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Counselors & Kings #3
The Wizardwar
The exciting conclusion to the latest Elaine Cunningham trilogy.
The Wizardwar completes the Forgotten Realms Counselors & Kings trilogy, which deals with characters and events in the kingdom of Halruaa. The order of counselors described throughout the series is unique to Halruaa and to this trilogy, thus making this set of titles the only place Forgotten Realms fans can find information on these characters and this setting.
The Wizardwar completes the Forgotten Realms Counselors & Kings trilogy, which deals with characters and events in the kingdom of Halruaa. The order of counselors described throughout the series is unique to Halruaa and to this trilogy, thus making this set of titles the only place Forgotten Realms fans can find information on these characters and this setting.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
8 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Cunningham
153 books530 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Elaine Cunningham is an American fantasy author.
Elaine Cunningham is an American fantasy author.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 14, 2017
I'm excited to put another Forgotten Realms series behind me.
I think I've said this in the past, but as I move into the triple digits with the number of FR novels I've read, the are becoming less and less exciting. I don't know if I have become more of a finicky reader or if the authors are not trying as hard, but I seem to struggle through these books now. At one time, it was my favorite place to escape to.
I'm not giving up. I know they have an influx of new writers and I'm optimistic that there are new great stories to be told in this world!
So, in this final installment we see Cunnigham quickly tying up some loose ends. This happens a lot at the end of these books....which can be disappointing, but I'm sure they have a page limit that they have to abide by. Anywho, I think these stories are really more character driven than plot driven. Its hard to tell a mystery when magic is involved, as all rules go out the window. I think the reader feels a little ripped off when there is no real way to figure out the mystery beforehand.
I don't mean only to complain, and I feel like I have to at least mention that Cunnigham wrote one of my favorite series, but the overall story arch was underwhelming, the climax of this novel was nonexistent, and when the multiple antagonists get their come-uppins it is quick and unsatisfying.
However, the characters are unique; even the baddies. Kiva is one of the best characters Cunningham has ever written (though similar to her other characters). It's really just a shame that the character diminishes throughout the novels from her primary roll in the first one.
I also would've liked more insight into the history of Halurra.
I think I've said this in the past, but as I move into the triple digits with the number of FR novels I've read, the are becoming less and less exciting. I don't know if I have become more of a finicky reader or if the authors are not trying as hard, but I seem to struggle through these books now. At one time, it was my favorite place to escape to.
I'm not giving up. I know they have an influx of new writers and I'm optimistic that there are new great stories to be told in this world!
So, in this final installment we see Cunnigham quickly tying up some loose ends. This happens a lot at the end of these books....which can be disappointing, but I'm sure they have a page limit that they have to abide by. Anywho, I think these stories are really more character driven than plot driven. Its hard to tell a mystery when magic is involved, as all rules go out the window. I think the reader feels a little ripped off when there is no real way to figure out the mystery beforehand.
I don't mean only to complain, and I feel like I have to at least mention that Cunnigham wrote one of my favorite series, but the overall story arch was underwhelming, the climax of this novel was nonexistent, and when the multiple antagonists get their come-uppins it is quick and unsatisfying.
However, the characters are unique; even the baddies. Kiva is one of the best characters Cunningham has ever written (though similar to her other characters). It's really just a shame that the character diminishes throughout the novels from her primary roll in the first one.
I also would've liked more insight into the history of Halurra.
January 18, 2018
"Music and reason do not always follow the same pathways in the mind."
"Truth has a way of coming out, and those who try to hold it back are the first to be swept away.”
"Mineral-rich soil enhancers—... manure sounds pretty good when you put fancy words to it, doesn’t it?”
"Even those who consider themselves virtuous see only what they wish to see. Especially those who consider themselves virtuous! After all, illusions, once created, must be maintained.”
"Isn’t there a ... proverb about memory being a curse as well as a blessing?”
"Truth has a way of coming out, and those who try to hold it back are the first to be swept away.”
"Mineral-rich soil enhancers—... manure sounds pretty good when you put fancy words to it, doesn’t it?”
"Even those who consider themselves virtuous see only what they wish to see. Especially those who consider themselves virtuous! After all, illusions, once created, must be maintained.”
"Isn’t there a ... proverb about memory being a curse as well as a blessing?”
December 22, 2018
A great end to the trilogy. I loved how the use of shadow magic from the ancient Netheril became a solution to the main plot issues and seemlessly fit into the storylines. The endings to the stories of the main characters was very satisfying, particularly Andris and Kiva. I would have loved to see more infighting between the mages, but overall I was happy with the authors’ presentation of the infighting. Onward!
August 5, 2025
Like previous two instalments, a bit disappointing. Although I like fast paced books in general, this one is missing a big chunks of story. Some things feel unimportant, others were completely rushed (like the ending for example).
June 9, 2022
2.5 stars. A complex story not told very effectively. New characters introduced in the last book of a trilogy is a no no.
May 13, 2012
WOW !
Unbelievable trilogy. Elaine Cunningham is The best author the Forgotten Realms has. I thought Salvatore was the best.....not even close.
Take a lesson from Ms. Cunningham, this is the way you write/create a trilogy. Top 5 Forgotten Realms trilogies to me includes this trilogy...this may actually be the best. Needs to be made into a movie trilogy.
Unbelievable trilogy. Elaine Cunningham is The best author the Forgotten Realms has. I thought Salvatore was the best.....not even close.
Take a lesson from Ms. Cunningham, this is the way you write/create a trilogy. Top 5 Forgotten Realms trilogies to me includes this trilogy...this may actually be the best. Needs to be made into a movie trilogy.
Want to read
March 17, 2008Purchased from the author, Elaine Cunningham, with a personalized autograph:-)
sold
February 23, 2012Sold to Lewis White on eBay on 7-Jun-11:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews