| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| moonbeast |
Posted - 21 Oct 2015 : 00:19:13
Hi all,
So I'm interested in getting…. and reading …. my first D&D/FR book. Yes, I've played D&D and other RPGs for a long time but never bothered to read a single Forgotten Realms novel.
I'm not a prolific book reader, so I'd welcome some suggestions. What's a good, and very highly-rated FR novel? A must-read? It doesn't have to be a Driz'zt book. But I would be interested in a novel that covers the era closer to 4th and 5th edition D&D (contemporary era, not something that happened in the Realms hundreds of years ago). A good story, solid protagonists, and a plot that is not very convoluted. I'm not well versed in all the little details of Realms history, so a complicated storyline would probably confuse me.
Basically… looking for a good Realms novel… that's a good read for someone who is a first-time Realms reader. Suggestions? Thanks. |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| CorellonsDevout |
Posted - 21 Oct 2015 : 04:34:10
I enjoyed the Blades of the Moonsea trilogy by Richard Baker, though it might help to read the Last Mythal books, and those are pre-Spellplague. Also the Brimstone Angel books by Erin M. Evans. The Adersary is part of the Brimstone Angels and the Sundering novels (which are by multiple authors). The Abolethic Sovereignty by Bruce R. Cordell is also good, but again, there are a few pre-Spellplague books that link to that series that you might want to read. It isn't a must, but it would help explain some things. The two Unbroken Chain novels by Jeleigh Johnson were great, but unfortunately the series is likely going to remain unfinished. s is going to remain unfinished. Erik Scott de Bie's Shadowbane series is great, too. There are stand alone novels that are part of Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep (one of which is the first Shadowbane novel), and those are pretty good.
You have many choices :) |
| Firestorm |
Posted - 21 Oct 2015 : 03:03:20
In this scenario, I would recommend the Haunted lands trilogy.
I know you said 4e/5e, but there are so few 5e books out that it basically rules it out without reading the previous books with those characters so you know what is going on. You said you have been playing a long time, so I assume that means you probably dealt with 3.5e
The Haunted lands trilogy is not only excellent, but covers ground with many characters who live longer than most. Book 1 starts in 3.5e, book 2 begins the spellplague which began 4th edition, and book 3 is 100 years later smack in the middle of 4e
Has a terrific story for realms and first time realms dnd readers. You don't need to be terribly versed in realms lore to understand the story. It would enhance the experience of course since some big names are in the book and it takes place in a well known setting, but they are portrayed in a manner well enough for you to understand just who they are, and 90% of the characters are new. |
| Artemas Entreri |
Posted - 21 Oct 2015 : 02:15:24
Hmm for a solid 4e (ish) book that doesn't require extensive Realms knowledge to enjoy ... I'd recommend Venom in Her Veins. It's a solid standalone that should whet your appetite for more. |
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