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Xnella Moonblade-Thann
Learned Scribe
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2011 : 14:09:04
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I choose the Harper's Series, mainly because Elfshadow and Elfsong were the ones that drew me in (and I had only picked them because of the 'elf' in the title when they were at the second-hand store). That was what got me introduced to the Realms, and especially to Waterdeep and the interesting politics & intrigues there. Plus, who doesn't like a half-elf who, although shunned by the race that raised her, has a bad-ass hereditary elven magic sword? |
"Sweet water and light laughter until next we meet." - traditional elven farewell
Please forgive any spelling and grammer errors, as my android touch-screen phone has no spellchecker. If I do make a grammer mistake, please let me know and I'll try to fix it.
New laptop, still trying to sort my "scrolls" on its shelves...and when will this cursed thing stop doing things I tell it not to? |
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Matt James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
918 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 11:31:01
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I still mantain today that the Dark Elf Trilogy was amazing. Of the three, however, Homeland was leaps and bounds ahead of the others in my humble opinion. I really like how it set the tone of Drow society in Menzoberranzan and elevated political intrigue. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 13:42:25
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quote: Originally posted by Matt James
I still mantain today that the Dark Elf Trilogy was amazing. Of the three, however, Homeland was leaps and bounds ahead of the others in my humble opinion. I really like how it set the tone of Drow society in Menzoberranzan and elevated political intrigue.
I loved everything about Homeland except the cover art |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
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Yoss
Learned Scribe
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 16:30:28
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Since it's gotten cold out, I've noticed that my brain has inextricably linked the dark elf trilogy and the smell of a wood stove (since the furnace was on the fritz while I was reading it, and I spent the better part of a weekend sitting next to the wood stove in the living room doing pretty much nothing other than reading while keeping the fire going). I really enjoyed the trilogy anyway, and it's easily my favorite of the Drizzt stuff, but the whole comforting happiness of associating it with burning logs probably elevates it above the rest of the stuff on the list that I've read (which isn't all of it. yet). |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 16:39:57
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quote: Originally posted by Yoss
Since it's gotten cold out, I've noticed that my brain has inextricably linked the dark elf trilogy and the smell of a wood stove (since the furnace was on the fritz while I was reading it, and I spent the better part of a weekend sitting next to the wood stove in the living room doing pretty much nothing other than reading while keeping the fire going). I really enjoyed the trilogy anyway, and it's easily my favorite of the Drizzt stuff, but the whole comforting happiness of associating it with burning logs probably elevates it above the rest of the stuff on the list that I've read (which isn't all of it. yet).
This is awesome. I always feel that chilly/windy/or snowy weather is always better for reading. |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 17:47:52
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quote: Originally posted by Yoss
Since it's gotten cold out, I've noticed that my brain has inextricably linked the dark elf trilogy and the smell of a wood stove (since the furnace was on the fritz while I was reading it, and I spent the better part of a weekend sitting next to the wood stove in the living room doing pretty much nothing other than reading while keeping the fire going). I really enjoyed the trilogy anyway, and it's easily my favorite of the Drizzt stuff, but the whole comforting happiness of associating it with burning logs probably elevates it above the rest of the stuff on the list that I've read (which isn't all of it. yet).
Sounds marvelous, but this reminds me of the Icewind Dale Trilogy, especially the first one. Everything was so innocent back then.
Azuth |
Azuth, the First Magister Lord of All Spells The greatest expression of creativity is through Art. Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 18:13:11
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quote: Originally posted by Azuth
quote: Originally posted by Yoss
Since it's gotten cold out, I've noticed that my brain has inextricably linked the dark elf trilogy and the smell of a wood stove (since the furnace was on the fritz while I was reading it, and I spent the better part of a weekend sitting next to the wood stove in the living room doing pretty much nothing other than reading while keeping the fire going). I really enjoyed the trilogy anyway, and it's easily my favorite of the Drizzt stuff, but the whole comforting happiness of associating it with burning logs probably elevates it above the rest of the stuff on the list that I've read (which isn't all of it. yet).
Sounds marvelous, but this reminds me of the Icewind Dale Trilogy, especially the first one. Everything was so innocent back then.
Azuth
I can't even think the term Icewind Dale without getting chills |
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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Yoss
Learned Scribe
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2011 : 02:59:56
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quote: Originally posted by entreri3478
quote: Originally posted by Yoss
Since it's gotten cold out, I've noticed that my brain has inextricably linked the dark elf trilogy and the smell of a wood stove (since the furnace was on the fritz while I was reading it, and I spent the better part of a weekend sitting next to the wood stove in the living room doing pretty much nothing other than reading while keeping the fire going). I really enjoyed the trilogy anyway, and it's easily my favorite of the Drizzt stuff, but the whole comforting happiness of associating it with burning logs probably elevates it above the rest of the stuff on the list that I've read (which isn't all of it. yet).
This is awesome. I always feel that chilly/windy/or snowy weather is always better for reading.
Indeed (yes, the Blackstaff was keeping me company during our power outage last week). |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2011 : 17:59:56
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I think The Nobles series has some interesting offerings. I vaguely remember several positive reviews on War in Tethyr, Escape from Undermountain, and The Simbul's Gift. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36793 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2011 : 18:16:51
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quote: Originally posted by Dennis
I think The Nobles series has some interesting offerings. I vaguely remember several positive reviews on War in Tethyr, Escape from Undermountain, and The Simbul's Gift.
I didn't care all that much for Escape From Undermountain, myself. War in Tethyr I started but couldn't finish. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2011 : 18:32:02
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Haven't read them myself. But The Simbul's Gift by Lynn Abbey is one I would recommend to those who want to read about Aglarond, Alassra, Thay, and the zulkirs. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2011 : 20:16:52
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I didn't really care for any of the Nobles Series volumes, King Pinch and Council of Blades were terrible |
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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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2011 : 22:23:15
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quote: Originally posted by Dennis
Haven't read them myself. But The Simbul's Gift by Lynn Abbey is one I would recommend to those who want to read about Aglarond, Alassra, Thay, and the zulkirs.
I've found that, even in the best of hands, that the Seven Sisters just don't come through with the correct…splendor as when Ed writes them. I recall when Alustriel wouldn't originally grant Drizzt passage into Silverymoon, and remember thinking that if Ed had been writing her, she would have found a more eloquent way of handling the situation. I recognize that the Realms (published) were still young, then, and that Bob likely hadn't yet formed a strong relationship with Ed, but with all that power, Alustriel would have found a bettter way.
I thought Elaine Cunningham did a marvelous job of blending Ed and Bob in her Daughter of the Drow trilogy, although that might be due largely to her using certain aspects of Bob & Ed's creations, but not utilizing too many established characters in her books. I digress:
Lynn Abbey wrote a good story, but I maintain that Ed alone has the real gift of writing of any of the Seven Sisters. Take this humble demipower's opinion for what it's worth.
Cheers,
Azuth
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Azuth, the First Magister Lord of All Spells The greatest expression of creativity is through Art. Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2011 : 03:46:32
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I don't know, but I've read some of Ed's books where I didn't really like how the Seven Sisters were portrayed, even if they are his own creation. Perhaps I simply dislike the stories themselves that such feeling extended to the said characters. Anyway, I must say some other authors portrayed them worse. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 07 Nov 2011 03:47:53 |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1279 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2011 : 15:52:41
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I love the Simbul, so I was excited to read the Simbul's gift the first time and recently re-read it. While I found Alassra to be handled correctly and the Zulkirs written well...the plot as a whole was very weak. The Simbul wants a child with Elminster so she....tries to steal a horse from a half-elf boy because she's convinced it's a sub-avatar of a long dead diety named Zandilar? Umm....okay...?
I think a well written book about the Simbul defeating a Thayan plot hatched by her Zulkir nemesis and getting help from the Aglarondian half-elves could have been written without such a far fetched and silly plot about horses-- and the horse wasn't even used all that much or done well in the book anyway, which is sort of crazy. The Alassra wants a baby with Elminster subplot was unnecessary.
I think my favorite parts of that book were when Alustriel and the Simbul are discussing parenthood and kingdom running, quite well done. The characterization was pretty good in that book, come to think of it. Just not the plot.
To the original post in this thread, I have to go with The Finder's Stone trilogy now that I've read it. Great mysteries, characters, well connected plot lines and a fairly good romp through Cormyr, Westgate and the Dalelands. It's great how the anti-heroes are all complex (Alias, Finder, Olive) and finally the Harpers are shown to be fallible in their judgement of Finder. |
Edited by - Seravin on 07 Nov 2011 15:55:00 |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 07 Nov 2011 : 17:06:46
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quote: Originally posted by Seravin
I love the Simbul, so I was excited to read the Simbul's gift the first time and recently re-read it. While I found Alassra to be handled correctly and the Zulkirs written well...the plot as a whole was very weak. The Simbul wants a child with Elminster so she....tries to steal a horse from a half-elf boy because she's convinced it's a sub-avatar of a long dead diety named Zandilar? Umm....okay...?
I think a well written book about the Simbul defeating a Thayan plot hatched by her Zulkir nemesis and getting help from the Aglarondian half-elves could have been written without such a far fetched and silly plot about horses-- and the horse wasn't even used all that much or done well in the book anyway, which is sort of crazy. The Alassra wants a baby with Elminster subplot was unnecessary.
I think my favorite parts of that book were when Alustriel and the Simbul are discussing parenthood and kingdom running, quite well done. The characterization was pretty good in that book, come to think of it. Just not the plot.
To the original post in this thread, I have to go with The Finder's Stone trilogy now that I've read it. Great mysteries, characters, well connected plot lines and a fairly good romp through Cormyr, Westgate and the Dalelands. It's great how the anti-heroes are all complex (Alias, Finder, Olive) and finally the Harpers are shown to be fallible in their judgement of Finder.
Those darn meddling Harpers! |
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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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2011 : 02:56:59
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Man, liked em all, but from the choices Finders Stone and then Icewind Dale. Song and swords series from the Harpers was excellent. |
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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore
1847 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2014 : 22:55:52
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Moonshae because it was my first Realms novels. Very well written, IMO, and true to the setting in those days. My only hiccup was one of the books (or maybe it was the trilogy that followed, can't remember now) had trolls regenerating from severed fingers while the host troll still lived. |
I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36793 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2014 : 23:19:51
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quote: Originally posted by The Arcanamach
Moonshae because it was my first Realms novels. Very well written, IMO, and true to the setting in those days. My only hiccup was one of the books (or maybe it was the trilogy that followed, can't remember now) had trolls regenerating from severed fingers while the host troll still lived.
There was some inconsistency on that, in early Realmslore. Douglas Niles was not the only person who did that. |
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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore
1847 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2014 : 21:27:58
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quote: There was some inconsistency on that, in early Realmslore. Douglas Niles was not the only person who did that.
Yeah I just remember thinking at the time that if they could generate new trolls in that manner then they would overrun the world. |
I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one. |
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Drustan Dwnhaedan
Learned Scribe
USA
324 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2014 : 23:59:54
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While I really enjoyed Elaine Cunningham's Harpers novels, I still like the Finder's Stone series the best. It may be my inner nerd, but I can't help but find something fascinating about the saurials. (Really wish they had appeared a bit more often.) |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2015 : 21:35:23
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quote: Originally posted by Drustan Dwnhaedan
It may be my inner nerd, but I can't help but find something fascinating about the saurials. (Really wish they had appeared a bit more often.)
Same here. |
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
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GRYPHON
Senior Scribe
USA
527 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2015 : 18:40:29
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Cormyr saga... |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36793 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2015 : 03:48:36
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Quoting myself...
quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Of the series listed, I had to pick the Finder's Stone. Small scale, no RSEs, memorable characters, good stories, and a feel for the Realms matched by few other authors.
I met Jeff Grubb yesterday and geeked out. One of the things I made a point of mentioning was how often I've plugged the stuff he wrote with his wife. |
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VikingLegion
Senior Scribe
USA
483 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2015 : 06:13:40
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I'm stunned and flabbergasted to see Finder's Stone on top, if only by 1%. For me it's the Dark Elf Trilogy (specifically Homeland) and there's not a close second. I can read and re-read the intricacies of life in Menzoberranzan, the intense and formative exchanges between Drizzt and Zak, the dark weight of specific events that almost pulled Drizzt down (the moonlight surface raid on the dancing elves) over and over again without them losing an ounce of impact. |
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