What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgotten Realms: Cormyr Saga #2
Beyond The High Road
The seer Alaundo prophesied that seven scourges would sweep Cormyr way in ruin. For centuries the royal family has stood watch against that day and devoted their lives to the protection of the realm.
But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home --
Who will protect the royal family?
But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home --
Who will protect the royal family?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1999
10 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Troy Denning
186 books663 followersAlso known as Richard Awlinson.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Den...
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Den...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 23, 2019
This one was much more enjoyable than first in trilogy.
Things start off quickly.
As dark forces rise to sweep the land.
Ancient prophecies of evil begin to take shape.
As the forces of Cormyr. Seem to be unable to stem the tide.
Orcs roam, magic syphoning demons from the past attack.
Seemingly unkillable by sword or sorcery.
As they begin to be revealed. As traitors to the realm from the past.
Risen again, to ruin all of the kingdom.
This story takes off right from the first chapter. Just keeps you on the run, through it all.
Only thing keeping it from the 5 stars.
One part of it, just does not seem to be complete.
Almost like a chapter missing. To fill in. Why some characters attack an enemy stronghold.
In belief a royal princess captive inside.
Seemed like something left out.
Another part, for this one. Elements from the past, explored in book one Cormyr.
Finally begin to come to light.
If you can remember them from the previous book.
Still all in all. A fast read, with a lot of action!!
Things start off quickly.
As dark forces rise to sweep the land.
Ancient prophecies of evil begin to take shape.
As the forces of Cormyr. Seem to be unable to stem the tide.
Orcs roam, magic syphoning demons from the past attack.
Seemingly unkillable by sword or sorcery.
As they begin to be revealed. As traitors to the realm from the past.
Risen again, to ruin all of the kingdom.
This story takes off right from the first chapter. Just keeps you on the run, through it all.
Only thing keeping it from the 5 stars.
One part of it, just does not seem to be complete.
Almost like a chapter missing. To fill in. Why some characters attack an enemy stronghold.
In belief a royal princess captive inside.
Seemed like something left out.
Another part, for this one. Elements from the past, explored in book one Cormyr.
Finally begin to come to light.
If you can remember them from the previous book.
Still all in all. A fast read, with a lot of action!!
May 19, 2022
Este segundo libro de la trilogía de Cormyr ha estado muy interesante y, ahora que conozco algo más el mundo de D&D, me ha resultado mucho más entretenido al poder imaginar ciertos movimientos y hechizos que hacen los magos. Me gustó mucho que se haya centrado más en los personajes de Tanalasta y Alusair, aunque Vangerdahast sigue teniendo su peso.
En general el libro me ha gustado mucho, tan solo hacia el final se me hizo algo lioso, pero siempre estuvo entretenido.
Si he tardado en leerlo, fue por mi bloqueo lector y cansancio diario, no porque fuese un libro aburrido, que no lo es.
En general el libro me ha gustado mucho, tan solo hacia el final se me hizo algo lioso, pero siempre estuvo entretenido.
Si he tardado en leerlo, fue por mi bloqueo lector y cansancio diario, no porque fuese un libro aburrido, que no lo es.
October 30, 2019
Troy took this second book in a great new direction.
The first was a little hard to get though but really sets up a lot of world background.
Great action and mystery in this one.
The first was a little hard to get though but really sets up a lot of world background.
Great action and mystery in this one.
August 21, 2017
enjoyed the story greatly
October 19, 2015
Emotionally and Psychologically Deep. Almost Unheard of in Fantasy Novels
A few months after the Abraxus Affair (which claimed the lives of several nobles and almost the King himself) chronicled in the initial novel, the naive princess Tanalasta has decided to leave the palace and experience more of the outside world. Her ascension is still in question as Azoun, Queen Filfaeril and Tanalasta have many affairs to settle, nobles to placate and monsters to quell. Azoun being in his 60s isn't helping matters along either. If only they could combine Tanalasta's flair for compassion, book-learning and negotiation with her sister Alusair's military acumen and combat prowess. Tana's magical skills have also been developing rapidly, under the tutelage of the Grand Wizard Vangerdahast himself.
The monsters that plague the kingdom this time, ghazneths, are brutally vicious and deadly, but also extremely cowardly. Vulnerable to simple iron (but not steel) and virtually immune to magic, these ghastly wasp-human hybrids will flee upon sustaining the slightest flesh wound. Devising countermeasures takes up a considerable portion of the book, but it never feel dull or wordy.
Tanalasta finds love, as all fantasy princesses must. This is made more complex and tense due to the role of the ranger's noble heritage, especially given the recent treachery in the very recent past. Twists and turns aren't focused upon the actions of the characters or ghazneths, but rather on Tanalasta and her feelings for her soon-to-be-husband. There are subtle hints and gestures that are misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings (although these are, fortunately, cleared up in short order). The importance of talking things out and laying one's feelings bare are themes as clear as water from the Swiss Alps. The plethora of in-depth dialog could easily be used in a college psychology course.
Tanalasta is a completely matured and better person for her experiences and introspection, and the book sets up the concluding volume perfectly. The tension mounts as a horrid and seemingly inescapable prophecy careens towards its brutal denouement, and Cormyr will probably not escape unscathed, even setting aside the glut of human casualties. The past sins the humans commited against the elves will come back with a vengeance, and comeuppance will not be pleasant, even if it is inordinately cruel.
A few months after the Abraxus Affair (which claimed the lives of several nobles and almost the King himself) chronicled in the initial novel, the naive princess Tanalasta has decided to leave the palace and experience more of the outside world. Her ascension is still in question as Azoun, Queen Filfaeril and Tanalasta have many affairs to settle, nobles to placate and monsters to quell. Azoun being in his 60s isn't helping matters along either. If only they could combine Tanalasta's flair for compassion, book-learning and negotiation with her sister Alusair's military acumen and combat prowess. Tana's magical skills have also been developing rapidly, under the tutelage of the Grand Wizard Vangerdahast himself.
The monsters that plague the kingdom this time, ghazneths, are brutally vicious and deadly, but also extremely cowardly. Vulnerable to simple iron (but not steel) and virtually immune to magic, these ghastly wasp-human hybrids will flee upon sustaining the slightest flesh wound. Devising countermeasures takes up a considerable portion of the book, but it never feel dull or wordy.
Tanalasta finds love, as all fantasy princesses must. This is made more complex and tense due to the role of the ranger's noble heritage, especially given the recent treachery in the very recent past. Twists and turns aren't focused upon the actions of the characters or ghazneths, but rather on Tanalasta and her feelings for her soon-to-be-husband. There are subtle hints and gestures that are misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings (although these are, fortunately, cleared up in short order). The importance of talking things out and laying one's feelings bare are themes as clear as water from the Swiss Alps. The plethora of in-depth dialog could easily be used in a college psychology course.
Tanalasta is a completely matured and better person for her experiences and introspection, and the book sets up the concluding volume perfectly. The tension mounts as a horrid and seemingly inescapable prophecy careens towards its brutal denouement, and Cormyr will probably not escape unscathed, even setting aside the glut of human casualties. The past sins the humans commited against the elves will come back with a vengeance, and comeuppance will not be pleasant, even if it is inordinately cruel.
November 5, 2011
Curiously enough, while this is pitched as the second book in a series, I could swear it feels like a first. While there are references, connections to the first, as I do recall, are fair to moderately scarce. Plus side, I suppose: it means you can start here without fear of missing anything in skipping the first. Regardless, while the first may have felt like something of a standalone novel, this one suffers the feeling of a transition piece - an opening work that nonetheless seems to exist for nothing than to be a set-up for "Death of the Dragon."
Beyond the High Road, I would say, fits nicely into that "perfectly average" category under fantasy works. Certainly typical of the Forgotten Realms works. Nevertheless, a decent number of interesting twists, and the "villain" creatures are a curious concoction - particularly as just what they are is gradually unveiled. Nothing that will blow your mind, by any stretch, delivered as it is in a fairly mundane writing style. Action abounds and magic flares...but it's certainly not one of those that will pull you back for another read-through.
Beyond the High Road, I would say, fits nicely into that "perfectly average" category under fantasy works. Certainly typical of the Forgotten Realms works. Nevertheless, a decent number of interesting twists, and the "villain" creatures are a curious concoction - particularly as just what they are is gradually unveiled. Nothing that will blow your mind, by any stretch, delivered as it is in a fairly mundane writing style. Action abounds and magic flares...but it's certainly not one of those that will pull you back for another read-through.
March 3, 2013
The second book in the Cormyr Saga, after Cormyr A Novel. This book picks up fifteen months after the events in Cormyr, focusing primarily on Princess Tanalasta and Court Mage Vengerdahast, as they battle mysterious magic devouring creatures, and attempt to decipher an ancient prophecy.
This is the first book in the series to have an uninyerrupted narrative, since the first book contains interludes from throughout the history of Cormyr. As such, it feels very much like the first book in a series, in that it set up a lot of questions that go unanswered. the book endswith not one, but two big cliff hangers.
The writing was good, the characters were well fleshed out from the prevous book, so there's a lot of action. Though Tanalasta is jarringly different from the passive character she was before. There's a lot of good action, and combat casting, which is one of the reasons I like Forgotten realms novels in the first place. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the last book in the series.
This is the first book in the series to have an uninyerrupted narrative, since the first book contains interludes from throughout the history of Cormyr. As such, it feels very much like the first book in a series, in that it set up a lot of questions that go unanswered. the book endswith not one, but two big cliff hangers.
The writing was good, the characters were well fleshed out from the prevous book, so there's a lot of action. Though Tanalasta is jarringly different from the passive character she was before. There's a lot of good action, and combat casting, which is one of the reasons I like Forgotten realms novels in the first place. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the last book in the series.
February 28, 2025
"Beyond the High Road" by Troy Denning is a captivating addition to the Cormyr Saga, continuing the epic tale of the kingdom of Cormyr. The story follows the royal family as they face a dire prophecy foretold by the Seer Alaundo, predicting seven scourges that will bring ruin to their realm. With ancient guardians slumbering and loyal servants disappearing, a terrible evil looms over Cormyr, threatening its very existence.
Denning's masterful storytelling and rich world-building shine through in this novel. The characters are well-developed and their struggles and triumphs add depth to the narrative. The plot is engaging, filled with action, intrigue, and suspense, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
While the complexity of the plot might be challenging for some readers, the immersive setting and compelling characters make "Beyond the High Road" a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fans of the Forgotten Realms series and epic fantasy will find much to appreciate in this well-crafted tale.
Denning's masterful storytelling and rich world-building shine through in this novel. The characters are well-developed and their struggles and triumphs add depth to the narrative. The plot is engaging, filled with action, intrigue, and suspense, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
While the complexity of the plot might be challenging for some readers, the immersive setting and compelling characters make "Beyond the High Road" a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fans of the Forgotten Realms series and epic fantasy will find much to appreciate in this well-crafted tale.
July 12, 2015
This book is the second book in a series following a princess named Tanalasta. She is next in line for the crown and has not chosen a husband yet. Word comes that no one can get in contact with her sister, Alusair. Tanalasta and a group of Dragoneer warrior and war mages head out to save her sister. She learns along the way that there are phantoms called gnarzeths. They are the demonic souls of the kingdoms worst rulers. There is a legend that says 5 will come back, 1 already live, and 1 soon to be born to release hell on the land. The ruling king leave to get the sacred sword to stop it from happening while Tanalasta and her sister go to help another troop at the gnarzeths den.
If you are a huge D&D fan you will love this book. It has everything in it that you would see in a normal D&D campaign. Like you will read that the magic users in the book can only use certain spells only so many times a day. I really liked this book and will enjoy reading others.
If you are a huge D&D fan you will love this book. It has everything in it that you would see in a normal D&D campaign. Like you will read that the magic users in the book can only use certain spells only so many times a day. I really liked this book and will enjoy reading others.
July 11, 2011
This book was pretty goo, but I felt like it was a bit choppy and nothing really got solved...basicly a big set-up for the next book, but it didn't feel complete.
The royal family of Cormyr has fallen on hard times again. A captain of the Purple Dragons has stumbled apon a new kind of fiend that absorb magic and are all around tough jerks. They want to bring about the downfall of the Cormyrean Empire, but we're not exactly sure why. We do know that all of the feinds (called ganzths or something...) are representations or actual reconstrutions of dead Cormyrian Royalty from generations past.
Anywho, there is lots of fighting in small and big groups. Also, the typical tension between the princesses, between Vangerdhast and the princesses, and the King and his daughters.
By the end of the book we are left wondering who has survived and who will be the crowned princess.
The royal family of Cormyr has fallen on hard times again. A captain of the Purple Dragons has stumbled apon a new kind of fiend that absorb magic and are all around tough jerks. They want to bring about the downfall of the Cormyrean Empire, but we're not exactly sure why. We do know that all of the feinds (called ganzths or something...) are representations or actual reconstrutions of dead Cormyrian Royalty from generations past.
Anywho, there is lots of fighting in small and big groups. Also, the typical tension between the princesses, between Vangerdhast and the princesses, and the King and his daughters.
By the end of the book we are left wondering who has survived and who will be the crowned princess.
July 30, 2010
This book is said to be the second part of a trilogy. However I suspect that the first book was written to be a stand alone. The reason is that the first concludes the story with no cliffhangers. This book also barely references the events in the first book.
I mention this to tell you that you can read this without having to search out Cormyr: A novel first.
This was a above average fantasy novel. I read this book quickly as it is fast paced and keeps you engaged. Since it has a book that follows it Beyond the High Road is dark and ends on a cliffhanger. If you like fantasy give it a try.
I mention this to tell you that you can read this without having to search out Cormyr: A novel first.
This was a above average fantasy novel. I read this book quickly as it is fast paced and keeps you engaged. Since it has a book that follows it Beyond the High Road is dark and ends on a cliffhanger. If you like fantasy give it a try.
October 2, 2011
Unfulfilled wish: I never did get to play a character from Cormyr. If America has an east coast bias, Faerun surely has a west coast bias. Which is probably why no super powerful badasses show up to help save this nation and it's left to the mortals to ascend to badassdom. Also it probably didn't happen that way because the authors said so.
September 13, 2010
A truly fun Forgotten Realms adventure. Lots of plot twists and flaring magic. I enjoy high fantasy. Good tale. =)
October 12, 2010
Best book of the series.
Read
May 19, 2011Az előző részhez hű folytatás, ha az első tetszett ez is fog.
February 11, 2013
Fast Paced story.
January 8, 2014
Lindo libro, me gustó bastante
August 20, 2015
Well done book in the genre. Denning did a better job in book 2 than Greenwood did in book 1. Interesting plot with some standard characters and a few who stand out.
March 15, 2019
You don't have to read book one to get the whole story but it fills in tons of background. Books 2 and 3 are a storyline in themselves. Great fantasy read, very recommended
March 31, 2017
A good handling of politics from the perspective of leaders of an organization.
April 25, 2017
This was an excellent second book, continuing the great work set up by Denning in the first novel. I am very excited to read the third one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews