-The Pirate King. - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 18DELTA Oct 10, 2008 11:03:04	-Has anybody picked this book up yet? If so, is it any good? I have read some other forums and some of the reviews are none to flattering. But that could just be the Anti-4e Realms speaking, so...I took it with a grain of salt. ;) 18DELTA
#2 rinonalyrna_fathomlin Oct 10, 2008 11:23:48	-Has anybody picked this book up yet? If so, is it any good? I have read some other forums and some of the reviews are none to flattering. But that could just be the Anti-4e Realms speaking, so...I took it with a grain of salt. ;) But the novel doesn't even take place in the 4E Realms. I read one review, and that review only talked about the actual content of the book, it didn't complain about the setting changes. I skimmed through the book a little bit in the store a few days ago. Eh. I don't feel any great hurry to rush out and buy it (or for that matter, read it!), as I've said before here. I think the Drizzt story arc has gotten rather "long in the tooth."
#3 lord_karsus Oct 10, 2008 11:33:24	-Based on a review I read of it, there's plenty of odd and crazy things going on, some which make sense, and some that don't. But, this is an R.A. Salvatore novel we're talking about, so... -I agree, though, that the Drizzt novels are starting to get played out, and I think that this most recent series is indicative of all of that. The quality of the stories is beginning to diminish.
#4 zaeshir Oct 10, 2008 13:37:26	I gotta be honest...The Legacy was the book that got me into the Realms and I genuinely loved the Drizzt books for a long time. However, I read The Thousand Orcs and decided that the series was getting too stale for me.
#5 18DELTA Oct 10, 2008 13:45:03	- So does anybody have this novel yet? 18DELTA ;)
#6 lord_karsus Oct 10, 2008 13:56:46	-Nope. I'm not planning on getting it until it comes out as a softcover novel, either, so it'll be a while before you get a "LK's Book Review" of this one.
#7 18DELTA Oct 10, 2008 14:00:00	-Nope. I'm not planning on getting it until it comes out as a softcover novel, either, so it'll be a while before you get a "LK's Book Review" of this one. -Well how will I be able to live until then huh? 18DELTA :P
#8 rinonalyrna_fathomlin Oct 10, 2008 14:06:57	-Well how will I be able to live until then huh? Buy it yourself?
#9 18DELTA Oct 10, 2008 14:12:03	- I need to know if it is worth $29 ;) 18DELTA :P
#10 lord_karsus Oct 10, 2008 14:12:32	-Well how will I be able to live until then huh? -I know it's going to be hard, but you are going to try to carry on.
#11 rinonalyrna_fathomlin Oct 10, 2008 14:13:23	- I need to know if it is worth $29 ;) Well, you said you already read a bunch of reviews, and I mentioned why they probably wouldn't be "tainted" with bias against the 4E Realms, since the novel doesn't take place in the 4E Realms.
#12 thecasualoblivion Oct 10, 2008 14:55:14	The Drizzt Saga needs a DSE(Drizzt Shattering Event) to start things off anew and fresh, in the spirt of RSEs(Realms Shattering Events)?
#13 christopher_rowe Oct 10, 2008 15:50:28	...the novel doesn't take place in the 4E Realms. Yeah, it's not dated at all, but it looks like it's set in the 1370s.
#14 rinonalyrna_fathomlin Oct 10, 2008 19:32:39	Yeah, it's not dated at all, but it looks like it's set in the 1370s. Correct. Apparently, it takes place four years after the events in The Orc King, which IIRC took place in 1372 DR.
#15 swordspider Oct 10, 2008 23:59:48	The Drizzt Saga needs a DSE(Drizzt Shattering Event) to start things off anew and fresh, in the spirt of RSEs(Realms Shattering Events)? I heard that in the new book Bruenor is actually not a dwarf, but rather a very hairy gnome, and that when Regis finds out, he blackmails him into hiring a premier chef, who is, in actuality, Jaraxle in disguise, who then kidnaps everyone and takes them yachting while looting random bakeries along the way all to feed the remorhaz sized fiendish tapeworm they discover in Regis after a seriously bad case of indigestion causes Cattie-Brie's hair to be burnt off when he burped. Oh, and Thibledorn Pwent is actually a girl, discovered in the last scene of the book. All in all, sounds like another Salvatore book. And I swear, this is all true.:evillaugh
#16 JudgeDookie Oct 11, 2008 14:41:05	Uh...ok.... Is it worth the $30.00? No. Will I buy it? Yes. There's nothing to read anymore. And I'm not waiting 6 months for it to come out in softcover. Even with the focal being around Captain Duederbutt and his demise.
#17 Muddman72 Oct 12, 2008 9:37:33	Someone asked about year and Salvatore said on his website that this trilogy takes place in the later 1370's and that the next book, The Ghost King, will run very close to the Spellplague.
#18 lord_karsus Oct 12, 2008 10:58:14	-Well, he's finally cough up to the current timeline, sort of. That's a good thing, I guess.
#19 Therise Oct 12, 2008 13:02:27	The Drizzt Saga needs a DSE(Drizzt Shattering Event) to start things off anew and fresh, in the spirt of RSEs(Realms Shattering Events)? I agree, actually. I love reading Drizzt novels, but they do need a shaking up. I'd like to see something along the lines of: Drizzt doesn't "transform" into a dark elf, and remains completely drow in form and appearance, when Q'arlynd and Eilistraee's magical plan completely unfolds. Left an "outcast" and still "tainted" as most evil drow, he is among those who are still considered dhaerrow by Corellon and the Seldarine. What does that do for his psyche, and how does he react to evil (but transformed) dark elves who are no longer technically drow? Something like that should really play with his head, having been the "original" good drow. Edit: I realize he didn't transform, of course... but I'd like to see his reactions and feelings at the time of that event. Does he feel completely abandoned by the Seldarine? What's the point of his goodness, if the racial gods of his own people don't see him and his actions? Certainly, he is committed to Mieliekki... how does that play out, and what is his understanding with her for the future? That kind of thing. His reaction in The Orc King re: Eilistraee worshippers seems so strong... what's that about, in more detail?
#20 SoulCatcher78 Oct 12, 2008 19:51:33	I picked it up at Borders last night (couldn't turn down the 40% off). The first couple of chapters seem to be standard Salvatore plot. The story has potential to be interesting. Spoiler alert: Show Cattie Brie is a wizard now...multiclass I suppose, being trained by the lady of Silverymoon herself (tie in from the last book). Looks like this might be the beginning of the end for Luskan with Duedermont vs the Arcane Brotherhood.
#21 angelus_obscura Oct 13, 2008 1:02:59	I picked it up at Borders last night (couldn't turn down the 40% off). I'm with you there. I also got an additional 5 dollars off with Borders Bucks reward, making my purchase at $13.17. That's quite a bargain! The first couple of chapters seem to be standard Salvatore plot. The story has potential to be interesting. I concur.
#22 JudgeDookie Oct 13, 2008 22:33:41	I agree, actually. I love reading Drizzt novels, but they do need a shaking up. I'd like to see something along the lines of: Drizzt doesn't "transform" into a dark elf, and remains completely drow in form and appearance, when Q'arlynd and Eilistraee's magical plan completely unfolds. Left an "outcast" and still "tainted" as most evil drow, he is among those who are still considered dhaerrow by Corellon and the Seldarine. What does that do for his psyche, and how does he react to evil (but transformed) dark elves who are no longer technically drow? Something like that should really play with his head, having been the "original" good drow. Edit: I realize he didn't transform, of course... but I'd like to see his reactions and feelings at the time of that event. Does he feel completely abandoned by the Seldarine? What's the point of his goodness, if the racial gods of his own people don't see him and his actions? Certainly, he is committed to Mieliekki... how does that play out, and what is his understanding with her for the future? That kind of thing. His reaction in The Orc King re: Eilistraee worshippers seems so strong... what's that about, in more detail? Do you have to think so much? Why can't you just be perky and quiet? Hmmm....? I picked it up at Borders last night (couldn't turn down the 40% off). The first couple of chapters seem to be standard Salvatore plot. The story has potential to be interesting. Spoiler alert: Show Cattie Brie is a wizard now...multiclass I suppose, being trained by the lady of Silverymoon herself (tie in from the last book). Looks like this might be the beginning of the end for Luskan with Duedermont vs the Arcane Brotherhood.
#23 Therise Oct 13, 2008 23:14:30	Do you have to think so much? Why can't you just be perky and quiet? Hmmm....? Don't hate me because I'm beautiful and smart. :P Just choose one! :D
#24 JudgeDookie Oct 14, 2008 21:20:33	Don't hate me because I'm beautiful and smart. :P Just choose one! :D Makes my life a bit one dimensional, but I'll choose smart. Even the most retarded looking women can see themselves as beautiful. Only I can truly see them as smart. ;)
#25 Keith53 Oct 15, 2008 21:05:41	I just finished reading The Pirate King. For what it is worth, I enjoyed it. It is different than many/most of Bob's novels about Drizzt IMHO. This tale mainly focused on what happened to Luskan (and why) before the Spellplague ever happens and that is a wonderful tale of intrigue. (But then I like such intrigue.) A minor plot is what happened to Wulfgar, and some other dangling characters are run by. It probably set the stage for other developments as well, such as in Longsaddle. Yes, it is 4 years after his previous novel. There are a couple of character moments remembering their early lives and adventures, perhaps wishing for that simplier time & lives, which resonate with me on a personal level. I bought my copy from B&N with the membership discount. I like that they deliver to my door. Keith
#26 affabledoomwalker Oct 15, 2008 21:14:41	I'll let you know what I thought of it as soon as Wizards sends me my copy.
#27 karazhan Oct 15, 2008 23:40:13	I bought and read the book. Pretty much what I expected. If you do not like the character trends in 4e I'd stay away.
#28 lord_karsus Oct 16, 2008 10:29:20	If you do not like the character trends in 4e I'd stay away. -What kind of character trends?
#29 karazhan Oct 16, 2008 12:19:23	SPOILER The kind where nothing ever goes right for the protagonists and evil always triumphs in the end (thereby eliminating yet more of the fav heroic characters in the novels).
#30 lord_karsus Oct 16, 2008 12:20:59	-Ah, I see.
#31 dmd Oct 16, 2008 12:30:21	I read it and enjoyed it I thought the appearance of certain characters was a bit.. forced. Overall enjoyable, certainly better than the last few he has written. It is probably one of the last books released by Wizards I will ever read as I do not find 4E Realms all that interesting.
#32 angelus_obscura Oct 16, 2008 12:57:22	Did anyone find something amiss on page 172? Specifically the interaction between Arabeth and Robillard. ... .... Near the end of the section, instead of Arabeth replying, it was Valindra. WTF! Serious editing mistake there. I expected better of Salvatore.
#33 thecasualoblivion Oct 16, 2008 13:24:10	Show The kind where nothing ever goes right for the protagonists and evil always triumphs in the end (thereby eliminating yet more of the fav heroic characters in the novels).
#34 karazhan Oct 16, 2008 13:37:28	Show I don't see the real point, as in Swordmage, Blackstaff Tower, and Mistshore the heroes win. As for fav characters, the 100 year time jump was going to kill most of them in any case. I don't see how killing them off in the story is any worse.
#35 thecasualoblivion Oct 16, 2008 13:47:36	Maybe they are engineering a Drizzt shattering event(which might be a good thing). The three novels set in 4E(1479 DR) all are fairly upbeat. Killing everyone off and going pitch dark seems more like a Drizzt thing. Unless of course, the last round of 3E novels went around killing/destroying everything and everybody and I'm not aware of this because I have no familiarity with them.
#36 karazhan Oct 16, 2008 14:08:09	Maybe they are engineering a Drizzt shattering event(which might be a good thing). The three novels set in 4E(1479 DR) all are fairly upbeat. Killing everyone off and going pitch dark seems more like a Drizzt thing. Unless of course, the last round of 3E novels went around killing/destroying everything and everybody and I'm not aware of this because I have no familiarity with them. The last novels so far have all killed off protagonists. Blackstaff and The Lady Penitent series are just 2 examples.
#37 rinonalyrna_fathomlin Oct 16, 2008 21:39:56	Show They even go so far as to start corrupting the Harpells.

Post/Author/DateTime

Post

18DELTA

Oct 10, 2008 11:03:04

-Has anybody picked this book up yet? If so, is it any good? I have read some other forums and some of the reviews are none to flattering. But that could just be the Anti-4e Realms speaking, so...I took it with a grain of salt. ;)

18DELTA

rinonalyrna_fathomlin

Oct 10, 2008 11:23:48

-Has anybody picked this book up yet? If so, is it any good? I have read some other forums and some of the reviews are none to flattering. But that could just be the Anti-4e Realms speaking, so...I took it with a grain of salt. ;)

But the novel doesn't even take place in the 4E Realms. I read one review, and that review only talked about the actual content of the book, it didn't complain about the setting changes.

I skimmed through the book a little bit in the store a few days ago. Eh. I don't feel any great hurry to rush out and buy it (or for that matter, read it!), as I've said before here. I think the Drizzt story arc has gotten rather "long in the tooth."

lord_karsus

Oct 10, 2008 11:33:24

-Based on a review I read of it, there's plenty of odd and crazy things going on, some which make sense, and some that don't. But, this is an R.A. Salvatore novel we're talking about, so...

-I agree, though, that the Drizzt novels are starting to get played out, and I think that this most recent series is indicative of all of that. The quality of the stories is beginning to diminish.

zaeshir

Oct 10, 2008 13:37:26

I gotta be honest...The Legacy was the book that got me into the Realms and I genuinely loved the Drizzt books for a long time. However, I read The Thousand Orcs and decided that the series was getting too stale for me.

18DELTA

Oct 10, 2008 13:45:03

So does anybody have this novel yet?

18DELTA ;)

lord_karsus

Oct 10, 2008 13:56:46

-Nope. I'm not planning on getting it until it comes out as a softcover novel, either, so it'll be a while before you get a "LK's Book Review" of this one.

18DELTA

Oct 10, 2008 14:00:00

-Nope. I'm not planning on getting it until it comes out as a softcover novel, either, so it'll be a while before you get a "LK's Book Review" of this one.

-Well how will I be able to live until then huh?

18DELTA :P

rinonalyrna_fathomlin

Oct 10, 2008 14:06:57

-Well how will I be able to live until then huh?

Buy it yourself?

18DELTA

Oct 10, 2008 14:12:03

I need to know if it is worth $29 ;)

18DELTA :P

#10

lord_karsus

Oct 10, 2008 14:12:32

-Well how will I be able to live until then huh?

-I know it's going to be hard, but you are going to try to carry on.

#11

rinonalyrna_fathomlin

Oct 10, 2008 14:13:23

- I need to know if it is worth $29 ;)

Well, you said you already read a bunch of reviews, and I mentioned why they probably wouldn't be "tainted" with bias against the 4E Realms, since the novel doesn't take place in the 4E Realms.

#12

thecasualoblivion

Oct 10, 2008 14:55:14

The Drizzt Saga needs a DSE(Drizzt Shattering Event) to start things off anew and fresh, in the spirt of RSEs(Realms Shattering Events)?

#13

christopher_rowe

Oct 10, 2008 15:50:28

...the novel doesn't take place in the 4E Realms.

Yeah, it's not dated at all, but it looks like it's set in the 1370s.

#14

rinonalyrna_fathomlin

Oct 10, 2008 19:32:39

Yeah, it's not dated at all, but it looks like it's set in the 1370s.

Correct. Apparently, it takes place four years after the events in The Orc King, which IIRC took place in 1372 DR.

#15

swordspider

Oct 10, 2008 23:59:48

The Drizzt Saga needs a DSE(Drizzt Shattering Event) to start things off anew and fresh, in the spirt of RSEs(Realms Shattering Events)?

I heard that in the new book Bruenor is actually not a dwarf, but rather a very hairy gnome, and that when Regis finds out, he blackmails him into hiring a premier chef, who is, in actuality, Jaraxle in disguise, who then kidnaps everyone and takes them yachting while looting random bakeries along the way all to feed the remorhaz sized fiendish tapeworm they discover in Regis after a seriously bad case of indigestion causes Cattie-Brie's hair to be burnt off when he burped. Oh, and Thibledorn Pwent is actually a girl, discovered in the last scene of the book.
All in all, sounds like another Salvatore book.
And I swear, this is all true.:evillaugh

#16

JudgeDookie

Oct 11, 2008 14:41:05

Uh...ok....

Is it worth the $30.00? No.

Will I buy it? Yes.

There's nothing to read anymore. And I'm not waiting 6 months for it to come out in softcover. Even with the focal being around Captain Duederbutt and his demise.

#17

Muddman72

Oct 12, 2008 9:37:33

Someone asked about year and Salvatore said on his website that this trilogy takes place in the later 1370's and that the next book, The Ghost King, will run very close to the Spellplague.

#18

lord_karsus

Oct 12, 2008 10:58:14

-Well, he's finally cough up to the current timeline, sort of. That's a good thing, I guess.

#19

Therise

Oct 12, 2008 13:02:27

The Drizzt Saga needs a DSE(Drizzt Shattering Event) to start things off anew and fresh, in the spirt of RSEs(Realms Shattering Events)?

I agree, actually. I love reading Drizzt novels, but they do need a shaking up. I'd like to see something along the lines of:

Drizzt doesn't "transform" into a dark elf, and remains completely drow in form and appearance, when Q'arlynd and Eilistraee's magical plan completely unfolds. Left an "outcast" and still "tainted" as most evil drow, he is among those who are still considered dhaerrow by Corellon and the Seldarine. What does that do for his psyche, and how does he react to evil (but transformed) dark elves who are no longer technically drow? Something like that should really play with his head, having been the "original" good drow.

Edit: I realize he didn't transform, of course... but I'd like to see his reactions and feelings at the time of that event. Does he feel completely abandoned by the Seldarine? What's the point of his goodness, if the racial gods of his own people don't see him and his actions? Certainly, he is committed to Mieliekki... how does that play out, and what is his understanding with her for the future? That kind of thing.

His reaction in The Orc King re: Eilistraee worshippers seems so strong... what's that about, in more detail?

#20

SoulCatcher78

Oct 12, 2008 19:51:33

I picked it up at Borders last night (couldn't turn down the 40% off). The first couple of chapters seem to be standard Salvatore plot. The story has potential to be interesting.

Spoiler alert:

Show

Cattie Brie is a wizard now...multiclass I suppose, being trained by the lady of Silverymoon herself (tie in from the last book). Looks like this might be the beginning of the end for Luskan with Duedermont vs the Arcane Brotherhood.

#21

angelus_obscura

Oct 13, 2008 1:02:59

I picked it up at Borders last night (couldn't turn down the 40% off).

I'm with you there. I also got an additional 5 dollars off with Borders Bucks reward, making my purchase at $13.17. That's quite a bargain!

The first couple of chapters seem to be standard Salvatore plot. The story has potential to be interesting.

I concur.

#22

JudgeDookie

Oct 13, 2008 22:33:41

I agree, actually. I love reading Drizzt novels, but they do need a shaking up. I'd like to see something along the lines of:

Drizzt doesn't "transform" into a dark elf, and remains completely drow in form and appearance, when Q'arlynd and Eilistraee's magical plan completely unfolds. Left an "outcast" and still "tainted" as most evil drow, he is among those who are still considered dhaerrow by Corellon and the Seldarine. What does that do for his psyche, and how does he react to evil (but transformed) dark elves who are no longer technically drow? Something like that should really play with his head, having been the "original" good drow.

Edit: I realize he didn't transform, of course... but I'd like to see his reactions and feelings at the time of that event. Does he feel completely abandoned by the Seldarine? What's the point of his goodness, if the racial gods of his own people don't see him and his actions? Certainly, he is committed to Mieliekki... how does that play out, and what is his understanding with her for the future? That kind of thing. His reaction in The Orc King re: Eilistraee worshippers seems so strong... what's that about, in more detail?

Do you have to think so much? Why can't you just be perky and quiet? Hmmm....?

I picked it up at Borders last night (couldn't turn down the 40% off). The first couple of chapters seem to be standard Salvatore plot. The story has potential to be interesting.

Spoiler alert:

Show

Cattie Brie is a wizard now...multiclass I suppose, being trained by the lady of Silverymoon herself (tie in from the last book). Looks like this might be the beginning of the end for Luskan with Duedermont vs the Arcane Brotherhood.

#23

Therise

Oct 13, 2008 23:14:30

Do you have to think so much? Why can't you just be perky and quiet? Hmmm....?

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful and smart. :P

Just choose one! :D

#24

JudgeDookie

Oct 14, 2008 21:20:33

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful and smart. :P

Just choose one! :D

Makes my life a bit one dimensional, but I'll choose smart. Even the most retarded looking women can see themselves as beautiful. Only I can truly see them as smart. ;)

#25

Keith53

Oct 15, 2008 21:05:41

I just finished reading The Pirate King. For what it is worth, I enjoyed it. It is different than many/most of Bob's novels about Drizzt IMHO.

This tale mainly focused on what happened to Luskan (and why) before the Spellplague ever happens and that is a wonderful tale of intrigue. (But then I like such intrigue.) A minor plot is what happened to Wulfgar, and some other dangling characters are run by. It probably set the stage for other developments as well, such as in Longsaddle. Yes, it is 4 years after his previous novel. There are a couple of character moments remembering their early lives and adventures, perhaps wishing for that simplier time & lives, which resonate with me on a personal level.

I bought my copy from B&N with the membership discount. I like that they deliver to my door.

Keith

#26

affabledoomwalker

Oct 15, 2008 21:14:41

I'll let you know what I thought of it as soon as Wizards sends me my copy.

#27

karazhan

Oct 15, 2008 23:40:13

I bought and read the book. Pretty much what I expected. If you do not like the character trends in 4e I'd stay away.

#28

lord_karsus

Oct 16, 2008 10:29:20

If you do not like the character trends in 4e I'd stay away.

-What kind of character trends?

#29

karazhan

Oct 16, 2008 12:19:23

SPOILER

The kind where nothing ever goes right for the protagonists and evil always triumphs in the end (thereby eliminating yet more of the fav heroic characters in the novels).

#30

lord_karsus

Oct 16, 2008 12:20:59

-Ah, I see.

#31

dmd

Oct 16, 2008 12:30:21

I read it and enjoyed it I thought the appearance of certain characters was a bit.. forced.

Overall enjoyable, certainly better than the last few he has written.

It is probably one of the last books released by Wizards I will ever read as I do not find 4E Realms all that interesting.

#32

angelus_obscura

Oct 16, 2008 12:57:22

Did anyone find something amiss on page 172? Specifically the interaction between Arabeth and Robillard.

...

....

Near the end of the section, instead of Arabeth replying, it was Valindra. WTF! Serious editing mistake there. I expected better of Salvatore.

#33

thecasualoblivion

Oct 16, 2008 13:24:10

Show
The kind where nothing ever goes right for the protagonists and evil always triumphs in the end (thereby eliminating yet more of the fav heroic characters in the novels).

#34

karazhan

Oct 16, 2008 13:37:28

Show
I don't see the real point, as in Swordmage, Blackstaff Tower, and Mistshore the heroes win. As for fav characters, the 100 year time jump was going to kill most of them in any case. I don't see how killing them off in the story is any worse.

#35

thecasualoblivion

Oct 16, 2008 13:47:36

Maybe they are engineering a Drizzt shattering event(which might be a good thing). The three novels set in 4E(1479 DR) all are fairly upbeat. Killing everyone off and going pitch dark seems more like a Drizzt thing. Unless of course, the last round of 3E novels went around killing/destroying everything and everybody and I'm not aware of this because I have no familiarity with them.

#36

karazhan

Oct 16, 2008 14:08:09

Maybe they are engineering a Drizzt shattering event(which might be a good thing). The three novels set in 4E(1479 DR) all are fairly upbeat. Killing everyone off and going pitch dark seems more like a Drizzt thing. Unless of course, the last round of 3E novels went around killing/destroying everything and everybody and I'm not aware of this because I have no familiarity with them.

The last novels so far have all killed off protagonists. Blackstaff and The Lady Penitent series are just 2 examples.

#37

rinonalyrna_fathomlin

Oct 16, 2008 21:39:56

Show
They even go so far as to start corrupting the Harpells.