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Forgotten Realms - Publication Order
Venom in Her Veins
A shocking discovery sends a young yuan-ti into the tunnels of the Underdark, where she hopes to find more answers to her pastZaltys is a girl like any other to grow up ranging the jungles of the Southern Lluirwood. She’s a crack shot with a bow and no stranger to the dangers that lurk beneath the deep forest canopy. On an expedition with her family to harvest the forbidden terazul flower—powerful drug that has gathered many a dreamer into its narcotic embrace—Zaltys unearths a truth long buried by the feculent loam of deception. As the veil is lifted on the world Zaltys thought she knew, a pathway to the Underdark promises the answers her family never gave. Venturing forth in search of truth, Zaltys finds betrayal to be a much easier quarry. But it will take more than a lode of lies to quell the venom in her veins.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 16, 2020
Not bad at all, Yuan-Ti were always among my most favourite ones Dungeons and Dragons villains so it was nice reading a novel about them, and Glory the psion tiefling was a great character, but main character Zaltys storyline, another member of an evil race turning good and becoming a ranger in the Forgotten Realms setting, was too much like Drizzt Do'Urden's most famous one.
Not liked too much Julen's character, and the Underdark and Far Realm tropes start seeming to me overabused in Forgotten Realms novels, but probably I just have to read more of them.
A good one-shot casual read if you like Salvatore's Drizzt novels and wanna try something else set in the same world, and sooner or later I want to read Lisa Smedman's Yuan-Ti trilogy too.
Not liked too much Julen's character, and the Underdark and Far Realm tropes start seeming to me overabused in Forgotten Realms novels, but probably I just have to read more of them.
A good one-shot casual read if you like Salvatore's Drizzt novels and wanna try something else set in the same world, and sooner or later I want to read Lisa Smedman's Yuan-Ti trilogy too.
August 19, 2015
Believe it or not this was my first Forgotten Realms book that wasn't R.A. Salvatore and I picked it up based on the rating of someone whose opinion I respect.
It's pretty different than the Drizzt books. Set in the jungles of the Southern Lluirwood and eventually in the Underdark - the tale follows Zaltys and her family (think fantasy mafia) while they harvest the drugs they sell to make themselves incredibly rich.
There were portions of this book where I knew it was going to be 5 stars and then there were portions where I was convinced it would be a 2 star rating. It's definitely not a 5 star book - 90% of this book is action and fighting and battles and after a while it started to bore me but the characters were so amazing, so well developed, so memorable that this is a solid 4 stars. The memory of the characters will stay with me longer than my enjoyment of the book as for someone who loves character, character development and character relationships this was a good one.
Not recommended for everyone.
But recommended for most.
It's pretty different than the Drizzt books. Set in the jungles of the Southern Lluirwood and eventually in the Underdark - the tale follows Zaltys and her family (think fantasy mafia) while they harvest the drugs they sell to make themselves incredibly rich.
There were portions of this book where I knew it was going to be 5 stars and then there were portions where I was convinced it would be a 2 star rating. It's definitely not a 5 star book - 90% of this book is action and fighting and battles and after a while it started to bore me but the characters were so amazing, so well developed, so memorable that this is a solid 4 stars. The memory of the characters will stay with me longer than my enjoyment of the book as for someone who loves character, character development and character relationships this was a good one.
Not recommended for everyone.
But recommended for most.
August 1, 2012
Venom in Her Veins is a stand-alone novel set in the Forgotten Realms universe of Dungeons and Dragons tie-in novel line. Other books by Tim Pratt are The Strange Adventures of Rangergirl, The Nex, Briarpatch, and City of the Fallen Sky. He's written an ongoing series Marla Mason which includes; Blood Engines, Bone Sleep, Dead Reign, Spell Games, Broken Mirrors, Grim Tides, and a prequel Bone Shop. He has edited an anthology titled Sympathy for the Devil, as well as having a few collected works; Little Gods, If There Were Wolves, and Hart & Boot & Other Stories. Venom in Her Veins was released March 2012 and was published by Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Zaltys Serrat is the adoptive daughter of the powerful Serrat family of merchants and traders. Found as a young baby by a team of Serrat harvesters, she was soon brought up as a princess of the Serrat family's Travelers, the harvesters of the family's prize crop, terazul flowers. While the flower may have some undesired side-effects, it is what made the Serrat family rich and influential. After years of braving the jungle, Zaltys quickly became a talented ranger and bow-woman. But as the truth of her past is revealed, she sets off to find the family she believes to be captured and taken deep into the horrid Underdark. What Zaltys finds may not be what she expected.
Criticisms:
1) Julen. While Julen isn't necessarily a bad character, he just felt too mundane. The mundane, average personality he has, makes him come off as uninteresting through most of the story. While it can be argued that Julen is the one character the reader is supposed to identify with, he never came off as that kind of person. He was the story's "every-man", the character you would see in every novel to help the reader feel as though they were apart of the story. But that is also Julen's problem. It felt like every other character that fits that mold. He was so generic and mundane that there wasn't anything to really latch on to early on in the story. In fact, it felt as though Zaltys filled the role slightly better, even though she was supposed to come across as this unidentifiable character who you want to learn more about. She wasn't supposed to feel like the reader's link to the story, that is what Julen was meant to be. Julen does slowly develop into this role late in the story, but he severely lacked that connection when it was needed early in the story. He is just a blank slate that makes it hard to connect with him.
2) Derro. For a society built on madness and insanity, the Derro are surprisingly efficient to the point of disbelief. The Derro society seemed relatively 'sane' for this insane race of creatures. They even seemed to be relatively sane in this regard, which doesn't feel quite right knowing that this race is full of lunatics. What makes it worse is that this problem of efficiency is noticeable. There is attention drawn to it which brings light to this problem. It wouldn't have been so distracting if the characters didn't point these things out or their insanity was highlighted. Those highlighted scenes felt forced in and made it seem like the Derro's madness is being forced unto the reader and not given a natural feel to it, or how natural insanity can get. There is a scene where a Derro is murdered and if the attention of the book didn't shift to this Derro being murdered by other Derro, it wouldn't have felt so awkward and forced in. Writing a whole society of insane, mad beings takes a lot of tact and effort. While there were times where Tim Pratt made them feel legitimately crazy, he seemed to want to enforce this madness a little too much, leading to that question of how did the Derro society last this long?
Praises:
1) Zaltys. There is something familiar with Zaltys Serrat, and in that familiarity, you find an interesting character. On the surface, Zaltys is your typical main character. She shares most of the basic qualities that a lot of fantasy heroines and heroes share. This helps her feel like the reader knows her, before really knowing her. As the story progresses, your knowledge about her grows, as it should. However, Zaltys still has one thing that a lot of fantasy heroes seem to lack by story end, mystery. You don't know where Zaltys is going to go after Venom in Her Veins ends, and that's part of her strength. There seems to be so much more to uncover about this character. Basically, Tim Pratt whets the readers appetite to know more about her. However, that isn't all Zaltys brings to the table. She also has a set focus and morals that a lot of main characters talk about but is rarely seen. Family is important, beyond important, to her and that's not often seen, let alone a sole reason, for what Zaltys does. It's almost a breath of fresh air.
2) Yuan-ti. On a personal level, I have not read any Forgotten Realms novels, that has a strong influence of Yuan-ti in them. They may have appeared as 'villains of the week' here and there, but nothing definitive about them. Aside from Lisa Smedman's House of Serpents trilogy, which I haven't read as of yet, Yuan-ti seem to be mostly regaled to monster status from a novel standpoint. Venom in Her Veins spins Yuan-ti culture in a light that hasn't really been seen, as far as I know.
3) Story. Venom in Her Veins is a very basic story. Hero or heroine goes off to rescue someone or 'someones' in peril, it's very basic. However, what lies under the surface is what makes this basic, mundane story stand out. For one thing, it deals with something rarely seen in Forgotten Realms novels; drugs and the morals and reasoning behind those selling them. For another thing, the story has a strong sense of family and what family means. Then you have discovering oneself and how they see themselves fitting into the world. Granted, the latter is seen in almost all Forgotten Realms novels, but it's one of those small things that helps make Venom in Her Veins' story so great. It's your typical fantasy scenario, but with things that are not typically seen.
Side Notes:
1) Comparisons. While reading Venom in Her Veins I couldn't help but notice some slight similarities between Zaltys and the Forgotten Realms most famous character Drizzt Do'Urden. Now these similarities just feel circumstantial, but I do feel like they are noticeable. Both characters are outcasts of their races, both are rangers, and both have some sort of connection with an evil deity without any knowledge of it. Other comparisons between the two can be made, but these do stand out the most. These comparisons seem to be legitimately circumstantial, but it is rather interesting.
2) Far Realm. Is anyone else feeling a little tired of having to hear about the Far Realm over and over? Yes, it is a problem, but there are other things that can be focused on. It's starting to feel like the whole Far Realm problem is getting a little played out, and honestly I'm hoping this gets taken out soon.
3) Cover Art. Venom in Her Veins has basic, but good cover art. It's simple, just Zaltys on the front cover, looking both intimidating, yet sexy. The serpentine like pose really works in both looking good and giving you an idea of who and what she is. Honestly, this is how I pictured Zaltys. Also the green coloring may be a bit simple, but it really drives home the "Venom" in the title along with the whole jungle/snake-like feeling of the cover. It's a good, simple cover that really works.
Overall: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
Venom in Her Veins is both a typical Forgotten Realms novel and a breath of fresh air. With a basic story filled with relatively unseen concepts, it's both comforting in its familiarity but refreshing in its 'newer' ideas. The characters, for the most part are memorable. Zaltys and the tiefling Glory were the stand out characters. Saying anything about Glory, however will ruin the surprise. While Julen felt like he failed as an 'everyman', he still was interesting, towards the end. An odd issue with Venom in Her Veins is how a society based on insanity can function for so long. It felt almost surreal and quite a bit forced. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to like about Venom in Her Veins. Zaltys is a fantastic character. She has familiarity about her but at the same time she feels like something different. Also it was nice to see Yuan-ti being the main focus. There's not many novels that paint them as anything more than monsters, and here you see they are something entirely different. The story elements is something that stands out from normal Forgotten Realms, and even Dungeons and Dragons based novels. Some of these elements you'd never expect to find in this genre. Venom in Her Veins is really an enjoyable and fun novel that you may find it hard to put down. It should make new readers to the Realms feel welcome and entertain older readers. Venom in Her Veins is definitely worth checking out.
Zaltys Serrat is the adoptive daughter of the powerful Serrat family of merchants and traders. Found as a young baby by a team of Serrat harvesters, she was soon brought up as a princess of the Serrat family's Travelers, the harvesters of the family's prize crop, terazul flowers. While the flower may have some undesired side-effects, it is what made the Serrat family rich and influential. After years of braving the jungle, Zaltys quickly became a talented ranger and bow-woman. But as the truth of her past is revealed, she sets off to find the family she believes to be captured and taken deep into the horrid Underdark. What Zaltys finds may not be what she expected.
Criticisms:
1) Julen. While Julen isn't necessarily a bad character, he just felt too mundane. The mundane, average personality he has, makes him come off as uninteresting through most of the story. While it can be argued that Julen is the one character the reader is supposed to identify with, he never came off as that kind of person. He was the story's "every-man", the character you would see in every novel to help the reader feel as though they were apart of the story. But that is also Julen's problem. It felt like every other character that fits that mold. He was so generic and mundane that there wasn't anything to really latch on to early on in the story. In fact, it felt as though Zaltys filled the role slightly better, even though she was supposed to come across as this unidentifiable character who you want to learn more about. She wasn't supposed to feel like the reader's link to the story, that is what Julen was meant to be. Julen does slowly develop into this role late in the story, but he severely lacked that connection when it was needed early in the story. He is just a blank slate that makes it hard to connect with him.
2) Derro. For a society built on madness and insanity, the Derro are surprisingly efficient to the point of disbelief. The Derro society seemed relatively 'sane' for this insane race of creatures. They even seemed to be relatively sane in this regard, which doesn't feel quite right knowing that this race is full of lunatics. What makes it worse is that this problem of efficiency is noticeable. There is attention drawn to it which brings light to this problem. It wouldn't have been so distracting if the characters didn't point these things out or their insanity was highlighted. Those highlighted scenes felt forced in and made it seem like the Derro's madness is being forced unto the reader and not given a natural feel to it, or how natural insanity can get. There is a scene where a Derro is murdered and if the attention of the book didn't shift to this Derro being murdered by other Derro, it wouldn't have felt so awkward and forced in. Writing a whole society of insane, mad beings takes a lot of tact and effort. While there were times where Tim Pratt made them feel legitimately crazy, he seemed to want to enforce this madness a little too much, leading to that question of how did the Derro society last this long?
Praises:
1) Zaltys. There is something familiar with Zaltys Serrat, and in that familiarity, you find an interesting character. On the surface, Zaltys is your typical main character. She shares most of the basic qualities that a lot of fantasy heroines and heroes share. This helps her feel like the reader knows her, before really knowing her. As the story progresses, your knowledge about her grows, as it should. However, Zaltys still has one thing that a lot of fantasy heroes seem to lack by story end, mystery. You don't know where Zaltys is going to go after Venom in Her Veins ends, and that's part of her strength. There seems to be so much more to uncover about this character. Basically, Tim Pratt whets the readers appetite to know more about her. However, that isn't all Zaltys brings to the table. She also has a set focus and morals that a lot of main characters talk about but is rarely seen. Family is important, beyond important, to her and that's not often seen, let alone a sole reason, for what Zaltys does. It's almost a breath of fresh air.
2) Yuan-ti. On a personal level, I have not read any Forgotten Realms novels, that has a strong influence of Yuan-ti in them. They may have appeared as 'villains of the week' here and there, but nothing definitive about them. Aside from Lisa Smedman's House of Serpents trilogy, which I haven't read as of yet, Yuan-ti seem to be mostly regaled to monster status from a novel standpoint. Venom in Her Veins spins Yuan-ti culture in a light that hasn't really been seen, as far as I know.
3) Story. Venom in Her Veins is a very basic story. Hero or heroine goes off to rescue someone or 'someones' in peril, it's very basic. However, what lies under the surface is what makes this basic, mundane story stand out. For one thing, it deals with something rarely seen in Forgotten Realms novels; drugs and the morals and reasoning behind those selling them. For another thing, the story has a strong sense of family and what family means. Then you have discovering oneself and how they see themselves fitting into the world. Granted, the latter is seen in almost all Forgotten Realms novels, but it's one of those small things that helps make Venom in Her Veins' story so great. It's your typical fantasy scenario, but with things that are not typically seen.
Side Notes:
1) Comparisons. While reading Venom in Her Veins I couldn't help but notice some slight similarities between Zaltys and the Forgotten Realms most famous character Drizzt Do'Urden. Now these similarities just feel circumstantial, but I do feel like they are noticeable. Both characters are outcasts of their races, both are rangers, and both have some sort of connection with an evil deity without any knowledge of it. Other comparisons between the two can be made, but these do stand out the most. These comparisons seem to be legitimately circumstantial, but it is rather interesting.
2) Far Realm. Is anyone else feeling a little tired of having to hear about the Far Realm over and over? Yes, it is a problem, but there are other things that can be focused on. It's starting to feel like the whole Far Realm problem is getting a little played out, and honestly I'm hoping this gets taken out soon.
3) Cover Art. Venom in Her Veins has basic, but good cover art. It's simple, just Zaltys on the front cover, looking both intimidating, yet sexy. The serpentine like pose really works in both looking good and giving you an idea of who and what she is. Honestly, this is how I pictured Zaltys. Also the green coloring may be a bit simple, but it really drives home the "Venom" in the title along with the whole jungle/snake-like feeling of the cover. It's a good, simple cover that really works.
Overall: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
Venom in Her Veins is both a typical Forgotten Realms novel and a breath of fresh air. With a basic story filled with relatively unseen concepts, it's both comforting in its familiarity but refreshing in its 'newer' ideas. The characters, for the most part are memorable. Zaltys and the tiefling Glory were the stand out characters. Saying anything about Glory, however will ruin the surprise. While Julen felt like he failed as an 'everyman', he still was interesting, towards the end. An odd issue with Venom in Her Veins is how a society based on insanity can function for so long. It felt almost surreal and quite a bit forced. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to like about Venom in Her Veins. Zaltys is a fantastic character. She has familiarity about her but at the same time she feels like something different. Also it was nice to see Yuan-ti being the main focus. There's not many novels that paint them as anything more than monsters, and here you see they are something entirely different. The story elements is something that stands out from normal Forgotten Realms, and even Dungeons and Dragons based novels. Some of these elements you'd never expect to find in this genre. Venom in Her Veins is really an enjoyable and fun novel that you may find it hard to put down. It should make new readers to the Realms feel welcome and entertain older readers. Venom in Her Veins is definitely worth checking out.
January 25, 2021
Every kid grows up questioning their life, their past and whether or not they fit. Most kid grow-up feeling like they don’t fit in. What if you were right? What if you were different? What if you didn’t belong? Venom in her Veins by Tim Pratt tells the story of Zaltys, a young girl adopted into a rich business family and instantly made trade royalty. She travels with her mother’s caravan into deep jungles in order to harvest plants, herbs and specific addictive drug from which the family’s empire is born. Here deep in the jungle, where she was found as a child, is where she feels most at home. She is an excellent tracker, a crack shot, and a wonderful ranger. She is also a monster.
As the veil of her past is lifted Zaltys learns the truth about her past. Her teenage angst was true, she doesn’t fit, and she doesn’t belong. She isn’t like the rest. Zaltys is a pure blood Yuan-Ti. So what do you do when you discover the truth? You go to the underdark. Makes sense to me.
I am a big fan of the Forgotten Realms series since I borrowed Elfshadow from a friend. It is a shared universe that spans dozens of authors. Like many other shared universes, Dragonlance, Star Wars, and Warhammer just to name a few, you have good books and your have poor ones. Venom in her Veins falls somewhere in between.
The book has solid setting and a wonderful premise. The concept of the trade family is well thought out and executed, like a fantasy-world’s version of a mob family. The characters show Pratt’s familiarity with the subject matter, both Faerun and 4th ed, and also illustrate the uniqueness of the 4th ed character classes and races. The dragonborn fighter and Eladrin wizard, both clichés but still well executed are joined by a min wiping Tiefling Psion, Humans Blade Master and Shaman and the Pureblood ranger. The ranger and psions are both classes that have appeared in previous books based on previous editions but Pratt’s writing makes so that one in the know could read the book and know what edition it is based off of without drawing away from the story.
The book has a decent start but sadly the plot starts the trail off. The incursion into the Underdark is spontaneous and unplanned. In Faerun it is common knowledge that the Underdark is a subterranean labyrinth that is insanely dangerous. It’s not something that can be entered easily; it is something that for even for the most seasoned adventures takes weeks of planning. These two teenagers descend into the horrors beneath on a whim and a prayer. The final threat simply stands there and monologues her plan and the ending feels rushed and forced.
Had the book kept the strength and momentum from the earlier chapters it would have been a strong book. Instead this feels like a pre-constructed adventure that was decided to adapt into a novel in very little time.
I have high hopes for Faerun books. The Forgotten Realms series has been risen by exceptional authors like Elaine Cunningham, R.A. Salvatore, Paul S. Kemp, Richard Baker, Mark Sehestedt and creator Ed Greenwood. Tom Pratt’s book, while still enjoyable, falls a little shorts of Faerun’s heavy hitters.
As the veil of her past is lifted Zaltys learns the truth about her past. Her teenage angst was true, she doesn’t fit, and she doesn’t belong. She isn’t like the rest. Zaltys is a pure blood Yuan-Ti. So what do you do when you discover the truth? You go to the underdark. Makes sense to me.
I am a big fan of the Forgotten Realms series since I borrowed Elfshadow from a friend. It is a shared universe that spans dozens of authors. Like many other shared universes, Dragonlance, Star Wars, and Warhammer just to name a few, you have good books and your have poor ones. Venom in her Veins falls somewhere in between.
The book has solid setting and a wonderful premise. The concept of the trade family is well thought out and executed, like a fantasy-world’s version of a mob family. The characters show Pratt’s familiarity with the subject matter, both Faerun and 4th ed, and also illustrate the uniqueness of the 4th ed character classes and races. The dragonborn fighter and Eladrin wizard, both clichés but still well executed are joined by a min wiping Tiefling Psion, Humans Blade Master and Shaman and the Pureblood ranger. The ranger and psions are both classes that have appeared in previous books based on previous editions but Pratt’s writing makes so that one in the know could read the book and know what edition it is based off of without drawing away from the story.
The book has a decent start but sadly the plot starts the trail off. The incursion into the Underdark is spontaneous and unplanned. In Faerun it is common knowledge that the Underdark is a subterranean labyrinth that is insanely dangerous. It’s not something that can be entered easily; it is something that for even for the most seasoned adventures takes weeks of planning. These two teenagers descend into the horrors beneath on a whim and a prayer. The final threat simply stands there and monologues her plan and the ending feels rushed and forced.
Had the book kept the strength and momentum from the earlier chapters it would have been a strong book. Instead this feels like a pre-constructed adventure that was decided to adapt into a novel in very little time.
I have high hopes for Faerun books. The Forgotten Realms series has been risen by exceptional authors like Elaine Cunningham, R.A. Salvatore, Paul S. Kemp, Richard Baker, Mark Sehestedt and creator Ed Greenwood. Tom Pratt’s book, while still enjoyable, falls a little shorts of Faerun’s heavy hitters.
June 27, 2014
When I received Venom in her Veins, It was the first time I had spent with Mr. Pratt. I did look him up and given his track record (positive feedback from other novels), I was excited to try out something new.
I will spare going to deep in to the story as it can be read in the book description. The novel flows well, from setup, to character building, to building up to the climax, nothing was under or over written. The characters are fleshed out enough to understand, and to relate to. Zaltys and Co all have enough going for them, where I cared to see what was going to happen to each of them, none were “Expendable filler” (thrown in to die or to carry the story to another point – everyone had a purpose).
My only complaint is this book is a one shot, with Tim’s writing style; I would love to see him to a trilogy. I was surprised to not find his name as frequent under my favorite RPG brands after reading through Venom in her veins. He definitely nailed the essence of the pen and paper gaming adventure with Venom in her Veins.
Overall, as a player / GM, this book would make a great module, be it any edition of our favorite RPG systems. As a non player, I felt this book flowed well enough to bring any one along for the ride, an enjoyable adventure. If I was not overworked, and juggling schedules for the kids, I would have easily killed this book in a night, unfortunately it took many months to go through, each time revisiting, I knew exactly where it was at without having to backtrack. It was definitely worth the price of admission. As a GM, It helped flesh out the Derro, and will change how I play them in my game.
Unfortunately being a one shot, I would like to see what happens next for Zaltys and the crew, not only their adventures but growth, as well as potential relationships with certain companions that showed interest during the novel. On the other side of the coin, being a one off, I guess I can leave that up to my imagination
I will spare going to deep in to the story as it can be read in the book description. The novel flows well, from setup, to character building, to building up to the climax, nothing was under or over written. The characters are fleshed out enough to understand, and to relate to. Zaltys and Co all have enough going for them, where I cared to see what was going to happen to each of them, none were “Expendable filler” (thrown in to die or to carry the story to another point – everyone had a purpose).
My only complaint is this book is a one shot, with Tim’s writing style; I would love to see him to a trilogy. I was surprised to not find his name as frequent under my favorite RPG brands after reading through Venom in her veins. He definitely nailed the essence of the pen and paper gaming adventure with Venom in her Veins.
Overall, as a player / GM, this book would make a great module, be it any edition of our favorite RPG systems. As a non player, I felt this book flowed well enough to bring any one along for the ride, an enjoyable adventure. If I was not overworked, and juggling schedules for the kids, I would have easily killed this book in a night, unfortunately it took many months to go through, each time revisiting, I knew exactly where it was at without having to backtrack. It was definitely worth the price of admission. As a GM, It helped flesh out the Derro, and will change how I play them in my game.
Unfortunately being a one shot, I would like to see what happens next for Zaltys and the crew, not only their adventures but growth, as well as potential relationships with certain companions that showed interest during the novel. On the other side of the coin, being a one off, I guess I can leave that up to my imagination
September 14, 2020
I had to take a lot of breaks from this book. In the end I gave 4/5 stars. The novel redeems itself somewhat with its final act but it has serious problems in the first three.
The story involves a young Ranger named Zaltys. She was raised by a traveling band, who found her after her people were slaughtered. The band, is part of a large almost mafia like conglomerate of linked guilds. The band, the Travelers harvest a plant with mind altering properties. Zaltys looks like a normal human female. But she is actually, unbeknownst to her a member of a species called the Yuan-ti. Early in the book she discovers her family was not wholly slaughtered but taken by slavers from a world underground called the Underdark.
Those serious problems I mentioned are the bewildering stupidity the characters engage in during the first act to drive the adventure along.
The heroes are quite well developed as capable bright adventurers. They aren’t depicted has rash. Hotheaded or dumb. This means an author would be ill advised to have the characters do things not inline with those character traits simply to lever the plot along. A little more work might have made the first two acts more believable and interesting instead of just frustrating. The novel turns things around a bit in the middle or just after. But only just.
On a 10 star scale this probably merits a 6 or 6.5. Maybe it could just eke out 7. The final act is pretty fun.
The story involves a young Ranger named Zaltys. She was raised by a traveling band, who found her after her people were slaughtered. The band, is part of a large almost mafia like conglomerate of linked guilds. The band, the Travelers harvest a plant with mind altering properties. Zaltys looks like a normal human female. But she is actually, unbeknownst to her a member of a species called the Yuan-ti. Early in the book she discovers her family was not wholly slaughtered but taken by slavers from a world underground called the Underdark.
Those serious problems I mentioned are the bewildering stupidity the characters engage in during the first act to drive the adventure along.
The heroes are quite well developed as capable bright adventurers. They aren’t depicted has rash. Hotheaded or dumb. This means an author would be ill advised to have the characters do things not inline with those character traits simply to lever the plot along. A little more work might have made the first two acts more believable and interesting instead of just frustrating. The novel turns things around a bit in the middle or just after. But only just.
On a 10 star scale this probably merits a 6 or 6.5. Maybe it could just eke out 7. The final act is pretty fun.
February 9, 2023
“Venon in Her Veins” by Tim Pratt was a bit of a let down. Ever since I got back into Dungeons and Dragons, I have really fallen in love with the Yuan-Ti race (along with Tieflings). This was one of the few novels I could find concerning the snake-people that I could find, so I picked it up for my Kindle.
It took me months to finish, simply because it was not engaging.
The writing left a lot to be desired as well; I felt like I was reading a well-written fan fiction and not a published and polished novel. The author’s style was lack-luster, telling more than showing, and just all together a bit of a slog to read. I really did enjoy the character Glory, however; bonus points for her.
It took me months to finish, simply because it was not engaging.
The writing left a lot to be desired as well; I felt like I was reading a well-written fan fiction and not a published and polished novel. The author’s style was lack-luster, telling more than showing, and just all together a bit of a slog to read. I really did enjoy the character Glory, however; bonus points for her.
November 30, 2021
Have you ever been so excited to read a collector book that took months to find under hundreds of dollars only to be disappointed? Thats this book. Is is good/ok, sure, I'll say its ok... is it great and worth the 900$ Amazon is selling it for (I did not pay that btw) definitely not! Easy read, not super detailed or in depth like other forgotten realms authors.
February 22, 2021
I’ll have a full review up soon, suffice it to say I’m glad to read a good FR novel again.
June 25, 2012
I read a lot of Forgotten Realms novels, and I was a little worried when I picked this one up. First, it takes place in a relatively remote area in the far southeast corner of the world and from the jacket copy it was clear this story was about Yuan-ti (snake people) and the jungle, two things that don’t exactly light my interest on fire. It’s also the first Realms novel for Tim Pratt, and unknown author to me. Basically, there was a formula here for a real stinker, but boy, was I wrong.
I didn’t know it at first, but Tim Pratt is an accomplished (and award-winning) fantasy/sci-fi author. His writing throughout the book was a cut above what I’m used to from other authors who write for Wizards of the Coast. What’s more impressive is that he’s taken an unfamiliar setting with unfamiliar characters and monsters and makes them his own. Things like drow, Elminster, or Waterdeep are instantly recognizable to readers, but Mr. Pratt doesn’t have any of these to fall back on.
The story focuses on a young girl adopted into a family of Traders who make a living as part of a larger organization that harvests and sells terazul, a flower that is essentially made into a narcotic. It can be difficult to take a real world issue like drug addiction and plug it into fantasy, but this is one of the biggest strengths of Venom. The cast of characters involved with the central story are all good people, but they’re harvesting a drug that is ruining people’s lives back in the big city and they all have to struggle with this ethical issue. When they find out there is an even more insidious origin to the drug, it just makes it that much worse.
If you’re looking for traditional D&D, this novel won’t disappoint. The main characters run the gamut of races from Dragonborn to Tiefling to Eladrin. (One of the best characters in the story is Glory, a Tiefling psion who erases the minds of nearly everyone she meets.) Over half the novel takes place in the Underdark with derro, swordwings, quaggoths, Kua-toa, and grell galore. Actually, this novel pairs very well with the recent Dungeon Survival Handbook put out by Wizards. If you’re looking to bundle a gift for someone who loves D&D, I’d recommend the pair.
My one complaint about Venom is that it doesn’t interconnect with any other D&D storylines and seems set apart (both physically in setting and also in terms of story) from the rest of the Realms. Most Realms novels have dates associated with the chapters so you can place the story in the chronology of the larger setting, but this book omits them. This is a small detail, but one that may annoy Realms fans.
In the end, this is a great stand-alone novel written by an established author. So many of the D&D novels these days involve the larger plotlines that it can be refreshing to go somewhere in the world that has been basically untouched in fiction and explore. While you’re waiting for the next Salvatore or Greenwood story to drop, pick up a copy of Venom in Her Veins, and I bet you’ll be surprised by what you find.
I didn’t know it at first, but Tim Pratt is an accomplished (and award-winning) fantasy/sci-fi author. His writing throughout the book was a cut above what I’m used to from other authors who write for Wizards of the Coast. What’s more impressive is that he’s taken an unfamiliar setting with unfamiliar characters and monsters and makes them his own. Things like drow, Elminster, or Waterdeep are instantly recognizable to readers, but Mr. Pratt doesn’t have any of these to fall back on.
The story focuses on a young girl adopted into a family of Traders who make a living as part of a larger organization that harvests and sells terazul, a flower that is essentially made into a narcotic. It can be difficult to take a real world issue like drug addiction and plug it into fantasy, but this is one of the biggest strengths of Venom. The cast of characters involved with the central story are all good people, but they’re harvesting a drug that is ruining people’s lives back in the big city and they all have to struggle with this ethical issue. When they find out there is an even more insidious origin to the drug, it just makes it that much worse.
If you’re looking for traditional D&D, this novel won’t disappoint. The main characters run the gamut of races from Dragonborn to Tiefling to Eladrin. (One of the best characters in the story is Glory, a Tiefling psion who erases the minds of nearly everyone she meets.) Over half the novel takes place in the Underdark with derro, swordwings, quaggoths, Kua-toa, and grell galore. Actually, this novel pairs very well with the recent Dungeon Survival Handbook put out by Wizards. If you’re looking to bundle a gift for someone who loves D&D, I’d recommend the pair.
My one complaint about Venom is that it doesn’t interconnect with any other D&D storylines and seems set apart (both physically in setting and also in terms of story) from the rest of the Realms. Most Realms novels have dates associated with the chapters so you can place the story in the chronology of the larger setting, but this book omits them. This is a small detail, but one that may annoy Realms fans.
In the end, this is a great stand-alone novel written by an established author. So many of the D&D novels these days involve the larger plotlines that it can be refreshing to go somewhere in the world that has been basically untouched in fiction and explore. While you’re waiting for the next Salvatore or Greenwood story to drop, pick up a copy of Venom in Her Veins, and I bet you’ll be surprised by what you find.
Read
July 16, 2012Venon in Her Veins is a novel that's a little off the beaten path that is the Forgotten Realms. It takes place in the dense jungles near Delzimmer, a place that really hasn't seen much development in recent years. The book features Zaltys, the adopted daughter of a huge merchant family that makes a killing producing a narcotic from the Terazul flowers that grow deep in the dangerous jungle.
Pros
Characters - Nearly every character in this book is amazing. Zaltys in particular is really great, she's a prime example of how to do a believable teenage character whose naivete is subtle and never overdone. Julen, Zaltys's cousin is another really strong point of the book. He's very much a 'city boy', but he still brings his own unique set of skills and experience to the table and his dedication to Zaltys really makes him perfect in his role as a companion character. The rest of the Serrat family and their employees were all interesting and memorable, from the eccentric Tiefling psion to the caring and seasoned Dragonborn soldier that tries to keep Zaltys out of trouble.
Setting - The settings this book takes you through are wonderful, the jungle was very well described and felt dangerous even if Zaltys was used to it. When the story takes us down into the Underdark things get even better. The subterranean portions of this book are probably some of the strongest. each new set piece is unique and alien and you really get a sense for how dangerous it is to travel into the Underdark.
The Terazul - I was really surprised by the Terazul, it ties nearly everything in the novel together and it's a really original concept that I enjoyed quite a bit.
The Serrat family - The massive Serrat merchant family was a lot of fun to read about, it was very refreshing to see a Forgotten Realms novel that wasn't about a traveling band of heroes out to complete some epic quest.
Cons
The Derro - The Derro are probably my least favorite thing in this book. They come across as silly at some points and they never really seem all that scary, even at their strongest.
The Ending - The final scenes in the book are the weakest. They never dip into being truly bad, but the first 2/3rds of the book are so strong that the ending feels lukewarm by comparison. Luckily, it doesn't detract from the book too much and the ending isn't bad enough to really pull the rug out from under the rest of the book.
Overall, I feel like this book really left me wanting to see more of Zaltys and Julen, there's hints at a sequel and I'd absolutely love to see one.
Pros
Characters - Nearly every character in this book is amazing. Zaltys in particular is really great, she's a prime example of how to do a believable teenage character whose naivete is subtle and never overdone. Julen, Zaltys's cousin is another really strong point of the book. He's very much a 'city boy', but he still brings his own unique set of skills and experience to the table and his dedication to Zaltys really makes him perfect in his role as a companion character. The rest of the Serrat family and their employees were all interesting and memorable, from the eccentric Tiefling psion to the caring and seasoned Dragonborn soldier that tries to keep Zaltys out of trouble.
Setting - The settings this book takes you through are wonderful, the jungle was very well described and felt dangerous even if Zaltys was used to it. When the story takes us down into the Underdark things get even better. The subterranean portions of this book are probably some of the strongest. each new set piece is unique and alien and you really get a sense for how dangerous it is to travel into the Underdark.
The Terazul - I was really surprised by the Terazul, it ties nearly everything in the novel together and it's a really original concept that I enjoyed quite a bit.
The Serrat family - The massive Serrat merchant family was a lot of fun to read about, it was very refreshing to see a Forgotten Realms novel that wasn't about a traveling band of heroes out to complete some epic quest.
Cons
The Derro - The Derro are probably my least favorite thing in this book. They come across as silly at some points and they never really seem all that scary, even at their strongest.
The Ending - The final scenes in the book are the weakest. They never dip into being truly bad, but the first 2/3rds of the book are so strong that the ending feels lukewarm by comparison. Luckily, it doesn't detract from the book too much and the ending isn't bad enough to really pull the rug out from under the rest of the book.
Overall, I feel like this book really left me wanting to see more of Zaltys and Julen, there's hints at a sequel and I'd absolutely love to see one.
March 11, 2012
I'm becoming a bit disappointed by the single D&D books. They lack the quality and depth the larger volumes (e.g. most of the trilogies) have. This one is no exception. Sure, it's a decent enough read, but it doesn't really make much use of the Forgotten Realms setting (it could be set in any fantasy land) and there isn't enough depth or characterization.
This novel is OK if you're looking for something to pass two evenings with, but nothing more than that. The characters are shallow, the plot is questionable and many situations seem forced.
Some of my major gripes (warning: possible spoilers):
- There are several deus ex machina moments where a completely implausable action or spell saves the day out of nowhere.
- We're reminded about the protagonist's "family is everything" mentality every other page, yet at the end she merrily leaves them all behind.
- The antagonists are supposedly mad creatures, who are portrayed as stupid, incoherend and idiotic, yet they somehow manage to sustain a civilization and complex magic?
- Every time someone or something is portrayed as mad or evil, the author apparently thinks the best way to do that is to introduce or show them killing someone.
- The Slime King is supposed to never be seen, to blind all subjects who come to her, and remain in the derro settlement behind locked doors. Yet when she runs out at the end, all the other derro rally to her. How would they even know who she is?
- The protagonist is conveniently handed a bunch of ultra-powerful magical items on her birthday, just days before she ends up going into the underdark, where she conveniently runs into situations said items save the day. Some of said items are also created on-the-spot in one day in the middle of a jungle... apparently enormously powerful artifacts can be created on-the-spot.
This novel is OK if you're looking for something to pass two evenings with, but nothing more than that. The characters are shallow, the plot is questionable and many situations seem forced.
Some of my major gripes (warning: possible spoilers):
- There are several deus ex machina moments where a completely implausable action or spell saves the day out of nowhere.
- We're reminded about the protagonist's "family is everything" mentality every other page, yet at the end she merrily leaves them all behind.
- The antagonists are supposedly mad creatures, who are portrayed as stupid, incoherend and idiotic, yet they somehow manage to sustain a civilization and complex magic?
- Every time someone or something is portrayed as mad or evil, the author apparently thinks the best way to do that is to introduce or show them killing someone.
- The Slime King is supposed to never be seen, to blind all subjects who come to her, and remain in the derro settlement behind locked doors. Yet when she runs out at the end, all the other derro rally to her. How would they even know who she is?
- The protagonist is conveniently handed a bunch of ultra-powerful magical items on her birthday, just days before she ends up going into the underdark, where she conveniently runs into situations said items save the day. Some of said items are also created on-the-spot in one day in the middle of a jungle... apparently enormously powerful artifacts can be created on-the-spot.
January 20, 2016
Overall Rating:2.5/5
Venom in Her Veins was my first foray in to the Forgotten Realms. In need of a break from heavier material, I went to a local bookstore and after a quick look at the fantasy section, I picked this book up. I didn't expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading it.
Tim Pratt did a fine job drawing me in to the book; I was hooked immediately, and managed to finish the book in a couple of hours. It was a nice, quick read, and I like the idea of the terazul flower drug trade, though I wish the book focused more on the terazul and less on Zalyts and co.
I do have some complaints. First, the characters. I realize this is based on D&D, so I didn't mind the typical character archetypes, but I didn't find myself caring about the characters or their motivations all that much. When the majority of characters are doing what they're doing because of family, it feels like lazy writing. I would have liked a little bit more depth and personality to the characters, but what's presented in the book is passable.
Another qualm I have is with the locations. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the jungle or the Underdark, and a couple of places are visited repeatedly. A little bit more variety in locales would have been nice.
As far as the battle scenes go, they were well done. At times it felt like I was sitting at a table with friends and rolling dice. Despite that, I never felt like the characters were ever in any real danger.
Conclusion: Venom in Her Veins was a decent first venture in to the Forgotten Realms world for me. It was a nice and light read, and at times felt like I was gaming with friends. There was nothing particularly deep or thought provoking about it, but sometimes that's a good thing.
Venom in Her Veins was my first foray in to the Forgotten Realms. In need of a break from heavier material, I went to a local bookstore and after a quick look at the fantasy section, I picked this book up. I didn't expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading it.
Tim Pratt did a fine job drawing me in to the book; I was hooked immediately, and managed to finish the book in a couple of hours. It was a nice, quick read, and I like the idea of the terazul flower drug trade, though I wish the book focused more on the terazul and less on Zalyts and co.
I do have some complaints. First, the characters. I realize this is based on D&D, so I didn't mind the typical character archetypes, but I didn't find myself caring about the characters or their motivations all that much. When the majority of characters are doing what they're doing because of family, it feels like lazy writing. I would have liked a little bit more depth and personality to the characters, but what's presented in the book is passable.
Another qualm I have is with the locations. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the jungle or the Underdark, and a couple of places are visited repeatedly. A little bit more variety in locales would have been nice.
As far as the battle scenes go, they were well done. At times it felt like I was sitting at a table with friends and rolling dice. Despite that, I never felt like the characters were ever in any real danger.
Conclusion: Venom in Her Veins was a decent first venture in to the Forgotten Realms world for me. It was a nice and light read, and at times felt like I was gaming with friends. There was nothing particularly deep or thought provoking about it, but sometimes that's a good thing.
June 17, 2012
This is a difficult novel to review. When I read the novel I was glued to the pages, reading it in only a few hours. I cared deeply for the characters, was upset when they failed or when they met untimely ends, and excited with their successes and growth. The story was well timed and had a good rhythm. I never sensed a lull long enough in the action and storytelling to lose interest. I loved the ending and how it both tied together the loose ends while also leaving space for further character development and stories in future novels. I would absolutely recommend this novel for any reader interested in the genre.
At the same time, I was often disappointed. I understand what the author was doing, but there was a great deal of deus ex mechina. The use of the mechanic makes sense in a novel about destiny and fulfilling your destiny, but the use was very heavy handed.
While criticizing the method that Tim uses to deal with this theme of destiny, I loved the perspective he brings to it. Most characters that are “destined” to action know their destiny and actively pursue it. In this novel the character is seemingly the only one who doesn't know. Everyone around her seems to be either actively assisting or preventing her from accomplishing her destiny. While she press forward inexorably towards her fate she gains the tools and experience necessary to meet all she will face.
I am interested to see where Tim will take the characters. I wonder how he will handle a character that has fulfilled her destiny at eighteen.
At the same time, I was often disappointed. I understand what the author was doing, but there was a great deal of deus ex mechina. The use of the mechanic makes sense in a novel about destiny and fulfilling your destiny, but the use was very heavy handed.
While criticizing the method that Tim uses to deal with this theme of destiny, I loved the perspective he brings to it. Most characters that are “destined” to action know their destiny and actively pursue it. In this novel the character is seemingly the only one who doesn't know. Everyone around her seems to be either actively assisting or preventing her from accomplishing her destiny. While she press forward inexorably towards her fate she gains the tools and experience necessary to meet all she will face.
I am interested to see where Tim will take the characters. I wonder how he will handle a character that has fulfilled her destiny at eighteen.
December 2, 2013
While I enjoyed the basic story of this, I'm only giving it 2/5 stars because there was some content in it that definitely bothered me.
The first and foremost thing that I didn't care for was the amount of crude detail and mutilation/gore that was present throughout the book. I understand that the derro mentioned in here were the bad guys. I got that clearly from the first chapter when they were capturing the cultists as slaves. But a lot of what went on between them and the other monsters in the world felt like too much to me.
There was some choice language in this book, though not quite as much as I would have expected.
Also, one thing that tended to bug me was the way the characters would drag on and on while talking. One character would start talking and tell a novel, it seemed, and then another would respond with their novel, and then the first would talk some more ... Whenever I saw a large chunk of dialogue coming up, I started to think, "Oh, no. Not more!" And while a lot of what was said was informative, it often felt over-described. When Bob says he wasn't going to leave his cousin to go adventuring alone, Bob does not need to include three paragraphs' worth of his feelings on how things work in the family and how he's trained and how he feels in general, as well. It felt a lot like each character was trying to tell their own monologue.
Like I say, I did like the basic story of this (and a few of the characters) but the book felt weighted down by the things I've mentioned above.
The first and foremost thing that I didn't care for was the amount of crude detail and mutilation/gore that was present throughout the book. I understand that the derro mentioned in here were the bad guys. I got that clearly from the first chapter when they were capturing the cultists as slaves. But a lot of what went on between them and the other monsters in the world felt like too much to me.
There was some choice language in this book, though not quite as much as I would have expected.
Also, one thing that tended to bug me was the way the characters would drag on and on while talking. One character would start talking and tell a novel, it seemed, and then another would respond with their novel, and then the first would talk some more ... Whenever I saw a large chunk of dialogue coming up, I started to think, "Oh, no. Not more!" And while a lot of what was said was informative, it often felt over-described. When Bob says he wasn't going to leave his cousin to go adventuring alone, Bob does not need to include three paragraphs' worth of his feelings on how things work in the family and how he's trained and how he feels in general, as well. It felt a lot like each character was trying to tell their own monologue.
Like I say, I did like the basic story of this (and a few of the characters) but the book felt weighted down by the things I've mentioned above.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2012
This novel had me initially concerned that it was written in the perspective of the Yuan-Ti culture. I pleasantly found out that not to be the case. While their perspective on the world was interesting I think this book had the right level of content about it for my taste. The story kept me wanting to read even though time wouldn't allow me to.
The question of what is Good and what is Evil is very present. It was enjoyable to read the different characters analyze and discover their definition of morality and the justification of it.
Quite a few surprises lurked within the pages that followed a few parables and yet strayed from the beaten path a bit which was a nice touch.
The characters were well fleshed out and yet left me wanting to know more of their back stories for some. They're very interesting characters that followed a well developed plot.
While this book is a Forgotten Realms novel I kept thinking to myself 'where is this located?' as I hadn't read any Forgotten Realms books that took place in that region. I have found myself wanting to read more about the culture in that region.
I hope to read more adventures of Zaltys, Julan and Glory, the characters are wonderful to read and it'd be nice to see where their chemistry takes them.
The question of what is Good and what is Evil is very present. It was enjoyable to read the different characters analyze and discover their definition of morality and the justification of it.
Quite a few surprises lurked within the pages that followed a few parables and yet strayed from the beaten path a bit which was a nice touch.
The characters were well fleshed out and yet left me wanting to know more of their back stories for some. They're very interesting characters that followed a well developed plot.
While this book is a Forgotten Realms novel I kept thinking to myself 'where is this located?' as I hadn't read any Forgotten Realms books that took place in that region. I have found myself wanting to read more about the culture in that region.
I hope to read more adventures of Zaltys, Julan and Glory, the characters are wonderful to read and it'd be nice to see where their chemistry takes them.
February 13, 2013
Not a bad book, for what it was. The characters, though fairly stereotypical for the most part, were believable and occasionally likeable; the plot and writing were both largely decent; and there even were a twist or two I genuinely didn't see coming.
On the other hand, some of the dialogue in particular felt a little stilted; the portrayal of the derro wasn't very convincing at times (though admittedly it has to be difficult to get a chronically insane race "right"); and I didn't find the way certain character arcs (Julen, Alaia) panned out to be entirely satisfying. The book also deviated from the setting once or twice in a way that left it unclear whether it was merely the result of the author/editor slipping up, but dwelling on this would be pure nitpicking, so I shan't!
Overall, Venom in Her Veins was an enjoyable read and I hope there'll be more to come, featuring Zaltys and friends or otherwise.
On the other hand, some of the dialogue in particular felt a little stilted; the portrayal of the derro wasn't very convincing at times (though admittedly it has to be difficult to get a chronically insane race "right"); and I didn't find the way certain character arcs (Julen, Alaia) panned out to be entirely satisfying. The book also deviated from the setting once or twice in a way that left it unclear whether it was merely the result of the author/editor slipping up, but dwelling on this would be pure nitpicking, so I shan't!
Overall, Venom in Her Veins was an enjoyable read and I hope there'll be more to come, featuring Zaltys and friends or otherwise.
September 2, 2013
全書實在像極了一場 ARPG 的遊戲，只不過讀者未能從中參與遊戲過程而已，主流元素該有的一樣都不少，例如非傳統英雄人物出身（不過幸好主角 Zaltys 並未具有嚴重的人格缺陷）、身分認同、性格成長、伊利亞德模式、二元論論述等，而說它像是 ARPG 而非傳統角色扮演則是因為本書雖說沒有重度的 Hack & Slash，作者行文平鋪直敘節奏如行雲流水般順暢，劇情所需資訊交代得相當明確，一切鋪排皆以劇情需求為優先，但可惜的是全書並未融入作者本身的觀點，少了這項能與讀者互動的因素，Tim Pratt 將自己退居二線轉而成了編劇的角色而非作家，其任務也不過是將故事呈現在讀者面前，而非提供更為細膩、人文層面的東西，而我相信此為一位「作家」所必需具備的條件。
但如果換個角度，就像看待好萊塢娛樂強檔片一樣，譬如變形金剛第一集，步出電影院時腦袋裡第一個浮現的念頭，大概不會是正心、修身、齊家這些關於人生的哲理，而是忙著與朋友細數博派與狂派之間多年來的恩恩怨怨、外加麥可‧貝的掌鏡、製作團隊炫麗的特效，當然，還有那令人討喜的大黃蜂；也因此，在這個大前提之下，我會說這是本相當不錯的小說，而我也的確喜歡當中情節，甚至期待 Zaltys 後續的發展，畢竟，在費倫大陸上能多個蛇人出身的傳奇英雄也未嘗不是件好事。
但如果換個角度，就像看待好萊塢娛樂強檔片一樣，譬如變形金剛第一集，步出電影院時腦袋裡第一個浮現的念頭，大概不會是正心、修身、齊家這些關於人生的哲理，而是忙著與朋友細數博派與狂派之間多年來的恩恩怨怨、外加麥可‧貝的掌鏡、製作團隊炫麗的特效，當然，還有那令人討喜的大黃蜂；也因此，在這個大前提之下，我會說這是本相當不錯的小說，而我也的確喜歡當中情節，甚至期待 Zaltys 後續的發展，畢竟，在費倫大陸上能多個蛇人出身的傳奇英雄也未嘗不是件好事。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2012
Venom In Her Veins was a fun book. It wasn't very well written, but it was enjoyable, and I read in in one sitting. It was worth the hour of baby sitting for ten dollars to cover the cost. Not many of the characters were all that memorable, but some happened to stand out, like Glory, a purple-haired tiefling. Venom In Her Veins is a great read for a vacation, not light hearted, but not too serious.
December 2, 2013
A fun, easy read. The author presents the main characters as a nature v nurture debate as she is born to an evil race, but raised by humans. The end result of the debate is fairly interesting.
Some of the plot points are a little bizarre, even for a D&D novel, but overall, the author weaves an interesting story with satisfying resolution of both minor subplots and over-arching plots. I liked it enough to look for more from this author.
Some of the plot points are a little bizarre, even for a D&D novel, but overall, the author weaves an interesting story with satisfying resolution of both minor subplots and over-arching plots. I liked it enough to look for more from this author.
July 31, 2016
While it is well written, it suffers a bit from the very obvious plot (find reason, go into the dungeon, kill all the baddies). I also wouldn't have minded if the love interest parts were left out (his only function seems to be as reason for dialogue).
On the pro side: the main character is very well written and the story covers some neglected parts of the FR franchise. Also including drugs, addiction and their ethical implications into the story was a good move.
On the pro side: the main character is very well written and the story covers some neglected parts of the FR franchise. Also including drugs, addiction and their ethical implications into the story was a good move.
January 17, 2013
Quality read, good ending and overall story.
My only real concerns were the believability of the characters behaviors and dialogue. I found this especially true for Julien and Glory, less so with other characters. Metaphors and Similes often don't seem to line up with the setting or environment. Nice book nonetheless
My only real concerns were the believability of the characters behaviors and dialogue. I found this especially true for Julien and Glory, less so with other characters. Metaphors and Similes often don't seem to line up with the setting or environment. Nice book nonetheless
March 10, 2013
I am loving this book. I am generally not a fantasy book lover, this one might very well change my mind. I am finding myself having a difficult time putting it down, so onward with the adventure!
Finished this one and although I enjoyed it, it seemed as if it was a bit rushed in the ending and left me wishing there was more.
Finished this one and although I enjoyed it, it seemed as if it was a bit rushed in the ending and left me wishing there was more.
June 19, 2013
Fun read. The story has an interesting focus on the main character. The author manages to have more powerful people surround the main character without over shadowing her. I would recommend this as a quick enjoyable read.
May 30, 2012
It's been a while since I've read a D&D novel, and this one is quite good. You definitely cannot hear the dice rolling as you read. Recommended.
March 15, 2013
Excellent writing but unless you follow the gaming system, lot of sections lose their impact. I enjoyed the book, but large bits of history and information just was not there for me as a non gamer.
November 22, 2012
I was surprised that this was pretty darn good read.
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