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quajack
Seeker
86 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Aug 2006 : 06:18:23
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Let's go people! List your top 5 favorite Realms novels. And if you're feeling ambitious,tell us why you like 'em.
1. Evermeet: Just picture the Silmarillion with 10 times more readability.
2. Cormyr: The past/present theme works wonders on my opinion. Nothing beats plot development interspersed with history.
3. Prince of Lies: If you were dissappointed w/ the Avatar Trilogy, this book makes up for it.
4. Elminster: Making of a Mage: Greenwood's best. This book has more Realms flavor than Drizzt's schmitars.
5. Masquerades: To truley enjoy this Harpers gem one must first immerse oneself in the Finder's Stone Trilogy.
Notable mention: Daughter of the Drow, Raven's Bluff, Homeland, The Shattered Mask, anything by Richard Baker, and Crusade.
I have read every FR novel published before 2002. After that, if any novel truley kicked butt, I will comment on that in the future.
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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2006 : 06:29:42
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| Not sure about top 5, but Evermeet is by far my single favorite, and one of my favorite novels in general. |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2006 : 08:25:47
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Not going to comment on each book, but rest assured, these books are some which whole special places in my heart for unique, original and epic plots and characters plus overall enjoyment factor:
1. Crucible: Trials of Cyric the Mad - Troy Denning
2. Condemnation - Richard Baker
3. Annihilation - Philip Athans
4. Servant of the Shard - R. A. Salvatore
5. The Yellow Silk - Don Bassingthwaite
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Edited by - Paec_djinn on 12 Aug 2006 08:34:37 |
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Kiaransalyn
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
762 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2006 : 09:10:33
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1. Evermeet - Elaine Cunningham
2. Queen of the Depths - Richard Lee Byers
3. Insurrection - Thomas M Reid
4. Crucible - Troy Denning
5. Daughter of the Drow - Elaine Cunningham |
Death is Life
Love is Hate
Revenge is Forgiveness
Ken: You from the States?
Jimmy: Yeah. But don't hold it against me.
Ken: I'll try not to... Just try not to say anything too loud or crass. |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2006 : 10:22:45
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This is not easy, but my list would have to be:
1. Night Parade. Scott Ciencin
2. Spellfire. Ed Greenwood.
3. Darkwalker on Moonshae. Doug Niles
4. Azure Bonds. Jeff Grubb & kate Novak
5. Elfsong. Elaine Cunningham.
Note. Both with Niles' and Greenwood it was a hard choice as both Moonshae series are among my favorites and most of Eds with the exception of Shadow of the Avatar trilogy. Evermeet, Soldiers of Ice and The Ogre Pact almost made the cut. |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2006 : 14:19:18
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Very difficult question but...today (these lists tend to change around I've noticed) at least, I'd say it would be:
1. Elfsong by Elaine Cunningham
2. Windwalker by Elaine Cunningham
3. Dream Spheres by Elaine Cunningham
4. Tangled Webs by Elaine Cunningham
5. Daughter of the Drow by Elaine Cunningham.
Have I mentioned I think Elaine's writing is a step ahead of that of any other writer working in the Realms (which is not an attack on the other writers, just praise for Elaine ) |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Faramicos
Senior Scribe
Denmark
468 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2006 : 17:42:06
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1. Homeland by R.A. Salvatore
(Loves how we get to follow the birth and youth of a legend)
2. Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad by Troy Denning
(Well written powerplay between gods)
3. The Rose Window by Monte Cook
(A short story packed with mystery and dark forces despite the limitations of a short story)
4. Waterdeep by Troy Denning
(Gods are falling and new ones rise as the realms rumble under the Times of Trouble)
5. Servant of the Shard by R.A. Salvatore
(The view of the dark side of the realms with thiefs and assassins is briliant in this book) |
"When dragons make war, worlds can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings" |
Edited by - Faramicos on 13 Aug 2006 17:42:44 |
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Ignorance Personified
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2006 : 22:26:53
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1. Servant of the Shard by R.A. Salvatore
2. Azure Bonds by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb
3. Elfsong by Elaine Cunningham
4. City of Ravens by Richard Baker
5. The Spine of the World by R.A. Salvatore |
Carthago delenda est. |
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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 02:33:21
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Right, let's have a go at this...
1) Elfsong by Elaine Cunningham - I love Elaine's writing and characters, but this one has it all for me.
2) The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore - It will always be important to me as it was the book that really got me into the Realms.
3) Elfshadow by Elaine Cunningham - See Elfsong.
4) City of Ravens by Richard Baker - A great stand-alone novel featuring the best bits of a caper and a mystery.
5) Blackstaff by Steven E. Schend - Sure, it may be because I finished it this morning and really enjoyed it, but let's go with it. |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 05:06:27
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1. spellfire
2. songs and swords
3. finders stone
4. erevis cale
5. counselors and kings
sorry, couldn't go by individual titles, too hard to choose |
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Conlon
Learned Scribe
Canada
132 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 07:22:31
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In no particular order:
1. Evermeet - almost 500 pages of elvish lore lovingly described by one of the Realms' best authors
2. Blackstaff - without giving anything away, one of the most loved and legendary characters of the Realms "done justice" by another great scribe
3. Bloodwalk - a breakout novel by a new author. Davis paints pictures vividly in your mind with his evocative descriptions. Just cool.
4. City of Ravens - a fun, engaging book with an excellent main character that you just want to read more about. From the author who brought us the terrific Last Mythal.
5. Darkwalker on Moonshae - this was the first Realms book I read. Unfortunately, I forget much of the storyline, but I do remember the way the book transported me to the Realms and made me want to learn more about it. For that alone, this series makes my list.
Notable mentions: Last Mythal, Crystal Shard, Elminster series. Do I have to stop at 5?! |
My hopes are ashes, my dreams are dust. All my intentions mean nothing unless they are followed by action. |
Edited by - Conlon on 14 Aug 2006 07:30:48 |
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Paec_djinn
Learned Scribe
173 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 09:08:00
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quote:
3. The Rose Window by Monte Cook
(A short story packed with mystery and dark forces despite the limitations of a short story)
Aye. Not a novel, but one of the best Realms short stories. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 10:47:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Paec_djinn
quote:
3. The Rose Window by Monte Cook
(A short story packed with mystery and dark forces despite the limitations of a short story)
Aye. Not a novel, but one of the best Realms short stories.
Wow, I never imagined a short story would make it into a top 5. Which anthology is this in?
I LOVED Monte's The Glass Prison so will have to take time to read this short. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 11:56:44
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| The easiest to get would be Best of the Realms I. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 13:04:17
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1. Crucible: the Trail of Cyric the Mad by Denning
2. Elminster: Making of a Mage by Greenwood
3. Yellow Silk by Bassingthwaite
4. Silverfall: Stories of the seven Sisters by Greenwood
5. Insurrection by Reid |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Faramicos
Senior Scribe
Denmark
468 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 13:38:50
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"THE ROSE WINDOW" is in "REALMS OF MYSTERY"... I stumbled upon it by coincidence and loved every page of it. After having read it, i used it in an adventure, where i had the party arive in a small desolate city. The short story was used as a handout the party found which set of the adventure...
This will be understood by people who have read the story. I hope others will read the story and apreciate the great mystery and dark setting described in it. It is highly recommendable. |
"When dragons make war, worlds can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings" |
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ode904
Learned Scribe
Finland
193 Posts |
Posted - 14 Aug 2006 : 14:07:55
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1. R.A. Salvatore: Sojourn
2. Starlight & Shadows: Windwalker
3. Last Mythal: Forsaken house( I so love to read about those big elven armies and the magics they use)
4. Return of the Archwizards: The Siege
5. Songs & Swords: Dream Spheres |
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FridayThe13th
Learned Scribe
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2006 : 02:53:13
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so far its:
1. Servant of the Shard by R.A Salvatore(very nice book with lots of action and detail)
2. Elminster: Making of a Mage by Ed Greenwood(just finished it, and let me tell you, its a winner)
3. The second book of War of the Spider Queen(forgot its name), in my opinion definatly the best in the series.
4. Promise of the Witch King by R.A Salvatore(just like the first one, but not quite as good)
5. The entire Legacy of the Drow Saga, very good series.
This is very likely to change, as I have not been in FR for too long and am currently reading more books. |
"The Lady of Pain? You mean Loviatar runs this place?"
-- Torilian Prime
"You guys should seriously rename yourselves The Horny Society, you popularity would soar."
-- A miscillaneous Kender to a member of the Horned Society
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Brakkart
Acolyte
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2006 : 03:08:46
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Top five books? Tough but I'll have a go. In no particular order here's my choices:
1. City of Ravens by Richard Baker.
2. The Alabaster Staff by Edward Bolme.
3. Blackstaff by Steven E. Schend.
4. Evermeet by Elaine Cunningham.
5. The Year of Rogue Dragons Trilogy by Richard Lee Byers (can't choose between them).
Honorable mentions to: The Last Mythal Trilogy, War of the Spider Queen (great story, shame nothing much happened), Queen of the Depths, Elfshadow. |
Read my blog at: http://tauntonian.blogspot.com Here I post ramblings, book reviews, song lyrics and assorted weirdness.
Check out my "Rise of the Snakemen" Forgotten Realms Story Hour. http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=100196 |
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Lysan Lurraxol
Acolyte
United Kingdom
33 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2006 : 09:13:51
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I've only read about 30 something of the novels, but I do have a top 5 (though there wasn't much competition).
1) City of Splendours (It was very different to most Realms books)
2) Ghostwalker (wonderfully gothic)
3) Prince of Lies (Only one in the Avatar Series Mystra's portrayed well)
4) Evermeet (Lots of lore)
5) Dissolution (I loved Faeryl, pity about Insurrection |
http://lysan.livejournal.com
"Come join me in the dark..." |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2006 : 13:58:37
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In no particular order:
1) Daughter of the Drow, by Elaine Cunningham
2) Tangled Webs, by Elaine Cunningham
3) Windwalker, by Elaine Cunningham
4) Lady of Poison, by Bruce Cordell
5) Blackstaff, by Steven Schend |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2006 : 15:37:05
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Sheesh, I read so many books...
in no particular order:
Evermeet
Return of the Archwizards trilogy
Elfshadow
Cormyr saga
Councilors & Kings trilogy
Yea, yea, I mention entire trilogies cuz I consider them one book since the story is only done with the final book |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Chosen of Bane
Senior Scribe
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2006 : 21:31:50
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Hmm, I suppose I'll jump on board with this poll...
In no particular order (Trilogies listed as one book)...
Crucible, the Trial of Cyric the Mad
Erevis Cale Trilogy
Cormyr Saga
Sembia Series (minus Heirs of Prophecy)
Song and Swords |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2006 : 16:34:25
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This is really hard for me.
Here goes:
1. Stormlight (tied with) Homeland
2. City of Splendors
3. Elfshadow
4. Spellfire (tied with) Elfsong
5. Swords of Eveningstar (tied with) Blackstaff
...6 would be Elminster: The Making Of A Mage
and 7 would be Evermeet.
If I can include short story collections, then The Best of the Realms 2 (Ed's stories) would make number 4 on the list, bumping everything else down a notch.
These are really subjective favorites, of course.
I asked my uncle, a book editor and longtime fantasy fiction collector, to rate all the Realms books, and he said some are so badly written that he shudders, and he'd put Elaine Cunningham and Ed Greenwood as the only "serious consideration" writers on any list he compiled, with Grubb & Novak and Salvatore (just for Homeland) as the only others who might rank. He hasn't read Blackstaff yet, though, because I just gave it to him. |
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