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Victor_ograygor
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1075 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Dec 2009 : 12:23:24
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Now I have some time to spare and decided to start reading some Forgotten Realms novels. But the question I ask myself and you is:
Which Novel should I read? , there are so many and I can’t decide.
What’s the Best Forgotten Realms novel you have ever read?
I ONLY WANT TO HEAR ONE NOVEL FROM EACH OF YOU, AND YOURE REASONS FORE WHEY I SHOULD READ IT.
Thanks in advance
Victor
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Victor Ograygor The Assassin and Candel keeps cellar master
Everything I need to know about life I learned from killing smart people.
Links related to Forgotten Realms
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Priests in Forgotten Realms.
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9609&whichpage=1 |
Edited by - Victor_ograygor on 24 Dec 2009 12:25:17
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
729 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2009 : 13:07:59
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Oh man, another question people here never get tired of  .
Here's my choice: Elfshadow by Elaine Cunningham (I would recommend the entire Starlight and Swords series, but as the McLeods are fond of saying: "there can be only one").
The reason still remains the same: it's a perfect example of how, in my view, a good Realms-novel should be.
It's a relatively low-key event (no RSEs, no super-villains, nothing that would give rise to the charges that the Realms were all about the Chosen and the super do-gooders, blasting away the baddies like so many Keystone cops).
Elfshadow was the premiere for some extremely likeable new (at the time) characters (Danilo Thann remains one of my all-time favorite story characters in any medium and any genre).
The new story and characters were blended with good realms-lore (Elaine Cunningham's Waterdeep is very vivid, and her depiction of the life of the Waterdeep nobles have set the tone for all my games and feeble attempts at short stories ever since), and great development of existing canon NPCs, but in a very unobtrusive way. The lore flows naturally, without being in your face. I compare it to a good movie soundtrack - the best soundtracks contribute considerably to the experience, but at the same time, on a conscious level, you almost do not notice it (the moment you start to consciously listen to the soundtrack, it's not doing its job properly).
Regarding the existing Elfshadow et al. put me squarely in the Khelben Arunsun-fanclub, and Elaine was the one who truly defined Elaith Craulnober as one of my favorite Realms-villains/antiheroes. Elfshadow is the main reason why (and how) I have used Khelben Arunsun and Elaith Craulnober in my Waterdeep-based games.
And finally, Elfshadow was essential in fleshing out the elves of the Realms, and taking them away from the classic AD&D view of elves, where as a rule evil elves had to be drow, and other elves were therefore nature-loving tree-hugging do-gooders. Elaine Cunningham paints elven society as being somewhat alien, but yet, at the same time, complex - political intrigue, and what not. |
Edited by - Thauramarth on 24 Dec 2009 13:09:23 |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2009 : 15:21:25
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I would recommend City Of Ravens, because you asked for one best book.
The best books I have read in the realms all belong to series or trilogies. So when it comes to a stand alone book, it would be City of Ravens.
Why? Because it has a nice feeling of the realms and is set in Ravens Bluff. The plot is very good. The main character is a funny guy that made me laugh out loud several times (when does this happen in FR novels? Almost never).
Overall: a very good mixture and details of the realms, with a good and entertaining story. |
"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
Edited by - skychrome on 24 Dec 2009 15:21:52 |
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Victor_ograygor
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1075 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2009 : 16:16:50
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If I should recommend a book to you it would be : Depths of Madness, by Erik Scott de Bie.
Depths of Madness is a book I would recommend to you all because it simply doesn’t have any flaws.
It’s just so unbelievable good.
After reading it, took me 10 hours straight (called in and said to my boss that I couldn’t come to work), I put the book down and was shocked. I decided to tell the rest of the D &D group and they read it to, and they too were shocked.
The story takes place underground where five (as I remember) adventures wake up, they have a hard time remembering what has happened and they don’t know each other.
I won’t tell anymore and can only recommend that you don’t read the reviews on the book and just buy it.
It’s a Must read……
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Victor Ograygor The Assassin and Candel keeps cellar master
Everything I need to know about life I learned from killing smart people.
Links related to Forgotten Realms
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9571
Adventuring / Mercenary Companies / Orders / The chosen from official sources
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11047
Priests in Forgotten Realms.
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9609&whichpage=1 |
Edited by - Victor_ograygor on 24 Dec 2009 16:18:42 |
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SirUrza
Master of Realmslore
USA
1283 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2009 : 23:01:47
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Only want to hear one eh?
Well I'd say get Elfshadow.. but unless your library has it, you may not be able to find it new.. unless you get it online.
So what to buy in store?
I'll say The Swords Never Sleep by Ed Greenwood, it's a great novel about a young group of adventurers in the Forgotten Realms.
However, THAT TOO may not be easily found in bookstores (might be in a library though.)
But if it's not you'll definitely find The Crystal Shard. It's the second novel ever published for the Realms but I think it's one of the best.
I know you said one, but because books go out of print, recommending 1 isn't easy. |
"Evil prevails when good men fail to act."
The original and unapologetic Arilyn, Aribeth, Seoni Fanboy. |
Edited by - SirUrza on 24 Dec 2009 23:05:23 |
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swifty
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
517 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2009 : 15:45:57
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quote:
Originally posted by skychrome
I would recommend City Of Ravens, because you asked for one best book.
The best books I have read in the realms all belong to series or trilogies. So when it comes to a stand alone book, it would be City of Ravens.
Why? Because it has a nice feeling of the realms and is set in Ravens Bluff. The plot is very good. The main character is a funny guy that made me laugh out loud several times (when does this happen in FR novels? Almost never).
Overall: a very good mixture and details of the realms, with a good and entertaining story.
ditto. |
go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS. |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2009 : 03:21:14
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Tough call. Loved many like the Shadowmage books from The Harpers series, Depths of Madness was great as was the Lost Library of Cormanthor
But I would pick Sentinelspire as a one shot book. Its characters were great, particulary the lead. Besides I love Rangers |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Copper Elven Vampire
Master of Realmslore
1078 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 19:43:13
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| Hands down.... Elfsong by Elaine Cunningham. Elven anti-hero, elven bard, human bard, half elf fighter, killer story line, wonderful characters, fast pace and hard hitting. |
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jcdf
Acolyte
38 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 21:23:46
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Of the books I have read I would recommend the ‘Crystal Shard’ by R. A. Salvatore. I would also suggest ‘Neversfall’ by Ed Gentry is ok.
Who is the author of 'City Of Ravens' skychrome and swifty?
‘Elfsong’ by Elaine Cunningham always seems to get the thumbs up. So says Thauramarth, SirUrza and Copper Elven Vampire. I have not read anyone’s reviews for fear of ruining the story for myself. I have bought the book and plan to read it very soon. |
Edited by - jcdf on 04 Jan 2010 21:24:58 |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 22:20:19
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quote:
Originally posted by jcdf
Who is the author of 'City Of Ravens' skychrome and swifty?
‘Elfsong’ by Elaine Cunningham always seems to get the thumbs up. So says Thauramarth, SirUrza and Copper Elven Vampire. I have not read anyone’s reviews for fear of ruining the story for myself. I have bought the book and plan to read it very soon.
JCDF: The author of City of Ravens is Richard Baker. Good novel!
And Elfsong is definitely a must read in the realms. In fact the whole Song & Sword series is brilliant. |
"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 22:58:50
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I would have to say Shadow's Witness, by Paul S. Kemp
EDIT: Oh, I reread the original post and saw that reasons were desired as well. It is hard for me to explain, but for me, I was pulled completely into Ervis Cale's world, and felt his emotions when reading this novel. I enjoyed all of the Sembia series, but this is the only one that really gripped me. |
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Edited by - Hawkins on 06 Jan 2010 16:08:23 |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
757 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2010 : 07:16:13
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| Crypt of the Moaning Diamond by Rosemary Jones. That little 'gem' is at the top of the list in my collection of mostly post-2003 novels. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2010 : 11:51:20
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This is just a subjective choice. Discussing the literary quality of single novels (and Realms novels in general) is something I try to avoid these days.
I want to say the Night Parade by Scott Ciencin, but as most people don't like it I will suggest Darkwalker on Moonshae by Doug Niles. The story is entertaining (although a bit cliché of course)with varied settings and plenty of action that doesn't go on for page upon page to describe every single sword-stroke or spell. |
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Which Novel should I read ?
