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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 13:14:50
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Okay, I'm glad to hear it.  Truth be told *I* think I was a little harsh on Final Gate back then...but it really did disappoint me, for many reasons. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 21:38:19
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Finished 'Ghostwalker' a couple of months ago. (I know, I know, I've taken my time to post this!) It certainly has its moments - thought the comedy double act of the two knights accompanying Arya was a bit overdone for my tastes, but the villains are villainous (Meris, in particular, deliciously so - I'm guessing Edmund in 'King Lear' was an inspiration, and why not?) and the descriptions of battle featuring Walker are involving and thrilling. And the denouement, though not entirely unexpected, was touching and well-written. A solid book.
Am now about a third of the way into 'Crown of Fire' - also known as 'The War Against The Zhents'. (Or is that just me?) Still, Greenwood's humour works for me. Which is just as well. Page after page of spellfire-fuelled battles, spiced up with witty asides from the author do not a plot make. Still, it's entertaining and fun and, whatever you say about it, it feels like the Realms. Looking forward to the rest of it... |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 21:44:07
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Glad you enjoyed, sir! To answer your question:
quote:
Originally posted by J D Dunsany
the villains are villainous (Meris, in particular, deliciously so - I'm guessing Edmund in 'King Lear' was an inspiration, and why not?)
A welcome and astute comparison. Also Hamlet, in the "do I kill my father, do I not?" sense.
Lord Dharan Greyt, as well, is a bit Shakespearean -- I based one of his speeches originally on Macbeth's "Tomorrow" speech.
Ah, those classical influences.
Myself, I believe the last three Realms books I read were: Final Gate, Shadowbred, and The Ruin -- not because I'm necessarily behind, but because my copies were removed from my immediate possession for a long while.
(But who am I kidding? I *am* behind.)
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 21:44:46
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quote:
Originally posted by J D Dunsany
Finished 'Ghostwalker' a couple of months ago. (I know, I know, I've taken my time to post this!) It certainly has its moments - thought the comedy double act of the two knights accompanying Arya was a bit overdone for my tastes, but the villains are villainous (Meris, in particular, deliciously so - I'm guessing Edmund in 'King Lear' was an inspiration, and why not?) and the descriptions of battle featuring Walker are involving and thrilling. And the denouement, though not entirely unexpected, was touching and well-written. A solid book.
Am now about a third of the way into 'Crown of Fire' - also known as 'The War Against The Zhents'. (Or is that just me?) Still, Greenwood's humour works for me. Which is just as well. Page after page of spellfire-fuelled battles, spiced up with witty asides from the author do not a plot make. Still, it's entertaining and fun and, whatever you say about it, it feels like the Realms. Looking forward to the rest of it...
Good to see you back! Its been a while since you posted. |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 22:54:02
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Good to see you back! Its been a while since you posted.
Thanks, KnightErrant! It's nice to be back!
I'd have been back sooner, but work's been a killer lately and my reading of FR novels - never particularly quick at the best of times - has really slowed down.
In some respects, choosing 'Crown of Fire' to read next was probably a mistake. It's not quite involving enough at the moment to keep me reading. This is not meant as a criticism of the great man, merely an observation. There's a couple of great Elminster moments early on in the book (first chapter, iirc), for example, but they're almost totally flavour/character stuff with only a little relevance to the overall plot.
Reading back over my post, I've realised I probably need some spoiler space here, so...
Here
It
Is
Speaking of which, I'm 144 pages in and said plot still seems to be almost entirely composed of scenes in which Shandril, Delg and Narm run away from Zhents (usually, it must be said, having disposed of them in fairly entertaining and, in one or two cases, gruesome ways) and said Zhents' leaders (Fzoul, Manshoon etc) have secretive, clandestine meetings (alright, 'clandestine' means 'secretive'. I knew that) about the situation and their overall plan to obtain spellfire.
Which is great. Really. A lot of the character stuff is really inventive and the battle scenes are never less than involving, but, when I'm tired and can't really focus and I want my regular fix of Realms stuff, I need to feel like something has actually happened. Do you see where I'm coming from?
One of these days, I will write a post on Ed Greenwood's FR fiction - its mix of humour, sauce, action and lore is pretty unique - but it won't be any time soon. I'm simply too tired!
Should probably have gone for one of the later books. Ah, well... You live and learn. Well, usually you do... |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 23:08:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Glad you enjoyed, sir! To answer your question:
quote:
Originally posted by J D Dunsany
the villains are villainous (Meris, in particular, deliciously so - I'm guessing Edmund in 'King Lear' was an inspiration, and why not?)
A welcome and astute comparison. Also Hamlet, in the "do I kill my father, do I not?" sense.
Lord Dharan Greyt, as well, is a bit Shakespearean -- I based one of his speeches originally on Macbeth's "Tomorrow" speech.
Ah, those classical influences.
*slaps forehead* Macbeth! Of course! Should have spotted that really. Actually, the whole faded hero thing works really well throughout the novel - Greyt's a wonderfully unpredictable character. But, he avoids becoming a caricature villain because of these very touching moments with Lyetha and even the (admittedly somewhat twisted) pride he feels for Meris. Ironically, this makes him more of a monster!
Also, I've only just spotted the black-white reversal with the outfits of Walker and Meris. Very clever.
Right, this needs a proper review, I think. *reaches for his notebook* I'll be back in a bit... |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
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Delzounblood
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
578 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2007 : 11:21:10
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Well, as I recall, Ed recommends Halls of Stormweather as a suitable novel to give new FR readers a grounding in the breadth of FR fiction.
That's usually how I've looked at it.
I've not long finished reading this.... I don't usually go for shorts but I have enjoyed reading about Cale. (I must get some more books about him! I have already read Shadow Bred.)
I agree with Sage and Ed this is a good Starting / Grounding Book for newbies and an entertaining "Train/Bus" shorts read for the rest of us.
Delz
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2007 : 15:09:48
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quote:
Originally posted by J D Dunsany
*slaps forehead* Macbeth! Of course! Should have spotted that really. Actually, the whole faded hero thing works really well throughout the novel - Greyt's a wonderfully unpredictable character. But, he avoids becoming a caricature villain because of these very touching moments with Lyetha and even the (admittedly somewhat twisted) pride he feels for Meris. Ironically, this makes him more of a monster!
Sounds like you hit that nail on the head.
quote:
Also, I've only just spotted the black-white reversal with the outfits of Walker and Meris. Very clever.
Why thank you. None of this "you can tell they're heroes, 'cuz they gots white hats" business -- it's the opposite. 
quote:
Right, this needs a proper review, I think. *reaches for his notebook* I'll be back in a bit...
Awesome! I should be honored and very interested to see your compiled thoughts.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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initiate
Learned Scribe
Canada
102 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2007 : 01:48:37
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My most recent Realms novel read was "Shadowbred", finished about a month ago. Briefly, (for me):
I looked forward to this book and series immensely, both because its about Erevis Cale, and because it picks up indirectly from the end of Return of the Archwizards, (in so far as it features the Shades.) It lived up to and exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Prose wise, I found the prologue, some of Rivalen's dark and moody scenes, and several other parts of the book to be brilliantly written. Paul S Kemp's very abrupt, sparse, to the point style was something that I had to adapt to when I first started reading his stuff, but there are places where it really allows the story to flow unimpeded by details that don't need to be there. Watching the process of Sembia's descent into civil war was intriguing, and, of course, Cale's development always makes for great reading. I enjoyed Rivalen as a villain, though I hope for more insights in the next two books, as thus far I can't really claim to understand him. A couple glances into Mirabeta's mind would also be welcome; exactly how cognizant is she of what's going on around her?
There was one place where the writing got to me. Again, Paul Kemp's style is always very clear and concise, with short sentences predominating, and that style has served him brilliantly. However, the writing in the last bit of "Shadowbred" seems to cross some fine line for me between the sparsely descriptive and the report-based. For instance, perhaps I'm being overly picky, but I had to really work to mentally construct the true majesty of Sakkors and the alien horror of the first glimpse of Cania. There just wasn't sufficient description for me.
There seem to be a glorious number of factions and individuals in play in "The Twilight War", and I hope that the author will have enough space in the remaining two volumes to do them all full justice. Don't get me wrong; I have faith. This is, after all, Paul S Kemp, IMO one of the masters of the tight, fast-paced plot. I just hope that things like an artificially-imposed word limit won't get in the way of completely telling this excellent story. Looking forward with much anticipation to "Shadowstorm"!
With regard to my FR novel reading, I have just made a profitable trek into the book store. While my foray did not yield a copy of "Depths of Madness" as I had hoped it might, "Sacrifice of the Widow" was offered up as compensation. Looking forward to joining the book club discussion on this tome, probably later today.
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
765 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2007 : 12:48:53
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Latest reads have been the Realms of Shadow anthology -- where I for the first time really enjoyed a RAS story -- and Ghostwalker -- which I reviewed in the appropriate thread. I'm currently about halfway with Master of Chains, but find it a tad tiring and tiresome. Too much of nothing keeps on happening with Liam...
Regardless, next will be a delve into the works of the 'Young Dragons' with Realms of Dragons II and completing 'The Priests' with Mistress of the Night. Then it's off to Sembia and also a certain dungeon o' madness once my next paycheque clears... |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2007 : 22:56:38
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| I finally received my (autographed!) copy of Depths of Madness, and will begin reading it tonight (*squeals*!). What a nice coda to a day that's been kind of so-so. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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koz
Seeker
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2007 : 06:49:39
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| I just finished Final Gate. I wanted to be able to say that it blew me away but sadly it did not. Don't get me wrong it was a good book but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I have stated that Forsaken House just didn't "grab" me and that is the same feeling I got from Final Gate. It had a great overall story and plot but some of the plot devices just didn't seem to fit for me. I will say again that I loved Fathest Reach. Hmmmmmm, maybe that is why I had such lofty expectations of this book. It's strange, I don't usually like the middle book more than the beginning or finale ones. I would recommend this series for the story and future implications though. Next up for me is Silverfall. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ed intended the Seven Sisters to be portrayed. |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2007 : 12:06:51
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The first two 'Last Mythal' books really did impress me a great deal, for reasons I've mentioned elsewhere on this thread. I'm waiting anxiously for the last in the series (and the 'Realms of the Elves' anthology that accompanies it), but, for some reason, Amazon is playing silly beggars with the order. They should be arriving some time near the end of the month, but the wait is really starting to get to me.
Does anyone in the UK have a reliable alternative source of FR books other than Amazon they can recommend to me? (I know this is kind of off-topic - a PM will be fine! Cheers! )
Best!
JDD |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2007 : 22:44:57
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quote:
Originally posted by koz
Next up for me is Silverfall. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ed intended the Seven Sisters to be portrayed.
Hope you aren't disappointed.
I'm reading--and enjoying--Depths of Madness.
JDD, I'd help you if I lived in the UK. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2007 : 22:59:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
JDD, I'd help you if I lived in the UK.
Heheh. Well, it's the thought that counts, so thanks anyway! Actually, Alaundo's recommended an alternative supply here in the UK and I've had a quick look at their site and it looks the business.
Of course, getting books more quickly won't actually mean I read them more quickly, but at least it's something.
Oh and I'm now onto page 150 of Crown of Fire and we have our first nude female character for some time (thought Ed was losing his touch there for a moment) and it's not Shandril! 
Mirt is cool, though - I'm assuming this is the same Mirt after whom the whisky in the Neverwinter Nights 'Infinite Dungeons' module is named? In any case, the book continues to be fun. I'll post more when, well, I've read more. (Tuesdays are my day for stating the obvious, I'm afraid.)
Bye for now!
JDD |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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jespin
Acolyte
12 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2007 : 01:49:14
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| I've read almost all the wotc realses so now I'm trying to find the old TSR stuff at flea markets and used book stores. Any one have any old school suggestions to keep an eye out for? |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36966 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2007 : 02:47:58
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quote:
Originally posted by jespin
I've read almost all the wotc realses so now I'm trying to find the old TSR stuff at flea markets and used book stores. Any one have any old school suggestions to keep an eye out for?
Any of the books by Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2007 : 03:12:54
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| I finished Ghostwalker, it was the last of the Fighters series I had left. I put it off because I wasn't overly excited about another Ghostwalker on the heels of Bloodwalk. I'm happy to say my worries were unfounded. It was interesting to see two such different takes on the concept. Great work Erik! I also finally finished The Ruby Guardian. I began this one awhile back after thoroughly enjoying The Sapphire Crescent, but it just didn't grab me early on. For me, it really took off about the time Xaphira and Emriana ran into trouble, and the rest of the book was a real page turner. I am now finishing up this trilogy and plan on following it with Depths of Madness. |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2007 : 03:16:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by jespin
I've read almost all the wotc realses so now I'm trying to find the old TSR stuff at flea markets and used book stores. Any one have any old school suggestions to keep an eye out for?
Any of the books by Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak.
Seconded.
I'd also recommend any of the older Ed Greenwood and/or Elaine Cunningham books.
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
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jespin
Acolyte
12 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2007 : 00:42:56
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| Cool thanks for the recomendations. |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
765 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2007 : 07:05:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
I'm currently about halfway with Master of Chains, but find it a tad tiring and tiresome. Too much of nothing keeps on happening with Liam...
I hate to qoute myself, but felt it appropriate here. Finished Master of Chains and definately found it the weakest of the four 'Fighters'. I share the view of most of the critics as expressed in the thread dedicated to the novel. The pace -- for one -- did pick up, but the novel had so many other faults that I didn't really enjoy it all that much.
I've just started with Realms of the Dragons II and I'm enjoying the fairy dragon immensely. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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Lewton
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2007 : 23:11:11
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| New to the site, but thought I'd just jump right in. I've finished Frostfell and Road of the Patriarch over the last 2.5 weeks and am currently reading Depths of Madness. Really enjoyed both that I've finished and DoM isn't bad thus far. |
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koz
Seeker
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2007 : 10:19:33
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| I just finished Silverfall. I thought that the writing was excellent and I learned a little about the Seven Sisters. I also enjoyed the way one sister would hand off to the next sister to advance the plot. My only real complaint was that other than at the very end none of the preceding plotlines were resolved. As far as I could tell the drow problem in Scornubel never got completely solved and there were several other plotlines that seemed to be left hanging. Of course that could be by design to further future plotlines. It seemed kind of odd though. Next up for me is Promise of the Witch King. |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2007 : 12:07:43
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| Finished Depths of Madness yesterday. I sure hope Erik will write many more realms-novels. |
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 Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Lewton
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2007 : 21:53:58
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| Finished Depths of Madness, not a bad book, really enjoy the first 2/3rd's. Great characters. Lost me at the end. Sorry. |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2007 : 11:27:20
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Almost finished 'Crown of Fire'. Wow! This book may have perhaps the most repulsive description of a sewer I've ever read!
I'll probably post a proper review in a couple of days, but this has really picked up in the final third or so. Tremendously enjoyable.
Bye for now!
JDD |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2007 : 01:00:29
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quote:
Originally posted by J D Dunsany
Almost finished 'Crown of Fire'. Wow! This book may have perhaps the most repulsive description of a sewer I've ever read!
JDD
Repulsive, but humorous at the same time. Definitely one of the most memorable scenes in that novel, along with the Hidden House scenes.
Overall, I didn't care that much for Crown of Fire or Hand of Fire, but that doesn't mean they didn't have juicy passages in them that I enjoyed. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2007 : 13:24:58
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Fair point(s), Rinonalyrna.
I've finished 'Crown of Fire', which turned out to be a lot of fun, and I've gone for a change of pace - less (I hope) uber-characters, for a start - with 'Lady of Poison', which is already starting to prove quite interesting. Only twenty or so pages in, but I'll report back when I've got something meaningful to say.
All the best!
JDD |
"How content that young woman looks, don't you think? How content, and yet how flammable." - Lemony Snicket, The Unauthorized Autobiography |
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How up to date are you with reading FR novels?
Topic Locked
