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Join heroes fighting the undead hordes!
A powerful undead sorcerer reigns in Thay over a frightened people and hordes of undead. The mageocracy in exile, masters of no more than their beaten army, watch from distant shores as the new King of Thay prepares a great magical ritual--a ritual they cannot allow him to bring to completion.
The conclusion of The Haunted Lands series, the events in Unholy will have tremendous impact on the Forgotten Realms (R) world.
A powerful undead sorcerer reigns in Thay over a frightened people and hordes of undead. The mageocracy in exile, masters of no more than their beaten army, watch from distant shores as the new King of Thay prepares a great magical ritual--a ritual they cannot allow him to bring to completion.
The conclusion of The Haunted Lands series, the events in Unholy will have tremendous impact on the Forgotten Realms (R) world.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2009
30 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Richard Lee Byers
198 books370 followersA resident of the Tampa Bay area, Richard spends much of his leisure time fencing, playing poker, shooting pool and is a frequent guest at Florida science-fiction conventions. His current projects include new novels set in the Forgotten Realms universe and the eBook post-apocalyptic superhero series The Impostor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 3, 2010
Oh my word. When they revealed the overarching plot for this trilogy, I confess to being a little skeptical of Byers's ability to handle writing for such a masterful villain as Szass Tam. I was blown away. Not only did Byers manage to stay true to the character, he wrote a dynamite story that gave me more respect for one of my favorite characters. Anyone who writes in the fantasy/gaming/comics industry knows how hard it is to please a fanboy, and this book is (in my opinion) a sure fire winner. If you enjoy tales of villains, of tragedy, and of the slow corruptive nature of evil, then this book series is for you.
June 26, 2009
Richard Lee Byers, Unholy (Wizards of the Coast, 2009)
Finally, the end of the Haunted Lands trilogy, the books that were going to make Advanced Dungeons and Dragons cool again. The first two books did a darned good job, now all that remains is for the third to finish the job. Did it work?
We open long after the events of the first two books. Aoth and company have become a band of sellswords, the Brotherhood of the Griffon. Both they and the remaining zulkirs of Thay (save, of course, Szass Tam) have fled to the Reach, where they live in exile, realizing there's not much hope of ever going home again but always trying to find some chink in the armor. This becomes something of a priority when it is discovered that Szass Tam has also been plotting, but while the others are focused on taking back Thay, Szass Tam is focused on obliterating the entire planet. Aoth and friends are forced into an unholy alliance with the zulkirs in order to try and take down Szass Tam. But things are not always as they seem...
I have to say that this one just didn't grab me the same way the first two books in the series did, but if you've read this far, that's not going to be a problem for you; you know these characters, you understand their motivations, you're already two-thirds of the way through this story. You gotta know how it ends, so you're going to read this book. And don't get me wrong, it's not bad, it's just not as good as its predecessors. Byers does know how to throw a curveball, though, and the end is satisfying enough. A must-read if you've already invested in the series. If you're new to it, go back and start with the first one first. *** ½
Finally, the end of the Haunted Lands trilogy, the books that were going to make Advanced Dungeons and Dragons cool again. The first two books did a darned good job, now all that remains is for the third to finish the job. Did it work?
We open long after the events of the first two books. Aoth and company have become a band of sellswords, the Brotherhood of the Griffon. Both they and the remaining zulkirs of Thay (save, of course, Szass Tam) have fled to the Reach, where they live in exile, realizing there's not much hope of ever going home again but always trying to find some chink in the armor. This becomes something of a priority when it is discovered that Szass Tam has also been plotting, but while the others are focused on taking back Thay, Szass Tam is focused on obliterating the entire planet. Aoth and friends are forced into an unholy alliance with the zulkirs in order to try and take down Szass Tam. But things are not always as they seem...
I have to say that this one just didn't grab me the same way the first two books in the series did, but if you've read this far, that's not going to be a problem for you; you know these characters, you understand their motivations, you're already two-thirds of the way through this story. You gotta know how it ends, so you're going to read this book. And don't get me wrong, it's not bad, it's just not as good as its predecessors. Byers does know how to throw a curveball, though, and the end is satisfying enough. A must-read if you've already invested in the series. If you're new to it, go back and start with the first one first. *** ½
December 30, 2015
After a year of waiting, finally finished this magnificent trilogy!!! Mr. Byers you are truly a genius, when writing any villains viewpoint!!!
Thay -an empire ruled by wizards called the Red Wizards....ummmm yeah, they really call themselves that, anyways for a lot years, they were the antagonists of a lot of people/organizations/country/empire.........you get the idea, you would think those going up against them would fear these Red Wizards, unfortunately as I've said they were relegated to the lowest rung of villainy, evil yes but comedic evil, where a bunch of so so goody two shoes could vanquish them without batting eyelash........sighhhhhhh poor poor Red Wizards!!!
Now here comes Mr. Richard Lee Byers, wherein once these guys, were described as wizards mumbling spells, he added a lot, you read about their debauchness(is there such a word), the evil that goes on in an empire run by necromancers, people sold to slavers to be either experimented upon or as food to the various denizens of the night/demons or devils........
One of the prominent figures in Thay is Szass Tam, the zulkir of necromancy, under Mr. Byers nurturing hand this second rate villain has been reborn, where once he was just described as a shadowy figure, here his might was seen and tested!!!!!
To appreciate the story, please do look for it.........and I'm betting you will also fall under the grasp of the Master...........oh ummmmm......Mr. Byers.......
Thay -an empire ruled by wizards called the Red Wizards....ummmm yeah, they really call themselves that, anyways for a lot years, they were the antagonists of a lot of people/organizations/country/empire.........you get the idea, you would think those going up against them would fear these Red Wizards, unfortunately as I've said they were relegated to the lowest rung of villainy, evil yes but comedic evil, where a bunch of so so goody two shoes could vanquish them without batting eyelash........sighhhhhhh poor poor Red Wizards!!!
Now here comes Mr. Richard Lee Byers, wherein once these guys, were described as wizards mumbling spells, he added a lot, you read about their debauchness(is there such a word), the evil that goes on in an empire run by necromancers, people sold to slavers to be either experimented upon or as food to the various denizens of the night/demons or devils........
One of the prominent figures in Thay is Szass Tam, the zulkir of necromancy, under Mr. Byers nurturing hand this second rate villain has been reborn, where once he was just described as a shadowy figure, here his might was seen and tested!!!!!
To appreciate the story, please do look for it.........and I'm betting you will also fall under the grasp of the Master...........oh ummmmm......Mr. Byers.......
March 9, 2014
A very satisfactory ending to a trilogy that didn't start off so well for me. Book 3 begins about a century after the events of book 2... a century?! Yes, apparently, this is the start of 4th Edition D&D. I was initially starting to doubt my enjoyment of this book but it slowly unfolds with perfectly valid reasons for the timeline.
The main thing I found really good was character development. You would expect characters that started off in book 1 would be more or less fully developed already, but this book puts our protagonists of Aoth, Bareris, and Mirror through new challenges and new self-realisations. While I started off not quite liking them, at the end, I was turned around. And not just on them - plenty of development and focus on the zulkirs, Malark, Szass Tam, and even Aoth's lieutenants.
I loved the solid pacing of this book - it's never a slow pace - it just builds up towards the finale conflicts. And speaking of that, the finale was superbly done - switching between different view points and two separate conflicts smoothly. If I have to complain, I suppose the battle scenes towards the end was getting a bit too unrealistic, just by logically thinking about the number of casualties there must've been. But it doesn't detract from the action at all.
A great ending to a devious plot, and a great beginning to 4th Edition (for me anyway).
The main thing I found really good was character development. You would expect characters that started off in book 1 would be more or less fully developed already, but this book puts our protagonists of Aoth, Bareris, and Mirror through new challenges and new self-realisations. While I started off not quite liking them, at the end, I was turned around. And not just on them - plenty of development and focus on the zulkirs, Malark, Szass Tam, and even Aoth's lieutenants.
I loved the solid pacing of this book - it's never a slow pace - it just builds up towards the finale conflicts. And speaking of that, the finale was superbly done - switching between different view points and two separate conflicts smoothly. If I have to complain, I suppose the battle scenes towards the end was getting a bit too unrealistic, just by logically thinking about the number of casualties there must've been. But it doesn't detract from the action at all.
A great ending to a devious plot, and a great beginning to 4th Edition (for me anyway).
July 24, 2018
Now to finish the set.
November 22, 2020
This book... I have very mixed feelings about it. When it was good, it was great and gave me some of the most memorable scenes in the series. Yet there were also quite a few scenes that felt contrived or just felt pointless.
Just to get the bad stuff out of the way first, I felt that the new characters didn't add anything to the story. They were interesting as people, but this was the last book in the series. I didn't care for a batch of new characters and their storylines at such a point in time. And worst of all, it felt like padding. They weren't necessary for anything. If the whole plotline concerning them was removed, I wouldn't miss it for one bit. I might even be happy because it wouldn't get in the way of me enjoying the climax of the series.
So with that out of the way, I have to say I really enjoyed the rest of the book. Like previously, I enjoyed both Bareris and Aoth's povs. Aoth's especially. He's changed a lot from one book to another, but every time, he kept my interest. His progress was really natural and I enjoyed following it.
The plot kept me engaged as well. I especially liked the final battle. It had high stakes, great danger, and the conclusion of everyone's arcs. Everyone got to show themselves off. I just hated the constant shifts to the side-plot about which I couldn't care less. It was distracting and frustrating.
I really should stop that, but it really bothered me. I really was happy about how this series didn't have any characters that I disliked or found annoying. Every pov was interesting and I was happy to get it. Not in this last book though. I got introduced to THREE new characters. They felt pointless throughout the book, and my opinion didn't change even after I finished it. I still found them nothing more than extras to increase the length of the book.
Just to get the bad stuff out of the way first, I felt that the new characters didn't add anything to the story. They were interesting as people, but this was the last book in the series. I didn't care for a batch of new characters and their storylines at such a point in time. And worst of all, it felt like padding. They weren't necessary for anything. If the whole plotline concerning them was removed, I wouldn't miss it for one bit. I might even be happy because it wouldn't get in the way of me enjoying the climax of the series.
So with that out of the way, I have to say I really enjoyed the rest of the book. Like previously, I enjoyed both Bareris and Aoth's povs. Aoth's especially. He's changed a lot from one book to another, but every time, he kept my interest. His progress was really natural and I enjoyed following it.
The plot kept me engaged as well. I especially liked the final battle. It had high stakes, great danger, and the conclusion of everyone's arcs. Everyone got to show themselves off. I just hated the constant shifts to the side-plot about which I couldn't care less. It was distracting and frustrating.
I really should stop that, but it really bothered me. I really was happy about how this series didn't have any characters that I disliked or found annoying. Every pov was interesting and I was happy to get it. Not in this last book though. I got introduced to THREE new characters. They felt pointless throughout the book, and my opinion didn't change even after I finished it. I still found them nothing more than extras to increase the length of the book.
August 22, 2021
The final book of the Haunted lands tribology. This book as a lot of action and several battles. There was always action to keep you captivated. When I started the book I wasn't sure why the book was needed as Szass Tam's goals seemed to be met by the end of the last book. This book just shows his ambition to be the greatest most power being in the land.
From start of the first book to conclusion of the third a hundred years have passed. This brings in one of my minor complaints: people who never seem to die. There are good, some what good, and bad guys that live on forever in these books. There are people who should have died many times that always survive regardless. This book at least draws to a close on almost all the main characters. It's just- really- does EVERYBODY need to live over a hundred years to tell the story?
All and all was a good book. Fast read, I read it in the course of a day. The middle book I think was the best of the three in my opinion. Besides the D&D/ Forgotten Realms standard of the good guys facing insurmountable odds but always winning I found this trilogy one of the better I've read in the Forgotten Realms series of books.
From start of the first book to conclusion of the third a hundred years have passed. This brings in one of my minor complaints: people who never seem to die. There are good, some what good, and bad guys that live on forever in these books. There are people who should have died many times that always survive regardless. This book at least draws to a close on almost all the main characters. It's just- really- does EVERYBODY need to live over a hundred years to tell the story?
All and all was a good book. Fast read, I read it in the course of a day. The middle book I think was the best of the three in my opinion. Besides the D&D/ Forgotten Realms standard of the good guys facing insurmountable odds but always winning I found this trilogy one of the better I've read in the Forgotten Realms series of books.
May 12, 2020
I rather liked how this book ended. It was pleasant.
I read the first 2 quite a while ago and had forgotten what had happened, which, as it happened was okay. This story picks up about 100 years after the other 2 ends.
The story was compelling, and for the most part, the characters were good. My complaint would be that time had no meaning. They seemed in a hurry at all times, but then they took large chunks of time to do something like getting Mirror out of prison, cast spells to entrap a ghost etc.
Some of the characters had names that were similar, which I am never a fan of.
But again, all in all, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
I read the first 2 quite a while ago and had forgotten what had happened, which, as it happened was okay. This story picks up about 100 years after the other 2 ends.
The story was compelling, and for the most part, the characters were good. My complaint would be that time had no meaning. They seemed in a hurry at all times, but then they took large chunks of time to do something like getting Mirror out of prison, cast spells to entrap a ghost etc.
Some of the characters had names that were similar, which I am never a fan of.
But again, all in all, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
November 14, 2019
It was a great book until the ending! I can only assume that Szass Tam being transcendent was a requirement from WotC because it didn't fit the story at all. After Malarks temporary victory over Tam the reader is led to believe the worst is over, which of course means more twists and turns to come... But when the heros couldn't finish the job against a totally not godlike Tam after defeating the actual godlike Malark, it stained my view of the rest of the trilogy.
What was the point. We're back to square one now.
What was the point. We're back to square one now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
Really good series for any fantasy or Dungeons and Dragons fan
Not really going to review the series here, I feel I've already done that in my reviews of the previous two books leading up to this one. What I will say is Szass Tam is awesome lol The portrayal of personality and quick wit in these books was great and usually made me laugh. It was almost like you wanted to hang out with him if he didn't have a habit of sacrificing people around him O_o
Not really going to review the series here, I feel I've already done that in my reviews of the previous two books leading up to this one. What I will say is Szass Tam is awesome lol The portrayal of personality and quick wit in these books was great and usually made me laugh. It was almost like you wanted to hang out with him if he didn't have a habit of sacrificing people around him O_o
November 18, 2025
Less bang than hoped…
Straight to the point, the end of the trilogy was a let down. I think the stakes of going from personal to kingdom and then to all of creation was just too big a task.
Fight scenes were well written and varied, but the twists weren’t as strong or impactful as the last novel. Sure this sets up more Brotherhood of the Griffon adventures in the future but left me wanting more.
Straight to the point, the end of the trilogy was a let down. I think the stakes of going from personal to kingdom and then to all of creation was just too big a task.
Fight scenes were well written and varied, but the twists weren’t as strong or impactful as the last novel. Sure this sets up more Brotherhood of the Griffon adventures in the future but left me wanting more.
August 30, 2017
The story itself was decent, but the prose was awful and most of the book was about irrelevant battles. It was like reading a dry description of a dungeon crawl. Written by someone whose action scenes really aren't fun to read.
The few scenes that were good really can't compensate.
The few scenes that were good really can't compensate.
June 17, 2020
Good trilogy, great characters. A little slow at the beginning, but puts you right in the middle of that wonderful D&D realm with locations and faces that get fleshed out much better. Missed something in the big jump from book 2 to book 3, but the ending was as huge a battle as expected!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
A pretty great ending to a thrilling trilogy. Looking forward to continuing the story of the Brotherhood of the Griffon. Byers is a very talented writer and I'm sure I'll be reading many more of his books.
June 10, 2017
nice rounding up to finish the saga or is it the end?
January 15, 2021
I found this series a disappointment after the first book, and this title suffered from the "invincible villian" syndrome as well.
March 29, 2021
Almost. The boast of the weak and stupid.
June 2, 2011
Please Note: This review is for all three books in this series.
Unclean, Undead, Unholy, The Haunted Lands Trilogy, by Richard Lee Byers
FR Date: 1375 - 1478
Richard Lee Byers, author of Dissolution (War of the Spider Queen Series) and The Year of the Rogue Dragon series, works his magic once again with his new series, The Haunted Lands. This three book trilogy includes Unclean, Undead, and Unholy. The adventure is set in the Forgotten Realms in Thay, land of the Red Wizards who are renowned for the magical might and evil tendencies.
Byers educates readers on Thayan rule and politics by introducing the Zulkirs, the council of wizard rulers of Thay and the Tharchions, the governors of the provinces of Thay as they battle the mysterious invasion of undead that is beginning to plague the land. Readers will meet and follow several characters on their individual quests before they all discover they have a common goal. Bareris Anskuld, is a bard who has returned to Thay, after making his fortune in other lands, to marry his childhood love, Tammith. After discovering she has sold herself into slavery to support her drunken father and idiotic brother, Barris sets off to buy her back. Interestingly, Barris befriends a ghost named Mirror, as they search for Tammith. Malark Springhill, an immortal monk of the Long Death and spymaster for Dmitra Flass has his own agenda and sees opportunity to fulfill it as the undead horde continue to invade Thay. Aoth Fezim, warmage and Griffon Legion scout, and his familiar and mount, Brightwing, are the first to discover the undead horde advancing out of the Sunrise Mountains. Aoth reports to his Tharchion, Dmitra Flass who in turn notifies Szass Tam, Zulkir of Necromancy, and the intrigue begins.
As the story flows from one book to another, Byers explores Thayan politics and the land of Thay itself. Much previously unknown about the Red Wizards of Thay is revealed in this series. Byers also exhibits his usual skill with how knowledgeable he is in regards to the undead. More than just skeletons, zombies, wraiths and vampires compile the undead horde invading Thay. Intuitive readers may guess at some plot turns but Byers ensures there are several surprises by introducing characters that are as creative as they are discussing. Xingax is one such character, a deformed aborted fetus looking monstrosity who rides undead Giants and practices foul necromantic magic’s as he creates unique undead for the horde. Byers, through his character Xingax, creates several exceptionally creative combination of undead that have no names as of yet. Skinkites, animated undead griffons, Dread Knights, and demons are also thown into the undead mix for good measure. One demon, a Blood demon Tsagoth, think the vampire version of a demon, is another interesting character unique to this series.
Each chapter, in each book, begins in the familiar FR style, providing the “Year of…” and the DR date, allowing Faerûn historians to easily place these events into the Forgotten Realms timeline. The Haunted Lands occur during changing times within the pantheon of Faerûn. Fans of the Realms will experience the effect of Mystra’s death as the resulting Blue Flame scours and changes the land as the Weave crumbles. As the Blue Flame swarms over the land of Thay, it morphs both the terrain and living creatures alike into monstrosities that add to the chaos of the undead war the heros are trying to win. Byers does not elaborate on the death of Mysta but instead shares only who killed her and some of the results that her death as caused. More than likely, fans will learn these details when Ed Greenwood releases his upcoming novel Elminster Must Die.
Booklovers who are fans of the undead will find this story is right up their alley as Byers skillfully shares, in his typical style, his knowledge of the undead. Role-Playing fans will want to read this series as it will enhance their gaming knowledge and experience when encountering undead. Fans of the Realms will delight in Byers intrigue, the political scrambling of the rulers of Thay and the changes that Mystra’s death has wrought. Book one, Unclean, and book two, Undead, are not stand alone novels but they do have a natural stopping point in the overall tale. Book three, Unholy, provides the climax and conclusion to the story. All three books should be bought and read in sequence for the best reading experience. Once again, Richard Lee Byers works his magic and readers will not be disappointed with this Forgotten Realms series.
Unclean, Undead, Unholy, The Haunted Lands Trilogy, by Richard Lee Byers
FR Date: 1375 - 1478
Richard Lee Byers, author of Dissolution (War of the Spider Queen Series) and The Year of the Rogue Dragon series, works his magic once again with his new series, The Haunted Lands. This three book trilogy includes Unclean, Undead, and Unholy. The adventure is set in the Forgotten Realms in Thay, land of the Red Wizards who are renowned for the magical might and evil tendencies.
Byers educates readers on Thayan rule and politics by introducing the Zulkirs, the council of wizard rulers of Thay and the Tharchions, the governors of the provinces of Thay as they battle the mysterious invasion of undead that is beginning to plague the land. Readers will meet and follow several characters on their individual quests before they all discover they have a common goal. Bareris Anskuld, is a bard who has returned to Thay, after making his fortune in other lands, to marry his childhood love, Tammith. After discovering she has sold herself into slavery to support her drunken father and idiotic brother, Barris sets off to buy her back. Interestingly, Barris befriends a ghost named Mirror, as they search for Tammith. Malark Springhill, an immortal monk of the Long Death and spymaster for Dmitra Flass has his own agenda and sees opportunity to fulfill it as the undead horde continue to invade Thay. Aoth Fezim, warmage and Griffon Legion scout, and his familiar and mount, Brightwing, are the first to discover the undead horde advancing out of the Sunrise Mountains. Aoth reports to his Tharchion, Dmitra Flass who in turn notifies Szass Tam, Zulkir of Necromancy, and the intrigue begins.
As the story flows from one book to another, Byers explores Thayan politics and the land of Thay itself. Much previously unknown about the Red Wizards of Thay is revealed in this series. Byers also exhibits his usual skill with how knowledgeable he is in regards to the undead. More than just skeletons, zombies, wraiths and vampires compile the undead horde invading Thay. Intuitive readers may guess at some plot turns but Byers ensures there are several surprises by introducing characters that are as creative as they are discussing. Xingax is one such character, a deformed aborted fetus looking monstrosity who rides undead Giants and practices foul necromantic magic’s as he creates unique undead for the horde. Byers, through his character Xingax, creates several exceptionally creative combination of undead that have no names as of yet. Skinkites, animated undead griffons, Dread Knights, and demons are also thown into the undead mix for good measure. One demon, a Blood demon Tsagoth, think the vampire version of a demon, is another interesting character unique to this series.
Each chapter, in each book, begins in the familiar FR style, providing the “Year of…” and the DR date, allowing Faerûn historians to easily place these events into the Forgotten Realms timeline. The Haunted Lands occur during changing times within the pantheon of Faerûn. Fans of the Realms will experience the effect of Mystra’s death as the resulting Blue Flame scours and changes the land as the Weave crumbles. As the Blue Flame swarms over the land of Thay, it morphs both the terrain and living creatures alike into monstrosities that add to the chaos of the undead war the heros are trying to win. Byers does not elaborate on the death of Mysta but instead shares only who killed her and some of the results that her death as caused. More than likely, fans will learn these details when Ed Greenwood releases his upcoming novel Elminster Must Die.
Booklovers who are fans of the undead will find this story is right up their alley as Byers skillfully shares, in his typical style, his knowledge of the undead. Role-Playing fans will want to read this series as it will enhance their gaming knowledge and experience when encountering undead. Fans of the Realms will delight in Byers intrigue, the political scrambling of the rulers of Thay and the changes that Mystra’s death has wrought. Book one, Unclean, and book two, Undead, are not stand alone novels but they do have a natural stopping point in the overall tale. Book three, Unholy, provides the climax and conclusion to the story. All three books should be bought and read in sequence for the best reading experience. Once again, Richard Lee Byers works his magic and readers will not be disappointed with this Forgotten Realms series.
June 25, 2016
I am a bit torn in between contradicting feelings after reading this book as I really want to say that this book was amazing, but it's not true, as a sole thing almost destroyed it completely for me - the ending.
If I need to describe it, then roughly 3/4 of the book on, it started going down the slope and the decent went totally into the Underdark and at the very end fell into the Abyss or Nine Hells... I was left with questions like one asks when is hit by a club and coming out of the faze asks with a total bewilderment - WHAT? WHY? WHERE? I... HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
I am in no position, and I don't like to criticize any author who is capable of making me willfully, read 350 pages of text 3 times in a row (trilogy), and 95% of that time me being excited and longing to see of whats more to come. I really, really liked this book - especially the beginning, where Mr.Byers so masterfully brought the perfect picture of what Thay had become under the reign of Szass Tam's undead regency, and the scene in the first chapter where Bareris and Mirror witnessed hands-on the feast of the undead and how worthless living had become in Thay. That scene really notched up my hopes for what is to come in this novel. And probably was at fault for my disappointment when I didn't get what I was promised to get...
First 75 pages were like a breeze and a real page-turner, but from there and onward it slowly, maybe a bit hectically, still giving bits of masterful writing from time to time, begun its downfall (it's not THAT tragically, it's just I am still a bit upset at this time of writing), till it came to that END, which for me felt as if author HAD to finish it forcefully. And if I had to put it into some sort of top - then most anti climaxing ending ever category would be the best one for this case. I still don't believe that it ended like that!
Maybe I am sad that it ended at all... or maybe that it had much less of Szass Tam than I would have expected, because he was the main reason why I did read the follow ups to the Unclean - not Aoth, Bareris or any of the zulkirs - but Zsass Tam, and since Undead, second book of the series - Malark Springhill too. I do think Mr.Byers is not realizing, or is not allowed to realize by publishers (or whoever), how good he is at creating the most charismatic villains I have ever encountered, whether it be Forgotten Realms or any other fiction. I am definitely all for defeating the bad, and good prevailing, but underplaying their evil charisma in this novel was a bit unfair, I think.
Even though I am really sad that it all ended, as I gather, there is no direct continuation of Szass Tam's Unmaking by the author himself (I've read R.A.Salvatore's Neverwinter saga, but there he had a bit different aura than in these books by Mr.Byers) I am left fantasizing how this book might have been better, if it were twice the length and with more of Szass Tam in it and his perception of the world (and Malark Springhill's for that matter too, I'd even say especially his).
Was this conclusion of The Haunted Lands great? Yes! Did I feel satisfied? No( even though with 95% yes in it)! Will I try to read the follow up books in Brotherhood of Griffon? Yepz, just to see that maybe HE will resurface once again as, at least some sort of a guest star...
4/5 stars at Goodreads and I am glad I had a pleasure reading this trilogy set and written by a great author - Richard Lee Byers - in my all time favorite setting of Forgotten Realms.
PS. as one who plays DnD I had, more than once, an urge to fetch some sort of Monster Manual or Fiend Follio to find out what kind of monstrosity is assaulting our heroes this time (rules and level wise) , and how to implement it into my own lead campaign of DnD game - a definite plus for this book and trilogy too as it's rather easy to implement things you found out here into your own game.
If I need to describe it, then roughly 3/4 of the book on, it started going down the slope and the decent went totally into the Underdark and at the very end fell into the Abyss or Nine Hells... I was left with questions like one asks when is hit by a club and coming out of the faze asks with a total bewilderment - WHAT? WHY? WHERE? I... HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
I am in no position, and I don't like to criticize any author who is capable of making me willfully, read 350 pages of text 3 times in a row (trilogy), and 95% of that time me being excited and longing to see of whats more to come. I really, really liked this book - especially the beginning, where Mr.Byers so masterfully brought the perfect picture of what Thay had become under the reign of Szass Tam's undead regency, and the scene in the first chapter where Bareris and Mirror witnessed hands-on the feast of the undead and how worthless living had become in Thay. That scene really notched up my hopes for what is to come in this novel. And probably was at fault for my disappointment when I didn't get what I was promised to get...
First 75 pages were like a breeze and a real page-turner, but from there and onward it slowly, maybe a bit hectically, still giving bits of masterful writing from time to time, begun its downfall (it's not THAT tragically, it's just I am still a bit upset at this time of writing), till it came to that END, which for me felt as if author HAD to finish it forcefully. And if I had to put it into some sort of top - then most anti climaxing ending ever category would be the best one for this case. I still don't believe that it ended like that!
Maybe I am sad that it ended at all... or maybe that it had much less of Szass Tam than I would have expected, because he was the main reason why I did read the follow ups to the Unclean - not Aoth, Bareris or any of the zulkirs - but Zsass Tam, and since Undead, second book of the series - Malark Springhill too. I do think Mr.Byers is not realizing, or is not allowed to realize by publishers (or whoever), how good he is at creating the most charismatic villains I have ever encountered, whether it be Forgotten Realms or any other fiction. I am definitely all for defeating the bad, and good prevailing, but underplaying their evil charisma in this novel was a bit unfair, I think.
Even though I am really sad that it all ended, as I gather, there is no direct continuation of Szass Tam's Unmaking by the author himself (I've read R.A.Salvatore's Neverwinter saga, but there he had a bit different aura than in these books by Mr.Byers) I am left fantasizing how this book might have been better, if it were twice the length and with more of Szass Tam in it and his perception of the world (and Malark Springhill's for that matter too, I'd even say especially his).
Was this conclusion of The Haunted Lands great? Yes! Did I feel satisfied? No( even though with 95% yes in it)! Will I try to read the follow up books in Brotherhood of Griffon? Yepz, just to see that maybe HE will resurface once again as, at least some sort of a guest star...
4/5 stars at Goodreads and I am glad I had a pleasure reading this trilogy set and written by a great author - Richard Lee Byers - in my all time favorite setting of Forgotten Realms.
PS. as one who plays DnD I had, more than once, an urge to fetch some sort of Monster Manual or Fiend Follio to find out what kind of monstrosity is assaulting our heroes this time (rules and level wise) , and how to implement it into my own lead campaign of DnD game - a definite plus for this book and trilogy too as it's rather easy to implement things you found out here into your own game.
February 10, 2017
Ironically enough, this book was the best of the three. The first one was lacking, mostly because I was going into it expecting one thing that was never delivered. The second one got better. A few too many view points, but nonetheless better. The action picked up, there were some interesting character twists, and it just seemed to flow better. This last one was ultimately the culmination of all story lines, and it turned into a real page turner.
Set ninety years after the end of the second book, Unholy follows the main characters Bareris the undead bard, Mirror the ghost of a long dead paladin, and Aoth the PlagueSpell touched mage as they enter Thay one last time. This time to hopefully depose the lich ruling there and stop him from casting a very old, very powerful spell that threatens to destroy not only Thay but the entire planet of Faerun. And once their world is destroyed, the lich could then build a new one where he was god.
The only disappointing thing was that one of the main characters died, and his end did not really seem fitting. He died in battle yes, which was good, but the lich he was fighting was the one who killed him by tearing off his head. For some reason the fact that the lich killed him does not sit right.
I really liked the character development of the ghost Mirror. The spirit of a paladin who died centuries ago, Mirror is a first a relatively mindless wisp of a spiritual being. But over the course of the three books, he regains his consciousness, his humanity, and even the ability to channel the holy power of the god he can never remember but loves faithfully. And he can use the holy cleansing and spirit lifting powers of his unnamed god despite the fact that he is undead and any holy power is supposed to be anathema to him. That was an interesting little twist: a ghost channeling holy power that should theoretically destroy it.
All in all a surprising new favorite for me in the Realms series.
Set ninety years after the end of the second book, Unholy follows the main characters Bareris the undead bard, Mirror the ghost of a long dead paladin, and Aoth the PlagueSpell touched mage as they enter Thay one last time. This time to hopefully depose the lich ruling there and stop him from casting a very old, very powerful spell that threatens to destroy not only Thay but the entire planet of Faerun. And once their world is destroyed, the lich could then build a new one where he was god.
The only disappointing thing was that one of the main characters died, and his end did not really seem fitting. He died in battle yes, which was good, but the lich he was fighting was the one who killed him by tearing off his head. For some reason the fact that the lich killed him does not sit right.
I really liked the character development of the ghost Mirror. The spirit of a paladin who died centuries ago, Mirror is a first a relatively mindless wisp of a spiritual being. But over the course of the three books, he regains his consciousness, his humanity, and even the ability to channel the holy power of the god he can never remember but loves faithfully. And he can use the holy cleansing and spirit lifting powers of his unnamed god despite the fact that he is undead and any holy power is supposed to be anathema to him. That was an interesting little twist: a ghost channeling holy power that should theoretically destroy it.
All in all a surprising new favorite for me in the Realms series.
July 20, 2011
I had no idea what to expect from this series when I started with "Unclean". I don't play D&D and I'm not familiar with most of the situations and tropes.
Byers stories were masterful, even without my knowing anything about the worlds I was entering. The characters were big and multifaceted. The places were vivid and the interactions all made perfect sense. This is simply a great trilogy in any context. Within a few chapters I knew everything I needed to know and was able to "follow along" with no difficulty whatsoever.
I can only assume that to someone with knowledge of the Forgotten Realms novels the books were actually better (but I find that hard to imagine).
If you are not familiar with the worlds of Forgotten Realms, don't let that stop you from reading The Haunted Lands trilogy. It is first rate swords and sorcery, written by a great storyteller.
Byers stories were masterful, even without my knowing anything about the worlds I was entering. The characters were big and multifaceted. The places were vivid and the interactions all made perfect sense. This is simply a great trilogy in any context. Within a few chapters I knew everything I needed to know and was able to "follow along" with no difficulty whatsoever.
I can only assume that to someone with knowledge of the Forgotten Realms novels the books were actually better (but I find that hard to imagine).
If you are not familiar with the worlds of Forgotten Realms, don't let that stop you from reading The Haunted Lands trilogy. It is first rate swords and sorcery, written by a great storyteller.
April 20, 2012
Even three books in plus the first book in the next series, I am still ambivalent.
There were great parts in this book and there were wretched parts in this book. Perhaps it was because, the companions ultimately lost the confrontation with Szass Tam.
Regardless this is the history that I wanted before plunging into the NeverWinter Series R.A Salvatore is writing.
I'll definitely finish the 'Brotherhood of the Griffin' series from this author. I am interested in the characters he has created between the two series.
There were great parts in this book and there were wretched parts in this book. Perhaps it was because, the companions ultimately lost the confrontation with Szass Tam.
Regardless this is the history that I wanted before plunging into the NeverWinter Series R.A Salvatore is writing.
I'll definitely finish the 'Brotherhood of the Griffin' series from this author. I am interested in the characters he has created between the two series.
May 7, 2016
A Friend In Need Is A Friend In Deed
With the obvious play on the 'old saying' this installment epitomizes the saying. Two friends whose"s very nature was antithetical to love and sacrifice demonstrated time and again their friendship and love for their friend and through him the world. Oath represents the world as a whole with it's idiosyncrasies which were neither good or bad but just are. He represents the talisman of conscience. Life is a dynamic process and abhors static. What concluded in this story was balance.
With the obvious play on the 'old saying' this installment epitomizes the saying. Two friends whose"s very nature was antithetical to love and sacrifice demonstrated time and again their friendship and love for their friend and through him the world. Oath represents the world as a whole with it's idiosyncrasies which were neither good or bad but just are. He represents the talisman of conscience. Life is a dynamic process and abhors static. What concluded in this story was balance.
December 13, 2011
A decent end to a great series. The beginning & end of this book slowed down considerably for me. I put it on the shelf for a while due to the pacing & character development just not being up to my tastes. The ending almost made up for those shortcomings, as the final battle of this trilogy does service to the prior two books. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Thay and/or Szass Tam.
October 18, 2016
I am sure others have mentioned the ending being a little bit off. I expected Bareris to be killed but not without getting his own satisfaction of killing Szass Tam all they managed to do was set him back and stop the unmaking. I guess the most important goal was met it just seems like there was no justice done for the character in the end. That being said Szass Tam is a creepy cool calculating villian and is hard to dislike.
March 10, 2015
Loved this series
I happened to read the reversing series before finding this one, but and very glad I did find this one. Mr. Byers has done an excellent job of thing events together between the two series and has been the one one I've seen so far touch on the origin of the Spell Plague. Next series to tackle is the lady penitent series to finish off the war of the spider queen.
I happened to read the reversing series before finding this one, but and very glad I did find this one. Mr. Byers has done an excellent job of thing events together between the two series and has been the one one I've seen so far touch on the origin of the Spell Plague. Next series to tackle is the lady penitent series to finish off the war of the spider queen.
February 28, 2013
I truly enjoyed all three books in this trilogy. I don't want to give anything away, but it doesn't end like you might expect. Plenty of action, and plot twists throughout. I can honestly say there were never any dull spots whatsoever. Highly recommended!
April 21, 2009
The following link http://beezermn.laethyn.com/is highly recommended for its review of this and other fantasy authors.
May 1, 2011
Great end to an excellent series. Can't wait to read the Anthology and the Brotherhood of the Griffin series by the same author. Loved it.
November 11, 2012
Pretty good series, really good end. I enjoy when an author isn't afraid to kill off the main characters.
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