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The Sundering #6
The Herald
In the 6th and final book of the multi-author Sundering series launched by New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore, Ed Greenwood, the creator of the Forgotten Realms®, further chronicles the exploits of Elminster as he fights for the future of Faerûn.
Chaos grips Faerûn as vainglory, prophecy, and ancient forces comingle in the shadows cast by war. Agents of the Shadovar lurk in the corners of Candlekeep in search of the arcane secrets that will power their war machine toward Myth Drannor. Gods and their Chosen run amok, all in a gambit to seize power. And a threat foretold by an ancient seer stirs.
At the heart of it all, Mystra, the great Goddess of Magic, has withdrawn from the world. Without her protection, Elminster, her greatest champion, fears for the nascent Weave, the fabric of magic Mystra wields to bind Faerûn. Will the Nightseer Shar, mistress of the great and fearsome Shadovar, seize the opportunity to blanket the world with her Shadow Weave?
With the help of Storm Silverhand and his protégé Amarune, Elminster works frantically to strengthen the Weave’s tethers and forestall what seems an inevitable reckoning. But other interests machinate for their own sinister ends.
As the Sundering draws nigh, Elminster and his heroic cohort must see the signs for what they are. The choice of worlds lies in the balance.
Chaos grips Faerûn as vainglory, prophecy, and ancient forces comingle in the shadows cast by war. Agents of the Shadovar lurk in the corners of Candlekeep in search of the arcane secrets that will power their war machine toward Myth Drannor. Gods and their Chosen run amok, all in a gambit to seize power. And a threat foretold by an ancient seer stirs.
At the heart of it all, Mystra, the great Goddess of Magic, has withdrawn from the world. Without her protection, Elminster, her greatest champion, fears for the nascent Weave, the fabric of magic Mystra wields to bind Faerûn. Will the Nightseer Shar, mistress of the great and fearsome Shadovar, seize the opportunity to blanket the world with her Shadow Weave?
With the help of Storm Silverhand and his protégé Amarune, Elminster works frantically to strengthen the Weave’s tethers and forestall what seems an inevitable reckoning. But other interests machinate for their own sinister ends.
As the Sundering draws nigh, Elminster and his heroic cohort must see the signs for what they are. The choice of worlds lies in the balance.
339 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
69 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
Ed Greenwood
364 books876 followersEd Greenwood is the creator of the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, which became the setting for his home D&D game in 1975. Play still continues in this long-running campaign, and Ed also keeps busy producing Realmslore for various TSR publications.
Ed has published over two hundred articles in Dragon magazine and Polyhedron newszine, is a lifetime charter member of the Role Playing Game Associaton (RPGA) network, has written over thirty books and modules for TSR, and been Gen Con Game Fair guest of honor several times.
In addition to all these activities, Ed works as a library clerk and has edited over a dozen small press magazines.
Invented the character Elminster from the popular Forgotten Realms RPG series. Currently resides in an old farmhouse in the countryside of Ontario, Canada.
Ed has published over two hundred articles in Dragon magazine and Polyhedron newszine, is a lifetime charter member of the Role Playing Game Associaton (RPGA) network, has written over thirty books and modules for TSR, and been Gen Con Game Fair guest of honor several times.
In addition to all these activities, Ed works as a library clerk and has edited over a dozen small press magazines.
Invented the character Elminster from the popular Forgotten Realms RPG series. Currently resides in an old farmhouse in the countryside of Ontario, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 19, 2014
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
The Herald is the sixth and final book of the multi-author The Sundering series that began with The Companions by R.A. Salvatore. Here, Ed Greenwood, the creator of the Forgotten Realms, attempts to wrap up the series, setting the tone for the lands of Faerûn for the near future.
As the book begins, the fate of two worlds hang in the balance; Toril and Abeir separating for the second time in their long history. This division, however, has caused untold grief around the globe as vainglorious gods and their champions have run amok across its length and breadth, spreading warfare as they attempt to increase their power before the final division.
One champion who has remained above the fray is Elminster, follower of Mystra. This age-old wizard has had more pressing matters on his hands than grasping for power, for he has been about the business of repairing the nascent Weave: the fountainhead of all magic which springs from Mystra. Helping him in his mission has been Storm Silverhand and his protégé Amarune, but even with their aid, Elminster is beginning to see that all his constant mending of tether points across the world has done little to restore the Weave and is only putting off the inevitable. For the goddess Shar, Mistress of the Night, is determined to replace Mystra’s Weave with her own Shadow Weave and control Toril forever. A fate that would spelled unending chaos for the world! And Elminster is gradually accepting that the only way to stop Shar from triumphing is for him to step outside the shadows and directly confront her champions!
Nice setup for the final act of The Sundering, wouldn’t you say?
Of course, it should be, because the whole series has been leading up to this moment when Mr. Greenwood would craft a book that tapped into the chaos raging around Faerûn, gently bring it to a head, and then pen an epic tale full of magic and swords, heroes and villains, love and loss, victory and defeat to wrap it all up. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way, and The Herald ends the series on a rather ho-hum note. Let me explain.
As other reviewers have mentioned, this novel seemed “tired.” That is as good a description for this story as any others I’ve heard, because everyone in The Herald just seems weary of the Sundering. The main character, Elminster, wants to avoid it at all costs. During this story, the Shadovar complete their final transformation from awe-inspiring villains into annoying pretenders, who seem to want Shar to disappear as much as I did. The Weave and what it is or isn’t become such a confusing mess that by the end I think even Mr. Greenwood didn’t want to touch it with a ten foot pole. And the fate of the elves and Myth Drannor just screamed let’s get this story over with in a hurry. Honestly, the story read like it was rushing toward the conclusion as fast as possible, not in fearful suspense but rather in a desperate desire to end it already.
Overall, The Herald wrapped things up for The Sundering, but I personally can’t say it did so on a high note. Sure there are combats and battles. Magical creatures and sword fights abound. There is love, loss, victory, and defeat. But the thing it lacks is excitement or wonder, which is a shame, because the series had real potential. Along its six volume path, there have been some really bright spots, even some awe inspiring ones for the future of the Forgotten Realms, but its earth-shaking conclusion just left a lot to be desired.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
The Herald is the sixth and final book of the multi-author The Sundering series that began with The Companions by R.A. Salvatore. Here, Ed Greenwood, the creator of the Forgotten Realms, attempts to wrap up the series, setting the tone for the lands of Faerûn for the near future.
As the book begins, the fate of two worlds hang in the balance; Toril and Abeir separating for the second time in their long history. This division, however, has caused untold grief around the globe as vainglorious gods and their champions have run amok across its length and breadth, spreading warfare as they attempt to increase their power before the final division.
One champion who has remained above the fray is Elminster, follower of Mystra. This age-old wizard has had more pressing matters on his hands than grasping for power, for he has been about the business of repairing the nascent Weave: the fountainhead of all magic which springs from Mystra. Helping him in his mission has been Storm Silverhand and his protégé Amarune, but even with their aid, Elminster is beginning to see that all his constant mending of tether points across the world has done little to restore the Weave and is only putting off the inevitable. For the goddess Shar, Mistress of the Night, is determined to replace Mystra’s Weave with her own Shadow Weave and control Toril forever. A fate that would spelled unending chaos for the world! And Elminster is gradually accepting that the only way to stop Shar from triumphing is for him to step outside the shadows and directly confront her champions!
Nice setup for the final act of The Sundering, wouldn’t you say?
Of course, it should be, because the whole series has been leading up to this moment when Mr. Greenwood would craft a book that tapped into the chaos raging around Faerûn, gently bring it to a head, and then pen an epic tale full of magic and swords, heroes and villains, love and loss, victory and defeat to wrap it all up. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way, and The Herald ends the series on a rather ho-hum note. Let me explain.
As other reviewers have mentioned, this novel seemed “tired.” That is as good a description for this story as any others I’ve heard, because everyone in The Herald just seems weary of the Sundering. The main character, Elminster, wants to avoid it at all costs. During this story, the Shadovar complete their final transformation from awe-inspiring villains into annoying pretenders, who seem to want Shar to disappear as much as I did. The Weave and what it is or isn’t become such a confusing mess that by the end I think even Mr. Greenwood didn’t want to touch it with a ten foot pole. And the fate of the elves and Myth Drannor just screamed let’s get this story over with in a hurry. Honestly, the story read like it was rushing toward the conclusion as fast as possible, not in fearful suspense but rather in a desperate desire to end it already.
Overall, The Herald wrapped things up for The Sundering, but I personally can’t say it did so on a high note. Sure there are combats and battles. Magical creatures and sword fights abound. There is love, loss, victory, and defeat. But the thing it lacks is excitement or wonder, which is a shame, because the series had real potential. Along its six volume path, there have been some really bright spots, even some awe inspiring ones for the future of the Forgotten Realms, but its earth-shaking conclusion just left a lot to be desired.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
May 31, 2014
This was my first Dungeons and Dragons book and I must say, I'm not very impressed. Some of my criticism must be lessened however, given the fact that this is a book late in the series and not a stand alone. This was definitely not a jump in and enjoy read. I spent 70% of the novel thoroughly confused about not only the plot, but the plethora of characters in the story.
One thing that I absolutely hated and that did nothing to help with my comprehension of the story, was the constant switching of narratives. There were seemingly a million characters in this book and the author switched between them swiftly and randomly. There was nothing between one characters narrative and another's, apart from a single space. Very, very confusing!
I wanted to like this book, I have been trying to delve into the Fantasy genre lately. However this was a bit of a bust. Perhaps I have simply been too spoiled by George.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2014
I thought it was a good book, but seemed a bit disjointed in places. Like every other book in this Sundering Series had a "main character" who was a Chosen meant to take on a great task for their god. This one I had no idea who the "Herald" was and still don't as it could have been a number of people. I also felt like it was hastily ended, things happened very fast after a very long work-up to it and the climax was disappointing. There were also characters and scenes that didn't have to be in the book at all, they had no bearing or impact whatsoever on the story (I'm looking at Monshoon and Mirt here). The editor should've just cut their scenes out all together.
Read
April 14, 2021This is it; we’re at the end of a long road. We are at ‘The Sundering’. Set during the Era of Upheaval, ‘The Sundering’ is a multi-author event chronicling the adventures of Faerûn’s heroes, from those just Chosen to some of the Realms most enduring characters. The Herald, by Ed Greenwood, rounds out the series with a battle to end all battles. Actually, make that battles to end all battle. Or something like that. There’s a lot of combat in this one.
Elminster and Storm Silverhand, Chosen of Mystra, are rebuilding the Weave. They are interrupted by agents of the Shadovar (of course) and choose a new, more important mission. The wards of Candlekeep and Myth Drannor must be preserved. The pair split into two teams, El heading off by himself, Storm in the company of Amarune Whitewave and Arclath Delcastle.
The gang’s not all here, yet.
At Candlekeep, everyone is in disguise. Moving from dusty tome to dusty tome, monks who might not be monks eye one another suspiciously. If it wasn’t so serious a moment, one might giggle. (I did, just quickly.) At Myth Drannor, it’s straight to battle. No disguise, lots of hack and slash.
As the battles progress, purposes change and become compromised. Rebuilding the Weave becomes secondary to keeping the Wards out of Shadovar hands. Elminsiter is sorely tested, facing betrayal, action against old allies and a possible alliance with an enemy. Storm and her magical hair has no time to catch her breath. It’s battle after battle outside Myth Drannor, which makes for fun reading if you like that kind of thing. I do.
It’s hard to summarise the rest of the book without giving away some of the most wrenching and startling moments, except to say that lots of folks meet their end, gruesomely. For a while, El’s every chapter ends with a roof tumbling down on top of him. Oh and I learned my new favourite spell: Bone Rend. I think Ed Greenwood made it up just for this book. It’s spectacularly gory; the bones are pulled from a body, while that body lives. The end result is, well, quite bloody. The bones hold a lot of organs and musculature in place.
I’m not going to say much about the ending of ‘The Herald’, neither, except to note that ‘The Sundering’ happens, ready or not. Hopefully, the event’s passing means a time of renewal for Toril. It could sure use it.
Ed Greenwood and R.A. Salvatore were good choices to bookend this series. The Herald is about as different from R.A. Salvatore’s contribution, The Companions, as could be. The Companions is about birth. The Herald, overwhelmingly, is about the end or death. But, remember, in the Realms, death is rarely just death. More, it’s change.
I did find The Herald to be the least accessible of all the Sundering books. There are so many characters and points of view and little time is taken to fully introduce every player. If you have not read Ed Greenwood before and are unfamiliar with Elminster (as I was), it’s a little difficult to immerse. There is a lot to take on faith. This is somewhat understandable, really. It’s the final battle. There isn’t the time for leisurely introductions. I did warm to the main characters and I did come to care for their fates. They are written with great empathy. A solid familiarity with the world and the setting and the event itself does smooth many of the wrinkles. There were also other familiar characters in the mix, which made for a nice cross-over in my mind.
So, that’s it, ‘The Sundering’ is done. In my opinion, it was a wonderful enterprise. I got to meet many of Faerûn’s iconic characters and experience the writing style of several new authors. I added many new books to my shelf and plan to continue to dwell in the Realms for some time. Now I’ll be looking at the follow-up novels that tie into this series. I’ve already read one: ‘Night Of The Hunter’ by R.A. Salvatore. Really, the stories will never end, which is great news for fans and those just discovering this world.
Written for SFCrowsnest.
Elminster and Storm Silverhand, Chosen of Mystra, are rebuilding the Weave. They are interrupted by agents of the Shadovar (of course) and choose a new, more important mission. The wards of Candlekeep and Myth Drannor must be preserved. The pair split into two teams, El heading off by himself, Storm in the company of Amarune Whitewave and Arclath Delcastle.
The gang’s not all here, yet.
At Candlekeep, everyone is in disguise. Moving from dusty tome to dusty tome, monks who might not be monks eye one another suspiciously. If it wasn’t so serious a moment, one might giggle. (I did, just quickly.) At Myth Drannor, it’s straight to battle. No disguise, lots of hack and slash.
As the battles progress, purposes change and become compromised. Rebuilding the Weave becomes secondary to keeping the Wards out of Shadovar hands. Elminsiter is sorely tested, facing betrayal, action against old allies and a possible alliance with an enemy. Storm and her magical hair has no time to catch her breath. It’s battle after battle outside Myth Drannor, which makes for fun reading if you like that kind of thing. I do.
It’s hard to summarise the rest of the book without giving away some of the most wrenching and startling moments, except to say that lots of folks meet their end, gruesomely. For a while, El’s every chapter ends with a roof tumbling down on top of him. Oh and I learned my new favourite spell: Bone Rend. I think Ed Greenwood made it up just for this book. It’s spectacularly gory; the bones are pulled from a body, while that body lives. The end result is, well, quite bloody. The bones hold a lot of organs and musculature in place.
I’m not going to say much about the ending of ‘The Herald’, neither, except to note that ‘The Sundering’ happens, ready or not. Hopefully, the event’s passing means a time of renewal for Toril. It could sure use it.
Ed Greenwood and R.A. Salvatore were good choices to bookend this series. The Herald is about as different from R.A. Salvatore’s contribution, The Companions, as could be. The Companions is about birth. The Herald, overwhelmingly, is about the end or death. But, remember, in the Realms, death is rarely just death. More, it’s change.
I did find The Herald to be the least accessible of all the Sundering books. There are so many characters and points of view and little time is taken to fully introduce every player. If you have not read Ed Greenwood before and are unfamiliar with Elminster (as I was), it’s a little difficult to immerse. There is a lot to take on faith. This is somewhat understandable, really. It’s the final battle. There isn’t the time for leisurely introductions. I did warm to the main characters and I did come to care for their fates. They are written with great empathy. A solid familiarity with the world and the setting and the event itself does smooth many of the wrinkles. There were also other familiar characters in the mix, which made for a nice cross-over in my mind.
So, that’s it, ‘The Sundering’ is done. In my opinion, it was a wonderful enterprise. I got to meet many of Faerûn’s iconic characters and experience the writing style of several new authors. I added many new books to my shelf and plan to continue to dwell in the Realms for some time. Now I’ll be looking at the follow-up novels that tie into this series. I’ve already read one: ‘Night Of The Hunter’ by R.A. Salvatore. Really, the stories will never end, which is great news for fans and those just discovering this world.
Written for SFCrowsnest.
June 4, 2014
This is the final book in the Sundering series, and features Ed Greenwood's (the creator of Forgotten Realms) well-known character Elminster. Of course, if you haven't read any other Forgotten Realms books, you would think that Harry Potter is probably a better known wizard amongst Dungeon & Dragon aficionados (and you would be wrong). I've read all the other books in the series, so even though I will try and review the book as a stand-along product, it is almost inevitable that Herald will be compared to the first five books in the series.
First off, I can see how readers could easily become confused about the names of the various characters. Greenwood spouts them off rapid-fire, without much of an introduction and little in the way of background. Unless you have read some of his previous books, it could prove to be disconcerting. I've actually read many of his books, and still had trouble tracking names.
Second, I was not particularly happy with the storyline. Yes, it was a continuation of the Sundering and continued the story of the reunification of the Weave after the Spellplague (yes, you need to read the other books), but the plot was choppy...I would enjoy it for 30 pages, then be bored for 25.
I don't want anyone to think it was all bad. I still love Forgotten Realms (thank you Ed). The background is fascinating to any reader who enjoys science fiction and/or fantasy. You don't have to be a Forgotten Realms fan to comprehend this book, although it does help (see point #1). Any story that contains beholders, lichdragons, etc. will entrance me by its very nature, if nothing else.
I've never been a super Elminster fan. Readers that enjoyed Greendwood's Elminster series will be 100% pleased by this story. Readers that like Forgotten Realms will probably be like me, and give the book a 3 or 4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy readers will also think this is a 3-4, I suspect. Anyone else, it just depends on your personal tastes.
First off, I can see how readers could easily become confused about the names of the various characters. Greenwood spouts them off rapid-fire, without much of an introduction and little in the way of background. Unless you have read some of his previous books, it could prove to be disconcerting. I've actually read many of his books, and still had trouble tracking names.
Second, I was not particularly happy with the storyline. Yes, it was a continuation of the Sundering and continued the story of the reunification of the Weave after the Spellplague (yes, you need to read the other books), but the plot was choppy...I would enjoy it for 30 pages, then be bored for 25.
I don't want anyone to think it was all bad. I still love Forgotten Realms (thank you Ed). The background is fascinating to any reader who enjoys science fiction and/or fantasy. You don't have to be a Forgotten Realms fan to comprehend this book, although it does help (see point #1). Any story that contains beholders, lichdragons, etc. will entrance me by its very nature, if nothing else.
I've never been a super Elminster fan. Readers that enjoyed Greendwood's Elminster series will be 100% pleased by this story. Readers that like Forgotten Realms will probably be like me, and give the book a 3 or 4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy readers will also think this is a 3-4, I suspect. Anyone else, it just depends on your personal tastes.
May 30, 2014
I received an electronic advanced reading copy of this from the publishers via NetGalley.
Rapper Ice-T recently made some amusing comments on a podcast about an unexpected D&D-related audio book recording he was set up to make. Reading his comments me original thoughts were that it was sad he was dumping on fantasy, role-playing-derived or otherwise based on what appeared to be stereotypes and the worst the genre has to offer. Now I see where he was coming from in his vulgarity-strewn phrases about ******* talking like Yoda and ******* pegasi.
Up until this volume I have really enjoyed "The Sundering" series of Forgotten Realms novels. The opening one had been the weakest I felt, but still enjoyable due to my familiarity with Salvatore's characters. The novels that followed impressed me, and I've found a few new authors and series within this shared world to check out. Each book was unique, but provided a solid perspective on these events within the Forgotten Realms. But "The Herald", well I struggle to find anything positive to say about it whatsoever.
Until this series I've only read Salvatore, and only his earlier novels. I'd heard of Greenwood's character Elminster in name alone. While most of the other "Sundering" novels provided decent background to become familiar with their characters, "The Herald" provides almost none. And it is a huge, ever-shifting cast. The layout of the electronic copy probably didn't help, where breaks between characters and points of view were not always obvious. This formatting issue of an advanced reading copy happened with earlier "Sundering" novels though and wasn't nearly as problematic.
"The Herald" is just simply a mess. Having read it closely I still have little idea who the various characters are other than superficially. Some I could only figure out by using online resources. There is a good amount of action, but little time is spent getting to know any of the characters, you are just expected to know already I assume. Beyond the difficulties of trying to figure out who everyone is, there is also the matter of trying to figure out what is going on. I got bits and pieces, and a generic sense of good fighting evil, but other than that, nothing.
As Ice-T explained (even if he wasn't talking about "The Herald", his words certainly hold true), the writing is simply hard to slog through in many spots, filled with archaic style and grammar and an abundance of universe-specific vocabulary that unless you are a gamer or familiar with this, will go right over your head. Others effectively use context to help impart comprehension to the uninitiated. As the designer of Forgotten Realms, I guess Greenwood can't bother with this. Elminster frequently switches back and forth from old English 'thou's to a modern 'you' with no apparent logic.
I assume that if you are a big fan of this universe and know all the Elminster novels you'll read this no matter what. But for those like me who may read more casually, or how are looking to enter into this universe, go elsewhere, like some of the earlier "Sundering" novels. Although a series, thankfully these don't all have to be read. Me, I'll return to catching up with the adventures of Drizzt and discovering the other works by Dennings, Kemp, and particularly Evans.
Rapper Ice-T recently made some amusing comments on a podcast about an unexpected D&D-related audio book recording he was set up to make. Reading his comments me original thoughts were that it was sad he was dumping on fantasy, role-playing-derived or otherwise based on what appeared to be stereotypes and the worst the genre has to offer. Now I see where he was coming from in his vulgarity-strewn phrases about ******* talking like Yoda and ******* pegasi.
Up until this volume I have really enjoyed "The Sundering" series of Forgotten Realms novels. The opening one had been the weakest I felt, but still enjoyable due to my familiarity with Salvatore's characters. The novels that followed impressed me, and I've found a few new authors and series within this shared world to check out. Each book was unique, but provided a solid perspective on these events within the Forgotten Realms. But "The Herald", well I struggle to find anything positive to say about it whatsoever.
Until this series I've only read Salvatore, and only his earlier novels. I'd heard of Greenwood's character Elminster in name alone. While most of the other "Sundering" novels provided decent background to become familiar with their characters, "The Herald" provides almost none. And it is a huge, ever-shifting cast. The layout of the electronic copy probably didn't help, where breaks between characters and points of view were not always obvious. This formatting issue of an advanced reading copy happened with earlier "Sundering" novels though and wasn't nearly as problematic.
"The Herald" is just simply a mess. Having read it closely I still have little idea who the various characters are other than superficially. Some I could only figure out by using online resources. There is a good amount of action, but little time is spent getting to know any of the characters, you are just expected to know already I assume. Beyond the difficulties of trying to figure out who everyone is, there is also the matter of trying to figure out what is going on. I got bits and pieces, and a generic sense of good fighting evil, but other than that, nothing.
As Ice-T explained (even if he wasn't talking about "The Herald", his words certainly hold true), the writing is simply hard to slog through in many spots, filled with archaic style and grammar and an abundance of universe-specific vocabulary that unless you are a gamer or familiar with this, will go right over your head. Others effectively use context to help impart comprehension to the uninitiated. As the designer of Forgotten Realms, I guess Greenwood can't bother with this. Elminster frequently switches back and forth from old English 'thou's to a modern 'you' with no apparent logic.
I assume that if you are a big fan of this universe and know all the Elminster novels you'll read this no matter what. But for those like me who may read more casually, or how are looking to enter into this universe, go elsewhere, like some of the earlier "Sundering" novels. Although a series, thankfully these don't all have to be read. Me, I'll return to catching up with the adventures of Drizzt and discovering the other works by Dennings, Kemp, and particularly Evans.
June 24, 2014
This review originally appeared on my blog, Leeanna.me.
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THE HERALD is the sixth and final book in The Sundering series. The books are very loosely connected, and follow heroes and Chosen as they navigate the effects of the Sundering upon their lives. I’ve enjoyed most of the books in the series, but unfortunately, THE HERALD just didn’t work for me as well as previous books did.
THE HERALD assumes familiarity with Ed Greenwood’s other novels in the Realms. This is the first time I’ve read one of his books, so I didn’t know who most of the characters were. Yes, I know there’s a lot of books about Elminster, and I’d heard of him. But I didn’t know many of the others that pop up in this book, including Mirt, Manshoon, and the Srinshee. I wish more background had been provided on all the characters, because I had to resort to Googling the ones I named and others to find out who they were and why they were important.
The writing was somewhat difficult to get through. There was a lot of point of view switching -- first Elminster, then Amarune, then a random Shade, then Elminster again, etc. I wish the narration had been more consistent, sticking with the same character whenever possible. The switches were also difficult to keep track of because the author constantly referred to characters without calling them by name. For example, Elminster was El, then the Old Mage, then the wizard, etc. Add in nicknames, and it was hard to remember who was who.
Lastly, I feel like things just didn’t come together. The Shadovar were trying to destroy the Weave at Shar’s direction, Elminster was trying to save it, but then there was a lich and other stuff … I’m just not sure all of what happened, to be honest. I had to force myself to keep reading, and I did because I wanted to know how the series would end, but it was a hard read. I wish there had been more about the Sundering, and an ending that didn’t leave me scratching my head wondering what the outcome was.
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
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THE HERALD is the sixth and final book in The Sundering series. The books are very loosely connected, and follow heroes and Chosen as they navigate the effects of the Sundering upon their lives. I’ve enjoyed most of the books in the series, but unfortunately, THE HERALD just didn’t work for me as well as previous books did.
THE HERALD assumes familiarity with Ed Greenwood’s other novels in the Realms. This is the first time I’ve read one of his books, so I didn’t know who most of the characters were. Yes, I know there’s a lot of books about Elminster, and I’d heard of him. But I didn’t know many of the others that pop up in this book, including Mirt, Manshoon, and the Srinshee. I wish more background had been provided on all the characters, because I had to resort to Googling the ones I named and others to find out who they were and why they were important.
The writing was somewhat difficult to get through. There was a lot of point of view switching -- first Elminster, then Amarune, then a random Shade, then Elminster again, etc. I wish the narration had been more consistent, sticking with the same character whenever possible. The switches were also difficult to keep track of because the author constantly referred to characters without calling them by name. For example, Elminster was El, then the Old Mage, then the wizard, etc. Add in nicknames, and it was hard to remember who was who.
Lastly, I feel like things just didn’t come together. The Shadovar were trying to destroy the Weave at Shar’s direction, Elminster was trying to save it, but then there was a lich and other stuff … I’m just not sure all of what happened, to be honest. I had to force myself to keep reading, and I did because I wanted to know how the series would end, but it was a hard read. I wish there had been more about the Sundering, and an ending that didn’t leave me scratching my head wondering what the outcome was.
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
August 1, 2014
As another book about Elminster, this was just about par for the course. As a part of the Sundering, this is kind of a weird mess. Combined, it's less than it could have been. I have enjoyed some of Elminster's wacky adventures, and there is plenty of that here. Since I've worked through previous Elminster books and most of the Sundering books (Having only skipped the one which involves characters I have not caught up to just yet), I knew a bit what to expect... weird political intrigue, hunting of Chosen, shadovar with grand designs on elevating Shar to a position of power. That was all there, though the elements didn't always seem to mesh terribly well. This seemed rather like a normal Elminster book until about three quarters of the way through, where it sort of skipped ahead to the end, and there was a very brief end scene where we are just told that it was resolved, and the Sundering is complete. I found that rather jarring, as though the book really ought to have been a bit longer so that transition made more sense. A lot of Elminster's supporting cast returns here, having only faked their deaths (they are Chosen of Mystra, so that is not totally far-fetched), and some real changes happen in Candlekeep and Myth Drannor, and perhaps we are past the point of Elminster constantly being tired and ready to die for a while.
Since I also listened to this in audiobook format, it's important to note that this involved a different narrator than previous Elminster books, and a lot of names were pronounced differently, and there were several grammatical errors that I don't know whether they were in the book initially or were misread by the narrator, but it was somewhat jarring. In particular, Dove Falconhand caused a number of problems where her name was read as a verb instead of a noun. It wasn't constant, but it was noticeable, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend the format.
Since I also listened to this in audiobook format, it's important to note that this involved a different narrator than previous Elminster books, and a lot of names were pronounced differently, and there were several grammatical errors that I don't know whether they were in the book initially or were misread by the narrator, but it was somewhat jarring. In particular, Dove Falconhand caused a number of problems where her name was read as a verb instead of a noun. It wasn't constant, but it was noticeable, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend the format.
May 23, 2014
There was a lot going on in this book. Understandable, seeing as this is the final book in The Sundering series, but there were times the cast of characters was so large and the action flipped between them so quickly it was hard to keep track of who was who. (I'm going to go on record as saying that might be a me-thing, though. Because sometimes I'm super lazy and like things to take their sweet time getting to where they need to be.) (On the other hand, things did move fast in this book. So, yeah. Yeah. Take that as you will.)
With the Sundering at hand, some big players have put their best pieces into play to try to further their own interests. Dark and light are going head to head in a battle to control the Weave. Elminster's plan is thrown awry when all the work he's been doing for the past however-many-years unravels in one fell swoop.
*laughs over my weaving and unraveling word play* *seriously, somebody stop me before I hurt myself*
BIG THINGS are afoot. Danger. Betrayal. Heartache. Sacrifice! Magic! MORE DANGER! HAIR THAT FIGHTS BATTLES INDEPENDENTLY OF THE PERSON IT'S GROWING ON! (How does it do that? I'm totally smitten with the idea of sentient hair. Or... hair that can wield a sword. THE POTENTIAL FOR CRAZY IS SO WONDERFULLY HIGH HERE!)
Right. So things get crazy. Good folk die. Bad folk die. And the Sundering is coming! Good stuff, man. Good stuff.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
With the Sundering at hand, some big players have put their best pieces into play to try to further their own interests. Dark and light are going head to head in a battle to control the Weave. Elminster's plan is thrown awry when all the work he's been doing for the past however-many-years unravels in one fell swoop.
*laughs over my weaving and unraveling word play* *seriously, somebody stop me before I hurt myself*
BIG THINGS are afoot. Danger. Betrayal. Heartache. Sacrifice! Magic! MORE DANGER! HAIR THAT FIGHTS BATTLES INDEPENDENTLY OF THE PERSON IT'S GROWING ON! (How does it do that? I'm totally smitten with the idea of sentient hair. Or... hair that can wield a sword. THE POTENTIAL FOR CRAZY IS SO WONDERFULLY HIGH HERE!)
Right. So things get crazy. Good folk die. Bad folk die. And the Sundering is coming! Good stuff, man. Good stuff.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 24, 2017
A great story that would likely be even better if I had read more Elminster books. Oh well. I enjoyed this thoroughly nonetheless.
May 18, 2014
Having enjoyed the last two volumes in this series, I was looking forward to the last installment in the hopes that it would bring it all together. I don't think I can really say that it did; primarily, I've yet to see how the first book related to any of those that came after it, though I can at least say that I now think I understand what the Sundering actually is and how the rising population of Chosen works into all that. I'm afraid that's about the best I can say about it as a contiguous series, though. All I can conclude is that this format of a "series" composed entirely of tangentially related independent stories is just not for me.
That said, I've come to judge each volume on its own merits, and outside of its relationship to its siblings I have to say I don't think this author is for me, either. The entire time I was reading (and sadly, I had to push myself to finish it), I just kept picturing this novel as a comic book instead. It was perfectly formatted for that--quick cuts between rotating scenes of high action, the action itself cartoonish with lots of high leaps, waving tresses, and blasting spells, and loads of either "witty" banter or sterotypical bad guy monologuing. In other words, it was a high-testosterone adventure that lacked any true depth, and the main characters were so full of never-ending magic and sword-fighting capabilities that you never felt the least sense of true potential peril for them. If that's your thing, then you'll love it. That, and the fact that I assume I'm missing a whole lot not knowing these characters' back stories is the only reason I've rated it as high as I did. For me, it's probably a 2, but I recognize that for readers who are already a fan of Greenwood's earlier Forgotten Realms books, it will most likely rate much higher.
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
That said, I've come to judge each volume on its own merits, and outside of its relationship to its siblings I have to say I don't think this author is for me, either. The entire time I was reading (and sadly, I had to push myself to finish it), I just kept picturing this novel as a comic book instead. It was perfectly formatted for that--quick cuts between rotating scenes of high action, the action itself cartoonish with lots of high leaps, waving tresses, and blasting spells, and loads of either "witty" banter or sterotypical bad guy monologuing. In other words, it was a high-testosterone adventure that lacked any true depth, and the main characters were so full of never-ending magic and sword-fighting capabilities that you never felt the least sense of true potential peril for them. If that's your thing, then you'll love it. That, and the fact that I assume I'm missing a whole lot not knowing these characters' back stories is the only reason I've rated it as high as I did. For me, it's probably a 2, but I recognize that for readers who are already a fan of Greenwood's earlier Forgotten Realms books, it will most likely rate much higher.
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
April 23, 2014
ARC provided by NetGalley and Wizards of the coast for an honest review:
Anyone who has read my reviews should know that I have been reading fantasy novels for 23 years and started to read Dungeons and Dragons/Forgotten realms books in 1992 when TSR still was in existence. I have read the majority of the Realms novels along with Dragonlance, Ravenloft, Dark sun and some other offshoot novel worlds WOTC/TSR owned, so I would say I am well versed in the setting, world, and the current events going on in the realms.
The Herald continues the multi-book, multi-author Sundering and centers on our very old friend Elminster and his current mission with Amarune and Storm. Let me go ahead and get this out of the way this book was simply “meh” to me. The book started well enough and the plot seemed to be quite interesting with El and his friends trying to save the weave subtly while the Shadovar tried to destroy it outright, but the story just kind of falls apart and splits into two separate ones that both feel incomplete. There are chosen, Shadovar, Goddesses, High magic, Mythals, Dracolichs, beholders and Megaliches so the size and scale of the fights are phenomenal but the Sundering is never directly addressed, they never explain what AO or any God/Goddess is doing except Shar and the last third of the book is quite frankly confusing. I still am not sure what happened to a major villain or who became Mystra in the end, this could be because my digital copy had poor editing but I have never experienced that before. This book was a good try at an epic scale novel but it just fell flat to me and felt like a carton with bigger and badder guys constantly showing up and showing each other up.
Anyone who has read my reviews should know that I have been reading fantasy novels for 23 years and started to read Dungeons and Dragons/Forgotten realms books in 1992 when TSR still was in existence. I have read the majority of the Realms novels along with Dragonlance, Ravenloft, Dark sun and some other offshoot novel worlds WOTC/TSR owned, so I would say I am well versed in the setting, world, and the current events going on in the realms.
The Herald continues the multi-book, multi-author Sundering and centers on our very old friend Elminster and his current mission with Amarune and Storm. Let me go ahead and get this out of the way this book was simply “meh” to me. The book started well enough and the plot seemed to be quite interesting with El and his friends trying to save the weave subtly while the Shadovar tried to destroy it outright, but the story just kind of falls apart and splits into two separate ones that both feel incomplete. There are chosen, Shadovar, Goddesses, High magic, Mythals, Dracolichs, beholders and Megaliches so the size and scale of the fights are phenomenal but the Sundering is never directly addressed, they never explain what AO or any God/Goddess is doing except Shar and the last third of the book is quite frankly confusing. I still am not sure what happened to a major villain or who became Mystra in the end, this could be because my digital copy had poor editing but I have never experienced that before. This book was a good try at an epic scale novel but it just fell flat to me and felt like a carton with bigger and badder guys constantly showing up and showing each other up.
July 23, 2018
Probably a great book for fans of Elminster, as it has appearances by many of his classic characters. This books brings the Sundering to a close. The series has been disappointing. The six books have almost nothing to do with each other. The Sundering itself is an afterthought; 99% of the book is about an amazing well-funded war that Telethantor raged against Myth Dranor. Tens of thousands of mercenaries lose their lives in the name of coin; it seems highly unlikely that sellswords would be that committed. And the deux ex machinas start coming out of the woodwork near the end.
Nor does this book address the new world of 5e, or relate to adventures moving forward, such as the whole Cult of the Dragon nonsense. Plus one of the main characters, Storm, holds weapons with her long hair, like something out of a bad anime cartoon. I don't know, it was interesting in places but over I didn't find it to be great.
Nor does this book address the new world of 5e, or relate to adventures moving forward, such as the whole Cult of the Dragon nonsense. Plus one of the main characters, Storm, holds weapons with her long hair, like something out of a bad anime cartoon. I don't know, it was interesting in places but over I didn't find it to be great.
March 16, 2017
I read this following up on The Companions and then The Godborn for the express purpose of getting an updated perspective of the Realms, the Gods and how the Chosen fit in with this whole affair. This book would not be recommended for those who are not familiar with the Realms as a world in general, and more specifically without some background on Elminster and the Seven Sisters - whether that be from previous books, or having played/read some of the original source material.
In the beginning, I liked this book quite a lot. Plenty of action, characters I knew, places I knew, and the promise that quite a bit was going to get revealed. However, as things went along, the good impression I got from the start of the book started fading away. The action started resolving itself quickly into some kind of magic draining repetition, which might be something new in the world, but it seemed to be a pretty boring and repetitive dynamic. Also, once the action moved to Myth Drannor, then the antagonists are an unending supply of mercenaries, described as 'mercenaries'. Just more. And more. And then some more. Dull, and somewhat stupid seeming with their unlimited numbers.
Sadly, there was not as much I had hoped to balance this in the way of points of greater world interest, which coupled with the damp squib of an ending leaves this with just a two stars, over the three stars I was originally hoping to give.
In the beginning, I liked this book quite a lot. Plenty of action, characters I knew, places I knew, and the promise that quite a bit was going to get revealed. However, as things went along, the good impression I got from the start of the book started fading away. The action started resolving itself quickly into some kind of magic draining repetition, which might be something new in the world, but it seemed to be a pretty boring and repetitive dynamic. Also, once the action moved to Myth Drannor, then the antagonists are an unending supply of mercenaries, described as 'mercenaries'. Just more. And more. And then some more. Dull, and somewhat stupid seeming with their unlimited numbers.
Sadly, there was not as much I had hoped to balance this in the way of points of greater world interest, which coupled with the damp squib of an ending leaves this with just a two stars, over the three stars I was originally hoping to give.
June 26, 2017
Ed has a way of having all these crazy characters, gods and demigods, crash around like so many action figures in a plastic bin. They vanish and reappear, reaping the enemy and saving their friends, and sometimes, like in The Herald, they suffer as well.
I am sure that Ed is tired of writing for Elminster, yet he keeps the stupendous, realm-breaking, fantastical stories rolling along nonetheless.
Thanks for the ride Ed, and keep it coming if you can.
I am sure that Ed is tired of writing for Elminster, yet he keeps the stupendous, realm-breaking, fantastical stories rolling along nonetheless.
Thanks for the ride Ed, and keep it coming if you can.
August 19, 2020
This book probably has more impact if you've read more of elminster than I have. I only started with the elminster must die books. Overall it was a nice glimpse into the unlife of a baelnorn and the fall of the shadovar so those were really impactful story points for me. The defense of Myth Drannor was lost on me, it was weirdly one sided with the baddies being called literally endless at multiple times in the book.
February 13, 2022
Okay but a bit pompous
Ed Greenwood focused on a lot of action this time around which was strangely fitting for the transition from 4E to 5E. However, he can't seem to get over needing to make Elminster always the self-insert who is always right. It was a fairly enjoyable novel but admittedly became a slog after a while with so much endless carnage and death. Elminster needs to step back and take a break. I understand FR is his creation but this is getting a little silly.
Ed Greenwood focused on a lot of action this time around which was strangely fitting for the transition from 4E to 5E. However, he can't seem to get over needing to make Elminster always the self-insert who is always right. It was a fairly enjoyable novel but admittedly became a slog after a while with so much endless carnage and death. Elminster needs to step back and take a break. I understand FR is his creation but this is getting a little silly.
November 5, 2022
I'd read this book mainly for some background on Myth Drannor and the finale of the Shadovar.
It's a steady book, with Greenwood's usual style, and a wide range of his characters, including good old Elminster. It bounces from one action scene to another, with plenty of spells and scraps. It's good for FR lore if that's what you're into, and the plot's okay.
I'd say it's one for the fans, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.
It's a steady book, with Greenwood's usual style, and a wide range of his characters, including good old Elminster. It bounces from one action scene to another, with plenty of spells and scraps. It's good for FR lore if that's what you're into, and the plot's okay.
I'd say it's one for the fans, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.
August 22, 2023
I liked some of the characters, but everything was so over the top and was soon leaving a lot of the established way the world works behind, that it devolved into an endless series of one-upping magic descriptions, which resulted in a great crescendo.
Way too much, clichee, over-the-top, heroic high-fantasy.
Maybe what fans were expecting as a season finale, but after this book, I want to read a few cooking books just to calm down.
Way too much, clichee, over-the-top, heroic high-fantasy.
Maybe what fans were expecting as a season finale, but after this book, I want to read a few cooking books just to calm down.
Read
September 7, 2021Great story!!
Definitely a challenge keeping track of all the characters! Loved the storyline though! I was quite a bit into it before it made sense. It was worth the wait! When all the characters start interacting the fun begins! Enjoy the visualizing of the different and and protects a fantastical spells! The ending is good!
Definitely a challenge keeping track of all the characters! Loved the storyline though! I was quite a bit into it before it made sense. It was worth the wait! When all the characters start interacting the fun begins! Enjoy the visualizing of the different and and protects a fantastical spells! The ending is good!
November 1, 2017
It was o.k.
I am not sure there was a cohesive story there
I am not sure there was a cohesive story there
July 24, 2018
As a standalone you will get lost. I only read this one to find out more about the last stand in Myth Drannor and events prior but got hopelessly lost. Read the rest of The Sundering first.
August 1, 2018
A fantastic finish to the Sundering series!!
Read
March 28, 2020Awesome book
Was really interested. I c I uldnt stop listening to it and the book was done in two days. Will look at the others. I didn't do them in order like I should have
Was really interested. I c I uldnt stop listening to it and the book was done in two days. Will look at the others. I didn't do them in order like I should have
June 2, 2020
Interesting views from Candlekeep and Myth Drannor, but too many 'deux ex-machina' solutions.
April 20, 2022
Good easy read, great finale to the sundering
August 2, 2022
Honestly it wasn't great. Loose ends needlessly left untied, deaths just ...ignored, etc. Sloppy.
April 17, 2023
Quite fun.
June 26, 2023
Sometimes a bit arduous to get through but all in all a pleasant story.
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