By Bruce Cordell
Book I, The Priests
-I read Lady of Poison a few years ago, and it was actually (if I remember correctly) one of my first non-Drizzt Forgotten Realms novels that I read. I wasn’t looking for a trip down memory lane, though- I was doing some research on Osse. I flipped though a couple of pages, and then a couple more. Then, I figured, why not, I’ll read the entire thing; the other book I am reading is a non-fiction comparative theology book, so a lighter, nonsensical fiction book is great when I get periodically get sick of religion.
-The book itself was pretty good. The characters, the most important part of a book, were all interesting. Marrek, I mostly liked the first time when I read the novel, and I liked him once more. Other people can attest to the fact that, for whatever reason, I forget a lot about things that I didn’t really like too much at the time (like Knights of the Old Republic II). Rereading the book, I completely forgot about Marrek’s heritage, and him being a Half-Medusa. That was a good touch, I think- it’s exotic, and not something we’ve seen, ever. His heritage, and its consequences really bailed his history, and training with his Ranger companion from being a Drizzt knock-off. Gungarri, the Oslander, he was an interesting, if not mysterious, fellow. Elowen, the Elven Ranger, I didn’t like her too much. She seemed too much stereotypical Aragorn + Legolas rolled into one. Ususi, I liked her in this novel, and in it’s spin-off, Darkvision, though I noticed a bit of a change in personality in this novel, as compared to the next.
-One thing I didn’t like, character wise, was Ash. She was Lurue’s “Child of Light”, who was destined to come down to Faerûn, and be a great blessing and boon to Lurue’s worshippers. I think that was a little too Jesus-like. Continuing on that theme, when I read that one of The Rotting Man’s blightlords was a man name ‘Anammelech’, I said to myself, “Where have I heard that before? I know I’ve heard that somewhere.” Turns out that Anammelech is indeed a name that’s been used before- Anammelech is a Demon in Christian demonology, and an Assyrian deity. This is a theme that I noticed Bruce didn’t use in any of his other novels (at least, not as noticeable, without deeper research), so I’m happy the trend didn’t continue.
-The Rotting Man was a good villain. I liked him. Reading Unapproachable East, I never really cared too much for him (or the region, to be honest). The novel really “brought to life” that character. I do think there was a little bit too much of a focus on rot and corruption, though. Talona, the Rotting Man’s patron, is indeed a deity of blight and disease, but rot- as in rotting matter- is really only one of her playing cards. I didn’t really care for the way the Rotting Man was slain- sort of-, or the way he came back- sort of- afterwards.
-And, a few more random tidbits…Let’s see here…Oh, I found this interesting, and pointed it out to my girlfriend as soon as I saw it. Lady of Poison marks the first use of Earthmotes. Page 98, a scene that takes place in the Celestial Nadir, specifically mentions floating chunks of earth, which the protagonist calls “Earthbergs”. I think “Earthmote” is preferable to “Earthbergs”. Another thing, Bruce incorrectly calls the Imaskari the ‘Imaskar’, but corrects himself later. He also claimed that the Imaskari were a separate race, rather than Human. I don’t recall if he corrected himself at some other point in the text.
-Overall, I’d give this novel, out of a possible Three Beholders and a Chicken.
One thing I didn’t like, character wise, was Ash. She was Lurue’s “Child of Light”, who was destined to come down to Faerûn, and be a great blessing and boon to Lurue’s worshippers. I think that was a little too Jesus-like. Continuing on that theme, when I read that one of The Rotting Man’s blightlords was a man name ‘Anammelech’, I said to myself, “Where have I heard that before? I know I’ve heard that somewhere.” Turns out that Anammelech is indeed a name that’s been used before- Anammelech is a Demon in Christian demonology, and an Assyrian deity. This is a theme that I noticed Bruce didn’t use in any of his other novels (at least, not as noticeable, without deeper research), so I’m happy the trend didn’t continue.
And the Alcheringa, or Dream-time, is another real-world religion introduction. This is Bruce's first novel, right? It must be a first-time writer thing, if he hasn't done it since.
Another thing, Bruce incorrectly calls the Imaskari the ‘Imaskar’, but corrects himself later. He also claimed that the Imaskari were a separate race, rather than Human. I don’t recall if he corrected himself at some other point in the text.
If he's referring to the Imaskari of Deep Imaskar, then they are a separate race, the Deep Imaskari, as in Underdark. More a human subrace, but they are different.
And the Alcheringa, or Dream-time, is another real-world religion introduction. This is Bruce's first novel, right? It must be a first-time writer thing, if he hasn't done it since.
-Oh, that's right. I forgot about that. It says in the back that this was his second novel (though, his first Forgotten Realms novel). I think he was also one of the authors in that generic D&D novel series, under a pseudonym.
If he's referring to the Imaskari of Deep Imaskar, then they are a separate race, the Deep Imaskari, as in Underdark. More a human subrace, but they are different.
-No, it was referring to the Imaskari, not the Deep Imaskari.
And the combats... well, they sometimes just seemed to draw on forever. But I am not much for combat scenes, so there.
I guess that the main thing that dissapointed me (and may have colored my perception) was that it was not reall about Talona priests - they just happened to be the villains. Far different than Maiden of Pain, which I really liked, and which showed how an (admittedly non-typical) Pain worships and thinks. I would have liked to read that, but instead it was a 'good fights evil against impossible odds, good wins' tale.
Not really impressive. For me, this would be two beholders at most.
Gomez
I guess that the main thing that dissapointed me (and may have colored my perception) was that it was not reall about Talona priests - they just happened to be the villains. Far different than Maiden of Pain, which I really liked, and which showed how an (admittedly non-typical) Pain worships and thinks. I would have liked to read that, but instead it was a 'good fights evil against impossible odds, good wins' tale.
Not really impressive. For me, this would be two beholders at most.
-Two novels in this series were like that. Maiden of Pain and Queen of the Depths were labeled as being about Loviatar and Umberlee, respectively, and had protagonists that reflected that. The two others, Lady of Poison, and Mistress of the Night were labeled as being about Talona and Shar, respectively, but had protagonists that worshiped Lurue and Selûne, who opposed the aforementioned Talona and Shar.
I think Shadowbred gives a decent idea of priests of Shar.
Other people can attest to the fact that, for whatever reason, I forget a lot about things that I didn’t really like too much at the time (like Knights of the Old Republic II).
No kidding.:P
I wasn't too fond of this novel--at least, it was a mixed bag for me. I remember some of the writing being evocative. On the other hand, there were some corny elements as well, such as the part where the group of adventurers was gifted with special potions and other supplies for the journey by that druid enclave--it made sense, but it also felt very "gamey" and self-aware to me.
I wasn't too fond of this novel--at least, it was a mixed bag for me. I remember some of the writing being evocative. On the other hand, there were some corny elements as well, such as the part where the group of adventures was gifted with special potions and other supplies for the journey by that druid enclave--it made sense, but it also felt very "gamey" and self-aware to me.
Rin and I are like-minded on this one. (I always said she was brillant)
The book was OK, some fun bits, some entertaining moments but others things seemed forced.
I did like Marrek and the whole half-medusa thing was a bit odd, but I liked it. Gungarri too, although I would have liked a bit more info on Osse.
Rin and I are like-minded on this one. (I always said she was brillant)
:D
-Ususi, her personality is not always set, and fluctuates a lot. At certain points, she is "cold and methodical", like someone who doesn't fully understand/belong to the culture of the area (Greater-Great Dale area), and other times, she's flirting with Merreck. That's a point against the novel, though it's something that hurts the novel (and it's successor) in the long run.
The main character's ancestry was goofy, heavy-handed, and forced. To introduce something so "out there", a much more subtle approach should have been used. Instead, it reminded me of a game I played wherein a player brought his 10 year old son with a half-demon half-vampire PC. Within minutes of the game starting, the kid immediately flaunted his vampire-y demon-y ness, and continually asked "When can I use my special powers?"
It was funny, since we expected that from a 10 year old.
From a novel? Not so much...not even considering this is a fantasy novel written in a make-believe world centered around a game where grown adults play elaborate sessions of "pretend". I've grown accustomed to talented writers like Elaine Cunningham, Ed Greenwood, Lisa Smedman, etc...and so I tend to expect a bit more from these novels.
In addition, most of the battles were anti-climactic and poorly described. I also felt little to no empathy for the protagonists, as they seemed shallow and extremely non-dynamic. Interactions seemed forced and scripted, and I never got a sense of each character.
---
I would skip this one.
-That was in my Darkvision review.
Oops.
Damn my memory. I'm getting old.
it is mainly in the way Bruce writes it. I finished Queen of the Depths a few weeks ago, and I think that one is much better in the writing style.
So far I haven't seen much of the characters themselves and can't comment on the whole plotline as of yet. Maybe it will improve once they start tangling with the Rotting Man (sounds like a cool concept).
For some reason that I can't really explain, I found a dislike to the conversations in the book, which might be what is spoiling it a bit for me.
Still crossing my fingers that the novel will pick up in later chapters.
But I seriously disliked the way it was written. I have been trying to figure out what it was but I havent been able to. It just rubs me the wrong way.
I found most of the main characters quite bland and dull, and so were their interactions with each other. For some reason Marreck and Gungari had adventured for 2 years but never really told each other anything. I really found that hard to believe.
Maybe it was true what someone else posted about gameyness ... I think the novel, to me, felt like a retelling of someone's gaming session.
I would only give it 2 beholders.
I finally finished this book ... and as said before, it contains some cool concepts (Rotting man and his blightlords).
But I seriously disliked the way it was written. I have been trying to figure out what it was but I havent been able to. It just rubs me the wrong way.
I found most of the main characters quite bland and dull, and so were their interactions with each other. For some reason Marreck and Gungari had adventured for 2 years but never really told each other anything. I really found that hard to believe.
Maybe it was true what someone else posted about gameyness ... I think the novel, to me, felt like a retelling of someone's gaming session.
I would only give it 2 beholders.
Oddly enough, of the four FR novels Bruce has done, I'd rate this one as the best, followed by Darkvision (close behind), then Plague of Spells, then Stardeep. Though this isn't really in Bruce's favor.
Darkvision stunk on ice IMO
I don't really disagree.;)
Lucky I have first some other things to read. Am reading City of the Dead now.
And maybe should read the Eilistraee death fest novels, just to known what I am dealing with.
Gomez
If Lady of Poison was the best I really wonder if I should read Plague of Spells then.
Lucky I have first some other things to read. Am reading City of the Dead now.
And maybe should read the Eilistraee death fest novels, just to known what I am dealing with.
Gomez
Well, I've already posted my personal opinion in the Pirate King thread, but here it is again, for any who are interested:
Mistshore = Downshadow > Blackstaff Tower > Shadowrealm > Shadowstorm > Swordmage > Corsair > Shadowbred > City of the Dead > The Orc King > The Pirate King = The Gossamer Plain = The Fractured Sky > Unclean = Undead > The Fanged Crown = The Restless Shore > The Crystal Mountain > Sacrifice of the Widow > Storm of the Dead = Plague of Spells > Unholy > Ascendancy of the Last
Note where the Drow Deicide Trilogy places. I'm not saying they aren't worth reading, just be prepared for the worst.
If Lady of Poison was the best I really wonder if I should read Plague of Spells then.
-You can read my REVIEW of it to decide for yourself.
If Lady of Poison was the best I really wonder if I should read Plague of Spells then
I wouldn't
If Lady of Poison was the best I really wonder if I should read Plague of Spells then.
I would.
Contrary to many people here I consider Darkvision the best of Cordells books, simply because he shows there that he can actually write. Lady of Poison is such bad prose I almost couldn't stand it, and Stardeep is a mixture of both aforementioned books.
Contrary to many people here I consider Darkvision the best of Cordells books, simply because he shows there that he can actually write. Lady of Poison is such bad prose I almost couldn't stand it, and Stardeep is a mixture of both aforementioned books.
If you haven't noticed, no one here is singing Lady of Poison's praises.;)
I'd give it two points out of five.
I'd give it two points out of five.
And, if we were to use that same scale, how would you rank Bruce's other works? Just curious.
