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Ingrid the Invid
Acolyte
USA
1 Posts |
 Posted - 11 May 2006 : 15:56:26
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I'm new to the Forgotten Realms and a little overwhelmed at the number of novel available. Where should I start reading to get a good grasp of what's going on? Who are the best writers.
PS. I did read the Dark Elf Trilogy and didn't care for it. So I'm looking for something else.
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More Gold! More Gold! Ha ha ha... |
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Jhoebryn
Acolyte
43 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2006 : 16:36:31
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Well Met!
I am still of the opinion that you are best suited to start with two of the original trilogies - the "Icewind Dale Trilogy" and the "Finder's Stone Trilogy". The "Finder Stone Trilogy" is older and will be harder to find. The "Icewind Dale Trilogy" has been reprinted and is readily available.
Of the more recent novels, the "Sembia" series would be a very good place to go. From there, you may want to jump into the "Everis Cale" trilogy (very well written). Those four trilogies seem like a great way to start in the Realms.
For authors, anything by RA Salvatore, Elaine Cunningham and Paul Kemp is usually top notch. I note you didn't like Salvatore's Dark Elf trilogy - which had a much darker feel than most of his books. Try his "Icewind Dale" trilogy... |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2006 : 16:46:56
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It depends on what you want, basically. Do you want to get to know the Realms as a game-world so to speak, or do you just want to read?
If it is the game world thingy, you should probably start with Avatar, not that the initial trilogy is good (I started twice to read it again and put the books away again!) but it is informative.
If you just want to read good Realms books, go with Elaine Cunningham, Paul S. Kemp, Erik Scott de Bie's "Ghostwalker", and the novels Troy Denning wrote. If you like combat HEAVY books also put R. A. Salvatore on that list. |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2006 : 17:14:40
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Though the books of the Finder's Stone trilogy are older and out of print, I consider them to be the best place for a new reader to start. I also loved the Songs & Swords books by Elaine Cunningham.
I've heard many good things about the Sembia books, but I've not yet assembled the full set and thus haven't read them yet. Ditto for the Erevis Cale books.
Though we never quite reached a consensus, this is a topic that was discussed at length in the Experienced help for recommending FR Novels thread. Looking thru there may prove informative for you. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2006 : 22:59:33
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I have read just about every FR novel and while some are better then others, I still hold the opinion, check them all out and form YOUR own opinion.
However, just about anyone here will advise any Elaine Cunningham novel( and rightly so  ), which songs and swords could be a great start for you.
The Finders stone trilogy, while OOP, is worth tracking down and reading.
My personal all time favorite is and always will be Spellfire, but that is because it is my first realms novel. If you like Greenwood's style, start here.
Have fun my friend, any of the long established sages here are very helpful, at least they have been to me soo far  , and can answer just about any realms question you could think of. |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2006 : 23:10:58
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| Speaking of Spellfire, is there a way (other than reading large sections of the book) to tell the original published version from the re-edit done years later? Are they packaged differently, or is there a note on the front? I need to get another copy and I'd prefer the old version (warts and all), but don't know if it's still being sold in stores. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2006 : 23:20:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
Speaking of Spellfire, is there a way (other than reading large sections of the book) to tell the original published version from the re-edit done years later? Are they packaged differently, or is there a note on the front? I need to get another copy and I'd prefer the old version (warts and all), but don't know if it's still being sold in stores.
Original
Reprint
And sorry, I don't know how to fix the links. :)
Mod edit: Links done  . |
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 - The Sage on 12 May 2006 01:11:48 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31773 Posts |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 12 May 2006 : 03:10:28
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
For a decent and general taste of what the Realms also has to offer... I would suggest you start with the Harpers series (see here:- http://candlekeep.com/bookshelf/novels.htm#Trilogy and scroll down to the HARPERS section).
As well, the Best of the Realms collection (which will include the third when it is released next year:-
- Best of the Realms, Book I
- Best of the Realms, Book II
- Best of the Realms, Book III
I would agree..... and the harpers contains the songs and swords ( before it was songs and swords trilogy). additionally, it covers portions of shandrils trilogy ( a part after spellfire) and part of the finders stone trilogy. Additionally, it covers some other great novels of the realms, and really does give a "good" feel of what the realms are about. the harpers collection totals 16 books. |
Edited by - scererar on 12 May 2006 03:11:40 |
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mavericace
Seeker
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 07:39:38
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ok im new to this site (first post) so i figured i should just piggy back on this topic instead of makeing a new one. anyway i have read all of the R.A.Salvatore books and i figured i would continue to read more of the forgotten realms books since i like the setting. trouble is i am also having a hard time figureing where to start. i have a few questions.
1- i was going to start with the songs and swords books since you folks say they are real good but i have a few problems. from what i understand the books are part of a larger set (the harper books) well if i read the songs and swords books will i lose something if i decide to read the others of the harpers? also from what i understand there are 5 books well i was looking on amazon and book 4 was like 20 bucks any reason for such a high price?
2- from what you guys on this site have said the avatar books are also good to start with. i already have a bit of background about the whole time of troubles thing from the R.A.Salvatore books so this should clear things up right?
3- how about the elminster books? from what i understand they are always big sellers yet i dont see a whole lot of talk about them on here.
i know thats a lot of questions so any help will be awesome. oh im more interested in good reading and not the whole D&D thing if that helps, not to say that any more detail type books would not interest me.
again thanks |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 15:33:58
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the songs and swords set started within the harpers. however if you read the songs and swords series, you will not be out of order in the harpers series.
the elminster books are also great. If you like Ed Greenwood's style of writing, you will also enjoy spellfire, and many others.
EDIT: to add, check out ebay for the older or OOP novels. less expensive most times. I think the only one that really is not(anywhere) is Black Wolf. |
Edited by - scererar on 13 May 2006 16:09:21 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 16:43:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Welcome to Candlekeep This particular scroll may be of interest to thee.
Gosh, that link looks familiar... I can't say why, though. Mayhaps I'm experiencing déjà vu? |
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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mavericace
Seeker
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 20:07:54
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thanks for some of the advice. i understand that i wouldnt be out of order if i read the songs and swords books but i was wondering if i would be better off just starting with Troy Denning's The parched Sea since its listed as book 1 of that series.
just to let you know i have looked over the link (sticky topic) but i really havent read all 7 pages worth lol it makes me confused after a little bit  lol.
after looking around i decided to pick up all 3 books in the finders stone trilogy. i found all 3 books on amazon for less than a buck a book. hope i enjoy them. |
Edited by - mavericace on 13 May 2006 20:38:29 |
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Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 20:47:39
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quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
thanks for some of the advice. i understand that i wouldnt be out of order if i read the songs and swords books but i was wondering if i would be better off just starting with Troy Denning's The parched Sea since its listed as book 1 of that series.
just to let you know i have looked over the link (sticky topic) but i really havent read all 7 pages worth lol it makes me confused after a little bit lol.
after looking around i decided to pick up all 3 books in the finders stone trilogy. i found all 3 books on amazon for less than a buck a book. hope i enjoy them.
Well the Harpers series, which most of the Song and Swords series was originally a part of, can be mostly read as stand alones except for the few that are related to each other. The Parched Sea isn't related to the Song and Swords at all and the Parched Sea has other books that are connected to it.
Since you decided to get the Finder novels, don't forget these ones that take place after the events of the Finder's Stone trilogy.
Masquerades by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Finder’s Bane by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Tymora’s Luck by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb |
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 13 May 2006 20:50:27 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 20:59:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
thanks for some of the advice. i understand that i wouldnt be out of order if i read the songs and swords books but i was wondering if i would be better off just starting with Troy Denning's The parched Sea since its listed as book 1 of that series.
just to let you know i have looked over the link (sticky topic) but i really havent read all 7 pages worth lol it makes me confused after a little bit lol.
after looking around i decided to pick up all 3 books in the finders stone trilogy. i found all 3 books on amazon for less than a buck a book. hope i enjoy them.
Well the Harpers series, which most of the Song and Swords series was originally a part of, can be mostly read as stand alones except for the few that are related to each other. The Parched Sea isn't related to the Song and Swords at all and the Parched Sea has other books that are connected to it.
Since you decided to get the Finder novels, don't forget these ones that take place after the events of the Finder's Stone trilogy.
Masquerades by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Finder’s Bane by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Tymora’s Luck by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Parched Sea only has one novel directly linked to it, as I recall, and it was later in the Harpers series. However, at least one of the characters has popped up in other Denning books.
As for the other books Kuje mentioned... Masquerades is a great sequel to the Finder's Stone trilogy.
The other two books are part of a different trilogy, the Lost Gods. They are books 1 and 3, respectively. Don't worry about book 2; it's a Dragginglance novel called Fistandantilus Returns, and it has next to nothing to do with the rest of the trilogy (I'm beginning to suspect it wasn't even written with the trilogy in mind, and that someone at Wizards decided to lump the three books together).
Finder’s Bane and Tymora’s Luck build on the earlier Finder's Stone trilogy, but they aren't really sequels. Only one character from the earlier trilogy appears as a main character in these two books, but some characters from the original trilogy do appear in cameo bits in Tymora's Luck. |
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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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 22:04:46
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| Wooly, was "dragginglance" an intentional pun |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 23:00:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
thanks for some of the advice. i understand that i wouldnt be out of order if i read the songs and swords books but i was wondering if i would be better off just starting with Troy Denning's The parched Sea since its listed as book 1 of that series.
just to let you know i have looked over the link (sticky topic) but i really havent read all 7 pages worth lol it makes me confused after a little bit lol.
after looking around i decided to pick up all 3 books in the finders stone trilogy. i found all 3 books on amazon for less than a buck a book. hope i enjoy them.
Well the Harpers series, which most of the Song and Swords series was originally a part of, can be mostly read as stand alones except for the few that are related to each other. The Parched Sea isn't related to the Song and Swords at all and the Parched Sea has other books that are connected to it.
Since you decided to get the Finder novels, don't forget these ones that take place after the events of the Finder's Stone trilogy.
Masquerades by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Finder’s Bane by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Tymora’s Luck by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
Bugger bugger bugger, halfway through Finder Bane at the moment and I can't find a copy of Masquerades. So much for trying to read things in order
I can strongly recommend Azure Bonds, the first in the Finders Stone trilogy. Even if you can't find the others, this ones fairly easy to track down.
It's a cracking read for the first time FR reader. It introduces a few places of major 'interest' in the realms (the Dalelands and Cormyr), gives you a little background into a few gods, and generally makes a great story.
It's also got plenty of plot twists in it, though some are a little cliched it's never boringly predictable.
I can only speak good things about that book , thoroughly enjoyed it
edit: Information is for the OP. I can see mavericace has already had some (Tymoras) luck  |
Edited by - Kaladorm on 13 May 2006 23:03:10 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 23:02:43
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quote:
Originally posted by scererar
Wooly, was "dragginglance" an intentional pun
Though it was the first TSR setting I was exposed to, I'm not that great a fan of the setting any more. I didn't come up with that nickname for it, but, at the time that I first heard it, absolutely nothing new was happening in the setting. The Legends trilogy was over and done with, and rather than go forward, most authors simply went sideways or backwards -- exploring the past of this nation or writing a not-overly-good tale of what Hero of the Lance X did sometime before the War of the Lance. The setting was, in short, dragging, and so the name was appropriate. I've used that name ever since.
So, yes, it was deliberate. |
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
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 23:05:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Kaladorm
Bugger bugger bugger, halfway through Finder Bane at the moment and I can't find a copy of Masquerades. So much for trying to read things in order
No worries. Masquerades is a new tale of Alias and Dragonbait. It has little bearing on Finder's Bane and Tymora's Luck. |
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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mavericace
Seeker
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 13 May 2006 : 23:17:04
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| wow what have i gotten myself into lol. looks like i will be reading for years just to catch up. lets hope i continue to have good luck when finding these books lol. |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 00:17:47
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| I think the finding part will be difficult indeed...I can sing a song of that myself |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 00:21:07
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quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
wow what have i gotten myself into lol. looks like i will be reading for years just to catch up. lets hope i continue to have good luck when finding these books lol.
that's about right I have been going at it since 1988 and still have not read everyone. No worries though, some are worth skipping over. follow the advise of the sages here and they will steer you in the right direction and get you to the best of them, which should cut down the reading time a little. Additionally, a copy of the forgotten realms atlas could serve really well for you, as an overview of the first 3 or 4 trilogies. |
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Dremvek
Seeker
70 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 05:17:14
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quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
wow what have i gotten myself into lol. looks like i will be reading for years just to catch up. lets hope i continue to have good luck when finding these books lol.
Well, there have been approximately 180 Forgotten Realms novels published so far to date, and another 30+ books that have been announced so far, so you've got a bit of catching up to do!
As do I - only about 45 read so far by me......
As for the original topic, I'd go for Salvatore's or the Sembia series followed by Erevis Cale. The Drizzt series is very popular among the more casual readers of the Realms, so it gives you a good talking point with a greater audience (though they aren't mentioned much on here).
The Sembia series is nice because it gives you a taste of several different authors, with many of these authors having other realms books in case you really like their style. Erevis Cale takes place after the Sembia series with some of the same characters, and are just darn good books. |
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mavericace
Seeker
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 07:20:33
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well with all the R.A.Salvatore books done i have read like 24 books so only like 160 odd books left lol. i think after i read these 3 i will try to pick up some of the following in no order.
the Cormyr 3 books
the Sembia 7 books- although book 4 may be a problem
the Avatar 5 books
the Harper 16 books- i think 1 or two may be hard to find cheap
i guess after i have read them i can read about all the rest in any order?
By the way for whoever was talking about the book Masquerades amazon.com has copies for like 2 bucks if that helps. |
Edited by - mavericace on 14 May 2006 07:31:26 |
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Beezy
Learned Scribe
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2006 : 07:41:52
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I have read all of the released ones minus City of Splendors which i am currently reading, the Last mythal I and II which are my next two books on my plate, and Whisperer of Waves.
I would recommend for "newbies" some of the following, in no order.
Dark Elf trilogy + Icewind Dale trilogy (Everyone seems to love Drizzt and these are the best of the Drzzt novels)
Spellfire (Tis where I began my FR reading)
The Finders Stone Trilogy (My personal favorite)
Songs and Sword series (A great series)
Sembia Series (Get a taste of a few authors and its a good starting place)
Cale trilogy (Kemp is an amazing author and this is great trilogy)
Any Anthology could be a good beginning to get a taste of the realms
I realize I gave a lot of options but I think any of those would be a good place to start. After I finish my sumemr classes I am going to read the Finders stone trilogy again first thing |
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mavericace
Seeker
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2006 : 07:12:13
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| where do the Realms of.... books fit in? are they just short stories or what? thanks guys. |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2006 : 07:30:12
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quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
where do the Realms of.... books fit in? are they just short stories or what? thanks guys.
Well met
Indeed, this are anthologies of short stories which occur during various periods of the Realms timeline. The trend lately is to release an anthology relating to the current Realms-shaking event (RSE) and novel trilogy. For example, the latest "Realms of.." is entitled Realms of the Elves and is tied to Richard Baker's Last Mythal Trilogy. Next up is Realms of War, for Paul S Kemp's The Twilight War Trilogy. |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
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mavericace
Seeker
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2006 : 08:30:33
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| Would it be worth it to pick up a Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting book? I am not planing on playing D&D but from what i understand it has a good map a list of the gods and other stuff that help me understand what the heck is going on. just wondering if it would be worth the 25 bucks. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2006 : 10:35:15
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quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
Would it be worth it to pick up a Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting book? I am not planing on playing D&D but from what i understand it has a good map a list of the gods and other stuff that help me understand what the heck is going on. just wondering if it would be worth the 25 bucks.
I'd say so. The FRCS gives a great overview of the setting. It doesn't get into a huge amount of detail, because of how much it covers, but it does give enough info to answer a lot of questions about the setting, particularly those arising from reading the novels. |
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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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2006 : 11:04:56
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quote:
Originally posted by mavericace
Would it be worth it to pick up a Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting book? I am not planing on playing D&D but from what i understand it has a good map a list of the gods and other stuff that help me understand what the heck is going on. just wondering if it would be worth the 25 bucks.
It is a worthy buy anyway, it provides a general feel of the realms as well as a general history of the realms. I would recommend the Lost Empires of Faerun as well, as many novels were based on ideas from the histories and pasts of Faerun so it would help get a better, detailed idea of the going ons on the past and present. |
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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Where should I start?
