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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Aug 2008 : 16:34:29
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First off, I'd like to congratulate you, Mr. Schend. You have graduated to the ranks of Ed, Elaine and Bob in (at least my) standings.
The story kept the flavor of the Realms, from reluctant heroes and smart-alec rogues to adventurers being in way over their heads, but still going forward because it's the right thing to do.
I know I listed HEAVY SPOILERS on this, not because I want to give away the overall story, but because a lot of things discussed here are going to be spoiler-like, being that they were covered by NDA in other areas.
Now, into the review.
As a reader of shared-world fiction, and most of those being set in gaming environments, I'm pretty good at spotting the "rules" behind the story. In Battletech novels, I can "read" the hit locations and such and in most Realms novels, I can identify the spells being used and powers of various weapons. With Blackstaff Tower, I can see the 4th edition creep of rules (at-will powers, rituals, etc.) but Steven did a fine job of making them more of a balance between the two. No where did the fighters/rogues powers seem to be an ability, but rather tactical circumstance of their actions, while the sorcerers* and wizards still "felt" like the magic-users of old (editions).
As for the story itself, it was a fine job bridging the gaps between our Realms and the Shattered Realms. Using the shades of the Blackstaffs to show us and teach Varja (the newest Blackstaff) what a Blackstaff has become since Khelban is a nice story device and gives the fans of the Realms a way to relate to the new heroes and Waterdeep's newest protector, making her more in touch with us. And giving us that small taste of Krehlan Arunson, Khelben and Laeral's son was the right amount of "filling in the blanks" so that if anyone set a game in his era, they could play him, while leaving enough unsaid that you can go back to him again and again for more detailed stories. The same goes for Tsarra, Ashemmon, Kyriani and Samark. Each of the Blackstaffs have been unique individuals with with very unique personalites, but the underlying commonality of being there for Waterdeep's protection. The biggest problem  with all of this, of course, is that it leaves the reader wanting more of the history and stories of these individuals.
The nearest comparison I can make would be to Ghost War by Michael A. Stackpole. Not in writing style, or somesuch, but in the the situation behind the novel. Michael had the 100 year jump in BattleTech to deal with and needed to show what happened to the world and people the fans had known. His story, although well-written, was still a let-down to me because the world did not feel familiar and I no longer cared what became of those that lived in the world. You've succeeded, however, in tying the current story to elements in the past, using the main character's Renaer's interest in the history of Waterdeep. By having him explain to his friends on historical notes, you lead the reader up from the past to the present.
The only problems I had with the book was some of the language was too "modern", but that could be explained by the 100-year drift. Also, even though the magic use was blended nicely to hide the "rules" flavor, it was still too easy for me to spot "at-will", "encounter" and "daily" powers to ignore it totally.
From a Realms fan, I'm giving the book 4½ stars (out of 5). May I read much more of your stories to come!
*Thank you Steven for having them say they are sorcerers, is this going to be an actual class, or the FR interpretation of warlocks?
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I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 05:23:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
First off, I'd like to congratulate you, Mr. Schend. You have graduated to the ranks of Ed, Elaine and Bob in (at least my) standings.
Thank you very much, Ashe.
quote:
As for the story itself, it was a fine job bridging the gaps between our Realms and the Shattered Realms. Using the shades of the Blackstaffs to show us and teach Varja (the newest Blackstaff) what a Blackstaff has become since Khelban is a nice story device and gives the fans of the Realms a way to relate to the new heroes and Waterdeep's newest protector, making her more in touch with us. And giving us that small taste of Krehlan Arunson, Khelben and Laeral's son was the right amount of "filling in the blanks" so that if anyone set a game in his era, they could play him, while leaving enough unsaid that you can go back to him again and again for more detailed stories. The same goes for Tsarra, Ashemmon, Kyriani and Samark. Each of the Blackstaffs have been unique individuals with with very unique personalites, but the underlying commonality of being there for Waterdeep's protection. The biggest problem with all of this, of course, is that it leaves the reader wanting more of the history and stories of these individuals.
My job here is done.
quote:
You've succeeded, however, in tying the current story to elements in the past, using the main character's Renaer's interest in the history of Waterdeep. By having him explain to his friends on historical notes, you lead the reader up from the past to the present.
Funny how that worked out; I'd originally just planned for him to be a bookish individual, and he just started writing himself, talking with others about books, and the historical hooks just worked themselves in seamlessly.
quote:
The only problems I had with the book was some of the language was too "modern", but that could be explained by the 100-year drift. Also, even though the magic use was blended nicely to hide the "rules" flavor, it was still too easy for me to spot "at-will", "encounter" and "daily" powers to ignore it totally.
Sorry about some of the modernisms; thought I'd eradicated any that were too much, but there may have been a few coy jokes I couldn't resist. As for the magic use, I didn't have real access to the 4E rules while writing or revising the novel, so I was just pulling the ideas and material off the top of my head, not hiding any rules. I'm curious to see which things you attributed to those powers, as I'd no exposure to them until well after the novel was complete.
quote:
From a Realms fan, I'm giving the book 4½ stars (out of 5). May I read much more of your stories to come!
*Thank you Steven for having them say they are sorcerers, is this going to be an actual class, or the FR interpretation of warlocks?
Again, thanks for the kind comments and solid review; any chance I could ask you to post your review on Amazon.com with that rating?
As for sorcerers, I'm told by WotC folks they were to be in the game by the time the novel was due out (or soon thereafter).
Steven |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 15:15:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
......
Again, thanks for the kind comments and solid review; any chance I could ask you to post your review on Amazon.com with that rating? ....
Steven
I would like to re-iterate Steven's gentle request. Talking with many authors, book reviews on sites like Amazon.com really do matter. It is something that the "powers that be" take note of and can be crucial for a writer.
Where an author cannot do this I would go so far as to plea to every scribe to review as many FR books as they have the time to!! In fact it is something I have done before [Here!
I will certainly review this for Steven as soon as I get my mitts on a copy. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 16:32:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Sorry about some of the modernisms; thought I'd eradicated any that were too much, but there may have been a few coy jokes I couldn't resist. As for the magic use, I didn't have real access to the 4E rules while writing or revising the novel, so I was just pulling the ideas and material off the top of my head, not hiding any rules. I'm curious to see which things you attributed to those powers, as I'd no exposure to them until well after the novel was complete.
I took a lot of the spells cast (like they 'eye' spells of Varja and Elra) seemed to be 'at will' or 'per encounter' powers. I don't know why, but it may be that I've been reading too much of the differences between the editions and thought they 'worked' more like 4th than 3rd.
quote:
Again, thanks for the kind comments and solid review; any chance I could ask you to post your review on Amazon.com with that rating?
Done.
quote:
As for sorcerers, I'm told by WotC folks they were to be in the game by the time the novel was due out (or soon thereafter).
Steven
Hmmm... I'll have to watch for the FR Player's Guide to see if they are in the book. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 16:48:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Hmmm... I'll have to watch for the FR Player's Guide to see if they are in the book.
Sorcerers will be in PHB2. I think they will be much more different from Wizards than their 3.x conterparts. |
Edited by - Skeptic on 03 Sep 2008 16:50:07 |
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Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 20:25:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
What is the year this opus take place please ?
This novel takes place in the year 1479 Dale Reckoning my friend. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 03 Sep 2008 20:25:42 |
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Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 21:11:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
Thanks a lot Red One.
I forgot it should be released this month !!
I go to order it on the moment.
Blackstaff Tower is bound to cross the ocean and come on my shelves in France !
I know you do not care... 
Aucun mon ami nous nous soucions profondément! Thats is about the extent of my French, but we are always glad to spread Steven's novels around!!
And I am sure he would appreciate a review on Amazon.fr or Amazon.uk
when you are done! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 21:27:29
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
Thanks a lot Red One.
I forgot it should be released this month !!
I go to order it on the moment.
Blackstaff Tower is bound to cross the ocean and come on my shelves in France !
I know you do not care...
Aucun mon ami nous nous soucions profondément! Thats is about the extent of my French, but we are always glad to spread Steven's novels around!!
And I am sure he would appreciate a review on Amazon.fr or Amazon.uk
when you are done!
Most definitely! I'd love to see a review on either of those sites (not that I could read it without some help translating, as I've not had more than 9 weeks of French schooling almost 30 years ago).
Steven
who'd love to see a translation of any of his work...just because it'd amuse him to be unable to read something he wrote |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 21:40:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
Thanks a lot Red One.
I forgot it should be released this month !!
I go to order it on the moment.
Blackstaff Tower is bound to cross the ocean and come on my shelves in France !
I know you do not care...
Aucun mon ami nous nous soucions profondément! Thats is about the extent of my French, but we are always glad to spread Steven's novels around!!
And I am sure he would appreciate a review on Amazon.fr or Amazon.uk
when you are done!
Most definitely! I'd love to see a review on either of those sites (not that I could read it without some help translating, as I've not had more than 9 weeks of French schooling almost 30 years ago).
Steven
who'd love to see a translation of any of his work...just because it'd amuse him to be unable to read something he wrote
I do not know how far I would get into to it but it would be fun to open up a copy of "Tour de Blackstaff dans le français"! (I think I said Blackstaff Tower in French) |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 21:50:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Steven
who'd love to see a translation of any of his work...just because it'd amuse him to be unable to read something he wrote
Believe me, you don't want to see that. FR novels are very poorly translated to French. In some cases, it is barely a summary of the Enligsh version (less pages and bigger font than in English, when French is a language that use many more words for the same idea!) |
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 03 Sep 2008 : 22:30:20
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When I was living in Paris in 1999, there was an exhibit of posters on the first (free to walk up to) level of the Eiffel Tower. One of the, I guess you'd call them info kiosks, was all about Dragonlance.
And to keep things on topic, the box that has my copy of Blackstaff Tower and Mistshore in it is wherever this number says it is: 1Z50V7420239994513
(Huh, when I went to get that I noticed that the copy of Realms of Shadow I ordered August 8th hasn't shipped yet--wonder if I missed the window on that one.)
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My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
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Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
Posted - 04 Sep 2008 : 05:28:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Skeptic
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
Steven
who'd love to see a translation of any of his work...just because it'd amuse him to be unable to read something he wrote
Believe me, you don't want to see that. FR novels are very poorly translated to French. In some cases, it is barely a summary of the Enligsh version (less pages and bigger font than in English, when French is a language that use many more words for the same idea!)
You're right but I would say that FR novels were poorly translated.
one third of those which were translated are full versions.
Currently, a French editor is even releasing Drizzt novels (Homeland, Exile and Sojourn) in full verions translations. And he does great !
A lot of FR FRench Fans (FRFRF) buy this new collection, even if they already had the first one, the short one. I'm one of them.
And the writing style is really an author's one. Salvatore is respected with this version.
The "biggest" default of translations is that we're so very in late in novels publishing. Only some 90 French FR novels were released. |
"Today is a good day to smile",
Fillow Big'n'Book Mahlemiut 'Lead-dog', Son of Garl, Wanderer of the Masked Leaf and Namer of Oghma.
- Fight in the arena and have fun ! : La brute.com
- Feel free to take part to these projects : Post-Spellplague bibliography ; 4E index project ; Taverns and inns of the Realms ; Dogs of the Realms ; Descriptions of places in the novels ; forums, RPG, FR Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Come and have a look at the already asked questions from the Forgotten Realms Trivia Challenge
I am a French FR fan, so please forgive my lapses in English language and do not hesitate to correct me. Thanks a lot. |
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Blackstaff Tower - HEAVY SPOILERS
