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Chosen of Bane
Senior Scribe
USA
552 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 03:55:55
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Just curious what everyone else thinks...
I'm looking for the last realms novel that you finished and said "wow, that was a freakin amazing book!". Maybe you weren't expecting much and it really surprised you or maybe it was just a flat out amazing story.
For me I have to say Halls of Stormweather. I've been trying to read series that I have missed and I am now on Shadow's Witness but I loved Halls of Stormweather! I usually don't think to highly of Anthologies so I wasn't expecting much but I read it this weekend and when I finished I felt like I should stand up and applause!
Maybe I'm just a geek and nobody else feels like this after a book but I'm curious about the last book that really blew you away.
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Jindael
Senior Scribe
USA
357 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 04:09:15
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I found that the Counselors and Kings books were just fantastic. (Then again I'm a bit of a sucker for anything Elaine Cunningham writes.) But, the all time winner of FR novels for me was the Wyverns Spur. Old, I know, but I can re-read that book and still feel more than content.
I'm waiting for all the WOTSQ to be all in paperback before I pick the first one up. However, I've heard wonderful things about it. I'm hoping it's as wonderful as I've been led to believe. |
"You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
-- C.S. Lewis |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 04:21:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Bane
Just curious what everyone else thinks...
I'm looking for the last realms novel that you finished and said "wow, that was a freakin amazing book!". Maybe you weren't expecting much and it really surprised you or maybe it was just a flat out amazing story.
The Forsaken House, flat out amazing story. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 04:22:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
I'm waiting for all the WOTSQ to be all in paperback before I pick the first one up. However, I've heard wonderful things about it. I'm hoping it's as wonderful as I've been led to believe.
It was wonderful, until the fifth entry in the series. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 04:24:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
But, the all time winner of FR novels for me was the Wyverns Spur. Old, I know, but I can re-read that book and still feel more than content.
Hey, another fan of The Wyvern's Spur! 
I trust you've read all the other Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb books?
quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
I'm waiting for all the WOTSQ to be all in paperback before I pick the first one up. However, I've heard wonderful things about it. I'm hoping it's as wonderful as I've been led to believe.
I, too, have been holding off on reading those. I've been picking up the paperbacks as they came out, but just not reading them.
Now, back on topic...
Now many Realms novels have gotten that kind of reaction out of me. I've enjoyed a lot of them, but I'm also hard to impress.
I guess the Realms novels that evoked the strongest postive reaction from me would be:
The Rage
Thornhold
Tymora's Luck
Prince of Lies
Crucible
Forsaken House
Now, if you were to ask about non-Realms novels that got that kind of reaction from me... Well, I'd tell you, and then we'd both be attacked by Big Al!   |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 04:54:52
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| Fewer and fewer books get that reaction out of me, I think, Realms or otherwise. Heck, the last few I've read just strike me as downright mediocre. With that said, the last Realms novel that made me go "Wow!" was Dissolution. And considering how long ago I read that -- well, it's telling, isn't it? (Insurrection, Condemnation and Extinction were good, but were a little less magical for me.) |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 04:57:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Now, if you were to ask about non-Realms novels that got that kind of reaction from me... Well, I'd tell you, and then we'd both be attacked by Big Al!
I'll ask, which was the last non-Realms novel to make you really go, WOW? |
Edited by - SiriusBlack on 22 Mar 2005 04:57:53 |
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SirUrza
Master of Realmslore
USA
1283 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 06:12:01
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| Forsaken House |
"Evil prevails when good men fail to act."
The original and unapologetic Arilyn, Aribeth, Seoni Fanboy. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 06:12:04
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Now, if you were to ask about non-Realms novels that got that kind of reaction from me... Well, I'd tell you, and then we'd both be attacked by Big Al!
I'll ask, which was the last non-Realms novel to make you really go, WOW?
The Da Vinci Code -- one of the few times I gave in to the hype about something. 
I just finished A Secret Atlas by Michael Stackpole, and it was enough to engender a "Whoa."
I'm now working my way thru the first two books of the Conclave of Shadows trilogy again, since the third book, according to the Barnes & Noble website, comes out on the 29th.
And for other reading on the side, I just acquired Faeries. 'Tis one of the few non-D&D D20 books I own. I've barely even flipped thru it, but I was intrigued by the mentions of Kokopelli and Baba Yaga. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Jindael
Senior Scribe
USA
357 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 06:16:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Hey, another fan of The Wyvern's Spur!
I trust you've read all the other Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb books?
I think so...wasn't it just the Finder's Stone trillogy and the one with the Kender? |
"You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
-- C.S. Lewis |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 06:19:04
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Like Winterfox I'll say this is a feeling that comes less and less often. I'm guessing it's something to do with growing older as it's the same with movies and music.
Last Realms-book that made me go WOW was the Rage, although more in the "Wow, I can almost see the dice being rolled as they fight these critters " than "Wow, that was a good book." The honour of that reaction goes to Silver Shadows, twice, since I re-read it about a month ago.
Last non-realms... Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb. If you're a DM you should definately read this for inspiration before running an adventure somewhere cold and icy. (And all her other books too, cause they're good, and you'll understand a lot more of what is happening in the above-mentioned one afterwards ). |
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 |
Edited by - Kajehase on 22 Mar 2005 20:41:56 |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 06:43:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The Da Vinci Code -- one of the few times I gave in to the hype about something.
One of my players has encouraged me to read that saying I'll enjoy it. Of course we shall see about that...she has been wrong before.
quote:
I just finished A Secret Atlas by Michael Stackpole, and it was enough to engender a "Whoa."
There's a name I recall seeing with another RPG years ago.
quote:
I'm now working my way thru the first two books of the Conclave of Shadows trilogy again, since the third book, according to the Barnes & Noble website, comes out on the 29th.
Good series. I've enjoyed the first three novels so far. I'm curious how he will end it and prepare for the next series. |
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Melfius
Senior Scribe
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 07:34:01
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For Realms books, it was Elminster's Daughter. Talk about your surprises!
Non-Realms it would have to be Titan by John Varley. Oh, how I wish I had a chance to become a Wizard! |
Melfius, Pixie-Priest of Puck - Head Chef, The Faerie Kitchen, Candlekeep Inn
"What's in his pockets, besides me?"
Read a tale of my earlier days! - Happiness Comes in Small Packages |
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Chosen of Bane
Senior Scribe
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 09:51:24
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Since I only brought up Halls of Stormweather in my original post I guess I'll mention the other realms novels that gave me this same feeling when I finished them...
Forsaken House - Probably less so than the Sembia Anthology because I was expecting big things because I had already read reviews.
Crucible - Probably my all time favorite realms novel, it's just been a while since I've read it.
As for WotSQ, I am another one of those waiting for them all to come out on paperback. I have the ones that are already out but I will not read them until they are all out. I am expecting big things, hope I'm not disappointed.
As for Non-Realms novels...
I really love the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. I think it's a general consensus that the latter books in the series aren't as good but I have to say the last chapter in Winter's Heart (book 9) left me fired up and itching for book 10 to come out (which left me very disappointed).
I have also heard great things about Song of Ice and Fire by George R. Martin but right now it is sitting on my bookshelf as yet untouched. I'm at a point right now where if I read something non-realms I feel as if I'm an unfaithful cheater. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 11:37:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Jindael
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Hey, another fan of The Wyvern's Spur!
I trust you've read all the other Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb books?
I think so...wasn't it just the Finder's Stone trillogy and the one with the Kender?
Azure Bonds
The Wyvern's Spur
Song of the Saurials
Masquerade
Finder's Bane
Tymora's Luck
Masquerade is like a fourth book of the Finder's Stone trilogy. Finder's Bane is the one that first intro's the characters who later appear in Tymora's Luck, which was the book with the kender. |
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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 11:40:18
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
The Da Vinci Code -- one of the few times I gave in to the hype about something.
One of my players has encouraged me to read that saying I'll enjoy it. Of course we shall see about that...she has been wrong before.
quote:
I just finished A Secret Atlas by Michael Stackpole, and it was enough to engender a "Whoa."
There's a name I recall seeing with another RPG years ago.
quote:
I'm now working my way thru the first two books of the Conclave of Shadows trilogy again, since the third book, according to the Barnes & Noble website, comes out on the 29th.
Good series. I've enjoyed the first three novels so far. I'm curious how he will end it and prepare for the next series.
I'm looking forward to the movie of The Da Vinci Code. It was simply an awesome book.
Michael Stackpole, as I recall, did do a bit of writing for Dragonlance. He's also done a lot of writing for Star Wars, and for the BattleTech line of fiction before they ended it.
Conclave of Shadows is going to be four books? |
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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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 14:18:58
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Condemnation was a wow for me. The previous two books were good and the stories wow factor gradually increased until the wow level of Condemnation.
Prior to that I have to wow The Yellow Silk for returning me to the FR setting (been a while since reading an FR book before Yellow Silk) and The Shattered Mask for not only being my first full FR book, but a kick-ass one at that. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 16:11:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Michael Stackpole, as I recall, did do a bit of writing for Dragonlance. He's also done a lot of writing for Star Wars, and for the BattleTech line of fiction before they ended it.
Ever heard of a game called Tunnels & Trolls? That's where I first saw his name as an author.
quote:
Conclave of Shadows is going to be four books?
I thought so. One does not believe a series ends with Nakor saying "We have a problem." But, Amazon.com.uk suggests that the next book starts a new series. So, I shall have to see come September. |
Edited by - SiriusBlack on 22 Mar 2005 16:14:23 |
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wwwwwww
Learned Scribe
116 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 16:52:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Bane
I'm looking for the last realms novel that you finished and said "wow, that was a freakin amazing book!". Just curious what everyone else thinks...
FR book:
"Pool of Radiance: The Ruins of Myth Drannor" by Carrie A. Brebis
- In itself, the book didn't blow me away, but I remember being very surprised by how good it really was.
Non-FR book:
"The One Kingdom" by Sean Russell
- Lots of build-up, but once it gets started it is excellent. I remember sitting there after I had finished it and going, "Now THAT was the best book I've read in a looonnnnng time!"
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 17:28:16
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quote:
Originally posted by wwwwwww
[brFR book:
"Pool of Radiance: The Ruins of Myth Drannor" by Carrie A. Brebis
- In itself, the book didn't blow me away, but I remember being very surprised by how good it really was.
Really? Well i've not heard much about this book and assumed it was to be thrown in the bag with the Baldur's Gate trilogy and Once Around the Realms (none of which i've read). What exactly did you think was good about it (without giving too much away). I was considering reading a stand-alone FR novel next, would you recommend this one then?
To answer the question myself, the last FR novel I read recently which really impressed me was The Lost Library of Cormanthyr. I thought the characters were well done and loved the story. It had plenty Realms flavor and a good pace, and the ending was just how I like it |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1715 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 18:06:01
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My benchmark on a good novel is where I've forgotten I'm sitting and reading; last time I had that immersion in story was Tim Powers' DECLARE.
Dan Brown's DAVINCI CODE was a fun read, but as I'd read the books on which he'd pulled a lot of his material, it read like a fast-paced Conspiracies primer.
If anyone likes a good mystery series and loves books (like I and Ed and others do), check out John Dunning's Cliff Janeway series; Denver cop turned bookseller with 4 mysteries out all involving books. First (and best) is BOOKED TO DIE; latest title escapes me as it just came out in hardcover within the past 2 weeks.
Good Nonfiction--Jim Marrs' RULE BY SECRECY. Intriguing book that follows the money through a whole passel of conspiracies. Very good book with a lot of info, even if I think he overreaches and generalizes in his wrap-up and summation.
I'll plead the fifth on FR novels, as way too many of them are written by friends of mine, and I don't want to choose sides. I enjoy equally (and for different reasons each) Ed's books, Elaine's books, Jeff & Kate's books, Doug's books, Troy's books, etc.
SES |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 18:20:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
I'll plead the fifth on FR novels, as way too many of them are written by friends of mine, and I don't want to choose sides. I enjoy equally (and for different reasons each) Ed's books, Elaine's books, Jeff & Kate's books, Doug's books, Troy's books, etc.
Steven, many people here at Candlekeep have highly praised Jeff and Kate's novels, myself included and I rate them very highly amongst all the Realms novels. My question is, are they still writing novels at all for any publisher under contract? Is there any possibility that WotC would contract them back in to write for the Realms again, or is that a closed door for one reason or another? If not, then please pass on our praise of their novels ...and if they're free, ask them to pop in here for a chat
Thanks. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Edited by - Lord Rad on 22 Mar 2005 18:20:56 |
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VEDSICA
Senior Scribe
USA
466 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 22:17:08
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Forsaken House was the last book to jump up,and punch me in the nose .It was a wonderful story.With interesting characters,and very old villians.Can not wait for the next installment.Actually there are quite a few books that I can't wait for either. |
LIFE,BIRTH,BLOOD,DOOM---THE HOLE IN THE GROUND IS COMING ROUND SOON----BLS |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 23:00:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
I'll plead the fifth on FR novels, as way too many of them are written by friends of mine, and I don't want to choose sides. I enjoy equally (and for different reasons each) Ed's books, Elaine's books, Jeff & Kate's books, Doug's books, Troy's books, etc.
Steven, many people here at Candlekeep have highly praised Jeff and Kate's novels, myself included and I rate them very highly amongst all the Realms novels. My question is, are they still writing novels at all for any publisher under contract? Is there any possibility that WotC would contract them back in to write for the Realms again, or is that a closed door for one reason or another? If not, then please pass on our praise of their novels ...and if they're free, ask them to pop in here for a chat
Thanks.
I'll echo that sentiment. I love their stuff, and I'd like to see more. I should also like to see one or both of them in here. |
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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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2005 : 23:04:40
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Michael Stackpole, as I recall, did do a bit of writing for Dragonlance. He's also done a lot of writing for Star Wars, and for the BattleTech line of fiction before they ended it.
Ever heard of a game called Tunnels & Trolls? That's where I first saw his name as an author.
quote:
Conclave of Shadows is going to be four books?
I thought so. One does not believe a series ends with Nakor saying "We have a problem." But, Amazon.com.uk suggests that the next book starts a new series. So, I shall have to see come September.
I've heard of Tunnels & Trolls, but I know nothing of it.
As for Nakor... With him, a problem could just be that he ran out of oranges 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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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2005 : 01:35:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I've heard of Tunnels & Trolls, but I know nothing of it.
An RPG that had a series of very entertaining solo modules which still stand as some of the most colorful material I've come across in gaming. Suffice to say, Flying Buffalo's authors did not have a code of conduct hanging over their head so adult themes often came up.
quote:
As for Nakor... With him, a problem could just be that he ran out of oranges again!
Oh, no oranges or jokes this time. What he considers a problem this time is bad...bad...badness on a horrific scale. Just wait til you read the tome. |
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wwwwwww
Learned Scribe
116 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2005 : 03:08:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
Really? Well i've not heard much about this book and assumed it was to be thrown in the bag with the Baldur's Gate trilogy and Once Around the Realms (none of which i've read). What exactly did you think was good about it (without giving too much away). I was considering reading a stand-alone FR novel next, would you recommend this one then?
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! For one thing, Carrie Bebris is a quality writer. She writes more than just fantasy, and it is very apparent she is well schooled in literature and prose.
As for the book itself, I don't want to say too much and ruin the story, but it is very well done. Bebris stuck to the game-plot (which actually didn't offer all that much) very well without getting dull and monotonous, and somehow made it work. Overall, it is just a very solid novel that is a fun and interesting read; leagues above the Baldur's Gate fiasco. It might not blow your socks off, but you should enjoy it. Personally, I rank it near the top of my FR collection. |
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Mareka
Learned Scribe
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2005 : 22:02:59
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| I just finished reading Dissolution. I have to admit, I didn't really expect much from this book, having not read anything else RLB had written and being somewhat bored with drow. But I was pleasently surprised. The story drew me in immediately, the writing style was smooth, and the characters were interesting. It was a very enjoyable read, and I'll definately be looking for more books by this author. |
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Lady Kazandra
Senior Scribe
Australia
921 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2005 : 12:08:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Michael Stackpole, as I recall, did do a bit of writing for Dragonlance.
As I recall, he hasn't written anything for Dragonlance. You may be thinking about his Dragon-based books though.
quote:
...and for the BattleTech line of fiction before they ended it.
And may well once again take up the pen for CBT provided all goes according to plan at FanPro.
And as for the actual question for this thread, the novel was Shadow's Witness for the 'Sembia' series.
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"Once upon a time the plural of 'wizard' was 'war'." -- The Last Continent, by Terry Pratchett |
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Krafus
Learned Scribe
246 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2005 : 19:21:28
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| The last FR novel to really wow me was Forsaken House. Expecting a run-of-the-mill FR novel, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2005 : 22:30:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Lady Kazandra
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Michael Stackpole, as I recall, did do a bit of writing for Dragonlance.
As I recall, he hasn't written anything for Dragonlance. You may be thinking about his Dragon-based books though.
quote:
...and for the BattleTech line of fiction before they ended it.
And may well once again take up the pen for CBT provided all goes according to plan at FanPro.
And as for the actual question for this thread, the novel was Shadow's Witness for the 'Sembia' series.
I stand corrected. I thought he had done something back in the days of TSR...
He may be writing more CBT stuff? Where did you hear this? CBT was my introduction to his work... |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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What was the last novel that...
