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The Simbul
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Jul 2010 : 19:59:16
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At long last the tome is in my hands!
For those who have eagerly awaited it as much as I have--having read the preview chapters SEVEN times, awaiting each instalment of realmslore previews, and eagerly searching every day for news--and are curious I thought I would extend the following (non-spoiler) teasers.
Cover & Art: Now we finally know the name of the artist who is responsible for what is easily my favorite piece of artwork to grace an Elminster series book: Ketai Kotaki, who after a short google search I can say has an astoundingly good repertoire! Still hoping to find a high-res image online, sans the title and textual layout.
The cover layout has changed slightly, with Ed Greenwood's name in a better font, and the title being placed at the bottom. In addition the "Book I" notation has been removed from the Sage of Shadowdale subtitle/series name, however there ARE more books to come.
Back Cover Text: This has changed slightly from the catalog blurb and website promotion, and since I doubt a back cover/inside flap is exactly a spoiler or copyright violation I will provide the full text here:
quote:
THE GODDESS IS DEAD.
For centuries Elminster Aumar served his goddess with the powers she granted him, battling tirelessly against the criminal forces of the Zhentarim, the shadow princes of Netheril, and the ruthless Red Wizards of Thay, making enemies he never had time to take care of, because the fate of the world always hung on his next move. But now
HIS GODDESS IS DEAD.
His protector-his lover, his goddess, his meaning and his means--is gone forever. And now the mere touch of magic renders him mad. His enemies scent weakness. They are closing in, saying with one voice:
ELMINSTER MUST DIE!
Inside Cover Flap:quote:
ELMINSTER HAS A CHOICE TO MAKE.
Elminster Aumar, the former savior of the Realms, has lost everything. His goddess is dead, his lover is insane, and the mere touch of magic threatens his own sanity. He fights desperately to reclaim what has been lost, beating back the tide of evil as he always has--but this time without his goddess to protect him.
The Simbul, once the proud Witch-Queen of Aglarond is a frail husk of her former self. Alone and wild, she lapses in and out of madness. Magic restores her for a time, so for many seasons Elminster has brought gifts of magic to the lady he loves. Or what is left of her.
Cormyr, the kingdom he has loved for centuries, needs his help. Powerful magical artifacts are resurfacing, artifacts Cormyr's enemies could use to destroy the kingdom, Elminster could use to defend the kingdom, or The Simbul could use for a slender chance at regaining her sanity.
HIS LAND, OR HIS LADY?
The author bibilography on the inner pages lists the entire Elminster series (including Annotated Elminster and Elminster Ascending collections) under the Sage of Shadowdale category, with the August 2011 entry for the series as well (Bury Elminster Deep). It also lists the Knights of Myth Drannor series, City of Splendors, and Best of the Realms Book II (Shandril's Saga, Stormlight, Silverfall, Shadows of the Avatar, and others go unmentioned).
The Dedication for the book is as follows:
quote:
pereunt et imputantur
mors ianua vitae
For Brian Cortijo, because this should have been his.
For Brian Thomsen, because he should have lived to read it.
Lastly, there is a new Prologue that takes place in Shadowdale, and explains what kind of 'reception' adventurers who come seeking Elminster are likely to find 
That said I have much reading to do! I eagerly await the Book Club discussion threads to discuss the chapters with all of you. I would have started some on my own, but I fear it would seem impolite to divulge my thoughts before everyone else has a fair chance to locate and acquire the tome as well, and I would like as many people to pick up and read it for themselves as well--rather than rely upon lore being passed second hand through discussion threads.
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Edited by - The Simbul on 31 Jul 2010 14:11:45
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3252 Posts |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2010 : 23:20:20
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I still have to wait untill Tuesday for this book darn it!
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2010 : 02:11:09
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Ah, one novel I've long been waiting to devour.
quote:
Originally posted by The Simbul
The Dedication for the book is as follows:
quote:
pereunt et imputantur
mors ianua vitae
For Brian Cortijo, because this should have been his.
For Brian Thomsen, because he should have lived to read it.
This made me both laugh and cry -- which I suspect may have been the point. 'Tis a worthy dedication, though. 
quote:
I eagerly await the Book Club discussion threads to discuss the chapters with all of you. I would have started some on my own, but I fear it would seem impolite to divulge my thoughts before everyone else has a fair chance to locate and acquire the tome as well, and I would like as many people to pick up and read it for themselves as well--rather than rely upon lore being passed second hand through discussion threads.
I'll probably have to wait until it's release here, before I open the discussion scrolls. That is, unless you're able to send me the total number of chapters and details about the prologue and epilogue, as well as any other info about the book's structure. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 31 Jul 2010 02:12:17 |
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A Publishing Lackey
Seeker
74 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2010 : 03:26:55
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A great read.
I devoured my copy in about four hours (slowed down at one point to make lunch, but couldn't put the book down to make it quickly), and will take it to bed tonight for a more leisurely re-read.
Ed has set a new standard for Realms books, despite a few editing glitches here and there. He juggles a large cast, as usual, makes them all come alive, as usual, and left me wanting more.
Another YEAR until BURY ELMINSTER DEEP! Nooooo!
Get this book. Read it. Re-read it. It's that good. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2010 : 04:43:18
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I'm SO excited....
Our bookstores here expect the shipment to arrive 2nd or 3rd week of Aug. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2010 : 05:13:42
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| My summer cacation begins on Sunday this week. Most timely. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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The Simbul
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2010 : 14:10:31
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
I eagerly await the Book Club discussion threads to discuss the chapters with all of you. I would have started some on my own, but I fear it would seem impolite to divulge my thoughts before everyone else has a fair chance to locate and acquire the tome as well, and I would like as many people to pick up and read it for themselves as well--rather than rely upon lore being passed second hand through discussion threads.
I'll probably have to wait until it's release here, before I open the discussion scrolls. That is, unless you're able to send me the total number of chapters and details about the prologue and epilogue, as well as any other info about the book's structure.
There is Prologue, Thirty-Six Chapters, and an Epilogue--though the last of these fills approximately only a page and a half.
I have only finished as far as Chapter 12, so I cannot give a complete break down of how each set of chapters should be grouped together. It is likely will not have an opportunity to finish until the actual release date, for Tuesday is the next day I'll be free of all worldly interferences, and I dislike reading Fantasy when my mind is burdened by the mundane. Then again, I might just abandon reality to finish the tale here and now.
I am sure "A Publishing Lackey" could assist you in determining the structure the discussion threads should take as well. I daresay I am impressed at the alacrity with which this person has finished the tale...I was worried I was moving too quickly through the book.
However I can definately say the first of the Book Club threads should go from the Prologue to the end of Chapter 4, as it takes us from the exposition, through our first battle and aftermath, and ends with the revealing (to the audience that is) of the principle foe of the tale (or perhaps the first of many to come calling for all I know).
Needless to say I shall not reveal whom that villain is, though I am not at all disappointed with Saer Greenwood's choice |
Edited by - The Simbul on 31 Jul 2010 14:39:03 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2010 : 03:35:33
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And I have held my copy of the book in my hands. My local indie bookstore obeys publishers' release dates, but I happened to be there when they were unpacking their latest shipments.
The bookstore owner let me look at the book, and set my copy aside for me - - and in return, I only read the dustjacket copy, and never opened the actual tome. Until the 3rd, when I'll reward myself for not going down to GenCon this year by rushing into the bookstore, buying the precious tome, and taking it off to a nearby park to sit and read it until I'm done, or darkness falls, whichever comes first.
Ed, I can hardly wait . . .
I'm not as fast a reader as A Publishing Lackey (who after all, reads books for a living, and can readily carve out time in a day for a certain special book among so many others), but I suspect that by the end of the 3rd of Aug I'll be impatiently waiting for BURY ELMINSTER DEEP.
In the meantime, I'm reading back over all the teasers Ed shared with us in his Questions For Ed Greenwood thread earlier this year . . .
Wheeeee!
BB |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2010 : 03:36:39
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Heh. As Scrooge said: "I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl!"
love,
THO |
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jornan
Learned Scribe
Canada
256 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2010 : 03:34:43
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I understand the dedication to Brian Thomsen, but can anyone explain the relevance of the other?
"For Brian Cortijo, because this should have been his."
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2010 : 05:03:05
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quote:
Originally posted by jornan
I understand the dedication to Brian Thomsen, but can anyone explain the relevance of the other?
"For Brian Cortijo, because this should have been his."
I'm assuming it's a reference to Brian "Garen Thal" Cortijo. Long recognised by Ed, the other Lore Lords of the Realms, and scribes here at Candlekeep, as "Mr. Cormyr" himself. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Garen Thal
Master of Realmslore
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2010 : 08:09:42
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by jornan
I understand the dedication to Brian Thomsen, but can anyone explain the relevance of the other?
"For Brian Cortijo, because this should have been his."
I'm assuming it's a reference to Brian "Garen Thal" Cortijo. Long recognised by Ed, the other Lore Lords of the Realms, and scribes here at Candlekeep, as "Mr. Cormyr" himself.
It's referring to me, to be sure. What Ed means, though, isn't for me to say; not because I don't know, but because having even the slightest shred of modesty forbids it. Let's just say I'm flattered beyond words, and leave it there. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2010 : 08:25:40
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Thats still awesome Brian.
Tomorrow needs to hurry up! |
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Broken Helm
Learned Scribe
USA
108 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2010 : 04:06:21
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I have EL MUST DIE!
I have read it.
Oh. My. G - -.
WHAT a wonderful book.
I will take a day off and read some completely different short stories to clear my brain, and then start reading Ed's newest all over again.
This time, not just for the story that whirled me along, from place to place in Cormyr and one or two nasty places outside it, but for the Realmslore, and to stop and really enjoy some fave scenes.
The fight in the dressing room. The Highknights discovering just who they've REALLY captured. A certain dancer meeting a certain mother. The other noble mother we get to see. The - - no, enough. I'm teasing those who haven't read it yet, and not saying enough to spark discussion with those who have.
Which should really be in the Book Club threads that haven't appeared yet. (Ahem. Sage?)
This isn't great fantasy literature, like the twenty or so "top" books in my collection.
This is a "great read," of the fun and sophisticated sword & sorcery romp sort. The sort of book you dip into for a re-read (the whole thing, or just key scenes) again and again.
Worth the price of the hardcover, because you're going to wear the book out over the years.
Damn you, Ed, a whole YEAR more for the next one?! Give us some tidbits to fill in the wait, willya?
Mustn't get run over by a bus this coming twelve months, because I have GOT to see what happens next . . .
Two thumbs up. Way, way up!
Edit: spelling. Obviously, when I get excited I forget how to type. Or something. |
Edited by - Broken Helm on 03 Aug 2010 04:07:52 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2010 : 05:29:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Broken Helm
I'm teasing those who haven't read it yet, and not saying enough to spark discussion with those who have.
Which should really be in the Book Club threads that haven't appeared yet. (Ahem. Sage?)
The Book Club scrolls for discussing Elminster Must Die are now open.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2010 : 11:00:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Broken Helm
I have EL MUST DIE!
I have read it.
Oh. My. G - -.
WHAT a wonderful book.
I will take a day off and read some completely different short stories to clear my brain, and then start reading Ed's newest all over again.
This time, not just for the story that whirled me along, from place to place in Cormyr and one or two nasty places outside it, but for the Realmslore, and to stop and really enjoy some fave scenes.
The fight in the dressing room. The Highknights discovering just who they've REALLY captured. A certain dancer meeting a certain mother. The other noble mother we get to see. The - - no, enough. I'm teasing those who haven't read it yet, and not saying enough to spark discussion with those who have.
Which should really be in the Book Club threads that haven't appeared yet. (Ahem. Sage?)
This isn't great fantasy literature, like the twenty or so "top" books in my collection.
This is a "great read," of the fun and sophisticated sword & sorcery romp sort. The sort of book you dip into for a re-read (the whole thing, or just key scenes) again and again.
Worth the price of the hardcover, because you're going to wear the book out over the years.
Damn you, Ed, a whole YEAR more for the next one?! Give us some tidbits to fill in the wait, willya?
Mustn't get run over by a bus this coming twelve months, because I have GOT to see what happens next . . .
Two thumbs up. Way, way up!
Edit: spelling. Obviously, when I get excited I forget how to type. Or something.
I feel ya! Halfway through it.
Vampiric Clone, Alusair's Ghost, Elminster's Great, Great Grandaughter, the 9 Bluefire Ghost's... |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2010 : 15:09:42
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| Will be there any e-signing by Ed??? |
BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
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Fingal
Seeker
56 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2010 : 20:57:31
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I'm looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, Amazon just sent me an email saying they can't get any stock from their supplier. Nice of them to wait three days after the book supposed to be published before they bothered to tell me.
Even better, the website is claiming that it is in stock. |
Edited by - Fingal on 05 Aug 2010 21:04:45 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3252 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2010 : 21:12:15
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| I haven't had any faith in Amazon for the last two years. I'm not sure what happened, but something changed then. Used to be if I pre-ordered something it would usually show up at my house on the release day (if not the night before). Now, if I pre-order something, I get it 2-3 weeks AFTER it's in the stores. Granted, I still save money, but that's only if I can find enough stuff to bring the cart up above $25 (for free shipping). And that's not making much sense anymore since it's harder to find stuff I want on Amazon. |
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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Fingal
Seeker
56 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2010 : 21:38:14
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Well, the website is telling me that my order is 'preparing to be dispatched' and I cannot 'Cancel at this point.' It seems to have a new delivery date of the middle of next week.....which doesn't really fit the postage I've chosen.
Now, I've had problems with them before and my gf is still awaiting a book to be delivered by them that she's had on order for a long, long time - despite the fact that she has seen it for sale in two bricks and mortar stores....to busy trying to flog their stupid kindle thing and destroying writers livelihoods with their increasingly revolting attitude. Ah, don't get me started on Kindle....
I was going to cancel it and give my money to someone who actually seems to wants it but this has made me very, very angry....in the week I stopped smoking too. This was going to be my treat for going a week without tabs. Sent Customer service a rather, err, sternly worded email asking them to clarify what's going on.....Good thing I've got all five volumes of Troy Denning's 'Prism Pentad' which I won on eBay coming tomorrow as well as the three core books of Mongoose's Conan game....:D
Some times it pays to have a back up! |
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lumo
Acolyte
7 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2010 : 22:22:18
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Hello. I'm new to this site as well as FR. I picked up this book the other day and was wondering if it is a necessity for me to read the previous Elminster books prior to the latest one?
The reason I ask this is because I'm reading a few other series already and not sure if I really want to get into another one just yet. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3290 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2010 : 23:22:19
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You don't have to. Yet I would suggest that you do, because the Elminster books are really good IMO.
Welcome to Candlekeep btw. |
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lumo
Acolyte
7 Posts |
Posted - 24 Aug 2010 : 04:40:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Brimstone
You don't have to. Yet I would suggest that you do, because the Elminster books are really good IMO.
Welcome to Candlekeep btw.
Thanks. I might just do that. |
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ELMINSTER MUST DIE
