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Renzokuken
Acolyte
USA
38 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Jul 2007 : 00:04:44
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| Currently I am ripping through Depths of Madness. After that, I am not too sure what to read... Too many damn choices. |
Currently reading: Dark Elf Trilogy (FR) |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2007 : 16:28:50
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After finishing Balckstaff, a novel that is definitelly shaking up my forgotten realms (even though I considered the book not to be one of the best written one's, it was most certainly an enjoyable read), I started to read the Sellsword II & III.
It starts interestingly and I hope to get some insight onto the characters of Entreri and Jarlaxle. Looking forward to find teh time to read on,
Ergdusch
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"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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J D Dunsany
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
180 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 01:48:39
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Am about 110 pages or so into 'Hand of Fire' and it's shaping up to be better than 'Crown' - or, at least, with a tighter focus. Oh, and I seem to recall saying that 'Crown of Fire' had the best (!) description of a sewer I'd ever read. Well, this one has the best description of a caravan journey I've ever read.* Is there no end to this man's talents?
Best!
JDD
* Of course, you wouldn't be able to see properly for all the dust flying around and of course wagons would come equipped with harnesses that no self-respecting driver would actually use... Detail like that, ladies and gentlemen, is how to make your fantasy writing come alive... |
"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 - 31 Jul 2007 : 02:26:14
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Went to nobleknight.com and finally ordered some old, hard-to-find and/or out of print books. I ordered Death of the Dragon, a hardcover, for only 9.95 (and it's mint condition!). What I am most looking forward to? I finally decided to get myself the Old Grey Box that so many of you talk about! Can anyone say OLD SCHOOL!  It's going to be so much fun seeing the Realms in it's earlier years.
In the meantime, I'm reading The Ogre's Pact, one of those books I had sitting around but didn't get to until now. |
"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 - 31 Jul 2007 : 13:14:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Went to nobleknight.com and finally ordered some old, hard-to-find and/or out of print books. I ordered Death of the Dragon, a hardcover, for only 9.95 (and it's mint condition!). What I am most looking forward to? I finally decided to get myself the Old Grey Box that so many of you talk about! Can anyone say OLD SCHOOL! It's going to be so much fun seeing the Realms in it's earlier years.
In the meantime, I'm reading The Ogre's Pact, one of those books I had sitting around but didn't get to until now.
Congrats on getting 'Death of the Dragon'. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
As to the Grey Box, again, congratulations. I've tried to pick up a few older supplements and whatnot, but I suspect I'm way behind you. 
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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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5699 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 17:11:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
In the meantime, I'm reading The Ogre's Pact, one of those books I had sitting around but didn't get to until now.
Well met
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this, Rinonalyrna. I had these novels since their original release and ended up leaving them until quite near the end of my reading backlog to read them... and thoroughly enjoyed them |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 20:33:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
In the meantime, I'm reading The Ogre's Pact, one of those books I had sitting around but didn't get to until now.
Well met
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this, Rinonalyrna. I had these novels since their original release and ended up leaving them until quite near the end of my reading backlog to read them... and thoroughly enjoyed them
I always liked these books, especially Ogre's Pact. A bit light on Realms feel, but a good read. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 02:13:26
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quote:
Originally posted by J D Dunsany
Congrats on getting 'Death of the Dragon'. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
And I can't want to read it! When I'm done with it I'll be sure to make my thoughts known.
quote:
As to the Grey Box, again, congratulations. I've tried to pick up a few older supplements and whatnot, but I suspect I'm way behind you.
Best!
JDD
Heh, maybe not as much as you think. I've got a ways to go, myself. In any case, nobleknight.com might be a good place to try if you have some extra cash. There's a lot of old stuff there. |
"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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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 02:23:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Well met
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this, Rinonalyrna. I had these novels since their original release and ended up leaving them until quite near the end of my reading backlog to read them... and thoroughly enjoyed them
Sure thing. :) I'm about 100 pages in so far, and much like Jorkens I'm finding it an enjoyable read. It is rather light on "Realms feel" because Hartsvale--based on my impression of it--is quite the isolated bit of land, and also rarely ever mentioned at all in Realms supplements. However, the Realms is supposed to be full of these little overlooked kingdoms (overlooked by us, at least). I love the idea of a Realm where humans and giants get along, but it almost seems as though humans have, to an extent, adopted giant religion--there are human priests of giant gods, but I don't think I've even seen any of the standard human gods mentioned yet! Not a bad thing necessarily, or a big deal, but it adds to the impression that the novel isn't especially "Realmish" and feels like it could have been set anywhere.
Also, I'm a little worried that the novel is going to be loaded with combat scenes over character interaction scenes--Beyond the High Road felt like that at times (though I liked that book, too), and I definitely prefer plot and dialogue over combat. The plot itself though is very intriguing and looks to be about truth vs. deception, and whether or not loyalty is always a good thing. Lastly, I have to mention that it's pretty cool to finally learn who, exactly, this "Avner of Hartsvale" is. He's referred to in the Erevis Cale books, and now I get to see him in action, as a teenager. |
"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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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 09:07:34
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The first book is the most combat heavy, but the action is evenly spread out throughout the book. No five page long duels and such. The other two books are more intrigue based as the plot evolves.
Oh, and have fun with the Gray box; an old friend I never tire of.
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Erevis Cale
Acolyte
8 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 15:45:44
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| I'm sort of behind in my reading. I just finished Shadowbred, my 37th realms novel. Since the beginning of the Erevis Cale trilogy I haven't read any other realms novels except those by Paul S. Kemp. I ordered 4 new books though while I wait for Shadowstorm. The biggest problem for me is deciding which books to read first. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2007 : 01:56:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
The first book is the most combat heavy, but the action is evenly spread out throughout the book. No five page long duels and such. The other two books are more intrigue based as the plot evolves.
That's good to know. I'm not fond of duels that take pages to describe, and if the other two novels are intrigue based, that's all the better.
quote:
Oh, and have fun with the Gray box; an old friend I never tire of.
Thanks, I intend to. |
"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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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2007 : 08:03:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
The first book is the most combat heavy, but the action is evenly spread out throughout the book. No five page long duels and such. The other two books are more intrigue based as the plot evolves.
That's good to know. I'm not fond of duels that take pages to describe, and if the other two novels are intrigue based, that's all the better.
quote:
Oh, and have fun with the Gray box; an old friend I never tire of.
Thanks, I intend to.
Well, it would be more correct to say that the plot becomes an soapopera, but an entertaining one. There is quite a bit of action in the other two as well, but the first one is the fast paced adventure tale. Think the first Star Wars trilogy. Now, I will stop baiting your curiosity and let you go on with the reading. If you are interested in giants at all, this is going to be your dream-read. |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2007 : 04:10:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Lastly, I have to mention that it's pretty cool to finally learn who, exactly, this "Avner of Hartsvale" is. He's referred to in the Erevis Cale books, and now I get to see him in action, as a teenager.
That reminds me, I noticed "Avner of Hartsvale" on the list of Chosen of Mask in the "Adventuring Companies of the Realms" thread. I can't find my copy of "The Crucible" but Dragon 245 lists Avner of Hartwick as Mask's Seraph of Thieves. Are these two different characters, a typo, or did their names get mixed up somewhere along the way? |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
Aermhar of the Tangletrees
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Check out my custom action figures, hand-painted miniatures, gaming products, and other stuff on eBay.
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2007 : 08:26:54
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| My memory is a bit rusty, but as far as I remember Hartwick is a settlement of Hartsvale. One way to look at it would be that within the vale, Avner is known as of Hartwick, whilst in the other lands of Faerun he is known as Avner of Hartsvale, as the area is little enough known as it is without confusing people with refering to a single settlement. |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2007 : 15:34:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
My memory is a bit rusty, but as far as I remember Hartwick is a settlement of Hartsvale. One way to look at it would be that within the vale, Avner is known as of Hartwick, whilst in the other lands of Faerun he is known as Avner of Hartsvale, as the area is little enough known as it is without confusing people with refering to a single settlement.
Thanks Jorkens, that's a reasonable explanation. |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
Aermhar of the Tangletrees
Year of the Hooded Falcon
Xysma's Gallery
Guide to the Tomes and Tales of the Realms download from Candlekeep
Anthologies and Tales Overviews
Check out my custom action figures, hand-painted miniatures, gaming products, and other stuff on eBay.
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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initiate
Learned Scribe
Canada
102 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2007 : 19:34:58
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I have just finished Elaine Cunningham's trilogy "Counsellors and Kings", which I enjoyed very much. As usual, the characters were wonderfully engaging. All three of Elaine's major series seem to focus on a duo, one of whom is generally somber and serious, while the other is more mischievous and whimsical. Yet all of these people have distinct personalities. Yet again Elaine Cunningham has crafted characters to stand among my Realms favourites.
I've heard some people, (on Amazon, mostly), complain that the end of "The Wizardwar" is rushed. I sort of agree, but not really. I did find the whirlwind quality of the ending a little disorienting, and think that ten or so more pages would have done the story some good, but when you consider the pace of the story overall its not really that big a problem. Despite the fact that the books focus a lot on political maneuvering, the plot whips along at a quick and very gripping pace. Because of the fast clip of the story, I didn't find the end to be a rush so much as a crescendo, and a building of intensity to a point at which a whole bunch of things happen all at once. Very pulse-pounding and engaging while not sacrificing to much depth.
One thing that I noticed relative to a lot of Elaine's other work, was that, upon reaching the end, I did not immediately begin frantically wondering if a sequel was in the works. Of course I'd be happy to see a short story or something taking place a few years after, updating the lives of the characters, the political situation in Halruaa, and the activities of certain shadowy folk in that land, but I don't feel the need for such in the way that I did with Liriel's story. "Counsellors and Kings" is probably Elaine's most self-contained work, and I found myself really appreciating that on finishing.
I have now read all of Elaine's published Realms novels, save for some bits of "Evermeet". Nooooooo!
Not only does the tale provide great insights into Halruaa, insights available nowhere else so far as I know, it is a captivating Realms story. Any who haven't read it should.
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 00:33:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens
Well, it would be more correct to say that the plot becomes an soapopera, but an entertaining one. There is quite a bit of action in the other two as well, but the first one is the fast paced adventure tale. Think the first Star Wars trilogy. Now, I will stop baiting your curiosity and let you go on with the reading. If you are interested in giants at all, this is going to be your dream-read.
Yes, I like giants. :) I like the firbolg protagonist, Tavis, and not just because he's a firbolg. He's honest to a fault, but I find it rather endearing. I was upset at the way Brianna treated him, and how she wouldn't even listen to his explanation about the book theft (!). I don't understand why supposed "strong female" characters are so often portrayed with such off-putting pigheadedness (seriously).
Anyway, "human orphan raised in Hartsvale by Tavis" sounds like a great idea for a character background, too.
As for the plot becoming a soap opera--actually, that makes me happy. RAS's Spine of the World was basically a romantic soap opera--many die-hard Drizzt fans hated it...and I loved it. |
"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) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 09 Aug 2007 00:42:11 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2007 : 00:42:42
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quote:
Originally posted by initiate
Not only does the tale provide great insights into Halruaa, insights available nowhere else so far as I know, it is a captivating Realms story. Any who haven't read it should.
I agree, and I've always felt that series was underrated. |
"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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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 17:01:41
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| I'm reading The Howling Delve right now. So far it is really good. Really grabbed my attention right from the get go. This is the 47th FR novel I have read and I have a bunch more on my shelves waiting... |
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Delzounblood
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
578 Posts |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 22:24:28
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I've just started at the begining of the Harpers series again.
It's been ages since I've picked these up!
Delz |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 00:01:49
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| Finally started reading Swords of Dragonfire. |
"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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Daniel of the North
Acolyte
Norway
30 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 15:42:38
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| Just finished The spine of the World, now I`ve started Servant of the Shard (an amazing book so far!). |
THE ART OF ESCAPING REALITY |
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unknown warrior
Acolyte
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 18:33:21
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| just started reading exile book2 of the legend of drizzt the darkelf series. i loved homeland and i planning on buying ghostwalker soon. if there any books u think i should check out please don't hesitate.do keep in mind i'm read all of the drizzt books from start finish to get ready for the orc king next month. |
Don't stand in my way. |
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Germelia
Acolyte
Netherlands
2 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 19:05:12
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Well, I've read the Dark Elf trilogy, the first two Elminster books and I'm currently about halfway through The Temptation of Elminster.. Still on the shelf: Elminster in Hell, Elminster's daughter, Shadow of the Avatar trilogy and Icewind Dale trilogy. Oh, and I ordered Cormyr: a novel.
Yes I know. I managed to buy a bunch second-hand though.
Any suggestions about the order I should read them? |
Chocolate? Yes please. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2007 : 01:32:12
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quote:
Originally posted by unknown warrior
if there any books u think i should check out please don't hesitate.
There are plenty of recommendation threads in this forum, feel free to search around. |
"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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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2007 : 01:33:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Germelia
Well, I've read the Dark Elf trilogy, the first two Elminster books and I'm currently about halfway through The Temptation of Elminster.. Still on the shelf: Elminster in Hell, Elminster's daughter, Shadow of the Avatar trilogy and Icewind Dale trilogy. Oh, and I ordered Cormyr: a novel.
Yes I know. I managed to buy a bunch second-hand though.
Any suggestions about the order I should read them?
The Elminster books don't have to be read in order, but why not finish those up first? |
"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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36968 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2007 : 02:06:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by unknown warrior
if there any books u think i should check out please don't hesitate.
There are plenty of recommendation threads in this forum, feel free to search around.
Perhaps the most thorough of these threads is this one: Experienced help for recommending FR Novels |
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How up to date are you with reading FR novels?
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