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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Feb 2012 : 16:08:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Arivia
Someone pick for me:
-Crown of Fire
-Swords of Eveningstar
-Waterdeep: A Novel
-and Elminster Must Die!
NONE of which I've read before.
I'd go with Swords of Eveningstar. It's typical Ed, and it's a nice slice of Realms history. |
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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2012 : 23:59:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Arivia
Someone pick for me:
-Crown of Fire
-Swords of Eveningstar
-Waterdeep: A Novel
-and Elminster Must Die!
NONE of which I've read before.
Crown of Fire. The usual annoying Manshoon. The panacea that is Mystra's fire. A bit good, but can be easily forgotten.
Waterdeep: A Novel. Needlessly long. Unremarkable characters. Elaine and Ed had written far better novels than this.
Elminster Must Die!. Two words: huge disappointment!
Hope that helps. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2012 : 00:47:18
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Arivia,
-Crown of Fire: sequel to Spellfire, and another of Ed's "severely edited down" early books, but has some engaging characters and places, and some dashing action scenes.
-Swords of Eveningstar: the start of a trilogy of young folks in Cormyr who hunger for adventure. Be careful what you wish for. This is the band that became the Knights of Myth Drannor, and the book is small in scale until the very end, has romance, and shows us a young Alusair. Can function as a standalone if you don't want to read the rest of the trilogy.
-Waterdeep: A Novel: Written as a standalone, and shortened by almost half, so the result is bumpy in places. Large cast, sprawling tale, nice touches by both Ed and Elaine.
-and Elminster Must Die!: A grim situation in 1479 DR for El and Storm. Not a "nice" book, and starts to race/telescope at the end, but a good book.
As a longtime book editor, they're all flawed, but I enjoyed them all. For the Realmslore, they're "must haves." As entertaining reads, they all score better than average for fantasy novels, these days. I'd say Swords and El Must Die! are the best written. I've re-read them all, several times, even amid the flood of manuscripts I have to read for "work"...
Hope I've been of some help.
love,
THO
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2012 : 01:08:06
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Hi Arivia,
maybe Swords of Eveningstar is a good option. Waterdeep a Novel was probably the biggest deception in FR novels for me so far. Subjective issue of course, but just my 5 cents. |
"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2012 : 02:21:52
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quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Arivia,
-Crown of Fire: sequel to Spellfire, and another of Ed's "severely edited down" early books, but has some engaging characters and places, and some dashing action scenes.
-Swords of Eveningstar: the start of a trilogy of young folks in Cormyr who hunger for adventure. Be careful what you wish for. This is the band that became the Knights of Myth Drannor, and the book is small in scale until the very end, has romance, and shows us a young Alusair. Can function as a standalone if you don't want to read the rest of the trilogy.
-Waterdeep: A Novel: Written as a standalone, and shortened by almost half, so the result is bumpy in places. Large cast, sprawling tale, nice touches by both Ed and Elaine.
-and Elminster Must Die!: A grim situation in 1479 DR for El and Storm. Not a "nice" book, and starts to race/telescope at the end, but a good book.
As a longtime book editor, they're all flawed, but I enjoyed them all. For the Realmslore, they're "must haves." As entertaining reads, they all score better than average for fantasy novels, these days. I'd say Swords and El Must Die! are the best written. I've re-read them all, several times, even amid the flood of manuscripts I have to read for "work"...
Hope I've been of some help.
love,
THO
Thank you for the experienced "quick review" of these books. It's a pleasure to read the Realmslore every night before sleep. Presently on "Swords of Dragonfire". After Ed's novels (2-3 left) i'll go with Elaine or Troy novels.
I'm at 44 FR novels read of 223 books bought so far. |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2012 : 02:34:07
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| I think I'm going to start off with Elminster Must Die! I have all the parts of the Spellfire and Knights trilogies, but hearing El himself is calling me right now. Thank you for the help everyone! |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2012 : 12:43:25
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| I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 04:27:32
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Counselors and Kings trilogy by Elaine.
The first three novels of the Elminster saga by Ed.
The Simbul's Gift by Lynn Abbey. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1288 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 15:17:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
If you haven't yet read The Finder's Stone trilogy, I very very very much recommend it. I think it is the best written of the Realms trilogies. Great characters, nice mysteries, and cameos by lots of famous Realms inhabitants and locales (Suzail, Shadowdale, Immersea, the Lost Dale, Tilverton, etc.) |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 15:31:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Seravin
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
If you haven't yet read The Finder's Stone trilogy, I very very very much recommend it. I think it is the best written of the Realms trilogies. Great characters, nice mysteries, and cameos by lots of famous Realms inhabitants and locales (Suzail, Shadowdale, Immersea, the Lost Dale, Tilverton, etc.)
Definitely a great trilogy! It's been almost 20 years since i've read it. Maybe i should do a re-read |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 16:56:13
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quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Seravin
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
If you haven't yet read The Finder's Stone trilogy, I very very very much recommend it. I think it is the best written of the Realms trilogies. Great characters, nice mysteries, and cameos by lots of famous Realms inhabitants and locales (Suzail, Shadowdale, Immersea, the Lost Dale, Tilverton, etc.)
Definitely a great trilogy! It's been almost 20 years since i've read it. Maybe i should do a re-read
Ha cool, i have it but not read yet. Will go on it after The Sword Never sleeps. |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 16:58:11
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quote:
Originally posted by HardKano
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
It really depends, I suppose. Some used books in eBay, for instance, described as in good quality with a picture of them, turned out to be quite poor.
Yes, i Know. As i said, half was poor (described good), 7-8 as described and 1 or 2 better than described.
I was talking about my experience with Betterworldbooks. I recommend to look for "very good" ones to be sure to get ones with quality. Beceause "good" ones is like flipping a Penny. And they didn't answer my complaint yet... i am a little bit disappointed
I finally get my answer from betterworldbooks and they add me a credit of 20% for the books that the descriptions and conditions doesnt match.
Happy ending :) |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 17:16:50
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I, personally, cannot recommend the Finder's Stone trilogy highly enough. To me, those books are some of the best Realms novels we've had, and they do a much better job of showing us the Realms than just about anything since then. Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak got the Realms in a way few authors can match.
Elaine is the only FR author I elevate to a comparable level. |
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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HardKano
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2012 : 23:06:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I, personally, cannot recommend the Finder's Stone trilogy highly enough. To me, those books are some of the best Realms novels we've had, and they do a much better job of showing us the Realms than just about anything since then. Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak got the Realms in a way few authors can match.
Elaine is the only FR author I elevate to a comparable level.
WoW with that sentence i want to read them right now LOL |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
Edited by - HardKano on 10 Feb 2012 23:07:21 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2012 : 00:13:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I, personally, cannot recommend the Finder's Stone trilogy highly enough. To me, those books are some of the best Realms novels we've had, and they do a much better job of showing us the Realms than just about anything since then. Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak got the Realms in a way few authors can match.
I'm inclined to agree. And I'll add Ed's works to this as well. I often get a sense of just how vast and comprehensive his grand creation of the Realms has been, each and every time I read his books.
quote:
Elaine is the only FR author I elevate to a comparable level.
Easily agreed. |
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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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2012 : 11:56:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Counselors and Kings trilogy by Elaine.
The first three novels of the Elminster saga by Ed.
The Simbul's Gift by Lynn Abbey.
Thanks a lot!I'll try out Counselors and Kings!I've already read the Elminster novels. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2012 : 11:57:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Seravin
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
If you haven't yet read The Finder's Stone trilogy, I very very very much recommend it. I think it is the best written of the Realms trilogies. Great characters, nice mysteries, and cameos by lots of famous Realms inhabitants and locales (Suzail, Shadowdale, Immersea, the Lost Dale, Tilverton, etc.)
Thank you!Wouldnt have thought of this without help! |
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Shardnax
Acolyte
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2012 : 14:48:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
The Pools trilogy.
Scratch that. I didn't notice you wanted books specific to author. I feel a little silly now. |
Edited by - Shardnax on 17 Feb 2012 14:51:07 |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 11:10:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Shardnax
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
The Pools trilogy.
Scratch that. I didn't notice you wanted books specific to author. I feel a little silly now.
No, Thats a fine suggestion actually. I was just looking for older books in general. Thanks. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 15:46:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Shardnax
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
The Pools trilogy.
Scratch that. I didn't notice you wanted books specific to author. I feel a little silly now.
No, Thats a fine suggestion actually. I was just looking for older books in general. Thanks.
I, personally, am not a fan of the Pools books -- to the point that having read the first two, I don't want to read the third. |
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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2012 : 20:08:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Shardnax
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
The Pools trilogy.
Scratch that. I didn't notice you wanted books specific to author. I feel a little silly now.
No, Thats a fine suggestion actually. I was just looking for older books in general. Thanks.
I, personally, am not a fan of the Pools books -- to the point that having read the first two, I don't want to read the third.
Neither am I. At least you read the second. I only read the first. [I'm no masochist.] |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2012 : 02:06:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Shardnax
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
The Pools trilogy.
Scratch that. I didn't notice you wanted books specific to author. I feel a little silly now.
No, Thats a fine suggestion actually. I was just looking for older books in general. Thanks.
I, personally, am not a fan of the Pools books -- to the point that having read the first two, I don't want to read the third.
I enjoyed the Pools books simply for the nostalgia factor involved.
I first read them while at school, so I still feel like there was really something special about the times that I'd go to the library, sit down, and read about the Realms. The school's library didn't have a big FR section, so the selection was limited. But I still look back on those days with fondness.
I'd be curious to see what my reaction to the novels would be now, if I were to re-read them. |
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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2012 : 02:44:17
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In a way, I can relate. Not the same book, but similar in the 'nostalgia' factor. I read Gary Paulsen's The River a long time ago and loved it then. I reread it fairly recently and remembered much of how it made me feel the very first time I read it. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 22 Feb 2012 : 15:12:13
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Ah nostalgia. Always seems to add such a rosy hue to everything.
Thats why its generally better to avoid the books and movies of your childhood as they seldom live up to the memory you have of them. |
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jerrod
Learned Scribe
157 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2012 : 08:05:08
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| If the newbie is a fan of elves I recommend the realm of the elves anthology or the last mythal series. If newbie is a drow fan....homeland,exile,and sojourn .the realms has something for everyone. |
I haven't been here in years but I used to be DARKFLAME MILLITHOR(DROW ARCHMAGE of wildmagic |
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2012 : 00:47:51
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| Edit: Hit reply to the wrong thread. |
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code
Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest |
Edited by - Tyrant on 07 Apr 2012 01:12:34 |
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2012 : 04:14:20
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quote:
Originally posted by jerrod
If the newbie is a fan of elves I recommend the realm of the elves anthology or the last mythal series. If newbie is a drow fan....homeland,exile,and sojourn .the realms has something for everyone.
Sure the Realms have something for every ones with all that huge collection to read ! :) it's around 260 books according to o-love.net registry |
There is only one thing that will never change : Evolution |
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archmagestar
Acolyte
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2012 : 05:41:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Shardnax
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
I cant decide which realms novel to purchase next. Can anyone recommend some older books by authors like Elaine Cunningham or something? Thanks.
The Pools trilogy.
Scratch that. I didn't notice you wanted books specific to author. I feel a little silly now.
No, Thats a fine suggestion actually. I was just looking for older books in general. Thanks.
I, personally, am not a fan of the Pools books -- to the point that having read the first two, I don't want to read the third.
Neither am I. At least you read the second. I only read the first. [I'm no masochist.]
Dont waste your time with the third, beyond disapointing. |
Forgotten Realms Junkie |
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Ada
Acolyte
USA
25 Posts |
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HardKano
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
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Topic |
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Experienced help for recommending FR Novels.
