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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 05:34:44
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You're right, but is Seiveril a good leader because he feels guilt? This is my opinion, but I just see him as a not-so-great leader who feels guilt. Additionally, I do not feel that any of the protagonists in this series are worthy of legendary status, especially not status on par with Eltargrim. These are flat characters, and I'm not impressed by them.
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Yes... There is a lot more to it than that, but from my experiences as a soldier and a leader of soldiers, compassion, genuine care for the troops, and accepting responsibilty for your actions is towards the top of the list.
I also agree that the characters could have been fleshed out more. I see severil in the end of book 2, really starting to see and feel what and how his decisions are effecting the campaign. His sense of doubt in my opinion is well founded, but as I said earlier, we will se in the next book how it all plays out.
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 11:42:25
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quote:
Originally posted by scererar
Yes... There is a lot more to it than that, but from my experiences as a soldier and a leader of soldiers, compassion, genuine care for the troops, and accepting responsibilty for your actions is towards the top of the list.
I would put the ability to make decisions quickly, improvise strategies and improvise well, anticipate the enemy's movements, not second-guess self into paralysis, and so on, count for a lot more. See, I've always been annoyed at the fantasy archetype (oh, hell, archetype in general, whatever the genre) that being nice will make up for everything else. It's fine if you're dumb, naive, or indecisive, so long that you're a nice, humble person. Which makes... sod-all sense. A leader has to be intelligent, decisive, aggressive, and ready to make sacrifices -- foot soldiers are foot soldiers, sorry, not unique snowflakes that have to be delicately guided and preserved. That's why I've never been convinced by the premise that humble farmboys make the best kings ever. Please, give me someone ambitious and ruthless any time.
As I've said in another post some time ago, and in agreement with Rinonalyrna Fathomlin, I find Seiveril extremely sheltered for someone as old and supposedly experienced as he is. What's he been doing all this centuries, sit down in his temple and knit? |
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khorne
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1073 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 13:28:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
I find Seiveril extremely sheltered for someone as old and supposedly experienced as he is. What's he been doing all this centuries, sit down in his temple and knit?
Propably..........yes. |
If I were a ranger, I would pick NDA for my favorite enemy |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 20:46:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
As I've said in another post some time ago, and in agreement with Rinonalyrna Fathomlin, I find Seiveril extremely sheltered for someone as old and supposedly experienced as he is. What's he been doing all this centuries, sit down in his temple and knit?
And remember that scene in Farthest Reach where that ambassador from Sembia marches in and tells Seiveril in no uncertain terms that Sembia didn't approve of what his army was trying to do? That guy was rude, sure, but I recall that Seiveril's attitude about that encounter to be something to the effect of "Huh? How come they aren't all happy about what I'm doing?" It's just that childlike naivete that makes me not respect Seiveril that much as a leader (esp. since this guy is supposedly "wise"--what is wisdom if not experience with the nature of other people?).
scererar, I have to agree with Winterfox on what makes a good leader too, but obviously when you read a book you are going to have your own opinions and will see things in a different way. |
"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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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 21:25:13
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Well, do take into account he has spent his life sheltered on Evermeet. That naivete made be bred from being leagues away from most of the events surrounding Faerun.
Plus, throughout the book, Baker has foreshadowed how Araevin was special because he had spent time on the mainland. Not saying the reasons were right, or a good description, but I think this just went on with the theme already set down.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 22:53:41
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quote:
Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
Well, do take into account he has spent his life sheltered on Evermeet. That naivete made be bred from being leagues away from most of the events surrounding Faerun.
I understand that, but we are talking about a character whom we are repeatedly told, by the author, is wise, experienced, aged, and a respected leader. If it turns out he has never actually left Evermeet before, what is he doing making war on the mainland, and why does he see himself as the one to be in charge of such a task? |
"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 10 Dec 2005 22:54:32 |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 10 Dec 2005 : 23:09:02
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Well, you have to take in consideration the fact that he may be a leader of people - but not in warfare. I wouldn't want "W" on the front lines directing my war, but I can handle him in the office of leader of my country. I think he may seem naive because he has never seen war personally and has never seen the landscape on which he fights. He may be a good morale booster, but his naivete is displayed because he is not a diplomat.
I wouldn't say he is a "bad leader," I would just say his knowledge of the current realm and of warfare is lacking. He must have been a decent leader, else he wouldn't have had a position on the Evermeet council.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 01:09:24
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Hmm..so much talk on Seiveril's leadership, whether he is a "good" leader is pretty difficult to define. I agree with that a leader has to be intelligent, decisive, aggressive. Though he did try to have some EQ with the rest of the army, I think he may had yet to understand fully about the concept of war, in war, yeah a leader got to make the dirty "sacrifices" using his own men to win an objective but what's most importantly is that the men are used in a sacrifice that is deemed worthy of their sacrifice and something that everyone from high rank to low rank can accept and understand and the troops lives should ot used for some cannot be won battle or situation or on the leader's whim. Whether Seiveril is worthy of becoming a legendary figure as Coronal Eltargrim...I find him worthy, for I estimate that from this outcome of the daemonfey-elf wars, that Seiveril would emerge more wiser and understanding than he had been before in Evermeet, from a green leader to a true leader. Yup, true he lacked war wisdom and strategy which Flar seemed to exhibit, at least it appears that Sieveril does made a valiant attempt at being what he is expected of a leader by his own men. Someone like Sieveril or even Vesilde Gaerth(nice name, I like the name) may have the potential to be a great leader, but he may not become the great leader he is expected to unless he really goes through the Trial by Fire, a true leader no matter how he is claimed to be cannot be called a true leader unless he had really underwent through the pain, grief, sorrow, victory, death, responsibilities, hardship, obstacles, the Test of Time and the test of the character under Fire which will truly determine how he will mold into a true leader, afterall true leaders had emerged hardened and wiser from such experiences.
Araevin...is kind of a desperado, but a kind of hero who is willing to make all the sacrifices for his People. It is true that he eagerly sought the High Magic knowledge at any cost to himself-bad or good? We will see. But there are few elves who are willing to go to such extremes to save his People and Araevin and even Galeron are some of these examples. The other side of Araevin is that, I think he is overeager to prove to his mentors, peers and superiors that he can handle High Magic without needing to temper his drive and desire with patience and wisdom. A rule breaker whereby he believes that rules should be changed as situation and circumstances deem fit, a kind of pragmatism he thinks lacking in elves. Also, he also maybe driven by the need to "step over the heads" of others by demonstrating that he is going to be a better and superior high mage than the current high mahes and he has the guts to take on anything that most high mages would balk at or are limited by morales. A typical but expected behavior of a sun elf as sun elves tend do see themselves higher than the rest, so Araevin is trying to be the highest sun elf above the rest of the other sun elves. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 01:21:06
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Is it just me or have we scribes disected this book into so many little tiny bits as we have never really disected any others? Sometimes, especially with the second book in the trilogy, to maybe have your initial thoughts, see what others have to think, then respond, and get ready for the final book. It seems like if we had spent this much time looking at every plot hole, character issue, and minor events, especially those that are likely to be explained in the next book, with every book that comes out, Candlekeep would be a VERY active place.
I love discussions, and I don't think anyone has gone too far in their analysis or opinion that I can think of off hand, but I do wonder why this particular book is generating this many comments this much longer after most of those responding to the topic have read it. I can understand the comments of the people that have just read it, but I am really perplexed by this level of scrutiny.
But that's just what I have been thinking. |
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 01:29:37
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I love discussions, and I don't think anyone has gone too far in their analysis or opinion that I can think of off hand, but I do wonder why this particular book is generating this many comments this much longer after most of those responding to the topic have read it. I can understand the comments of the people that have just read it, but I am really perplexed by this level of scrutiny.
Easy, it's 'cause there's been disagreement. It generates discussions by nature, since people either want to be heard or convince the others to see it their way. Me, I want to be heard, and I want to hear what others have to say, since I've been puzzled as to why the Last Mythal books have gotten so much praise when all I see are flat characters. |
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Mkhaiwati
Learned Scribe
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 02:07:38
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(Okay, it has been a while since I read them; I read them as soon as they arrived in the store)
My impression of Seiveril's leadership is that he seems to be a leader off the battlefield. He is a leader of the priesthood, but has he had much experience leading elves into war? He knows how to show compassion for his soldiers, as Scererar stated, but lacks some of the aggresiveness and decision making capability as others have pointed out. He is a builder and a nurturer, but second guesses himself on the battlefield. His diplomatic problems with the Sembians can also be explained as he is an elf, who has spent his life dealing with other elves and their intrigues. Elves may have been more subtle, with more intrigues and patience in their intrigues, rather than the blunt, in-your-face diplomacy that humans use.
Also, a leader can also be defined as someone willing to defy others and inspire others to do the same. If he hadn't stood up at the council on Evermeet, who would have?
Anyway, with as much action that occurs in most FR books, most characters seem two dimensional anyway. They never have time to develop or show any other sides other than what is absolutely necessary to the story.
Mkhaiwati |
"Behold the work of the old... let your heritage not be lost but bequeath it as a memory, treasure and blessing... Gather the lost and the hidden and preserve it for thy children."
"not nale. not-nale. thog help nail not-nale, not nale. and thog knot not-nale while nale nail not-nale. nale, not not-nale, now nail not-nale by leaving not-nale, not nale, in jail." OotS #367 |
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 02:59:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Mkhaiwati
Anyway, with as much action that occurs in most FR books, most characters seem two dimensional anyway. They never have time to develop or show any other sides other than what is absolutely necessary to the story.
Mkhaiwati
Eh, there're plenty of characters I would consider three-dimensional. Having them in a FR novel is far from unfeasible, and there is only as much action as the author wants there to be (relatively speaking -- I don't think WotC gives strict guideline on how much action there has to be). IMO, quite a few pages in The Farthest Reach were wasted with filler battle sequences (the battle with the grey render, anyone?). |
Edited by - Winterfox on 11 Dec 2005 03:06:15 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 03:27:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
Me, I want to be heard, and I want to hear what others have to say, since I've been puzzled as to why the Last Mythal books have gotten so much praise when all I see are flat characters.
That's pretty much my reason for "dissecting" and being none-too-kind to this series. Many people, for valid reasons of their own, believe that these books are great, but I'm just not seeing this supposed greatness, or anything that could live up to the quote "This is quite possibly the best written Realms book yet (see the Forsaken House cover). |
"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 11 Dec 2005 03:27:55 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 03:34:11
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quote:
Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
Well, you have to take in consideration the fact that he may be a leader of people - but not in warfare. I wouldn't want "W" on the front lines directing my war, but I can handle him in the office of leader of my country. I think he may seem naive because he has never seen war personally and has never seen the landscape on which he fights. He may be a good morale booster, but his naivete is displayed because he is not a diplomat.
I wouldn't say he is a "bad leader," I would just say his knowledge of the current realm and of warfare is lacking. He must have been a decent leader, else he wouldn't have had a position on the Evermeet council.
C-Fb
Decent leader? Maybe (though that's being kind!  ). A great leadeer, and one worthy of legendary status? I think not.
Also, I agree with your point about him perhaps being a leader of people rather than a military leader, but isn't he also the leader of the troops? |
"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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Halcyon
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 05:15:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Decent leader? Maybe (though that's being kind! ). A great leadeer, and one worthy of legendary status? I think not.
Also, I agree with your point about him perhaps being a leader of people rather than a military leader, but isn't he also the leader of the troops?
Why wouldn't Sieveril be worthy of legendary status? Though Sieveril might come across to me as a rather political leader and diplomat, I think that Sieveril is already taking the steps and tests of Fire and Time to become a great leader worthy of legend, even potential leaders must undertake such tests to become a great leader. I am certain that Seiveril will emerge a legendary leader from this war. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 05:42:42
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| I think that is a good point to keep in mind . . . a commander in chief might decide who to attack and where, even when, but when it comes to what hills to fortify, how to secure the supply lines, what units to deploy where . . . that is what you have generals for. |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 05:49:43
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I mean, look at Fzoul Chembryl - he's not known for his military might (why he has Scyllua).. he is charismatic, has a following, and chooses the steps for Zhentil Keep.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 11:19:06
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quote:
Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
I mean, look at Fzoul Chembryl - he's not known for his military might (why he has Scyllua).. he is charismatic, has a following, and chooses the steps for Zhentil Keep.
C-Fb
And...
Fzoul's charismatic (I guess; lots of novelists can't portray charisma to save their lives), but Seiveril isn't, not really (again, charisma's hard to depict in text). Fzoul's ambitious and ruthless; Seiveril is neither. And so on and so forth.
I'm not asking to see Seiveril improvise amazing military strategies. I'm just not seeing why anyone'd want to follow this fumbling twit rather oblivious elf.
quote:
Originally posted by Halcyon
Why wouldn't Sieveril be worthy of legendary status? Though Sieveril might come across to me as a rather political leader and diplomat
Errr, except that he was pretty damn clueless when dealing with the Sembian emissary. Sure, that's political acument, all right. Not. |
Edited by - Winterfox on 11 Dec 2005 11:20:50 |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 15:31:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
quote:
Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
I mean, look at Fzoul Chembryl - he's not known for his military might (why he has Scyllua).. he is charismatic, has a following, and chooses the steps for Zhentil Keep.
C-Fb
And...
Fzoul's charismatic (I guess; lots of novelists can't portray charisma to save their lives), but Seiveril isn't, not really (again, charisma's hard to depict in text). Fzoul's ambitious and ruthless; Seiveril is neither. And so on and so forth.
I'm not asking to see Seiveril improvise amazing military strategies. I'm just not seeing why anyone'd want to follow this fumbling twit rather oblivious elf.
Well, I agree that Charisma is hard to depict in novels. When we look at charismatic leaders in real life (Steve Jobs, et al.), they have a certain quality that is hard to capture in words.
Truth be told, I assumed from the back story that Severil must have been charismatic. If he was put in a leadership position as spiritual guide of the people of Evermeet.
So, you're right about being in the text - but he's no worse a leader than Bail Organa ("And so it is...")
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
Edited by - Kuje on 12 Dec 2005 00:28:05 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 18:26:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Halcyon
I am certain that Seiveril will emerge a legendary leader from this war.
Really? I'm not.
Really, what makes him such a "legendary leader"?
Crennen, I get your point about W., but doesn't Seiveril actually ride out to fight in battle with the rest of the troops? He's not a particularly effective warrior, either, but to be fair you don't necessarily have to be a good fighter to be a good leader. My point is that it seems to me that he is more than just a figurehead to the elven army, even though he lacks the skills for 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 11 Dec 2005 18:27:23 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 18:38:50
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| Let's take it easy with the real-world political references, folks. I don't want to see this thread go astray and get ugly. |
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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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 18:39:31
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Well, he does - so it's not a direct comparison. But, remember, he is fighting some pretty tough fiends, and dispelling more than a few. It's hard to fight fiends with physical means only ('less you're Mr. Do'urden). I wouldn't say he's ineffective, he's just no Fflar, per se.
I'm not trying to say he's the best leader ever, but you shouldn't fault him for his worries and self-doubts. Anyone in a leadership position has them. When I had soldiers underneath my command, I worried sometimes if I gave them enough guidance, or whether they understood why I was disciplining them, etc.
Seiveril - it's just his first time in the role, and he's learning on the fly.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2005 : 18:47:30
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quote:
Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
I'm not trying to say he's the best leader ever, but you shouldn't fault him for his worries and self-doubts. Anyone in a leadership position has them. When I had soldiers underneath my command, I worried sometimes if I gave them enough guidance, or whether they understood why I was disciplining them, etc.
Seiveril - it's just his first time in the role, and he's learning on the fly.
C-Fb
That's the thing, though--isn't this guy supposedly not only a high priest, but also the governor of Elion? I would think those two roles would have given him plenty of practice! |
"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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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2005 : 00:19:34
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| Knock it off with the RL references guys, and yes I had to so some major editing and deleting of replies in this thread. |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
Edited by - Kuje on 12 Dec 2005 00:29:40 |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2005 : 00:31:44
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Whoa whoa whoa - why the heck were my messages removed? Comparing Seiveril to W was a reference - in no ways political. The discussion was about this book, and wasn't about political views - why was this thread edited?
If comparing a leader in a book to the position a leader has in real life, like Caesar, Bush, Chirrac, any leader, is not applicable, I understand. But when we are discussing the merits of leadership and why Seiveril is good/bad, then we have to have references to our points of view.
This is an outrageous limitation of free speech on the discussion of a literary character, and not very fair.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2005 : 00:39:46
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| It was edited, even though we really should take this to private discussions, because Wooly already asked some of you to tone down the RL references and it didn't happen. |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2005 : 13:53:46
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I just finished the book today (yeah, I'm rather late) and I have to say this is an instant favourite of mine. It had quite a bunch of flaws but I'll have to say that this was a far improvement over the first book and it was filled with plenty of great stuff.
One of the biggest improvements was that there seemed to be shift of focus in the story. The war seemed to be the bigger part of the novel and I really loved the political angle of it. I was also glad that Araevin's quest was given less of a focus. Nonetheless, even if it had been given the same amount of focus, his quest became alot more interesting than the cliched, search-for-item-A-so-i-can-find-item-B. The amount of researching was rather interesting and the length of the quest itself was appropriate.
The best part I felt was given alot of focus: the political angle. The build up to the battles was extremely exciting and interesting to read. Unfortunately, the Zhents were depicted as wimps (once again), the alliance ended quickly and Sarya's army somehow managed to heavily damage all three armies of Hillsfar, Sembia and Miritar so quickly. Aside from those problems, I felt that the build up to it was very strong.
There were many battles that felt rather quick, but for some reason I didn't feel it too rushed but just ended to quickly (Zhent's and Saelathil's defeats). But I loved a lot of fight scenes in the novel like Xhalph and Starbrow as well as Maalthir and company's fight with Sarya and Xhalph (you gotta love that Time Stop spell).
As some people have mentioned, there doesn't seem to be alot of emotion between characters, especially Araevin and his party. It's just weird that somehow or rather there's a person who suddenly appears and would be willing to go through a deadly quest just because one of his father figures did so as well.
But nonetheless, despite the many flaws, I think this is my personal favourite realms novel. I'm a bit worried about the situation between the Zhents and Hillsfar being left hanging in the third book. But I look forward to it and I hope that some character development is finally showed to Araevin as we all can tell he'll have a big part in the next novel. |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2005 : 14:44:57
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As for the battles, I agree. Some that needed to be focused on more (Zhents and the Elven Army) were way too quick and some that were drawn out (Nilshai) should have been dealt with quickly.
I do agree that this book is wonderful. It's not a literary classic, but I believe it is on par or better than the majority of the Realms novels I've read.
C-Fb
Mod edit: Edited for content. |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 14 Dec 2005 17:31:19 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2005 : 21:44:26
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| I just feel that for what the novel has in scope (a huge war, Myth Drannor, etc), it loses emotional intensity. So many characters are paraded about, and yet none are studied beyond scratching the surface of who they are. I think it is very significant that the book is in general more concerned with what powers Araevin acquires rather than what kind of person he is, or how his self-imposed journey has affected him. And that's the character with the most depth. |
"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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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2005 : 22:28:54
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quote:
with what powers Araevin acquires rather than what kind of person he is, or how his self-imposed journey has affected him. And that's the character with the most depth.
I disagree. I think Seiveril has more development than Araevin. There's alot of focus on him and the decision he has to make and rather than Araevin, it seems there's more of an internal conflict for him. |
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Farthest Reach (The Last Mythal Book II) Spoilers
