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The War of the Spider Queen #5
Εξόντωση
Εγκαταλελειμμένη από τη Βασίλισσα Αράχνη, την προστάτιδα θεά της, η Μεντζομπεράντζαν κινδυνεύει να καταστραφεί συθέμελα, χτυπημένη από εχθρούς ισχυρότερους από οτιδήποτε θα μπορούσαν να φανταστούν ποτέ ακόμα και οι πιο υποψιασμένοι κάτοικοί της. Ομως ο Γκρομφ Μπένρε, Αρχιμάγιστρος της πόλης των ντρόου, δε θα αφήσει να συμβεί κάτι τέτοιο.
Κι ενώ η Πόλη των Αραχνών παλεύει να επιβιώσει, μια μικρή ομάδα από επίδοξους σωτήρες ταξιδεύει ανάμεσα στις διαστάσεις, σε αναζήτηση μιας θεάς που τους έχει απαρνηθεί ή ίσως είναι ακόμη και νεκρή. Αλλά έστω κι αν επιζήσουν από το επικίνδυνο ταξίδι, θα καταφέρουν να επιβιώσουν στην ίδια την Αβυσσο;
Το πέμπτο βιβλίο μιας συναρπαστικής σειράς, όπως την εμπνεύστηκαν ο R.A. Salvatore και μια εκλεκτή ομάδα από τους νεότερους και πιο ταλαντούχους συγγραφείς του χώρου. Συνοδέψτε τους στο ταξίδι τους στην καρδιά του Φέρουν και από εκεί στα αβυσσαλέα βάθη του Δαιμονοϊστού.
Κι ενώ η Πόλη των Αραχνών παλεύει να επιβιώσει, μια μικρή ομάδα από επίδοξους σωτήρες ταξιδεύει ανάμεσα στις διαστάσεις, σε αναζήτηση μιας θεάς που τους έχει απαρνηθεί ή ίσως είναι ακόμη και νεκρή. Αλλά έστω κι αν επιζήσουν από το επικίνδυνο ταξίδι, θα καταφέρουν να επιβιώσουν στην ίδια την Αβυσσο;
Το πέμπτο βιβλίο μιας συναρπαστικής σειράς, όπως την εμπνεύστηκαν ο R.A. Salvatore και μια εκλεκτή ομάδα από τους νεότερους και πιο ταλαντούχους συγγραφείς του χώρου. Συνοδέψτε τους στο ταξίδι τους στην καρδιά του Φέρουν και από εκεί στα αβυσσαλέα βάθη του Δαιμονοϊστού.
367 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
59 people are currently reading
3401 people want to read
About the author
Philip Athans
55 books245 followersI 100% support AUTHORS AGAINST BOOK BANS
https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com
I give every book 5 stars in protest against the concept of star ratings in general and the ever-unfolding algorithm dystopia!
Philip Athans, an anti-AI, anti-book bans liberal, is the founding partner of Athans & Associates Creative Consulting (www.athansassociates.com), and the New York Times best-selling author of Annihilation and more than a dozen other fantasy and horror books including The Best of Fantasy Authors Handbook Vol. I 2009-2013, The Guide to Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Writing Monsters. Born in Rochester, New York he grew up in suburban Chicago, where he published the literary magazine Alternative Fiction & Poetry. His blog, Fantasy Author’s Handbook, is updated every Tuesday (https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com), less regularly on the FAH YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@FantasyAutho...), and you can follow him on Twitter @PhilAthans. He makes his home in the foothills of the Washington Cascades, east of Seattle.
https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com
I give every book 5 stars in protest against the concept of star ratings in general and the ever-unfolding algorithm dystopia!
Philip Athans, an anti-AI, anti-book bans liberal, is the founding partner of Athans & Associates Creative Consulting (www.athansassociates.com), and the New York Times best-selling author of Annihilation and more than a dozen other fantasy and horror books including The Best of Fantasy Authors Handbook Vol. I 2009-2013, The Guide to Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Writing Monsters. Born in Rochester, New York he grew up in suburban Chicago, where he published the literary magazine Alternative Fiction & Poetry. His blog, Fantasy Author’s Handbook, is updated every Tuesday (https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com), less regularly on the FAH YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@FantasyAutho...), and you can follow him on Twitter @PhilAthans. He makes his home in the foothills of the Washington Cascades, east of Seattle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 18, 2009
Yeah, killed one of my favorite characters and he/she's death didn't even make sense. If you have to kill a badass character at least let them go out in style.
Only thing saving this from a two star from me was Gromph's fight with the Lich.
Only thing saving this from a two star from me was Gromph's fight with the Lich.
October 3, 2009
A somewhat disappointing read, in all honesty. A bad mark in what was a wonderful series. At times, it felt like that author didn't quite "get" the previous four books and somehow seems to have captured the personalities of the main characters inaccurately. The main party of drow felt... different. Sure, there were attempts at character development but it just didn't felt smooth.
The story focused primarily on the party's attempts to get back to the Abyss; unfortunately the action was few and riddled with rather bland dialogue. There are also parts of Halisstra and Ryld, and how they got intertwined again with the rest. That part was the worst part of the book. I won't spoil it, but suffice to say, it's a story arc that felt pointless and rather shallow.
When the story does switch back to the siege at Menzoberranzan, it doesn't actually deal with the siege, but rather the magical duel between the archmage and the lich. The duel started off interesting, but when it dragged on for several chapters, it got repetitive and boring - with what felt like an anti-climactic end. Overall, this was a drop in satisfaction after reading the previous 4 books.
The story focused primarily on the party's attempts to get back to the Abyss; unfortunately the action was few and riddled with rather bland dialogue. There are also parts of Halisstra and Ryld, and how they got intertwined again with the rest. That part was the worst part of the book. I won't spoil it, but suffice to say, it's a story arc that felt pointless and rather shallow.
When the story does switch back to the siege at Menzoberranzan, it doesn't actually deal with the siege, but rather the magical duel between the archmage and the lich. The duel started off interesting, but when it dragged on for several chapters, it got repetitive and boring - with what felt like an anti-climactic end. Overall, this was a drop in satisfaction after reading the previous 4 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2009
This book in the series is somewhat difficult for me to review. There are many parts I enjoyed, namely the ongoing battle between the lich drow Dyrr and Gromph Baenre, but also parts that weren't good and seemed to just "fill up space". First off I feel this book makes for the largest departure in character personality and attitude. A certain degree of character difference is to be expected from different authors in such a series, but this book took some of the characters even farther out of their pre-written element. The first 4 books managed to maintain a certain character consistency that didn't seem to hold in this entry. Pharaun and Danifae in particular seemed to be the largest examples of this.
As for the actual meat of the book and its place in the series, the first 3/4 of the book, while enjoyable, seemed to be sort of a filler rather than a true and necessary part of the story. This changed near the end though, when big and important events unfolded that will undoubtedly come to fruition in the final book, Resurrection.
On the brighter side of things, I felt Athans did a good job of telling the story of Hallistra Melarn and her "new way of life". In contrast to some of the other reviews here, I believe it was not to far fetched and made perfect sense for the alienated priestess of House Melarn and the ruined Ched Nasad. I also thouroughly enjoyed the battle between Gromph and the lich drow. It was handled well and allowed for many a different spell and incantation to be unleashed, showing us the true power (and weakness) of the archmage of Menzoberranzan.
All in all I think it was a pretty good book, but could have made more of an impact than it did. Having read it, I can't help but feel half of the book was unnecessary in the telling of this epic story! If I could rate this book 3.5 stars I would, but it was tough for me to give it the benefit of the doubt, when considering other books I've given 4 stars were better. I am looking forward to Resurrection though, as im sure there are big events to come!
As for the actual meat of the book and its place in the series, the first 3/4 of the book, while enjoyable, seemed to be sort of a filler rather than a true and necessary part of the story. This changed near the end though, when big and important events unfolded that will undoubtedly come to fruition in the final book, Resurrection.
On the brighter side of things, I felt Athans did a good job of telling the story of Hallistra Melarn and her "new way of life". In contrast to some of the other reviews here, I believe it was not to far fetched and made perfect sense for the alienated priestess of House Melarn and the ruined Ched Nasad. I also thouroughly enjoyed the battle between Gromph and the lich drow. It was handled well and allowed for many a different spell and incantation to be unleashed, showing us the true power (and weakness) of the archmage of Menzoberranzan.
All in all I think it was a pretty good book, but could have made more of an impact than it did. Having read it, I can't help but feel half of the book was unnecessary in the telling of this epic story! If I could rate this book 3.5 stars I would, but it was tough for me to give it the benefit of the doubt, when considering other books I've given 4 stars were better. I am looking forward to Resurrection though, as im sure there are big events to come!
October 17, 2024
Okay let’s see what’s next. A little harder to get into but it picks up. Once you get used to the writing (very different than the last book) you’ll love the story. 3.9 stars
December 18, 2013
A 1.5
The worst book I have read in at least a year. Very lazy writing. The author seemed to invent problems that needed invented solutions. Characters had just the right item/spell for just such a perilous situation. The flow of constant “peril” was tiresome. I was especially annoyed by the city of portals which seems way, way too convenient and not well thought through.
The two great duels were painful to read. Ryld & Jeggred’s battle was bad, but Dyrr & Gromph’s was abysmal. At times split seconds in spellcasting was everything, then at other times both took ages to do nothing. How does that make sense? Magic is always a bit vague, but it seemed nonsensical.
The characters that have been building for 5 books hardly seemed the same. I realize it might be hard for an author to pick up the characters, but truly this was awful. For self-torture alone I will get around to the last book in the series.
Halfling Heaven was moderately cute.
The worst book I have read in at least a year. Very lazy writing. The author seemed to invent problems that needed invented solutions. Characters had just the right item/spell for just such a perilous situation. The flow of constant “peril” was tiresome. I was especially annoyed by the city of portals which seems way, way too convenient and not well thought through.
The two great duels were painful to read. Ryld & Jeggred’s battle was bad, but Dyrr & Gromph’s was abysmal. At times split seconds in spellcasting was everything, then at other times both took ages to do nothing. How does that make sense? Magic is always a bit vague, but it seemed nonsensical.
The characters that have been building for 5 books hardly seemed the same. I realize it might be hard for an author to pick up the characters, but truly this was awful. For self-torture alone I will get around to the last book in the series.
Halfling Heaven was moderately cute.
November 5, 2025
Review in Greek & English
[gr]
Κλασικό σχόλιο πλέον, ίσως με βαρεθήκατε αλλά: ωραίες μάχες, ωραία ξόρκια, ωραίο στήσιμο ατμόσφαιρας μπλα, μπλα, μπλα…
Βασικά με ενθουσίασαν τα ίδια όπως και με τα υπόλοιπα και δε μπορώ να πω πως μου έμεινε κάτι πολύ ξεχωριστό σαν θετικό.
ΣΤΟ ΑΡΝΗΤΙΚΟ ΤΩΡΑ… #spoilers
Ίσως να επέμεινα πολύ σε κάτι αρνητικό για αυτό το βιβλίο, αλλά δε το περίμενα να έρθει και πληγώθηκα… Επίσης, όλο καλά έλεγα γι’ αυτή τη σειρά, ας κλαφτώ και λίγο. ^^
[en]
I bet you got tired of reading this from me but: nice battle scenes, nice magical system, nice vibes overall blah, blah, blah… Yes, I did like the same things as before and I can’t say that I found any specific stuff that stayed with me more.
EXCEPT ONE… #spoilers
So, I am okay and not okay after this book and I will start n. 6 RIGHT NOW. I need to put an end to this adventure <3
[gr]
Κλασικό σχόλιο πλέον, ίσως με βαρεθήκατε αλλά: ωραίες μάχες, ωραία ξόρκια, ωραίο στήσιμο ατμόσφαιρας μπλα, μπλα, μπλα…
Βασικά με ενθουσίασαν τα ίδια όπως και με τα υπόλοιπα και δε μπορώ να πω πως μου έμεινε κάτι πολύ ξεχωριστό σαν θετικό.
ΣΤΟ ΑΡΝΗΤΙΚΟ ΤΩΡΑ… #spoilers
Ίσως να επέμεινα πολύ σε κάτι αρνητικό για αυτό το βιβλίο, αλλά δε το περίμενα να έρθει και πληγώθηκα… Επίσης, όλο καλά έλεγα γι’ αυτή τη σειρά, ας κλαφτώ και λίγο. ^^
[en]
I bet you got tired of reading this from me but: nice battle scenes, nice magical system, nice vibes overall blah, blah, blah… Yes, I did like the same things as before and I can’t say that I found any specific stuff that stayed with me more.
EXCEPT ONE… #spoilers
So, I am okay and not okay after this book and I will start n. 6 RIGHT NOW. I need to put an end to this adventure <3
February 11, 2023
Having reached the 5th book you know what you are getting into. Only one more to go. And yet at times the plot seemed disjointed with parts overly protracted and other plot points not adequately explained or just skipped altogether. When even your characters stress that the plot is erratic, there's a problem. A lot of wasted potential.
PS. At some point one really needs to decide if the drow are evil and cruel or if they only occasionally behave as such, when they remember to do so
PS. At some point one really needs to decide if the drow are evil and cruel or if they only occasionally behave as such, when they remember to do so
November 1, 2014
This is my favorite book of the War of the Spider Queen saga! Philip Athans is an author that gives all that I could ask for. He writes the drow as vivid, and ruthless, as I've come to expect. The battle still rages on with the spiders that Lolth has given to birth to herself. Of those females left, the ones of uncontrollable hunger, simple self defense, and instinctual survival are all dead now. Only the strongest with the best cunning remain, waiting on the other’s next move. Because only one can reign supreme. Gromph begins by setting right to his handicap of being blind. No longer dependant to use his familiar, Kyorli to see. With the aid of the traitorous House Agrach Dyrr, he has chosen one exceptionally weak drow, to take his new eyes from. In order to save Menzoberranzan, he must defeat the lichdrow of House Agrach Dyrr. Through this battle between powerful sorcerers, the Anointed Blade is brought out, and we now learn what he truly is! Quenthal is growing quite mad while aboard the chaos ship. They can not set sail for the Abyss until they are re-supplied. In Sschindylryn, Valas re-supplies the company while Danifae gains her freedom, no longer a battle captive. Now she returns with Valas with revenge in her heart. She takes control of Jaggred whom she sends to kill Ryld Argith, and discovers Hallistra’s conversion to the goddess Eilistraee. Hallistra struggles between her love to Ryld and the devotion to Eilistraee. He doubts that she can kill the Queen of Spiders, even with such a sword as the Crescent Blade. Quenthal is quite jealous over loosing Jaggred, has some secrets of her own that she shares with the Menzoberranyrns. Ultimately she is consumed of reaching Lolth in the flesh. Pharaun is reacquainted with an old friend, or fiend, Aliisza, who is not only able to fulfill her commitment to Kaanyr Vhok but is able to teach Pharaun to sail the ship without the help of the captain, Raashub. A bumpy ride from the Lake of Shadows, to the Abyss answers some questions. Lolth has removed the sixty-sixth layer to a dimension of its own. No one thought this possible. And a shock wave is felt through out Faerun. The priestesses now feel and know of Lolth’s return!
June 2, 2014
3.5 stars, Athans brings back the "dark" to the dark elf and continues the story of the search for Lolth with some refreshing character arcs and epic confrontations!
Annihilation, the 5th book of the War of the Spider Queen, starts out with a bang, picking up with Gromph and a very particularly nasty ritual. Unfortunately it slows down, following once again the tedious quest of the dark elf travelers as they return to the Abyss, but picks up again about halfway through. I was able to forgive the lull considering the author had to continue from where Extinction left off, which so far has been my least-favorite of the saga.
Danifae (the female drow battle-captive) shines in this novel as a true dark elf - conniving, murderous, and uncaring. Her scheming sets up perhaps THE gutsiest move by any author of the series so far, and in my opinion culminates in the best scene of the book, which is a standoff between two of the main characters. Athans expertly portrays the scene through various character perspectives, which really brings it to life.
Riddled throughout the narrative are some great one-liners that I couldn't help but smile at. Athans captures a very dark humor which is befitting of the drow world.
Gromph has an obvious epic battle ahead of him as well, and it does not disappoint.
There was one glaring oversight that I could not forgive: In the prveious book, Extinction, one of the main antagonists was promptly taken care of by Gromph, only to re-appear in Annihilation with absolutely no explanation whatsoever. I imagine it is a very challenging task for 6 different authors to put one series together and still keep everything cohesive, but I felt that the re-emergence of that character was important enough to warrant an explanation.
The conclusion was not lacking, perhaps the best of the series since Condemnation. I'm excited to finish the last book!
Annihilation, the 5th book of the War of the Spider Queen, starts out with a bang, picking up with Gromph and a very particularly nasty ritual. Unfortunately it slows down, following once again the tedious quest of the dark elf travelers as they return to the Abyss, but picks up again about halfway through. I was able to forgive the lull considering the author had to continue from where Extinction left off, which so far has been my least-favorite of the saga.
Danifae (the female drow battle-captive) shines in this novel as a true dark elf - conniving, murderous, and uncaring. Her scheming sets up perhaps THE gutsiest move by any author of the series so far, and in my opinion culminates in the best scene of the book, which is a standoff between two of the main characters. Athans expertly portrays the scene through various character perspectives, which really brings it to life.
Riddled throughout the narrative are some great one-liners that I couldn't help but smile at. Athans captures a very dark humor which is befitting of the drow world.
Gromph has an obvious epic battle ahead of him as well, and it does not disappoint.
There was one glaring oversight that I could not forgive: In the prveious book, Extinction, one of the main antagonists was promptly taken care of by Gromph, only to re-appear in Annihilation with absolutely no explanation whatsoever. I imagine it is a very challenging task for 6 different authors to put one series together and still keep everything cohesive, but I felt that the re-emergence of that character was important enough to warrant an explanation.
The conclusion was not lacking, perhaps the best of the series since Condemnation. I'm excited to finish the last book!
April 18, 2020
The fifth book of the War of the Spider Queen series is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it capitulates on the progress made in book 4, but on the other hand changes a lot of things and introduces inconsistencies here and there.
The bad:
- Again, too many POVs with very abrupt switches between them. Book 3 had the same issue, for pretty much the same reasons.
- Most heroes acted out of character. Granted, to some extent this was foreshadowed at the end of book 4, but the link between actions and motivations seemed absent in book 5. Characters made decisions, but these were left unexplained or the heroes themselves questioned their judgement. The person who made the most sense in her actions was Danifae, but again, her reasoning was not presented clearly to the readers.
- The most important events occurred towards the very end of the book.
- Jeggred is still an unknown. We don't know what motivates him at all and I hope eventually in book 6 I'll learn something about him. It's a real shame that such an important character is treated as a tool for most of the series.
The good:
- Character development. At last, Valas gets a little time in the spotlight. For the last 4 books he was treated mostly as a background character, which I found very sad. Yes, he's a mercenary, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't deserve proper character development like everyone else.
- The magical duel other readers complained about was actually intriguing to me. The beginning was cringe-worthy, but it developed nicely and concluded with a satisfying finale.
- The dark elves are finally back to their element - treacherous, conniving and deceitful.
- The ending of the book is totally worth the read.
I feel that War of the Spider Queen should be judged as a complete series rather than each book separately, since it was a joint project. Therefore, it's only natural that certain characters get more exposition than others in each book. Still, I agree with other readers that the first three books were more eventful and in general more interesting.
The bad:
- Again, too many POVs with very abrupt switches between them. Book 3 had the same issue, for pretty much the same reasons.
- Most heroes acted out of character. Granted, to some extent this was foreshadowed at the end of book 4, but the link between actions and motivations seemed absent in book 5. Characters made decisions, but these were left unexplained or the heroes themselves questioned their judgement. The person who made the most sense in her actions was Danifae, but again, her reasoning was not presented clearly to the readers.
- The most important events occurred towards the very end of the book.
- Jeggred is still an unknown. We don't know what motivates him at all and I hope eventually in book 6 I'll learn something about him. It's a real shame that such an important character is treated as a tool for most of the series.
The good:
- Character development. At last, Valas gets a little time in the spotlight. For the last 4 books he was treated mostly as a background character, which I found very sad. Yes, he's a mercenary, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't deserve proper character development like everyone else.
- The magical duel other readers complained about was actually intriguing to me. The beginning was cringe-worthy, but it developed nicely and concluded with a satisfying finale.
- The dark elves are finally back to their element - treacherous, conniving and deceitful.
- The ending of the book is totally worth the read.
I feel that War of the Spider Queen should be judged as a complete series rather than each book separately, since it was a joint project. Therefore, it's only natural that certain characters get more exposition than others in each book. Still, I agree with other readers that the first three books were more eventful and in general more interesting.
February 21, 2016
The main plot points in this, the 5th book of The War of the Spider Queen, centered on the main party's plans to get the living ship of chaos to the abyss, Haalistra and Ryld's acclimation to the surface world and her conversion from darkness to light, and Gromph's epic spell battle with Dyrr above the city of Menzoberranzan.
A lot happens in this book as it nears the finish. The major event is Lolth's return which also means that all the female drow priestesses get their mojo back as well in terms of spells and faith and such.
I realize that being the 5th book in a 6 book series means that you have to set up a lot of things for a finale worthy of a story this long and all encompassing. Athans pulls it off rather well.
One of my favorite moments was when Pharaun takes out a pesky demon who happens to also be Jeggred's father. It was almost comical in how the demon is destroyed. Bug Bunny would have been proud.
A lot happens in this book as it nears the finish. The major event is Lolth's return which also means that all the female drow priestesses get their mojo back as well in terms of spells and faith and such.
I realize that being the 5th book in a 6 book series means that you have to set up a lot of things for a finale worthy of a story this long and all encompassing. Athans pulls it off rather well.
One of my favorite moments was when Pharaun takes out a pesky demon who happens to also be Jeggred's father. It was almost comical in how the demon is destroyed. Bug Bunny would have been proud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2010
This was one of my favorite books in the series. First of all, I really enjoy this author and he is quickly becoming my most favorite realms author.
If I remeber correctly, this is the book where the seperated companions (if you can call a party of evil drow companions) rejoin.
What was interesting about this series, inparticular, was that with every author using the same characters, their personalities would shift slightly. I feel that, with a few disipointments, the authors did an excellent job of keeping the characters true. However, one of the disapointments happend in the book previous to this one, and Athans's return to the character's true nature was pleasing.
This whole series is awesome and has spawned others, as well as shapped the Forgotten Realms world as a whole. definitely worth reading.
If I remeber correctly, this is the book where the seperated companions (if you can call a party of evil drow companions) rejoin.
What was interesting about this series, inparticular, was that with every author using the same characters, their personalities would shift slightly. I feel that, with a few disipointments, the authors did an excellent job of keeping the characters true. However, one of the disapointments happend in the book previous to this one, and Athans's return to the character's true nature was pleasing.
This whole series is awesome and has spawned others, as well as shapped the Forgotten Realms world as a whole. definitely worth reading.
December 13, 2012
This is definitely my favorite of the series so far. There is a Dragon Ball Z style battle that spans 200+ pages, which is phenomenal! Some of the main characters finally face off, which is also epic and intense. I really couldn't call who would win right up until it ended. I can't wait to see the fallout from that! There was a particularly clever spot where the first humans in the series get caught up in the action. The author switches point of view to each of them and it really puts into perspective how outmatched humans are to drow. The bit ends with one of the funniest lines I have ever read! This really ended on a fantastic note and I can't wait to finish the series. The next author has his work cut out for him. Things have built up on many fronts, spanning the planes in true R.A. Salvatore fashion!
August 16, 2011
Another worthy addition to the series. I'm not as impressed with this one as with Lisa Smedman's tale in book 4, but it was nevertheless very enjoyable.
The changes in the group of drow this storyline follows were quite dramatic this time around, and you do get the impression that different authors were involved in making this happen, as they are quite sudden. (Halistra's conversion; Quenthal's going quietly mad; Danifae's power growth.)
The descriptions of the magic in battles is very impressive, especially as I recognize the spells from my own playing of D&D. [smile]
And the events in the final chapter make me desperate to read the final book!
The changes in the group of drow this storyline follows were quite dramatic this time around, and you do get the impression that different authors were involved in making this happen, as they are quite sudden. (Halistra's conversion; Quenthal's going quietly mad; Danifae's power growth.)
The descriptions of the magic in battles is very impressive, especially as I recognize the spells from my own playing of D&D. [smile]
And the events in the final chapter make me desperate to read the final book!
May 16, 2023
At this point I'm starting to think that none of the authors up to this point read their predecessors work, they just skimmed it or something. The continuity errors continue, with the character inconsistencies and one error so blaring it might as well have been written in neon ink: Nimor.
In the last book he got slam dunked into another realm with an object that should have prevented his return and yet return he did. With absolutely no explanation how he managed this nor was there any mention of what happened to him in the last book.
None of this was helped by the fact that almost 80% of this book was pure filler.
In the last book he got slam dunked into another realm with an object that should have prevented his return and yet return he did. With absolutely no explanation how he managed this nor was there any mention of what happened to him in the last book.
None of this was helped by the fact that almost 80% of this book was pure filler.
August 3, 2016
What can I say, other than I'm a -bit- of a drow fangirl, and to finally have the opportunity to read a series where a group of dark elves are, y'know... acting like drow, instead of centering on one goodie-two-shoes individual, made me squee with delight.
I loved the politicking and conniving done by, and general unpleasantness of, the characters in this whole series, to the point that I was more than willing to forgive a couple of plot holes and narrative errors, not to mention the sudden changes in select character traits when each new author picked up the series.
I loved the politicking and conniving done by, and general unpleasantness of, the characters in this whole series, to the point that I was more than willing to forgive a couple of plot holes and narrative errors, not to mention the sudden changes in select character traits when each new author picked up the series.
June 12, 2018
"Stupid foes are easy to defeat and angry foes even easier. Mix the two together, and you're in for a fight."
"We should get together and tell each other nothing more often. It beats...getting on with my life."
"Only the fool misses the difference between the coward and the pragmatist."
"Only the young seek glory over success."
"We should get together and tell each other nothing more often. It beats...getting on with my life."
"Only the fool misses the difference between the coward and the pragmatist."
"Only the young seek glory over success."
March 26, 2008
This is a detour in the series, a too long tale of what in rpg we call "random encounters". Yet you have to read through it to the end of the saga. Unlike book 4, this one has to be read or you won't understand the 6th. Well, if you read the first 4, why not?
August 31, 2014
Good book. Shame about Ryld . . . and a little disappointed by Gromph. I was hoping for a better showing than what was shown. Fifth novel in and while Drizzt wasn't mentioned by name, he got a mention nonetheless. In a great and subtle way.
July 1, 2015
3.5 stars
This book came off to me as a bit of a mess. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it but it just was a collection of parts that I liked and didn't like. I'll be honest and admit that by this point I was speed reading to just get through the series.
This book came off to me as a bit of a mess. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it but it just was a collection of parts that I liked and didn't like. I'll be honest and admit that by this point I was speed reading to just get through the series.
September 23, 2012
Good, and worth reading simply to continue working toward finishing the series, but I prefer Lisa Smedman's writing to Philip Athans' (no offense Phil).
June 10, 2013
5th book in the series...most noteable to me in the battle between the archmage and the lich...well written entry in this series.
December 3, 2014
Not as good as the previous book, but there are good bits to the book like the battle between Gromph and Dyrr (the drowlich).
August 23, 2014
Even though the story line is good, the middle of the books was laborous to read.
August 4, 2015
Somehow the personalitites of the characters in this book bothered me...
(Specially Ryld).
(Specially Ryld).
February 2, 2022
”One or two drow have proven interesting. One or two of the interesting ones, together, can prove dangerous.”
Annihilation, the fifth book in the War of the Spider Queen sextet, continues the series’ tradition of solid storytelling and clever characterization as the war for Menzoberranzan reaches a turning point and the dark elves’ search for their missing goddess Lolth finally seems to be making some headway.
Penning this installment is writer Philip Athans, who opens the book with a particularly chilling ritual reminiscent of a Saw-trap, before squaring off a number of the major characters in brawls — both physical and magical — that have been simmering across the series for some time. The character dynamics have always been one of this series’ strongpoints, and the party of questing drow continue to be entertaining as they back-stab one another all the way from the Underdark to the Abyss. This one also gives Athans the opportunity to bring battle-captive Danifae Yauntyrr out of the background, and the sultry drow makes the most of it, settling a few old scores with brutal panache.
To some extent, this book is treading water. While a few big things happen — and one really big thing in particular — we still haven’t quite exposed the core conundrum of the series, namely ‘Where is Lolth?’ But by book’s end, we are clearly closer and — rather remarkably after five novels — I remain absolutely intrigued by the adventure’s side-treks, minor foes (such as the rat-demon uridezu) and its (admittedly despicable) characters.
My only concern (as we approach the series’ final act) is that a lot remains unresolved. It felt like a few of minor plot lines could have been concluded in Annihilation, leaving more space in the final volume for bigger things … I guess I just have to hope that the final flourish does indeed ‘stick the landing’ and minimizes loose ends.
Regardless, it’s never been easy to hold my attention past three books in a trilogy, but the War of Spider Queen has been a fun fantasy ride right through the fifth furlong.
July 8, 2023
Much like the other books, it felt like there was a lot of filler and maybe 100 pages at most of actual impactful things happening in the story. Fights were dragged out for chapters and a lot of dry, pointless conversations were had.
It also felt like a lot of characters personalities changed drastically in this book. Of course, with a new author taking over the story, some changes are expected, however they were more jarring than ever before. Especially with Danifae and Jeggred, who felt like entirely new characters to me all together. Danifae made sense, seeing as she overcomes something big in her story, but Jeggred it just felt nonsensical how much he changed and some of the decisions he made.
Not to mention it was amusing that Aliiza at one point asks Pharaun who Danifae was, despite her having some weird rivalry with her upon suspecting that Danifae intended to seduce Pharaun. All of that seems entirely forgotten, which I’m happy about since it was silly to begin with, but to pretend it never happened was strange.
Spoilers here:
There’s a death of a major character in this book, which also felt pretty cheap. I’m glad that the characters aren’t invincible and someone died, but how Ryld went out and his final thoughts were underwhelming. Not to mention Danifae had somehow convinced Jeggred to obey her when he has been incredibly devout to Quenthel until this book also felt nonsensical. They try to explain it with Quenthel losing her mind a little, but it still didn’t feel like enough for Jeggred to abandon his duties just to get petty revenge on Ryld who had abandoned them.
Halisstra who has become the most interesting character in the book also felt very flat and her story was not nearly as interesting as it was in the last book. I do look forward to seeing what becomes of them in the final book, but I wouldn’t be surprised if its as underwhelming as this book was.
It also felt like a lot of characters personalities changed drastically in this book. Of course, with a new author taking over the story, some changes are expected, however they were more jarring than ever before. Especially with Danifae and Jeggred, who felt like entirely new characters to me all together. Danifae made sense, seeing as she overcomes something big in her story, but Jeggred it just felt nonsensical how much he changed and some of the decisions he made.
Not to mention it was amusing that Aliiza at one point asks Pharaun who Danifae was, despite her having some weird rivalry with her upon suspecting that Danifae intended to seduce Pharaun. All of that seems entirely forgotten, which I’m happy about since it was silly to begin with, but to pretend it never happened was strange.
Spoilers here:
There’s a death of a major character in this book, which also felt pretty cheap. I’m glad that the characters aren’t invincible and someone died, but how Ryld went out and his final thoughts were underwhelming. Not to mention Danifae had somehow convinced Jeggred to obey her when he has been incredibly devout to Quenthel until this book also felt nonsensical. They try to explain it with Quenthel losing her mind a little, but it still didn’t feel like enough for Jeggred to abandon his duties just to get petty revenge on Ryld who had abandoned them.
Halisstra who has become the most interesting character in the book also felt very flat and her story was not nearly as interesting as it was in the last book. I do look forward to seeing what becomes of them in the final book, but I wouldn’t be surprised if its as underwhelming as this book was.
February 20, 2024
There are spells for changing your whole physique to something with which you can breath underwater, but there is no spell that can clean dirt and bacteria of your body?
Annoying as this one is, this book has a much more infuriating plothole.
Better writing than some of the previous books, but this one is again very slow, it's stretching the story with drawn out (fight)scenes and several mini side quests that have potential but do not really go anywhere.
***Spoiler****
The final drop came when Halisstra & co suddenly appear in the abyss without any explanation as to how they got there. For the lenght of almost 3 books it is a main plot point of how difficult it is to get to the abyss while still alive and how rare it is for people to actually achieve this. And now these drow just seem to pop into existence there as if it is nothing? Seriously?
All those pages of pointless fillers could have (should have!) been used better by addressing this conundrum instead. As soon as Halisstra decided she wanted to go to the abyss my thoughts went to how she would get there. I expected she would (have to) find a way to tag allong with the ship. Either as a stowaway or by pretending to be part of the group again. Or perhaps by convincing Danifae to take her allong as a useful captive. This seems so simple a solution, why did the author not implement this?
While reading I was much less annoyed with this one than the 2nd book but because of this massive fail at the end I cannot give it three stars. I wish goodreads had a 10 star system then the second book would have 2 and this one 4.
Annoying as this one is, this book has a much more infuriating plothole.
Better writing than some of the previous books, but this one is again very slow, it's stretching the story with drawn out (fight)scenes and several mini side quests that have potential but do not really go anywhere.
***Spoiler****
The final drop came when Halisstra & co suddenly appear in the abyss without any explanation as to how they got there. For the lenght of almost 3 books it is a main plot point of how difficult it is to get to the abyss while still alive and how rare it is for people to actually achieve this. And now these drow just seem to pop into existence there as if it is nothing? Seriously?
All those pages of pointless fillers could have (should have!) been used better by addressing this conundrum instead. As soon as Halisstra decided she wanted to go to the abyss my thoughts went to how she would get there. I expected she would (have to) find a way to tag allong with the ship. Either as a stowaway or by pretending to be part of the group again. Or perhaps by convincing Danifae to take her allong as a useful captive. This seems so simple a solution, why did the author not implement this?
While reading I was much less annoyed with this one than the 2nd book but because of this massive fail at the end I cannot give it three stars. I wish goodreads had a 10 star system then the second book would have 2 and this one 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
3.75 stars. I rated this fairly high mainly because of ease of readability, functional and plain. Quite frankly, it's a welcome pace this late into the series; it keeps the momentum going and helps replenish one's reserves after dense and emotionally packed reading of battles, personal conflicts and such. So, I don't know if it was deliberate, but it worked out well to have Athans allocated as writer of the 5th book.
Ryld's death was disappointing and, as others have said, cheap. I guess such is the life of a drow? To be treated as flotsam as the males are, to be ruthlessly discarded. So, the author is under no obligation to give a so called "awesome character" a fitting death; to "go out in style", as it were. Quite the opposite. This series is about the drow, so how have you not noticed this pretty glaring detail by now?
Ok, ok. That was kind of rubbish. The thing is, Ryld's death came about in a bit of a deus ex machina way, with Jeggred suddenly coming upon a Ryld-killing axe of doom from a freaking random lumberjack and using it on Ryld. Just, no.
Another criticism I have of the epic battle that resulted in Ryld's death are the human characters from the small settlement they fought amongst. That seemed random and out of nowhere.
Some have complained the author has made the characters unrecognisable. No, that occurred in earlier books, notably around Condemnation, so I don't know why that book is rated higher.
Anyway, Athans' effort has piqued my interest enough to make me want to check out his Watercourse trilogy.
Ryld's death was disappointing and, as others have said, cheap. I guess such is the life of a drow? To be treated as flotsam as the males are, to be ruthlessly discarded. So, the author is under no obligation to give a so called "awesome character" a fitting death; to "go out in style", as it were. Quite the opposite. This series is about the drow, so how have you not noticed this pretty glaring detail by now?
Ok, ok. That was kind of rubbish. The thing is, Ryld's death came about in a bit of a deus ex machina way, with Jeggred suddenly coming upon a Ryld-killing axe of doom from a freaking random lumberjack and using it on Ryld. Just, no.
Another criticism I have of the epic battle that resulted in Ryld's death are the human characters from the small settlement they fought amongst. That seemed random and out of nowhere.
Some have complained the author has made the characters unrecognisable. No, that occurred in earlier books, notably around Condemnation, so I don't know why that book is rated higher.
Anyway, Athans' effort has piqued my interest enough to make me want to check out his Watercourse trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
Have consistently given these three stars but wish for the first time there were half stars. Athans' entry is just a little sharper, a little more funny, and a good deal more dramatic than what has come before. The party in quest of Lolth fractures even further and a major character dies. There are several really good one-on-one duels that involve quite a bit of thought. The boss fight between Gromph and Dyrr (with Nimor thrown in for good measure), for instance, was enlivened by having a psychic link between Gromph and his 'team' so to speak. The relationships shift significantly in this entry as well, almost always in a direction for the better. That doesn't mean that folks are on better terms (they're drow, after all) but that their contrasts are more sharply drawn. Moreover, there is a real sense of acceleration and anticipation leading to the final novel in the series. Also worth noting that probably no other writer in the series has done a better job with Jeggred. He comes alive as a more fully rounded character here, with a corresponding uptick in menace. And, of course, yet again, the title is basically irrelevant.
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