does in this chapter, [such as his inwardly acknowledged desire for challenge], seem to indicate that there's a lot to this character. Eagerly awaiting the book's release in May.
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