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silverwolfer
Senior Scribe
789 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jun 2013 : 23:13:15
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Hmm If i had to chose the best forgotten realms novel I have ever been given, I would say Finder's Bane, a fun mix of elements going on .
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36782 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 00:49:17
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| That's a good choice. I'd also cast votes for Masquerade, Azure Bonds, Cormyr, Evermeet, and Elfshadow. |
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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The Arcanamach
Master of Realmslore
1842 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 01:05:38
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Cormyr and Evermeet make top of my list. I love the way they delve into the history of those regions. I also liked the novels based on the Moonshaes as well.
Oh and I cant remember the names of them now...but the worst series was the one in which the gods were stealing cities from the Moonsea(?) region. |
I have a dream that one day, all game worlds will exist as one. |
Edited by - The Arcanamach on 19 Jun 2013 01:08:50 |
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Arcanus
Senior Scribe
485 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 02:18:56
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| I have to put the original dark elf trilogy and the cleric quintet on my list. |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3563 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 02:33:55
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in no particular order:
Darkwalker on Moonshae
Ghostwalker
Elfshadow
Spellfire
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A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 03:48:52
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| Have to stick with Spellfire for me, even after all these years. It was my first realms book and still to this day captures what I like best about the realms. I am also still an advocate for reading all of them. Lots of very, very good realms stories by talented authors over the past 20 + years. |
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xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 04:23:23
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I don't think I could pick one favorite, but I really liked Elfshadow too, in spite of totally hating Danilo... which I think says a lot about a book, when you love the writing in spite of detesting one of the protagonists. I liked the plot, I liked Arilyn and the other characters, and I really enjoyed Arilyn's struggle and victory. Danilo is just so obnoxious. I was really hoping Elaith would skewer him. I still occasionally indulge in an alternate reality where Danilo got his come-uppance for being such a doof.
I loved Spellfire but it was a bit of a mixed bag. Ed's story, or the bits of it we get, are fantastic. This is one I'd really like an uncut version of. I wasn't a huge fan of how uber the spellfire made her, but Ed made her incredibly vulnerable too, which didn't just balance it but made it a different sort of story. Instead of being empowered by it, she was consumed by it in the sense that it took over and irretrievably altered her life. She wasn't confident in her power; she was terrified of it; she was kinda a puppet in some ways. There's a lot of meat there to bite into, mentally.
I like stories that are bigger than the books.
Edit: I'm not sure how to reword that last sentence, so I'm leaving it, but it needs rewording. The epitome of "stories that are bigger than the books" are RSEs, and I am no fan of those. Elfshadow and Spellfire are self-contained; they don't alter the Realms. There's just more substance to them than the words on the page. They broaden one's thoughts about the Realms... they do good for the setting. |
Edited by - xaeyruudh on 19 Jun 2013 04:28:21 |
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silverwolfer
Senior Scribe
789 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 04:29:04
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| Lets stay away from talking about books we utterly hate, as per the purpose of the forums to attract author attention rather then bash them. |
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jordanz
Senior Scribe
553 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 07:47:23
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Since I love a great battle and high end magic I would have to say :
UnHoly
The FINAL Gate
Spellfire was awesome as well
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Caladan Brood
Senior Scribe
Norway
410 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 07:58:48
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I have to admit, and I'll be branded a heretic, that I haven't yet read a Realms novel that I found good. Enjoyable and fun, yes, but the writing is usually of a quality that makes it hard for me to enjoy. However, after getting bitten by the Realmslore-bug earlier this year I have enjoyed the novels more because it gives insight into the world itself which helps me color in RPGs.
All this being said, I haven't read much (yet). I tried and gave up on "The Icewind Dale Trilogy", likewise with "The Cleric Quintet" (if that's what it's called), but finished "Elfshadow", "Once Around the Realms", "Red Magic", "War in Tethyr" and "Shadowdale". Currently reading "Tantras", "Spellfire" and "Realms of Infamy" and have a few more novels bought used to read ("Cormyr: A novel", "Evermeet", "Waterdeep"). Of the books I've read so far I liked "War in Tethyr" the best, with "Shadowdale" second.
I do notice that the more I read, the easier it is to forgive the things I dislike about the writing. But so far the Realms novels are a far cry from the fantasy I adore ("A Song of Ice and Fire", "The Malazan Book of the Fallen", Joe Abercrombie) but that's perhaps an unfair comparison for various reasons.
Still, I know there are sooo many books set in the Realms that I haven't read and I am sure there will be some pleasant surprises along the way. |
Edited by - Caladan Brood on 19 Jun 2013 08:01:45 |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 11:27:49
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| Well I suppose my favorite books would be the Twilight war trilogy by Paul S Kemp and Unholy by Richard Lee Byers. |
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_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 11:57:52
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| Hmm hard to say. Evermeet maybe |
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Tarlyn
Learned Scribe
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 12:06:15
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| Shadows of Doom, Elfshadow, Spellfire, The dark elf trilogy, Elminster the making of a mage, Elminster in Myth Drannor, Evermeet. These are not in any particular order. I would recommend the first three for readers trying to get a feel for the adventurer's life in the Realms. |
Tarlyn Embersun |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1600 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 12:54:01
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Although I liked Crystal Shard, as the first Realms book I read, and Evermeet was a really good book, dealing with many iconic and until now undetailed stories, IMHO the best novel is Elfshadow, which had elements of action, suspense and intrigue with nice turns while presenting us with deep, well-developed characters.  |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 13:52:34
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Downshadow, Bloodwalk, Forsaken House, Evermeet, the Cycle of Night trilogy and the Dark Elf trilogy all need to be on my personal list of favorites.
Downshadow for its portreyal of a conflicted paladin, excellent characterisation across the whole cast of the story.
Bloodwalk had a schocking opening chapter that really paid off. The whole story got a great sense of urgency, and the combat scenes (especially the spellbattles) were a messy afair. The antogonist has a dry wit but enough grit to make him resemble heroes from old westerns.
Forsaken House has surpisingly cool lore nuggets and Evermeets portrayal of the elven gods and pacing of story was just perfect for my tastes.
The Cycle of Night trilogy opened my eyes to what high stakes high level adventuring in Faerun can be like. Excellent cast too.
The Dark Elf trilogy is just a great example of a quest for freedom. Drizzt journey to the surface is a fascinating series of events that lead to one of Torils most interesting and endearing blademasters. |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 13:52:40
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Unholy, Book III of The Haunted Lands trilogy by Richard Lee Byers. It has almost everything I like about the fantasy genre. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Arcanus
Senior Scribe
485 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 14:40:35
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| Deleted because of some weird repeat post spell. |
Edited by - Arcanus on 19 Jun 2013 14:41:40 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 14:55:13
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Yes, same here. It looks like Sage’s gremlins are loose again. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 16:09:57
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| I'd also say Finder's Bane, mostly cause of the location. Prince of Lies or Evermeet after that. |
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Kris the Grey
Senior Scribe
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 17:00:54
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Eh gads, this is actually a pretty tough question. I've read SO many Realms novels (pretty much everything published from the OGB era until 2008 and then a few since) it is hard to pick a favorite. Some of the best are actually the short story anthologies (as they give you a little taste of everything).
If you put a gun to my head and MADE me choose, I suppose I might just say Silverfall: Stories of the Seven Sisters . It has that episodic feel I like, takes you all over the Realms (in a logical way), involves an assortment of iconic good and bad guys, and showcases the chosen, their powers, and those little things that make the Realms the Realms to me. When I was looking to introduce my wife to the Realms it was the first book I gave her (and boy did that work, all too well in fact, Lol).
It is easier to identify my favorite authors. There I'd have to say Greenwood, Denning, Salvatore, Cunningham, and Kemp. I appreciate and enjoy several others, but those are probably my favorite bunch. It is a true shame Elaine wasn't tapped to handle a Sundering novel. I do hear good things about Erin Evans though, I will have to make a point to read one of her novels. |
Kris the Grey - Member in Good Standing of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, the Arcane Guild of Silverymoon, and the Connecticut Bar Association |
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Mirtek
Senior Scribe
595 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2013 : 20:45:25
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City of the Dead
Definately the greates FR novel ever written. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2013 : 03:43:42
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I can't narrow down any one particular Realms novel that I consider the best I've read, because that would include more than one.
But if I have to choose one, just for this moment, it would be Swords of Eveningstar by Ed Greenwood. |
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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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1266 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2013 : 04:26:40
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Just ONE?
Unpossible. Azure Bonds, The Wyvern's Spur, Pool of Radiance, Crown of Fire, and Servant of the Shard/The Crystal Shard for me. Of those...I couldn't chose, but maybe The Wyvern's Spur or Azure Bonds. Jeff Grubb captures the Realms the way Ed imagines it, better than every other author to me.
(Honorable mentions to Finder's Bane, Cormyr, The Ring of Winter, and Swords of Eveningstar). |
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swifty
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
517 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2013 : 16:26:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Bladewind
Downshadow, Bloodwalk, Forsaken House, Evermeet, the Cycle of Night trilogy and the Dark Elf trilogy all need to be on my personal list of favorites.
Downshadow for its portreyal of a conflicted paladin, excellent characterisation across the whole cast of the story.
Bloodwalk had a schocking opening chapter that really paid off. The whole story got a great sense of urgency, and the combat scenes (especially the spellbattles) were a messy afair. The antogonist has a dry wit but enough grit to make him resemble heroes from old westerns.
Forsaken House has surpisingly cool lore nuggets and Evermeets portrayal of the elven gods and pacing of story was just perfect for my tastes.
The Cycle of Night trilogy opened my eyes to what high stakes high level adventuring in Faerun can be like. Excellent cast too.
The Dark Elf trilogy is just a great example of a quest for freedom. Drizzt journey to the surface is a fascinating series of events that lead to one of Torils most interesting and endearing blademasters.
are you sure you don't mean the erevis cale trilogy.cycle of night was cancelled. |
go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS. |
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MrHedgehog
Senior Scribe
688 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2013 : 16:56:41
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| Although I didn't like the world changes the most interesting to read was the Lady Penitent Series. I love the rich world Lisa Smedman creates. |
Edited by - MrHedgehog on 20 Jun 2013 16:57:34 |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
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Apex
Learned Scribe
USA
229 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2013 : 13:51:04
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| I would go with Darkwalker on Moonshae as #1, followed closely by Azure Bonds and Canticle. |
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swifty
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
517 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2013 : 17:06:56
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| I've noticed a few nods to dark walker.is this mere nostalgia or a genuine love of the novel.it was my first read as well and although I loved it I wouldn't put it in my top 5.my top reads would be city of ravens,siege of darkness,and the Cale trilogy. |
go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS. |
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Seravin
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1266 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2013 : 21:51:15
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| Darkwalker was a decent book, I enjoyed it much more than any of its sequels. Loved the pseudo-dragon in particular! I read it a few years ago for the first time, so without nostalgia to cloud me I don' believe it's in the top of the Realms catalog personally. But it was the first ever Realms book and that counts for something, even if it wasn't meant to be set in the Realms. |
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Krafus
Learned Scribe
246 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2013 : 21:14:46
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| From 1994 (when I first discovered R.A. Salvatore) to 1997, I would have said that Starless Night wasn't just the best FR novel I'd ever read, but the best fantasy novel I'd ever read, period. Nowadays, I'm hugely impressed by Erik Scott de Bie's Shadowbane: Eye of Justice, and can't wait to read the sequel *crosses fingers*. |
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Entromancer
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2013 : 22:51:13
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| Either Unholy or The Spectral Blaze, both by Richard Lee Byers. |
"...the will is everything. The will to act."--Ra's Al Ghul
"Suffering builds character."--Talia Al Ghul |
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The Best Forgotten realms novel you ever had
