Floodgate

Forgotten Realms: Counselors & Kings #2

by Cunning

After a fight, some warriors seek to return home.Others seek revenge.The battle of Akhlaur's Swamp is over, and its heroes part ways. One becomes a wizard's apprentice and tries to unravel her mysterious lineage. Another hero returns to his queen, only to find that all is not as it was.Hidden from them both, the Magehound broods. She cannot forgive those who drove her from power, and she will stop at nothing to be avenged. Her bitterness ensures that Akhlaur's

Genres: Forgotten Realms, Fantasy, Fiction, Dungeons and Dragons, Science Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy, Magic

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jesse]

Another addition to my forgotten realms fandom.

I will reiterate that I am committed to reading all of these books...but they are not as exciting to me as they once were. It is becoming more of a struggle. Alas, I will continue...

I have enjoyed learning about a more obscure region of the FR world with this series. And, of course, a country ruled by wizards makes for a good setting. I like the Jordani class concept, and think that it would be fun to build into an actual roleplaying game. And I always enjoy Cunningham's over the top high fantasy.

Where this book is lacking is in the plot and the flow. I am not clear on the characters' motivations. And, therefore, am not as invested in the story or outcome....but I guess that's not always why I read these books.

[Brandt Anderson]

Really more 2.5 stars. I liked it enough to be in the 3-4 star range but things suddenly happen where you reread the previous couple of pages just to see how it happened and still don’t see how you got there.

Also it got a little ridiculous with the main antagonist. You know that story of the fox and the scorpion where the scorpion convinces the fox to ferry it across the river promising not to sting the fox as it does not want to die but still stings the fox halfway across the river? The main antagonist is like the scorpion but other characters are like a second fox who witnessed the scorpion sting the first fox and still offers to ferry the scorpion across the river if the scorpion promises not to sting it.

[Kagan Oztarakci]

"How can you possibly be so cynical when you’ve never been married?"
"Every now and then a man’s got to stop thinking and start doing. "
"Enlightenment, while often annoying, is something I value.”
"...fish around. You know—trim the bait into bite-sized bits but hide the hook.…”
"you should never call anything a last resort.’ It’s like daring the gods to prove you wrong. No matter how bad things get, they can generally manage to come up with something worse.”

[Stephen Mccormick]

A strong second book in the trilogy that focuses on intrigue and lineage, really getting into the day-to-day life of a Jordani counsellor, while continuing the story of Kiva the Magehound, and Tzigone the Apprentice.

It has it's flaws, but tries to innovate where magic is concerned so that you're not just following one fight after the next. The characters are more rounded to what you'd expect in a traditional fantasy novel too.

[Stuart Schneider]

Now we’re talking. This book moved with a creative plot that even had me guessing who Ketu was as a backdrop against the upcoming war created by Kiva’s subplots and the various clues being uncovered by Matteo. Very much looking forward to the conclusion as all the wizards of Halruuah are likely pitted against one another rather than facing the tag team duo of Kiva and the necro!! Onward

[Luka]

'Fortunate is the man who is content with what and who he is.'

'Better a devious mind than arrogant certainty.'

'Heritage is a powerful thing.'

'The search for truth can take unexpected paths.'

'War usually results from a cessation of thought'

'Precaution is the grandchild of disaster.'

[Vind]

3

[Matteo Fulgheri]

2 and a half, neutral. Now I need the third novel to see how the story ends - and whether it's worth it.

[Ken]

Sold to Lewis White on eBay on 7-Jun-11:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....