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Forgotten Realms

1987-2011
Reviewed by John Ottinger,
John Hulet, Charles Tan
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"The Realms" is a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting created by Ed Greenwood in the late 1960s. According to Greenwood, the Forgotten Realms exist somewhere beyond Earth and, in recent times, have been forgotten by the people of Earth. Forgotten Realms novels have been published since 1987.

Forgotten Realms

Click covers for publication dates & formats including audio & Kindle).

Moonshae — (1987-1989) by Douglas Niles. Publisher: The first Forgotten Realms title ever published, now brought back into print! Darkwalker on Moonshae was the very first novel ever published in the Forgotten Realms setting. Appearing in 1987, this title launched what has now become a robust and ever-expanding land of adventure for millions of readers. Enter the land of Forgotten Realms and visit the kingdom of Moonshae, where a bitter struggle is about to ensue. A deep, dark hole is eating away at the spring sunlight, sapping its strength. The portents are not good. The evil beast is growing stronger by the day, and its followers, the Firbolg, are craving the sight of blood. To halt the spread of darkness, Prince Tristan must rally the citizens of Moonshae: the Goddess must send her most powerful children — and even then she may not be able to restore peace to the folk of Moonshae...

Forgotten Realms Moonshae fantasy book reviews 1. Darkwalker on Moonshae 2. Black Wizards 3. Darkwell Forgotten Realms Moonshae fantasy book reviews 1. Darkwalker on Moonshae 2. Black Wizards 3. Darkwell Forgotten Realms Moonshae fantasy book reviews 1. Darkwalker on Moonshae 2. Black Wizards 3. Darkwell

The Finder's Stone — (1988-1991) by Jeff Grubb and Kate Novak. Publisher: Her name is Alias, and she is in big trouble. She is a sell-sword, a warrior-for-hire, and an adventuress. She awoke with a series of twisting, magical blue sigils inscribed on her arms and no memory of where she got them. Determined to learn the nature of the mysterious tattoo, Alias joins forces with an unlikely group of companions: the halfling bard, Ruskettle, the southern mage, Akabar, and the oddly silent lizard-man, Dragonbait. With their help, she discovers that the symbols hold the key to her very existence. But those responsible for the sigils aren't keen on Alias's continued good health. And if the five evil masters find her first, she may discover all too soon their hideous secret.

Forgotten Realms The Finder's Stone 1. Azure Bonds 2. The Wyvern's Spur 3. Song of the Saurials Forgotten Realms The Finder's Stone 1. Azure Bonds 2. The Wyvern's Spur 3. Song of the Saurials Forgotten Realms The Finder's Stone 1. Azure Bonds 2. The Wyvern's Spur 3. Song of the Saurials

Shandril's Saga — (1988-2002) by Ed Greenwood. Publisher: The Fire That Burns It can lay low a dragon or heal a wounded warrior. It is the most sought-after magical power in all Faerûn. And it is in the reluctant hands of Shandril of Highmoon, a young, orphaned kitchen-lass. Now she's on the run from half of the evil sorcerers in the land, not to mention their relentless minions. But with the help of a handsome young wizard, some rough-and-tumble Knights of Myth Drannor, and a certain old mage of Shadowdale, she just might manage to stay alive. At least until tomorrow.

fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Shandril's Saga 1. Spellfire 2. Crown of Fire 3. Hand of Fire fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Shandril's Saga 1. Spellfire 2. Crown of Fire 3. Hand of Fire fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Shandril's Saga 1. Spellfire 2. Crown of Fire 3. Hand of Fire

Forgotten Realms: Legend of Drizzt — (1988-2009) by R.A. Salvatore. Omnibus editions are available. Some are also Available for download at Audible.com.

The Dark Elf Trilogy — (1990-1991) Publisher: Drizzt the Dark Elf finds adventure, peril, and awesome magical power as he confronts the underground civilization of the evil race of Drow elves.

R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt The Dark Elf Trilogy 1. Homeland 2. Exile 3. SojournR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt The Dark Elf Trilogy 1. Homeland 2. Exile 3. SojournR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt The Dark Elf Trilogy 1. Homeland 2. Exile 3. Sojourn

The Icewind Dale Trilogy — (1988-1990) Publisher: Icewind Dale. Windswept passes and forbidding glaciers stand at the top of the world. Below them, in the cold valleys, an evil force broods: the magic of Crenshinibon, the crystal shard. Now dwarf, barbarian, and drow elf join to battle this evil. Tempered in the furnace of struggle, they form an unbreakable friendship. A legend is born. Here is New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore's adventure that introduced Drizzt Do'Urden, the heroic dark elf, one of the most beloved characters in fantasy literature.

R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Icewind Dale 4. The Crystal Shard 5. Streams of Silver 6. The Halfling's GemR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Icewind Dale 4. The Crystal Shard 5. Streams of Silver 6. The Halfling's GemR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Icewind Dale 4. The Crystal Shard 5. Streams of Silver 6. The Halfling's Gem

Legacy of the Drow — (1992-1996) The Legacy, Starless Night, Siege of Darkness, Passage to Dawn. Publisher: The adventure begins in seeming serenity as we find Drizzt Do'Urden enjoying a rare state of peace. But he did not arrive at this station without leaving powerful enemies in his wake. Lolth, the dreaded Spider Queen deity of the evil Dark Elves, counts herself among these enemies and has vowed to end the drow's idyllic days.

R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Legacy of the Drow 7. The Legacy 8. Starless Night 9. Siege of Darkness 10. Passage to DawnR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Legacy of the Drow 7. The Legacy 8. Starless Night 9. Siege of Darkness 10. Passage to DawnR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Legacy of the Drow 7. The Legacy 8. Starless Night 9. Siege of Darkness 10. Passage to DawnR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Legacy of the Drow 7. The Legacy 8. Starless Night 9. Siege of Darkness 10. Passage to Dawn

Paths of Darkness — (1998-2001) The Silent Blade, The Spine of the World, Sea of Swords Publisher: These titles continue the tale of Salvatore’s signature character Drizzt Do’Urden™, one of the most well known figures in the Forgotten Realms setting.

R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Pathos of Darkness 11. The Silent Blade 12. The Spine of the World 13. Sea of SwordsR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Pathos of Darkness 11. The Silent Blade 12. The Spine of the World 13. Sea of SwordsR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Pathos of Darkness 11. The Silent Blade 12. The Spine of the World 13. Sea of Swords

The Hunter's Blades Trilogy — (2002-2004) Publisher: Drizzt at his scimitar-slashing best! When Drizzt believes that his friends have been killed, trampled under the feet of a rampaging horde of orcs, the Hunter takes over and the already dangerous dark elf goes feral. Alone in the wilderness against an enemy that outnumbers him thousands to one, the lone drow is the most dangerous being in the unforgiving mountains of the frigid North. But is he as dangerous to himself, as he is to the orcs in his sights?

R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Hunter's Blades Trilogy 1. The Thousand Orcs 2. The Lone Drow 3. The Two SwordsR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Hunter's Blades Trilogy 1. The Thousand Orcs 2. The Lone Drow 3. The Two SwordsR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Hunter's Blades Trilogy 1. The Thousand Orcs 2. The Lone Drow 3. The Two Swords

The Sellswords Trilogy — (2000-2006) Servant of the Shard is sometimes seen as also the third book in the Paths of Darkness series. Publisher: This trilogy brings two familiar characters into the limelight for the first time! Jarlaxle, a dark elf assassin, and Artemis Entreri, a human assassin, work together and against each other in Calimport. Their conflict is intensified by the influence of the Crystal Shard, a malevolent artifact that has been raousing trouble in the Forgotten Realms world since its introduction in The Crystal Shard.

Salvatore Sellsword trilogy Forgotten Realms 1. Servant of the Shard 2. Promise of the Witch King 3. Road of the Patriarch Salvatore Sellsword trilogy Forgotten Realms 1. Servant of the Shard 2. Promise of the Witch King 3. Road of the Patriarch Salvatore Sellsword trilogy Forgotten Realms 1. Servant of the Shard 2. Promise of the Witch King 3. Road of the Patriarch

fantasy book reviews R.A. Salvatore Promise of the Witch King Forgotten Realms Sellswords 2Promise of the Witch-King

Salvatore Sellsword trilogy Forgotten Realms 1. Servant of the Shard 2. Promise of the Witch King 3. Road of the Patriarch Promise of the Witch-King is the second book in R.A. Salvatore's Sellswords series, a spin-off/repackaging of his famous Drizz't series. While the title may sound like a rip-off from Tolkien (and indeed, Dungeons & Dragons does name Lord of the Rings as one of its influences), Salvatore is actually paying homage to Fritz Leiber.

The novel follows the anti-hero adventures of Artemis Entreri, a mellowed-down assassin, and the dark elf Jarlaxle, an ambitious and enigmatic figure. Strangely enough, the series reminds me so much of The Adventures of Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser, and Entreri even has his own versions of Scalpel and Cat's Claw, albeit a more sinister version. Of course the book seems like a modernized version of the pair as Entreri and Jarlaxle seem as anti-heroish as Leiber's characters were during their era.

Salvatore takes his characters for a different ride as he tries his hand at a different area of Faerun — way different from his Icewind Dale stories. The novel also has elements of an "all-evil" party, despite their seemingly virtuous ends. As expected, lots of back-stabbing happens, and the friendship of the pair (which isn't big to begin with) gets tested numerous times.

Much like the sword and sorcery fare of Leiber, Promise of the Witch-King is action-packed and adventurous. If you're looking for depth, this isn't the place to look for it. Fans of Salvatore will be glad to know he hasn't lost his edge, and the adventures of these two anti-heroes is a refreshing breath of fresh air from his Drizz't series. —Charles Tan (guest)   
FanLit thanks Charles Tan from Bibliophile Stalker for contributing this guest review.


review Forgotten Realms R.A. Salvatore Sellswords Road of the PatriarchRoad of the Patriarch

Salvatore Sellsword trilogy Forgotten Realms 1. Servant of the Shard 2. Promise of the Witch King 3. Road of the Patriarch The previous book in R.A. Salvatore's Sellswords trilogy, Promise of the Witch-King was disappointing. Road of the Patriarch redeemed Salvatore in my eyes after that previous lackluster effort.

Road of the Patriarch follows Jarlaxle and Artemis Entreri as they wrap up their sojourn in the Bloodstone lands. Jarlaxle is especially in fine form as he sows chaos in his wake with what seems to be very little effort. Many of his actions seem random (he is a drow after all) but when his schemes coalesce, one finds that his machinations are brilliant, and that what may have seemed a failure or lost opportunity is actually a success. Lolth would be proud, if Jarlaxle believed in such.

The characterization of Artemis Entreri is here developed to its fullest extent. His history and motivations are laid bare to the reader, and one finds oneself holding great sympathy for him. The book is really about Artemis, and his change in the reader's perception from cold-blooded assassin to broken man. His emotions are more volatile and less controlled and he begins to seem more human and less a villain of legend.

Salvatore continues to use the letters of Drizzt Do’Urden to great effect, both laying the stage for the story that follows, and delving deeply into the human psyche. Salvatore here shows why his Forgotten Realms novels are head and shoulders above the others of the series. Salvatore understands human psychology and human nature and confronts them head-on. Characters change, for better or worse, because of the situations around them, and the reader’s preconceptions are challenged by the letters of Drizzt Do’Urden.

Road of the Patriarch is a solid effort, better than the previous one, and all in all a rousing adventure story with excellent descriptions of swordplay, and characterization. —John Ottinger
FanLit thanks John Ottinger III from Grasping for the Wind for contributing this guest review.


Transitions — (2007-2009) Publisher: Drizzt is back, and facing a world changed forever! An uneasy peace between the dwarves of Mithral Hall and the orcs of the newly established Kingdom of Many-Arrows can't last long. The orc tribes united under Obould begin to fight each other, and Bruenor is determined to finish the war that nearly killed him and almost destroyed everything he's worked to build. But it will take more than swords and axes to bring a lasting peace to the Spine of the World. Powerful individuals on both sides may have to change the way they see each other. They may have to start to talk. And it won't be easy. This book wasn't just the next installment in the long-running saga of the famous dark elf, but the beginning of a bold new trilogy that will help change the face of the Forgotten Realms world forever.


R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Transitions 1. The Orc King 2. The Pirate King 3. The Ghost KingR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Transitions 1. The Orc King 2. The Pirate King 3. The Ghost KingR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Transitions 1. The Orc King 2. The Pirate King 3. The Ghost King

Forgotten Realms R.A. Salvatore The Orc King TransitionsThe Orc King


R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Transitions 1. The Orc King 2. The Pirate King 3. The Ghost KingPicking up where The Two Swords left off, The Orc King continues the adventures of Drizzt Do’Urden and the Companions of the Hall. King Obould Many-arrows seeks to create a kingdom of orcs, at peace with its neighbors, a thing unheard of in Faerun. Tosun Armgo continues to seek to be a new Drizzt, a dark elf of good character while fighting off the advances of Khaizid’hea the evil sentient sword. And Wulfgar, recently widowed, sets out to find his lost daughter Colson.

R.A. Salvatore has been writing in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for 20 years, he brought shared world fiction into the mainstream of genre fiction, his novels are sold all over the world, and Drizzt is almost as recognizable a character as Gollum or Captain Kirk. But for all his accomplishments, it seems that Salvatore cannot get out of a writing rut, when it comes to his characters. The Sellswords Trilogy was received poorly by even his most loyal readers (I among them) as it did little with its potential. With the return to the story of Drizzt, Bruenor, Catti-brie, Wulfgar and Regis, his fans hoped that creativity would sparkle once again. But The Orc King didn’t. Oh, it has the classic Salvatore elements — great fight scenes, Drizzt’s introspections at the beginning of each section — but there is sno character growth.

In The Orc King, Wulfgar is still the introspective former captive of Errtu. Salvatore had already destroyed all that had made Wulfgar a great character to begin with. He had aged from a brave and intrepid youth into a simpering self-pitying character (for all his protestations otherwise). Wulfgar again leaves the Companions of the Hall, the very people who can help him, and sets off on his own, certain that this is the right course. He was just as certain a few books ago, and that certainty left him a wino that had lost Aegis-fang. This character development was one of Salvatore’s poorest and nothing changes in The Orc King.

The behavior of Bruenor is also odd. He befriended a dark elf in the very first Drizzt novel, but can’t seem to get over his prejudice of orcs. Always Salvatore has made it clear that the “goodly” races fear dark elves more than any other of the “evil” races, yet Bruenor can’t see good in an orc. Salvatore tries to explain it away, but as a reader who has devoured all the Drizzt novels, it seems out of character.

Salvatore continues to address the theme of prejudice at the community level. Dwarves and orcs have always despised one another, but in The Orc King, an intelligent orc sees the need for peace between the two races, so that both may flourish. (There seem to be alllusions to ongoing conflicts in our world today.) This is an excellent theme to write about in a shared-world filled with so many races and the use of Drizzt and his companions, who had so eagerly slain orcs in previous novels, to help King Obould realize his dream is appropriate.

And of course, Salvatore continues his trademark battle and fight scenes descriptions. Of the many fantasy authors I have read, few hold a candle to Salvatore’s depictions. He so well describes the actions of the characters, and sets up the setting beforehand, that it's almost impossible for readers not to visualize the events clearly. For that alone, any Salvatore novel is worthy. I may not like some characterization or some plot, but each fight rouses my spirit afresh. Undeniably, Salvatore has a gift for pacing his novels, always knowing just when the reader needs some good old-fashioned hacking and slashing.

The Orc King is, for all its faults, still a great read. Drizzt Do’Urden is a hero of righteousness and truth, and no reader can help but root for him and his team. Salvatore’s novels are always exciting. I hope that Salvatore really puts his characters through the wringer in this trilogy and makes them into better people. Don’t read this novel for your first foray into the Forgotten Realms, but fans will enjoy, though probably not love this one. It is no Sojourn or The Crystal Shard, but it is fun to read and is a welcome return to the Drizzt legend.  —John Ottinger


Neverwinter — (2010- ) Publisher: Drizzt joins Bruenor on his quest for the fabled dwarven kingdom of Gauntlgrym: ruins said to be rich with ancient treasure and arcane lore. But before they even get close, another drow and dwarf pair stumbles across it first: Jarlaxle and Athrogate.  In their search for treasure and magic, Jarlaxle and Athrogate inadvertently set into motion a catastrophe that could spell disaster for the unsuspecting people of the city of Neverwinter — a catastrophe big enough to lure even the mercenary Jarlaxle into risking his own coin and skin to stop it. Unfortunately, the more they uncover about the secret of Gauntlgrym, the more it looks like they can’t stop it on their own. They’ll need help, and from the last people they ever thought to fight alongside again: Drizzt and Bruenor.

The Pools — (1989-1993) by James M. Ward, Jane Cooper Hong, and Anne K. Brown. Publisher: The spellcaster, Shal, seeks to avenge the death of her wizard master. The ranger thief, Ren, hunts the assassin who brutally murdered his beloved Tempest . The cleric, Tarl, prepares for a confrontation with the undead. A possessed dragon commands the undead armies of Valhigen Graveyard and the beasts from the ruins of Phlan. Desperate, Shal, Ren, and Tarl join forces to deliver Phlan and the entire Moonsea from the dark possession of evil reincarnate... Tyranthraxus.

Forgotten Realms 1. Pool of Radiance 2. Pools of Darkness 3. Pool of TwilightForgotten Realms 1. Pool of Radiance 2. Pools of Darkness 3. Pool of TwilightForgotten Realms 1. Pool of Radiance 2. Pools of Darkness 3. Pool of Twilight

Avatar — (1989-1998) by Scott Ciencin, Troy Denning, James Lowder originally using the house name "Richard Awlinson"). Publisher: The gods walk the Realms. Banished from the heavens, they now roam the world, from Tantras to far-off Waterdeep, seeking to regain their full powers. Malevolent Bane, power-hungry Mystra, and Helm, guardian of the heavens, all know the lost Tablets of Fate are the key. Possessing a mysterious amulet, four heroes, desperate to escape the dark elements of their past, find themselves drawn into this high-level power struggle, sought after by the fallen deities and their minions. But time is running out for the heroes — and the Realms. Caught in the crossfire, nature itself revolts: strange, deadly creatures stalk the land, and even magic becomes unpredictable. The heroes must find the sage Elminster, the only mortal who may know the secrets of the tables. And the search begins in Shadowdale.

Forgotten Realms Avatar: 1. Shadowdale 2. Tantras 3. Waterdeep 4. Prince of Lies 5. Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad Forgotten Realms Avatar: 1. Shadowdale 2. Tantras 3. Waterdeep 4. Prince of Lies 5. Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad Forgotten Realms Avatar: 1. Shadowdale 2. Tantras 3. Waterdeep 4. Prince of Lies 5. Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the MadForgotten Realms Avatar: 1. Shadowdale 2. Tantras 3. Waterdeep 4. Prince of Lies 5. Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the MadForgotten Realms Avatar: 1. Shadowdale 2. Tantras 3. Waterdeep 4. Prince of Lies 5. Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad

Maztica — (1990-1991) by Douglas Niles. Publisher: MAZTICA! In a corner of the world far removed from the known Forgotten Realms stands the exotic continent of Maztica. There Erix the slave girl learns of a great destiny laid upon her by the gods themselves. At the same time, across the sea, a fateful mission of exploration embarks. The explorers, a legion of seasoned mercenaries, sail westward to discover a land of primitive savagery mixed with high culture, of brutal, bloodthirsty gods and lavish treasures. Under the banner of their vigilant god, Helm, the legion claims these lands for their own. Only as Erix sees her land invaded by these strangers, when her world itself starts to collapse around her, is her startling destiny revealed...

Forgotten Realms Douglas Niles Maztica 1. Ironhelm 2. Viperhand 3. Feathered Dragon Forgotten Realms Douglas Niles Maztica 1. Ironhelm 2. Viperhand 3. Feathered Dragon Forgotten Realms Douglas Niles Maztica 1. Ironhelm 2. Viperhand 3. Feathered Dragon

The Empires — (1990-1991) by David Cook, Troy Denning, James Lowder. Publisher: Between the western Realms and Kara-Tur lies a vast, unexplored domain. The "civilized" people of the Realms have given little notice to these nomadic barbarians. Now, a mighty leader has united these wild horsemen into an army powerful enough to challenge the world. First, they turn to Kara-Tur.

Forgotten Realms The Empires 1. Horselords 2. Dragonwall 3. Crusade Forgotten Realms The Empires 1. Horselords 2. Dragonwall 3. Crusade Forgotten Realms The Empires 1. Horselords 2. Dragonwall 3. Crusade

Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet — (1991-1994) This is a separate Forgotten Realms series, but some of the characters from Drizzt appear. An omnibus edition contains Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos Curse. Publisher: The Cleric Quintet Collector's Edition tells the tale of the scholar-priest Cadderly, who is plucked from the halls of the Edificant Library to fulfill a heroic quest across the land of Faerûn.

R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms The Cleric Quintet Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos CurseR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms The Cleric Quintet Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos CurseR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms The Cleric Quintet Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos CurseR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms The Cleric Quintet Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos CurseR.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms The Cleric Quintet Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, The Chaos Curse

The Harpers — (1991-1998) by Troy Denning, Elaine Cunningham, Jean Rabe, Scott Ciencin, James Lowder, Mark Anthony, David Cook, Charles Alexander Moffat, Ed Greenwood, Kate Novak, Jeff Grubb. Publisher: Determined to drive a trade route through Anauroch, the Zhentarim have sent an army to enslave the fierce nomads of the Great Desert. As tribe after tribe fall to the intruders, only a single woman, Ruha, sees the true danger — but what sheikh will heed the advice of an outcast witch? Ruha finds help from an unexpected source. The Harpers, guardians of liberty throughout the Realms, have sent an agent to counter the Zhentarim. If she can help this stranger win the trust of the sheikhs, perhaps he can overcome the tribes' ancestral rivalries and drive the invaders from the desert.

Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 1. The Parched Sea 2. Elfshadow 3. Red Magic 4. The Night ParadeForgotten Realms The Harpers: 1. The Parched Sea 2. Elfshadow 3. Red Magic 4. The Night Parade Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 1. The Parched Sea 2. Elfshadow 3. Red Magic 4. The Night Parade Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 1. The Parched Sea 2. Elfshadow 3. Red Magic 4. The Night Parade

Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 5. The Ring of Winter 6. Crypt of the Shadowking 7. Soldiers of Ice 8. Elfsong Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 5. The Ring of Winter 6. Crypt of the Shadowking 7. Soldiers of Ice 8. Elfsong Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 5. The Ring of Winter 6. Crypt of the Shadowking 7. Soldiers of Ice 8. ElfsongForgotten Realms The Harpers: 5. The Ring of Winter 6. Crypt of the Shadowking 7. Soldiers of Ice 8. Elfsong

Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 9. Crown of Fire 10. Masquerades 11. Curse of the Shadowmage 12. The Veiled Dragon Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 9. Crown of Fire 10. Masquerades 11. Curse of the Shadowmage 12. The Veiled Dragon Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 9. Crown of Fire 10. Masquerades 11. Curse of the Shadowmage 12. The Veiled DragonForgotten Realms The Harpers: 9. Crown of Fire 10. Masquerades 11. Curse of the Shadowmage 12. The Veiled Dragon

Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 13. Silver Shadows 14. Stormlight 15. Finder's Bane 16. ThornholdForgotten Realms The Harpers: 13. Silver Shadows 14. Stormlight 15. Finder's Bane 16. Thornhold Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 13. Silver Shadows 14. Stormlight 15. Finder's Bane 16. Thornhold Forgotten Realms The Harpers: 13. Silver Shadows 14. Stormlight 15. Finder's Bane 16. Thornhold

Songs & Swords — (1991-1999) by Elaine Cunningham. Some of the books in this series are also in the Harpers series. Publisher: Arilyn Moonblade is one of the best two assassins in the Realms. Maybe both. From Cormyr to Waterdeep, Harpers are being murdered. The trail leads to the half-elven adventurer, Arilyn Moonblade. Is she guilty, or is she the next target?  Tormented by strange dreams and stalked by shadows, Arilyn must uncover the ancient secret of her sword's power in order to find and face the Harper Assassin.

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Druidhome — (1992-1993) by Douglas Niles. Publisher: The Folk have forsaken their goddess, the Earthmother, and have turned to the new gods to protect them. Now, capricious and malevolent, one of the new lords has turned the worship of the Folk against them. It falls to the royal daughters of High King Tristan Kendrick to confront the evil that now threatens their land. Douglas Niles is the author of the immensely popular Maztika and Moonshae Trilogies. The Druidhome Trilogy is the much-anticipated sequel to the Moonshae Trilogy.

Forgotten Realms Druidhome Douglas Niles 1. Prophet of Moonshae 2. The Coral Kingdom 3. The Druid Queen Forgotten Realms Druidhome Douglas Niles 1. Prophet of Moonshae 2. The Coral Kingdom 3. The Druid Queen Forgotten Realms Druidhome Douglas Niles 1. Prophet of Moonshae 2. The Coral Kingdom 3. The Druid Queen

The Twilight Giants — (1994-1995) by Troy Denning. Publisher: The Betrayal of a Sacred Trust... For a millennium, men and giants have abided together in the snowy wilderness of the Ice Spires, all paying fealty to a single dynasty of human kings. A thousand years of peace is about to shatter. When an ogre horde kidnaps Brianna of Hartwick — the fiery heir to Hartvale's throne — King Camden must choose between love of his daughter and duty to his kingdom. Only Tavis Burdun, a brash firbolg scout who covets Brianna's hand, has the courage to go after her. Before he saves the princess, though, he must uncover the kingdom's most jealously guarded secret...

Troy Denning Forgotten Realms Twilight Giants 1. The Ogre's Pact 2. The Giant Among Us 3. The Titan of TwilightTroy Denning Forgotten Realms Twilight Giants 1. The Ogre's Pact 2. The Giant Among Us 3. The Titan of TwilightTroy Denning Forgotten Realms Twilight Giants 1. The Ogre's Pact 2. The Giant Among Us 3. The Titan of Twilight

Elminster — (1994-2004) by Ed Greenwood. Publisher: “In ancient days, sorcerers sought to learn the One True Spell that would give them power over all the world and understanding of all magic... The One True Spell was a woman, and her name was Mystra - and her kisses were wonderful.” (Priest Halivon, Tharnstar Tales Told to a Blind Wizard). It is the time before Myth Drannor, when the Heartlands are home to barbarians, and wicked dragons rule the skies. In these ancient days, Elminster is but a shepherd boy, dreaming of adventure and heroics. When a dragon-riding magelord sweeps down upon him, though, the boy is thrust into a world of harsh realities, corrupt rulers, and evil sorcerers. With patience and grit, Elminster sets about to change all that. The result of his labors is a world reborn and a mage made. The origins of Elminster, mightiest mage in Faerûn, have long been lost in the wash of time. Only the old wizard himself remembers how he came into being, and he hasn't told. Until now...

Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood 1. The Making of a Mage 2. Elminster in Myth Drannor 3. The Temptation of Elminster 4. Elminster in Hell 5. Elminster's Daughter Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood 1. The Making of a Mage 2. Elminster in Myth Drannor 3. The Temptation of Elminster 4. Elminster in Hell 5. Elminster's Daughter Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood 1. The Making of a Mage 2. Elminster in Myth Drannor 3. The Temptation of Elminster 4. Elminster in Hell 5. Elminster's Daughter Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood 1. The Making of a Mage 2. Elminster in Myth Drannor 3. The Temptation of Elminster 4. Elminster in Hell 5. Elminster's Daughter Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood 1. The Making of a Mage 2. Elminster in Myth Drannor 3. The Temptation of Elminster 4. Elminster in Hell 5. Elminster's Daughter

The Shadow of the Avatar — (1995) by Ed Greenwood. Publisher: It was the Eve of the Time of Troubles. The chaos of spilled blood, lawless strife, monsters unleashed, and avatars roaming Faerûn was still to come. Unbeknownst to mortals, the gods had been summoned together, and among them was Mystra, grown proud and willful in the passing eons. With the others, she was about to be stripped of her goodhood. The secret of her power gave her an idea. She made certain preparations, looking always for one who would be her successor... But until that person's ascension, her power must be preserved. A lone mortal must carry the greater share of her divine energy until the power could be reclaimed, and it was the fate of this mortal to risk being destroyed or driven wild, involuntary and without warning. This was the occasion of Elminster's Doom.

Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Shadow of the Avatar: 1. Shadows of Doom 2. Cloak of Shadows 3. All Shadows Fled Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Shadow of the Avatar: 1. Shadows of Doom 2. Cloak of Shadows 3. All Shadows Fled Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Shadow of the Avatar: 1. Shadows of Doom 2. Cloak of Shadows 3. All Shadows Fled

The Nobles — (1995-1997) by David Cook, Victor Milan, Mark Anthony, Brian Thomsen, Paul Kidd, Lynn Abbey. Publisher: The king is dead, long live the king. Meet Pinch, a man of many titles: scoundrel, thief, criminal extraordinaire... heir to the throne? Manferic III, Pinch's guardian and the former ruler of Ankhapur, has died without a direct heir. By ancient law, the crown will pass to the relative "chosen by the cup", a family relic, in a ceremony whereby the rightful heir is selected and pretenders and other rejected can candidates meet their deaths. Pinch's outlaw days have prepared him for life on the mean streets... but is he ready for the dangers that lurk in courtly hallways, among royal relatives and dagger-bearing shadows?

Forgotten Realms The Nobles 1. King Pinch 2. War in Tethyr 3. Escape from Undermountain 4. The Mage in the Iron Mask 5. The Council of Blades 6. The Simbul's Gift Forgotten Realms The Nobles 1. King Pinch 2. War in Tethyr 3. Escape from Undermountain 4. The Mage in the Iron Mask 5. The Council of Blades 6. The Simbul's Gift Forgotten Realms The Nobles 1. King Pinch 2. War in Tethyr 3. Escape from Undermountain 4. The Mage in the Iron Mask 5. The Council of Blades 6. The Simbul's Gift Forgotten Realms The Nobles 1. King Pinch 2. War in Tethyr 3. Escape from Undermountain 4. The Mage in the Iron Mask 5. The Council of Blades 6. The Simbul's Gift Forgotten Realms The Nobles 1. King Pinch 2. War in Tethyr 3. Escape from Undermountain 4. The Mage in the Iron Mask 5. The Council of Blades 6. The Simbul's Gift Forgotten Realms The Nobles 1. King Pinch 2. War in Tethyr 3. Escape from Undermountain 4. The Mage in the Iron Mask 5. The Council of Blades 6. The Simbul's Gift

Starlight & Shadows — (1995-2003) by Elaine Cunningham. Publisher: Beautiful as she is deadly, Liriel Baenre flits throught the shadows of Menzoberranzan, city of the dark elves. Amid treachery and murder that are the drow's daily fare, she feels something calling to her... something beyond this dusky world far removed from the sun. Yet as she ventures toward the surface and the lands of light, enemies pursue her unceasingly. And one enemy amy offer her the only hope of salvation. Characters: Liriel, Fyodor, Gorlist, Zz'Pzora.

book review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Starlight and Shadows Daughter of the Drow Tangled Webs Wind Walkerbook review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Starlight and Shadows Daughter of the Drow Tangled Webs Wind Walkerbook review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Starlight and Shadows Daughter of the Drow Tangled Webs Wind Walker

Netheril (Arcane Age) — (1996-1998) by Clayton Emery. Publisher: Thousands of years before the Age of Elminster dragons rule the skies over Faerûn, and elves dominate the huge forests that cover the land. Only in the mighty, magical empire of Netheril are men a force to be reckoned with. Bored and haughty in his midair castle, the Netherese mage Candlemas bets fellow wizard Sysquemalyn that a certain barbarian who has caught his eye can survive the most savage tests his friend and deadly rival can devise. The only rule: The tests must offer the subject some chance to survive, however slight. Of course, "playing fair" is a concept as alien to the wizards of Netheril as "mercy". But the subject of their wager, Sunbright Steelshanks of the Rengarth Tribe, has a mind and a will of his own. And Candlemas and Sysquemalyn are not the only players in this lethal game of swords and sorcery... Discover the Arcane Age of Netheril, the most powerful magical empire in the history of the Forgotten Realms, when a bold barbarian becomes the pawn of quarreling archmages.

Forgotten Realms Arcane Age Netheril Clayton Emery 1. Sword Play 2. Dangerous Games 3. Mortal Consequences Forgotten Realms Arcane Age Netheril Clayton Emery 1. Sword Play 2. Dangerous Games 3. Mortal Consequences Forgotten Realms Arcane Age Netheril Clayton Emery 1. Sword Play 2. Dangerous Games 3. Mortal Consequences

The Cormyr Saga — (1996-2000) by Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb, and Troy Denning. Publisher: The epic struggle of a family... and a nation. Cormyr has been ruled by the Obarskyr family since its inception one and a half millenia ago. Now its king, Azoun IV, lies on his deathbed, and the vulturs are circling, hoping to usurp the throne for their own. Against this crisis of state, the history of the Forest Kingdom unfolds, relating the previously untold story of a nation, its rulers, and its wizards.

Forgotten Realms The Cormyr Saga 1. Cormyr 2. Beyond the High Road 3. Death of the Dragon Forgotten Realms The Cormyr Saga 1. Cormyr 2. Beyond the High Road 3. Death of the Dragon Forgotten Realms The Cormyr Saga 1. Cormyr 2. Beyond the High Road 3. Death of the Dragon

The Lost Gods — (1997) by Kate Novak, Jeff Grubb, Douglas Niles. This is a cross-over between Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance. Finder's Bane is from the Harpers series. Publisher: When Joel became a priest of the new god Finder, he knew it meant forfeiting the honor and security of his position as a master bard. Now his freedom and his very life are at stake as powers of evil embroil the priests of Finder in a struggle against a plot to resurrect the dead god Bane. With his only allies the young freedom fighter Holly Harrowslough, the mysterious winged woman Jas, and the aging priest Jedidiah, Joel embarks on a mission to recover the Hand of Bane. His quest leads him from the Realms all the way to the extra-planar city of Sigil. There Joel must rely on all his courage, wisdom, and strength to thwart the return of Bane the Tyrant and rescue the god Finder from imminent death. The next installment in the best-selling Harpers series and the first title in a new series dealing with the dead gods in many of the TSR worlds. A group of courageous priests, with the aid of Finder Wyvernspur, must attempt to infiltrate the extraplanar city of Sigil, recover a mysterious artifact, and thwart a plot to bring the evil god Bane back to life.

1. Finder's Bane 2. Fistandantilus Reborn 3. Tymora's Luck1. Finder's Bane 2. Fistandantilus Reborn 3. Tymora's Luck 1. Finder's Bane 2. Fistandantilus Reborn 3. Tymora's Luck

Double Diamond Triangle — (1998) by J. Robert King, James Ward & David Wise, Ed Greenwood, Roger E. Moore, Dave Gross, David Cook & Peter Archer, and Richard Baker. Publisher: Someone has kidnapped the fiancee of the Open Lord of Waterdeep on the eve of their wedding. Now the lord, Piergeiron the Palidinson, must find out who — but nothing is quite what it seems.

Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 1. The Abduction 2. The Paladins 3. The Mercenaries 4. Errand of MercyForgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 1. The Abduction 2. The Paladins 3. The Mercenaries 4. Errand of Mercy Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 1. The Abduction 2. The Paladins 3. The Mercenaries 4. Errand of Mercy Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 1. The Abduction 2. The Paladins 3. The Mercenaries 4. Errand of Mercy

Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 5. An Opportunity for Profit 6. Conspiracy 7. Uneasy Alliances 8. Easy Betrayals 9. The Diamond Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 5. An Opportunity for Profit 6. Conspiracy 7. Uneasy Alliances 8. Easy Betrayals 9. The Diamond Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 5. An Opportunity for Profit 6. Conspiracy 7. Uneasy Alliances 8. Easy Betrayals 9. The Diamond Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 5. An Opportunity for Profit 6. Conspiracy 7. Uneasy Alliances 8. Easy Betrayals 9. The Diamond Forgotten Realms Double Diamond Triangle 5. An Opportunity for Profit 6. Conspiracy 7. Uneasy Alliances 8. Easy Betrayals 9. The Diamond

The Mysteries — (1998-1999) by Chet Williamson, Richard Myers, and John Maddox Roberts. Murder in Tarsis is a Dragonlance crossover.

1. Murder in Cormyr 2. Murder in Halruaa 3. Murder in Tarsis 1. Murder in Cormyr 2. Murder in Halruaa 3. Murder in Tarsis 1. Murder in Cormyr 2. Murder in Halruaa 3. Murder in Tarsis

Lost Empires — (1998-2000) by Mel Odom, Troy Denning, Clayton Emery, Lynn Abbey. Publisher: The Lost Library of Cormanthyr Is it just a myth? Or does it still stand... somewhere in the most ancient corners of Faerûn? An intrepid human explorer sets out to find the truth and what starts as an archaeological expedition soon becomes a race against time as an undying avenger is determined to protect the secrets of the ancient, xenophobic elven empire of Cormanthyr. Lost Empires is a bold new series that uncovers the secrets of the lost, ancient Forgotten Realms world.

Forgotten Realms Lost Empires 1. The Lost Library of Cormanthyr 2. Faces of Deception 3. Star of Cursrah 4. The Nether Scroll Forgotten Realms Lost Empires 1. The Lost Library of Cormanthyr 2. Faces of Deception 3. Star of Cursrah 4. The Nether Scroll Forgotten Realms Lost Empires 1. The Lost Library of Cormanthyr 2. Faces of Deception 3. Star of Cursrah 4. The Nether Scroll Forgotten Realms Lost Empires 1. The Lost Library of Cormanthyr 2. Faces of Deception 3. Star of Cursrah 4. The Nether Scroll

The Threat from the Sea — (1999-2000) by Mel Odom, anthology edited by Philip Athans. Young adult. Publisher: From the murky depths of the Shining Sea rises a pre-historic menace who commands a rising tide of invasion. Iakhovas has plotted for long, bitter years to regain the powers that were torn from him by an angry goddess. Now, nothing will stand in his way, and the face of Toril will never be the same again. Oblivious to the growing danger of the undersea civilizations, the surface world is about to awaken to a new, horrifying threat from the sea.

Forgotten Realms The Threat from the Sea Mel Odom. 1. Rising Tide 2. Under Fallen Stars 3. Sea Devil's Eye Anthology: Realms of the Deep Forgotten Realms The Threat from the Sea Mel Odom. 1. Rising Tide 2. Under Fallen Stars 3. Sea Devil's Eye Anthology: Realms of the Deep Forgotten Realms The Threat from the Sea Mel Odom. 1. Rising Tide 2. Under Fallen Stars 3. Sea Devil's Eye Anthology: Realms of the Deep Forgotten Realms The Threat from the Sea Mel Odom. 1. Rising Tide 2. Under Fallen Stars 3. Sea Devil's Eye Anthology: Realms of the Deep

The Baldur's Gate — (1999-2001) by Philip Athans, Drew Karpyshyn. Young adult. Publisher: Bhaal must be stopped! Someone is sabotaging the iron mines of the Sword Coast, pushing powerful realms toward a bloody war, and a young mercenary toward an unimaginable secret. Evil gods, giant spiders, murderous doppelgangers, flesh-eating ghouls, and wicked Zhentarim come to life in the action-packed novelization of the Baldur's Gate computer game form BioWare and Interplay.

1. Baldur's Gate 2. Shadows of Amn 3. Throne of Bhaal 1. Baldur's Gate 2. Shadows of Amn 3. Throne of Bhaal 1. Baldur's Gate 2. Shadows of Amn 3. Throne of Bhaal

Counselors and Kings — (2000-2002) by Elaine Cunningham. Publisher: Some are born with magic. Some without. Matteo, un-magical counselor to the mighty of Halruaa, has devoted his life to the truth — until he finds that he may have a hidden spark of magic after all. Now, with only a street waif for a companion, he's on the run from the mysterious Cabal. In the dismal Swamp of Akhlaur, Matteo will seek his own truth while battling a creature out of his nightmares. But something even worse is on his trail: a relentless persecutor of magic. The Magehound. Characters: Matteo and Tzigone.

book review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Counselors and Kings The Magehound Floodgate Wizardwarbook review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Counselors and Kings The Magehound Floodgate Wizardwarbook review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Counselors and Kings The Magehound Floodgate Wizardwar

Sembia — (2000-2003) by Ed Greenwood, Clayton Emery, Paul S. Kemp, Richard Lee Byers, Dave Gross, Lisa Smedman, and Voronica Whitney-Robinson. Young adult. Publisher: The Halls of Stormweather, a novel in seven parts, is the first book in a series that explores the mean streets of a city where everything has its price and even the wealthiest families will do anything to survive! Ed Greenwood — The creator of the Forgotten Realms begins the tale with the capable but embattled patriarch of the Uskevren family. Clayton Emery — The heir to the family fortune is brought to life by the author of Star of Cursrah and the Netheril Trilogy. Lisa Smedman — A veteran science fiction and fantasy author shows us a young woman who's more than just a maid. Dave Gross — The author of An Opportunity for Profit tells the story of the youngest son who carries a horrifying curse. Voronica Whitney-Robinson — The story of the willful daughter Thazienne is told by the co-author of Spectre of the Black Rose. Richard Lee Byers — The author of Dark Kingdoms tells a tale of a wife with a past as long as it is dark. Paul Kemp — A talented newcomer creates a servant with more secrets than his master could ever guess.

Sembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of Stormweather Sembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of Stormweather Sembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of Stormweather

Sembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of Stormweather Sembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of Stormweather Sembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of StormweatherSembia 1. The Halls of Stormweather 2. Shadow's Witness 3. The Shattered Mask 4. Black Wolf 5. Heirs of Prophecy 6. Sands of the Soul 7. Lord of Stormweather

The Cities — (2000-2005) by Richard Baker, Drew Karpyshyn, Mel Odom, Ed Greenwood, and Elaine Cunningham. Publisher: A new series of stand-alone novels, each set in one of the mighty cities of Faerûn.

1. The City of Ravens 2. Temple Hill 3. The Jewel of Turmish 4. The City of Splendors 1. The City of Ravens 2. Temple Hill 3. The Jewel of Turmish 4. The City of Splendors 1. The City of Ravens 2. Temple Hill 3. The Jewel of Turmish 4. The City of Splendors book review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms City of Splendors: A Novel of Waterdeep

fantasy book review Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood Elaine Cunningham The City of SplendorsThe City of Splendors

book review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms City of Splendors: A Novel of WaterdeepThe City of Splendors is very different from Wizards of the Coast's usual fare. In fact, it's even unusual for The Forgotten Realms, and that's saying something.

The story almost seems to have no main character, no central conflict, and no central motivation. It revolves around many characters who live their lives in Waterdeep, also known as the City of Splendors due to its astonishing beauty and variety. The interconnectedness of the central characters and the way that they interact with each other and the city that surrounds them (both the actual city and its citizens) is so cleverly written that the reader is never sure just what might happen next.

As with any sword and sorcery novel, there is the usual blood-letting, magic-hurling, rescuing damsels in distress sort of plot line, but there is a subtlety to it that I don't normally expect as well. In particular, there's a brilliant gradual building up to a riot. The mob doesn't just break out and provide a convenient way for the author to kill off a few characters and give the hero a chance to rescue a heroine. Although this does happen, the preceding chapters build to a tension so high that a mob must break out — there is nothing else that could happen, given the circumstances. Comman artisans are calling the Masked (and unknown) Lords of the city to reveal who they are, so that their decisions can be weighted and measured against the desires of the people. A character called Dyre calls for a New Day. Soon the New Day is on everyone's lips and they begin to voice their discontent with their life, blaming the Lords of Waterdeep for all their ills (real or imagined) chapter by chapter the tension slowly builds until naught else could happen but a riot. I applaud Greenwood and Cunningham on their understanding of the common man and the motivations of the mob.

The City of Splendors is a surprising novel, unexpected and arresting in a way that no sword and sorcery novel has been before. Waterdeep is a city of splendors that lives and breathes on the hopes and ambitions of its citizenry.  —John Ottinger
FanLit thanks John Ottinger III from Grasping for the Wind for contributing this guest review.

Return of the Archwizards — (2001-2002) by Troy Denning, anthology edited by Lizz Baldwin. Publisher: The evil and powerful archwizards who rule the mysterious floating city of Shade return and seek to unleash their magic on the unsuspecting inhabitants of the world of Faervn. Original.

Troy Denning Forgotten Realms: Return of the Archwizards 1. The Summoning 2. The Siege 3. SorcererTroy Denning Forgotten Realms: Return of the Archwizards 1. The Summoning 2. The Siege 3. SorcererTroy Denning Forgotten Realms: Return of the Archwizards 1. The Summoning 2. The Siege 3. Sorcerer

War of the Spider Queen — (2002-2006) by Richard Lee Byers, Thomas M. Reid, Richard Baker, Lisa Smedman, Philip Athans, Paul S. Kemp, R. A. Salvatore (editor). Publisher: While their whole world is changing around them, four dark elves struggle against different enemies. Yet their paths will lead them all to the most terrifying discovery in the long history of the drow, and set them on a quest to save not only Menzoberranzan but the entire dark elf race from Dissolution. The War of the Spider Queen begins here. The first novel in an epic six-part series from the fertile imaginations of R.A. Salvatore and a select group of the newest, most exciting authors in the genre. Join them as they peel back the surface of the richest fantasy world ever created, to show the dark heart beneath.

Forgotten Realms War of the Spider Queen 1. Dissolution 2. Insurrection 3. Condemnation 4. Extinction 5. Annihilation 6. Resurrection Forgotten Realms War of the Spider Queen 1. Dissolution 2. Insurrection 3. Condemnation 4. Extinction 5. Annihilation 6. Resurrection Forgotten Realms War of the Spider Queen 1. Dissolution 2. Insurrection 3. Condemnation 4. Extinction 5. Annihilation 6. Resurrection Forgotten Realms War of the Spider Queen 1. Dissolution 2. Insurrection 3. Condemnation 4. Extinction 5. Annihilation 6. Resurrection Forgotten Realms War of the Spider Queen 1. Dissolution 2. Insurrection 3. Condemnation 4. Extinction 5. Annihilation 6. Resurrection Forgotten Realms War of the Spider Queen 1. Dissolution 2. Insurrection 3. Condemnation 4. Extinction 5. Annihilation 6. Resurrection

The Rogues — (2003-2004) by Edward Bolme, Richard Lee Byers, Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Don Bassingthwaite. Publisher: The Alabaster Staff is the first title in a new Forgotten Realms series focusing specifically on the iconic character class of the rogue. Each novel in the series will be a stand-alone adventure, but the overall setting for all of the titles will be the Old Empires, an area of the Forgotten Realms world never before explored in the novels.

The Rogues 1. The Alabaster Staff 2. The Black Bouquet 3. The Crimson Gold 4. The Yellow Silk The Rogues 1. The Alabaster Staff 2. The Black Bouquet 3. The Crimson Gold 4. The Yellow Silk The Rogues 1. The Alabaster Staff 2. The Black Bouquet 3. The Crimson Gold 4. The Yellow Silk The Rogues 1. The Alabaster Staff 2. The Black Bouquet 3. The Crimson Gold 4. The Yellow Silk

The Scions of Arrabar — (2003-2005) by Thomas M Reid. Publisher: This is a new trilogy exploring the political intrigue of a mercenary society in the Forgotten Realms world. Author Thomas M. Reid will be authoring the entire trilogy, which takes place in an area of the world little before explored in novels. A mercenary order sworn to defend a god, but bent to the will of mortals. When family turns on family, it's buisness as usual in Arrabar, but when a family turns on itself, an entire nation may be torn asunder.

THomas M. Reid Forgotten Realms Scions of Arrabar The Sapphire Crescent, The Ruby Guardian, The Emerald SceptreTHomas M. Reid Forgotten Realms Scions of Arrabar The Sapphire Crescent, The Ruby Guardian, The Emerald SceptreTHomas M. Reid Forgotten Realms Scions of Arrabar The Sapphire Crescent, The Ruby Guardian, The Emerald Sceptre

Erevis Cale — (2003-2005) by Paul S Kemp.Publisher: This Forgotten Realms trilogy centers around the key character from the popular Sembia title Shadow's Witness. Author Paul Kemp created the main character and is writing the entire trilogy, which will be broad in scope and rich in Forgotten Realms mythology.

Paul S. Kemp Forgotten Realms: Erevis Cale: 1. Twilight Falling 2. Dawn of Night 3. Midnight's MaskPaul S. Kemp Forgotten Realms: Erevis Cale: 1. Twilight Falling 2. Dawn of Night 3. Midnight's MaskPaul S. Kemp Forgotten Realms: Erevis Cale: 1. Twilight Falling 2. Dawn of Night 3. Midnight's Mask

The Priests — (2004-2005) by Bruce R. Cordell, Dave Gross, Don Bassingthwaite, Kameron M. Franklin, and Richard Lee Byers. Publisher: First in a new series of stand-alone adventures about the clerics of the Forgotten Realms world. Lady of Poison is the first title in a new Forgotten Realms novel series focusing specifically on priests, the popular D&D iconic class also known as clerics. Each title will chronicle priests loyal to a different deity in the Forgotten Realms pantheon. Like the preceding series The Rogues, each novel in The Priests series is written as a stand-alone adventure, allowing new readers an easy entry point into the Forgotten Realms world.

1. Lady of Poison 2. Mistress of the Night 3. Maiden of Pain 4. Queen of the Depths 1. Lady of Poison 2. Mistress of the Night 3. Maiden of Pain 4. Queen of the Depths 1. Lady of Poison 2. Mistress of the Night 3. Maiden of Pain 4. Queen of the Depths 1. Lady of Poison 2. Mistress of the Night 3. Maiden of Pain 4. Queen of the Depths

The Last Mythal — (2004-2006) by Richard Baker. Publisher: Forsaken House is the first title in a new trilogy chronicling the tempestuous return of an isolated society of elves to the mainland of the Forgotten Realms world. The events in this trilogy will have far-reaching impact across the entire setting.

richard baker forgotten realms the last mythal forsaken houserichard baker forgotten realms the last mythal fartherst reachrichard baker forgotten realms the last mythal final gate

The Year of Rogue Dragons — (2004-2006) by Richard Lee Byers, and two anthologies edited by Philip Athans. Publisher: The Rage is the first title in a new trilogy exploring the ancient secrets of dragon society in the Forgotten Realms world. Author Richard Lee Byers will be writing the entire trilogy, and the cover art for the trilogy and the associated anthology will be rendered by award-winning fantasy artist Matt Stawicki.

Forgotten Realms Rogue Dragons, The Rage, The Rite, The RuinForgotten Realms Rogue Dragons, The Rage, The Rite, The RuinForgotten Realms Rogue Dragons, The Rage, The Rite, The Ruin Realms of the Dragons Realms of the Dragons

The House of Serpents — (2004-2006) by Lisa Smedman. Publisher: The first in a new trilogy from R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen author Lisa Smedman. Venom's Taste is the first title in a new trilogy exploring the political intrigues of the yuan-ti race, the details of which have been little explored in previous Forgotten Realms products. Lisa Smedman will be penning the entire trilogy, which will affect many other storylines in the Forgotten Realms setting.

Lisa Smedman Forgotten Realms House of Serpents Venom's Taste, Viper's Kiss, Vanity's BroodLisa Smedman Forgotten Realms House of Serpents Venom's Taste, Viper's Kiss, Vanity's BroodLisa Smedman Forgotten Realms House of Serpents Venom's Taste, Viper's Kiss, Vanity's Brood

The Fighters — (2005-2006) by Jess Lebow, Erik Scott de Bie, Murray J. D. Leeder and Keith Francis Strohm.  Young adult. Publisher: The Fighters series showcases one of the most popular Dungeons & Dragons character classes. Each novel in the Fighters series is written as a stand-alone adventure, allowing new readers an easy entry point into the Forgotten Realms world.

1. Master of Chains 2. Ghostwalker 3. Son of Thunder 4. Bladesinger 1. Master of Chains 2. Ghostwalker 3. Son of Thunder 4. Bladesinger 1. Master of Chains 2. Ghostwalker 3. Son of Thunder 4. Bladesinger 1. Master of Chains 2. Ghostwalker 3. Son of Thunder 4. Bladesinger

Watercourse — (2005-2007) by Philip Athans. Publisher: A new trilogy by The New York Times best-selling author Philip Athans!The New York Times best-selling author of Annihilation tells an epic tale of intrigue, dreams, war, and love on the shores of the Lake of Steam. One man struggles against deadly nagas, powerful men, seductive women, and a Red Wizard bent on his destruction, all to realize a dream greater than the Realms has ever known.

Watercourse 1. Whisper of Waves 2. Lies of Light 3. Scream of Stone Watercourse 1. Whisper of Waves 2. Lies of Light 3. Scream of Stone Watercourse 1. Whisper of Waves 2. Lies of Light 3. Scream of Stone

The Wizards — (2006) by Steven E. Schend, James P. Davis, Bruce R. Cordell and Mark Sehestedt. Publisher: Khelben Arunsun, Chosen of Mystra, Archmage of Waterdeep, is as close to a demigod as you're likely to meet on the streets of Faerûn's mightiest city. But when the skies rain lightning and a long-forgotten city arises from the earth, he can seem like just another wizard.

Forgotten Realms The Wizards 1. Blackstaff 2. Bloodwalk 3. Darkvision 4. Frostfell Forgotten Realms The Wizards 1. Blackstaff 2. Bloodwalk 3. Darkvision 4. Frostfell Forgotten Realms The Wizards 1. Blackstaff 2. Bloodwalk 3. Darkvision 4. Frostfell Forgotten Realms The Wizards 1. Blackstaff 2. Bloodwalk 3. Darkvision 4. Frostfell

The Knights of Myth Drannor — (2006-2008) by Ed Greenwood. Publisher: After they saved his life, the king grants Florin and his friends what they've always dreamed of: an adventure! But the "adventure" proves a little more difficult then the newly named Swords of Eveningstar had thought it would be. Scions of evil from across the Realms manipulate the Swords like pawn, and it's all the Swords can do just to stay alive!

The Knights of Myth Drannor 1. Swords of Eveningstar 2. Swords of Dragonfire 3. The Sword Never Sleeps The Knights of Myth Drannor 1. Swords of Eveningstar 2. Swords of Dragonfire 3. The Sword Never Sleeps The Knights of Myth Drannor 1. Swords of Eveningstar 2. Swords of Dragonfire 3. The Sword Never Sleeps

review Forgotten Realms Ed Greenwood The Knights of Myth Drannor Swords of Dragonfire 2Swords of Dragonfire

The Knights of Myth Drannor 1. Swords of Eveningstar 2. Swords of Dragonfire 3. The Sword Never SleepsAlthough I generally don’t like reviewing the second book in a trilogy, (middle books often seem to just be filler) I just had to write about Ed Greenwood’s Swords of Dragonfire which continues the early exploits of the Knights of Myth Drannor, some of Greenwood’s more interesting characters. A roaming band of adventurers, loyal to the crown of Cormyr, the Knights are perhaps some of the most successful bunglers in the history of the Forgotten Realms. Florin Falconhand and his friends had appeared as wise and worldly adventurers in previous Greenwood books, but their history had never been fully explored. The Knights of Myth Drannor series is Greenwood’s story of their humble beginnings as callow youths in love with the spirit of adventure, but who know nothing of its atrocities.

Swords of Dragonfire continues where Swords of Eveningstar left off. Having gained the approval of Queen Filfaeril and King Azoun, the Knights believe that they are set up for life. Little do they know that good adventurers are always feared, and that The Crown is determined to have them become some other country’s problem. But, being the Knights of Myth Drannor, Florin and friends are soon caught up in a web of intrigue aimed at killing the weary Court Wizard Vangerdahast, and the entire royal family.

Greenwood has never been the best of novel writers. He tries to write archaically, using wherefore instead of therefore, and constructing sentences to make them seem part of an older age or courtlier. But in Swords of Dragonfire, he has written one of the most protracted, most complicated, most fascinating fight scenes I have ever seen in print. Taking up at least 50 pages of the 352 page novel, the fight at the Oldcoats Inn takes several chapters, and requires the appearances of no less than Vangerdahast, Khelben Blackstaff, Manshoon of the Zhentarim, and Elminster to bring an end to it.

Greenwood weaves an intricate plot. Swords of Dragonfire is told as a series of vignettes following a great number of characters as they plot against Cormyr, seek to save it, or simply try to preserve the status quo. Each conspirator doesn’t know of the other’s plots, and the entire novel culminates in what is quaintly known as the Disaster of the Season. Many people don’t like Greenwood's vignette style because it requires a great number of characters to keep straight, but this is sword and sorcery at the next level. Greenwood doesn’t spend a lot of time with soul-searching angst-ridden characters. He simply details a great fight scene — in this case, one which had at least five different groups duking it out in one small inn. Thereafter follows an excellent chase scene in the bowels of Azoun’s place in Suzail, which has the pace and feel of a Dungeon Master playing games with you.

I highly recommend Swords of Dragonfire for the protracted fight scenes alone. You'll need to read Swords of Eveningstar in order to get the back story, but Swords of Dragonfire makes it worth your time. —John Ottinger

The Twilight War — (2006-2008) by Paul S Kemp, anthology edited by Philip Athans. Publisher: The Lady has spoken to me. It has already begun. Shadows move out of the shrinking desert, south to the rich and arrogant cities of Sembia. “Be brave, little man,” says the shadowman, and the boy thinks his voice is surprisingly soft. “Stay with your mother. This will be over soon.” The shadows swallow him and he is gone. On the edge of a war that will change the face of Faerûn, the world will find that not all shadows serve Shade.

Read John Ottinger's interview with Paul S. Kemp.

Paul S. Kemp fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms: Twilight War: 1. Shadowbred 2. Shadowstorm 3. ShadowrealmPaul S. Kemp fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms: Twilight War: 1. Shadowbred 2. Shadowstorm 3. ShadowrealmPaul S. Kemp fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms: Twilight War: 1. Shadowbred 2. Shadowstorm 3. Shadowrealm anthology: Realms of War

fantasy book review Forgotten Realms The Twilight War Paul S. Kemp ShadowbredShadowbred

Paul S. Kemp fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms: Twilight War: 1. Shadowbred 2. Shadowstorm 3. ShadowrealmFirst off, I'd like to clarify one thing. I don't really consider myself a Forgotten Realms reader (never mind my various Drizz't books or the Shadows of the Spider Queen novels) so I don't have a Master's degree in the setting. Having said that, Shadowbred was an interesting read and starts out with a prologue that hooked me.

As for the rest of Shadowbred, Paul S. Kemp manages to juggle multiple points of view from both heroes and villains. What I find compelling is that several prominent characters are either true anti-heroes (not surprising for other genres but definitely surprising for D&D) or genuine villains. It's good to be evil or simply practical and I haven't enjoyed myself like this since the Shadows of the Spider Queen series (the last book in that series was also written by Kemp but I think his writing style there was muted for the sake of consistency with the other authors).

The main character, Erevis Cale, is clearly Kemp's baby but, being new to this, I didn't find anything too confusing for a new reader. There are enough flashbacks to give us a sense of the character and even to tickle my curiosity to read other FR novels. There are a few scenes though that are a tribute to his past so, if you're an Erevis Cale fan, you definitely should check out this book, but as for me, having no previous rapport with the character, I didn't find that the scenes were too out of the way.

Paul S. Kemp's writing style is clean — there's nothing that remarkably defines it but there's also nothing distracting about it. Overall Shadowbred is a fun read with plenty of suspense (especially since this is a book where the villains might actually win). I'm generally skeptical of the Forgotten Realms line (I was burned by the Dragonlance line) but if many of the books are written like this, I might reconsider.
Charles Tan (guest)    FanLit thanks Charles Tan from Bibliophile Stalker for contributing this guest review.


fantasy book review Forgotten Realms The Twilight War Paul S. Kemp Shadowstorm, ShadowrealmShadowstorm

Paul S. Kemp fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms: Twilight War: 1. Shadowbred 2. Shadowstorm 3. ShadowrealmA storm is brewing in the country of Sembia. Erevis Cale must use the powers of Mask to stop it. Civil War is tearing apart the merchant kingdom, and Tamlin, the Hulorn of Selgaunt has made a deal with the last of the Netherese, the Shadovar. Into this turmoil comes the Shadowstorm.

Shadowstorm, Paul S. Kemp’s second book in The Twilight War, continues where Shadowbred left off. Erevis Cale, Drasik Riven, and Magadon continue their quest through the planes. Magadon wars within himself over his human and devil natures, and Erevis defies the very god who gives him power. Meanwhile, Tamlin, feckless son and poor leader, now oversees the defense of Selgaunt from the Overmistress’ forces with the aide of the Shade Rivalen.

Kemp has once again created a story filled with human characters surrounded by great events that threaten to change the Forgotten Realms forever. Tamlin is being drawn ever closer to the worship of Shar through the machinations of Rivalen, and his logic is as petty as any child's who doesn’t get what he wants. Unfortunately, Tamlin’s tantrum will have lasting consequences that his naiveté cannot foresee. Erevis Cale, weary and torn, tries to do right, but must use the dark forces of shadow to do it. Both of these characters had been explored before in previous books. The newest inner conflict Kemp develops in this book is that of Magadon. After an encounter with his fiendish father, Magadon is no longer able to keep a boundary between his devil and human natures, and the inability to control his duality threatens to destroy the upright and righteous person Magadon has always been.

Kemp uses a couple of first person sections to explore the depth of Magadon’s duality, as well as the usual third-person that Wizards of the Coast requires of its authors. The first person perspective is interesting, and allows Kemp to give his character a great deal of depth. Knowing the thoughts and actions allows the reader to identify more completely with the character’s struggles, drawing us into the story.

Shadowstorm reveals why Paul S. Kemp is so important to The Forgotten Realms. His characters have motivations that readers relate to and he has shown that shared world fiction is just as poignant and valuable as the latest New York Times Bestseller. His exploration of the anti-hero is something our culture is deeply fascinated with, and Kemp does it well. Erevis Cale is the dark knight of our dreams — powerful and mysterious. Each character's suffering humanizes the sword and sorcery of the setting, and makes the Forgotten Realms a very real place. —John Ottinger


fantasy book review Forgotten Realms The Twilight War Paul S. Kemp Shadowstorm, ShadowrealmShadowrealm

Paul S. Kemp fantasy book reviews Forgotten Realms: Twilight War: 1. Shadowbred 2. Shadowstorm 3. Shadowrealm[Abelar] thought of Eldren, of Enden, recalled his father's words to him — the light is in you — and realized, with perfect clarity, that his father was right.

The light is in you. As a theme for Paul S. Kemp's Shadowrealm, the final novel in The Twilight War trilogy of Forgotten Realms novels, it might seem rather odd. After all, the story surrounds Erevis Cale, the First Chosen of the thief god Mask. Cale is a shadowman, able to twist and bend shadows to fulfill his will. His magic is not of the light, but of the darkness. Along with the Second of Mask, Riven, they are fighting an evil half-god by the name of Kesson Rel bent on destroying all of Toril with the Shadowstorm — while at the same time attempting to stop the takeover of all of Sembia by the Shadovar, an ancient race of Netherese dedicated to the worship of the goddess of the void, Shar. "Internal light" would seem to be an odd theme for such a story, except perhaps for the necessity of having light in order to make shadow.

But Kemp, in his deft way, makes a story based on dark powers and characters into a narrative about truth, purity, and sacrifice. About honor among men in the midst of an evil world and an evil situation. Cale, the most powerful of Mask's servants, is conflicted about his role. He wants to do good and be good, but is so much a part of the Shadow that to leave it would leave him physically crippled. Abelar, former priest of Lathander, had to deny his god to save his son, and now he wanders aimlessly and without purpose. Even Riven the assassin has his own form of humanity in his love for his dogs and his willingness to give painful mercy.

The most stunning part of Shadowrealm is not these characters. Rather, it is the change we see in Rivalen Tanthul — the villain of the previous novels, at least until Kesson Rel came on the scene. His change is stunning and profound. Kemp never lets his human characters be truly good or truly evil but instead balances the yin and yang of their characters. For sword and sorcery, Shadowrealm and its predecessors are deeply philosophical. Kemp questions the very nature of the relationship between man and his belief in gods. Does man exist at the gods' whim, or is it the other way around? Kemp's conclusion is surprising for a novel set in a world that has a panoply of gods, many of whom are exceptionally powerful, with direct and obvious control over the lives of their worshippers. It is daring writing to turn this on its head and move away from the power that mankind derives from the gods, and look at it from the other direction. As Abelar concludes, The men and women of his company did not stand in the light. The light was in them. Lathander was merely a reagent that allowed them to shine. They were the light, not their god.

Shadowrealm is sword and sorcery, and could even be considered epic fantasy. There are several significant battles — with the final culminating battle taking up nearly fifty pages of space. So for those readers who dislike long battle sequences, you may feel this story drags in places. Yet the characters philosophical thoughts are interwoven into the clash of metal and shouts of war of the battles, and these ideas should not be missed.

As well, the beginning portion of Shadowrealm seems to wander aimlessly for a time, as Erevis Cale and his companions move back and forth across the face of Sembia, seemingly without purpose. What this wandering does is allow Kemp time to build and describe the inner conflicts of the many characters, but the lack of action in the story does make it drag initially. This is completely rectified by the superior storytelling in the final battle against Kesson Rel.

Paul S. Kemp has managed to take a style of writing normally associated with great action and lots of special effects and make it into a deep search of the soul. All the necessary elements of a good action tale are there, but Shadowrealm moves into deeper and more powerful territory. As a writer, Kemp is one of the best. His name should be mentioned alongside not only R.A. Salvatore, but also such luminaries as Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, Terry Pratchett, and Tad Williams. Although Kemp's style and content are completely different, he — like them — moves beyond the setting to the deeper themes that can be found in all good literature. I recommend all works by Paul S. Kemp. His novels are a reminder that reading can be both entertainment and thought-provoking — all in the same breath.
John Ottinger

The Dungeons — (2007) by Erik Scott de Bie, Jaleigh Johnson, Bruce R. Cordell and Rosemary Jones. Young adult. Each novel stands alone. Publisher: Explore some of the most dangerous places in the Forgotten Realms — The Dungeons!

The Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning DiamondThe Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning Diamond The Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning Diamond The Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning Diamond

fantasy book reviews Shared Worlds Forgotten Realms The Dungeons Bruce R. Cordell Stardeep Jaleigh Johnson The Howling DelveThe Howling Delve

The Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning DiamondIn The Howling Delve, Jaleigh Johnson, unlike Erik Scott De Bie in Depths of Madness, does not rely entirely on the dungeon as the setting. Set in Amn in the Year of Lightning Storms, The Howling Delve’s plot revolves around two protagonists: a nobleman’s son who seeks revenge for the overthrow of his family, and a fire elementalist who once lived on the streets of Amn and who seeks something unknown even to her.

Although this is Jaleigh Johnson’s first novel, she has previously published short stories. One can be found in Sails and Sorcery: Nautical Tales of Fantasy published by Fantasist Enterprises. Another appeared in Realms of the Dragons II from Wizards of the Coast.

Johnson’s first novel effort has, in this reviewer’s opinion, been a success. Although The Howling Delve had a rough start, it finally ended strongly with a well-written chase through the tunnels of the Howling Delve. The tortured beginning comes from the choice Johnson made in skipping around in time for the first seven or so chapters. The reader does not actually reach the Year of Lightning Storms (1374 DR) until about the eighth chapter. This is in part because there are two protagonists whose interwoven stories needed separate back stories. While the writing is excellent, I found myself wondering when the meat of the story was to be reached. When it came, it was worth the wait.

The interwoven plot of the two heroes parallels and describes the other. Although Johnson does resort to making that obvious, even to the point of having a character directly state it rather than allowing the reader to get the subtlety on his own, the plot is weaved interestingly enough to hold the reader’s attention. The plot follows a logical pattern filled with interesting characters and some surprising twists.

Rather than delve too deeply into the psyches of the characters, Johnson has given them simple motivations and then allowed the characters to react using situational ethics. The lack of character depth is not a detraction — The Howling Delve is truly a sword and sorcery style fantasy whose protagonists are not particularly deep, but their motivations are pure, and they are, ultimately, good.

This Forgotten Realms: Dungeons novel is better than the previous one. Johnson has created characters using some of the lesser explored areas of the Forgotten Realms setting (i.e. elementalists, a priest of Dumathoin, and the Shadow Thieves) and given them appeal. I hope to see more of these characters in the sequels. —John Ottinger


fantasy book reviews Shared Worlds Forgotten Realms The Dungeons Bruce R. Cordell StardeepStardeep

The Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning DiamondKiril Duskmorn, who first appeared in Darkvision, has returned. Compelled by a love lost, and a self-righteous sentient sword, Kiril must return to the Dungeon of the Traitor to fulfill her role as a Keeper of the Cerulean Sign. Once a star elf, the Traitor gave himself to an evil, primeval influence and has since been confined and magically bound in a pocket dimension, guarded by magical and mundane guards. But when the traitor influences one of his guardians, it is up to Kiril and Raidon, a half-Shou-half- star elf with a desire to know his mother’s past, to stop him.

Bruce Cordell has always been able to reach into the lesser know areas of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, and give us a story about characters and powers rarely seen. Drawing on his own expertise as a campaign setting writer, he weaves a tale that adds depth and breadth to the Forgotten Realms history. The star elves are a secretive and little known race, making a few minor appearances in more recent novels, but in Stardeep, more of their history is explored, especially the enigma of the Blade Cerulean, Kiril’s sentient sword.

Raidon's skill is hand fighting, which is quite vividly depicted and well described by Cordell. It is rare that a martial artist is a major character in a fantasy novel, as most readers prefer the sword slinging hero, but Raidon’s fight scenes make a compelling case for why they should appear in more than Asian-themed fantasies.

The supporting characters, a thief and a sorcerer, are not really developed. Cordell tends to over-focus on his primary characters, while only using the support characters as cannon fodder, or to cast the odd magical spell. This is somewhat rectified in the case of the thief, Gage, as he does provide a small plot development, although all it really provides is a way for Cordell to give knowledge that the primary characters couldn’t have otherwise gained. Adrik, the sorcerer, has one excellently written scene near the end of the novel, but otherwise provides little color to the novel, and could have been forgone entirely.

But for all the lack of character depth in the support characters, the two primary ones are much deeper. Kiril is a torn and broken woman, always questioning herself. Raidon is a sympathetic and noble hero whose concern for the welfare of others drives him on. Cordell puts both these characters through unique torments which make each stronger.

The best part of Stardeep is Telarian, the supposed villain. In a misguided attempt to help, the diviner causes a great deal more trouble than he realizes. This is a good example of how the end doesn’t always justify the means. Cordell really plumbs the depth of what that means, and how a misguided attempt at doing good can do so much harm to so many. To tell you more would ruin the novel, but in this one, our heroes and villains, while identifiable, all have bits of good and bits of darkness in them.

As with most Forgotten Realms stand-alones, this is a sword and sorcery novel. The non-stop action is what drives the narrative, and Cordell provides detail of the world that only a setting writer can give. The text is chock full of fight scenes and magic battles, and the ending has a couple of pretty surprising twists.

Forgotten Realms fans will enjoy Stardeep. Those who love novels with elves will drool over this one. I recommend this as a good shared-world novel. It has fun action, unique characters, and a setting little explored, even by other Forgotten Realms authors. And if you enjoy it, Cordell has announced that this is not the end of Stardeep's characters. His next novel will continue their stories. I for one am looking forward to it. —John Ottinger


fantasy review Forgotten Realms The Dungeons 4: Crypt of the Moaning DiamondCrypt of the Moaning Diamond

The Dungeons 1. Depths of Madness 2. The Howling Delve 3. Stardeep 4. Crypt of the Moaning DiamondWhat happens when an writer who works for an opera company turns to writing fantasy? Does the story take on qualities of the epic? Do people take forever to die? Or does everyone just walk around singing loudly and wearing funny costumes? If these are questions you have asked yourself (or even if they aren’t) you ought to turn your attention to Crypt of the Moaning Diamond by Rosemary Jones. An opera writer and first time novelist, Jones has created a dungeon delving story both humorous and out of the ordinary set in the Forgotten Realms mythos.

Ivy is the leader of the Siegebreakers, a small band of sappers who hire themselves out to armies needing to have walls come a’tumblin down. Ivy’s crew consists of a 300 year old dwarf who loves dogs, the dog Wiggles, two sisters with very different mothers, and a goat-footed thief. Additionally, they have a tag-along, a Procampurian knight whose rigid sense of honor provides a great deal of humor to the pragmatic Siegebreakers. When the group falls into a vast and ancient crypt during one of their siege-breaking attempts, they are forced to find a way out. But it isn’t all that simple; The crypt is vast and down there with them is a crazy wizard who's in search of a treasure with a great deal of power. In the meantime, the water level is rising beneath their feet, even as the heroes move deeper into the ground.

Unlike the other stories in the Dungeons series, Crypt of the Moaning Diamond is humorous. In fact, it reminds me a lot of Jim C. HinesGoblin Quest in that way. But where Hines chose a strange character and made him into a hero, thereby providing humor at the ridiculousness of the situation, Jones’ humor is more relational. Ivy and Sanval (the Procampurian gentleman) flirt with each other, albeit unconsciously. Since Ivy chooses to be pragmatic and dresses comfortably, whereas Sanval is all spit and polish with a strong sense of honor. The attraction of polar opposites provides great humor. The two sisters in the Siegebreakers fight like family always does, yet step to the plate when the protection of each other is needed. And then there is Wiggles, the bone-loving white ball of fluff, who sees undead as a snack. Add to that love-poetry-writing bugbears (“a good thump-thump beat is necessary,” apparently) and you can’t help but snicker each time you turn the page.

Jones also never lets up on the action. Moving through the crypt, the Siegebreakers encounter enemy after enemy, all with the knowledge that if they don’t hurry, they’ll drown in the rising water. This pacing keeps the novel interesting and it never gets bogged down in detail. Her battle scenes are innovative, often finding unusual or pragmatic solutions where other authors tend to over do it in order to add to the “epic” nature of the narrative.

Jones would do well to vary her word choices a little bit. In a battle scene where one character is wielding a shovel, she kept repeating the word “shovel” to describe the weapon. If she had tried a little harder, she could have found other words to use in her sentences. In the span of two pages (pages 74 and 75) she used the word “shovel” 8 times when it would have been possible to use “weapon” or “makeshift bludgeon” in its place. In a fight scene, an author ought to use synonyms more often, since the reader’s reading pace often picks up at such points, and the overuse of a word becomes more obvious. This detracted from some of the action scenes.

Each of the novels in the Forgotten Realms: Dungeons series is a stand-alone novel and Rosemary Jones doesn’t rely heavily on the mythos of the Forgotten Realms, so any reader can easily enjoy it. Of all the debut Forgotten Realms authors of recent years, I think I enjoyed Rosemary’s writing the most. She reminds me a lot of Elaine Cunningham. Both writers create relationships between their characters, as well as writing sword and sorcery action, and those relationships make the novels all the more fun to read, as the reader becomes invested in the characters.

So in answer to the opening questions, I would say that yes, a writer with a familiarity with opera has some knowledge of the epic, and that when such a writer turns to fantasy, she is able to bring that knowledge into her story. There was some loud singing in Crypt of the Moaning Diamond but it wasn’t pretty and the characters weren’t wearing funny costumes. But Jones understands narrative, and knows how to make a story interesting. I think Rosemary Jones is an excellent addition to the cadre of Wizards of the Coast writers, and I hope she continues to write stories like Crypt of the Moaning Diamond.
John Ottinger

The Citadels — (2007-2008) by Ed Gentry, Jess LeBow, Mark Sehestedt, James P Davis. Publisher: Monsters and mystery in a remote stronghold — explore the Citadels of the Forgotten Realms! Neversfall was supposed to be Estagund's stronghold in the wilds of monster-ridden Veldorn, an unassailable citadel to protect the southern lands. Then the regiment holding Neversfall disappeared, leaving no hint of what took them. The replacement forces find themselves attacked from both within and without the fortress's walls. Besieged by monsters and men, a mercenary captain and an elite warrior must work together to discover out who their enemy really is.

Forgotten Realms The Citadels 1. Neversfall 2. Obsidian Ridge 3. The Shield of Weeping Ghosts 4. Sentinelspire Forgotten Realms The Citadels 1. Neversfall 2. Obsidian Ridge 3. The Shield of Weeping Ghosts 4. SentinelspireForgotten Realms The Citadels 1. Neversfall 2. Obsidian Ridge 3. The Shield of Weeping Ghosts 4. Sentinelspire Forgotten Realms The Citadels 1. Neversfall 2. Obsidian Ridge 3. The Shield of Weeping Ghosts 4. Sentinelspire

Forgotten Realms book review Jess LeBow Obsidian Ridge The CitadelsObsidian Ridge

Forgotten Realms The Citadels 1. Neversfall 2. Obsidian Ridge 3. The Shield of Weeping Ghosts 4. SentinelspireIn a writing style throwback to the adventure stories of Robert Howard and others of his generation of sword and sorcery writers — light on dialogue, big on action — Jess Lebow has brought some of the adventure back to the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. It is much like the early Ed Greenwood, when he first began writing media tie in novels for his Forgotten Realms campaign setting.

Obsidian Ridge tells the story of three primary heroes. The Claw is the king’s assassin, whose bladed gauntlets remind me of Wolverine (and The Claw uses them to equal effect). Mariko is the king’s daughter — a budding spellcaster and damsel in distress. Korox, King of Erlkazar (a newly formed nation that broke off from Tethyr) is forced to make a decision about whether or not to give up his daughter to the arch magus Xeries, master of a floating mountain in the sky called the Obsidian Ridge. Twisted in body and mind, Xeries threatens to destroy all of Erlkazar if he does not receive Mariko for his payment. But there are other forces at work. The criminal underworld of Lhorbauth (capital of Erlkazar) has captured Mariko and holds her for ransom from a desperate king. The king and the Claw must find Mariko, all the while wondering whether or not to turn her over to the evil Xeries.

Lebow leverages all this potential action to the hilt. The story is light on dialogue, and instead moves from action sequence to battle scene to fight scene with a dose of mystery thrown into the mix. The identity of both the Claw and the king of the underworld remain a significant mystery for a large part of the story, although the astute reader will guess their identities quickly.

Although it is action that drives the plot, there is some time given for introspection. Korox especially wrestles with what it means to be king. But Lebow’s skill is not to get us emotionally connected to the characters, but to give us heroes that we cannot help but cheer for. Reading Obsidian Ridge was like watching a football game in which you know nothing of the players except their names. As you watch, the announcers give you little tidbits of information about the players, and you appreciate them, but that isn’t why you tuned in. You tuned in because you needed something to cheer for, to watch one team beat another. In Obsidian Ridge you want to watch the team of Korox, Mariko, and the Claw beat Xeries and the criminal underworld.

Obsidian Ridge has flaws. It's a simple plot, and Lebow uses deus ex machina a few times. The Claw and Mariko get out of a few scrapes a bit too fortuitously. When the plot tries to zig or zag, it is usually pretty obvious where it's going. Lebow uses only what dialogue he must. The story is mostly told through a description of events as they unfold, characterization is simplified, and the motivations of the characters are not complex (except for Korox who really struggles with himself).

Obsidian Ridge does not make a good entry point for new Realms readers because it explains little of the mythos, races, and denizens. But, it's an enjoyable read for Realms fans — It has inescapable dungeons, a love story, truly evil villains, battle and fight scenes, and a hero who uses gauntlets as weapons. What more could you ask for from a sword and sorcery novel?  —John Ottinger
FanLit thanks John Ottinger III from Grasping for the Wind for contributing this guest review.

The Lady Penitent — (2007-2008) by Lisa Smedman. Publisher: Halisstra Had Failed in Her Quest. Halisstra Melarn, convert to the cause of the goddess Eilistraee, was sent to the deepest depths of the Outer Planes to kill the demon goddess she once worshiped, but instead was transformed into a hideous creature bent to the vengeful will of her former mistress. For the Queen of the Demonweb Pits not only survived her Silence but evolved into something greater than she was before — something that no longer needs to share the domain she calls her own. Could it be that the War of the Spider Queen has just begun?

Lisa Smedman Lady Penitent: Sacrifice of the Widow, Storm of the Dead, Ascendancy of the LastLisa Smedman Lady Penitent: Sacrifice of the Widow, Storm of the Dead, Ascendancy of the Lastbook review Lisa Smedman Forgotten Realms Lady Penitent Ascendancy of the Last

Forgotten Realms Lisa Smedman Ascendancy of the Last The Lady PenitentAscendancy of the Last

book review Lisa Smedman Forgotten Realms Lady Penitent Ascendancy of the LastThe sava game is still being played, and Lolth and Eilistraee continue to vie for control of all the drow of Faerun. But the drow were once dark elves — surface dwellers — and faithful to the pantheon of the "light" elves. As Lisa Smedman's The Lady Penitent draws to its conclusion, the fate of all hangs in the balance. Ascendency of the Last, the concluding volume of this trilogy, returns the reader to the halls of the Promenade, where Eilistraee's faithful dwell. But all is not well, as their leader Qilue is beset by a demon, the drow-turned-demon Halistraa is reborn a demigod, and Ghaunadaur's oozes are preparing themselves for a final assault on the Promenade.

Smedman gives us a sword and sorcery tale that rarely takes a breath. But unlike simplistic tales that tend to bore us after a short time and straightforward plot, Smedman keeps us guessing. The ferocity of the action sequences hides subtler hints and foreshadowing of a significant Realms-changing event. The path to that end is fraught with danger for all the characters as they play out the game between Lolth and Eilistraee.

Qilue seeks to purify the demonic taint from the drow. Cavatina, slayer of the demigod Selvetarm, believes that Qilue's desire is itself tainted by the effects of the Crescent Blade she carries. Q'arlynd is a wizard who must quickly find recognition for his wizard's college so that he might also be able purge the taint using high magic. Various Nightshadows are drawn into the web, either wanting to serve Eilistraee, or believing that she is being controlled by the drow god Vhaerun. Such complex emotions and motivations serve to elevate this story from mere action tale to grand drama.

Smedman tends to use deus ex machina to keep her characters alive, but she also kills as many characters as she saves, inclucing quite a few who we've come to care about. Ascendancy of the Last also needs a better copyeditor. In my copy, there were many missing punctuation marks. Whether this is Smedman's fault, or the publisher's, it is unacceptable from such generally professional and prolific people.

The Lady Penitent is a must read for any Forgotten Realms fan, especially drow fans. Smedman is one of the more seasoned Realms authors, so she has honed her craft to a sharp-bladed knife, neither mincing words nor wasting them. Ascendancy of the Last becomes a fun 308 page read that is exciting and accessible. If you are looking for light, action filled adventure full of mystery and intrigue, yet still containing far-reaching consequences, read The Lady Penitent trilogy.  —John Ottinger

The Empyrean Odyssey — (2007-2009) by Thomas M. Reid. Publisher: Ever wonder what could bring a demon to the gates of heaven? Aliisza and Kaanyr Vhok have returned from their attempted invasion of Menzoberranzan and turned their sights on Sundabar. But before she can complete a mission in that beseiged city, Aliisza finds herself in the one place a demon would never want to go, no matter how sure she is of her wits and cunning: the very heart of Celestia! Join everyone's favorite succubus and her half-fiend boyfriend, introduced in the War of the Spider Queen series, in the first installment of their own exciting new trilogy!

Thomas M Reid Forgotten Realms Empryean Odyssey 1. The Gossamer Plain 2. The Fractured Sky 3. The Crystal MountainThomas M Reid Forgotten Realms Empryean Odyssey 1. The Gossamer Plain 2. The Fractured Sky 3. The Crystal MountainThomas M Reid Forgotten Realms Empryean Odyssey 1. The Gossamer Plain 2. The Fractured Sky 3. The Crystal Mountain

Forgotten Realms Thomas M. Reid The Gossamer Plain The Empyrean Odyssey 1The Gossamer Plain

Thomas M Reid Forgotten Realms Empryean Odyssey 1. The Gossamer Plain 2. The Fractured Sky 3. The Crystal MountainWhat happens when the alu-fiend Aliisza gets a conscience? Will she turn to good? Will the justice of Tyr change a creature half-human, half-demon? Interesting questions, especially when you consider that demons are, by their nature, wholly evil. Such a plot allows for discussions on the nature of good and evil, and how choices affect our lives.

Thomas M. Reid, best selling author of Insurrection, returns to the character he created for that story in The Empyrean Odyssey. The first novel, The Gossamer Plain, follows Aliisza and her cambion lover Kaanyr Vhok on two separate journeys. Kaanyr’s takes him through the plane of Fire, assisted by a half dragon and a priest of Bane. Aliisza, meanwhile, must go on a journey through her soul as she finds herself trapped on the home plane of Tyr, the god of Justice.

The Gossamer Plain is mostly lead-in for the two books that follow. Kaanyr’s journey, while filled with a lot of action, develops the character only a little (he’s chaotic evil, I think) and leaves the priest of Bane in the background, although their camaraderie is interesting given their selfish natures. The half-dragon’s quest is known early on, and while it differs from Vhok’s, it is useful as a major plot changing device in the story.

The best part of the story is Aliisza. A tool for her lover’s plans, she finds herself being used by the astral deva, Tauran. Although he claims he is helping her, Aliisza feels he is using her. The debates about good and evil, especially the comment about how the good we do is still done selfishly, make for some deeper reading than is usually found in a sword and sorcery novel. Not to worry though, as there is still plenty of action. Some of the plot twists are surprising, although I was disappointed by one at the end.

This is not, however, Thomas M. Reid’s best work. Although good escapism, not much happens, and by the end of the novel, I was wondering when the story would really develop. I can only assume it is in book two, The Fractured Sky. If you like Forgotten Realms or want to continue the story of Aliisza and Kaanyr Vhok, then you might enjoy The Gossamer Plain. However, if you are new to the Realms, this is not a good book to begin with. It is written more for Forgotten Realms fans who have a working knowledge of the shared world, and who read Insurrection.  —John Ottinger

The Haunted Lands — (2007-2010) by Richard Lee Byers. Publisher: Good. You understand now. I’m not your beloved anymore. I’m Unclean — foul, and a slave to creatures fouler still. Please... please... destroy me if you can. The realm of Thay has long been ruled by the uneasy peace of an alliance of wizards, but all along there has been one who believes he is the true master. And when that one wizard finally moves against his former allies, his homeland could be only the first of his conquests.

fantasy book reviews shared world Richard Lee Byers Forgotten Realms: Haunted Lands 1. Unclean 2. Undead 3. Unholy 4. Realms of the Dead fantasy book reviews shared world Richard Lee Byers Forgotten Realms: Haunted Lands 1. Unclean 2. Undead 3. Unholy 4. Realms of the Dead fantasy book reviews shared world Richard Lee Byers Forgotten Realms: Haunted Lands 1. Unclean 2. Undead 3. Unholy 4. Realms of the Dead fantasy book reviews shared world Richard Lee Byers Forgotten Realms: Haunted Lands 1. Unclean 2. Undead 3. Unholy 4. Realms of the Dead

Forgotten Realms book review The Haunted Lands 1. Unclean  Richard Lee ByersUnclean

fantasy book reviews shared world Richard Lee Byers Forgotten Realms: Haunted Lands 1. Unclean 2. Undead 3. Unholy 4. Realms of the Dead What happens when a young bard returns home to find the lover he left gone? What would you do if you saw your entire regiment slaughtered by the undead? If an undead lich made a grab for control of your country, even if that country is the notoriously self-serving Thay?

It is these questions that Richard Lee Byers’ attempts to answer in Unclean: The Haunted Lands. Byers continues to show his writing prowess in the shared world arena by tackling a difficult topic in the Forgotten Realms world: the undead. Traditionally seen as evil through and through, represented usually as vampires, zombies, skeletons, ghosts, and ghouls, Byers has developed their characters, added some new creatures, and moved beyond the hack/slash utility of the traditional monsters.

The story follows two characters. Braeris is a bard of Thay, just returned from making his fortune, only to find his true love has sold herself as a slave to pay her father’s debts. Aoth is a griffon rider with magical ability serving in the army of one of the tharchions of Thay. He is the sole survivor of the first attack of the army of undead that appears out of the Sunrise Mountains. The story moves between these two characters as they pursue separate quests that will eventually lead them to each other. Braeris seeks his lost love, and Aoth seeks to serve his tharchion (a selfish and stupid person) while also attempting to destroy the army of undead. Meanwhile, Szass Tam, lich and zulkir of Thay, seeks to use the events to his own advantage.

Unclean is an excellent sword and sorcery romp. Byers is one of the better authors in the Forgotten Realms and his experience in writing horror fiction for other publishers serves him well here. One flaw is that Byers lacks the ability to make the love story subplots truly empathetic; they seem tacked on and lack any real emotion. But the plot is fast-paced and rarely sits still. There is an excellent build-up of events that lead to a climax that, while expected, doesn’t fail to excite. The ending, while good, doesn’t complete the story, and the reader will be anxious for the next book, Undead.

If you are looking for emotional depth, shy away from this one. But if you are a Forgotten Realms fan, or if you enjoy vampire and/or undead novels, or if you're looking for a quick sword and sorcery romp for a little escapism, you will enjoy Unclean. —John Ottinger
FanLit thanks John Ottinger III from Grasping for the Wind for contributing this guest review.

Waterdeep — (2008-2010) by Steven E. Schend, Jaleigh Johnson, Erik Scott de Bie, Rosemary Jones, Ed Greenwood (editor). Young adult. Publisher: A Call for Heroes! A young group of friends stumble across a terrifying conspiracy that holds the heir to the Blackstaff, the defender of the city of Waterdeep, in terrible danger. These friends must search deep within themselves to become the heroes their city needs to save its champion from those who would see both brought low. Ed Greenwood, beloved author and creator of the Forgotten Realms, presents the first book in a brand-new series dedicated to showcasing both the City of Splendors and our most talented up-and-coming authors. A series of stand-alone adventurers, this book and the series to which it belongs were written specifically for those readers with no prior knowledge of the Forgotten Realms, making it an excellent entry point for new readers.

Ed Greenwood presents Waterdeep 1. Blackstaff Tower 2. Mistshore 3. Downshadow 4. City of the Dead Ed Greenwood presents Waterdeep 1. Blackstaff Tower 2. Mistshore 3. Downshadow 4. City of the Dead Ed Greenwood presents Waterdeep 1. Blackstaff Tower 2. Mistshore 3. Downshadow 4. City of the Dead Ed Greenwood presents Waterdeep 1. Blackstaff Tower 2. Mistshore 3. Downshadow 4. City of the Dead 5. The God Catcher 6. Circle of SkullsEd Greenwood presents Waterdeep 1. Blackstaff Tower 2. Mistshore 3. Downshadow 4. City of the Dead 5. The God Catcher 6. Circle of SkullsEd Greenwood presents Waterdeep 1. Blackstaff Tower 2. Mistshore 3. Downshadow 4. City of the Dead 5. The God Catcher 6. Circle of Skulls

Blades of Moonsea — (2008-2009) by Richard Baker. Publisher: Four Words: Forgotten Realms® Fourth Edition! The Spellplague — and other things from horrifying disasters to monumental achievments — has changed the face of the Forgotten Realms world, and this series is the first to plunge fully into a bold new era for the venerable line. The first novel to fully embrace the exciting new elements from the next edition of the Dungeons & Dragons® game, award-winning game designer and New York Times best-selling author Richard Baker's Swordmage goes where — and when — no Forgotten Realms novel has gone before.

Richard Baker Forgotten Realms Blades of Moonsea: 1. Swordmage 2. CorsairRichard Baker Forgotten Realms Blades of Moonsea: 1. Swordmage 2. Corsair 3. AvengerRichard Baker Forgotten Realms Blades of Moonsea: 1. Swordmage 2. Corsair 3. Avenger

Abolethic Sovereignty — (2008-2009) by Bruce R. Cordell. Publisher: Blue fire sears the face of Faerûn, leaving the twisted and mutilated dead in its wake. But a rare few escape death — and suffer some mystical mutation. Raidon Kane is one of those who survives, the wake of blue fire burning the sigil of the amulet he wears into his chest and binding him with all the power and responsibility it entails. With everyone he knows and cares about dead, Raidon must find within himself the strength to lead the fight against the rise of an elder evil the likes of which would be the end of mortal kind. Award-winning game designer Bruce R. Cordell depicts the rise of a monstrous nation of elder evil as only he can in this brand-new trilogy Abolethic Sovereignty. Dedicated to showcasing one of the most fascinating new aspects of the changed face of Faerûn, this trilogy is packed with the exciting battles, wizardry, and monsters that are the hallmark of Forgotten Realms novels as well as introducing a new never-before-seen element of Lovecraftian horror to Faerûn.

Abolethic Sovereignty 1. Plague of Spells 2. City of Torment 3.Abolethic Sovereignty 1. Plague of Spells 2. City of Torment 3.

Forgotten Realms book review Bruce R. Cordell Plague of Spells Abolethic SovereigntyPlague of Spells

Abolethic Sovereignty 1. Plague of Spells 2. City of Torment 3.Building on the success of his last novel, Stardeep (see my review above) Bruce R. Cordell continues the story of Raidon Kane, the monk with the Cerulean sign, in Plague of Spells. Cordell uses this novel as an opportunity to introduce fans of the Forgotten Realms to a novelized form of the spellplague. This terrifying event occurred after the goddess Mystra was murdered and rendered many wizards without powers, changed the landscape of Toril dramatically, and created new mutations and creatures.

Raidon finds himself caught up in the onset of the spellplague, knocked unconscious by its force. When he wakes (ten years later) his daughter is dead, his Cerulean sign is gone — fused into his chest as a tattoo — and the golem that was Stardeep is now speaking into his head. There really isn't much good left in his life. But the evil creature that Stardeep was constructed to contain has escaped, and Raidon is the only one who can stop the rise of the Abolethic Sovereignty, beginning with the recovery of a powerful artifact found by a kuo-toa on the bottom of the Sea of Fallen Stars. If the Aboleth race rises to power, then the entire realms would be swept away in their path.

On the other side of the coin, former librarian Japeth finds himself with strong magical powers and the young girl Anusha has been altered and given powers by the spellplague. They also find themselves caught up in attempting to destroy the artifact.

Cordell has improved his writing. In Stardeep, the narrative dragged and the dialogue was wooden at points, but this is no longer the case in Plague of Spells. Also, rather than focusing on just a couple of characters, making all the supporting roles not much more than cannon fodder, Cordell has branched out to give the lesser roles more depth. Many of the supporting cast have back stories and reactions all their own. By having parts of the story told by various characters, Cordell creates a more three-dimensional tale.

Cordell's work is sword and sorcery — it has lots of action, with just a touch of character introspection. But the best thing about his novels is that reading them is just like playing D&D. And isn't that what a shared world novel based on a best selling book-based RPG should do? Some readers might think this is a detriment, but I like it. Cordell doesn't do what others do and simply translate a game to storybook form. He goes deeper, giving his characters motivations, fears, and reactions that are true to the story. It is not all hack and slash (though there is plenty of that), but it's full of characters I came to like.

Plague of Spells is informative as well. This is the first novel that I have read since the spellplague hit the Realms. Cordell has explained the changes in Toril in a way that is entertaining and informative. Raidon moves across some of the hardest hit areas of the spellplague, giving Cordell ample room to let a non-playing shared world reader get a handle on its changes and the possibility for new and interesting encounters.

If you enjoyed Kiril Duskmorn and Raidon from Stardeep, then you will like Plague of Spells. Raidon has the potential to become as popular as Erevis Cale, now that Cordell has room to build the character. But I recommend Plague of Spells for any reader. For those of you who aren't Forgotten Realms fans, this is a good opportunity to break into a vastly changed Realms, one that requires almost no previous knowledge. Plague of Spells would be a good place to start learning it. —John Ottinger

The Stone of Tymora — (2008-2010) With Geno Salvatore. Young Adult. Publisher: From the author of more than a dozen New York Times best sellers and his son, comes the first installment of a brand-new fantasy trilogy written just for young readers... Barely a teen and already guarding a secret that could jeopardize his young life, Maimun is marked for death. With the help of a mysterious stranger, the boy escapes his village and flees out to sea, stowing away on the pirate hunting ship, Sea Sprite, where he comes across a most unlikely ally: the dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden. With a half-demon determined to destroy him, and a crew of sailors resentful of the trouble he's caused, Maimun must find the courage to prove his worth, both to his friends and to himself. Nearly two decades ago, R.A. Salvatore introduced the world to Drizzt D'Urden in a series that has since become a fantasy classic and a consistent presence on best seller lists. Now, for the first time, Salvatore partners with his son Geno to craft a brand-new story just for young readers, featuring a cameo of the most beloved fantasy character of all time. For young readers seeking the next great fantasy saga or for long-time fans who can't miss any installment in the Drizzt saga, this book delivers all the action, intrigue, and magic you've come to expect from the Salvatore name.

R.A. Salvatore Geno Salvatore Stone of Tymora 1. The Stowaway 2. The Shadowmask R.A. Salvatore Geno Salvatore Stone of Tymora 1. The Stowaway 2. The Shadowmask 3. The SentinelsR.A. Salvatore Geno Salvatore Stone of Tymora 1. The Stowaway 2. The Shadowmask 3. The Sentinels

YA fantasy book reviews The Forgotten Realms Salvatore The Stone of Tymora 1. The StowawayThe Stowaway

R.A. Salvatore Geno Salvatore Stone of Tymora 1. The Stowaway 2. The ShadowmaskFORGOTTEN REALMS books are good for a quick, fun read, where I don’t normally expect a lot of heavy character development and the world has been built so well that you can download maps of the different cities. The Stowaway is a perfect example: a quick, light YA adventure through well-known areas of a well-developed world.

The Stowaway begins with a young child being saved from certain death by a group of noble, powerful people. Maimun, a young orphan, grows up under the sheltering protection of a female druid and later a male magic user/adventurer named Perrault. Maimun is a classic example of the unloved, sarcastic, scared kid whose adventures are the center of the story.

The Stowaway spans a fair amount of the FORGOTTEN REALMS world. Maimun is under constant threat from an evil demon who is seeking to steal a special stone that was Maimun’s since birth. The constant pursuit and the threat of being caught keep the story hopping, and R.A. and Geno Salvatore don’t get into any great philosophical or epic events. It’s just a race to survive — with a legendary FORGOTTEN REALMS character, heroic dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden, making a cameo appearance.

On the whole, The Stowaway is average. It’s fun, sure, but it’s not something that I would set aside anything else to read. The Salvatores just give you a nice “take on a plane and distract yourself” story. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.John

The Wilds — (2009) by Jenna Helland, James P. Davis, Jak Koke, Mel Odom. Publisher: Welcome to the Jungle! Tethyrian colonists sent to the jungle island of Chult have vanished and only their celebrated leader has returned. The story he tells of disease and monsters rings false to his enemies — a former mutineer is sent to discover what really happened to the Lost Colony, and what the Hero of Tethyr is hiding. The first book in a series designed to showcase the uncivilized areas that iconic to the Dungeons & Dragons(R) game, The Fanged Crown is an easy way for unfamiliar readers to pick up the Forgotten Realms(R). With plenty of action, intrigue, and adventure, this is a book that will appeal to new readers and familiar readers alike. The Fanged Crown and the rest of the Wilds series may be read in any order.

Forgotten Realms The Wilds 1. The Fanged Crown 2. The Restless Shore 3. The Edge of Choas Forgotten Realms The Wilds 1. The Fanged Crown 2. The Restless Shore 3. The Edge of Choas Forgotten Realms The Wilds 1. The Fanged Crown 2. The Restless Shore 3. The Edge of ChoasForgotten Realms Mel Odom THe Wilds Wrath of the Blue Lady

The Chosen of Nendawen — (2009-2011) by Mark Sehestedt. Publisher: An exciting new trilogy set in the far north of Faerun! Hweilan is the last of the line of Highwatch and — as she discovers — one of the last of the Vil Adanrath, a bloodline of lycanthropes left on Faerûn. Guric, her uncle and the slayer of Hwelian's family, has released a terrible evil in order to resurrect his beloved wife and gain control of the northern countries. When Hweilan escapes Guric's schemes, she is taken in by Lendri, a Vil Adanrath who has stayed in Faerûn to help guide Hweilan to her fate.

Forgotten Realms The Chosen of Nendawen 1. Fall of Highwatch 2. The Hand of the Hunter 3. Cry of the Ghost WolvesForgotten Realms The Chosen of Nendawen 1. Fall of Highwatch 2. The Hand of the Hunter 3. Cry of the Ghost Wolves
Forthcoming: Cry of the Ghost Wolves (Nov 2011)

The Brotherhood of the griffon — (2010) Publisher: Take flight with the Brotherhood of the Griffin — Richard Lee Byers’s most celebrated characters. The Captive Flame features the return of popular character Aoth and his mercenary band, the Brotherhood of the Griffin, introduced in Richard Lee Byers’s trilogy The Haunted Lands. Deluxe, trade paperback packaging and Byers’s signature twisted plots make this a must-have for all true Forgotten Realms fans. Aoth and his band of mercenaries, the Brotherhood of the Griffin, are hired to put a stop to a disturbing series of ritualistic killings. While they manage to defeat the perpetrators, Aoth can’t seem to shake the feeling that there’s more to these mysterious murders than meets the eye. Still, he resists the urge to investigate. After all, it’s just business. Until an assassin’s knife almost finds a home between his shoulder blades, and Aoth finds himself tangled in a lethal web of intrigue.

Forgotten Realms Richard Lee Byers The Brotherhood of the Griffon 1. The Captive Flame

The Best of the Realms — (2003-2009) Favorite Forgotten Realms stories.

Forgotten Realms The Best of the Realms 1,2,3,4 Forgotten Realms The Best of the Realms 1,2,3,4 Forgotten Realms The Best of the Realms 1,2,3,4

Stand alone Forgotten Realms novels and anthologies:

Once Around the RealmsOnce Around the Realms — (1995) by Brian Thomsen. Publisher: On a dare, Volothamp Geddarm pledges to circumnavigate the globe without the aid of his magic and becomes an unwitting pawn in a devious plan that threatens the realm of Faerun. Original.


book review Elaine Cunningham Forgotten Realms Evermeet: Island of ElvesEvermeet: Island of Elves — (1998) by Elaine Cunningham. Publisher: Serene, beautiful, inviolate. Rich in magic and treasure, to those who hear of its legends it is the ultimate paradise. To the beleagured elves of Toril it is the ultimate refuge. But to many it is the ultimate prize. At the heart of its story is Amlaruil, Queen of All Elves. When Evermeet comes under massive, devastating attack, her sacrifice holds the last hope of saving the elven homeland.



Forgotten Realms The Shadow StoneThe Shadow Stone — (1998) by Richard Baker. Young adult. Publisher: Accosted by bullies on a forest trail, Aeron had no way of knowing that the confrontation would change his life forever. Accused of a crime for which he bears no blame, he is pursued deep into the forest of the Maerchwood. First rescued, and then tutored, by the mysterious Storm Walker, he discovers a previously undreamed-of talent for magic, and his life is swept up in the study of the arcane arts... until the very principles of magic, and indeed the future of Faerûn, come under attack from the unspeakable evil influences of... The Shadow Stone


Forgotten Realms The Glass PrisonThe Glass Prison — (1999) by Monte Cook. Publisher: Vheod Runechild — half human, half fiend — flees from the Abyss to find his human nature on Toril, only to discover that the dangers from the nether region respect no worldly boundaries.


Silverfall: Stories of the Seven SistersSilverfall: Stories of the Seven Sisters — (1999) by Ed Greenwood. Publisher: Rise, and be not afraid. Widespread and many-tentacled is the evil that threatens Faerûn. Before its heart can be found, all of the Seven Sisters will play a part, and all too much blood will be spilled... drow blood. Seven beautiful sisters, all touched by the hand of the goddess Mystra, are together in one book for the first time as they match wits and magical powers with a Realms-spanning conspiracy.

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