Forgotten Realms novels

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:55 pm

Forgotten Realms novels advice requested

List of Forgotten Realms novels - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There's quite a few and I can't afford to buy them all just yet! I've read the Avatar series and thoroughly enjoyed them. So my question to you is, which of these series would particularly recommend? (consider I've played/loved Icewind Dale, Planescape Torment, Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series).

Let's just say I'd order 3-5. The Icewind Dale and Baldur's Gate books are high on my list in any case.

Galuf the Dwarf · Post by **Galuf the Dwarf** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:03 pm

AvatarOfLight wrote:List of Forgotten Realms novels - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There's quite a few and I can't afford to buy them all just yet! I've read the Avatar series and thoroughly enjoyed them. So my question to you is, which of these series would particularly recommend? (consider I've played/loved Icewind Dale, Planescape Torment, Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series).

I do not suggest the Baldur's Gate novels. I read the first 2 out of 3, and found them to be sub-par writing. Very unlike the actual game series and the details become somewhat dull.

I highly do suggest any books by R. A. Salvatore, be it any series featuring Drizzt Do'Urden (which can be found as anthologies or other sets, and even as a current run of comics by Devil's Due Publishing) or the Cleric Quintet series (which has been re-released as an anthology a few years ago). Be warned, as when it comes to Drizzt, there are about 16 books in total with Drizzt or his supporting cast involved in them. :speech:

Ed Greenwood, who actually invented the Realms, is also an author I highly suggest. I've read a number of his novels about Elminster, and was impressed with those. Haven't read any of the novels dealing with Sembia or Cormyr that he was involved with, though, but I hear a lot of praise towards them.

Elaine Cunningham is also a rather famous Realms author, once again, I've only read a few of hers and was greatly impressed. Two series from her I suggest are the Songs and Swords series (detailing the adventures of Arilyn Moonblade and Danilo Thann) and the Starlight and Shadows trilogy (featuring Liriel Baenre and Fyodor of Rashemen).

If Drizzt suits your fancy, I'm curious if you're interested in reading the novels about him in chronological order. If so, I'll try to provide you the order of them in a following post ASAP.

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:54 am

I've indeed heard of the low quality Baldur's Gate books, but well... as a fan I sort of HAVE to read em

I believe the story of Demon Stone (game) was written by Salvatore as well. I greatly enjoyed that one. If you would provide me with the chronological order of these Drizzt Novels I would most grateful! *grovels*

Fiberfar · Post by **Fiberfar** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:55 pm

Galuf the Dwarf wrote: I highly do suggest any books by R. A. Salvatore...

Ugh... I've only read two books he've written, and I didn't manage to read the last one in that trilogy (Damn if I remember the name, but the Halflings Gem was one of those).

They run around, kill 1000 monsters, then another 1000 monsters before they have one potion of heal

I do agree with the Ed Greenwood novels, though. IMHO he's a much better Forgotten Realms-author than Salvatore.

Galuf the Dwarf · Post by **Galuf the Dwarf** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 6:25 pm

AvatarOfLight wrote:I believe the story of Demon Stone (game) was written by Salvatore as well. I greatly enjoyed that one. If you would provide me with the chronological order of these Drizzt Novels I would most grateful! *grovels*

Okay, here it goes, start to (current) finish.
1) Dark Elf Trilogy (3 novels total).
2) Icewind Dale Trilogy (3 novels total).
3) Legacy of the Drow Collection (4 novels total).
4) Paths of Darkness Collection (3 or 4 novels total, depending upon whether Servant of the Shard is still considered part of the most recent set*).
5) Hunter's Blades Trilogy (3 novels total).

Note: * = since Drizzt and the Companions of the Hall don't appear in it, SotS has recently been considered part of the Sellswords anthology, since it - and the set - feature Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle as protagonists instead.

@Fiberfar: Please read your PM.

BlueSky · Post by **BlueSky** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 7:02 pm

I tend to recommend the Dark Elf series...
never could finish any of the others...they just didn't hold my attention.
but that's just my opinion....
I tend to try to read as much as I can on any subject, and in fiction I have a policy of, if it doesn't have my attention or interest in 50 pages, I put it down, sometimes I'll to read more,
but there's just too many books and too little time to read them all.

Working in a library for me, is probably like an alcoholic working in a bar.:laugh:

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:16 pm

Well I made up my mind and will place the order tonight! I intend to order the Baldur's Gate, Darkelf and Icewind Dale series. Combined with some new stuff at the local library they should keep me entertained for quite some time.

My thanks once more *bows*

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:24 pm

Hope this won't be considered a pointless bump. Anyway!

I just thought I'd share my thoughts, having read a few of the novels I ordered.

SPOILERS

I read through the Dark Elf trilogy first, which well... I don't really know what I think about it. The writing style, etc were good as far as I'm concerned. The character that is Drizzt actually appeals less to me after having read these books though. He harbors strong principals and even thinks in terms of honor, before ever meeting his father. By all rights he shouldn't even have HEARD of such terms. Anyway, I'm not saying I'm sorry I bought this series, but I had hoped for more.

I am nearly done with the first Baldur's Gate novel, which is indeed horrible storywise. Gorion is turned from a harper mage to a monk/cleric of Torm, Khalid cheated on Jaheira (as if he'd have the guts), Xan went from cowardly mage to cynical fighter/thief and where on earth is Imoen!? The protagonist has a thing going on with my favourite druid though. I'm a sucker for Jaheira

Made this novel worthwhile, even though she was somewhat reduced in spirit and went up on the "damsel-in-distress" o' meter.

Looking forward to reading the rest ^^

BlueSky · Post by **BlueSky** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 4:20 pm

AvatarOfLight wrote:Hope this won't be considered a pointless bump. Anyway!
I just thought I'd share my thoughts, having read a few of the novels I ordered.
Looking forward to reading the rest ^^

No not a bump...
Gald to hear your opinions...very close to mine...
see my earlier post...

krew867 · Post by **krew867** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:58 am

AvatarOfLight wrote:Drizzt actually appeals less to me after having read these books though. He harbors strong principals and even thinks in terms of honor, before ever meeting his father. By all rights he shouldn't even have HEARD of such terms.

Your principals don't have to be heard of. You can feel that something is wrong even if you've never heard of it before, and besides, where do you think Zak got it from?

but anyway.

Im a big fan of all of the Drizzt books.

I'm not really one for reading. but i loved them.

I read the first eight.. and then stopped over the summer. and i plan to start again. probably at the beginning over to refresh my memory.

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:28 am

krew867 wrote:Your principals don't have to be heard of. You can feel that something is wrong even if you've never heard of it before, and besides, where do you think Zak got it from?

To reply on that I'd have to go into the debate on free will/choice. What I stated above is just my opinion. Simply put, I don't believe people can come up with concepts on their own. Something must spark it, I saw nothing to spark it in Drizzt. But hey, what the hell do I know?

I've read the Baldur's Gate 2 novel and Icewind Dale trilogy as well now. I've been trying to get my hands on Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal novel. I hear it's way better than the previous two, but I just can't seem to find it! (live in Holland). Any advice?

PS: Deja-vu to see my old thread reappear in the list. Thanks xD

krew867 · Post by **krew867** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:34 am

yeah. i understand what you mean. and sorry if that sounded kinda *******-ish i didnt really think about it. i was just saying.

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:36 am

Not at all, no problem. We're all entitled our opinions.

And despite my criticism, I do intend to read the whole series when I get the chance. :laugh:

Shesau · Post by **Shesau** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 11:59 am

If I can vocalize a few opinions?

A good trilogy to read is the Azure Bonds saga. It follows Alias, a young woman who wakes up in an inn with only hazy recollections of the past, but for some reason, her memories don't seem to sync up with reality. The books in order are Azure Bonds, The Wyvern's Spur (sort of a side-step away from the main story to explore the adventures of some minor characters, which proves to be quite enjoyable), and Song of the Saurials. Great writing, story, and a plot so complex that it will keep you turning pages until you get papercuts.

Meanwhile, a bad trilogy to read? The Spellfire Saga, by Ed Greenwood. The plot is interesting if you can get past how MIND NUMBINGLY AIMLESS it is. The main character, a barmaid named Shandril, is a weepy dolt who (and I doubt anyone will challenge me on this) will "burst into tears" pretty much every other page throughout the first book. She engages in a tacky romance with an equally annoying man whom she's just met, and Shandril relies almost entirely on a band of elves to keep her alive. The only characters I found to be worth reading about were two elven warriors and a dwarf. I did not enjoy this or the second book, despite how great a writer Greenwood typically is.

But hey, there may be some one to vouch for the books. All in all, this is all in my meagre opinion.