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Forgotten Realms: Anthologies #3
Realms of Magic
An anthology of fantasy tales, featuring the colorful inhabitants of the magical Forgotten Realms, includes stories by such popular authors as Ed Greenwood, Elaine Cunningham, James M. Ward, Jean Rabe, and Jeff Grubb. Original. 100,000 first printing.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1995
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August 20, 2023
First, I shuddered at the in-world framing story by then-TSR lead fiction editor Brian M. Thomsen, author of the groan-inducing Once Around the Realms, which was like if 1000 dad jokes had an orgy and this was the resultant baby. I've read a nefarious report about the intent of that particular publication so went looking for more information about it. Thomsen died at age 49 of a heart attack and per Tor.com was well-loved in the industry. The wikipedia article on him says that he was reviled by TSR's authors because of his heavy-handed approach and slashed author payments. I see now that R.A. Salvatore only had one book published by TSR after 1994, after a dense string of popular releases, until the company went bankrupt and was bought out by Wizards of the Coast and Thomsen was fired. (Source: Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons.) I suspect that TSR already had Passage to Dawn and this anthology's Salvatore story in hand before he left in disgust. Of note, the anthology following this one, Realms of the Underdark, which was perfect grounds for a Menzoberranzan/Drizzt story from Salvatore, did have such a story—but not by Salvatore. Instead, the I.P. made famous by Salvatore was given to Mark Anthony, who I think was young and impressionable/hungry/naive enough to write in that territory. Only three other non-Thomsen authors contributed to that anthology, and Salvatore would not return to Realms short stories until 2002. But, because Realms of the Underdark included a preview of Passage to Dawn, it was marketed with "Short stories by . . . R.A. Salvatore." Even having alienated the man, Thomsen tried to capitalize on his popularity.
Anyway, Thomsen's intro immediately made me groan with its anachronistic, self-insert portrayal of an in-Realms publishing industry, featuring lead editor Justin Tym.
The groans continued into the second page of Salvatore's leading story, Guenhwyvar (again, obviously acquired before his falling-out), in which he was clearly influenced by Greenwood's romantic-heroic fantasy purple prose:
Bold emphasis is mine, to highlight the spit-take moment I endured. Overall, it was a decent story, purporting to show the origin of everyone's favorite panther companion, but really only doing one small part of that. The romantic entanglement and political drama that launch the story don't receive any development.
Smoke Powder and Mirrors by Jeff Grubb is an enjoyable underdog-over-his-head story with a fun criminal stand-off. I don't think it's connected to any full-length novel, like most of these anthologies' stories have been with few exceptions.
The Magic Thief by Mark Anthony was infinitely better than his longer work that immediately preceded this anthology: Curse of the Shadowmage. It starred the only tolerable main series character. The wizard Morhion is a much more human figure than the Realms' true magic heavy-hitters. Good recovery, Mark.
Christie Golden's The Quiet Place, as alway featuring Vampire Gold Elf Jander Sunstar, paraphrased: "Oh, woe, I am so good and so tortured, I detest being a vampire. I must resist my urges at all times. Curse this curse! Oh, goodness and light, sufferring, a good vampire I must be. Take pity on me for I am eternally cursed. Watch as I cry tears of blood. Watch again as I do it on a second occasion. " One of the better stories.
How much did I look forward to reading Ed Greenwood's story, The Eye of the Dragon next? This much: |-------------------| Fortunately the story didn't disappoint my dread expectations. I was prepared for it to be bad like All Shadows Fled, but instead it was bad in completely different and worse ways. It started off okay, although the understanding provided to the reader of character relationships seemed to change as the early story progressed. But later it became a total mess: random shifts in motivations, loathsome characters all around, an ill-conceived plot, and then of course Elminster shows up and it gets even worse, with the great Elminster being lecherous to a helpless teenager and in his wisdom cursing her with incurable insanity, which she will suffer until she dies decades later. WTF Greenwood. Confusing, pointless, loathsome.
Every Dog his Day by Dave Gross, a game designer with TSR who would later go on to author a couple of FR novels. Not bad! A first-person narrator, unusual for these stories. It tended to chew up its scenes more than necessary but maybe this gave it a bit of heart.
The Common Spell by Kate Novak-Grubb is technically an Alias story (following the books that started with Azure Bonds) but it didn't have to be. It was simply name-dropping in a story that could have stood on its own with original characters. I never knew "penanggalan" could be used so many times in so few pages. From wikipedia: "The penanggalan or penanggal is a nocturnal vampiric entity from Malay ghost myths. It takes the form of a floating disembodied woman's head, with its organs and entrails trailing from its neck." Me likey.
In The First Moonwell, Douglas Niles revisits the setting of the first ever Forgotten Realms novel, one which he indulged in two related trilogies. I now wish he hadn't. This very short story was only a creation story, written in an airy mythical tone: her heartbeat was volcanic lava flows, her skin is mountains, that kind of thing. It's been done so many times it lacks any interest. The last Moonsea book of his came out two and a half years before this one, and I'm pretty sure nobody still cared.
Allen C. Kupfer's pedigree is unclear at a cursory google search—he wrote a short story in TSR's Tales of Ravenloft and a novel a decade later—and with The Luck of Lllewellyn the Loquacious I have to ask: what's the point? In fairness, that question applies to most stories in this anthology. It's an acceptable story of a rogue who tricks two bands of halflings into recovering a treasure for him, like that's hard to do. The title is overblown.
In Too Familiar, David Zeb Cook revisits side characters from King Pinch that I vaguely recalled from when I read that just-okay book. (In case this isn't clear by this point in the review, "just okay" is high praise for Forgotten Realms novels.) It wasn't clear where it was going until mid-way when it started shaping up to be a genuinely interesting story. Then it ended before getting to the genuinely interesting part. Le sigh.
I started Jean Rabe's Red Ambition with trepidation, because of the loathsome mess that was Red Magic, but this ended up a moderately delightful villain story, tweaking the all-powerful lich wizard Szass Tam.
Thieves' Reward follows up on Mary H. Herbert's story in the prior FR anthology, but doesn't depend on memory of it. Thank goodness because I had virtually none. Based on this and the rest of her bibliography, this author clearly has a thing for horses. This story was intriguing and satisfying. Each such in this book is a profound relief.
Six of Swords continued the trend of decent stories with probably my favorite so far. An original tale of the fate of a long-disbanded adventuring party, revealing the true costs and rewards of such a life. William W. Connors does not appear to have any other prose fiction but wrote numerous adventures and rule books for TSR throughout the 1990s.
The Wild Bunch was Tom Dupree's first published story. It was a bit wordy, a lot corny, and overall predictable, but it also had a lot of charm, and that made it a winner. It was unique in fantasy stories to include such a passage as:
A Worm Too Soft . . . by J. Robert King, also an editor for this anthology, broke the trend of good stories. It did nothing for me.
Gunne Runner by Roger E. Moore was an excellent noir murder mystery set in Waterdeep, with an engaging set-up followed by a twist. I'll forgive the random magic spell plot-drivers. I struggled with the content somewhat, as I'm unaccustomed to including firearms in my swords-and-sorcery. I don't know how well this fits with the official lore (is it an addition specific to Spelljammer?) but given that Moore was a long-standing TSR editor and creative director, it's probably legit. Although, expanding the "gunnes" to include "machine gunnes" and rocket launchers was almost a bridge too far.
Elaine Cunningham closes the anthology with The Direct Approach, a prequel to Daughter of the Drow starring Liriel Baenre, but actually starring a random barbarian lady who we'll never see again. I enjoyed it. It used contrast between the characters to good effect, was playful, and didn't overstay its welcome.
A brief epilogue from Brian Thomsen follows up on his introduction, bringing back the sour taste that launched this reading experience. Unironically, his self-insert editor character screws the author royally and reveals himself to not be what was expected.
Overall a decent anthology despite a rocky start. The variety of topics and styles was certainly welcome, and there were more good stories than bad. I won't even dock it for the mean editor drama because I appreciate that reading this gave me the opportunity to learn more about that situation.
This book caps 1995's set of Forgotten Realm novels. They published twelve books that year, and it took me three and a half years to read them all. 1996 saw fourteen books, but I'm back on track with thjs particular reading project so maybe it will only take me two years to get through those. Looking ahead, there's not too much to dread: only one novel by Greenwood (and one co-authored but I'll choose to believe the other guy did most of the writing for that one. Please, please let this be the case;) a return to the Thomsen drama with another anthology and full cringe joke novel. The only Drizzt novel for a multi-year stretch is in there. And, there are several new authors in the mix. Hope springs eternal.
Anyway, Thomsen's intro immediately made me groan with its anachronistic, self-insert portrayal of an in-Realms publishing industry, featuring lead editor Justin Tym.
The groans continued into the second page of Salvatore's leading story, Guenhwyvar (again, obviously acquired before his falling-out), in which he was clearly influenced by Greenwood's romantic-heroic fantasy purple prose:
"Merry morn, Josidiah," came the call of an elven female, the young and beautiful maiden niece of Eltargrim himself. She stood on a balcony overlooking a high garden whose buds were not yet in bloom, with the avenue beyond that.
Josidiah stopped in midstride, leapt high into the air in a complete spin, and landed perfectly on bended knee, his long golden hair whipping across his face and then flying out wide again so that his eyes, the brightest of blue, flashed. "And the merriest of morns to you, good Felicity," the bladesinger responded. "Would that I held at my sides flowers befitting your beauty instead of these blades made for war."
"Blades as beautiful as any flower ever I have seen," Felicity replied teasingly, "especially when wielded by Josidiah Starym at dawn's break, on the flat rock atop Berenguil's Peak."
The bladesinger felt the hot blood rushing to his face. He had suspected that someone had been spying on him at his morning rituals—a dance with his magnificent swords, performed nude—and now he had his confirmation.
Bold emphasis is mine, to highlight the spit-take moment I endured. Overall, it was a decent story, purporting to show the origin of everyone's favorite panther companion, but really only doing one small part of that. The romantic entanglement and political drama that launch the story don't receive any development.
Smoke Powder and Mirrors by Jeff Grubb is an enjoyable underdog-over-his-head story with a fun criminal stand-off. I don't think it's connected to any full-length novel, like most of these anthologies' stories have been with few exceptions.
The Magic Thief by Mark Anthony was infinitely better than his longer work that immediately preceded this anthology: Curse of the Shadowmage. It starred the only tolerable main series character. The wizard Morhion is a much more human figure than the Realms' true magic heavy-hitters. Good recovery, Mark.
Christie Golden's The Quiet Place, as alway featuring Vampire Gold Elf Jander Sunstar, paraphrased: "Oh, woe, I am so good and so tortured, I detest being a vampire. I must resist my urges at all times. Curse this curse! Oh, goodness and light, sufferring, a good vampire I must be. Take pity on me for I am eternally cursed. Watch as I cry tears of blood. Watch again as I do it on a second occasion. " One of the better stories.
How much did I look forward to reading Ed Greenwood's story, The Eye of the Dragon next? This much: |-------------------| Fortunately the story didn't disappoint my dread expectations. I was prepared for it to be bad like All Shadows Fled, but instead it was bad in completely different and worse ways. It started off okay, although the understanding provided to the reader of character relationships seemed to change as the early story progressed. But later it became a total mess: random shifts in motivations, loathsome characters all around, an ill-conceived plot, and then of course Elminster shows up and it gets even worse, with the great Elminster being lecherous to a helpless teenager and in his wisdom cursing her with incurable insanity, which she will suffer until she dies decades later. WTF Greenwood. Confusing, pointless, loathsome.
Every Dog his Day by Dave Gross, a game designer with TSR who would later go on to author a couple of FR novels. Not bad! A first-person narrator, unusual for these stories. It tended to chew up its scenes more than necessary but maybe this gave it a bit of heart.
The Common Spell by Kate Novak-Grubb is technically an Alias story (following the books that started with Azure Bonds) but it didn't have to be. It was simply name-dropping in a story that could have stood on its own with original characters. I never knew "penanggalan" could be used so many times in so few pages. From wikipedia: "The penanggalan or penanggal is a nocturnal vampiric entity from Malay ghost myths. It takes the form of a floating disembodied woman's head, with its organs and entrails trailing from its neck." Me likey.
In The First Moonwell, Douglas Niles revisits the setting of the first ever Forgotten Realms novel, one which he indulged in two related trilogies. I now wish he hadn't. This very short story was only a creation story, written in an airy mythical tone: her heartbeat was volcanic lava flows, her skin is mountains, that kind of thing. It's been done so many times it lacks any interest. The last Moonsea book of his came out two and a half years before this one, and I'm pretty sure nobody still cared.
Allen C. Kupfer's pedigree is unclear at a cursory google search—he wrote a short story in TSR's Tales of Ravenloft and a novel a decade later—and with The Luck of Lllewellyn the Loquacious I have to ask: what's the point? In fairness, that question applies to most stories in this anthology. It's an acceptable story of a rogue who tricks two bands of halflings into recovering a treasure for him, like that's hard to do. The title is overblown.
In Too Familiar, David Zeb Cook revisits side characters from King Pinch that I vaguely recalled from when I read that just-okay book. (In case this isn't clear by this point in the review, "just okay" is high praise for Forgotten Realms novels.) It wasn't clear where it was going until mid-way when it started shaping up to be a genuinely interesting story. Then it ended before getting to the genuinely interesting part. Le sigh.
I started Jean Rabe's Red Ambition with trepidation, because of the loathsome mess that was Red Magic, but this ended up a moderately delightful villain story, tweaking the all-powerful lich wizard Szass Tam.
Thieves' Reward follows up on Mary H. Herbert's story in the prior FR anthology, but doesn't depend on memory of it. Thank goodness because I had virtually none. Based on this and the rest of her bibliography, this author clearly has a thing for horses. This story was intriguing and satisfying. Each such in this book is a profound relief.
Six of Swords continued the trend of decent stories with probably my favorite so far. An original tale of the fate of a long-disbanded adventuring party, revealing the true costs and rewards of such a life. William W. Connors does not appear to have any other prose fiction but wrote numerous adventures and rule books for TSR throughout the 1990s.
The Wild Bunch was Tom Dupree's first published story. It was a bit wordy, a lot corny, and overall predictable, but it also had a lot of charm, and that made it a winner. It was unique in fantasy stories to include such a passage as:
Shooting upward at rapid speed were heads of lettuce, ears of corn, stalks of celery, hundreds upon hundreds of cabbaged, kumquats, beets, okra, eggplant, radishes, cauliflower, tomatoes, artichokes, carrots, parsley, spinach, kale, peas, basil, cucumbers, turnips, rutabagas, squash, broccoli, peppers, beans, asparagus, sprouts, green onions, white onions, red onions, yellow onions—all manner of produce.Ah, the Forgotten Realms, where magic is commonplace, non-human races and monsters abound, but all vegetables are identical to our own. I disliked the later alternate descriptors for this barrage for their anachronism: "a cornucopia of sensible dining" and "representatives of every single member of a major food group," but I'll forgive them for being crudite.
A Worm Too Soft . . . by J. Robert King, also an editor for this anthology, broke the trend of good stories. It did nothing for me.
Gunne Runner by Roger E. Moore was an excellent noir murder mystery set in Waterdeep, with an engaging set-up followed by a twist. I'll forgive the random magic spell plot-drivers. I struggled with the content somewhat, as I'm unaccustomed to including firearms in my swords-and-sorcery. I don't know how well this fits with the official lore (is it an addition specific to Spelljammer?) but given that Moore was a long-standing TSR editor and creative director, it's probably legit. Although, expanding the "gunnes" to include "machine gunnes" and rocket launchers was almost a bridge too far.
Elaine Cunningham closes the anthology with The Direct Approach, a prequel to Daughter of the Drow starring Liriel Baenre, but actually starring a random barbarian lady who we'll never see again. I enjoyed it. It used contrast between the characters to good effect, was playful, and didn't overstay its welcome.
A brief epilogue from Brian Thomsen follows up on his introduction, bringing back the sour taste that launched this reading experience. Unironically, his self-insert editor character screws the author royally and reveals himself to not be what was expected.
Overall a decent anthology despite a rocky start. The variety of topics and styles was certainly welcome, and there were more good stories than bad. I won't even dock it for the mean editor drama because I appreciate that reading this gave me the opportunity to learn more about that situation.
This book caps 1995's set of Forgotten Realm novels. They published twelve books that year, and it took me three and a half years to read them all. 1996 saw fourteen books, but I'm back on track with thjs particular reading project so maybe it will only take me two years to get through those. Looking ahead, there's not too much to dread: only one novel by Greenwood (and one co-authored but I'll choose to believe the other guy did most of the writing for that one. Please, please let this be the case;) a return to the Thomsen drama with another anthology and full cringe joke novel. The only Drizzt novel for a multi-year stretch is in there. And, there are several new authors in the mix. Hope springs eternal.
October 31, 2021
All of the tales in this book were quick reads and there is something for everyone literally as far as the realms of magic and the Forgotten Realms all go. I really liked the Elaine Cunningham story featuring her heroine Lieriel Baenre and her time displaced partner Vasha, who reminded me somewhat of Red Sonja.
May 16, 2010
Realms of Magic edited by Brian Thomsen and J. Robert King was released in 1995 and is now out of print today (2009). This anthology has 17 short stories by R. A. Salvatore, Jeff Grubb, Mark Anthony, Christie Golden, Ed Greenwood, Dave Gross, Kate Novak- Grubb, Douglas Niles, Allen C. Kupfer, David Cook, Jean Rabe, Mary H, Herbert, William W. Connors, Tom Dupree, J. Robert King, Roger E. Moore, and Elaine Cunningham. Also included are a prologue and epilogue, both written by Brian Thomsen. The stories feature some of the Forgotten Realms most powerful wizards and magical artifacts.
Prologue by Brian Thomsen- As all prologues due, they set up the story and here is no different. Volo, a renown story-teller, goes to meet with his editor, Justin Tym, about his next book. During the conversation, Volo tells Justin that he's working on stories about magic, and proceeds to tell Justin a few.
Instead of me listing my negatives and positives, here is what I thought...
It's funny and sets up the short stories pretty well.
Guenhwyvar by R. A. Salvatore- The story is about how Drizzt Do'Urden's faithful feline companion was magically "created."
Negatives:
1) Character Development. I thought that the characters of Josidiah Starym and the mage Anders Beltgarden were interesting, but they weren't developed enough. I would like to read more about Guenhwyvar's adventures with Josidiah.
Positives:
1) Interesting. I thought that the story in general was interesting and fun to read. I've always wondered how Guenhwyvar came to be and I wasn't let down.
2) Characters. Josidiah and Anders were interesting characters as well, and like I mentioned I wish that there were more written about them.
Overall: 5/5
*Needed some more character development, otherwise it was wonderful to see how Guenhwyvar came to be.*
Smoke Powder and Mirrors by Jeff Grubb- The story is about a young apprentice mage named Jehan Wands. Jehan is upset that his teacher, his uncle, is making him work that has nothing to do with learning magic, and he goes out drinking with his friends to complain about it. During his tirade, Jehan brings up that the elder mages are not for change, namely in smoke powder (basically gun powder) and a merchant overhearing this asks Jehan to help him with moving some powder. Things don't go as planned...
Negatives:
1) "?". Whenever Khanos, the merchant talks, all his sentences end with a question mark. I don't know why but it got kind of hard to understand what was the question being asked, and after a while I figured that it just seemed to show his dialect is different.
Positives:
1) Plot. The plot was wonderful and interesting. It kept me interested, and the scenes were down really well.
2) The end. I didn't expect what happened to happen. I was wondering how he was going to make it out of there and how didn't really disappoint.
Overall: 5/5
*Fun story, that's all it really is.*
The Magic Thief by Mark Anthony- The story is about the city called Iriaebor's "greatest wizard," Morhion Gen'dahar. Morhion gets an invitation to meet a man named Zeth that, according to Zeth, would benefit them both. Morhion goes but soon realizes that he has to work without his magic to get it back.
Negatives:
1) Morhion's characteristics. The problem I have with Morhion is that he seems to nice to be a wizards. Yes, some wizards are generally kind and whatnot, but Morhion is just too nice. I don't know why this bugs me, maybe it's just that I think that wizards are a little self-centered (he is by the way).
Positives:
1) Pacing. Fast paced and pretty exciting. I didn't expect what happened to happen and even at the end, I knew the one small thing would be Zeth's downfall. But it was a fast and exciting story.
2) Use of tricks. I liked how Morhion used some tricks to track down Zeth. I like how he figured out how to get into his protected tower and to get past a gate. It was pretty ingenious.
Overall: 4/5
*Good story, but I just don't see how Morhion is just so "nice."*
The Quiet Place by Christie Golden- The story follows the sun elf vampire Jander Sunstar and his ongoing quest to find a cure for his vampirism. During his travels, he comes across a sacred grove where he can live without his curse of vampirism, but would be unable to leave the grove. During his stay, a monk of Silvanus named Oakbrother Endris becomes friends with Jander. However, the abbey in which the monk gets attack and Jander has to make a hard choice, leave the grove and help or stay and watch it burn.
You know what? NO NEGATIVES!!!
Positives:
One word... Jander. One of my top five favorite characters. Yes, this review of this story is going to have a biasness attached to it. I will say that Christie Golden does a wonderful job with always keeping her stories about Jander tragic, like it was in Vampire of the Mists. And honestly, that is what really appeals to me about Jander. He is a hero in which things don't work out for the better, yet the actions that happen always reinforces why Jander is good and noble. And the this story is no exception.
Overall: 5/5
*JANDER SUNSTAR! Need I say more?*
The Eye of the Dragon by Ed Greenwood- The story focuses on Ambreene Hawkwinter, the youngest daughter of the Hawkwinter family and a failing starting mage. Her grandmother, the matron of the house, is dying and gives Ambreene a jewel called the Eye of the Dragon, which can take memories. Upon going to Khelben Blackstaff, Ambreene wanted Khelben to save her grandmother but refuses. Ambreene swears revenge on Khelben, but does she get her revenge?
Negatives:
1) To many people. Once again, Ed Greenwood names off to many characters. While, there isn't too many characters, it still was a lot for a short story.
Positives:
1) Flow. It was really well paced and flowed great. It was fast paced and actually interesting.
2) Ending. I liked the ending. I didn't expect it and am glad it ends like it does.
Overall:4/5
*This is the FIRST Ed Greenwood short story I liked. The only problem was the character naming*
Every Dog His Day by Dave Gross- The story is about a boy named Jame searching for chasing his sister's, Dauna, with the help of a dog names King. During the search, Jame comes across a mage who knows King very well and tells Jame of Kings secret. With this secret, Jame and King goes to find his sister.
Negatives:
1) The title. I think it's an error that should read "Every Dog Has His Day." It just is a little annoying to see it just saying Every Dog His Day. Doesn't make much sense does it?
2) Descriptions. I didn't like the descriptions and it felt like B-movie dialogue.
3) In the beginning, I don't recall King getting spices thrown at him, causing him to whimper, maybe it's because the story isn't memorable.
Positives:
1) Child's view. The view-point in what Jame, a younger person, would see and describe was pretty good.
2) The invisibility cap. That was pretty interesting on how Jame used it and how he felt when he was using it.
Overall: 2/5
*Not a memorable story and it didn't hold my attention to much.*
The Common Spell by Kate Novak-Grubb- This is a story within a story with a story. Kith Lais, a teacher that teaches reading and writing, is trying to get her class to learn this. The class doesn’t seem to want to, so she starts telling a story about Alias and Dragonbait and how they were searching for a vampiric creature called a penanggalan. While Alias and Dragonbait are searching they tell a story of a adventuring group that stayed in Westgate with a weaver and her young apprentice. The youngest of the group, a mageling befriends the apprentice and teaches her to read and write. However, Alias’ story isn’t the right one and the stories all become connected in a way.
Negatives:
1) Predictable. The only thing that I felt was wrong with the story is that it was really predictable. You can, after a few pages into the story within the story, know who someone really is.
Positives:
1) Length. Being about ten pages, there is a lot of story “crammed” in and it was well written and done wonderfully.
2) Stories. The ones within the main story, were very interesting. Seeing Kith’s class asking questions about this and that about the story made it really easy to follow.
Overall: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
It was just a little to predictable, but all in all, a good story.
The First Moonwell by Douglas Niles- The story is about creating the Moonshae Islands on Toril, the planet in which the Forgotten Realms setting takes place.
Negatives:
1) Creation Story. I don’t really enjoy creation stories. They are generally confusing and just bothersome with things that I wouldn’t know.
2) Second half. The second half of the story didn’t really mix well with the first part. It really seemed like two different stories with only the ending that connected the both.
Positives:
1) Creative. I do admit that the story was very original and creative. The descriptions of what “the goddess” was feeling and “seeing” were very interesting.
Overall: 3/5
*Like I said, I don’t like creation stories. However, this is my second time reading this one and I understand what was going on more this time than the first time. *
The Luck of Llewellyn the Loquacious by Allen C. Kupfer- The story is about a man names Llewellyn the Loquacious and his dealings with two bands of halfling (and one gnome) mercenaries that are looking for a treasure.
Negatives:
1) Dialogue. I didn't really enjoy the dialogue at some points in the story. It was kind of hard to follow and most of the time didn't make much sense.
2) Details, or lack there of. There wasn't much back story and I left that there really needed to be.
Positives:
1) Llewellyn the Loquacious. He was a very unique character. I liked how he seemed to be "playing" both groups.
2) The "promises." Going back to how I liked Llewellyn, I also enjoyed how he made these vows to each group and eventually broke them for himself. He made these "plans" and vows so believable that you could believe that he was going to do what he said he was going to do.
Overall: 3/5
*I felt that it needed a little more back story and some of the dialogue was oddly worded.*
Too Familiar by David Cook- The story is about a court wizard named Brown Maeve that is in search for a familiar. But she gets a little more than she bargained for.
Negatives:
1) Slow. It was slow to pick up and at times, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on.
2) Characters. Brown Maeve was boring. She wasn't unique or really all that interesting. Will o' Horse- Shank was nothing but character that was uninteresting.
Positives:
1) The last few scenes. Those scenes were interesting and I was waiting to see what happened in them.
2) Fiddlenose. I really did like this character. He was simple, yet interesting with his pursuit of a farm cat.
Overall: 3/5
*Most of the characters were boring and that the pacing of the story really made a lot of scenes chores to read through.*
Red Ambition by Jean Rabe- The story is about Szass Tam, a lich red wizard zulkir (a ruler) of Thay. Szass Tam's apprentice, Frodyne, tells Tam about a crown that she overheard a person talking about. Szass Tam sends a skeletal army to go recover the artifact but quickly loses touch with them. He goes there to see what the problem is and finds out not everything is what it seems and that goddesses are more cunning than he is.
Negatives:
None.
Positives:
1) Szass Tam. I like his character. He is interesting and wonderfully evil.
2) End. I like the ending. Everything that happens is clever and unique.
Overall: 5/5
*Fun, interesting story with a very memorable villain.*
Thieves' Reward by Mary H. Herbert- The story follows a horse thief named Teza and her return to Immilmar, her home after leaving because of a price on her head. Teza runs into an old "friend" named Rafbit, who is forming a Thieves Guild in Immilmar and wants Teza to be his second-in-command. All Teza has to do is steal a book, yet with so simple a job things can go very wrong.
Negatives:
1) Predictable. This wasn't a really big problem, but there were somethings that were very predictable and that you could see them coming miles away.
Positives:
1) Teza. She is a very interesting character and really well thought out.
2) Plot. From the beginning to the end, the story was interesting and exciting.
Overall: 4/5
*Even though it was predictable, it's a fun, entertaining story.*
Six of Swords by William W. Conners- The story starts up as a thief named Jaybel getting murdered. It turns out that him and his wife, Gwynn, were members of an adventuring group called Six of Swords and were the first two that were found murdered. Two other members of the group, Orlando and Lelanda, go off to Waterdeep to uncover clues about their former friends deaths and along the way they stop by another members tower named Jolind to warn her. However, they find something they never expected waiting for them.
Negatives:
1) The ending. The lack of action and what happens really bothered me. It just sorta ends.
Positives:
1) The beginning. It really drew me in and made me want to know what was happening to the group.
2) Six of Swords. They were an interesting group and had a lot of back story adventures glanced over and I would have liked to read about some of them.
Overall: 4/5
*Good story that left me wanting to read more about this groups adventures, however, the main problem was the sudden ending.*
The Wild Bunch by Tom Dupree- The story is a story within a story. The main story is about an apprentice magician who doesn't think he needs to study how to learn magic from a teacher. His teacher starts to tell him a story. This story that the teacher tells is about a young magician named Wiglaf Evertongue who, like the apprentice in the main story, thinks he needs to experience magic and not have it taught to him. Wiglaf goes an "steals" a robe that "helps" in casting magic. However, the robe isn't all it seems, as well as, the teacher isn't all he seems.
Negatives:
1) Dialogue. Some of the dialogue seems misplaced. For example, in the first scene towards the end, the teacher says two things that don't fit together. Also, some of the dialogue is a little bland.
2) The ending. All I will say is that the main storyline ending was predictable.
Positives:
1) Humor. It was a pretty funny story. The whole scene in which Wiglaf needs to "show" his newfound abilities was pretty funny and clever.
2) Twist. The story within the story's ending had a pretty clever twist. I'd never expect that person as the master mage.
Overall: 4/5
*Overall, a funny story. The biggest problem I have with the dialogue.*
A Worm Too Soft... by J. Robert King- The story is about a Waterdeep rogue named Bolton Quiad and his new job. The job is to secure a huge emerald for a woman named Olivia Verdlar and her getaway retreat called Stranded Tern. With such an easy job for a stunning woman with immense wealth, Bolton thinks he has it made. However, not everything is what it seems.
Negatives:
1) Slow Start. The story really has a slow start and it really felt like a chore to read through the first few pages.
2) Wording. Some of the wording didn't seem to fit every once and a while. I guess it would be the word choices were the problem.
Positives:
1) Twist. I honestly did not see the twist coming at all. It was a shock yet it was very good.
2) The ending. What happens at the end to Olivia is just clever and sort of unique. I didn't expect it nor did I ever think it would have ended like that.
Overall: 4/5
*The twist is what really makes this short story great. I didn't see it coming and it came as an absolute surprise.*
Gunne Runner by Roger E. Moore- The story is about a wizard named Formathio on his way to have dinner with The Yellow Mage, who is going to show off his new "toy", which is a gun. Upon arriving, Formathio finds his friend murder and a watch captain named Civilar Ardrum enlists Formathio to help bring down his friends murderer.
Negatives:
1) Guns. I don't like that they are in here and everything. It just makes the Realms kind of cheap in my opinion.
2) Over my head. There were a few things that mentioned in the end that were really way over my head. I don't know anything about these things so I was totally lost.
Positives:
1) Entertaining. Even though it's about guns... The story is really fun and entertaining.
2) Formathio and Ardrum. These characters were really interesting, particularly Ardrum special "skill."
Overall: 2/5
*My personal bias is in this rating, just because I loathe the idea of guns in the Realms...*
The Direct Approach by Elaine Cunningham- The story follows Liriel Baenre and her encounter with a barbarian warrior named Vasha the Red, who traveled through time to find a runecaster named Toth. Liriel helps Vasha find Toth in exchange for knowledge of rune magic.
Negatives:
1) When. I could not figure out when this story occurred in Liriel history. It kind of bugged me a little.
2) Vasha. I just felt that this character was really very annoying and I honestly didn't like reading what she said.
Positives:
1) Concept. The whole "time coin" idea is pretty interesting, and that Vasha came through time to find Toth.
2) Ending. I do like how Liriel decides to capture Toth. The treachery of the drow...
Overall: 4/5
*Even though I didn't like Vasha, it was an interesting concept and story with a good lesson at the end.*
Epilogue by Brian Thomsen- A basic continuation from the prologue involving Volo and his publisher Justin Tym. However things aren't as they seem once Volo leaves.
*It just sort of leaves you wondering what the heck happened?
OVERALL ANTHOLOGY: 5/5
*I do have to say that a lot of these stories were just wonderful and great. Amazing plots, memorable characters, and unexpected twists are the major highlights of the anthology. I'm honestly amazed that the stories averaged a 5 out of 5.*
Prologue by Brian Thomsen- As all prologues due, they set up the story and here is no different. Volo, a renown story-teller, goes to meet with his editor, Justin Tym, about his next book. During the conversation, Volo tells Justin that he's working on stories about magic, and proceeds to tell Justin a few.
Instead of me listing my negatives and positives, here is what I thought...
It's funny and sets up the short stories pretty well.
Guenhwyvar by R. A. Salvatore- The story is about how Drizzt Do'Urden's faithful feline companion was magically "created."
Negatives:
1) Character Development. I thought that the characters of Josidiah Starym and the mage Anders Beltgarden were interesting, but they weren't developed enough. I would like to read more about Guenhwyvar's adventures with Josidiah.
Positives:
1) Interesting. I thought that the story in general was interesting and fun to read. I've always wondered how Guenhwyvar came to be and I wasn't let down.
2) Characters. Josidiah and Anders were interesting characters as well, and like I mentioned I wish that there were more written about them.
Overall: 5/5
*Needed some more character development, otherwise it was wonderful to see how Guenhwyvar came to be.*
Smoke Powder and Mirrors by Jeff Grubb- The story is about a young apprentice mage named Jehan Wands. Jehan is upset that his teacher, his uncle, is making him work that has nothing to do with learning magic, and he goes out drinking with his friends to complain about it. During his tirade, Jehan brings up that the elder mages are not for change, namely in smoke powder (basically gun powder) and a merchant overhearing this asks Jehan to help him with moving some powder. Things don't go as planned...
Negatives:
1) "?". Whenever Khanos, the merchant talks, all his sentences end with a question mark. I don't know why but it got kind of hard to understand what was the question being asked, and after a while I figured that it just seemed to show his dialect is different.
Positives:
1) Plot. The plot was wonderful and interesting. It kept me interested, and the scenes were down really well.
2) The end. I didn't expect what happened to happen. I was wondering how he was going to make it out of there and how didn't really disappoint.
Overall: 5/5
*Fun story, that's all it really is.*
The Magic Thief by Mark Anthony- The story is about the city called Iriaebor's "greatest wizard," Morhion Gen'dahar. Morhion gets an invitation to meet a man named Zeth that, according to Zeth, would benefit them both. Morhion goes but soon realizes that he has to work without his magic to get it back.
Negatives:
1) Morhion's characteristics. The problem I have with Morhion is that he seems to nice to be a wizards. Yes, some wizards are generally kind and whatnot, but Morhion is just too nice. I don't know why this bugs me, maybe it's just that I think that wizards are a little self-centered (he is by the way).
Positives:
1) Pacing. Fast paced and pretty exciting. I didn't expect what happened to happen and even at the end, I knew the one small thing would be Zeth's downfall. But it was a fast and exciting story.
2) Use of tricks. I liked how Morhion used some tricks to track down Zeth. I like how he figured out how to get into his protected tower and to get past a gate. It was pretty ingenious.
Overall: 4/5
*Good story, but I just don't see how Morhion is just so "nice."*
The Quiet Place by Christie Golden- The story follows the sun elf vampire Jander Sunstar and his ongoing quest to find a cure for his vampirism. During his travels, he comes across a sacred grove where he can live without his curse of vampirism, but would be unable to leave the grove. During his stay, a monk of Silvanus named Oakbrother Endris becomes friends with Jander. However, the abbey in which the monk gets attack and Jander has to make a hard choice, leave the grove and help or stay and watch it burn.
You know what? NO NEGATIVES!!!
Positives:
One word... Jander. One of my top five favorite characters. Yes, this review of this story is going to have a biasness attached to it. I will say that Christie Golden does a wonderful job with always keeping her stories about Jander tragic, like it was in Vampire of the Mists. And honestly, that is what really appeals to me about Jander. He is a hero in which things don't work out for the better, yet the actions that happen always reinforces why Jander is good and noble. And the this story is no exception.
Overall: 5/5
*JANDER SUNSTAR! Need I say more?*
The Eye of the Dragon by Ed Greenwood- The story focuses on Ambreene Hawkwinter, the youngest daughter of the Hawkwinter family and a failing starting mage. Her grandmother, the matron of the house, is dying and gives Ambreene a jewel called the Eye of the Dragon, which can take memories. Upon going to Khelben Blackstaff, Ambreene wanted Khelben to save her grandmother but refuses. Ambreene swears revenge on Khelben, but does she get her revenge?
Negatives:
1) To many people. Once again, Ed Greenwood names off to many characters. While, there isn't too many characters, it still was a lot for a short story.
Positives:
1) Flow. It was really well paced and flowed great. It was fast paced and actually interesting.
2) Ending. I liked the ending. I didn't expect it and am glad it ends like it does.
Overall:4/5
*This is the FIRST Ed Greenwood short story I liked. The only problem was the character naming*
Every Dog His Day by Dave Gross- The story is about a boy named Jame searching for chasing his sister's, Dauna, with the help of a dog names King. During the search, Jame comes across a mage who knows King very well and tells Jame of Kings secret. With this secret, Jame and King goes to find his sister.
Negatives:
1) The title. I think it's an error that should read "Every Dog Has His Day." It just is a little annoying to see it just saying Every Dog His Day. Doesn't make much sense does it?
2) Descriptions. I didn't like the descriptions and it felt like B-movie dialogue.
3) In the beginning, I don't recall King getting spices thrown at him, causing him to whimper, maybe it's because the story isn't memorable.
Positives:
1) Child's view. The view-point in what Jame, a younger person, would see and describe was pretty good.
2) The invisibility cap. That was pretty interesting on how Jame used it and how he felt when he was using it.
Overall: 2/5
*Not a memorable story and it didn't hold my attention to much.*
The Common Spell by Kate Novak-Grubb- This is a story within a story with a story. Kith Lais, a teacher that teaches reading and writing, is trying to get her class to learn this. The class doesn’t seem to want to, so she starts telling a story about Alias and Dragonbait and how they were searching for a vampiric creature called a penanggalan. While Alias and Dragonbait are searching they tell a story of a adventuring group that stayed in Westgate with a weaver and her young apprentice. The youngest of the group, a mageling befriends the apprentice and teaches her to read and write. However, Alias’ story isn’t the right one and the stories all become connected in a way.
Negatives:
1) Predictable. The only thing that I felt was wrong with the story is that it was really predictable. You can, after a few pages into the story within the story, know who someone really is.
Positives:
1) Length. Being about ten pages, there is a lot of story “crammed” in and it was well written and done wonderfully.
2) Stories. The ones within the main story, were very interesting. Seeing Kith’s class asking questions about this and that about the story made it really easy to follow.
Overall: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
It was just a little to predictable, but all in all, a good story.
The First Moonwell by Douglas Niles- The story is about creating the Moonshae Islands on Toril, the planet in which the Forgotten Realms setting takes place.
Negatives:
1) Creation Story. I don’t really enjoy creation stories. They are generally confusing and just bothersome with things that I wouldn’t know.
2) Second half. The second half of the story didn’t really mix well with the first part. It really seemed like two different stories with only the ending that connected the both.
Positives:
1) Creative. I do admit that the story was very original and creative. The descriptions of what “the goddess” was feeling and “seeing” were very interesting.
Overall: 3/5
*Like I said, I don’t like creation stories. However, this is my second time reading this one and I understand what was going on more this time than the first time. *
The Luck of Llewellyn the Loquacious by Allen C. Kupfer- The story is about a man names Llewellyn the Loquacious and his dealings with two bands of halfling (and one gnome) mercenaries that are looking for a treasure.
Negatives:
1) Dialogue. I didn't really enjoy the dialogue at some points in the story. It was kind of hard to follow and most of the time didn't make much sense.
2) Details, or lack there of. There wasn't much back story and I left that there really needed to be.
Positives:
1) Llewellyn the Loquacious. He was a very unique character. I liked how he seemed to be "playing" both groups.
2) The "promises." Going back to how I liked Llewellyn, I also enjoyed how he made these vows to each group and eventually broke them for himself. He made these "plans" and vows so believable that you could believe that he was going to do what he said he was going to do.
Overall: 3/5
*I felt that it needed a little more back story and some of the dialogue was oddly worded.*
Too Familiar by David Cook- The story is about a court wizard named Brown Maeve that is in search for a familiar. But she gets a little more than she bargained for.
Negatives:
1) Slow. It was slow to pick up and at times, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on.
2) Characters. Brown Maeve was boring. She wasn't unique or really all that interesting. Will o' Horse- Shank was nothing but character that was uninteresting.
Positives:
1) The last few scenes. Those scenes were interesting and I was waiting to see what happened in them.
2) Fiddlenose. I really did like this character. He was simple, yet interesting with his pursuit of a farm cat.
Overall: 3/5
*Most of the characters were boring and that the pacing of the story really made a lot of scenes chores to read through.*
Red Ambition by Jean Rabe- The story is about Szass Tam, a lich red wizard zulkir (a ruler) of Thay. Szass Tam's apprentice, Frodyne, tells Tam about a crown that she overheard a person talking about. Szass Tam sends a skeletal army to go recover the artifact but quickly loses touch with them. He goes there to see what the problem is and finds out not everything is what it seems and that goddesses are more cunning than he is.
Negatives:
None.
Positives:
1) Szass Tam. I like his character. He is interesting and wonderfully evil.
2) End. I like the ending. Everything that happens is clever and unique.
Overall: 5/5
*Fun, interesting story with a very memorable villain.*
Thieves' Reward by Mary H. Herbert- The story follows a horse thief named Teza and her return to Immilmar, her home after leaving because of a price on her head. Teza runs into an old "friend" named Rafbit, who is forming a Thieves Guild in Immilmar and wants Teza to be his second-in-command. All Teza has to do is steal a book, yet with so simple a job things can go very wrong.
Negatives:
1) Predictable. This wasn't a really big problem, but there were somethings that were very predictable and that you could see them coming miles away.
Positives:
1) Teza. She is a very interesting character and really well thought out.
2) Plot. From the beginning to the end, the story was interesting and exciting.
Overall: 4/5
*Even though it was predictable, it's a fun, entertaining story.*
Six of Swords by William W. Conners- The story starts up as a thief named Jaybel getting murdered. It turns out that him and his wife, Gwynn, were members of an adventuring group called Six of Swords and were the first two that were found murdered. Two other members of the group, Orlando and Lelanda, go off to Waterdeep to uncover clues about their former friends deaths and along the way they stop by another members tower named Jolind to warn her. However, they find something they never expected waiting for them.
Negatives:
1) The ending. The lack of action and what happens really bothered me. It just sorta ends.
Positives:
1) The beginning. It really drew me in and made me want to know what was happening to the group.
2) Six of Swords. They were an interesting group and had a lot of back story adventures glanced over and I would have liked to read about some of them.
Overall: 4/5
*Good story that left me wanting to read more about this groups adventures, however, the main problem was the sudden ending.*
The Wild Bunch by Tom Dupree- The story is a story within a story. The main story is about an apprentice magician who doesn't think he needs to study how to learn magic from a teacher. His teacher starts to tell him a story. This story that the teacher tells is about a young magician named Wiglaf Evertongue who, like the apprentice in the main story, thinks he needs to experience magic and not have it taught to him. Wiglaf goes an "steals" a robe that "helps" in casting magic. However, the robe isn't all it seems, as well as, the teacher isn't all he seems.
Negatives:
1) Dialogue. Some of the dialogue seems misplaced. For example, in the first scene towards the end, the teacher says two things that don't fit together. Also, some of the dialogue is a little bland.
2) The ending. All I will say is that the main storyline ending was predictable.
Positives:
1) Humor. It was a pretty funny story. The whole scene in which Wiglaf needs to "show" his newfound abilities was pretty funny and clever.
2) Twist. The story within the story's ending had a pretty clever twist. I'd never expect that person as the master mage.
Overall: 4/5
*Overall, a funny story. The biggest problem I have with the dialogue.*
A Worm Too Soft... by J. Robert King- The story is about a Waterdeep rogue named Bolton Quiad and his new job. The job is to secure a huge emerald for a woman named Olivia Verdlar and her getaway retreat called Stranded Tern. With such an easy job for a stunning woman with immense wealth, Bolton thinks he has it made. However, not everything is what it seems.
Negatives:
1) Slow Start. The story really has a slow start and it really felt like a chore to read through the first few pages.
2) Wording. Some of the wording didn't seem to fit every once and a while. I guess it would be the word choices were the problem.
Positives:
1) Twist. I honestly did not see the twist coming at all. It was a shock yet it was very good.
2) The ending. What happens at the end to Olivia is just clever and sort of unique. I didn't expect it nor did I ever think it would have ended like that.
Overall: 4/5
*The twist is what really makes this short story great. I didn't see it coming and it came as an absolute surprise.*
Gunne Runner by Roger E. Moore- The story is about a wizard named Formathio on his way to have dinner with The Yellow Mage, who is going to show off his new "toy", which is a gun. Upon arriving, Formathio finds his friend murder and a watch captain named Civilar Ardrum enlists Formathio to help bring down his friends murderer.
Negatives:
1) Guns. I don't like that they are in here and everything. It just makes the Realms kind of cheap in my opinion.
2) Over my head. There were a few things that mentioned in the end that were really way over my head. I don't know anything about these things so I was totally lost.
Positives:
1) Entertaining. Even though it's about guns... The story is really fun and entertaining.
2) Formathio and Ardrum. These characters were really interesting, particularly Ardrum special "skill."
Overall: 2/5
*My personal bias is in this rating, just because I loathe the idea of guns in the Realms...*
The Direct Approach by Elaine Cunningham- The story follows Liriel Baenre and her encounter with a barbarian warrior named Vasha the Red, who traveled through time to find a runecaster named Toth. Liriel helps Vasha find Toth in exchange for knowledge of rune magic.
Negatives:
1) When. I could not figure out when this story occurred in Liriel history. It kind of bugged me a little.
2) Vasha. I just felt that this character was really very annoying and I honestly didn't like reading what she said.
Positives:
1) Concept. The whole "time coin" idea is pretty interesting, and that Vasha came through time to find Toth.
2) Ending. I do like how Liriel decides to capture Toth. The treachery of the drow...
Overall: 4/5
*Even though I didn't like Vasha, it was an interesting concept and story with a good lesson at the end.*
Epilogue by Brian Thomsen- A basic continuation from the prologue involving Volo and his publisher Justin Tym. However things aren't as they seem once Volo leaves.
*It just sort of leaves you wondering what the heck happened?
OVERALL ANTHOLOGY: 5/5
*I do have to say that a lot of these stories were just wonderful and great. Amazing plots, memorable characters, and unexpected twists are the major highlights of the anthology. I'm honestly amazed that the stories averaged a 5 out of 5.*
January 29, 2016
If you enjoy D&D novels as a main course, then this books is full of magical snacks. Enjoy.
February 26, 2025
Continuing on to Realms of Magic, I have to start by saying how excited I am about the author lineup, I look forward to delving into this anthology!
Prologue by Brian Thomsen
I really like these prologues, they add so much personality and flavor to the anthology.
Guenhwyvar by R. A. Salvatore
Coincidentally I wanted to re-read this story in the last couple of months so I’m very glad it’s in this anthology. I am somewhat pleased that we have Guen’s origin story as sad as it actually is. I found the Bladesinger character, Josidiah, very compelling. He was, in fact, so compelling, that it made me want to play a Bladesinger character soon after reading this story.
It’s refreshing reading Salvator’s writing when Drizzt isn’t the protagonist. I still enjoy the TLoD series, I wouldn’t still be reading it and trying to catch up to it if I didn’t, but his writing feels a lot more different, more mature, if you will, with this story.
Smoke Powder and Mirrors By Jeff Grubb
I haven’t read anything by this author just yet, but Grubb has a really fast-paced, snappy writing style and I’m really enjoying it.
The pacing kept me engaged and interested, the story never felt like it dragged or slowed down at any point, I liked the three apprentices sticking it to the old mages as youths do. The antagonist felt really different and interesting, it was very refreshing.
I really enjoyed it overall.
The Magic Thief By Mark Anthony
I have enjoyed Mark Anthony’s writing thus far, the title of this story is intriguing. Upon doing a bit of research the story follows one of the characters featured in his Harpers Novels.
Having finished the story, I really loved it! I really enjoyed the setup and the wizard’s resourcefulness throughout his predicament. The antagonist was interesting, I suppose he was meant to be portrayed as pitiful and it really showed his desperation.
I definitely hung on to every word and the ending was sad but well-deserved for what it was.
I love it when characters are humbled one way or the other but take it in strides and learn from it.
The Quiet Place By Christie Golden
I’ve been waiting to read this story for a long time and am so delighted to do so finally. Jander Sunstar very quickly became one of my favorite Forgotten Realms/Ravenloft characters. I am a sucker for tragic protagonists when done right. I cannot wait to read the actual novel, in the meantime, I have to finish up this very story.
That was a bittersweet story but I still really loved it. I also think, in the long run, such a gift could very easily start feeling like a prison. He did the right thing leaving the grove to help those in need, but I also wish he still got something out of it, aside from the satisfaction of saving some holy and innocent people.
What I always loved about Jander is his willingness to help people, even if they are out to harm him. His self-sacrificing nature and kindness in the face of hardships are admirable traits. He definitely did the right thing.
The Eye of the Dragon By Ed Greenwood
Typically Grandpa Ed’s short stories have been a hit or miss for me personally. I love his worldbuilding but not everything I read by him was to my liking. It is a bit sad. I am hoping this story is going to pleasantly surprise me.
The longer I read it the more I feel as if I am missing some context or some motivation from the main character. I suppose to me it’s a bit strange that “Big name wizard told me “no” to essentially keep my relative alive, possibly against their will” is worthy of such lengths and plots of vengeance.
The ending was fitting, and the protagonist definitely learned her lesson through the final half of the story. The story also felt a bit messy in parts. The pacing of it was good, and the plot was engaging. I didn’t dislike the story but it does feel a bit unpolished in places.
Every Dog His Day By Dave Gross
The only thing I’ve read thus far by Dave Gross is one of the Double Diamond Triangle Saga books, so I am looking forward to this story, as it was one of the ones I more or less enjoyed.
This story doesn’t feel very cohesive in parts and feels like it needs more editing to make it so. In the beginning, the information is presented in a haphazard way and it really halts the pace in parts.
Not sure if it's just me being tired but names are introduced without context (?)
The narrative of King being a dog for so long that he forgets how to act human is a bit strange to me and I don't know if it works. I think the narrative of a very clever dog would have worked better here, in my humble opinion. It would have gotten rid of a lot of the awkward and downright silly shenanigans.
The Common Spell By Kate Novak
I have heard of this author but I've not read anything by her. I hope this will be a good read.
Well, it got a bit heavy in parts and had some issues with being a bit inconsistent narratively, and it disrupted the flow of the story. (The most glaring part was when Dragonbait was described as being in one spot but suddenly he was in a different part of a room without mentioning any of his movement prior), but it was a really nice story with a good moral.
The characters in the story seem to be the same ones featured in the novel “Azure Bonds” which is part of The Finder's Stone Trilogy, contextualizing it somewhat. (I have not read every TSR/WotC novel under the sun, so forgive me if I am not in the know) and from a bit more googling it’s told by a character who was not present for those books but was mentioned in name. I will not dwell too long on this.
In a lot of parts, it felt like it lacked focus (probably because of the princess-bride-esque narrative)
The teacher's name was a clever anagram, though it gave itself away quickly. The writing was engaging but the narrative halted a bit at times, very princess bride-esque. I had to reread some parts of it for it to make sense but maybe it's just me being forever tired.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and don’t really have much criticism for it, aside from those few things mentioned above.
The First Moonwell By Douglas Niles
I haven’t read any of this author’s books, but I do remember reading “The Lord of Lowhill” which I previously described as feeling that it was heavily inspired by LOTR and The Hobbit. I am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.
To my knowledge, there is no direct correlation between this story and his Moonshae trilogy and other related books (aside from recurring characters) but it does seem to be somewhat related, as it is the creation story of the Moonshae Isles.
There is an interesting narrative from the point of view of animals, and I really don’t see this done much, outside of children’s literature, It’s very refreshing to read.
This felt like it was part of a larger narrative, and like I’m missing more information somewhere. This is my only thought, though. Overall it's a very nice story with good pacing and clear, concise storytelling.
The Luck of Llewellyn the Loquacious By Allen C. Kupfer
The title of this story is very intriguing. I am reminded that I’ve randomly picked up a novel by this author (unrelated to The Forgotten Realms/Ravenloft) and I enjoyed it quite a bit as a teenager. Finding this author again is making me feel very nostalgic, I hope I enjoy this short story.
This was a very fun story! I very much enjoy stories with witty, charismatic protagonists, that are a bit on the mischievous side but also aren’t there to harm anybody. this hits that niche for me. Characters who use wit and diplomacy instead of violence have my whole heart.
Llewellyn had so much personality and charm, and his dialogue was genuinely witty and at times very funny. I would have enjoyed it if there was a series or trilogy with this NPC, I would have probably read it cover to cover.
The plot was clear and concise, the narrative was to the point and easy to follow. I have no real criticism of it, it was just a genuinely good story.
Too Familiar By David Cook
David Cook is a recurring author in these anthologies. I’ve previously read “Gallow’s Day” and “Patronage” as well as “Uneasy Alliances” from The Double Diamond Triangle Saga. I was not very impressed with any of those, but here’s hoping 4th time’s the charm. I am not saying he is a bad writer by any means, but I am hoping this one is more compelling than the previous three things.
This specific story follows a character from his “King Pinch” novel, which is loosely tied to The Nobles series. As far as the story goes, some sentences feel a bit too wordy and could have been worded more simply. There were a lot of moving elements with seemingly no connections at first, but at least it all made sense in the end.
It’s a bit strange to me that this band of rogues seemingly accomplished a great deed, and one of them was crowned as a ruler, and yet one of the members is constantly disrespected by her peers, and the solution boils down to a “find familiar” spell. Sure she doesn’t seem to be a formally trained wizard, but she still defeated a lich with her companions, and that’s no easy feat.
I didn’t find Maeve that compelling as a character, but that might be attributed to me not really knowing her as a character in this short time. She is somewhat of an antihero due to her heavy drinking habits and unconventional background, but I think that’s a narrative strength, as in this case it’s done right, unlike plenty of other media whose antiheroes are just edgy and pretentious.
Overall it had it’s strengths and weaknesses, but it was pretty solid.
Red Ambition By Jean Rabe
I distinctly remember “Grandfather’s Toys” with a very grumpy druid that I was not a fan of. So hopefully I will enjoy this story. I have since learned that the druid is a character from the author’s “Red Magic” novel. Which is part of The Harpers book series.
I didn’t expect Szass Tam to be the protagonist of this but it was a really interesting choice. I have nothing negative to say about this, it’s a solid story with good structure and pacing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I was surprised at how easily Szass Tam was duped, but megalomaniacs often are if the price is high enough.
Thieves' Reward By Mary H. Herbert
This is a pleasant surprise, I am looking forward to reading more about Teza and her adventures.
That was a nice story, I’m sad that she lost her water-horse but seems like she gained a companion at the very end, so all’s well that ends well. It’s better to not rely on a familiar or a creature to serve you against their will, and the story illustrates that very well.
Teza herself is still very compelling to me, as a character.
Six of Swords By William W. Connors
I haven’t read anything by this author, but I know he was a game designer for TSR and penned some Dragonlance and Ravenloft novels and content. I love the Ravenloft Setting so this revelation is exciting.
I’m not sure if these characters appear anywhere other than this short story, but now I’m curious. It feels as if they belong to a larger narrative but I can’t seem to find any other information on this story or what it might relate to.
I didn’t expect that twist at the end, but it was a pretty unique one. The story was interesting and engaging and the resolution was fitting. However, at some point, it felt pointless to have them go to Waterdeep when they ended up at a different location entirely.
Intellectually I know it’s just how the narrative played out but making a setting make sense feels better. Not teasing a location that ends up not coming up feels anti-climactic.
The Wild Bunch By Tom Dupree
I have not read anything by this author previously, but they seemed to have written in other TSR anthologies and fantasy collections. Not sure what to expect, but regardless I am looking forward to reading this.
This was a simple and fun cautionary tale. Some of the lines made me laugh out loud. I didn’t expect the story to go where it went, and for a time I was very worried for the MC but it seemed to have turned out well enough.
The story was very entertaining and to the point.
A Worm Too Soft By J. Robert King
I have read a few of this author’s works, such as a few of the Double Diamond Triangle Saga novels, and “The Greatest Hero Who Ever Died” which I very much enjoyed. I hope this story is as entertaining as his other short story.
It’s not often you see a first-person narrative, and it’s refreshing.
My biggest problem with this story is the sexualization as a plot device. The female character’s portrayal in this came off as very gross, almost as if she’s just a sexual object for the male gaze. I was getting disgusting vibes from both of these characters’ dynamics. Clearly, the female character was written as a “seductress” stereotype and very badly at that.
Once the story stopped sexualizing the woman, things solved themselves a bit too simply for my taste. The story feels very rushed and the manner in which the male lead figures out the mystery isn’t even touched upon. The story wasn’t predictable in itself but it wasn’t very imaginative and lacked focus in parts. Olivia turning out to be a green dragon was predictable, on the other hand.
I don’t even want to begin with the fantasy racism. That bit was truly disappointing and unnecessary. I can’t say I had the highest expectations but boy was I disappointed in this story, reaching for the lowest-hanging fruit.
Gunne Runner By Roger E. Moore
I remember reading “Vision” by this author and I recall how heavy it was, his other story “Sea of Ghosts” was also quite depressing. He has also written “Errand of Mercy” from the Double Diamond Triangle Saga, which was okay. I imagine he has penned a few articles in Dragon Mag and worked on some modules, though I'm not entirely sure if he has written other novels.
I’m not sure what to expect from this story, but here’s hoping.
Well, this was a surprisingly entertaining story, though whenever the topic of guns shows up in Faerun it always takes away from the high/heroic fantasy of the setting for me. Adding sci-fi elements to fantasy doesn’t always work the same as let’s say, something like Ravenloft/gothic horror. I don’t really have any criticism aside from that.
The Direct Approach By Elaine Cunningham
I keep meaning to read her Starlight and Shadows series but I keep putting it down, which is a shame because I really enjoy her writing and those books, I just couldn’t seem to focus on them the past few times.
I have also read “The Bargain” and have been curious about her Songs & Swords series ever since. I have also read "The More Things Change" which made me wonder about the titular antagonist of the Songs & Swords series yet again. This story seems to fall beween the first two books in the Starlight and Shadows timeline, which I definitely need to get to sooner than later.
Aside from those things I also joyfully consumed the “Rite of Blood” story, and had nothing but praise for it. Suffice to say I am very much looking forward to it.
I can always count on Elaine Cunningham to provide a good time, this story is full of fish-out-of-water type misadventures, and they always have their charm when done correctly. It is cojnterbalanced by Liriel’s to-the-point nature and it makes for an entertaining read.
Epilogue By Brian Thomsen
A fun little epilogue with a twist, nothing more to add.
Prologue by Brian Thomsen
I really like these prologues, they add so much personality and flavor to the anthology.
Guenhwyvar by R. A. Salvatore
Coincidentally I wanted to re-read this story in the last couple of months so I’m very glad it’s in this anthology. I am somewhat pleased that we have Guen’s origin story as sad as it actually is. I found the Bladesinger character, Josidiah, very compelling. He was, in fact, so compelling, that it made me want to play a Bladesinger character soon after reading this story.
It’s refreshing reading Salvator’s writing when Drizzt isn’t the protagonist. I still enjoy the TLoD series, I wouldn’t still be reading it and trying to catch up to it if I didn’t, but his writing feels a lot more different, more mature, if you will, with this story.
Smoke Powder and Mirrors By Jeff Grubb
I haven’t read anything by this author just yet, but Grubb has a really fast-paced, snappy writing style and I’m really enjoying it.
The pacing kept me engaged and interested, the story never felt like it dragged or slowed down at any point, I liked the three apprentices sticking it to the old mages as youths do. The antagonist felt really different and interesting, it was very refreshing.
I really enjoyed it overall.
The Magic Thief By Mark Anthony
I have enjoyed Mark Anthony’s writing thus far, the title of this story is intriguing. Upon doing a bit of research the story follows one of the characters featured in his Harpers Novels.
Having finished the story, I really loved it! I really enjoyed the setup and the wizard’s resourcefulness throughout his predicament. The antagonist was interesting, I suppose he was meant to be portrayed as pitiful and it really showed his desperation.
I definitely hung on to every word and the ending was sad but well-deserved for what it was.
I love it when characters are humbled one way or the other but take it in strides and learn from it.
The Quiet Place By Christie Golden
I’ve been waiting to read this story for a long time and am so delighted to do so finally. Jander Sunstar very quickly became one of my favorite Forgotten Realms/Ravenloft characters. I am a sucker for tragic protagonists when done right. I cannot wait to read the actual novel, in the meantime, I have to finish up this very story.
That was a bittersweet story but I still really loved it. I also think, in the long run, such a gift could very easily start feeling like a prison. He did the right thing leaving the grove to help those in need, but I also wish he still got something out of it, aside from the satisfaction of saving some holy and innocent people.
What I always loved about Jander is his willingness to help people, even if they are out to harm him. His self-sacrificing nature and kindness in the face of hardships are admirable traits. He definitely did the right thing.
The Eye of the Dragon By Ed Greenwood
Typically Grandpa Ed’s short stories have been a hit or miss for me personally. I love his worldbuilding but not everything I read by him was to my liking. It is a bit sad. I am hoping this story is going to pleasantly surprise me.
The longer I read it the more I feel as if I am missing some context or some motivation from the main character. I suppose to me it’s a bit strange that “Big name wizard told me “no” to essentially keep my relative alive, possibly against their will” is worthy of such lengths and plots of vengeance.
The ending was fitting, and the protagonist definitely learned her lesson through the final half of the story. The story also felt a bit messy in parts. The pacing of it was good, and the plot was engaging. I didn’t dislike the story but it does feel a bit unpolished in places.
Every Dog His Day By Dave Gross
The only thing I’ve read thus far by Dave Gross is one of the Double Diamond Triangle Saga books, so I am looking forward to this story, as it was one of the ones I more or less enjoyed.
This story doesn’t feel very cohesive in parts and feels like it needs more editing to make it so. In the beginning, the information is presented in a haphazard way and it really halts the pace in parts.
Not sure if it's just me being tired but names are introduced without context (?)
The narrative of King being a dog for so long that he forgets how to act human is a bit strange to me and I don't know if it works. I think the narrative of a very clever dog would have worked better here, in my humble opinion. It would have gotten rid of a lot of the awkward and downright silly shenanigans.
The Common Spell By Kate Novak
I have heard of this author but I've not read anything by her. I hope this will be a good read.
Well, it got a bit heavy in parts and had some issues with being a bit inconsistent narratively, and it disrupted the flow of the story. (The most glaring part was when Dragonbait was described as being in one spot but suddenly he was in a different part of a room without mentioning any of his movement prior), but it was a really nice story with a good moral.
The characters in the story seem to be the same ones featured in the novel “Azure Bonds” which is part of The Finder's Stone Trilogy, contextualizing it somewhat. (I have not read every TSR/WotC novel under the sun, so forgive me if I am not in the know) and from a bit more googling it’s told by a character who was not present for those books but was mentioned in name. I will not dwell too long on this.
In a lot of parts, it felt like it lacked focus (probably because of the princess-bride-esque narrative)
The teacher's name was a clever anagram, though it gave itself away quickly. The writing was engaging but the narrative halted a bit at times, very princess bride-esque. I had to reread some parts of it for it to make sense but maybe it's just me being forever tired.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and don’t really have much criticism for it, aside from those few things mentioned above.
The First Moonwell By Douglas Niles
I haven’t read any of this author’s books, but I do remember reading “The Lord of Lowhill” which I previously described as feeling that it was heavily inspired by LOTR and The Hobbit. I am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.
To my knowledge, there is no direct correlation between this story and his Moonshae trilogy and other related books (aside from recurring characters) but it does seem to be somewhat related, as it is the creation story of the Moonshae Isles.
There is an interesting narrative from the point of view of animals, and I really don’t see this done much, outside of children’s literature, It’s very refreshing to read.
This felt like it was part of a larger narrative, and like I’m missing more information somewhere. This is my only thought, though. Overall it's a very nice story with good pacing and clear, concise storytelling.
The Luck of Llewellyn the Loquacious By Allen C. Kupfer
The title of this story is very intriguing. I am reminded that I’ve randomly picked up a novel by this author (unrelated to The Forgotten Realms/Ravenloft) and I enjoyed it quite a bit as a teenager. Finding this author again is making me feel very nostalgic, I hope I enjoy this short story.
This was a very fun story! I very much enjoy stories with witty, charismatic protagonists, that are a bit on the mischievous side but also aren’t there to harm anybody. this hits that niche for me. Characters who use wit and diplomacy instead of violence have my whole heart.
Llewellyn had so much personality and charm, and his dialogue was genuinely witty and at times very funny. I would have enjoyed it if there was a series or trilogy with this NPC, I would have probably read it cover to cover.
The plot was clear and concise, the narrative was to the point and easy to follow. I have no real criticism of it, it was just a genuinely good story.
Too Familiar By David Cook
David Cook is a recurring author in these anthologies. I’ve previously read “Gallow’s Day” and “Patronage” as well as “Uneasy Alliances” from The Double Diamond Triangle Saga. I was not very impressed with any of those, but here’s hoping 4th time’s the charm. I am not saying he is a bad writer by any means, but I am hoping this one is more compelling than the previous three things.
This specific story follows a character from his “King Pinch” novel, which is loosely tied to The Nobles series. As far as the story goes, some sentences feel a bit too wordy and could have been worded more simply. There were a lot of moving elements with seemingly no connections at first, but at least it all made sense in the end.
It’s a bit strange to me that this band of rogues seemingly accomplished a great deed, and one of them was crowned as a ruler, and yet one of the members is constantly disrespected by her peers, and the solution boils down to a “find familiar” spell. Sure she doesn’t seem to be a formally trained wizard, but she still defeated a lich with her companions, and that’s no easy feat.
I didn’t find Maeve that compelling as a character, but that might be attributed to me not really knowing her as a character in this short time. She is somewhat of an antihero due to her heavy drinking habits and unconventional background, but I think that’s a narrative strength, as in this case it’s done right, unlike plenty of other media whose antiheroes are just edgy and pretentious.
Overall it had it’s strengths and weaknesses, but it was pretty solid.
Red Ambition By Jean Rabe
I distinctly remember “Grandfather’s Toys” with a very grumpy druid that I was not a fan of. So hopefully I will enjoy this story. I have since learned that the druid is a character from the author’s “Red Magic” novel. Which is part of The Harpers book series.
I didn’t expect Szass Tam to be the protagonist of this but it was a really interesting choice. I have nothing negative to say about this, it’s a solid story with good structure and pacing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I was surprised at how easily Szass Tam was duped, but megalomaniacs often are if the price is high enough.
Thieves' Reward By Mary H. Herbert
This is a pleasant surprise, I am looking forward to reading more about Teza and her adventures.
That was a nice story, I’m sad that she lost her water-horse but seems like she gained a companion at the very end, so all’s well that ends well. It’s better to not rely on a familiar or a creature to serve you against their will, and the story illustrates that very well.
Teza herself is still very compelling to me, as a character.
Six of Swords By William W. Connors
I haven’t read anything by this author, but I know he was a game designer for TSR and penned some Dragonlance and Ravenloft novels and content. I love the Ravenloft Setting so this revelation is exciting.
I’m not sure if these characters appear anywhere other than this short story, but now I’m curious. It feels as if they belong to a larger narrative but I can’t seem to find any other information on this story or what it might relate to.
I didn’t expect that twist at the end, but it was a pretty unique one. The story was interesting and engaging and the resolution was fitting. However, at some point, it felt pointless to have them go to Waterdeep when they ended up at a different location entirely.
Intellectually I know it’s just how the narrative played out but making a setting make sense feels better. Not teasing a location that ends up not coming up feels anti-climactic.
The Wild Bunch By Tom Dupree
I have not read anything by this author previously, but they seemed to have written in other TSR anthologies and fantasy collections. Not sure what to expect, but regardless I am looking forward to reading this.
This was a simple and fun cautionary tale. Some of the lines made me laugh out loud. I didn’t expect the story to go where it went, and for a time I was very worried for the MC but it seemed to have turned out well enough.
The story was very entertaining and to the point.
A Worm Too Soft By J. Robert King
I have read a few of this author’s works, such as a few of the Double Diamond Triangle Saga novels, and “The Greatest Hero Who Ever Died” which I very much enjoyed. I hope this story is as entertaining as his other short story.
It’s not often you see a first-person narrative, and it’s refreshing.
My biggest problem with this story is the sexualization as a plot device. The female character’s portrayal in this came off as very gross, almost as if she’s just a sexual object for the male gaze. I was getting disgusting vibes from both of these characters’ dynamics. Clearly, the female character was written as a “seductress” stereotype and very badly at that.
Once the story stopped sexualizing the woman, things solved themselves a bit too simply for my taste. The story feels very rushed and the manner in which the male lead figures out the mystery isn’t even touched upon. The story wasn’t predictable in itself but it wasn’t very imaginative and lacked focus in parts. Olivia turning out to be a green dragon was predictable, on the other hand.
I don’t even want to begin with the fantasy racism. That bit was truly disappointing and unnecessary. I can’t say I had the highest expectations but boy was I disappointed in this story, reaching for the lowest-hanging fruit.
Gunne Runner By Roger E. Moore
I remember reading “Vision” by this author and I recall how heavy it was, his other story “Sea of Ghosts” was also quite depressing. He has also written “Errand of Mercy” from the Double Diamond Triangle Saga, which was okay. I imagine he has penned a few articles in Dragon Mag and worked on some modules, though I'm not entirely sure if he has written other novels.
I’m not sure what to expect from this story, but here’s hoping.
Well, this was a surprisingly entertaining story, though whenever the topic of guns shows up in Faerun it always takes away from the high/heroic fantasy of the setting for me. Adding sci-fi elements to fantasy doesn’t always work the same as let’s say, something like Ravenloft/gothic horror. I don’t really have any criticism aside from that.
The Direct Approach By Elaine Cunningham
I keep meaning to read her Starlight and Shadows series but I keep putting it down, which is a shame because I really enjoy her writing and those books, I just couldn’t seem to focus on them the past few times.
I have also read “The Bargain” and have been curious about her Songs & Swords series ever since. I have also read "The More Things Change" which made me wonder about the titular antagonist of the Songs & Swords series yet again. This story seems to fall beween the first two books in the Starlight and Shadows timeline, which I definitely need to get to sooner than later.
Aside from those things I also joyfully consumed the “Rite of Blood” story, and had nothing but praise for it. Suffice to say I am very much looking forward to it.
I can always count on Elaine Cunningham to provide a good time, this story is full of fish-out-of-water type misadventures, and they always have their charm when done correctly. It is cojnterbalanced by Liriel’s to-the-point nature and it makes for an entertaining read.
Epilogue By Brian Thomsen
A fun little epilogue with a twist, nothing more to add.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2021
I struggled with this book. This is a subset of the fantasy genre that is the hardest for me to engage with, even though I love the setting and concepts. It's just that each story is 20-30 pages, but more than half feels like a highly descriptive build-up to a climax that is over in no time. It's sort of like the opposite of the way I learned to write novels (start with a good hook, minimal adverbs, economize on fluff to keep the complex plot moving, etc).
So much of these stories seems to be entirely on scene and imagery. I get that style is important in fantasy books, but don't give me 10 pages about the seedy tavern and the wizard's beard and robes and storytelling prowess only to then give me 2 pages of the actual inciting incident. The story is over before it began. If you want to be that descriptive with your imagery, write a graphic novel. Beyond that, I always enjoy details centered around the Forgotten Realms, so those kept me going.
So much of these stories seems to be entirely on scene and imagery. I get that style is important in fantasy books, but don't give me 10 pages about the seedy tavern and the wizard's beard and robes and storytelling prowess only to then give me 2 pages of the actual inciting incident. The story is over before it began. If you want to be that descriptive with your imagery, write a graphic novel. Beyond that, I always enjoy details centered around the Forgotten Realms, so those kept me going.
December 19, 2017
Every story in this set was excellent except for one: the story written by, Doug Niles, of all authors, should be destroyed for posterity’s sake, as he is quite a good author and should maybe just stick to novels. Brings the whole collection in this book down a full star.
October 30, 2023
It's okay. It's overall not my favorite collection of stories, but a few were somewhat fun.
April 25, 2019
Pre-weed re-read.
May 16, 2015
Years ago, I had wanted to get this book because there are two Spelljammer-related stories inside (Spelljammer was an experiment of sorts; AD&D in space, basically). I finally found a copy a couple months ago and just finished reading it.
Ironically enough, the two Spelljammer stories I was so eager to read were, in my opinion, the weakest of them all. I think my discontent with them is that the authors never really dealt with what made Spelljammer special: space. They stayed on the planet, mostly, and only made a few minor references to Wildspace. In that regard, this anthology was a pretty big letdown for me.
But that's where my discontent ends. There are many stories in here by authors you should recognize--they're the same crew that have been writing for TSR and WotC for years. Even the authors I don't know very well put forth some great stories full of adventure, action, comedy, and magic. There are many excellent stories in here and (excepting my disappointment detailed above) it was well worth finding a copy.
Ironically enough, the two Spelljammer stories I was so eager to read were, in my opinion, the weakest of them all. I think my discontent with them is that the authors never really dealt with what made Spelljammer special: space. They stayed on the planet, mostly, and only made a few minor references to Wildspace. In that regard, this anthology was a pretty big letdown for me.
But that's where my discontent ends. There are many stories in here by authors you should recognize--they're the same crew that have been writing for TSR and WotC for years. Even the authors I don't know very well put forth some great stories full of adventure, action, comedy, and magic. There are many excellent stories in here and (excepting my disappointment detailed above) it was well worth finding a copy.
August 21, 2011
Another collection of stories from the Forgotten Realms AD&D campaign setting. This one was pretty good. All the stories were about famous wizards, ones that will be familiar to any Forgotten realms player/fan.
July 1, 2016
Overall, pretty good group of stories. Probably 80% were worthy of praise.
Many definitely are intended to drive reader to other series. Maybe I will be one of them. :-)
No, off to some nonfiction!
Many definitely are intended to drive reader to other series. Maybe I will be one of them. :-)
No, off to some nonfiction!
April 25, 2020
Excellent, just what I want in a light anthology. Those titles that weren't good were excellent. If there was a weakness it was that stories tended to have "happy endings" and none were even particularly dark in tone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2011
Actually, I only read the short story "Guenhwyvar" by R. A. Salvatore. It was OK.
January 12, 2013
Excellent Book!
January 22, 2016
An anthology from the Forgotten Realms series, this is a good addition.
September 9, 2016
really good for DnD players to help visualise how magic works in narrative. also good for DMs who are looking for ideas for a homebrew.
November 28, 2016
Forgotten Realms, magic, I don't think any further explanation is needed.
November 26, 2011
a fun compolation. Some great stories by Salvatore and Cunningham, worth reading.
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