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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
 Posted - 16 May 2008 : 20:01:13
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I usually don't care much whether characters are sympathetic or not myself (I enjoyed The Coming of the Horseclans, even though it would be difficult to find any redeeming qualities in most of the characters), it is something else about the stories in the newer realms books that don't sit right with me. I cant put my fingers on it though.
It just hit me that I can actually report that I am reading a Realms books. Realms of Magic. I have owned it for years but never got around to read it. Some of the stories are Ok; more if you don't think of them as Realms stories. There are "real world" references that are irritating me as usual.
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 17 May 2008 : 00:07:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The draegoth was very servile and subservient to his aunt in one book, and then in the next book, he's basically telling her where to stick it. That was way too abrupt a shift for me.
I find that funny. And yeah, I heard about Hallistra having bizarre shifts in personality. |
"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 - 18 May 2008 : 08:08:11
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Well, I've finished 'Dissolution' and, I've got to say, I rather enjoyed it. I think the fact that RLB is just a really good writer undoubtedly helps. After a fairly slow start, the pace picks up about half-way through and, I've got to admit, I was pretty much hooked from then on, as the author began to bring the various strands of the story together. And, yes, I do think Pharaun is a sympathetic character, but that's perhaps because, in his flippancy and verbosity at any rate, he's a bit like me. Or, to put it another way, he reacts to (non-combat) situations in the novel like I would react if I were him. Except on page 305.
I do have some things to say about the novel in relation to some of the points made here (specifically about the drow and the need (or not) for sympathetic viewpoint characters in Realms novels), but, as they're pretty spoilerish, it might be better if I take them to a separate thread. Which I will at some point today.
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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Danny Glick
Acolyte
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 25 May 2008 : 02:47:49
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| Just picked up NEVERSFALL. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2008 : 14:13:15
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I just finished reading the Scions of Arrabar, the other day. I found the trilogy to be quite enjoyable. Most WotC stuff for the past several years hasn't been all that, in my opinion, but this trilogy was a very pleasant exception.
I have no idea what my next bit of Realms reading will be... Right now, I'm revisiting a non-WotC series, and I'm thinking of finally reading the Prism Pentad after that... |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2008 : 15:46:00
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
If you do read the "Pentad" Wooly, I'd like to hear what you thought of it when you're done. It's probably among the most *contentious* of DARK SUN sources.
Well, I've only read one other Dark Sun novel, and that was one that tied into a short story from Dragon that I found enjoyable (*sigh* -- there were some great short stories in there). I've never been much of a Dark Sun fan, mainly picking up a few supplements here and there because they had more psionics in them.
The Prism Pentad was something I wanted to read back when it came out, though... For some reason, I just never picked it up, nor did I ever borrow the books from my friend that had them. I only have them now because when replacing my melted novels, I found someone on eBay selling a couple of large lots of FR/Dark Sun novels. I now have the entire Dark Sun novel line.
So when I read it, all I'll be able to look at is the story itself -- I've not enough knowledge of the setting to know whether or not it stays true to it. The fact that it's Troy Denning is my biggest concern. I've loved some of his Realms novels, and despised others. So that part gives me pause... |
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Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 08 Jun 2008 15:49:10 |
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Lewton
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2008 : 23:04:43
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| Finished Sheild of Weeping Ghosts. Title says it all, made me weep alright. Not one of my favorites. Sorry, just wasn't a big fan of this book. I guess I expected to much since I'd just finished Eddings first 5 again. Oh, well. Such is life. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2008 : 23:29:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Lewton
Finished Sheild of Weeping Ghosts. Title says it all, made me weep alright. Not one of my favorites. Sorry, just wasn't a big fan of this book.
Just out of curiosity, what didn't you like about 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) |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2008 : 01:24:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
So when I read it, all I'll be able to look at is the story itself -- I've not enough knowledge of the setting to know whether or not it stays true to it. The fact that it's Troy Denning is my biggest concern. I've loved some of his Realms novels, and despised others. So that part gives me pause...
Ah. I will say this, Denning knows his DARK SUN lore. |
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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)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2008 : 03:47:50
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
So when I read it, all I'll be able to look at is the story itself -- I've not enough knowledge of the setting to know whether or not it stays true to it. The fact that it's Troy Denning is my biggest concern. I've loved some of his Realms novels, and despised others. So that part gives me pause...
Ah. I will say this, Denning knows his DARK SUN lore.
It's not the lore knowledge that concerns me -- it's the stories themselves. I hated Faces of Deception, for example, because the whole thing felt pointless to me. The Parched Sea, The Veiled Dragon, and Dragonwall, on the other hand, were all quite enjoyable to me. As I've said more than once, his stuff is hit or miss. And even some of the books get mixed reviews, like Faces of Deception -- plenty of people love that one.
That's what concerns me, reading those books.  |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2008 : 04:06:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
As I've said more than once, his stuff is hit or miss. And even some of the books get mixed reviews, like Faces of Deception -- plenty of people love that one.
Ah. For the most part, I felt that some aspects of Denning's writing style among the "Pentad" books, reminded me very much of his style for Beyond the High Road. Depending on how you felt about that book, it should give you some idea of what to expect with the first few "Pentad" books.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2008 : 04:47:17
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
As I've said more than once, his stuff is hit or miss. And even some of the books get mixed reviews, like Faces of Deception -- plenty of people love that one.
Ah. For the most part, I felt that some aspects of Denning's writing style among the "Pentad" books, reminded me very much of his style for Beyond the High Road. Depending on how you felt about that book, it should give you some idea of what to expect with the first few "Pentad" books.
It's been a while since I read that one... As I recall, I was really irked by one plot point in that one, but overall, I was neutral about the book. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2008 : 13:19:45
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Which plot point was that?
Vangey continuing to use magic carelessly when he knew that every spell he cast freed more of the dragon. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2008 : 16:37:23
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How up to date am I with Realms books? Not really... about 3 score books waiting on me, but I got addicted to Song of Ice and Fire, so I have a very good reason not to read Realms novels atm.
As for Faces of Deception, I have to agree with Wooly, there was no point to the novel, but then again there wasn't much of a point to Lost Library of Cormanthyr or Escape from Undermountain either. Hell, some of the books I read and forgot about them, which is much better than not finishing the book, like Siege of Mount Nevermind......... |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2008 : 02:16:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Mace Hammerhand
How up to date am I with Realms books? Not really... about 3 score books waiting on me
Same here, way behind
I did however, just finish up Swordmage. very good IMO. Just started reading Undead. |
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Theophilus
Learned Scribe
Australia
143 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2008 : 02:25:44
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Finished "Curse of the Shadowmage" and "Realms of Magic".
"Realms of Magic" certainly is value for dollar - it has a lot of short stories in it (more than previous Realms of... anthologies to that date) however, as others have noted, the quality of the stories is quite varied.
"Curse of the Shadowmage" was an interesting novel - it continued, reasonably imo, the story from the previous novel. It wasn't what I'd call a great novel, or a particularly weak one either. Recommend if you like "Crypt of the Shadowking".
Have now reached 1996 with "Escape from Undermountain". |
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Lewton
Acolyte
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2008 : 20:42:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Originally posted by Lewton
Finished Sheild of Weeping Ghosts. Title says it all, made me weep alright. Not one of my favorites. Sorry, just wasn't a big fan of this book.
Just out of curiosity, what didn't you like about it?
Didn't like the characters. Found myself confused on who was who. It really didn't catch or hold my attention. Felt like I was fighting my way through it. I'll store it, and read it again later. It took me 3 times before I could get through Spellfire...oh well. In the box it goes. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2008 : 17:59:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Lewton
Didn't like the characters. Found myself confused on who was who. It really didn't catch or hold my attention. Felt like I was fighting my way through it. I'll store it, and read it again later. It took me 3 times before I could get through Spellfire...oh well. In the box it goes.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Although, why read it again if you didn't care for it the first time? There are tons of other books out there, after all. |
"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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Theophilus
Learned Scribe
Australia
143 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jun 2008 : 08:18:14
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Finished "Escape from Undermountain" - mixed feelings on this novel. It seemed to me to be a bit of a plug for the Ruins of Undermountain II boxed set with bits and pieces from that product in the novel. Did anyone else notice this or know anything about it?
On the whole it had an interesting feel (I think its set pre-TOT?) which I thought was relatable for Undermountain fans. Recommend if you like a cliched dungeon crawl/romp story.
Now onto "Murder in Cormyr". |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2008 : 13:39:48
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I just finished sojourn for second time in the legend of drizzt series...
Now i started the "Elves of Evermeet".. |
BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2008 : 18:11:48
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I just finished reading The Gossamer Plain, which I found very enjoyable. What Aliisza (a favorite character) went thru was quite interesting, and I find myself most curious about the overall goals of Kaanyr Vhok and Zasian.
I was going to read the Prism Pentad next, but decided to break from the worlds of TSR/WotC for a book. So now I'm reading Stardust, which I've been intending to read since I saw the first preview for the movie!  |
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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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2008 : 23:36:23
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| ... And I didn't realize that my break from TSR/WotC novels was going to be so short! Stardust is an enjoyable read, but not a long one. It's like a long faerie tale. The movie did get a lot of it right, but there was a lot changed to make it suitable for Hollywood. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 01:25:46
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Aye. Neil Gaiman acknowledged that some parts of the book would be difficult to translate, fully, to the film. So changes were indeed a requirement.
If you're a fan of both the book and the film though Wooly, I'd recommend you pick up the Stardust Visual Companion. It provides some significant background material about the film [and the book as well] from the writers, producers, the cast, and Neil's own notebooks.
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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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2008 : 03:10:49
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Aye. Neil Gaiman acknowledged that some parts of the book would be difficult to translate, fully, to the film. So changes were indeed a requirement.
If you're a fan of both the book and the film though Wooly, I'd recommend you pick up the Stardust Visual Companion. It provides some significant background material about the film [and the book as well] from the writers, producers, the cast, and Neil's own notebooks.
I'll have to look for that, when I have a regular income again. |
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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Theophilus
Learned Scribe
Australia
143 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2008 : 00:02:13
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Finished "Murder in Cormyr" - very interesting novel and a large departure from others in the FR-style to date (87-96). Recommend it if your a fan of all things Cormyr and can put up with some of the oddities.
Now reading "Realms of the Underdark". |
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Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2008 : 02:15:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
Swordmage is back on its shelf. I liked it a lot.
Black bouquet is in process.
Black Bouquet is another good one Fillow |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jun 2008 : 16:30:15
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| Almost done with Legacy of the Force (I have been reading the last 4 books all in one go), and after that I will be reading Darkvision and then Stardeep (both by Bruce Cordell). |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
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How up to date are you with reading FR novels?
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