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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Beezy
Learned Scribe
USA
280 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 05:08:47
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I just finished the novel and I must say that it is one of the best realms novels I have read in awhile and definitely ranked VERY high on my all time favorites list.
If you haven't finished the book I recommed not reading any further or it will ruin soem things for you!
(spoiler if you have not finished)
It was crazy how Vhostyn's big plan was to make an eclipse and walk on Toril like he had i nhis childhood. It really bugged me that Jak died for that, but I think thats why I liekd the end so much. It was because what I thought was going to happen, Jak being brought back, duidn't happen that made the end so great.
One of my favorite scenes was when Riven was standing near Cale's broken and battered body at the end and it was plain to see his internal debate about wether or not to become Mask's first.
The biggest suprise for me at the end was Riven sitting in the tavern eating the potato soup and thinkign about Jak. Thinking about wether him and Jak were friends or not. Riven and Jak had hated each other, Jak had nearly killed Riven and Riven most likely had wanted Jak dead for a very long time for the wound that nearly killed him.
One thing I wanted to know more about was Weaveshear, Cale's sword. I get really hung up on magical weapons for some reason and always liek to hear about them so I was alittle disaapointed that Cale threw down his sword to kill Dolgan and Vhostyn. The ability to capture a spell in the sword and shoot i back was quite useful throughout the adventure but I was curious if it had more powers etc. Oh well a small detail I personally had wondered mroe about but it in no way took away from greatness of the book. |
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CreepyBastard
Acolyte
14 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 13:44:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
I just finished the novel and I must say that it is one of the best realms novels I have read in awhile and definitely ranked VERY high on my all time favorites list.
If you haven't finished the book I recommed not reading any further or it will ruin soem things for you!
(spoiler if you have not finished)
It was crazy how Vhostyn's big plan was to make an eclipse and walk on Toril like he had i nhis childhood. It really bugged me that Jak died for that, but I think thats why I liekd the end so much. It was because what I thought was going to happen, Jak being brought back, duidn't happen that made the end so great.
One of my favorite scenes was when Riven was standing near Cale's broken and battered body at the end and it was plain to see his internal debate about wether or not to become Mask's first.
The biggest suprise for me at the end was Riven sitting in the tavern eating the potato soup and thinkign about Jak. Thinking about wether him and Jak were friends or not. Riven and Jak had hated each other, Jak had nearly killed Riven and Riven most likely had wanted Jak dead for a very long time for the wound that nearly killed him.
One thing I wanted to know more about was Weaveshear, Cale's sword. I get really hung up on magical weapons for some reason and always liek to hear about them so I was alittle disaapointed that Cale threw down his sword to kill Dolgan and Vhostyn. The ability to capture a spell in the sword and shoot i back was quite useful throughout the adventure but I was curious if it had more powers etc. Oh well a small detail I personally had wondered mroe about but it in no way took away from greatness of the book.
Usually a book can be a great read all the way through and then a bad ending can absolutely ruin the entire experience. Sometimes you feel like you've been had. Dragged along and your time wasted. I find this with a lot of novels...
Not here. I loved the ending. Such a simple concept. It was so refreshing. Jak's death was needed. Don't get me wrong... I actually liked Jak - one of a very few good guys I actually liked.
As great as the book was and the action and the cool-ness factor of Cale and Riven and Azriim and Dolgan... my hands-down favorite line in the whole book was when Brandobaris told Jak that (paraphrasing here) Memories haunt better than ghosts...
Excellent foreshadowing. As Cale plunges deeper into darkness he is going to need something stronger than just Jak Fleet to remind him of his goodness.
Oh... and another favorite part... when Riven nodded to Cale that he would join him if Mask did not give him the spell to raise Jak. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 14:03:12
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Beezy and CB,
I'm pleased you enjoyed the novel. It was the most enjoyable novel I've ever written; the most intense, too, and I hope that comes through the pages.
Paul |
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Malarick
Seeker
United Kingdom
86 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 21:03:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
It was crazy how Vhostyn's big plan was to make an eclipse and walk on Toril like he had in his childhood.
I was totally blown away by the ending of this book. And I think it is because of how selfish Vostym's reasons are for doing everything, for killing everyone.
There is no big earth shattering threat (really), and it's not like Vhostym has done it to live for another millenia. It is just a simple, selfish desire.
FANTASTIC!!
I was sad when Cale returned to find the lifeless body of Jak. But I tell you, for me, the hands down best moment in the book was not the violence, the action, the tension, it were the peaceful moments between Brandobaris and Jak as he is on the other side of death. I have not seen anything like this before in FR novels (there is something like this in a certain DL novel). I loved it. |
Malarick
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Malarick
Seeker
United Kingdom
86 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 21:07:30
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quote:
Originally posted by CreepyBastard
my hands-down favorite line in the whole book was when Brandobaris told Jak that (paraphrasing here) Memories haunt better than ghosts...
I totally agree with you here. This is one line that will stick with me for a long time!
Paul - you have done something amazing here. You get better and better with each and every book. It is hard to imagine where you will go next, but I am definitely looking forward to it.
Roll on next summer and the start of The Twilight War.
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Malarick
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Beezy
Learned Scribe
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 21:54:14
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This novel was very intense, it was almost one long chase scene(but not drawn out and over done). The characters had only a few breaks in which to eat, sleep, and gear up to chase down the Slaadi again. I could not put the book down after I got alittle over halfway done with it.
I am left wondering what is going to happen to Cale now that Jak is not going to be there to keep his dark side in check now. Also Azriim teleported out after Cale threw Dolgan's head at him so what comes of him...does he want revenge or does he just want his freedom now that he is free of the sojournor? And finally, I am left wondering what the Source called out to or better yet what is going to answer its call. Does The Twilight War have anything to do with the Cale trilogy or is it completely seperate? Or are you not at liberty to say? |
Edited by - Beezy on 10 Nov 2005 21:58:26 |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 23:49:32
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I just don't know where to start. I'm numb! This book is absolutely, well, i'm speachless!
I think i just need to release a bag load of feelings cos it's had such an effect on me. This whole trilogy is without a doubt my favorite FR trilogy. Stunning!
Ok, let me just go over a few points within this section which hit it for me....
Jak! JAK!  What a scene! Cale coming rushing back after being called by Mags and finding Jak clutching his holy symbol just knocked me for six! the descriptions... how Cale felt Jaks body going cold in his arms.
The whole halfling plane was a stand-out moment of the whole novel. This was so well done. The uncertain memory and how Jak was excited about seeing his family which he then realised he hadn't seen since they died... which puzzled him. The whole surreal feeling of this part was fantastic.
That fight scenes were spot on too! I was gritting my teeth when Cale was getting stuck into Dolgan!! Nasty! Scary when Cale was advancing towards Mags too and not recognising him. Good job he snapped out of it in time else we'd have another fatality 
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Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 23:51:34
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quote:
Originally posted by CreepyBastard
Oh... and another favorite part... when Riven nodded to Cale that he would join him if Mask did not give him the spell to raise Jak.
That was pretty damn good eh I was so happy when Riven was back with them all. Cale unleashing his outrage at Mask and Riven backing him up was beautiful. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 23:54:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
The biggest suprise for me at the end was Riven sitting in the tavern eating the potato soup and thinkign about Jak. Thinking about wether him and Jak were friends or not. Riven and Jak had hated each other, Jak had nearly killed Riven and Riven most likely had wanted Jak dead for a very long time for the wound that nearly killed him.
I also liked that part. It was nice to finish the book focused on Riven. I'm glad he survived to the end of the book as i was expecting him to meet his end. It touched me when Riven was thinking about Jak and knew that he missed him...despite their forced companionship and uneasy alliance. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2005 : 23:58:40
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I thought Jak was a great character. When he died, i was in shock. When Cale was clammering to bring him back from the dead i had my concerns. All too often authors bring popular characters back from the dead. I thought that this would then be the one single part of the book that i wasn't too keen about... but then, when Cale lets go, remembering how Jak said to leave him dead and how Sephris now was... stunning! Just stunning! It was good to see this from Jaks point of view also, how he thought he heard his name being called. It all gave me a lump in my throat! This was the best decision to leave Jak dead, but to also tease the reader with believing Cale as going to bring him back.
Definately a stand-out moment that i'll never forget. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Malarick
Seeker
United Kingdom
86 Posts |
Posted - 11 Nov 2005 : 00:55:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
I also liked that part. It was nice to finish the book focused on Riven.
Indeed.
To think this was the Erevis Cale trilogy, and to end with a last few sentances about what Riven is doing, was a cool thing.
I loved that last scene. It was very cinematic, it was clear in my head, and I could almost see it fade to black and the credits start to roll.
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
I just don't know where to start. I'm numb! This book is absolutely, well, i'm speachless!
And you seem to have developed a spelling problem too
I know what you mean about feeling numb. |
Malarick
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Edited by - Malarick on 11 Nov 2005 00:57:35 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 11 Nov 2005 : 10:51:11
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Rad and Malarick,
It's really wonderful to hear that you both enjoyed the novel, especially the ending. This was a fun (and, as I wrote in another post, intense) novel to write. I was very happy with the ending and am pleased that readers are happy with it too.
Paul |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 11 Nov 2005 : 10:53:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
Does The Twilight War have anything to do with the Cale trilogy or is it completely seperate? Or are you not at liberty to say?
Beezy,
It has something to do (in part) with the Cale trilogy. If you think about the events of Midnight's Mask, then think about the antagonists I've spoken of in the Twilight War (the shades), you'll probably start to see some possible connections.
When I can reveal more, I certainly will.
Paul |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 11 Nov 2005 : 17:45:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Malarick
There is no big earth shattering threat (really), and it's not like Vhostym has done it to live for another millenia. It is just a simple, selfish desire.
This is what i really liked about it. Looking back and seeing the overall scheme, Vhostym created so much destruction just for his own desire. No big take-over-the-world or grand populace-affecting schemes. Excellent.
The scene with Selunes tear heading to Toril and breaking up into a little meteor storm was great. I can't believe we've lost a tear It's pretty cool that this whole event has left a visible mark for all of Toril to see. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Celebrant Moonflower
Acolyte
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 12 Nov 2005 : 11:26:58
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GRR i've just typed these next few chapter reviews and somehow lost it all  Here i go again.
Chapter 15
I liked how the plan came together and how the people of Selguant looked up into the sky to see all that was happening.
Go Riven! Yay i was glad to see Riven turn on the Slaadi and liked how he rushed away and transmitted "Wayrock" to Magadon just as he departed. Riven's back 
I felt quite sad when Cale took the weave tap to Selgaunt and said "i'm sorry" as he watched it burn and wither. It was sad knowing it was a sentient thing and how Cale thought of the similarities between himself and the weave tap. The effects were odd (and some amusing too) which occured in the streets, like the flagstones growing legs and walking off. LOL
Chapter 16
One word....Jak!  I loved Jak from the first moment I read about him. I couldn't believe it when he died. It was so emotional how Cale held him and realised how tiny is he. What really made this was Jak with Brandobaris on the plane. This was so touching how Jak didn't understand it all but it was so familiar at the same time.
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When has truth been utterly devoid of paradox? |
Edited by - Celebrant Moonflower on 12 Nov 2005 11:31:38 |
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Celebrant Moonflower
Acolyte
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 12 Nov 2005 : 11:40:49
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Chapter 17
Ewwwwww! That was nasty with Cale pushing his thumbs into Dolgan's eyes. But he DID deserve it
Cale was in total bloodlust and it was worrying how he couldn't recognise Mags for a while.
Chapter 18
When Cale tried to get Jak back it was so passionate. Seeing Jak back home with his family was very strange too, kinda weird type of atmosphere. And Cale letting go, Jak hearing the voices calling him. It was just beautiful but so so very sad. Mr Kemp, you actually made me cry reading all of this I will always remember these scenes. Just....so powerful. I can feel tears welling up again now. Poor Jak I will never forget this book, for this scene alone.
I thought it was very touching too when Cale and Riven gave a warriors farewell.
God i'll miss these guys
Epilogue
I liked how Riven returned to the Black Stag tavern, where it all began. That really took my back to Twilight Falling. Which reminds me, I must open it and start reading soon
Mr Kemp, I truly enjoyed Midnight's Mask and thought you did one amazing job in writing this and the whole trilogy. I will never forget that impact this has had on me. It has touched me so much. I don't think i will ever read anything like this again... and i've read a hell of a lot of books in my time.
Simply....amazing.
Edited - a few too many sad smilies in chapter 18? Not nearly enough, i think  |
When has truth been utterly devoid of paradox? |
Edited by - Celebrant Moonflower on 12 Nov 2005 11:41:58 |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 12 Nov 2005 : 14:15:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Celebrant Moonflower
Mr Kemp, I truly enjoyed Midnight's Mask and thought you did one amazing job in writing this and the whole trilogy. I will never forget that impact this has had on me. It has touched me so much. I don't think i will ever read anything like this again... and i've read a hell of a lot of books in my time.
Simply....amazing.
Edited - a few too many sad smilies in chapter 18? Not nearly enough, i think
CM,
Thank you. I wrote this on my blog too but repeating myself here is worthwhile: It is a pleasure to have such engaged fans.
Paul |
Edited by - PaulSKemp on 12 Nov 2005 18:35:13 |
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Beezy
Learned Scribe
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2005 : 05:49:26
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
quote:
Originally posted by Beezy
Does The Twilight War have anything to do with the Cale trilogy or is it completely seperate? Or are you not at liberty to say?
Beezy,
It has something to do (in part) with the Cale trilogy. If you think about the events of Midnight's Mask, then think about the antagonists I've spoken of in the Twilight War (the shades), you'll probably start to see some possible connections.
When I can reveal more, I certainly will.
Paul
I look forward to reading it and hopefully the book club is still going strong then too. It is nice being able to chat with other fans and with the author about a recently released novel. I have never participated in something like this before and I am glad I did. |
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Ethriel
Learned Scribe
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2005 : 21:34:02
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Will we see Cale again in some new books from you, Paul?
And more importantly: Will we see Azriim again? He was one of the most thrilling antagonists, a real monster...it's scary to think of him on the loose in the Realms |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2005 : 21:57:56
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| If you look at the page with "other books by Paul S Kemp" it contains the titles of the books in his next FR-trilogy, which he has said will include Erevis, as well as a certain group of former exiles to the Plane of Shadows. |
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 |
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Proc
Acolyte
Canada
32 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2005 : 03:28:42
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I first would like to congratulate Paul Kemp on one hell of a trilogy. I enjoyed all three books immensely, and the series got better as it went. Some thoughts on the final book:
Vhostym: I really liked that his ultimate plan wasn’t a power-grab, or some great scheme, it was purely selfish desire. If there is a better example of pure evil than one who will go to any lengths to fulfill their desires, with total disregard for life and people, then I don’t know what it is – I am powerful, they are not, therefore, they do not matter – awesome. Vhostym may go down as one of my favourite FR villains, possibly second only to…
Azriim: A psychotic, meticulous, intelligent, vain monster. Of all the slaad, I figured he would be the one to survive the events of the trilogy. I really liked his interactions with Riven and Dolgan, and I hope we get to see him again at some point.
Riven/Cale: I thought both of their story arcs were really well done. They both had to sort of come toward the middle in order to fall in line with Mask’s desires. Cale had found a bit of peace and happiness with the Uskreven’s, and had to come further into darkness. Riven was nothing but a cold hearted assassin, and yet he found some companionship in Cale, a brother in arms with whom he would stand with no matter what. Who knew Riven could be so loyal? And the final scene with the soup was a great touch.
Again, I really enjoyed this trilogy, and I eagerly look forward to Paul’s next set of novels.
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"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
- George Carlin |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2005 : 11:20:27
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Paul, Jak's death was the best depiction of such an event that I have read in a Realms novel. You didn't ignore that he could be raised, and you didn't massage events to say that he had been disintegrated or the like, you just showed that once he was home, in the afterlife, he wouldn't want to come back, and thankfully, let Cale know this as well.
I hope that Varra becomes the humanizing element to Cale that Jak was. Its pretty obvious that without that touchstone, Cale went a bit off the deep end. It goes back to the "right thing for the wrong reasons theme" from earlier in the book. Stopping villains good, killing and maiming villains becuase you want them to suffer since they made you suffer, not so good.
I wonder how much more upset Cale will be when he realizes that the whole issue with the Source and the Shadovar were precipitated by Vhostym's "just becuase" plan?
While Cale gets a bit more darkness in his soul, the ironic thing is that I think Riven has just a sliver, a sliver mind you, of good creeping into his. Cale is still the more noble, Riven the more base, but Paul has done an excellent job of making sure changes in the characters are both subtle and noticeable.
I wonder if Megadon will still be popping in on the Chosen of Mask in their future adventures? While I liked him, so much of his personality and motivations really seem to have remained his own.
An excellent book, definately glad I picked it up, and I really look forward to more. |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2005 : 13:57:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Ethriel
Will we see Cale again in some new books from you, Paul?
And more importantly: Will we see Azriim again? He was one of the most thrilling antagonists, a real monster...it's scary to think of him on the loose in the Realms
Ethriel,
As Kajehase pointed out, I am even now writing "The Twilight War" trilogy, which will feature Cale and Co. The first book of the trilogy, "Shadowbred," will be released next year.
Paul |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2005 : 13:58:47
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Proc and KEJr,
Thanks to you both. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the trilogy.
Paul |
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Ethriel
Learned Scribe
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2005 : 22:02:04
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| Eeeexcellent. Any word on our favorite Slaad though? |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2005 : 14:12:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Ethriel
Eeeexcellent. Any word on our favorite Slaad though?
Ethriel,
At this point, I don't expect Azriim to appear The Twilight War proper, though he might show up in the short story anthology (the "Realm of....") that will accompany the trilogy.
Paul |
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Malarick
Seeker
United Kingdom
86 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2005 : 15:45:59
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulSKemp
At this point, I don't expect Azriim to appear The Twilight War proper, though he might show up in the short story anthology (the "Realm of....") that will accompany the trilogy.
Ahhh, I never thought about WotC doing one of those to match up with the Twilight War.
We already have had Realms of Shadow, which I think went with the Archwizards trilogy, so it will be interesting to see what comes next time! |
Malarick
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Ethriel
Learned Scribe
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - 16 Nov 2005 : 22:33:06
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| Shame....Azriim is a great antagonist to Cale and Riven...I hope they appear as adversaries again soon. Paul, anything else we'll hear on Kesson Rel in the new trilogy? And most especially: Any plot details you can tell us on this RSE? |
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PaulSKemp
Forgotten Realms Author
808 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2005 : 13:34:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Ethriel
Shame....Azriim is a great antagonist to Cale and Riven...I hope they appear as adversaries again soon. Paul, anything else we'll hear on Kesson Rel in the new trilogy? And most especially: Any plot details you can tell us on this RSE?
Ethriel,
I can tell you that the new trilogy will feature the shadovar and a Realms Shaking Event. I can also tell you that Kesson Rel will play a key role in the plot. |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2005 : 15:19:52
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Still pondering this book days after finishing this:
Earlier in the book, Jak and Cale have their hero discussion, revolving to a degree around doing the right thing for the wrong reasons and weather or not anyone knows what is going on and if you are still a hero if no one is around to see you.
Now at the end, Cale is sure that Vhostym is doing something big and nasty. He almost literally moves hell and Toril to make sure that he destroys the Weave Tap and stops Vhostym, and then learns that Vhostym was just acting out a whim. In a way, Cale's quest has been the opposite of what he chides adventurers for, in other words, doing the WRONG thing for the RIGHT reasons.
It was just something interesting that occured to me. Especially considering most people in Faerun will have no idea what is going on.
Paul, what was the date that the Tear shattered . . . I'll have to note in on my campaign calendar, since its obviously something that people would take note of.
Oh, and Jak's mother is going to die tragically in my campaign, but it all works out since my PCs have gotten quite fond of her (they live in Mistledale, and thankfully my campaign is still about a year behind Paul's books). |
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Midnight's Mask: Chapter 16 - Epilogue
