What do you think?
Rate this book
Greyhawk Adventures #4
The Price of Power
Greyhawk...
The demon Maelfesh is angry...
The beautiful Princess Julia has been changed into a most ill-tempered wolf...
her father, the island King, is a prisoner of his own power...
Young shaman Mika, pride of the Wolf Nomads, does not realize his deadly peril...
Welcome to Greyhawk, land of magic and danger, where a perilous mission of honor is threatened by a never-ending onslaught of new and fantastic creatures--harpies and rust monsters, rabid troll wolves, the aboriginal Flannae folk, and invincible dark forces...
The Price of Power is the fourth in the best-selling series of novels about the WORLD OF GREYHAWK game setting. Rose Estes is the creator of the classic ENDLESS QUEST series published by TSR, and the author of Master Wolf, the first book in the continuing GREYHAWK Adventures saga of Mika, shaman of the Wolf Nomads.
The demon Maelfesh is angry...
The beautiful Princess Julia has been changed into a most ill-tempered wolf...
her father, the island King, is a prisoner of his own power...
Young shaman Mika, pride of the Wolf Nomads, does not realize his deadly peril...
Welcome to Greyhawk, land of magic and danger, where a perilous mission of honor is threatened by a never-ending onslaught of new and fantastic creatures--harpies and rust monsters, rabid troll wolves, the aboriginal Flannae folk, and invincible dark forces...
The Price of Power is the fourth in the best-selling series of novels about the WORLD OF GREYHAWK game setting. Rose Estes is the creator of the classic ENDLESS QUEST series published by TSR, and the author of Master Wolf, the first book in the continuing GREYHAWK Adventures saga of Mika, shaman of the Wolf Nomads.
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1987
3 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Rose Estes
51 books57 followersRose Estes is the author of many fantasy and science fiction books, including full length novels and multiple choice gamebooks. After contributing extensively to TSR, Inc.'s Dungeons and Dragons Endless Quest series (of which she wrote the first six, as well as others later down the line), she wrote her first full length novel, Children of the Dragon (1985). She continued to write for TSR by writing six volumes in a series of Greyhawk novels. She contributed to other series, but continued to write books and start series of her own that, like Children of the Dragon, take place in a fantasy or science fiction world created by her own imagination. She also wrote the Golden Book Music Video Sing, Giggle and Grin.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 10, 2016
Good fantasy story based on the D&D world. Written by the creator of D&D . Recommended
February 12, 2021
So book 4 of the Greyhwak Adventure series, the second written by Rose Estes, is a marginal improvement over book 3 Master Wolf, which I also gave 1 star.
Despite the low rating, the book does have some redeeming qualities. There is a more traditional adventure story arch. Driven by a geas/curse that the demon Maelfesh put on Mika (the hero) following the defeat of Iuz in the last book, Mika must return Princess Julia to her father in Dramidja. He is accompanied on his quest by his wolf companion Tam-Tam, his fellow Wolf tribe member Hornsbuck and Hornsbuck's romantic companion Lotus Blossom. The adventure is relatively straight forward as they journey across the land to Julia's ancestral home. The encounter a few side adventures and an offshoot of the Wolf Tribe before reaching Dramidja. (The time spent with the Wolf Tribe is of special note as I do feel Mika's character is given some growth opportunities. Unfortunately, they don't appear to be sustained.) Upon trying to enter the city, they are captured, find the imprisoned king, and free the city from the Sun Worshiping Theocracy terrorizing the city.
On the surface it sounds like a normal fantasy novel. Where it suffers is in the execution and a few questionable and unnecessary inclusions in the story. First, while the book is based on the D&D World of Greyhawk, the author unnecessarily refers to the 'rules' of D&D in the story. For example, Mika often refers to the level of the spell he is casting which seems out of place. In addition, the characters in the story are mostly one dimensional showing little growth during the adventure. Mika sometimes shows elements of growth (often regret for his actions), as mentioned above, but then backslides by making similar mistakes and poor moral choices. There is also a little Deus ex Machina in the story with a harpy that makes no sense as the harpy is encountered close to the city of Eru-Tovar in the East but is then able to provide assistance to Mika at Dramaji which is in the west.
However, the most damning part of the book is how sex is included. I can only guess this was an attempt to emulate the portrayal in other books and movies (Conan comes to mind), but its inclusion is both unnecessary (it ads nothing to the story) and immoral (Mika reflects on his use of magic to seduce/rape women and there are two examples of magical beastiality). Unfortunately, this inclusion makes this book incredibly hard to stomach and almost impossible to root for Mika and his party.
Despite the low rating, the book does have some redeeming qualities. There is a more traditional adventure story arch. Driven by a geas/curse that the demon Maelfesh put on Mika (the hero) following the defeat of Iuz in the last book, Mika must return Princess Julia to her father in Dramidja. He is accompanied on his quest by his wolf companion Tam-Tam, his fellow Wolf tribe member Hornsbuck and Hornsbuck's romantic companion Lotus Blossom. The adventure is relatively straight forward as they journey across the land to Julia's ancestral home. The encounter a few side adventures and an offshoot of the Wolf Tribe before reaching Dramidja. (The time spent with the Wolf Tribe is of special note as I do feel Mika's character is given some growth opportunities. Unfortunately, they don't appear to be sustained.) Upon trying to enter the city, they are captured, find the imprisoned king, and free the city from the Sun Worshiping Theocracy terrorizing the city.
On the surface it sounds like a normal fantasy novel. Where it suffers is in the execution and a few questionable and unnecessary inclusions in the story. First, while the book is based on the D&D World of Greyhawk, the author unnecessarily refers to the 'rules' of D&D in the story. For example, Mika often refers to the level of the spell he is casting which seems out of place. In addition, the characters in the story are mostly one dimensional showing little growth during the adventure. Mika sometimes shows elements of growth (often regret for his actions), as mentioned above, but then backslides by making similar mistakes and poor moral choices. There is also a little Deus ex Machina in the story with a harpy that makes no sense as the harpy is encountered close to the city of Eru-Tovar in the East but is then able to provide assistance to Mika at Dramaji which is in the west.
However, the most damning part of the book is how sex is included. I can only guess this was an attempt to emulate the portrayal in other books and movies (Conan comes to mind), but its inclusion is both unnecessary (it ads nothing to the story) and immoral (Mika reflects on his use of magic to seduce/rape women and there are two examples of magical beastiality). Unfortunately, this inclusion makes this book incredibly hard to stomach and almost impossible to root for Mika and his party.
August 5, 2019
The second book in the trilogy is much like the first. The main arc isn't quite as compelling as the first, but by now, you're already drawn in, and either committed to seeing it through, or you've already set it aside. That said, it's not a bad story, but it's not as strong as the first. Nostalgia definitely played a large role in me re-reading it recently, and my overall rating of it now.
If you've read my review of the first book, you'll know that I loved this trilogy as a kid, and it was hugely influential at the time. Re-reading them now as a more experienced reader, it's easier to view them through a more critical eye. Many of the same story sins from the first remain here - pacing, character development, etc. - but it does tell a decent tale that flows well from the first, and does it's job of setting up the third book admirably.
If you've read the first, and enjoyed it whatsoever, then it is actually worth seeing the entire story through to the end. If you didn't enjoy the first book, then this one isn't going to be for you either. While there's nothing incredibly remarkable about this entry in the series, I say that as both a good AND bad thing. There's nothing amazing about it, but there's nothing terrible about it either.
If you've read my review of the first book, you'll know that I loved this trilogy as a kid, and it was hugely influential at the time. Re-reading them now as a more experienced reader, it's easier to view them through a more critical eye. Many of the same story sins from the first remain here - pacing, character development, etc. - but it does tell a decent tale that flows well from the first, and does it's job of setting up the third book admirably.
If you've read the first, and enjoyed it whatsoever, then it is actually worth seeing the entire story through to the end. If you didn't enjoy the first book, then this one isn't going to be for you either. While there's nothing incredibly remarkable about this entry in the series, I say that as both a good AND bad thing. There's nothing amazing about it, but there's nothing terrible about it either.
July 9, 2020
Ms. Estes has a wonderful imagination. Most of the encounters throughout the book were unpredictable, and perplexing for the main character. Those ideas were terrific, but that’s not the entire story.
On to the reasons why she deserves a 1 Star...
Ms. Estes is writing about sex, of sexuality, multiple times in the book. I don’t usually pick up books from Greyhawk, with a deep desire for sexuality. If my desire was sexuality, my book choice would have been totally different. Not only is her book dealing with constant flirtations, but the flirtations are disgusting. I’m not certain about the motivations for these scenarios, but it is altogether repulsive.
The book is more of a social tool, than a fantastic mythical journey. The focus of the author is more on detailing the nature of uncivilized human behavior, than building adventure or excitement.
I normally read parts of my books aloud to my children... not with this one
Disappointed
On to the reasons why she deserves a 1 Star...
Ms. Estes is writing about sex, of sexuality, multiple times in the book. I don’t usually pick up books from Greyhawk, with a deep desire for sexuality. If my desire was sexuality, my book choice would have been totally different. Not only is her book dealing with constant flirtations, but the flirtations are disgusting. I’m not certain about the motivations for these scenarios, but it is altogether repulsive.
The book is more of a social tool, than a fantastic mythical journey. The focus of the author is more on detailing the nature of uncivilized human behavior, than building adventure or excitement.
I normally read parts of my books aloud to my children... not with this one
Disappointed
April 28, 2015
A day at the office is more exciting
11 January 2013
The more I think about it the more I realise that there is probably not all that much that I really want to write about this book, however I do not want to leave it as a few sentences that suggests that I read this book and do not remember anything about it. Well, I could talk about how it is about a barbarian, and that it is written by somebody who started off her literary career writing Choose Your Own Adventure books, but I would just be repeating myself, so I think I might tell you about my day instead (and I hope Goodreads doesn't boot me for doing that).
Well, I got up at about 6:30 am, drank a cup of tea, and read my Bible (as I always do). Then I had some breakfast (Weetbixs, and since I usually eat it in bed, because it is warmer and more comfortable than the kitchen table, I eat it while reading my Bible). In between that I checked how the Dow went overnight (it went up) and then had a shower. Since it was Friday, it was neat casual day, so I put my black shirt on (not the Facisti black shirt, but a black shirt nonetheless), grabbed my book on Hong Kong, and went to work.
Work was same old same old sitting down and answering phones, and trying to solve people's problems (which I managed to do). The guys across from me still teased me, but that is their problem, and I resisted the temptation to offer to buy them a shovel that they could use to dig their own grave (they were doing a very good job of it themselves). During my break, I checked my stocks, and discovered that I was beating the market by quite a lot, and then went back to work, after reading an email about the stock market (yes, I do have a particular interest in the stock market). Since I am pretty much chained to my desk, I take whatever opportunity I have to get away from it.
That second period I had my most, well, sort of amusing claim. It made me realise that my day could never be as bad as this guy's day, because he managed to write off a $180 000.00 Mercedes Benz, and he wasn't insured. Sort of one of those moments that suddenly make you realise that your life from that point on is going to amount to absolutely nothing (though people have got out of worse). Mind you, it was an accident (though who knows, apparently he was a hippy, with his van having pot plants on the dash board, and when the side door was opened, sleeping bags and what not fell all over the road. However, I sometimes wonder about those people that make decisions that pretty much are irreversible, and end up having to live with it.
At lunch I ate my sandwich (which I made the night before) and read some more of my Hong Kong book, as well as checking the market and noticed that my stocks were doing quite well. I was still up (not that I actually have any control over it) but the ASX was down. I then went back to work, and actually managed to lodge the two paper claims that my boss (she's a cool boss, and even made some chocolate slices today, which seemed so unlike her) wanted me to lodge. I finally got to go home, and before catching the Melbourne Metro, checked my stocks, and discovered that the ASX had fallen, but my portfolio had risen by the same amount. At least I didn't have as bad a day as that hippy.
11 January 2013
The more I think about it the more I realise that there is probably not all that much that I really want to write about this book, however I do not want to leave it as a few sentences that suggests that I read this book and do not remember anything about it. Well, I could talk about how it is about a barbarian, and that it is written by somebody who started off her literary career writing Choose Your Own Adventure books, but I would just be repeating myself, so I think I might tell you about my day instead (and I hope Goodreads doesn't boot me for doing that).
Well, I got up at about 6:30 am, drank a cup of tea, and read my Bible (as I always do). Then I had some breakfast (Weetbixs, and since I usually eat it in bed, because it is warmer and more comfortable than the kitchen table, I eat it while reading my Bible). In between that I checked how the Dow went overnight (it went up) and then had a shower. Since it was Friday, it was neat casual day, so I put my black shirt on (not the Facisti black shirt, but a black shirt nonetheless), grabbed my book on Hong Kong, and went to work.
Work was same old same old sitting down and answering phones, and trying to solve people's problems (which I managed to do). The guys across from me still teased me, but that is their problem, and I resisted the temptation to offer to buy them a shovel that they could use to dig their own grave (they were doing a very good job of it themselves). During my break, I checked my stocks, and discovered that I was beating the market by quite a lot, and then went back to work, after reading an email about the stock market (yes, I do have a particular interest in the stock market). Since I am pretty much chained to my desk, I take whatever opportunity I have to get away from it.
That second period I had my most, well, sort of amusing claim. It made me realise that my day could never be as bad as this guy's day, because he managed to write off a $180 000.00 Mercedes Benz, and he wasn't insured. Sort of one of those moments that suddenly make you realise that your life from that point on is going to amount to absolutely nothing (though people have got out of worse). Mind you, it was an accident (though who knows, apparently he was a hippy, with his van having pot plants on the dash board, and when the side door was opened, sleeping bags and what not fell all over the road. However, I sometimes wonder about those people that make decisions that pretty much are irreversible, and end up having to live with it.
At lunch I ate my sandwich (which I made the night before) and read some more of my Hong Kong book, as well as checking the market and noticed that my stocks were doing quite well. I was still up (not that I actually have any control over it) but the ASX was down. I then went back to work, and actually managed to lodge the two paper claims that my boss (she's a cool boss, and even made some chocolate slices today, which seemed so unlike her) wanted me to lodge. I finally got to go home, and before catching the Melbourne Metro, checked my stocks, and discovered that the ASX had fallen, but my portfolio had risen by the same amount. At least I didn't have as bad a day as that hippy.
October 14, 2013
Really this book is written to be of interest to those who have enjoyed the AD&D world of Greyhawk developed by Gary Gygax. Fourth in a series of seven fantasy books, the book would be hard to be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. The main character, Mika, is on a quest to help a princess he cannot stand who has been turned into a wolf. He tries to practice magic but often his spells go awry. At the beginning of the book he is given an additional quest to perform by a demon, Maelfesh. All this is tied together during the novel but not concluded. Decently written and enjoyable because it brought back fond memories of playing Dungeons & Dragons as a youth.
October 18, 2014
I would have given it a higher rank but Mika and his cowardice was mildly annoying. though it does not deserve a two because in his situation I know dozens of people who would be much worse off. There wasn't a great deal of anything incredibly interesting but still a good book considering it's one of the few I plan to keep to reread later.(maybe It was just a bad week and I will re rate after I read again but still worth reading.)
January 16, 2010
A wonderful fantasy tale that has a splendid number of curses and brash barbarians on a quest of diabolical proportions.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews