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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Aug 2006 : 18:33:40
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You're right, Kuje. Sorry.
Apropos of that: this book turns into a whirlwind Ed action maelstrom at the end, but I was particularly impressed by the beginning. Great setting description, nice introduction of the characters, moves along with realism and humour (so doesn't lag) but at the same time seems leisurely. I LOVED the way Ed cut from Florin and Narantha in the forest to glimpses of the intrigues at court, and the other Swords doing their "restless for adventure" bits. A great book. |
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hammer of Moradin
Senior Scribe
USA
758 Posts |
Posted - 26 Aug 2006 : 19:36:48
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| In case it was not stated otherwise, this tale takes place in the Year of the Spur. I don't have a timeline in front of me, so I'm not sure of the date on that. |
"Hurling himself upon his enemies, he terrified them with slaughter!"
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium
Candlekeep proverb: If a thing is said often enough, fools aplenty will believe it to be true. |
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Braveheart
Learned Scribe
Austria
159 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2006 : 14:51:31
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quote:
Originally posted by hammer of Moradin
In case it was not stated otherwise, this tale takes place in the Year of the Spur. I don't have a timeline in front of me, so I'm not sure of the date on that.
Year of the Spur is 1348 DR. It was quite fun to see familiar characters again and new ones (funny enough, the Zhents described in this book are by far more cunning and thoughtful then most of the other Zhents Ed has presented over the years  ). I've not finished the book yet, but til page 230 it's been a nice and entertaining read. |
Jarlaxle: "Do keep ever present in your thoughts, my friend, that an illusion can kill you if you believe in it."
Entreri: "And the real thing can kill you whether you believe in it or not." |
Edited by - Braveheart on 07 Sep 2006 14:54:32 |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2006 : 23:41:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
And I'm liking all of their characters, except that every time I read Semoor's name I keep flashing back to Jhessail telling Shandril in Spellfire about the Twisted Tower's crypts, and the Knights that are buried there...
Semoor Wolftooth is still alive and well. When he reached 3rd level, Lathander revealed that Semoor would adopt a new name in his service - Jelde Asturien. Jelde has now retired to Lathander's temple in Eveningstar, and sometimes deals with adventurers who have business with the clergy. |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Baleful Avatar
Learned Scribe
Canada
161 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2006 : 19:26:34
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Yes, I remember Ed saying somewhere that there were a lot of Knights over the years, but also that he had to tell a new story in this trilogy, to slim things down from the events of his home campaign.
All I can say is, if this first book is slimmed down, his home campaign must be awesome. The pace clipped right along, lots of characters without anything ever being confusing (except when Ed was being deliberately mysterious), and I can't wait for the next one.
Funny how this book has generated as much chatter here at Candlekeep as some others. It's as chock full of lore as, say, Blackstaff (also a superb book), but slides the lore into you as the action races along.
Bravo, Ed!
Edit: Yes, I know I'm adding to a conversation that's sat there for a month, but I only just now got a chance to read Swords of Eveningstar. |
Edited by - Baleful Avatar on 09 Oct 2006 19:28:07 |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2006 : 22:17:41
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| Just started reading this book, and now I'm on Chp. 7. I love it--Ed's writing is whimsical and fun to read, and the chapters about a few certain young kids who dream of adventure remind me of why I like the Realms so much. Most stories (especially in the FR) start off with people who dream of adventure, and yet that is an element that actually hasn't seen that much light in most Realms novels, it seems to me. |
"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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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 20:58:10
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| Yes, I thought Ed struck the perfect balance between not boring us with every last little "and then they put their socks on" detail, AND getting enough of the mundane to make it all feel real. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 21:49:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Blueblade
Yes, I thought Ed struck the perfect balance between not boring us with every last little "and then they put their socks on" detail, AND getting enough of the mundane to make it all feel real.
So far, I have to agree with you.  The setting just...comes alive, and like I said, it's a book that actually touches on the wonder of going on an adventure, which I haven't seen too much in Realms books lately.
I'm still wondering how Vangerdahast can lecture Tanalasta, though, about the importance of following the rules for the good of the realm, and then later admitting that he can break said rules "for the good of the realm". I'd prefer a more detailed explanation than just "'cause he's Vangey, and he can!", but that's just me. |
"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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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 19:33:55
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Well I've just read the first eight chapters of the book and I'm going to comment on them with all due haste. I absolutely LOVE this book and I hope that the Hooded One will pass it onto Ed, though I shall give a much more lengthy review when I finish said voluminous tome. I've had a dubious relationship with the Knights of Myth Drannor, there's so darn many of them, but this book makes me fall in love with the Swords of Eveningstar.
So far the best portion of the book is the seduction by Florin Falconhand of the Lady Crownsilver. It's a classic storyline and what keeps it from cliche (I just watched Romancing the Stone yesterday) is the fact that it's done well. A story straight out of Taming of the Shrew or real life. Both myself and my mates have used camping and other experiences to remove city girls from their comfort zone in order to make them feel a bit more romantic after the experience. Nothing impresses the ladies more than ruggedness and Ed captures this well. Florin is obviously a bit more daring about this and much more blatant in his seduction technique.
Part of what makes this scene work so well is that Ed actually can write the build up to the lust quite well. Florin is a man's man and he captures that extremely well without running into cliche. He's not a powerful hero yet but the man is certainly well trained enough around a campfire in order to impress a young noble's brat. It's also helpful that aside from the appalling lies he's spinning to get her into bed, Florin never is rough or chiding. The irony that the pair never quite actually get into the sack was amusing to me since I was fairly sure they had by the time things went to hell.
Vandy and Tanalasta have only one scene together but it may be the standout one for the book. Swords of Eveningstar won't be my favorite Ed Greenwood book I suspect, it'll be hard to top my love of the Adventures of Allusair/Azoun and Tanny. However, fourteen year old Tanalasta doesn't need to be described in detail for her attitude and actions to make me want to huggle her to death. The adorable putting on airs to oneself that she goes through just makes her so kyooote! Vandy is also patient, wise, and interesting while still being a d***. I've always felt what saved Vandy from being a sagelike Merlin figure was the fact he's such a dirty and ornery cuss (without ever being improper) that's not at all likeable. That's part of his charm ironically ;-) Ed predated the appeal of Severus Snape by more than a decade. Alan Rickman is now officially Vandy in my mind after this detailed rip into the young Princess.
I'd also like to comment on the fact that Ed manages to bring to life Espara and its surrounding territories in the same way he brought to life Waterdeep without ever there being ANY similiarity. Given I used to date a Welsh girl, I actually understood most of what they were talking about even though the strange accents would be unintelligible I suspect were we not allowed a context that gave us full knowledge of what they meant. The thick lingo helped bring the area to life and the poor Sorceress Flamehairs' lament about the area managed to nevertheless preserve the emanicipated status of women in the realms while also providing a realistic fear for women that might be unable to escape a impoverished rural lifestyle.
BRAVO Ed.
You also managed to capture the bear like charm of Azoun as well. I never confused him with King Richard like some (whom was a murderer, a poor ruler, and decidedly not into the ladies in real life with the first applying to Azoun in justifiable circumstances, the later not, and the third not wrong but certainly not remotely close to him). However, he reminds me of the legendary aspects of the character as a mountain of passion stuffed into a hill of a man's body. One of the few humans I think could drink a dwarf under the table. There's an amusing Robin Hood/Florin/Richard/Azoun feel to their first meeting that's no doubt unintentional but FELT close enough.
Well....back to reading. |
My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 19:57:21
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| Actually, it seems to me that "everyone" is always comparing Azoun with King Arthur, although that comparison also doesn't quite ring true for me, as I think Azoun stands on his own as a distinct character. |
"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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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 21:09:40
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For me, Arthur is an older King undone by his Knights of The Round Table's Greatest Warrior or a young man stepping into the role of king with the aid of a wizard. Azoun really has VERY little in common with Arthur despite a wizard in his service. Certainly, none of his Purple Knights are peers.
But yes, I think that Florin comes alive here and I loved that he was awarded a charter to get him the hell away from his smitten noblewoman.
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My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 02:47:17
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Yay! You liked it!
I will certainly pass this on to Ed, Charles. I pass on all of these Book Club threads to him, actually; he's very interested in what readers liked or didn't like, what they misunderstood (and therefore he has to make clearer in future books) and what "worked" for them.
Now, one minor cavil: Florin wants to "have fun taking down the high and mighty lass" AND "meet a real live stuck-up noble, up close and personal, for the first time." He DOESN'T consciously want to bed Narantha (UNconsciously, of course he does!); remember, he "unmans" himself for days with that herb so he can pleasure her with lovemaking, but he certainly can't get an erection. (If I'm not being too blunt in my speech here.)
love,
THO |
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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 02:57:25
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That part was a bit confusing and I could see how it could be read that way.
I had assumed by Florin's admission to Delbossan that he was young and the ranger's reaction that he wanted to "bed half of Espar" when he was Florin's age leading me to assume that Florin did intend to bed her. My take on the drug was that it was supposed to be a sort of contraceptive instead....and a particularly potent one at that.
But yes, your way makes perfect sense in hindsight....and don't mind blunt speech here. It was amazing how many unique and made up swear words Ed had to throw in to stay within standards and practices of Wizards ;-) That made their way of talking real though. |
My Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blogspot.com/
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Edited by - Charles Phipps on 08 Jan 2007 02:59:06 |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 19:25:21
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Aye, somewhat off topic but I tstill thought this place to be appropriate to ask my question (as the prologue is closest to the cover ):
Who is the artist of the cover of this book? And has he done the cover arts for the other books in this series as well? |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 22:30:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Charles Phipps
I had assumed by Florin's admission to Delbossan that he was young and the ranger's reaction that he wanted to "bed half of Espar" when he was Florin's age leading me to assume that Florin did intend to bed her.
That bit about wanting to "bed half of Espar" says more about Delbossan than it does about Florin.
Glad you're liking this book, too. |
"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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Charles Phipps
Master of Realmslore
1425 Posts |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2007 : 03:27:18
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I know I'm late to the party here, but I'm so glad that I finally got the chance to sit down and start reading this book. As Faraer said earlier, this reminds me of the "old days" when I was first encountering the Realms, and feeling all of the details and wonder of it all.
I love reading about an adventuring party that is just getting started in the world. Its not that I don't enjoy more powerful parties from time to time, but its been quite a while since I've read a book where the protagonists feel like everything is brand new, and they aren't jaded or haven't seen everything ten times over.
It was great to read about Florin actually acting like a ranger, doing the "glossed over" parts of the "job" as it were. Again, it calls me back to when I used to love rangers because of Strider and the idea that they were rough wilderness warriors with woodslore and wisdom born of surviving and appreciating the wild.
I loved the bickering between Narantha and Florin, and I loved the banter between the other friends in Espar. I loved all the little details, and I loved how, for example, Islif isn't described as the most beautiful warrior woman in all of the Realms, but as a woman that might be an actual, living, human being.
I'm really hooked by this one so far. |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2007 : 17:51:42
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quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
...and I loved how, for example, Islif isn't described as the most beautiful warrior woman in all of the Realms, but as a woman that might be an actual, living, human being.
Yes, I liked that too. |
"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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Swords of Eveningstar - Prologue & Chapters 1 - 8
