no idea where to start reading the realms! - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

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#1 voodoodolly Apr 15, 2010 8:21:34	Hi! I really would like to start reading some of the Realms novels. But I have NO IDEA where to start and it looks to be a daunting task to catch up! What book should I stat with that matched up with 4th edition? Any other Realms books I should read (I have no idea what titles, cycles, or anything... when it comes to the realms I’m a complete noob!) All help is appreciated!!
#2 The_Silversword Apr 15, 2010 8:59:31	Hail and well met voodoodolly. You'll probably get a buch a different answers, like some one will say you should read this, or read that, really most of the novels, i think, are pretty self contained, and those that arent ussually have a recap in there, so really i think you could start on any novel you want to. I would recomend, if you havnt already, read through the Campaighn Guide. That will you give you a basic overview of whats what right there. I would just pick something that interests you, and go with that. If youre a Drizzt fan the Transitions series would be one to get, it lead into 4e Realms.
#3 sfdragon Apr 15, 2010 10:36:01	then read the Ed Greenwood PResents: waterdeep series.
#4 ukplayerx Apr 15, 2010 13:13:46	it's times like this that i miss Lord Karsus' little snippets of wisdom or start with the drizzt box sets, previously the original/first drizzt novels were box set 2 i think. Am i right? correct or confirm fellow spammers... or try Volo's guides and ignore the game mechanics
#5 sfdragon Apr 15, 2010 13:14:42	it's times like this that i miss Lord Karsus' little snippets of wisdom or start with the drizzt box sets, previously the original/first drizzt novels were box set 2 i think. Am i right? correct or confirm fellow spammers... I had the collectors series of many of the drizzt novels.. We dont spam here, Since JD said our in character spamming on topic posts were scaring people away or something. so praise the Triad, and give thanks to theri followers...torms blessings to you
#6 LordManshoon Apr 15, 2010 15:21:11	Welcome to the Realms. I hope you find some benefit from the list I've passed around to other people curious about Realmsreading. The former are 4E and 4E transition novels, the latter just good reads. In addition to these books, there are a number of anthologies showcasing various parts of the Realms, all bound by a certain theme. The more easily obtained of these are Realms of War, Realms of the Dead, Realms of Shadow, Realms of the Dragons 1 and 2, and Realms of the Elves. Show 1) The Twilight War Trilogy (Shadowborn, Shadowstorm, Shadowrealm) - This wonderfully written trilogy highlights the road to rebirth for the long-dead empire of Netheril, as the leaders of Shade Enclave begin to manipulate the land of Sembia and spread their influence. It also focuses on the deities Shar, goddess of Loss, and Mask, god of Thieves. Shar wishes to reduce the world to nothingness in accordance with her nihilistic dogma of destruction, and Mask wishes to see her downfall. Their desires are mostly carried out through their mortal servants, Rivalen Tanthul, Erevis Cale, and Drasek Riven. Note that this trilogy, as amazing as it is, is best appreciated after reading the books Shadow's Witness and the Erevis Cale Trilogy. 2) The Empyrean Odyssey (The Gossamer Plain, The Fractured Sky, The Crystal Mountain) - If the Pantheon is what you're after, this is the trilogy to read. It focuses entirely on the planar realms, especially the divine homeplanes. Particular attention is paid to the affairs of the deities Cyric, Shar, Mystra, Torm, Azuth, Tyr, and Helm. 3) The Lady Penitent Trilogy (Sacrifice of the Widow, Storm of the Dead, Ascendancy of the Last) - This one focuses on the drow pantheon, or more to the point, its destruction. The main focus is between the malevolent Lolth and her daughter Eilistraee, but also involves the rest of the drow gods (Kiaransalee, the necromancer goddess, Vhaeraun, the shadow god and brother of Eilistraee, Ghaunadaur, the abomination, and Selvetarm, Lolth's grandson and champion). It also deals with the struggles between their churches. The biggest complaint with this series is that it really turns a blind eye to past lore, but since you're a newcomer, that shouldn't be such a big deal. 4) The Haunted Lands Trilogy (Unclean, Undead, Unholy) - This series isn't really geared towards the divine, but explains the transformation of the nation of Thay and the rise of Szass Tam to sole supremacy. If you're a fan of undead, you'll love this one. Also, the Tyrant God Bane and the God/Primordial of Fire, Kossuth, play a somewhat significant role in this trilogy. 5) The Blade of the Moonseas Trilogy (Swordmage, Corsair, Avenger) - This trilogy, just recently completed, follows the adventures of Geran Hulmaster, a young man who hails from the ruling family of Hulburg, a land in the Moonsea region. Geran finds his home and his kin surrounded by enemies on all sides, and must rely on both his friends and his skill as a Swordmage to protect those whom he holds dear. There's a solid political angle to the books, but the real treat is watching Geran and crew travel the area and fight tooth and nail. It also reveals the landscape of the Moonsea region in the new age. 6) The Wilds Series (The Fanged Crown, The Restless Shore, The Edge of Chaos, Wrath of the Blue Lady) - The plots of these books are not connected save by theme. The first one describes the status of the island nation of Chult and also reveals the state of Tethyr, a monarchy in the West. The second one focuses on the Unapproachable East, specifically Akanul, and the struggle to avoid the expanding reach of the Abolethic Sovereignty, a terrifying order of aberrations from another world. The third book describes the Plaguewrought Lands and the Order of Blue Fire, an organization that promises charity and benevolence, but secretly strives for transcendence through destruction. I have yet to read the fourth book, sadly. 7) The Abolethic Sovereignty (Plague of Spells, City of Torment, Book 3 not yet released) - A tale of the Abolethic Sovereignty's rise to power, and the efforts of mortals to prevent such a disaster. One of the main characters, a warlock named Japheth, provides great insight into the relationships between a soul-sworn spellcaster and his patron(s). 8) Fall of Highwatch - The first of the Chosen of Nendawen books, it's the tale of a young woman whose family and honor is brought to ruin by a treacherous knight and his cunning advisor. A great deal of the novel focuses on the fey, primal, and demonic, as these forces interact in the North. It should be noted that to fully appreciate this novel, you should read Frostfell, the predecessor novel of sorts. 9) The Last Mythal Trilogy - Though this one isn't really considered in the same vein as the others, its resolution does tie directly into the present day. It recounts the return of the Elves to mainland Faerun (specifically the Dalelands region), and their struggle against the fey'ri (half elf, half demon) of House Dlardrageth. It also describes the old elven cities and the advance of the crusaders to reclaim their ancient homes. 10) Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep (Blackstaff Tower, Mistshore, Downshadow, City of the Dead, The God Catcher) - Unsurprisingly, this series takes place in Waterdeep and references lore from a century ago. The first book focuses on the role of the Blackstaff, the highest-ranking mage in the city, and the struggle to possess that title. It offers plenty of lore, but as is the case with previous novels, it requires prior reading (in this case, the book Blackstaff) in order for the reader to gleam every reference. The second novel follows a spellscarred young woman who flees the twisted designs of a ghost of her past, and bands together with a motley crew in order to avoid the terrible fate he has in store. The third book revolves around the paladin/avenger Shadowbane and his quest to bring order and justice to the fouler side of Waterdeep. It incorporates a fantastic heresy which states three gods, two of which are considered dead by the masses, are really one great being, having escaped death by merging their souls and ideals. The fourth book describes the vast graveyard in Waterdeep, and pays special attention to the nobility and the fall and rise of Houses. I only bought the fifth book yesterday, so I'm not yet familiar with the plot. 11) Return of the Archwizards (The Summoning, The Siege, The Sorcerer) - Remember in 1 when I mentioned long-dead Netheril? That was about their return to dominating their corner of the Realms. This trilogy actually describes their return from the Plane of Shadows in the 1370s DR, and their conflict with the despoilers of magic and nature, the phaerimm. It also describes the reactions of the rest of the nearby Realms nations, and their struggle against both parties. It also helps introduce many of the Netherese characters that later appear in The Twilight War, and features several other big name NPCs of FR. 2) - The Icewind Dale Trilogy - The stories that introduced Drizzt Do'Urden, most famous of FR characters, to the world. The first published adventures of the drow ranger and his friends provide for quite an intimate focus on the bonds between people and the life in the northern and western lands. Note that if you would prefer to read more about Drizzt's life prior to his emergence on the surface world, the Dark Elf Trilogy is probably a better move, as it focuses on his upbringing and struggle for survival in the fiendish Underdark realms of the drow. - The Elminster Series - As the name suggests, this series focuses on one of Toril's most renowned spellcasters, Elminster of Shadowdale, and spans Elminster's life, starting at his family's destruction at an early age to his rise as one of Mystra's Chosen, then onto his time in old Myth Drannor, his struggle to master his potential, and later, his ordeal in Hell itself. The most recent of the books (not the upcoming Elminster Must Die) deals with his bloodline. - Song and Swords - A series focusing on Danilo Thann, a spirited bard of Waterdeep, and Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elven swordswoman with quite the familial legacy. It focuses on their adventures throughout the western nations, and highlights the elven culture of Faerun as Arilyn learns about her heritage. It also showcases Elaith Craulnober, a morally ambiguous, and devilishly cunning, moon elf who fell from grace in Evermeet when he was younger.
#7 paulstrait Apr 22, 2010 23:15:49	In terms of series, there are two I really like -- the cleric quintet, which is just a classic, and there's a trilogy about psionics and yuan-ti... I can't remember the name, but I know that Wizards is re-releasing the trilogy as one large book this fall. It is fantastic. Though it probably doesn't provide a great overview of the Realms as a whole. If you really want to get a good realms overview, you should read one of the anthologies of short stories like Realms of Valor, Realms of the Arcane, Realms of Shadow, etc... or you could take a look at 'Once Around the Realms' by Brian Thomsen, which details two travelers taking a grand tour of Toril... Hope that helps
#8 PinkRose May 27, 2010 4:07:51	Following in the same kind of question, which are the 4e Forgotten Realms books, and in what order should they be read? Thanks in advance.

Show

1) The Twilight War Trilogy (Shadowborn, Shadowstorm, Shadowrealm) - This wonderfully written trilogy highlights the road to rebirth for the long-dead empire of Netheril, as the leaders of Shade Enclave begin to manipulate the land of Sembia and spread their influence. It also focuses on the deities Shar, goddess of Loss, and Mask, god of Thieves. Shar wishes to reduce the world to nothingness in accordance with her nihilistic dogma of destruction, and Mask wishes to see her downfall. Their desires are mostly carried out through their mortal servants, Rivalen Tanthul, Erevis Cale, and Drasek Riven. Note that this trilogy, as amazing as it is, is best appreciated after reading the books Shadow's Witness and the Erevis Cale Trilogy.
2) The Empyrean Odyssey (The Gossamer Plain, The Fractured Sky, The Crystal Mountain) - If the Pantheon is what you're after, this is the trilogy to read. It focuses entirely on the planar realms, especially the divine homeplanes. Particular attention is paid to the affairs of the deities Cyric, Shar, Mystra, Torm, Azuth, Tyr, and Helm.
3) The Lady Penitent Trilogy (Sacrifice of the Widow, Storm of the Dead, Ascendancy of the Last) - This one focuses on the drow pantheon, or more to the point, its destruction. The main focus is between the malevolent Lolth and her daughter Eilistraee, but also involves the rest of the drow gods (Kiaransalee, the necromancer goddess, Vhaeraun, the shadow god and brother of Eilistraee, Ghaunadaur, the abomination, and Selvetarm, Lolth's grandson and champion). It also deals with the struggles between their churches. The biggest complaint with this series is that it really turns a blind eye to past lore, but since you're a newcomer, that shouldn't be such a big deal.
4) The Haunted Lands Trilogy (Unclean, Undead, Unholy) - This series isn't really geared towards the divine, but explains the transformation of the nation of Thay and the rise of Szass Tam to sole supremacy. If you're a fan of undead, you'll love this one. Also, the Tyrant God Bane and the God/Primordial of Fire, Kossuth, play a somewhat significant role in this trilogy.
5) The Blade of the Moonseas Trilogy (Swordmage, Corsair, Avenger) - This trilogy, just recently completed, follows the adventures of Geran Hulmaster, a young man who hails from the ruling family of Hulburg, a land in the Moonsea region. Geran finds his home and his kin surrounded by enemies on all sides, and must rely on both his friends and his skill as a Swordmage to protect those whom he holds dear. There's a solid political angle to the books, but the real treat is watching Geran and crew travel the area and fight tooth and nail. It also reveals the landscape of the Moonsea region in the new age.
6) The Wilds Series (The Fanged Crown, The Restless Shore, The Edge of Chaos, Wrath of the Blue Lady) - The plots of these books are not connected save by theme. The first one describes the status of the island nation of Chult and also reveals the state of Tethyr, a monarchy in the West. The second one focuses on the Unapproachable East, specifically Akanul, and the struggle to avoid the expanding reach of the Abolethic Sovereignty, a terrifying order of aberrations from another world. The third book describes the Plaguewrought Lands and the Order of Blue Fire, an organization that promises charity and benevolence, but secretly strives for transcendence through destruction. I have yet to read the fourth book, sadly.
7) The Abolethic Sovereignty (Plague of Spells, City of Torment, Book 3 not yet released) - A tale of the Abolethic Sovereignty's rise to power, and the efforts of mortals to prevent such a disaster. One of the main characters, a warlock named Japheth, provides great insight into the relationships between a soul-sworn spellcaster and his patron(s).
8) Fall of Highwatch - The first of the Chosen of Nendawen books, it's the tale of a young woman whose family and honor is brought to ruin by a treacherous knight and his cunning advisor. A great deal of the novel focuses on the fey, primal, and demonic, as these forces interact in the North. It should be noted that to fully appreciate this novel, you should read Frostfell, the predecessor novel of sorts.
9) The Last Mythal Trilogy - Though this one isn't really considered in the same vein as the others, its resolution does tie directly into the present day. It recounts the return of the Elves to mainland Faerun (specifically the Dalelands region), and their struggle against the fey'ri (half elf, half demon) of House Dlardrageth. It also describes the old elven cities and the advance of the crusaders to reclaim their ancient homes.
10) Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep (Blackstaff Tower, Mistshore, Downshadow, City of the Dead, The God Catcher) - Unsurprisingly, this series takes place in Waterdeep and references lore from a century ago. The first book focuses on the role of the Blackstaff, the highest-ranking mage in the city, and the struggle to possess that title. It offers plenty of lore, but as is the case with previous novels, it requires prior reading (in this case, the book Blackstaff) in order for the reader to gleam every reference. The second novel follows a spellscarred young woman who flees the twisted designs of a ghost of her past, and bands together with a motley crew in order to avoid the terrible fate he has in store. The third book revolves around the paladin/avenger Shadowbane and his quest to bring order and justice to the fouler side of Waterdeep. It incorporates a fantastic heresy which states three gods, two of which are considered dead by the masses, are really one great being, having escaped death by merging their souls and ideals. The fourth book describes the vast graveyard in Waterdeep, and pays special attention to the nobility and the fall and rise of Houses. I only bought the fifth book yesterday, so I'm not yet familiar with the plot.
11) Return of the Archwizards (The Summoning, The Siege, The Sorcerer) - Remember in 1 when I mentioned long-dead Netheril? That was about their return to dominating their corner of the Realms. This trilogy actually describes their return from the Plane of Shadows in the 1370s DR, and their conflict with the despoilers of magic and nature, the phaerimm. It also describes the reactions of the rest of the nearby Realms nations, and their struggle against both parties. It also helps introduce many of the Netherese characters that later appear in The Twilight War, and features several other big name NPCs of FR.

2) - The Icewind Dale Trilogy - The stories that introduced Drizzt Do'Urden, most famous of FR characters, to the world. The first published adventures of the drow ranger and his friends provide for quite an intimate focus on the bonds between people and the life in the northern and western lands. Note that if you would prefer to read more about Drizzt's life prior to his emergence on the surface world, the Dark Elf Trilogy is probably a better move, as it focuses on his upbringing and struggle for survival in the fiendish Underdark realms of the drow.
- The Elminster Series - As the name suggests, this series focuses on one of Toril's most renowned spellcasters, Elminster of Shadowdale, and spans Elminster's life, starting at his family's destruction at an early age to his rise as one of Mystra's Chosen, then onto his time in old Myth Drannor, his struggle to master his potential, and later, his ordeal in Hell itself. The most recent of the books (not the upcoming Elminster Must Die) deals with his bloodline.
- Song and Swords - A series focusing on Danilo Thann, a spirited bard of Waterdeep, and Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elven swordswoman with quite the familial legacy. It focuses on their adventures throughout the western nations, and highlights the elven culture of Faerun as Arilyn learns about her heritage. It also showcases Elaith Craulnober, a morally ambiguous, and devilishly cunning, moon elf who fell from grace in Evermeet when he was younger.