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Forgotten Realms: Anthologies #8
Realms of Shadow
An anthology of stories tied to the Realms-shaking Return of the Archwizards series.Realms of Shadow contains stories that explore the secondary effects of the events that take place in the Return of the Archwizards series. With new stories from authors such as R.A. Salvatore, Ed Greenwood, Elaine Cunningham, and Troy Denning, fans will be even more excited to find out about the course of events that will change the face of the Realms.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 13, 2020
The main basis for this collection of short stories edited by Lizz Baldwin is the appearance of the Shade Enclave from millennia of exile in the Plane of Shadow, with all the land of Faerûn consequentially open to its dark motivations.
“Trial by Ordeal” by Lisa Smedman – This short story deals with an arcanist being on trial for a capital offense, with the commentary of magicians being legally responsible for their sentient creations.
“Assassin’s Shadow” by Jess Lebow – Lume hires Cy to assassinate the archwizard Shadow, although the target’s tower is difficult to break into.
“Too Long in the Dark” by Paul S. Kemp – Zossimus seeks to take on the dragon Ascalagon, with his familiar Pleeancis yearning for his freedom.
“Darksword” by Troy Denning – Melegaunt helps bog-people deal with dragonmen in exchange for directions to his destination.
“Liar’s Game” by Jessica Beaven – This short story is divided into chapters, which makes it readable in brief bursts, with a female druid who likes to collect and experiment upon various creatures romancing a man.
“That Curious Sword” by R.A. Salvatore – Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle, the latter believing he can get the former into a paladin’s order, with the two visiting the apartment of an individual named Rorli to steal back a statue stolen from someone else.
“A Little Knowledge” by Elaine Cunningham – A resident in the forest of Halruaa named Gnarfling meets the magician Landish the Adept, who uses a spellfilcher ring in a magical battle.
“Astride the Wind” by Philip Athans – The titular character Astride the Wind belongs to a tribe of kenku, anthropomorphic avians who try to survive against human attackers.
“The Fallen Lands” by Murray J.D. Leeder – This short story is told in first person by Arklow of Ashabenford, who fights nagas with a barbarian.
“When Shadows Come Seeking a Throne” by Ed Greenwood – Involves a coup against the Queen of Cormyr, with several characters hearing hissing voices behind the scenes.
“King Shadow” by Richard Lee Byers – A knight named Sir Ajandor Surehand and his squire Kevin face off against shades led by the eponymous adversary.
“The Shifting Sands” by Peter Archer – Two men, Garmansder and Avarilous, find themselves captives of excavators of possible treasure of the Netheril beneath desert dunes.
Overall, I enjoyed this collection would gladly read more in the Forgotten Realms universe.
“Trial by Ordeal” by Lisa Smedman – This short story deals with an arcanist being on trial for a capital offense, with the commentary of magicians being legally responsible for their sentient creations.
“Assassin’s Shadow” by Jess Lebow – Lume hires Cy to assassinate the archwizard Shadow, although the target’s tower is difficult to break into.
“Too Long in the Dark” by Paul S. Kemp – Zossimus seeks to take on the dragon Ascalagon, with his familiar Pleeancis yearning for his freedom.
“Darksword” by Troy Denning – Melegaunt helps bog-people deal with dragonmen in exchange for directions to his destination.
“Liar’s Game” by Jessica Beaven – This short story is divided into chapters, which makes it readable in brief bursts, with a female druid who likes to collect and experiment upon various creatures romancing a man.
“That Curious Sword” by R.A. Salvatore – Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle, the latter believing he can get the former into a paladin’s order, with the two visiting the apartment of an individual named Rorli to steal back a statue stolen from someone else.
“A Little Knowledge” by Elaine Cunningham – A resident in the forest of Halruaa named Gnarfling meets the magician Landish the Adept, who uses a spellfilcher ring in a magical battle.
“Astride the Wind” by Philip Athans – The titular character Astride the Wind belongs to a tribe of kenku, anthropomorphic avians who try to survive against human attackers.
“The Fallen Lands” by Murray J.D. Leeder – This short story is told in first person by Arklow of Ashabenford, who fights nagas with a barbarian.
“When Shadows Come Seeking a Throne” by Ed Greenwood – Involves a coup against the Queen of Cormyr, with several characters hearing hissing voices behind the scenes.
“King Shadow” by Richard Lee Byers – A knight named Sir Ajandor Surehand and his squire Kevin face off against shades led by the eponymous adversary.
“The Shifting Sands” by Peter Archer – Two men, Garmansder and Avarilous, find themselves captives of excavators of possible treasure of the Netheril beneath desert dunes.
Overall, I enjoyed this collection would gladly read more in the Forgotten Realms universe.
June 23, 2022
Loved this collection, my favourite being the Richard Lee Byers story about a knight and his apprentice battling what seems like impossible odds.
There isn't really a weak story in this one, looking forward to reading more of these anthologies!
There isn't really a weak story in this one, looking forward to reading more of these anthologies!
January 29, 2016
I did not enjoy it as much as Realms of Magic, but still the book has some good stories.
December 23, 2022
This is barely 2 stars. It was excruciating to get through it. The best stories are at the very start, and then don't expect much for the rest.
To me, most of the stories were not designed to be part of an anthology, but part of a bigger story, and not in a good way. Everything was either rushed or boring or hard to grasp. And yet I know enough lore to understand most of the things brought up, so I cannot think how horrible it might get for someone who doesn't know about the background context of some of these.
I didn't DNF because it's part of a foolish goal I gave myself to read everything Forgotten Realms, but this one really made me think it over. I'm just happy it's over and I'll never have to go through this again.
Best story (not more than 3.5): Trial by Ordeal
To me, most of the stories were not designed to be part of an anthology, but part of a bigger story, and not in a good way. Everything was either rushed or boring or hard to grasp. And yet I know enough lore to understand most of the things brought up, so I cannot think how horrible it might get for someone who doesn't know about the background context of some of these.
I didn't DNF because it's part of a foolish goal I gave myself to read everything Forgotten Realms, but this one really made me think it over. I'm just happy it's over and I'll never have to go through this again.
Best story (not more than 3.5): Trial by Ordeal
March 17, 2018
New to the Forgotten Realms, and you enjoy Sword and Socery Fantasy, this is an excellent book to jump in and get a taste of the magical world of Faerun (if you're lucky enough to snatch a copy) or if you're a life long fan, either way, you'll enjoy this collection of short stories from some top authors.
January 19, 2018
For once each story I found to be interesting and worthwhile to read. No bad ones in this anthology.
June 9, 2019
Trial By Ordeal: 4/19/19
Assassin's Shadow: 4/20/19
Too Long in the Dark: 4/23/19
Assassin's Shadow: 4/20/19
Too Long in the Dark: 4/23/19
April 20, 2024
Hi, The Salvatore and Richard Lee Bryers stories are the best, the others are mediocre.
January 18, 2012
This was a great collection of short stories. Chock full of history of Nethril (more so than the actual SERIES of books published in the late '80s).
Cool stories by great authors. An excellent aside for the 'Archwizard' series by Troy Denning.
Cool stories by great authors. An excellent aside for the 'Archwizard' series by Troy Denning.
March 28, 2014
I am currently working my way through the Drizzt timeline and so I've only read story number VI (That Curious Sword) so far.
I must say I do rather enjoy enteri and Jarlaxle together. They make such an odd couple. I cannot wait to see where things lead for those two.
I must say I do rather enjoy enteri and Jarlaxle together. They make such an odd couple. I cannot wait to see where things lead for those two.
September 4, 2016
This was a great collection of stories. Very enjoyable!!
It was odd to want more from some of these tales, especially when some "trilogies" seem to be only an elongated money grab.
That said, off to a trilogy. ;-)
It was odd to want more from some of these tales, especially when some "trilogies" seem to be only an elongated money grab.
That said, off to a trilogy. ;-)
sold
February 23, 2012Sold to Lewis White on eBay on 7-Jun-11:
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January 13, 2022
Actually I only read R. A. Salvatore's short story "That Curious Sword", which is sort of an epilogue to Jarlaxle and Entreri's adventures in Servant of the Shard.
March 30, 2017
I bought this for the Paul S. Kemp story. That guy can write. Also liked some of the others.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews