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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
 Posted - 31 May 2011 : 02:04:41
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Poll Question:
Wishing there was a ranking system, but sad there isn't, if you have read all of the Ed Greenwood Presents: Waterdeep series, I'm interested in which book people like best and why. Please refrain from criticism of any authors or books: I'm curious why people like a certain book in the series, not why they dislike others. As a whole, if you haven't read them, I highly recommend doing so. While I'm not a fan of the 4E game itself, these novels are well written and do not agonize over the 4E changes.
May all your spells manifest as intended.
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Azuth, the First Magister
Lord of All Spells
The greatest expression of creativity is through Art.
Offense can never be given, only taken. |
Edited by - Azuth on 21 Nov 2013 05:18:26
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 03:36:26
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I read only Blackstaff Tower and a quarter of Circle of Skulls, and I'm not sure if I will read the rest. I like everything about the former, except the new Blackstaff and the predictable villain. Steven clearly has an excellent grasp of Realmsian lore. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 04:24:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I read only Blackstaff Tower and a quarter of Circle of Skulls, and I'm not sure if I will read the rest. I like everything about the former, except the new Blackstaff and the predictable villain. Steven clearly has an excellent grasp of Realmsian lore.
I am withholding my vote until I can decide between Downshadow and City of the Dead. I'd wager money you'd like the last one most certainly, Dennis. I did enjoy Blackstaff Tower but I do miss Khelben.
Cheers,
Azuth
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Azuth, the First Magister
Lord of All Spells
The greatest expression of creativity is through Art.
Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 04:42:04
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I want an "I like them ALL!" option. 
Fair enough, but that's six explanations of why. :-)
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Azuth, the First Magister
Lord of All Spells
The greatest expression of creativity is through Art.
Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3286 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 04:49:06
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I want an "I like them ALL!" option.
Thats what I voted. I enjoyed them all. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is
to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious
thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed
words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn
then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they
will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding."
Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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jornan
Learned Scribe
Canada
256 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 05:30:39
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| I picked, voted for them all, but I would have liked an "I liked them all...except for Circle of Skulls" option. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 05:54:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Azuth
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I want an "I like them ALL!" option.
Fair enough, but that's six explanations of why. :-)
That's easy enough. Though, I'll respect that fact that others may not have read some or all of these books, so I'll attempt to be as SPOILERLESS as possible.
Blackstaff Tower -- Mostly, because of the lore Steven Schend always manages to weave into his tales. You really feel the Realms as a living world with a history that still manages to touch upon the "modern day."
Mistshore -- Jaleigh Johnson offered both an intriguing setting, and a glimpse of the City of Splendors that we don't often find ourselves being attracted to. Johnson accomplished both, and made it the perfect new sandbox for Waterdeep-based campaigns.
Downshadow -- This was, for me, the masterwork of the entire series. Evocatively memorable characters, plenty of daring-do, intrigue, suspense, and satisfying amounts of juicy Realmslore tidbits. And it's all dropped into the already-turbulent miasma of society that is Waterdeep.
City of the Dead -- I remember jokingly chatting with Rosemary here at Candlekeep, when the title and setting for this novel was first announced. Immediately, I was attracted to the fact that one of my favourite aspects of Waterdeep would finally receive much needed attention in the "Ed Greenwood Presents" series. The provocative style of Rosemary's characters, especially the portrayal of the Carvers, helped to "seal the deal," so to speak.
The God Catcher -- I'll be honest, the title of this novel was so cool, that I did what I've rarely done before. I judged a novel purely on the basis of the title. And I wasn't at all disappointed. This was my first exposure to the fiction of Evans, and I know for sure, now, as a result of my experience with The God Catcher, that it won't be my last.
Circle of Skulls -- I harboured a secret hope that something about either Myrkul and/or Bhaal would pop up in this tale. The whole "murderer" aspect of the novel, was no doubt chilling, but it was the way in which Davis presented this plot, that made me feel like I was reading an entirely new take on an old staple of murder/crime fiction.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3736 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 06:03:29
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| -Downshadow. I never read it fully, but read a chapter or two while waiting in the bookstore a little bit after it came out, and then skimmed through the middle parts and end. Like Steven Schend's books, Erik is very good at mixing in Realmslore and detail to his books that might not be particularly relevant to the specific story, per se, but greatly add to the 'depth' the book has, in terms of feeling like something from the Forgotten Realms. I never picked up any of Blackstaff Tower, and based on Blackstaff, I felt that sometimes Steve's writing was...I don't know how to describe it- maybe chalked full of too much detail, so that the passage is too long-winded or confusing or not relevant, something like that. Erik, I really can't say that I felt that way in his books, so I voted for his book. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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GRYPHON
Senior Scribe
USA
527 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2011 : 15:14:05
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| Liked them all... |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2011 : 01:08:15
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| I enjoyed them all. I want more Waterdeep!! |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2011 : 04:12:15
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I liked them all. I did like some more than others, though not by a terribly wide margin. It has been a while since I read the first few so my comments may be short on details as to why I liked them. I will start taking notes on the FR books I read one of these days.
Blackstaff Tower-It was nice to see how things are getting along without Khelben running the show. I recall the villain had an interesting magical device allowing him to swap out magic rings at will. I thought that was interesting.
Mistshore-I liked the setting and the characters. The wrecked ships being used as buildings and the general underbelly nature of the whole thing.
Downshadow-Erik managed to make a Paladin that I liked. I am looking forward to the followup as he takes on Luskan.
City of the Dead-It was interesting to see a book on the lighter side. No big battles or epic duels. Just a family doing their (rather interesting) part in the city of Waterdeep with a questionable wizard getting involved.
The God Catcher-This was the first inside look at Xorvintaal (I think). I liked the idea of people living on one of the statues. I liked the blue dragon character who's name I can't recall. I think I have a soft spot for characters that have fallen from greatness/lost their power and now have to deal with the frustration that they used to be much more than they are now.
Circle of Skulls-I like Devil/Demon centric stories so I liked this one. A fallen/evil Angel, a Deva, and the Cult of Asmodeus. Sign me up.
I really liked the overall idea of the books. Using a series of books to provide an in depth look at a single, in this case rather large, location to show the highs and the lows, the powerful and the man on the street, I would love to see other series like this set elsewhere in the Realms. |
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code
Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest |
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GRYPHON
Senior Scribe
USA
527 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2011 : 15:08:48
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| Liked them all... |
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danbuter
Seeker
USA
74 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2011 : 16:42:00
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| It's a tossup between Mistshore and City of the Dead for me. I am currently reading Downshadow, and it's decent. |
Nothing beats the gray box!
Dan |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4427 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2011 : 15:57:50
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I bought the 3-book anthology (Blackstaff Tower, Mistshore, and Downshadow) and have delved pretty deeply into Downshadow first. It's been an amazing book so far and I highly recommend it to anyone (Realms fan or not). Though I must admit that I'll probably like any novel where a Paladin is the protagonist (which is sorta rare in Realms books).
Looking to read Blackstaff Tower (even though I know what happens in the end) and then Mistshore. |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2011 : 18:56:16
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| Circle of Skulls (James P. Davis) |
BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jan 2012 : 10:11:00
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| The God Catcher was my favorite though i detested City of The Dead since it came out as a Young Adult Twilight-ish type of book. |
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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jan 2012 : 22:53:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Just wanted to mention that the Ed Greenwood Presents: Waterdeep omnibus book 1 (Blackstaff Tower, Mistshore, Downshadow) is out now, to fulfill all your Waterdeep needs! 
http://www.amazon.com/Greenwood-Presents-Waterdeep-Book-Collection/dp/0786958189/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310740703&sr=8-1
There will be an omnibus for the second three books as well. Eyes peeled.
Cheers
Thanks, Erik! I look forward to the complete saga in hardcover, someday.Azuth
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Azuth, the First Magister
Lord of All Spells
The greatest expression of creativity is through Art.
Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 09:46:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Azuth
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie
Just wanted to mention that the Ed Greenwood Presents: Waterdeep omnibus book 1 (Blackstaff Tower, Mistshore, Downshadow) is out now, to fulfill all your Waterdeep needs!
http://www.amazon.com/Greenwood-Presents-Waterdeep-Book-Collection/dp/0786958189/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310740703&sr=8-1
There will be an omnibus for the second three books as well. Eyes peeled.
Cheers
Thanks, Erik! I look forward to the complete saga in hardcover, someday.Azuth
The omnibus is not in hardcover. It's trade paperback. At least a mote better than mass market. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Rosemary Jones
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
148 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 17:32:08
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OMNIBUS 2 is available now, so you can get caught up with Erin, James, and my contribution to this series.
Cheers!
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Rosemary Jones
www.rosemaryjones.com |
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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2012 : 23:51:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
The omnibus is not in hardcover. It's trade paperback. At least a mote better than mass market.
Hence my use of the word "when." 
Azuth |
Azuth, the First Magister
Lord of All Spells
The greatest expression of creativity is through Art.
Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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Alruane
Senior Scribe
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2013 : 21:25:20
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| I'd LOVE to vote on this, sadly, I have not yet read any though. But they all look fantastic! I shall have to mark them down as something I need to read very soon. |
" I wonder if you are destined to be forgotten. Will your life fade in the shadow of greater beings?"
~Joneleth Irenicus
"Wisdom? My dear boy, wisdom is knowing that you do not know everything. Wisdom is realizing, a wise man ALWAYS has questions. Not answers."
~Alruane |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 18 Nov 2013 : 04:48:23
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| I've read two of the books, and while I did enjoy the stories, seeing that my favorite place in the Realms was no longer all that splendid really impacted my enjoyment of the books. It's why I've not read any other 4E novels. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Alruane
Senior Scribe
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 18 Nov 2013 : 06:59:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I've read two of the books, and while I did enjoy the stories, seeing that my favorite place in the Realms was no longer all that splendid really impacted my enjoyment of the books. It's why I've not read any other 4E novels.
What did they do to Waterdeep? I was looking forward to reading these, but if they took the luster out...it just seems less interesting. Sadly.  |
" I wonder if you are destined to be forgotten. Will your life fade in the shadow of greater beings?"
~Joneleth Irenicus
"Wisdom? My dear boy, wisdom is knowing that you do not know everything. Wisdom is realizing, a wise man ALWAYS has questions. Not answers."
~Alruane |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2013 : 17:21:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Alruane
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I've read two of the books, and while I did enjoy the stories, seeing that my favorite place in the Realms was no longer all that splendid really impacted my enjoyment of the books. It's why I've not read any other 4E novels.
What did they do to Waterdeep? I was looking forward to reading these, but if they took the luster out...it just seems less interesting. Sadly.
I guess it depends how you look at it, and where you look.
The Waterdeep of my novel DOWNSHADOW is still fabulous, sparkling, and splendid--at least above ground. The dark and grimy bits are where they always have been: Undermountain (where about a third of the book takes place), dark and shadowy alleys (another substantial bit), etc.
To me, when I read these novels, I see Waterdeep as the same as it always was, full of great beauty and great darkness both.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 19 Nov 2013 : 19:14:40
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| I felt Waterdeep was darker and grimmer -- tarnished and lacking the luster that made it shine in the past. It simply didn't have the vibrant feel of past eras. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2013 : 04:23:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I felt Waterdeep was darker and grimmer -- tarnished and lacking the luster that made it shine in the past. It simply didn't have the vibrant feel of past eras.
And far be it for me to contradict your opinion. My point is simply that it really depends how you look at it. Someone else reading these books might not feel that way at all.
I'll freely admit that a lot of DOWNSHADOW is pretty dark, but a lot is very celebratory and glitzy as well.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Tarlyn
Learned Scribe
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 20 Nov 2013 : 04:59:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I felt Waterdeep was darker and grimmer -- tarnished and lacking the luster that made it shine in the past. It simply didn't have the vibrant feel of past eras.
To be fair, Waterdeep could be replaced with any location in FR for 4e and the statement would be true. It is just the tone of the 1400s in general. |
Tarlyn Embersun |
Edited by - Tarlyn on 20 Nov 2013 05:00:21 |
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Azuth
Senior Scribe
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2013 : 05:16:27
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I agree with Erik's take on this, too. I struggle for the right adjective, but Erik writes differently than does Ed, which is to be expected. Ed describes the seedier parts of the Realms in a different way, but they're still there. Certain authors past in both the 2E/3E worlds (whom I shall not name) I felt wrote terribly of the Realms. But there are many great authors out there to keep up the torch of Faerūn, and I count Erik amongst them.
quote:
Originally posted by Tarlyn
To be fair, Waterdeep could be replaced with any location in FR for 4e and the statement would be true. It is just the tone of the 1400s in general.
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Azuth, the First Magister
Lord of All Spells
The greatest expression of creativity is through Art.
Offense can never be given, only taken. |
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Tarlyn
Learned Scribe
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 21 Nov 2013 : 05:54:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Azuth
I agree with Erik's take on this, too. I struggle for the right adjective, but Erik writes differently than does Ed, which is to be expected. Ed describes the seedier parts of the Realms in a different way, but they're still there. Certain authors past in both the 2E/3E worlds (whom I shall not name) I felt wrote terribly of the Realms. But there are many great authors out there to keep up the torch of Faerūn, and I count Erik amongst them.
Everywhere is grimmer, seedier, darker than it was. There were dark place in 2ed/3ed for sure, but that didn't describe virtually every location you visited in those editions. I just finished Brimstone angels and Neverwinter is definitively darker than before. It isn't bad, but that is the way the new realms are. Complaining about them being dark is like complaining that a slasher movie has a lot of murder in it. The new realms has a darker tone end of story. It isn't necessarily bad(although I personally don't care for it) it just is the tone of the setting. |
Tarlyn Embersun |
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Ed Greenwood Presents: Waterdeep
