Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Aerostoth 11-21-07, 05:41 PM	I've decided on starting to read the novels of FR, and can't decide where to start. Please help!
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-21-07, 06:26 PM	This question pops up time and again. You should be able to find the same exact topic (with answers) if you do a search here. But while I'm at it, I would like to recommend the novel Spellfire.
MerrikCale 11-21-07, 11:06 PM	I recommend any novel except Spellfire. :D There are many good choices. Perhaps Ed's recent Swords of Eveningstar. Or one of Elaine Cunningham's Songs and Swords series. Any of the old harper series would be good. The Cleric Quintet is a favorite. As is RAS' early stuff, my first FR book was the Crystal Shard and I've been hooked ever since. I liked the more recent Blackstaff, Blood Walk, and The Year of Rogue Dragons trilogy.
Ebrion 11-21-07, 11:42 PM	RAS's stuff is awesome, also The War of the Spider Queen series was great.
False-paradox-Truth 11-21-07, 11:42 PM	Depends, What do you like? Action or intrigue? What kinds of characters interest you? What races do you want to learn about? Need more information.
Old Sage 11-22-07, 01:14 AM	See here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=13819886&postcount=2).
Lord Karsus 11-22-07, 11:10 AM	-If you don't mind me asking, why are you asking us what novel to read? If you can, could you pick the choice that best fits?: A) You are looking for something good to read, and wants opinions on what to buy. B) You are actually unsure where to start. C) You, for whatever reasons, cannot read said novel(s) for yourself, and want to catch up on things by being informed. D) The large amount of Forgotten Realms lore out there make you feel uncertain where to begin “entering” the Realms. E) You are looking for a novel that contains XYZ.
Reneshat 11-22-07, 11:14 AM	-If you don't mind me asking, why are you asking us what novel to read? If you can, could you pick the choice that best fits?: A) You are looking for something good to read, and wants opinions on what to buy. B) You are actually unsure where to start. C) You, for whatever reasons, cannot read said novel(s) for yourself, and want to catch up on things by being informed. D) The large amount of Forgotten Realms lore out there make you feel uncertain where to begin “entering” the Realms. E) You are looking for a novel that contains XYZ. Wait LK you are forgetting: F) You are horribly intimidated by the vast amounts of Lore in the Forgotten Realms, and are currently shaking in your boots and are about three seconds away from leaving the Realms forever and ever and ever, or at least until 4ed makes FR great again.
MarkusTay63 11-22-07, 11:41 AM	Depends, What do you like? Action or intrigue? What kinds of characters interest you? What races do you want to learn about?This is actually the million-dollar question. There is at least one author I read for the lore, even though said author's writing style doesn't really "grab me". However, because of the vast amount of Realmsore I can gleen, I still enjoy the books immensely. I think RAS is a good author, and I read everything FR he writes, but I take his 'lore' with a grain of salt. It all depends on your reasons for reading. It's way too subjective for someone to choose your reading material for you - for instance, someone has just mentioned the WotSQ was good; I personally felt it was a disorganized mess. I did enjoy the first couple of books though, before the charcters became too bi-polar. I've never heard anyone complain about Evermeet: Isle of Elves: by Elaine Cunningham, so that might be a really good place to start.
Lord Karsus 11-22-07, 12:02 PM	Wait LK you are forgetting: F) You are horribly intimidated by the vast amounts of Lore in the Forgotten Realms, and are currently shaking in your boots and are about three seconds away from leaving the Realms forever and ever and ever, or at least until 4ed makes FR great again. -Well, that's more or less what choice 'D' is. I was trying not to lead Aerostoth on. ;)
Aerostoth 11-22-07, 12:11 PM	- A) You are looking for something good to read, and wants opinions on what to buy. B) You are actually unsure where to start. C) You, for whatever reasons, cannot read said novel(s) for yourself, and want to catch up on things by being informed. D) The large amount of Forgotten Realms lore out there make you feel uncertain where to begin “entering” the Realms. E) You are looking for a novel that contains XYZ. A, B, D, and E. I'm looking for novels that can inform me about: Netheril & Shades Drow Mind Flayers Fey'ri Red Wizards of Thay
Aerostoth 11-22-07, 12:15 PM	I'm trying to find a book with information on the realms. I currently haven't read any book like these so I don't really know what I like yet.
MarkusTay63 11-22-07, 12:46 PM	As much as I look back and dislike them now, the Avatar series is actually good in that it takes you around the Realms quite a bit. The 'god stuff' isn't so great (being nice here), but the rest of the story gives you a feel for what living in the Realms might be like. The only book I can think of that travels more widely (aside from planar travel) is Once around the Realms, but I would have a hard time recomending that little 'gem'. :rolleyes:
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-22-07, 04:20 PM	I've never heard anyone complain about Evermeet: Isle of Elves: by Elaine Cunningham, so that might be a really good place to start. I've complained about it, actually. Reading that novel made me like King Zaor, Queen Amlaruil, and moonblades less than I did before I had read it! However, that doesn't mean I don't recommend it as a novel. It's still a good book. There were parts of it that worked for me, and parts of it that didn't.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-22-07, 04:28 PM	A, B, D, and E. I'm looking for novels that can inform me about: Netheril & Shades Drow Mind Flayers Fey'ri Red Wizards of Thay OK, I'm going to list novels that are associated with these groups. That doesn't mean these novels are all good or that I've even read them all yet--it's just what novels I know deal extensively with the subjects you've mentioned: *Netheril & Shades Return of the Archwizards, Netheril Trilogy (takes place in ancient times, don't remember what it's called?), Twilight War Trilogy. *Drow Any of the Drizzt novels, War of the Spider Queen series, Starlight and Shadows Trilogy, Lady Penitent Trilogy, Realms of the Underdark. You have plenty of books to choose from here. *Mind Flayers Exile (a Drizzt novel), War of the Spider Queen series, Tangled Webs (from the aforementioned Starlight and Shadows Trilogy). *Fey'ri The Last Mythal Trilogy. *Red Wizards of Thay Red Magic, The Haunted Lands Trilogy, The Watercourse Trilogy.
Aerostoth 11-23-07, 10:29 AM	Thanks. These sounded the best: Return of the Archwizards Realms of the Underdark War of the Spider Queen series The Last Mythal Trilogy Red Magic What is your opinion on these?
MarkusTay63 11-23-07, 02:05 PM	Of those, I have only read WotSQ and Red Magic, and was not really impressed with either. However, they do give you a decent incite into the insanity of the Drow and the stupidity of the Red Wizards - two groups that have the power to rule the world, if only their 'broken' minds would let them. ;) has anyone read the new one about Thay and Szass Tam's 'power play'? I don't like to read a novel until the series is complete, but I do so love szass and Thay.
Crazygx34 11-23-07, 05:54 PM	The best one I have read is Spine of the world by R.A. Salvatore. All of Salvatore book it good. I think he also write one of star-wars book(episode 2 I think) Spine of the world it great because it have a great morale and story behind. The four of this serie are great I don't remamber what serie his but it have four of them. I recomand you also the drizzt trilogy , real good. the first one is the best with all his family and great lore about the drow of menzoberanzzan. You will know almost all the city at the end of it. But I think you can pass the avatar series I own the all five but I think they are good but you can read others first. The two about Cyric are really evil and will get you headach. Drizzt are better one, Drizzt is some kind of really great heroes, black, good and he got alot of adversity. Elminster in hell it great but also real evil but will get you some idea of the ninehell or abyss I think it in the abyss. For the rest I have not real a lot ...I heard the spider queens series its a good one.
Lord Karsus 11-23-07, 11:28 PM	I think he also write one of star-wars book(episode 2 I think)... -Salvatore wrote Vector Prime, which is generally regarded as one of the worst modern Star Wars books, due to the content inside, and what happens to a particular character.
Reneshat 11-24-07, 12:40 AM	Personally, I think Salvatore's primary selling point (for me at least) is his portrayal of dwarves. I could really leave any of his novels that don't have dwarves in it. I don't think it's the best portrayal in terms of lore, but man can it be entertaining. Then again, I never read the Jarlaxle/Entreri novels, those seem like they might be interesting....
Lord Karsus 11-24-07, 01:02 AM	Personally, I think Salvatore's primary selling point (for me at least) is his portrayal of dwarves. -Ironically, most people I know hate the way he portrays (and names) Dwarves.
Reneshat 11-24-07, 01:42 AM	-Ironically, most people I know hate the way he portrays (and names) Dwarves. Come on, how can you hate Giant Brain soup? And the reasoning behind it? As I said, awful lore, but if you are able to set that aside, the sheer entertainment value at the ridiculousness of it all is priceless. Oh yeah, did I mention I can't take the author seriously? Reading his novels are kind of like watching B movies.....
Lord Karsus 11-24-07, 02:01 AM	Oh yeah, did I mention I can't take the author seriously? Reading his novels are kind of like watching B movies..... -That's what a lot of people say. In his school, I actually had a teacher refuse to accept the FR novels that I included in my "Reading Journal" (My school [maybe even the entire NYC public school system] had a policy where all students were required to read at least 20 books per year). Ironically, the very next year, my english teacher was the DM of an informal D&D club. I wish it hadn't folded before I got him as a teacher.
Crazygx34 11-24-07, 09:15 AM	-That's what a lot of people say. In his school, I actually had a teacher refuse to accept the FR novels that I included in my "Reading Journal" (My school [maybe even the entire NYC public school system] had a policy where all students were required to read at least 20 books per year). Ironically, the very next year, my english teacher was the DM of an informal D&D club. I wish it hadn't folded before I got him as a teacher. What a sad story:( I suppose your teacher was a girl, maybe you should have read harry potter:rolleyes: Yes he write vector prime http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4425/51wkxd05rylss500ou3.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51wkxd05rylss500ou3.jpg) But the episode two too http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6668/51dqqc651flss500tn6.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51dqqc651flss500tn6.jpg) And for the spine of the world from the path of darkness serie. http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8955/n27780xq3.th.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/my.php?image=n27780xq3.jpg) And finally R.A. Salvatore himself http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4724/200pxrasalvatoreconventxq4.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200pxrasalvatoreconventxq4. jpg)
Lord Karsus 11-24-07, 01:58 PM	And finally R.A. Salvatore himself http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4724/200pxrasalvatoreconventxq4.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=200pxrasalvatoreconventxq4. jpg) -That's what he looks like? Heh.
Crazygx34 11-24-07, 02:18 PM	-That's what he looks like? Heh. Not 100% sure but when you write is name in google and check image that what you can get..:)
Mr_Miscellany 11-24-07, 03:00 PM	Thanks. These sounded the best: <snip> What is your opinion on these? Return of the Archwizards: A little hard to follow. Abrupt in its depiction of the 'power' of the Shadow Weave to trump the Weave. Hard to put down because it gives us a window into the history of Netheril. Realms of the Underdark: Tasty. Just tasty. Great fodder for adventure ideas if you like to adventure in the Underdark. War of the Spider Queen series: I've only read halfway through. Nice to pick up on lore outside of Menzoberanzan. I love the fighting styles of the drow that are depicted. Again, great info for running Realms games. The Last Mythal Trilogy: I'm less than pleased about what happens to one of my favorite adventuring locations in the Realms, but hey I worked those events into my campaign so it's all good. I think you'll like what's to be read here for the most part. Red Magic: Yes! Good for traveling around kind of reading. Dog eared copies are OK. ;)
MarkusTay63 11-24-07, 03:46 PM	I'll have to try Realms of the Underdark. To each his own, I suppose. Spine of the World was probably the only RAS novel I almost didn't finish. I really don't go in for that kind of 'emotional cr@p' in a fantasy novel - way too much Estrogen in it for me (the 'down-on-her-luck' barmaid? What was she, a refugee from a Lifetime movie?). Most of the Realms books I just read for the lore - I doubt I'd read most otherwise. I will probably have to eventually read both the Last Mythal and Archwizards series just for the history they portray. It really comes down to taste, all-in-all. BTW, if you like RAS and Dwarves, then you have to read the Entreri/Jarlaxle stuff (The Sellswords) - you are just gonna LOVE Athrogate. :smirk: I used to hate Drow and love Dwarves - since I started reading RAS I love Drow and hate Dwarves. His writing does have that sort of pschological-changing effect on people. ;)
Lord Karsus 11-24-07, 04:15 PM	Most of the Realms books I just read for the lore - I doubt I'd read most otherwise. I will probably have to eventually read both the Last Mythal and Archwizards series just for the history they portray. -At this point, hell, it might get retconned out, or something wacky. -Heh, imagine that. The 4e FRCS: The Shadovar never came back to Faerűn.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-24-07, 07:13 PM	Thanks. These sounded the best: [LIST] Return of the Archwizards Haven't read it yet. Realms of the Underdark Haven't read it yet. I've read the Greenwood story in another book (Best of the Realms II: The Stories of Ed Greenwood), but it was about Skullport rather than drow. Still, I know for a fact that Realms of the Underdark mostly has stories about drow, even though there's more to the Underdark than drow. War of the Spider Queen series I've only read the first two books so far. The books are pretty immersive when it comes to information on drow (most of the main characters are drow, in drow cities), although I wouldn't say they are the greatest novels. The Last Mythal Trilogy I seem to be in the minority here, but I did NOT like this series. That being said, it's the only series that really features fey'ri, and you want fey'ri, so read it. *shrug* Red Magic Haven't read it yet.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-24-07, 07:21 PM	I'll have to try Realms of the Underdark. To each his own, I suppose. Spine of the World was probably the only RAS novel I almost didn't finish. I really don't go in for that kind of 'emotional cr@p' in a fantasy novel - way too much Estrogen in it for me (the 'down-on-her-luck' barmaid? What was she, a refugee from a Lifetime movie?). Number one, I like estrogen in fantasy stories. Number two...what about Catti-brie in all the other Drizzt books? That's counts as "estrogen", I think. And what RAS novels DON'T have melodrama in them? That's not a symptom of female characters in the books, just the writer. The most introspective, emotional (and some would say, "emo") character in the Drizzt novels is Drizzt himself!
MerrikCale 11-24-07, 09:08 PM	The most introspective, emotional (and some would say, "emo") character in the Drizzt novels is Drizzt himself! That is absoultely true. And its also why I like that character
MarkusTay63 11-24-07, 09:49 PM	I wouldn't know - I've learned to skip over ALL italicized text. Cuts my reading time in half, as well. ;) I don't really care how Drizzt 'feels' about stuff - you don't see Aragorn going all 'Introspective'. Cattie-Brie I like, she is part of the team, but I was glad as hell when that miserable wench got snuffed at the end of the last series - she was a USELESS plot device, and was just in the way (and obviously, RAS thought so too at that point). Then again, that book (SotW) was waaay to Wulfgar-heavy, but it had its moments. The story about those people from that little 'Kingdom' (its not even on the map!) was just a little wierd for a fantasy novel - unless you read Harlequin Romances (or watch soap-operas). "Oh Brad... it isn't your baby!" <swoon> :yuck: I definately could live without all the melo-drama. I don't mind that stuff in OTHER types of literature, but I don't like it in my FR, thank you very much. ;) Like I said - it's all a matter of taste...
Lord Karsus 11-24-07, 11:49 PM	I wouldn't know - I've learned to skip over ALL italicized text. -You too? ;)
Aerostoth 11-25-07, 12:38 AM	OK. Thanks for the feedback. I have another question: My players know almost nothing about FR, and have a huge list of books to get before FR books (mostly "races" series and "complete" series). Novels, on the other hand, is a different story. They all just finished Eragon (which i still need to get to by the way), and are looking for a new good one. What book would be good to give someone a good background on FR to someone who's barely heard of it? P.S. Does anyone watch the anime bleach? (I know, off topic)
Lord Karsus 11-25-07, 12:56 AM	What book would be good to give someone a good background on FR to someone who's barely heard of it? -Any of the Realms of... short story anthologies. Each one contains multiple stories about a general topic (Elves, Magic, Shadow, Dragons, etc.), taking place in various times and locations.
MarkusTay63 11-25-07, 01:21 AM	Yeah, I'm in the middle of the Realms of the Elves anthology - it's pretty good. You really can't miss with those - even if you don't like one author's style, there is sure to be a few you will like - plus you learn about all different places and time periods, which is nice. Elminster in Hell and Evermeet are both excellent for catching little 'glimpses' at the Realms past. If you just want a broad-reaching, overall introduction, try to find the comic The Grand Tour of the Forgotten Realms - it's a quick & dirty guide to the Realms, couched in a nice little story. PS - you can usually 'find' it somewhere on the web... :incog:
Fabius Maximus 11-25-07, 08:52 AM	-You too? ;) Ironically, I always did read these insights with a sigh of relief. It's refreshing not reading cheap jokes and endless battle sequences.
Lord Karsus 11-25-07, 09:06 AM	Ironically, I always did read these insights with a sigh of relief. It's refreshing not reading cheap jokes and endless battle sequences. -At first, I had no problems with Drizzt's monologues. But, after a while, they became repetative. Most revolve around being a "stranger in a strange land", or his "forbidden love" with Cattie-Brie. Drizzt is a little too introspective for his own good. Something tells me that others with comprable intelligences and exploits aren't so much as he is.
Crazygx34 11-25-07, 09:39 AM	I think the best way to get fast in forgotten realms it not with a book it with a games. I think baldur's gate 1 and 2 are really good to get in the atmosphere. It a 2nd edition game but drizzt and elminster are there and you go trought Amn and sword coast two great region of fr. Play game of fr it the best way to learn fast. It have the baldur's gate on playstation and Demon stone. On Pc Planescape Torment , Baldur's gate 1&2 , Icewind dale !&2 And Neverwinter Night. It what that really introduce me to FR . I was knowing of d&d before and played it a little but the game on pc really get me in fast. And do someone know if it have a book who talk about the ressurection of Bane. I own The process of Cyric in where they talk of Xvim a little. But it have a book especially made for Bane ressurection?
Lord Karsus 11-25-07, 09:50 AM	And do someone know if it have a book who talk about the ressurection of Bane. I own The process of Cyric in where they talk of Xvim a little. But it have a book especially made for Bane ressurection? -Believe it or not, but there is no novel in which Bane is resurrected. It's mentioned in the FRCS, and Faiths and Pantheons only. The closest there is, in the novels, would be Finder's Bane and Stormlight. Over the course of the novels, different factions of individuals try to resurrect Bane.
Fabius Maximus 11-25-07, 01:43 PM	-At first, I had no problems with Drizzt's monologues. But, after a while, they became repetative. Most revolve around being a "stranger in a strange land", or his "forbidden love" with Cattie-Brie. Drizzt is a little too introspective for his own good. Something tells me that others with comprable intelligences and exploits aren't so much as he is. You're right. But all this shows that Salvatore is a mediocre author at best. Still, the insights offered a pause, even if they became annoying.
Crazygx34 11-25-07, 04:56 PM	You're right. But all this shows that Salvatore is a mediocre author at best. Still, the insights offered a pause, even if they became annoying. Sorry but I think by my opinion that R.A. Salvatore is the best author in Forgotten realms. I have read some of ed greenwood he is good better than Elaine Cuningham. The three are good but R.A. Salvatore he is far better than the rest of Forgotten Realms authors. Spnine of the world is one of the best novels I have read after Harry Potters. And the drizzt trilogie it hard to beat . I don't have read yet the spider queens wars who it suppose to be good too...
Lord Karsus 11-25-07, 05:27 PM	Sorry but I think by my opinion that R.A. Salvatore is the best author in Forgotten realms. I have read some of ed greenwood he is good better than Elaine Cuningham. The three are good but R.A. Salvatore he is far better than the rest of Forgotten Realms authors. Spnine of the world is one of the best novels I have read after Harry Potters. And the drizzt trilogie it hard to beat . I don't have read yet the spider queens wars who it suppose to be good too... -Opinions are as varied as flavors.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-25-07, 07:01 PM	I wouldn't know - I've learned to skip over ALL italicized text. Cuts my reading time in half, as well. ;) I don't really care how Drizzt 'feels' about stuff - you don't see Aragorn going all 'Introspective'. Cattie-Brie I like, she is part of the team, but I was glad as hell when that miserable wench got snuffed at the end of the last series - she was a USELESS plot device, and was just in the way (and obviously, RAS thought so too at that point). Then again, that book (SotW) was waaay to Wulfgar-heavy, but it had its moments. The story about those people from that little 'Kingdom' (its not even on the map!) was just a little wierd for a fantasy novel - unless you read Harlequin Romances (or watch soap-operas). "Oh Brad... it isn't your baby!" <swoon> :yuck: I definately could live without all the melo-drama. I don't mind that stuff in OTHER types of literature, but I don't like it in my FR, thank you very much. ;) Like I said - it's all a matter of taste... Indeed. However, I think killing off a character is a pretty clumsy way for a writer to handle a character that he isn't sure what to do with (if that was indeed the case).
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-25-07, 07:02 PM	OK. Thanks for the feedback. I have another question: My players know almost nothing about FR, and have a huge list of books to get before FR books (mostly "races" series and "complete" series). Novels, on the other hand, is a different story. They all just finished Eragon (which i still need to get to by the way), and are looking for a new good one. What book would be good to give someone a good background on FR to someone who's barely heard of it? As I said before...Spellfire.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-25-07, 07:13 PM	-At first, I had no problems with Drizzt's monologues. But, after a while, they became repetative. Most revolve around being a "stranger in a strange land", or his "forbidden love" with Cattie-Brie. Yeah, that's one reason why I sometimes roll my eyes at the monologues. The other reason? They can get a bit preachy.
MarkusTay63 11-25-07, 07:28 PM	-At first, I had no problems with Drizzt's monologues. But, after a while, they became repetative. Most revolve around being a "stranger in a strange land", or his "forbidden love" with Cattie-Brie. Drizzt is a little too introspective for his own good. Something tells me that others with comprable intelligences and exploits aren't so much as he is.Exactly so - I thoroughly enjoyed them in the first series, maybe even the second, but it's getting a bit maudlin already. I also skip the battle-sequences (its not like I don't know who's gonna win - he's alive a century from now, for Chrisakes!) That means I read RAS for the lore and story alone - all three pages. :P BTW, I'm NOT kidding for once - I finish a RAS novel in about two hours that way. Sorry but I think by my opinion that R.A. Salvatore is the best author in Forgotten realms. I have read some of ed greenwood he is good better than Elaine Cuningham. The three are good but R.A. Salvatore he is far better than the rest of Forgotten Realms authors. Spnine of the world is one of the best novels I have read after Harry Potters. LK, I apologize IN FULL - I'm NO LONGER a Harry Potter fan. http://www.butterbier.de/Icons/smilie_HarrryPotter2.gif I'm a VERY big fan of Rowlings BILLION dollars, however. :P Indeed. However, I think killing off a character is a pretty clumsy way for a writer to handle a character that he isn't sure what to do with (if that was indeed the case).You are definately on the money with that one. It seems he was going a certain way with Wulfgar, to allow for Cattie-Brie to 'hook-up' with Drizzt, and then it's as if he changed his mind and just 'threw her away'. The problem was, I sort of always saw her as 'extra baggage', and fully expected what happened - I just wondered why it took RAS so long. You know... I'm sorry if I'm coming off a bit of a jerk in this thread (yes, I realize I am), but I do indeed read a lot of different genres, although mostly Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I read different things for different reasons - occassionally I even read a 'Horror Novel', which aren't really my taste. Did you know that in the original version of Jaws, the Oceanographer had an affair with the Police Chief's wife? The chief didn't help him because of it when the guy went into the water, and thats why in the book HE DIED (the Richard Dreyfuss character). You see, in THAT novel I didn't mind that at all, but I really don't care about those sorts of real-world situations in my fantasy - Lancelot and Guinevere not withstanding. I read Fantasy novels to get away from the RW large, unruly drunkards (Wulfgar) and the 'skanky' barmaid who sleeps with half her customers because her life sucks and she thinks too little of herself. I live in NY - I see that cr@p every single day. That novel was just a little too 'real' for me to enjoy it, thats all. I'm only explaining myself because I like you and value your opinions, otherwise I wouldn't bother. :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-25-07, 07:38 PM	Exactly so - I thoroughly enjoyed them in the first series, maybe even the second, but it's getting a bit maudlin already. I also skip the battle-sequences (its not like I don't know who's gonna win - he's alive a century from now, for Chrisakes!) That means I read RAS for the lore and story alone - all three pages. :P BTW, I'm NOT kidding for once - I finish a RAS novel in about two hours that way. I believe it. I didn't like the second Cadderly novel (In Sylvan Shadows) because it was, like, 98% fight scenes, 2% story and dialogue (really!). You are definately on the money with that one. It seems he was going a certain way with Wulfgar, to allow for Cattie-Brie to 'hook-up' with Drizzt, and then it's as if he changed his mind and just 'threw her away'. The problem was, I sort of always saw her as 'extra baggage', and fully expected what happened - I just wondered why it took RAS so long. You know... I'm sorry if I'm coming off a bit of a jerk in this thread (yes, I realize I am), but I do indeed read a lot of different genres, although mostly Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I read different things for different reasons - occassionally I even read a 'Horror Novel', which aren't really my taste. Did you know that in the original version of Jaws, the Oceanographer had an affair with the Police Chief's wife? The chief didn't help him because of it when the guy went into the water, and thats why in the book HE DIED (the Richard Dreyfuss character). You see, in THAT novel I didn't mind that at all, but I really don't care about those sorts of real-world situations in my fantasy - Lancelot and Guinevere not withstanding. I read Fantasy novels to get away from the RW large, unruly drunkards (Wulfgar) and the 'skanky' barmaid who sleeps with half her customers because her life sucks and she thinks too little of herself. I live in NY - I see that cr@p every single day. That novel was just a little too 'real' for me to enjoy it, thats all. I'm only explaining myself because I like you and value your opinions, otherwise I wouldn't bother. :) Awww, thanks.:embarrass By the way, I did hear that the oceanographer in Jaws died in the novel, but I had no idea he also had an affair!:eek: To an extent, I agree with you. I've said before on these boards that I think "realism" in fantasy settings is overrated because many people use fantasy to escape from reality. It's also overrated because "realistic" doesn't mean "interesting to read about or immerse oneself in".
Crazygx34 11-25-07, 08:05 PM	I believe it. To an extent, I agree with you. I've said before on these boards that I think "realism" in fantasy settings is overrated because many people use fantasy to escape from reality. It's also overrated because "realistic" doesn't mean "interesting to read about or immerse oneself in". Yes but reality his fantastic ... And yes read realistic novel become boring because we already live the reality 24 hour by , why when we look movies or read book we have see the same thing. It why fantasy help develop imagination. Imagination it a great weapons...
Lord Karsus 11-25-07, 08:14 PM	Yeah, that's one reason why I sometimes roll my eyes at the monologues. The other reason? They can get a bit preachy. -Well, it is Drizzt's journal, thoughts, or whatever, so he's entitled to be. LK, I apologize IN FULL - I'm NO LONGER a Harry Potter fan. http://www.butterbier.de/Icons/smilie_HarrryPotter2.gif -Don't apologize to me. I don't like Harry Potter either.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-25-07, 08:16 PM	Drizzt is entitled to get preachy in his journal entries. But that doesn't mean I want to read such preachiness. *glares at RAS*
Brewhammer 11-25-07, 08:46 PM	Aerostoth - reading your sig, if you like the Red Wizards then you should look for a Harper series novel called Red Magic by Jean Rabe - I think it's the third Harper novel if I recall correctly. It's got some fantastic stuff dealing with the Red Wizards, including some sweet scenes with Szass Tam - the most polite and cordial villain in the Realms. :cool: Having read all the Harper books I think this series gets overlooked sometimes. There's a lot of great ones... Elfshadow (the first appearance of Arilyn and Danilo Thann, and if I remember right Elaith Craulnober too, though it was released afterward with no indication it was a Harper book) and Elfsong, its follow-up - both by Elaine Cunningham - were excellent. Elaine's Silver Shadows and Thornhold were also nice. The Night Parade was kinda kooky and fun. The Ring of Winter was also kinda fun. The Crypt of the Shadowking by Mark Anthony and it's follow-up Curse of the Shadowmage were both pretty good. And Ed Greenwood's Stormlight was also pretty entertaining. Troy Denning's The Parched Sea and it's follow-up The Veiled Dragon were also enjoyable. Some have mentioned Ed's Spellfire here. If you get that and like it then try the ninth Harper book, Ed's Crown of Fire, which is a sequel to Spellfire. I think all the Spellfire stuff has been reprinted as Shandril's Saga now. Completely unrelated to the Harpers I also must recommend the first FR trilogy - the Moonshae Trilogy by Douglas Niles, consisting of Darkwalker on Moonshae (the first FR novel published!!), Black Wizards and Darkwell. There was a sequel trilogy, also by Niles, that I liked but not as much as the first Moonshae Trilogy called the Druidhome Trilogy - Prophet of Moonshae, The Coral Kingdom and The Druid Queen. You may have to find some of these on eBay or abebooks.com or at stores like Half Price Books. Most of them are out of print. I like Ed's other stuff too. I like the Elminster books, though the Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy was freeeaky; I had a friend once ask me what I thought about it and I said "Well, the Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy, at times, is like showing up for a funeral but finding an orgy instead." And I liked the Waterdeep: City of Splendors that he and Elaine wrote. But not all of my friends like Ed's writing style as much as I do - your mileage may vary. I also enjoyed the 'controversial' (hehe) Avatar Trilogy (Shadowdale, Tantras, Waterdeep) and it's follow-ups Prince of Lies and Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad. Especially Crucible, which briefly shows us Ruha, the Harper from Troy Denning's Harper books The Parched Sea and The Veiled Dragon. Hope that was helpful :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-25-07, 08:59 PM	Having read all the Harper books I think this series gets overlooked sometimes. There's a lot of great ones... Elfshadow (the first appearance of Arilyn and Danilo Thann, and if I remember right Elaith Craulnober too, though it was released afterward with no indication it was a Harper book) and Elfsong, its follow-up - both by Elaine Cunningham - were excellent. Elaine's Silver Shadows and Thornhold were also nice. Just to let you all know: All of the Arilyn and Danilo Harper novels are in their own series now, called the Songs and Swords series.:) I like Ed's other stuff too. I like the Elminster books, though the Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy was freeeaky; I had a friend once ask me what I thought about it and I said [I]"Well, the Shadow of the Avatar Trilogy, at times, is like showing up for a funeral but finding an orgy instead." :rofl: By the by, I though that trilogy was very good.
Brewhammer 11-25-07, 09:22 PM	Just to let you all know: All of the Arilyn and Danilo Harper novels are in their own series now, called the Songs and Swords series.:) Yeah that's it - couldn't remember what they were called nowadays. :rofl: By the by, I though that trilogy was very good. I didn't dislike it... the story was very interesting, but good LORD Elminster was hornier than James Bond protecting the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders from S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Sure, he's usually a dirty old man but in this story he burned with the passion of a thousand Hugh Hefners. I kept looking back to the first chapter to see if I hadn't missed the 'Dear Penthouse--You won't believe this but...' at the start of the story. Seriously, you've got people walking around and fighting nekkid, married women walking into the room and givin' Elminster the love, you've got Elminster making out with a freakin' lich girl and then at the end... it ends like the end to Grease, with the 'We Go Together' song. Except everyone's nekkid and doing it, and in Sharantyr's case with more than one partner! Hell, the ghost is gettin' busy in that trilogy! I am by no means a prude but the jackrabbit on Viagra element of this story started to get distracting. And I think Ed thought this later on too - his subsequent books, while still being somewhat bawdy, weren't as supercharged as the Russ Meyer film that was the Shadow of the Avatar trilogy. :cool:
MarkusTay63 11-26-07, 12:36 AM	I can't say I truly hate ANY realms novel, because it's set in the Realms. I greatly dislkied Red Magic, but it had nothing to do with the location, villains, or writing style. I just thought that a single low-lev Harper and his Centaur friend were a wee-nit underpowered for what they accomplished - about 10 levels too low. :rolleyes: Also, I think the reason why I have such distaste for it (that wound up clouding my peceptions of all future reading choices) is that I like Centaurs... I really, REALLY like them - they are my favorite mythical creature and have been since I was a kid. I always thought their coverage in the Realms was extremely lackluster (Ed gave them more, but TSR played them down), and having them as cruel 'slave-herders' just got to me in the worst way. I see 'Red' every time I think of that story (pun intended). ;)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-26-07, 09:27 AM	I didn't dislike it... I could tell. :) As for your description of the events...they are a little inaccurate, but I won't argue with them. That was your experience with the books.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-26-07, 09:28 AM	I always thought their coverage in the Realms was extremely lackluster (Ed gave them more, but TSR played them down), and having them as cruel 'slave-herders' just got to me in the worst way. Yeesh--that would rub me the wrong way, too. I see 'Red' every time I think of that story (pun intended). ;) Ha!
Fabius Maximus 11-26-07, 10:05 AM	Sorry but I think by my opinion that R.A. Salvatore is the best author in Forgotten realms. I have read some of ed greenwood he is good better than Elaine Cuningham. The three are good but R.A. Salvatore he is far better than the rest of Forgotten Realms authors. Spnine of the world is one of the best novels I have read after Harry Potters. And the drizzt trilogie it hard to beat . I don't have read yet the spider queens wars who it suppose to be good too... No need to apologize for your opinion. But as you read more books (and not just D&D novels), I think you will change it. There are a lot more and better books out there.
Crazygx34 11-26-07, 08:47 PM	No need to apologize for your opinion. But as you read more books (and not just D&D novels), I think you will change it. There are a lot more and better books out there. Ok nervermind. :) It true I just have read about 15 book of the fr and the first two of dragonlance(I don't like much dragonlance, stopped to the two) I have read the 5 avatar series The first one is the better with The fight of mystra and helm.The last one Trial of cyric it really too previsible I was knowing that Malik will become a chosen anyone know him if you know fr a little. I was really confused with the book chapter just lengt about four page and the next chapter where going to another story and sometime it was three story in a row, I finish painfully, but you see cyric better after this book. The vision of cyric from this author it different than the one I had. After I have read the dark elf trilogy and the icewind dale trilogy It where I m now. But I have read the path of darkness. Sea of sword and spine of the world are greats. I have read elminster in hell and the damnation of elminster(not sure of the tittle) Great one I like the link between mystra and El. Ed style of writing it some kind and sometime hard to follow but you can almost feel it when Mystra come to rescue him, "where his he" . She want to kill everyone for his lover..:love: I just read the mask of the witch laren (something like that ) from Elaine C. I love it but it lack of action, you can say "to sweet". But I was a little confuse because I had not read the book before. But it a great authors. I like them three but their style are really different one of other. Salvatore it more my style , Ed it somekind of "crazy" and Elaine she sweet( but can't say just read one) That make me 18 book that begin to make a lot but the half are from R.A. Salvatore I know that can influence my vision but I'm close to begin the serie of the Baenre daughter(don't know the name by heart) of E. Cunningham. For Harry Potter I don't know it really great I can get bored and you want that never finish. I know the personage and the intrigue it some kind of "childish" but the way she write the story, it really good. I really don't read anything almost fantasy and sci-fi. But the six one ( just read the 5 & 6, the other I have see the movies) is the first book I dont have left a word behind. It something that you not forget..
Brewhammer 11-26-07, 09:37 PM	I could tell. :) As for your description of the events...they are a little inaccurate, but I won't argue with them. That was your experience with the books. I could be remembering it wrong. I haven't read that trilogy since not long after it had come out... '97 maybe? I'll reread it again before Christmas - have a couple of weeks off comin' my way. :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 11-27-07, 01:52 PM	I could be remembering it wrong. I haven't read that trilogy since not long after it had come out... '97 maybe? I'll reread it again before Christmas - have a couple of weeks off comin' my way. :) Don't worry about it.:) I just found your description of the trilogy to be...problematic and misrepresentitive. Someone could read it and come away thinking the novels are about one orgy after another, and that wasn't the case at all.
Aerostoth 11-27-07, 07:59 PM	I think I'd like to start at Darkwalker on Moonshae if it's a good starting point. (I mean it's the first so...)
Passivearmada 12-02-07, 04:08 PM	-Ironically, most people I know hate the way he portrays (and names) Dwarves. So he just comes up with names out of nowhere. Well how else are you supposed to do it? Find words in ancient Gaelic and Latin and switch the letters around a bit to make a name? That's cheating :D
Lord Karsus 12-02-07, 04:19 PM	So he just comes up with names out of nowhere. -That and they are often extremely dumb. Cordio Muffinhead immediatley comes to mind.
Faraer 12-02-07, 04:32 PM	I think I'd like to start at Darkwalker on Moonshae if it's a good starting point. (I mean it's the first so...)It was written independently of the Realms and then lightly revised to fit, so it's a good starting point if you want to follow the historic publishing of the setting, but not to help you understand how the Realms (outside the Moonshaes) works. I don't understand why Bob doesn't care about Realms naming patterns, or why he's so set on using dwarves (and gnomes) as comic relief while so admiring Tolkien, who did so much to rescue them from that indignity.
Passivearmada 12-02-07, 06:47 PM	-That and they are often extremely dumb. Cordio Muffinhead immediatley comes to mind. Yeah, I get a kick out of some of these. But Torgar Delzoun Hammerstriker sounds pretty cool to me.
Lord Karsus 12-02-07, 11:59 PM	Yeah, I get a kick out of some of these. But Torgar Delzoun Hammerstriker sounds pretty cool to me. -Some are hits, some are misses, what are ya gonna do?
Redrake 12-03-07, 06:11 AM	Naming dwarves is quite easy. Yes, some of those names are kind of funny (Stumpet Rakingclaw), but when role-playing you can find some better. Roald Stronghelm is a name I used a lot in my IWD PC games for dwarves fighters. Or Ulrich Kneecrusher as a Fighter/Cleric.
Aerostoth 01-27-08, 06:32 PM	Sorry I've been out so long, but I got the "Legend of Driz'zt" series books 1-7 & 9, and I'm on the 3rd. It is amazingly good, and plan to finish the series within a month or two. I also researched "Darkwalker on Moonshae", and it doesn't seem so good. My brother just finished Spellfire, and is half-way through "The Rage". Is there a good novel on the Undermountain? P.S. is there a book on Angels (like the Fiendish Codexes)?
Kenzuki 01-27-08, 07:00 PM	I think they need to reprint all of those old books in new covers like they did with the Moonshae Trilogy and the Sembia series. I want to get some of them dangit! Anyways. I'm currently in the middle of the War of the Spider Queen series, then I thought about getting the following books. Shadow's Witness and the Erevis Cale Trilogy. Then the Lady Penitent series and then the Twilight War trilogy. Any other recomendations? What about Return of the Archwizards?
Gunnersmate 01-27-08, 08:07 PM	has anyone read the new one about Thay and Szass Tam's 'power play'? I don't like to read a novel until the series is complete, but I do so love szass and Thay. Unclean. Its good but, it is very dark almost Horrer/Fantasy. Everyone is evil.
Kenzuki 01-27-08, 08:21 PM	Unclean. Its good but, it is very dark almost Horrer/Fantasy. Everyone is evil. I'll have to pick that one up then. I like darker fantasy sometimes. Try the Diablo novels particularly the Richard Knaak ones.
Aerostoth 01-27-08, 08:35 PM	How is the "War of the Spider Queen Series"?
Kenzuki 01-27-08, 08:46 PM	*warning possible spoilers and I don't know how to hide them* I've only read Dissolution and Insurrection so far, the other four are coming in the mail this week. So far it's pretty good. The writting style is a little bit different as it's done by a different author each time around though. I did get a little annoyed by how easy it is for some of the drow in there to betray one another even though some were "friends" for years. I know "That's the drow way" but still it does kinda make them all look like cheap bastards. The way Pharaun left Ryth behind to fend for himself during Dissolution made me say "That rat bastard" out loud as I recall lol. But besides that it is pretty interesting. I'm finding myself liking Gromph, Triel, Valas Hune and Quenthel the more and more I read of them. The fact that Valas is also part of Jarlaxle's band and kinda reminds me of him is another plus. So yeah it's pretty good so far.
Aerostoth 01-27-08, 09:00 PM	1. JARLEAXLE!?!? He is my favorite drow (and possibly my favorite character in the Realms). 2. How much does it say on Jarleaxle? 3. Does "War of the Spider Queen" happen before or after the "Legend of Driz'zt" Series?
Kenzuki 01-27-08, 09:14 PM	War of the Spider Queen happens waaaay after the Drizzt saga. It happens in 1372 I do believe. Jarlaxle is not in the series, it's just that his mercenary band makes an appearence. Valas Hune is from that band, he makes a cameo in Road of the Patriarch too by the way :P I assume by the time of the WoTSQ series Jarlaxle is still on the surface either adventuring with Entreri or Athrogate.
Aerostoth 01-27-08, 09:29 PM	1. Do you know of a book that says anything important on Jarlaxle or his band of mercenaries (do you know what they are called?)? 2. Do you know when the "Legend of Driz'zt" series starts?
Kenzuki 01-27-08, 09:37 PM	1. They are called Bregan D'aerthe. 2. Chronologically it starts with Homeland in the Dark Elf Trilogy. Though the Icewind Dale Trilogy came out first.
Aerostoth 01-27-08, 11:53 PM	Sorry, I worded it wrong: Do you know what year it starts at?
XHereticX 01-28-08, 09:13 AM	Don't get any unless you feel like it, just read them all in the bookstore like I do:D
Kenzuki 01-28-08, 09:41 AM	Sorry, I worded it wrong: Do you know what year it starts at? Um....let me see. He was born in 1297 DR. So about there is when it "starts" in the Dark Elf Trilogy I guess.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-29-08, 07:53 PM	Unclean. Its good but, it is very dark almost Horrer/Fantasy. Everyone is evil. Not everyone, but definitely most.
Kenzuki 01-29-08, 08:09 PM	Is the Return of the Archwizards Trilogy any good? I thought about getting it and Realms of Shadow together some day. I just picked up the four remaining books of the War of the Spider Queen plus Prince of Lies and Crucible: Trial of Cyric the Mad. I kinda planned after burning through all of them to get Shadow's Witness and the Erevis Cale Trilogy. I don't know who this Cale guy is but from what I've heard he's pretty cool. Though to me Artemis is still the best assassin EVA!
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-29-08, 08:12 PM	I kinda planned after burning through all of them to get Shadow's Witness and the Erevis Cale Trilogy. I don't know who this Cale guy is but from what I've heard he's pretty cool. I'd just read the Erevis books first--they are excellent.
Kenzuki 01-29-08, 09:20 PM	I'd just read the Erevis books first--they are excellent. But but, I want to read Shadow's Witness first and get a feel for the character. It happens before the Trilogy right?
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-30-08, 02:12 PM	But but, I want to read Shadow's Witness first and get a feel for the character. It happens before the Trilogy right? Oh, you could do that. Although, I will say I though the Erevis Cale trilogy was better than Shadow's Witness (heck, even the author thinks so). Read whatever you want. My point was to read the books starring Erevis, not worry about reading that other series before them.:)
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 02:20 PM	Oh, you could do that. Although, I will say I though the Erevis Cale trilogy was better than Shadow's Witness (heck, even the author thinks so). Read whatever you want. My point was to read the books starring Erevis, not worry about reading that other series before them.:) Yeah I just want to read Shadow's Witness first because I've read the sample chapter on the Wizards site and it looks interesting. Plus it will give me a better introduction to the Trilogy knowing who the heck Cale and Riven are. But I got to finish the War of the Spider Queen saga first. Four more books left to go.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-30-08, 02:24 PM	Well, if you read SW, I hope you enjoy it. :) I enjoyed the characters in the novel, although I thought the actual plot was so-so.
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 02:28 PM	I usually like to read things in order so I think it's best I read SW before the Cale Trilogy. I think I'll like it, I've heard good things about Kemp.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-30-08, 04:02 PM	Are you going to read the whole Sembia series, then? Not saying you need to, but Shadow's Witness is a part of its own series.:)
Kenzuki 01-30-08, 04:58 PM	Are you going to read the whole Sembia series, then? Not saying you need to, but Shadow's Witness is a part of its own series.:) Are the others in that series directly connected to Cale or his story? Besides the short story in Halls of Stormweather? And secondly are they any good?
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-30-08, 05:29 PM	Are the others in that series directly connected to Cale or his story? Besides the short story in Halls of Stormweather? Well, to an extent the events of the previous novels get mentioned in the later novels. The events in Cale's novel mainly are important (sort of) to Tazi's novel. But wouldn't say it's essential to read them to understand Cale. And secondly are they any good? Yes, for the most part, they are. Although I, uh, didn't care much for Tazi's novel.:)
XHereticX 02-01-08, 08:09 AM	Not everyone, but definitely most. The proper way to say it is that the book is about villains vs antiheroes;)
Aerostoth 04-25-08, 11:32 AM	I need to get on more. Anyway, I'm currently on Streams of Silver. I got my friend on the series last week, and he's on book 9. 9 books in 1 week! He's my group's fighter and is obssessed with Wulfgar. Unfortunately, he's a big spoiler, and told me Wulfgar dies. I have temporarily stopped reading Streams of Silver, but I'm planning on starting to read it again (I've been designing a campaign that I'm going to run over the summer). I've just got into the miniatures, and I'll be reading the series very slowly now. Is there a novel that takes place in ancient Netheril?
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 04-25-08, 01:08 PM	I need to get on more. Anyway, I'm currently on Streams of Silver. I got my friend on the series last week, and he's on book 9. 9 books in 1 week! He's my group's fighter and is obssessed with Wulfgar. Unfortunately, he's a big spoiler, and told me Wulfgar dies. It's not as big a spoiler as you might think (even aside from the fact that those early Drizzt books are pretty old).;) If you like the series, just keep reading... Is there a novel that takes place in ancient Netheril? Yeah, there's old trilogy that takes place in ancient Netheril, although I don't recall the name and I've never read it, either.
Aerostoth 04-27-08, 04:41 AM	I'll keep reading the Driz'zt series, but I was wondering what that series was called (I was thinking of reading that series with the Driz'zt one). If you come across the name of the series, please post. Thanks for the conformation.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 04-27-08, 09:06 PM	I'll keep reading the Driz'zt series, but I was wondering what that series was called (I was thinking of reading that series with the Driz'zt one). If you come across the name of the series, please post. Thanks for the conformation. It's "Drizzt." That series is generally called "The Legend of Drizzt" series, although there were originally series titles for every three or four books: the Icewind Dale Trilogy, The Dark Elf trilogy, The Legecy of Drow series, the Paths of Darkness series.
Aerostoth 04-27-08, 11:11 PM	oops, sry. I meant the series about Netheril.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 04-28-08, 12:24 PM	Got the name, it's called The Netheril Trilogy.:) Those books are out-of-print, though, so you'll need to buy them second-hand.
Aerostoth 04-28-08, 08:28 PM	Ok thanks.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 04-28-08, 09:39 PM	You're welcome.
Lord Karsus 04-28-08, 10:13 PM	Got the name, it's called The Netheril Trilogy.:) Those books are out-of-print, though, so you'll need to buy them second-hand. -They're extremely hard to find, too.
Aerostoth 04-29-08, 07:37 PM	I recently saw them on amazon for about $30.00 for all 3 (includes shipping).