The Wizardwar

Counselors & Kings #3

by Elaine Cunningham

In the closing installment of the Counselors & Kings trilogy, Matteo and his companions face old enemies in an explosive final showdown Defeat breeds anger. Hatred breeds revenge. Once again, the counselors of Halruaa have beaten back an attack by the wizard Akhlaur. And once more, the kingdom has been saved from its enemies. Their victory comes at a terrible price. The aged king is weakened, his powers diminished. His chief counselor, Matteo, is torn between his duty and his heart. Tzigone, the underdog heroine of the battle of Akhlaur’s Swamp, has been hurled into a dark world from which she may never escape. And at the edge of time, Akhlaur and his ally, Kiva the Magehound, plot their final revenge.

Genres: Forgotten Realms, Fantasy, Fiction, Dungeons and Dragons, Magic, Science Fiction Fantasy, Adventure

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.


Elaine Cunningham is an American fantasy author.

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm excited to put another Forgotten Realms series behind me.

I think I've said this in the past, but as I move into the triple digits with the number of FR novels I've read, the are becoming less and less exciting. I don't know if I have become more of a finicky reader or if the authors are not trying as hard, but I seem to struggle through these books now. At one time, it was my favorite place to escape to.

I'm not giving up. I know they have an influx of new writers and I'm optimistic that there are new great stories to be told in this world!

So, in this final installment we see Cunnigham quickly tying up some loose ends. This happens a lot at the end of these books....which can be disappointing, but I'm sure they have a page limit that they have to abide by. Anywho, I think these stories are really more character driven than plot driven. Its hard to tell a mystery when magic is involved, as all rules go out the window. I think the reader feels a little ripped off when there is no real way to figure out the mystery beforehand.

I don't mean only to complain, and I feel like I have to at least mention that Cunnigham wrote one of my favorite series, but the overall story arch was underwhelming, the climax of this novel was nonexistent, and when the multiple antagonists get their come-uppins it is quick and unsatisfying.

However, the characters are unique; even the baddies. Kiva is one of the best characters Cunningham has ever written (though similar to her other characters). It's really just a shame that the character diminishes throughout the novels from her primary roll in the first one.

I also would've liked more insight into the history of Halurra.

[Kagan Oztarakci · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Music and reason do not always follow the same pathways in the mind."
"Truth has a way of coming out, and those who try to hold it back are the first to be swept away.”
"Mineral-rich soil enhancers—... manure sounds pretty good when you put fancy words to it, doesn’t it?”
"Even those who consider themselves virtuous see only what they wish to see. Especially those who consider themselves virtuous! After all, illusions, once created, must be maintained.”
"Isn’t there a ... proverb about memory being a curse as well as a blessing?”

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great end to the trilogy. I loved how the use of shadow magic from the ancient Netheril became a solution to the main plot issues and seemlessly fit into the storylines. The endings to the stories of the main characters was very satisfying, particularly Andris and Kiva. I would have loved to see more infighting between the mages, but overall I was happy with the authors’ presentation of the infighting. Onward!

[Luka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like previous two instalments, a bit disappointing. Although I like fast paced books in general, this one is missing a big chunks of story. Some things feel unimportant, others were completely rushed (like the ending for example).

[E J · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. A complex story not told very effectively. New characters introduced in the last book of a trilogy is a no no.

[Cheri Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW !
Unbelievable trilogy. Elaine Cunningham is The best author the Forgotten Realms has. I thought Salvatore was the best.....not even close.
Take a lesson from Ms. Cunningham, this is the way you write/create a trilogy. Top 5 Forgotten Realms trilogies to me includes this trilogy...this may actually be the best. Needs to be made into a movie trilogy.

[Henrik]

Purchased from the author, Elaine Cunningham, with a personalized autograph:-)

[Ken]

Sold to Lewis White on eBay on 7-Jun-11:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....