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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Sep 2011 : 23:40:20
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| I just turned in some books I had borrowed from our library on early pre-historic humans, and one called "Texas Caves" all of which were research for my entry into the contest for "The Seekers" web-comic writing competition being currently held by Stan Lee. Yep, that's right- I submitted my ideas for the new series he is working on, and if it wins, I'll be working beside the greatest comic-writer ever!!! (Wish me luck, and go over to MTV's web-comics page for a look if you're interested in entering or checking out other entries. Voting is being held on the 26th!) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
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Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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AdamBridger
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
118 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2011 : 10:28:14
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Just finished Samurai Commanders Volume 1: 1060-1576, by Stephen Turnbull. It was an interesting look at some samurai leaders who are often overlooked in favour of the 'Big Three' of samurai history.
Just started Code Of Honour, by Harold Coyle. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2011 : 13:22:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I am reading Nagash the Sorcerer by Mike Lee. Truly epic. Extreme carnage even in the first three chapters. Nagash is stunning, and is most probably the epitome of (evil) necromancy across all fantasy settings.
I'm stuck in Chapter Twelve. Lee's style is so truncated. I would have easily endured it if it had been isolated to describing places. But even in portraying battles it was so evident---and so annoying.
The plot appeared linear. The priest kings were so “united” that I'd rather see some of them backstabbing each other before Nagash could crush them.
The use of flashbacks in almost every other chapter was more distracting than helpful.
Even Nagash himself started to bore me... It came to the point when I wished he was powerful enough to cast “Red Rain” on all the cities that opposed him to end the war once and for all...
A disappointing read. I might not pick it up again... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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AdamBridger
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
118 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2011 : 15:57:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I am reading Nagash the Sorcerer by Mike Lee. Truly epic. Extreme carnage even in the first three chapters. Nagash is stunning, and is most probably the epitome of (evil) necromancy across all fantasy settings.
I'm stuck in Chapter Twelve. Lee's style is so truncated. I would have easily endured it if it had been isolated to describing places. But even in portraying battles it was so evident---and so annoying.
The plot appeared linear. The priest kings were so “united” that I'd rather see some of them backstabbing each other before Nagash could crush them.
The use of flashbacks in almost every other chapter was more distracting than helpful.
Even Nagash himself started to bore me... It came to the point when I wished he was powerful enough to cast “Red Rain” on all the cities that opposed him to end the war once and for all...
A disappointing read. I might not pick it up again...
It is only really in the 3rd book of the trilogy that Nagash becomes very powerful. The 2nd book mainly focuses on the Lahmians and the 'birth of the vampires' with only occasional section dedicated to Nagash himself. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2011 : 02:44:07
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I only wanted him to be powerful enough for the war and the story to end because I got tired and bored with how things proceeded since the sixth chapter... And you could add this as a factor: I don't really like Egypt that much, which Nehekhara was obviously inspired by. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2011 : 11:12:23
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Now juggling:
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. It's brimming with honesty and hope. The fluidity of Konigsberg's style is commendable.
Krondor the Betrayal: Book One of the Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist. Though Pug rarely took an active role in this novel, I still think it's a must-have for Feist's fans. Returning to Krondor is always an enjoyable experience. I've read a couple of negative reviews on this book, mostly saying the plot is too simple and game-based. Well, although this is no doubt not his best work, I say he still managed to tell a good story that deserves a place in the annals of Midkemia and Kelewan. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2011 : 21:26:00
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| Finished reading Legends of Shannara: The Measure of the Magic, last night. A good end to the duology. Then started the novel adaptation of the Conan movie by Michael A. Stackpole. I had originally intended the read the entire Shannara series straight through, but it is working out better to be reading the smaller internal series as individual parts, and then taking a break in between to read other stuff that I have. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. --Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
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* My character sheets (PFRPG, 3.5, and AE versions; not viewable in Internet Explorer)
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* Compendium Arcanum Volume 2: 1st-Level Spells (PFRPG, designer; d20pfsrd.com Publishing)
* Martial Arts Guidebook (forthcoming) (PFRPG, designer; Rite Publishing)
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2011 : 21:32:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Now juggling:
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. It's brimming with honesty and hope. The fluidity of Konigsberg's style is commendable.
Krondor the Betrayal: Book One of the Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist. Though Pug rarely took an active role in this novel, I still think it's a must-have for Feist's fans. Returning to Krondor is always an enjoyable experience. I've read a couple of negative reviews on this book, mostly saying the plot is too simple and game-based. Well, although this is no doubt not his best work, I say he still managed to tell a good story that deserves a place in the annals of Midkemia and Kelewan.
I really enjoyed this novel, partly because i loved the old computer game that was released in the early 90's. Feist is a fun, easy-to-read author  |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2011 : 21:41:41
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Recently read:
"Warbreaker" by Brandon Sanderson (Great book!)
"Sandman Slim" by Richard Kadrey (Quite good)
"Diamonds in the Sky" an anthology of Astronomy stories (it was OK)
Now reading:
"The Shard Axe" an Eberron novel by Marsheila Rockwell |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 00:57:26
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quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
"The Shard Axe" an Eberron novel by Marsheila Rockwell
I thought I'd purchased all the EBERRON books, but this one doesn't sound familiar.
Details? |
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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 06:30:49
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quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Now juggling:
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. It's brimming with honesty and hope. The fluidity of Konigsberg's style is commendable.
Krondor the Betrayal: Book One of the Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist. Though Pug rarely took an active role in this novel, I still think it's a must-have for Feist's fans. Returning to Krondor is always an enjoyable experience. I've read a couple of negative reviews on this book, mostly saying the plot is too simple and game-based. Well, although this is no doubt not his best work, I say he still managed to tell a good story that deserves a place in the annals of Midkemia and Kelewan.
I really enjoyed this novel, partly because i loved the old computer game that was released in the early 90's. Feist is a fun, easy-to-read author
Hmm. That's the first time I heard from someone who played the game. Most of those who did actually didn't like the book. I didn't play the game (nor do I plan to), but I like the novel [though I don't enjoy it as much as his earlier works]. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
731 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 10:03:57
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| Reading once again the great The Soul Forge, from the Raistlin Chronicles, back in times when Dragonlance wasn't weird and Tanis wasn't just backstabbed like a common orc... |
"If you are to truly understand, then you will need the contrast, not adherence to a single ideal." - Kreia
"I THINK I JUST HAD ANOTHER NEAR-RINCEWIND EXPERIENCE"- Discworld's Death frustrated after Rincewind scapes his grasp... again.
"I am death, come for thee" - Nimbul, from Baldur's Gate I just before being badly spanked
Sapientia sola libertas est |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 14:17:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Now juggling:
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. It's brimming with honesty and hope. The fluidity of Konigsberg's style is commendable.
Krondor the Betrayal: Book One of the Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist. Though Pug rarely took an active role in this novel, I still think it's a must-have for Feist's fans. Returning to Krondor is always an enjoyable experience. I've read a couple of negative reviews on this book, mostly saying the plot is too simple and game-based. Well, although this is no doubt not his best work, I say he still managed to tell a good story that deserves a place in the annals of Midkemia and Kelewan.
I really enjoyed this novel, partly because i loved the old computer game that was released in the early 90's. Feist is a fun, easy-to-read author
Hmm. That's the first time I heard from someone who played the game. Most of those who did actually didn't like the book. I didn't play the game (nor do I plan to), but I like the novel [though I don't enjoy it as much as his earlier works].
The computer game was great back in the day. One my favorite things about it was the riddle-locked treasure chests...which always contained great equipment and spell scrolls. I will read anything that Feist puts out, but i hope his future stuff is changed up a bit. It seems like everything he writes now revolves around invasion/war. |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 16:06:50
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
"The Shard Axe" an Eberron novel by Marsheila Rockwell
I thought I'd purchased all the EBERRON books, but this one doesn't sound familiar.
Details?
Was just released last week (on Sept. 6):
http://www.amazon.com/Shard-Axe-Dungeons-Dragons-Unlimited/dp/0786958596/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315926371&sr=1-1
I should finish tonight and will let you know what I think, but so far am enjoying it. Starts in Stormreach, but much of the story occurs in the Mror Holds, which is cool. |
Edited by - DragonReader on 13 Sep 2011 16:09:07 |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 17:28:10
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| Just started book II of the Twilight War. I'm a full 16 pages in and loving it so far. :D Paul Kemp should write a book every month! |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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Seabus Mythforger
Seeker
76 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 19:57:50
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just finished with R.A. Salvatore's Sellswords Trilogy a couple weeks ago - while it was a really good read overall i thought the end of book 3 (Road of the Patriarch) was rather bleh. I'd love to see it continued on eventually.
currently i'm reading Salvatore's Hunters Blades Trilogy and loving it!! about 2/5 into book 3 (The Two Swords) and i'm losing my mind over everything that's currently going on. for anyone who loves the Drizzt series this is a MUST READ!!!
also just finished the Cleric Quintet not too long ago and glad i did. love Pikel Bouldershoulder and the comedic aspect of the the Bouldershoulder "brudders" was superb. also glad that i read it before the sellswords or i would've been lost during servant of the shard.
and while this one isn't FR related, i'm also reading (listening to) Brent Weeks Night Angel Trilogy on audiobook (Graphic Audio to be exact) and it's fantastic. think eastern/oriental culture with a medievil sword and sorcery styling. i highly recommend this series to anyone looking for something outside FR perhaps while your waiting for the next installment of Neverwinter or Waterdeep.
also was wondering what everyone's opinion/advice would be towards Return of the Archwizards and The Last Mythal? i've been told to read them in particular orders but i forgot which one was supposed to be first...also looking for recommendations for other Realms novels as well as maybe what to stay away from (if any) |
~Seabus Mythforger,
Renegade Mage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36968 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 21:11:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
also was wondering what everyone's opinion/advice would be towards Return of the Archwizards and The Last Mythal? i've been told to read them in particular orders but i forgot which one was supposed to be first...also looking for recommendations for other Realms novels as well as maybe what to stay away from (if any)
Most people enjoyed The Last Mythal, from what I've seen. I enjoyed it, myself.
Return of the Archwizards... That one's a bit more difficult. It was by Troy Denning, and I've noticed that when it comes to his stuff, people love it, or they hate it -- I've not seen too many folks fall in the middle. I myself have enjoyed some of his books immensely, and rather disliked others.
In the same vein, some people love the RotA trilogy, and others hate it. If you want to read everything or get a grasp on some of the events that ushered in 3E, by all means, read it. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 21:13:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
just finished with R.A. Salvatore's Sellswords Trilogy a couple weeks ago - while it was a really good read overall i thought the end of book 3 (Road of the Patriarch) was rather bleh. I'd love to see it continued on eventually.
currently i'm reading Salvatore's Hunters Blades Trilogy and loving it!! about 2/5 into book 3 (The Two Swords) and i'm losing my mind over everything that's currently going on. for anyone who loves the Drizzt series this is a MUST READ!!!
also just finished the Cleric Quintet not too long ago and glad i did. love Pikel Bouldershoulder and the comedic aspect of the the Bouldershoulder "brudders" was superb. also glad that i read it before the sellswords or i would've been lost during servant of the shard.
and while this one isn't FR related, i'm also reading (listening to) Brent Weeks Night Angel Trilogy on audiobook (Graphic Audio to be exact) and it's fantastic. think eastern/oriental culture with a medievil sword and sorcery styling. i highly recommend this series to anyone looking for something outside FR perhaps while your waiting for the next installment of Neverwinter or Waterdeep.
also was wondering what everyone's opinion/advice would be towards Return of the Archwizards and The Last Mythal? i've been told to read them in particular orders but i forgot which one was supposed to be first...also looking for recommendations for other Realms novels as well as maybe what to stay away from (if any)
The Night Angel Trilogy was fantastic! |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 02:46:13
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quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Now juggling:
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg. It's brimming with honesty and hope. The fluidity of Konigsberg's style is commendable.
Krondor the Betrayal: Book One of the Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist. Though Pug rarely took an active role in this novel, I still think it's a must-have for Feist's fans. Returning to Krondor is always an enjoyable experience. I've read a couple of negative reviews on this book, mostly saying the plot is too simple and game-based. Well, although this is no doubt not his best work, I say he still managed to tell a good story that deserves a place in the annals of Midkemia and Kelewan.
I really enjoyed this novel, partly because i loved the old computer game that was released in the early 90's. Feist is a fun, easy-to-read author
Hmm. That's the first time I heard from someone who played the game. Most of those who did actually didn't like the book. I didn't play the game (nor do I plan to), but I like the novel [though I don't enjoy it as much as his earlier works].
The computer game was great back in the day. One my favorite things about it was the riddle-locked treasure chests...which always contained great equipment and spell scrolls. I will read anything that Feist puts out, but i hope his future stuff is changed up a bit. It seems like everything he writes now revolves around invasion/war.
I don't think that's going to change. His last series is The Chaoswar. But I guess, when his readers clamor for more, he'd gladly oblige them...Perhaps he'll even create a new setting. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 03:58:16
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quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
"The Shard Axe" an Eberron novel by Marsheila Rockwell
I thought I'd purchased all the EBERRON books, but this one doesn't sound familiar.
Details?
Was just released last week (on Sept. 6):
http://www.amazon.com/Shard-Axe-Dungeons-Dragons-Unlimited/dp/0786958596/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315926371&sr=1-1
I should finish tonight and will let you know what I think, but so far am enjoying it. Starts in Stormreach, but much of the story occurs in the Mror Holds, which is cool.
Ah, so it's in support of D&D Online. Curious. I've not read any of the novels supporting the MMO before, so I'm not sure whether they're worthwhile reads or not.
Still, it's EBERRON, so I'll give it a go. And, from what I recall of the author's previous EB books, I enjoyed them too.
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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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AdamBridger
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
118 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 17:53:31
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Just finished, Code Of Honour, by Harold Coyle. It offered up some intriguing moral dilemmas about where peoples loyalties lie and peoples' thought processes when there are conflicting situations. The writing style of the author also reminded me a bit of Tom Clancy.
Just started The Nostradamus Prophecies, by Mario Reading. It reminds me a bit of Dan Brown's work so far. |
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1732 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 18:24:20
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| Finishing up Connie Willis' ALL CLEAR and hoping to take another stab at reading a Ken Wilber book and a few other random research books. Next book I read for fun is either a Charles de Lint novel or I'll tackle a book or two off my Ed Greenwood shelf. :) |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Seabus Mythforger
Seeker
76 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 20:41:45
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quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
The Night Angel Trilogy was fantastic!
yes it is! absolutely love it! if you can get the chance look up the Graphic Audio audiobook version...it's a movie in your mind!!
here's the website you can check it out on
www.graphicaudio.net |
~Seabus Mythforger,
Renegade Mage |
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Seabus Mythforger
Seeker
76 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 20:46:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
also was wondering what everyone's opinion/advice would be towards Return of the Archwizards and The Last Mythal? i've been told to read them in particular orders but i forgot which one was supposed to be first...also looking for recommendations for other Realms novels as well as maybe what to stay away from (if any)
Most people enjoyed The Last Mythal, from what I've seen. I enjoyed it, myself.
Return of the Archwizards... That one's a bit more difficult. It was by Troy Denning, and I've noticed that when it comes to his stuff, people love it, or they hate it -- I've not seen too many folks fall in the middle. I myself have enjoyed some of his books immensely, and rather disliked others.
In the same vein, some people love the RotA trilogy, and others hate it. If you want to read everything or get a grasp on some of the events that ushered in 3E, by all means, read it.
I've heard that quite often about Troy Denning. I've enjoyed the Star Wars novels he's done (as far as what i've read) so I'm hoping that Return of the Archwizards will fall into that same category.
And I do want to eventually read all of the Forgotten Realms novels especially since there's no one in my are to play FR with. My computer can't even power Neverwinter Nights so i don't get much in the way of the Realms other than reading the novels. |
~Seabus Mythforger,
Renegade Mage |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 21:11:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
The Night Angel Trilogy was fantastic!
yes it is! absolutely love it! if you can get the chance look up the Graphic Audio audiobook version...it's a movie in your mind!!
here's the website you can check it out on
www.graphicaudio.net
Have you read the Black Prism by Brent weeks too? |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 11:34:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
The Night Angel Trilogy was fantastic!
yes it is! absolutely love it! if you can get the chance look up the Graphic Audio audiobook version...it's a movie in your mind!!
Agreed. I thought I would dislike it since Weeks is really fond of obliterating his characters, but surprisingly I quite enjoyed it. Interesting villains, fun twists, and a good system of magic. "Unputdownable!" |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 11:44:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Seabus Mythforger
also was wondering what everyone's opinion/advice would be towards Return of the Archwizards [...]? i've been told to read them in particular orders but i forgot which one was supposed to be first...also looking for recommendations for other Realms novels as well as maybe what to stay away from (if any)
I loved it. If you want to better understand one of the major power groups that presently pose a serious threat to all of Toril, then go grab it. [Or if you want to see nearly ALL of the Chosen get kicked in the ass.] |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 11:52:48
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I recently finished re-reading Test of Metal by Matthew Stover. Here's my short review:
Test of Metal by The New York Times best-selling author Matthew Stover is the third book in the Planeswalker series set in the captivating worlds of Magic: The Gathering (MtG). The artificer Tezzeret has been left “brain-dead” by the mind mage Jace Belleren after their battle (which is detailed in the novel Agents of Artifice by Ari Marmell). Nicol Bolas, whom Tezzeret worked for a long time ago, undoes Jace's spells and revives the wily artificer. Then the dragon sets Tezzeret to a mission: find the sphinx Crucius the Mad, the creator of the mana-channeling metal, etherium, so he may learn how to create such extremely valuable metal. Will Tezzeret do the dragon's bidding? Does he have a choice?
Before you grab this book, be sure to read its prequel, Agents of Artifice by Ari Marmell, because there are so many events in this novel that alludes to Marmell's (one and only) MtG work.
Brilliant and provocative story-telling, evocative settings that are artistically splashed with a myriad of colors, strong characterization, well-thought dialogs with a dash of humor, and very engaging battle scenes, Test of Metal is a sure winner in every way. It shows what a fantasy novel should be like.
Stover uses time in some quite interesting ways, albeit at times perplexing. Time travel in the book is referred to as “clockworking.” There are several realities presented in every given time line. Clockworkers (or mages who can travel through time) can jump from one reality to another and can therefore affect or cancel that reality. In this regard, some battles are won not only by sheer power, but by cunning as well.
The characters in this book are as 3-D as they can possibly be, particularly Tezzeret. Now, for those who have already read Agents of Artifice, you may find many of Tezzeret's actions here quite contrary to his “former” self. But fret not, for he himself says that he has changed, and admits that what he does are probably opposite to what his former self would have done. If there is one thing he is able to retain, it is his cunning and ingenuity. I am fascinated by his present view of himself. He says, “I am not a name, and no word truly names me. Who I am is a fluid concept.” He refuses to be put in a box, to be restrained by a name or a label which he may or may not be.
His giftedness also captivates me. He says, “The normal progress through the Mechanists’ Guild from student to master is seventeen years; seven years as a student—essentially an apprentice, save that one must pay for the privilege—and ten years as a journeyman. I was a master in five.” Despite his high regard of himself, he never throws caution to the air, nor deludes himself that no being could ever be above and beyond him. He simply acknowledges his gifts and puts them to optimum use.
He does not want to be sentimental, and strives to be as emotionally adamant as he can be. And I guess that very want is what makes his actions deeply moving – some scenes would pierce the heart of even the toughest reader. Tezzeret realized his mistake and says, “To take from people who already have nothing is too vile, even for me. I am not known for honesty, nor for fidelity. I don’t think I’ve ever made a promise I haven’t broken. Except, apparently, this one.” I will not spoil the scene for you. But I must say that for one who, without showing a tiny shred of conscience, killed hundreds of people, either by necessity or as a collateral damage, to admit to himself the folly of his deeds and to feel for the people he has so selfishly done wrong, is utterly touching...
The conflict of Bolas and Tezzeret can be best summarized by these words from the latter: “I know it’s a shock. But at your age, you should have learned that many truths we regard as immutable are, in fact, surprisingly context dependent. For example, when I acknowledged earlier that you are the most powerful being in the Multiverse, it would have been more precise to say: in the rest of the Multiverse.” The ending might leave you somewhat dissatisfied, as it does me. But I understand the need for it. The reestablishment of power of one of the main characters in the book is simply for continuity's sake.
Overall, it's an amazing novel that I highly recommend to all fantasy readers. It even makes me consider trying the author's other (non-MtG) books.
Out of 10 possible stars, I give it 9. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 16:00:27
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Finished "The Shard Axe" an Eberron novel by Marsheila Rockwell (very good)
Read "The Second Confession" a Nero Wolfe novel by Rex Stout (very good)
Now reading "Bearers of the Black Staff" by Terry Brooks |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
731 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2011 : 16:36:07
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| Just started reading The Divine Comedy, by Dante, started it a few uyears ago but some FR books got in the way, so now I'm finished reading them I owe this master piece a good read |
"If you are to truly understand, then you will need the contrast, not adherence to a single ideal." - Kreia
"I THINK I JUST HAD ANOTHER NEAR-RINCEWIND EXPERIENCE"- Discworld's Death frustrated after Rincewind scapes his grasp... again.
"I am death, come for thee" - Nimbul, from Baldur's Gate I just before being badly spanked
Sapientia sola libertas est |
Edited by - Thelonius on 20 Sep 2011 16:36:27 |
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What are you Reading? 2011
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