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The Cities #2
Temple Hill
When Lhasha Moonsliver, a fledgling thief, hires the town drunk, Corin, a former warrior with the White Shield Company, as a bodyguard, the two unlikely companions are forced into an uneasy alliance as they take on the thieves' guild, the Cult of the Dragon, and other deadly foes. Original.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
6 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Drew Karpyshyn
35 books2,056 followersDrew Karpyshyn is a Canadian author and game designer. After working at a credit union for some time, he eventually became a game developer. He joined BioWare towards the end of the Baldur's Gate series, and wrote the tie-in novel for Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. He stayed with BioWare, where he worked on Neverwinter Nights, and became the Senior Writer on the critically acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
This Star Wars connection gave him the opportunity to write Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, his first hardcover. Karpyshyn still works for BioWare where he is the lead writer for the Mass Effect series.
This Star Wars connection gave him the opportunity to write Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, his first hardcover. Karpyshyn still works for BioWare where he is the lead writer for the Mass Effect series.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 17, 2018
I should first say that I rate all fiction on the same scale so the three star rating is because the book is up against Hamlet and War and Peace and things like that. By the standards of a D&D novel this is very good. The character development is very good and the story (which is a one shot) tight and compact). It manages to play with a bunch of existing tropes in new ways. There is nothing particularly spectacular and subtle, but it is as close to the highest standard that this kind of genre franchise novel can achieve, which is of course quite a limited standard.
October 10, 2011
Good book. Lots of action and violence.
March 4, 2022
2.5 stars. Corin is a bit of a T-1000; the physical build, stoicism and relentlessness of a cyborg with a personality to match. He even gets a prosthetic metal arm reminiscent of the arm in T2. Trying to figure out what class Fendel is; Cleric/Thief/Mage multiclass with Harper prestige?
Even though there's a good handful of immersion into FR religious aspects such as Gond, Lathander (and a touch of Waukeen), I would've liked more stuff about clerics and religions given what the title suggests. I'd suggest Corin should've been a paladin or at least have been able to draw some clerical powers after his devotion to Lathander for so long.
I didn't get much of a feel for the city of Elversult, despite this book being in the "Cities" series. Prince of Ravens and Waterdeep: City of Splendors did better jobs at giving you a feel of what an FR metropolis was like. Haven't read Jewel of Turmish yet, but that's on the to-read list.
Final words: Fast read's a good read. The cover illustration is laughably bad, but serviceable.
Even though there's a good handful of immersion into FR religious aspects such as Gond, Lathander (and a touch of Waukeen), I would've liked more stuff about clerics and religions given what the title suggests. I'd suggest Corin should've been a paladin or at least have been able to draw some clerical powers after his devotion to Lathander for so long.
I didn't get much of a feel for the city of Elversult, despite this book being in the "Cities" series. Prince of Ravens and Waterdeep: City of Splendors did better jobs at giving you a feel of what an FR metropolis was like. Haven't read Jewel of Turmish yet, but that's on the to-read list.
Final words: Fast read's a good read. The cover illustration is laughably bad, but serviceable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
The last of the "Cities" series in Forgotten Realms, I found this to be a pretty satisfying story.
There were a lot of classic D&D monsters that we got so see fight, which is always fun. Karpyshyn uses some of these monsters in creative ways that really lend to making the world feel a bit more real.
This is the second story in the "Cities" series that had a rogue as the protagonist, however this one was the classic duo of rogue and warrior, and their developing relationship is one of the best parts of the story. The plot moves quickly, and a lot happens throughout the story, even though it takes place in a fairly short period of time. There are some cool baddies and some neat fight scenes that move the plot along.
I would say this is maybe the only issue with "Temple Hill", is that the plot itself is only so-so and it feels like some loose ends get tied up pretty neatly there at the end.
Overall, a good read.
There were a lot of classic D&D monsters that we got so see fight, which is always fun. Karpyshyn uses some of these monsters in creative ways that really lend to making the world feel a bit more real.
This is the second story in the "Cities" series that had a rogue as the protagonist, however this one was the classic duo of rogue and warrior, and their developing relationship is one of the best parts of the story. The plot moves quickly, and a lot happens throughout the story, even though it takes place in a fairly short period of time. There are some cool baddies and some neat fight scenes that move the plot along.
I would say this is maybe the only issue with "Temple Hill", is that the plot itself is only so-so and it feels like some loose ends get tied up pretty neatly there at the end.
Overall, a good read.
June 3, 2022
It was too much by the numbers. We knew that they needed to befriend, so the protagonist became friends after nearly coming to blows in a time-skip. We needed the burglar to rob the important mcguffing, so she acted idiotically and accepted a clear trap from the most obscene representation of fat asshole I had ever seen. Somehow, even when has lived his entire life in the city and has worked as a bodyguard for over a decade, colin doesn't know about the purple masks and truly and honestly believe that he can easily defend his charge even when he was nearly killed when he ambushed 3 thieves of said organization.
These are not characters, they are tropes that must go to point A to point D through a very unforgiving railroading Game master.
These are not characters, they are tropes that must go to point A to point D through a very unforgiving railroading Game master.
March 2, 2020
This is a great Forgotten Realms book. Lhasa and Fendal are such lovable characters and Corin's journey to recovery was very satisfying. There were some scenes I would like to have seen included, that would have helped show the building relationship between Lhasa and Corin but the author was very careful to make sure the story was about friendship and not romance and I really respect that. It's rare two characters of opposite genders are allowed to just be friends.
On a side note this is the first fantasy, much less Forgotten Realms, novel that featured a slime as an enemy and I was thrilled. They're such a staple of rpg games and I've been waiting for an author to use one. Finally!
On a side note this is the first fantasy, much less Forgotten Realms, novel that featured a slime as an enemy and I was thrilled. They're such a staple of rpg games and I've been waiting for an author to use one. Finally!
January 10, 2019
I enjoyed this one. Moved slowly at the start and gains momentum up to the ending. Liked the weave of the d&d monsters and spell books in with the storyline of the harpers and the interesting “cursed” sword of the orog. Also of note I’m here is several good explanations of multi-class characters, of which I count at least 3. The healing of the main at the end felt like a too quick tie up of a loose end. I am looking forward to the other two novels in this series, as similar proven authors are to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
This book was one I enjoyed much as a teen. I read it a couple times but now I feel it doesn't hold up. The basic story of redemption and friendship is fun, but the recovery is instantaneous, the same scene and information are shown or told multiple times and the relationship between the two MC feels a bit forced.
3.5/5
3.5/5
August 18, 2025
It took me over a year to finish it, between dozens of other books, so that says something. Overall, an ok story, mostly clinging to stereotypes, or rather adding to them. Nothing special, just a good D&D story if you need some inspiration for your own adventures.
November 10, 2017
3.5 stars
Want to read
January 3, 2025sticker residue top right front cover and lower spine
May 14, 2025
Absolutely amazing book! I literally couldnt put it down after I started reading it. My attention was hooked for almost 20 hours as I read every page in one day!
December 3, 2024
This book was a very solid entry into the Forgotten Realms series of novels. I would probably rate it closer to 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 stars. Also, I tend to rank Forgotten Realms novels against each other rather than against the field of fiction as a whole. The reason for this is because most people who seek out D&D novels do it because they want that type of experience. Many of the tropes that would be flaws in other books are perks here, so bear that in mind as you read this review (and any other of my D&D novel reviews).
Temple Hill revolves around two Corin (a human fighter) and Lhasha (a half-elf thief). They get caught up in a power struggle between the Cult of the Dragon and the Zhentarim. Corin suffers an early setback and spends the majority of the novel regaining his confidence. He and Lhasha are a good buddy cop pair (despite not being cops), and it is fun to see their friendship grow without having a forced romance. The main antagonist is not the main villain, but rather a powerful servant of the baddies. The book does a good job of making this character very imposing and powerful. I felt genuinely concerned for Corin whenever he faced this nemesis. Also, Lhasha has a gnome priest that is a fun mentor and great support character, almost like Edna Mode from The Incredibles.
As a whole, this book has a very streamlined plot and sequence of events. The focus is on our two main characters, and that is a strength rather than weakness. There are some good opportunities for power ups and fun fights, and it never seemed like it deviated too far from the D&D rules. Strongly recommended for D&D readers, and somewhat recommended for general fantasy fans.
Temple Hill revolves around two Corin (a human fighter) and Lhasha (a half-elf thief). They get caught up in a power struggle between the Cult of the Dragon and the Zhentarim. Corin suffers an early setback and spends the majority of the novel regaining his confidence. He and Lhasha are a good buddy cop pair (despite not being cops), and it is fun to see their friendship grow without having a forced romance. The main antagonist is not the main villain, but rather a powerful servant of the baddies. The book does a good job of making this character very imposing and powerful. I felt genuinely concerned for Corin whenever he faced this nemesis. Also, Lhasha has a gnome priest that is a fun mentor and great support character, almost like Edna Mode from The Incredibles.
As a whole, this book has a very streamlined plot and sequence of events. The focus is on our two main characters, and that is a strength rather than weakness. There are some good opportunities for power ups and fun fights, and it never seemed like it deviated too far from the D&D rules. Strongly recommended for D&D readers, and somewhat recommended for general fantasy fans.
Read
August 13, 2016I used to adore the Forgotten Realms books ! I started reading them after they were recommended to me many moons ago and I started collecting them. Much money was spent but as Doctor Who and various other interests came to the fore (as they do every few months) sadly my reading of the Realms fell by the wayside. Determined to get back into it this weekend I got Emma to choose one pretty much at random for me and she chose Temple Hill as she liked the name :) I quite like the standalone books in the Realms series as although it’s nice to follow an ongoing narrative or ‘yearly plot’ sometime a fast paced adventure with a beginning a middle and an end fit the bill nicely. This tale by Karpyshyn does just that, it introduces a few heroes some good villains and feels just like a table top adventure should. There will most likely be more Forgotten Realms books appearing here over the coming months…
Where I got the book: It was in one of the random bundles of new Realms books I used to buy in lots off American people from eBay.
Where I got the book: It was in one of the random bundles of new Realms books I used to buy in lots off American people from eBay.
April 13, 2014
A great book.
It was well done. Comprehensive story. I was able to understand immediately the plot.
Drew Karpyshyn is a great author. I have read almost all of his books. He always delivers.
If you are a fantasy reader, you should take a look at this book.
It was well done. Comprehensive story. I was able to understand immediately the plot.
Drew Karpyshyn is a great author. I have read almost all of his books. He always delivers.
If you are a fantasy reader, you should take a look at this book.
June 1, 2014
Loved this great standalone. Great descriptions of everything from encounters to an inn, detail is bursting at the seems in this book. Great beginning read for swords and sorcery with no need to get an anthology, or extra reading to understand the whole story.
December 28, 2019
Fast, exciting and colourful
A very quick and nice read. Action, magic and monsters. And a beautiful half elf rogue who leaves you dreamy. I recommend this novel for a dexterous and adventurous city romp!
A very quick and nice read. Action, magic and monsters. And a beautiful half elf rogue who leaves you dreamy. I recommend this novel for a dexterous and adventurous city romp!
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....
October 22, 2012
a great introduction to fantasy adventure in the D&D world of Faerun and a nice one-shot story of cults monsters and heroes .
August 26, 2016
Good book. I like Gond the Wonderbringer and thieves.
April 23, 2013
one of the rare occasions that a book is so well written, imo. Very exciting book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews