What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgotten Realms: Druidhome #1
Prophet of Moonshae
When the people on the islands of Moonshae forsake their goddess, the Earthmother, it is up to the daughter of the High King Tristan Kendrick to restore their faith. Original.
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 1992
20 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Niles
175 books235 followersDouglas Niles is a fantasy author and game designer. Niles was one of the creators of the Dragonlance world and the author of the first three Forgotten Realms novels, and the Top Secret S/I espionage role-playing game. He currently resides in Delavan, Wisconsin with his wife, Christine, and two Bouviets, Reggie and Stella. He enjoys playing his guitar, cooking, and visiting with family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 6, 2025
To be honest, I have been avoiding this trilogy for some time. Not because I don't like Douglas Niles, but because I don't particularly love the druidic setting. At some point, however, I have read all other Forgotten Realms books from the first period, so this one was the next obvious choice.
In the end, I enjoyed this first book more than I expected. Douglas Niles is a very good author, especially when it comes to two particular features. First, he is excellent in managing dispersed characters and still creating a unified story. Second, he is very attentive of game details, so that every aspect that relates to D&D rules tends to be addressed in a strictly rigorous fashion.
The plot of this book is actually quite good. The book features a changed environment from what we read in the Moonshae trilogy, having passed about twenty years with a lot of things happening. What changed, in particular, is the religion, with the Earthmother who is almost disappeared and the gods of the Forgotten Realms who started to gain influence. To be honest, it is a bit unclear if the Earthmother is an aspect of Chauntea, as it is described in the rulebooks, or if she is a full-fledged goddess in herself, as it seems more the case in the novels.
The author brings back some of the old characters (who have a marginal role), mingling them with new ones. As often happens with D&D books, the characters are a bit plain. With a few notable exceptions, D&D books are not the ones one looks at when looking for great character development. Still, some of the characters and their relationships (Keane and Alicia, Hanrald and Gwyeth, Malawar and Deirdre) get a good attempt at a decent characterization.
The book, again as usually happens with D&D books, tends to be a bit shallow, without giving too much attention to deaths of characters (even when they're close relatives), especially if it happens in combat.
All in all, a good book, more so in the general landscape of D&D books, whose quality can vary wildly.
In the end, I enjoyed this first book more than I expected. Douglas Niles is a very good author, especially when it comes to two particular features. First, he is excellent in managing dispersed characters and still creating a unified story. Second, he is very attentive of game details, so that every aspect that relates to D&D rules tends to be addressed in a strictly rigorous fashion.
The plot of this book is actually quite good. The book features a changed environment from what we read in the Moonshae trilogy, having passed about twenty years with a lot of things happening. What changed, in particular, is the religion, with the Earthmother who is almost disappeared and the gods of the Forgotten Realms who started to gain influence. To be honest, it is a bit unclear if the Earthmother is an aspect of Chauntea, as it is described in the rulebooks, or if she is a full-fledged goddess in herself, as it seems more the case in the novels.
The author brings back some of the old characters (who have a marginal role), mingling them with new ones. As often happens with D&D books, the characters are a bit plain. With a few notable exceptions, D&D books are not the ones one looks at when looking for great character development. Still, some of the characters and their relationships (Keane and Alicia, Hanrald and Gwyeth, Malawar and Deirdre) get a good attempt at a decent characterization.
The book, again as usually happens with D&D books, tends to be a bit shallow, without giving too much attention to deaths of characters (even when they're close relatives), especially if it happens in combat.
All in all, a good book, more so in the general landscape of D&D books, whose quality can vary wildly.
December 9, 2022
Not as good as the original trilogy. Has its moments but feels very lazy. Uninspired. The author has done better.
February 8, 2014
I marked this book with four stars because it is the best one that I've read by this author. The three books in the series before this one (with mostly the same characters) really let me down. Actually, let me restate that; the first one was a big let down, but the following books got progressivly better. I also have to take into account that Niles wrote one of the first Forgotten Realms book series ever, and his were better than Ed Greenwood's hands down...so maybe I should cut him some slack.
Anywho, I liked the flow of this novel and the blending of new and old characters works well. I will say it seems that Niles is following a pattern in his writing, almost as if he has a formula that he plugs his new plot, characters, and gods into. This makes his books a bit predictable. I also find "Newt" more annoying than laughably entertaining, but that's just my own snide opinion. This story was a little slow in getting to the point, but as I mentioned, so was the first novel in his other series, so I'm pretty sure that the next two will progress nicly. All and all, I'm more confident in this author, and I would call this book a good read.
Anywho, I liked the flow of this novel and the blending of new and old characters works well. I will say it seems that Niles is following a pattern in his writing, almost as if he has a formula that he plugs his new plot, characters, and gods into. This makes his books a bit predictable. I also find "Newt" more annoying than laughably entertaining, but that's just my own snide opinion. This story was a little slow in getting to the point, but as I mentioned, so was the first novel in his other series, so I'm pretty sure that the next two will progress nicly. All and all, I'm more confident in this author, and I would call this book a good read.
May 27, 2020
Entertaining, which is 90% of my rating, but like all of these Forgotten Realms novels, they tend to the popcorn side of things, especially the characterisations. But a good story is a good story, and that's what this is, all else considered.
April 16, 2023
Après le troisième essai (cette trilogie a une histoire particulière dans ma vie), j'ai réussi à terminer ce livre, et cette fois, le plaisir était au rendez-vous! Je lirai la suite avec grand plaisir! J'aurais aimé que les personnages soient mieux développés, mais les aventures ont bien compensé.
July 22, 2018
Clearly, Douglas Niles' writing has improved, since he wrote his two earlier Forgotten Realms trilogies (the Moonshae trilogy which included the first-ever published Forgotten Realms novel, and the Maztica trilogy). He was not at all bad to start off with, but his descriptive prose, character dialogue, and scene-building seems to have taken off in this new trilogy, which is a direct sequel to the Moonshae trilogy (Darkwalker on Moonshae, Black Wizards, and Darkwell).
This book starts off twenty years after the conclusion of Darkwell, during which time King Tristan and his wife, the former Druid-prodigy-now-Queen Robyn, have maintained peace within the region. But for the past five years, the Moonshae Isles have been beset by eternally chaotic weather and is struggling to maintain its ability to support its people. The adventure focuses on the king and queen's daughters, who have to step up while the parents are out of the picture. The supporting cast includes familiar faces/beings from the prior trilogy, including a Firbolg named Yak who I had forgotten about entirely, for good reason (he does not have much character to recommend him). Tristan's dog from the first books is gone, because dead of old age I assume, but that's okay, some new dogs show up. Oh, and that old goddess that died in the conflict twenty years ago, is she coming back too?
Although his prose has developed, the author continues to have some weakness with plotting. There is a very similar pattern here to his prior books; party of heroes slowly gathers on multiple fronts, encountering separate but connected enemies while traversing around a limited geography, finally converging for a final divinely-powered confrontation. Though each piece is carried out well and can be perfectly thrilling, the overall effect leads to dull anticipation. You know what is coming and find yourself waiting out the various mini-scenes just to get to the conclusion. Also, the whole affair is a little repetitive (see the preceding paragraph), but I will allow it as a set up for the next two books in this series.
For context: I am reading the Forgotten Realms novels in publication order, so my only intra-series points of comparison are from books initially published only up to 1992.
This book starts off twenty years after the conclusion of Darkwell, during which time King Tristan and his wife, the former Druid-prodigy-now-Queen Robyn, have maintained peace within the region. But for the past five years, the Moonshae Isles have been beset by eternally chaotic weather and is struggling to maintain its ability to support its people. The adventure focuses on the king and queen's daughters, who have to step up while the parents are out of the picture. The supporting cast includes familiar faces/beings from the prior trilogy, including a Firbolg named Yak who I had forgotten about entirely, for good reason (he does not have much character to recommend him). Tristan's dog from the first books is gone, because dead of old age I assume, but that's okay, some new dogs show up. Oh, and that old goddess that died in the conflict twenty years ago, is she coming back too?
Although his prose has developed, the author continues to have some weakness with plotting. There is a very similar pattern here to his prior books; party of heroes slowly gathers on multiple fronts, encountering separate but connected enemies while traversing around a limited geography, finally converging for a final divinely-powered confrontation. Though each piece is carried out well and can be perfectly thrilling, the overall effect leads to dull anticipation. You know what is coming and find yourself waiting out the various mini-scenes just to get to the conclusion. Also, the whole affair is a little repetitive (see the preceding paragraph), but I will allow it as a set up for the next two books in this series.
For context: I am reading the Forgotten Realms novels in publication order, so my only intra-series points of comparison are from books initially published only up to 1992.
June 12, 2022
In one word? A disappointment, however, one which was expected.
I used to love the first Moonshae trilogy back in my teens. I only got to read this book in my late 30s. I knew before i started that this is not sophisticated literature, that it is full of cliche and that it is intended as a promo for d&d. I didn't mind 20 years ago. Now, I do mind, unfortunately.
The plot is not driven by characters, rather it is masterminded by the author who wishes to have a spectacular finale. Nevermind.
All the MCs felt like cardboard figures in carnival-like colours, no personality. The evil doesn't feel particularly evil or even credible. The good is totally bland. I don't care who wins... even as i know that after terrible hardship and many deaths of unimportant characters, the good will be triumphant.
So... was there anything worth reading? Meeting old friends, nostalgic hue, getting back to my childhood dreams (and seeing the falseness of them). Plus the only character i was really worried about - newt the faerie dragon.
I used to love the first Moonshae trilogy back in my teens. I only got to read this book in my late 30s. I knew before i started that this is not sophisticated literature, that it is full of cliche and that it is intended as a promo for d&d. I didn't mind 20 years ago. Now, I do mind, unfortunately.
The plot is not driven by characters, rather it is masterminded by the author who wishes to have a spectacular finale. Nevermind.
All the MCs felt like cardboard figures in carnival-like colours, no personality. The evil doesn't feel particularly evil or even credible. The good is totally bland. I don't care who wins... even as i know that after terrible hardship and many deaths of unimportant characters, the good will be triumphant.
So... was there anything worth reading? Meeting old friends, nostalgic hue, getting back to my childhood dreams (and seeing the falseness of them). Plus the only character i was really worried about - newt the faerie dragon.
December 24, 2020
Douglas niles has certainly bettered his writing with the publishing of the Prophet of Moonshae. What an incredible tale! I couldn't even begin to predict what would happen as the story went on until finally the ending gave me the peace I needed. A resurgence of the characters and their furthered lineage has brought about something of awe. In all honesty, I expected a butchered tale about the life of King Kendrick and his lady Robyn after the darkwalker wars and the defeat of Bhaal. Instead, I got a riveting story of a druid in the making and the agony of her sister. Their quest to find the truth and battle the forces of evil. This book has everything a fantasy adventure book should have. If ever given the opportunity to read this again, I would do so without hesitation!
March 31, 2022
I have read a lot of TSR books, and for me these were the most compelling opening chapters of Forgotten Realms history! Unfortunately half way through I realized that the rest of the book was not going to be very good. Super cheesy ending. A total slog to get through, disguised by a fantastic beginning. I had high hopes for the Moonshae trilogy, which was terrible in my opinion, and I’d heard that Druidhome was much better. Um…..no. Well at least I finished it. I gave up on every Moonshae trilogy book.
July 18, 2023
Much better than the first trilogy. Made me want to read The Coral Kingdom, on the what happens next. Last 2 chapters are riveting and fast paced. However you will need to read the Moonshae Trilogy first to completely understand it.
Ending kind of reflects the ending of the Darkwalkers of Moonshae from the female acting like Tristan.
Ending kind of reflects the ending of the Darkwalkers of Moonshae from the female acting like Tristan.
September 6, 2018
Instead of focusing on just one character, this trilogy introduces and holds your attention through many different perspectives. Including some of the more interesting villains!
Read
July 19, 2020This did not hold my interest. I made it about 25% of the way through then forgot I was reading it for a week. Pass.
August 4, 2022
This was a terrific book. I really enjoyed Niles taking me on another adventure in the Moonshae Isles, and I have confidence, that I will also enjoy the next book in this trilogy.
October 29, 2024
An enjoyable look into the next generation of Moonshae characters.
August 7, 2021
My expectations for this book was really low after reading his first trilogy that took place in the same area with some of the same characters. That has been the worst trilogy I have read in Forgotten Realms. It was his first set of books and early in the Forgotten Realms history of books. His second trilogy was definitely way better. This book started out good and kept my interest. It is years later after his first trilogy in the Moonshae Islands. Tristan is king but away on a trip. While he is away chaos plagues the island threatening to start an all out war after years of peace. It is up to his daughters to stop a whole range of enemies from some of his own people, to vile monsters and his northern neighbors. Overall there was a lot to like about this book and I look forward to the next book in the trilogy.
October 9, 2014
Damn it to hell - I've written two reviews on this series now, saving Book 1 for last. I'll have to read the book again, I just know it. And what a cover! Much better than some others out there. Still, I get this book mixed up with Darkwalker on Moonshae.
I'm not going to write anymore on this series, that's it.
I'm not going to write anymore on this series, that's it.
Want to read
April 25, 2015Some artist is stuck on the woman on the cover, I don't like the image & she keeps showing up in other covers. Dragonlance in particular. Missed first series so it's not really a stand alone & I wonder if it's going to be too much to fathom with no background.
March 26, 2016
Heading into the second trilogy.
Have to say. Seems to have hit a stride. A lot going on, making you want to keep turning pages.
Yet keeps track, tying up the characters and plot points together.
Enjoying this series of stories.
Have to say. Seems to have hit a stride. A lot going on, making you want to keep turning pages.
Yet keeps track, tying up the characters and plot points together.
Enjoying this series of stories.
December 28, 2013
Very fun fantasy. A solid read. =)
June 29, 2015
the book had a twist at the end. the king dies or does he?? i bought these books as a set so now i got to read the 2nd in the trilogy to find out if the king kendrick is really dead or not
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews