The Shrouded Realm

Dragonrealm: Origins #1

by Richard A. Knaak

The Vraad, a race of master wizards, rule Nimth with little regard even for the laws of nature, twisting their world to their whims. Their carelessness, though, at last forces them into a desperate plan of escape from ravaged Nimth to a mysterious world. Yet, even if they manage to overcome personal emnities and vendettas, the Vraad will soon learn that their new home, a place of dragons, will not so readily bend and, instead, could prove their master.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Richard A. Knaak is the bestselling author of Dragonlance novels, the Dragonrealm and Black City Saint series (his own creations), six novels for Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo series, and six works in the Warcraft universe. He has also written several non-series fantasy books.

Reviews

[Ward G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going by the years as they came out.
This was released right after Shadow Steed.
So placing this. In the order I had them, buying them originally.

This DOES reference things from conclusions of Shadow Steed in prologue.

This begins the story, BEFORE the story.
Now that you are ready for things to advance.
We are shunted back in time.
Now with this arc, the author.
Begins to unravel, and reveal.
Many of the things. That had not been explained. At the beginning stories/ books of Shadow Realm.

Depending on your likes.
After reading Origin of Shadow realm arc.
May want to re read first books again.
As it will put a whole new light on many things.

Rated this one lower.
Simply for the fact. After getting to know all the characters.
Now that is mainly on hold.
This starting out an entire world. New characters and situations.

An intriguing story.
Just was hoping for more, from current line.

[Guillermina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that took an eternity.

⭐⭐⭐ because even though the book is objectively good, I was just not interested in the characters and I found it very hard to finish.

Baby Darkhorse was the best part, followed by baby Shade. Dru was a nice enough protagonist for this kind of story, and Barakas was such a cartoon character it was hilarious. Goodn
as a standalone

[Vämpiriüs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kniha má rozjezd velmi pomalý, takový až nezáživný a nic moc popisující. Docela promarněný potenciál světa a rasy Vraadů jelikož chybí pořádný popis. Každopádně se jedná o slušnou oddechovku, kde není potřeba mozek extra trápit.

[Timothy Pitkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were alot of things i liked but there was also just enough that made me almost put this book down. First of all i loved Dru and Darkhorse when they were together and it was really cool to see how darkhorse started out but it still left enough mystery to be explored in later books. Dru was also really cool and it was nice to see more about the Vraad and how they got to the Dragonrealm however the reveal about the Guardians and the Masters was not needed and kind of ruined the intriguing premise of the series. I liked it better when we were led to believe that cause of these empires falling was because of their own choices but instead it is revealed that it is actually because of some cosmic experiment which is kind of lame. And it is a problem that Richard has where he can make worlds with deep lore but sometimes he explains to much and also he not very good at writing romance

[Danno Ferrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes as far back as we can expect to see in the dragon realms. It actually may not be a bad place to start reading the series.

The key origins explained of stuff in the other books is what the faceless people are, and what exactly Nimth is and what happened to it. This is key for understanding the implication Shadow Steed and most of the books that follow (crystal dragon, children of the drake). It also addresses who/what the ravager and dragon of the depths are.

As far as the ending goes, it isn't quite as rushed and random as the other books in the series. He still likes pulling rabbits our of the hat though, but the endgame in this seems more reasonably paced.

[Dustman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a bit slow but it is definately building. More than enough to continue. I have never given up on any book that i have read regardless.

The book finished very well. I've moved to a four star rating. That's why i finish every book. You never know what will surprise you.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the back story of how it all began. Where darkhorse came from and how it all came to be. Such a great book, loved the ending. This is a must read!!!

[Jack Leone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prequel to the original series, amazing that we get to see the origins of darkhorse and I think one of the many Vraad in the book might be shade, cant wait to find out who...

[Lukáš Konečný]

Nimth, domovský svět vraadských čarodějů, pomalu umírá. Zavinili to samotní Vraadové svým bezohledným zneužíváním magie. Jejich jedinou nadějí na přežití se stala zahalená říše, tajemná země za „závojem". Ale ta příchozí nevítá s otevřenou náručí. Tento svět totiž už své obyvatele má. Na Vraady číhají nepřátelé ve vzduchu i pod zemí. A setkání s tajemnými strážci rase čarodějů naznačí, že jejich budoucnost v Dračí říši je nejistá… DragonRealm – úžasný svět nelítostných válek, kde magie mladého Cabea Bedlama bojuje s čaroději, šílenými vládci, démony, temnými bohy… a nemilosrdnými dračími králi. Nyní přichází úžasná sága o tom, odkud se Dračí říše vzala.