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Forgotten Realms: Avatar #2
Tantras
Heroes Stand Trial!
When Elminster, the Old Sage of Shadowdale, is apparently slain, Midnight and Adon stand trial for his murder.
When Bane, god of murder, and his allies seek the lost Tablets of Fate, a slender dark-haired woman is all that stands between Faerun and disaster.
When a friend betrays them, Midnight and her companions can trust no one.
When Elminster, the Old Sage of Shadowdale, is apparently slain, Midnight and Adon stand trial for his murder.
When Bane, god of murder, and his allies seek the lost Tablets of Fate, a slender dark-haired woman is all that stands between Faerun and disaster.
When a friend betrays them, Midnight and her companions can trust no one.
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
83 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Richard Awlinson
23 books22 followersRichard Awlinson is the pseudonym used for the initial trilogy of the Avatar Series in the Forgotten Realms.
Book One, Shadowdale, was written by Scott Ciencin
Book Two, Tantras, was written by Scott Ciencin and edited by James Lowder
Book Three, Waterdeep, was written by Troy Denning
Book One, Shadowdale, was written by Scott Ciencin
Book Two, Tantras, was written by Scott Ciencin and edited by James Lowder
Book Three, Waterdeep, was written by Troy Denning
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 2, 2009
It was rather annoying how Cyric turned randomly EEEEEEEEEEEVIL. Throughout Shadowdale he seemed like a pretty normal sort of person - self-centred and ruthless, sure - but not power-obsessed evil.
It's like the author got to this book and went 'oshi-! I forgot to make Cyric a bad guy!' and then had him start being a complete dick.
It's like the author got to this book and went 'oshi-! I forgot to make Cyric a bad guy!' and then had him start being a complete dick.
Want to read
November 23, 2024Sometimes I get the urge to pick up a book—not because it’s a masterpiece, but because I’ve read it before. Tantras by Richard Awlinson takes me back to those days when my friends and I played a lot of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, basing our adventures on this story. Is it worth revisiting? Not sure yet, but I’m tempted to dive back in for the nostalgia.
January 31, 2019
Elminster of Shadowdale is missing, presumed dead. The magic-user Midnight and her cleric companion, Adon, stand accused of his murder. Both are to stand trial before the lords of Shadowdale. Meanwhile, the god of tyranny, Bane, and the god of death, Myrkul, plot to recover the Tables of Fate. It was the theft of the tablets that resulted in Ao stripping the gods of the Forgotten Realms of their power and exiling them to the mortal plane.
The second book in The Avatar Trilogy by Scott Ciencin writing under the collaborative pen name Richard Awlinson (Troy Denning penned the third) is a slight improvement on Shadowdale is many respects. Though Midnight is the hero of the story, it is her erstwhile friend Cyric who steals the limelight as he quickly undergoes an alignment shift from something-neutral to hardcore chaotic evil. Cyric lies, cheats, murders and betrays his way through friend and enemy alike. Though his rapid transformation isn't entirely believable, the book does a good job of presenting his motivations to the reader. Interestingly, the traditional bastion of good and justice that is Shadowdale is painted in a less than flattering light in the first part of the story. Even paragons of virtue like Storm Silverhand are baying for the blood of our (innocent) protagonists, painting Cyric as more of an anti-hero than a villain, at least early on.
Bane and Myrkul reprise their roles as the primary villains, assisted by the largely incompetent Zhentarim. In truth, not a great deal happens for much of the book. A lot of time is spent following our heroes as they flee first the Shadowdale militia and then a trio of assassins sent by Bane to retrieve Midnight. The mercenary warrior Kelemvor's curse is central to his character arc and culminates nicely in a visceral scene with Bane - whose habitation of the priest Fzoul Chembryl's mortal form has thankfully imbued him with some restraint following his lamentable showing in Shadowdale.
As mentioned, this is Cyric's book. It is sometimes hard not to cheer for this ambitious young survivor from Zhentil Keep as he triumphs using skill and cunning in the face of overpowered wizards and godly avatars. Cyric's frustration with Adon, the priest of Sune who was rendered near catatonic after suffering a facial injury, is eminently understandable. Midnight remains the worst of the protagonists, swept along by the story's requirements and serving mainly to establish the motivations of the male characters.
Though the story suffers from dull stretches and the writing is only a small step up from Shadowdale - that is to say, merely perfunctory rather than raw - the final act in the city of Tantras steps things up, presenting a dystopian vision of Lawful Good intolerance taken to extremes. The battle between the avatars of Torm and Bane, though silly, remains one of the more memorable scenes in the great canon of Realms literature. Though, one thing I've always wondered about: if Bane's ritual to achieve his giant avatar form involved killing all of the assassins in the Realms (conveniently removing the class from 2nd edition D&D), how and why did Artemis Entreri survive?
In summary, Tantras is middling book in a generally poor trilogy that remains essential reading for fans of the setting. Rather like the curate's egg, there is good to be found if you look hard enough.
The second book in The Avatar Trilogy by Scott Ciencin writing under the collaborative pen name Richard Awlinson (Troy Denning penned the third) is a slight improvement on Shadowdale is many respects. Though Midnight is the hero of the story, it is her erstwhile friend Cyric who steals the limelight as he quickly undergoes an alignment shift from something-neutral to hardcore chaotic evil. Cyric lies, cheats, murders and betrays his way through friend and enemy alike. Though his rapid transformation isn't entirely believable, the book does a good job of presenting his motivations to the reader. Interestingly, the traditional bastion of good and justice that is Shadowdale is painted in a less than flattering light in the first part of the story. Even paragons of virtue like Storm Silverhand are baying for the blood of our (innocent) protagonists, painting Cyric as more of an anti-hero than a villain, at least early on.
Bane and Myrkul reprise their roles as the primary villains, assisted by the largely incompetent Zhentarim. In truth, not a great deal happens for much of the book. A lot of time is spent following our heroes as they flee first the Shadowdale militia and then a trio of assassins sent by Bane to retrieve Midnight. The mercenary warrior Kelemvor's curse is central to his character arc and culminates nicely in a visceral scene with Bane - whose habitation of the priest Fzoul Chembryl's mortal form has thankfully imbued him with some restraint following his lamentable showing in Shadowdale.
As mentioned, this is Cyric's book. It is sometimes hard not to cheer for this ambitious young survivor from Zhentil Keep as he triumphs using skill and cunning in the face of overpowered wizards and godly avatars. Cyric's frustration with Adon, the priest of Sune who was rendered near catatonic after suffering a facial injury, is eminently understandable. Midnight remains the worst of the protagonists, swept along by the story's requirements and serving mainly to establish the motivations of the male characters.
Though the story suffers from dull stretches and the writing is only a small step up from Shadowdale - that is to say, merely perfunctory rather than raw - the final act in the city of Tantras steps things up, presenting a dystopian vision of Lawful Good intolerance taken to extremes. The battle between the avatars of Torm and Bane, though silly, remains one of the more memorable scenes in the great canon of Realms literature. Though, one thing I've always wondered about: if Bane's ritual to achieve his giant avatar form involved killing all of the assassins in the Realms (conveniently removing the class from 2nd edition D&D), how and why did Artemis Entreri survive?
In summary, Tantras is middling book in a generally poor trilogy that remains essential reading for fans of the setting. Rather like the curate's egg, there is good to be found if you look hard enough.
November 9, 2025
Well, this was a vast improvement over the first book in the series. Make no mistake though - Tantras is by no means a great novel. The bar set by Shadowdale was just that low. Still, I was entertained by the story and invested in the fate of our main characters (except for Kelemvor and Elminster. They can die in a pit for all I care). The cover was slightly less atrocious than the previous one, though it still made my eyes bleed.
Cyric’s myriad of deception rolls and the weirdly homosexual interactions between Myrkul and Bane were probably my favorite parts of the book.
Characters:
Adon is still going through it. I liked the exploration of his faith crisis, but because of his nearly catatonic state he’s pretty much useless for the first half of the book. Though I must admit his friendship with Midnight is endearing.
Kelemvor… the hatred I feel for this pathetic little snitch cannot be described with words. For that, I need a gun. Or a mace. Or a particularly sharp stick. I simply cannot comprehend how he just abandoned Midnight and Adon to die AND later had the gall to criticize Cyric for rescuing them??? I get that murder is a somewhat controversial course of action, but c’mon. At least Cyric did something to help them, instead of sitting on his furry ass and brooding.
Midnight - at this point I’m fairly convinced she does not have eyes. Or a brain. There’s literally no trust between her and Kelemvor and I’m somehow supposed to believe they’re madly in love??? (also might I remind everyone that Kelemvor cheated on her?)
Cyric, whatever dice you’re having, I want a set. Seriously, they must be magical to roll this many nat 20 in a row. Cyric’s character took a sharp turn since Shadowdale - he became a villain with no real catalyst. It was honestly hard not to root for him when he cheated and killed his way out of life-threatening situations.
And before anyone tries to lecture me that Cyric is a bad person - I really don’t care, it’s still a smash. „But Cyric murdered six guards!” so what. All ten fingers. I like my men evil. Vertically, horizontally, diagonally, logarithmically. I need to hear him beg for it. Not even the guillotine could take away the head I’d give him.
Cyric’s myriad of deception rolls and the weirdly homosexual interactions between Myrkul and Bane were probably my favorite parts of the book.
Characters:
Adon is still going through it. I liked the exploration of his faith crisis, but because of his nearly catatonic state he’s pretty much useless for the first half of the book. Though I must admit his friendship with Midnight is endearing.
Kelemvor… the hatred I feel for this pathetic little snitch cannot be described with words. For that, I need a gun. Or a mace. Or a particularly sharp stick. I simply cannot comprehend how he just abandoned Midnight and Adon to die AND later had the gall to criticize Cyric for rescuing them??? I get that murder is a somewhat controversial course of action, but c’mon. At least Cyric did something to help them, instead of sitting on his furry ass and brooding.
Midnight - at this point I’m fairly convinced she does not have eyes. Or a brain. There’s literally no trust between her and Kelemvor and I’m somehow supposed to believe they’re madly in love??? (also might I remind everyone that Kelemvor cheated on her?)
Cyric, whatever dice you’re having, I want a set. Seriously, they must be magical to roll this many nat 20 in a row. Cyric’s character took a sharp turn since Shadowdale - he became a villain with no real catalyst. It was honestly hard not to root for him when he cheated and killed his way out of life-threatening situations.
And before anyone tries to lecture me that Cyric is a bad person - I really don’t care, it’s still a smash. „But Cyric murdered six guards!” so what. All ten fingers. I like my men evil. Vertically, horizontally, diagonally, logarithmically. I need to hear him beg for it. Not even the guillotine could take away the head I’d give him.
November 9, 2022
How does Ciencin manage to make a book about warring gods seem so dull?
November 11, 2021
It started strong in the wake of the first book but definitely slowed when they became separated. and didn't pickup again until they got to the city of the books namesake. I enjoyed Cyric and Kelemvor becoming anime rivals and I am definitely going to read the 3rd book.
Read
August 19, 2024I enjoyed this second book in the Avatar trilogy. The main characters are called "heroes" but they're definitely not purely altruistic, with plenty of jealousy, greed, uncertainty, anger, and other similar emotions that make them more realistic as people. One even takes a decided turn down the evil path. Just like this novel's predecessor, it's got a definite 80s D&D fantasy vibe of rigidity and camp, but I find that charming so that's a bonus for me.
August 10, 2015
A filler for the trilogy
24 March 2012
Well, the second instalment in the Avatar Trilogy, a series designed to explain the changes between the First and Second Edition Dungeon & Dragons rules. It seems, after a quick look at the blurb, that the heroes have been framed for the murder of Elminster (though I would be making them heroes rather than putting them on trial). However, as soon as I saw 'Bane: God of Murder' you sort of quickly realise who is behind it. It is also set in the city of Tantras, a city in the Realms that pretty much had nothing mentioned about it (except for a dot on the map) until we get to this book.
As I have studied world history, in particular ancient societies, I have come to understand how disappointing the gods of the Forgotten Realms really are. In the real world there generally was no accepted pantheon of gods, at least until the arrival of the Roman Empire, and even then it was only within the empire, and within the specific Greco-Roman culture, that these gods are recognised. Once one stepped outside of the borders, or even travelled to outlying parts of the empire, such as Egypt the generally accepted gods, and pantheons, would change. Now, the Romans were an accomodating people when it came to religion, as long as one acknowledged piety where it was due (which was why Christians got into so much trouble). The Greeks were much the same, as can be seen when Socrates was executed for not acknowledging the gods.
The Greco-Roman gods did not operate like the Realms God's either. It was as if they were a society and culture unto themselves, more like superpowerful entities that, if they felt like it, would help, or hinder, human affairs. They were a fickle lot who seemed to care little about the actions of humanity, though did appreciate their worship. However, in the Forgotten Realms, we see a religion that seems to be accepted across the entire realm (with the occasional nations that have their own specific pantheon). While things on Earth have changed since the Roman Times, the method that Greenwood used simply does not seem to be all that realistic to me.
In the Realms the Gods either help humanity or seek to destroy it. The gods are not fickle, but rather follow their own moral code. We have god's like Tyr, who is an honourable and noble knight, while we have others like Bane and Bhaal, who are the traditional bad boys on the block. I suspect that it is our Judeo-Christian heritage that has allowed this to seep into our literature. In Greco-Roman times Gods were not good or evil, they just had their own jobs to do, however in our modern world we have a very good vs evil mentality, reflective of God and Satan (though this concept of equal and opposite dates back to Persia).
It was rather dull and boring to always be directed back to the three bad guys of the realms (Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul), however in this story Bhaal is killed (and I think the others land up dead sometime in the series as well). It really feels like a simple free for all against the gods. It was rather dry and disappointing, and I also noted that despite getting rid of these three gods, they simply replaced them with a single god (Cyric) who then went around doing all the bad things that the others did.
24 March 2012
Well, the second instalment in the Avatar Trilogy, a series designed to explain the changes between the First and Second Edition Dungeon & Dragons rules. It seems, after a quick look at the blurb, that the heroes have been framed for the murder of Elminster (though I would be making them heroes rather than putting them on trial). However, as soon as I saw 'Bane: God of Murder' you sort of quickly realise who is behind it. It is also set in the city of Tantras, a city in the Realms that pretty much had nothing mentioned about it (except for a dot on the map) until we get to this book.
As I have studied world history, in particular ancient societies, I have come to understand how disappointing the gods of the Forgotten Realms really are. In the real world there generally was no accepted pantheon of gods, at least until the arrival of the Roman Empire, and even then it was only within the empire, and within the specific Greco-Roman culture, that these gods are recognised. Once one stepped outside of the borders, or even travelled to outlying parts of the empire, such as Egypt the generally accepted gods, and pantheons, would change. Now, the Romans were an accomodating people when it came to religion, as long as one acknowledged piety where it was due (which was why Christians got into so much trouble). The Greeks were much the same, as can be seen when Socrates was executed for not acknowledging the gods.
The Greco-Roman gods did not operate like the Realms God's either. It was as if they were a society and culture unto themselves, more like superpowerful entities that, if they felt like it, would help, or hinder, human affairs. They were a fickle lot who seemed to care little about the actions of humanity, though did appreciate their worship. However, in the Forgotten Realms, we see a religion that seems to be accepted across the entire realm (with the occasional nations that have their own specific pantheon). While things on Earth have changed since the Roman Times, the method that Greenwood used simply does not seem to be all that realistic to me.
In the Realms the Gods either help humanity or seek to destroy it. The gods are not fickle, but rather follow their own moral code. We have god's like Tyr, who is an honourable and noble knight, while we have others like Bane and Bhaal, who are the traditional bad boys on the block. I suspect that it is our Judeo-Christian heritage that has allowed this to seep into our literature. In Greco-Roman times Gods were not good or evil, they just had their own jobs to do, however in our modern world we have a very good vs evil mentality, reflective of God and Satan (though this concept of equal and opposite dates back to Persia).
It was rather dull and boring to always be directed back to the three bad guys of the realms (Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul), however in this story Bhaal is killed (and I think the others land up dead sometime in the series as well). It really feels like a simple free for all against the gods. It was rather dry and disappointing, and I also noted that despite getting rid of these three gods, they simply replaced them with a single god (Cyric) who then went around doing all the bad things that the others did.
November 11, 2025
I've been reading all the Forgotten Realms novels as nostalgia for the ones I loved as a child. This isn't one of the ones I read back then, so there's no nostalgia for this one in particular.
Character-wise, Midnight has slightly more personality than she did in Shadowdale (though it's still rather bland). She is also not a jackass to Adon. I still hate Kelemvor (I'll expand on why but it's spoilery), Cyric's heel turn is worse than I'd hoped for but better done than it could have been, and Adon continues to be the most interesting of the main 4.
Some spoilery parts:
Kelemvor
Early Cyric
Adon
Plot wise, the start of the novel is reliant on the awfully done cliffhanger of the previous book, so of course it's terribly done. (It's also slowed AF down by the need to recap literally everything that happened in Shadowdale). The text tells us Cyric is under suspicion due to association with Midnight and Adon. Note, he and Kel still have freedom of movement, and Kel apparently hasn't been mentally linked with his party at all, because that makes sense. The trial goes exactly as cynical Cyric predicted, because they put a catatonic Adon and a gagged Midnight against angry villagers, and called Kel up to testify but he couldn't say anything helpful because of the curse and his own cowardice (seriously bro just reveal the damn curse), and as you might expect, a daring rescue is staged. Anyway, the party travels, and continues their streak of running into random monsters that don't contribute much to the story. Past this point there's a convergence and split and anything I can say will be spoilery, but I will say Scarsdale and Tantras did actually have enjoyable if predictable plot. Also, kaiju battles are fun enough.
Character-wise, Midnight has slightly more personality than she did in Shadowdale (though it's still rather bland). She is also not a jackass to Adon. I still hate Kelemvor (I'll expand on why but it's spoilery), Cyric's heel turn is worse than I'd hoped for but better done than it could have been, and Adon continues to be the most interesting of the main 4.
Some spoilery parts:
Kelemvor
Early Cyric
Adon
Plot wise, the start of the novel is reliant on the awfully done cliffhanger of the previous book, so of course it's terribly done. (It's also slowed AF down by the need to recap literally everything that happened in Shadowdale). The text tells us Cyric is under suspicion due to association with Midnight and Adon. Note, he and Kel still have freedom of movement, and Kel apparently hasn't been mentally linked with his party at all, because that makes sense. The trial goes exactly as cynical Cyric predicted, because they put a catatonic Adon and a gagged Midnight against angry villagers, and called Kel up to testify but he couldn't say anything helpful because of the curse and his own cowardice (seriously bro just reveal the damn curse), and as you might expect, a daring rescue is staged. Anyway, the party travels, and continues their streak of running into random monsters that don't contribute much to the story. Past this point there's a convergence and split and anything I can say will be spoilery, but I will say Scarsdale and Tantras did actually have enjoyable if predictable plot. Also, kaiju battles are fun enough.
September 28, 2017
Biggest complaint was that this book 2 of 3 did feel like filler. For example, through a misunderstanding the boyfriend suddenly hates the girlfriend, vows to "hunt her down and bring her to justice", spends many pages chasing her, finally finds her, and ... "Oh, I miss you, all is forgiven!" They go on as if nothing had happened. Such throw-away plots really take the wind out of a series. Overall the three books had their moments but not enough to recommend.
February 23, 2016
Very good fantasy trilogy based on the D&D game. Recommended
August 21, 2018
I find it difficult to write a review on this book.
I am not a fan of Scott Ciencin's way of writing BUT I am a fan of the story.
Starting to play d&d you realize that you have to know about the story and deepen in some of the details. Time of Troubles was a cataclysmic time period in the chronology of Faerûn.
It is an epic story, and a lot is going on, but it all goes a little bit too quickly for my taste.
With that said, I am curious to see how the trilogy ends in Waterdeep.
I am not a fan of Scott Ciencin's way of writing BUT I am a fan of the story.
Starting to play d&d you realize that you have to know about the story and deepen in some of the details. Time of Troubles was a cataclysmic time period in the chronology of Faerûn.
It is an epic story, and a lot is going on, but it all goes a little bit too quickly for my taste.
With that said, I am curious to see how the trilogy ends in Waterdeep.
July 26, 2024
Like its predecessor, I must confess that I again skimmed through most of this novel. Take my opinion with a grain of salt.
This novel is a continuation of Shadowdale, and in some ways I found it more exciting than its prequel. One character turns evil, which I read some people felt was done poorly; to be honest, I probably wasn't paying enough attention to care. The plot is apparently very slow and meandering, and yes I basically skipped through a fat chunk in the middle and felt none the worse for it. Make of that what you will.
I will say that there was a pretty cool fight between the cartoonishly evil God of Strife and the surprisingly morally ambigious God of Duty towards the end. That scene alone was pretty epic in a dumb sort of way and made checking this novel out worth it for me. I think the main characters also annoyed me less, but that may be because I just skipped through any parts where they were talking too much.
Verdict: I give this one a 5/10. A tropey yet functional fantasy novel.
Like the previous one, I would recommend this to people who have an interest in the lore and creative history of the Forgotten Realms as a setting, with the caveat that you shouldn't expect too much.
This novel is a continuation of Shadowdale, and in some ways I found it more exciting than its prequel. One character turns evil, which I read some people felt was done poorly; to be honest, I probably wasn't paying enough attention to care. The plot is apparently very slow and meandering, and yes I basically skipped through a fat chunk in the middle and felt none the worse for it. Make of that what you will.
I will say that there was a pretty cool fight between the cartoonishly evil God of Strife and the surprisingly morally ambigious God of Duty towards the end. That scene alone was pretty epic in a dumb sort of way and made checking this novel out worth it for me. I think the main characters also annoyed me less, but that may be because I just skipped through any parts where they were talking too much.
Verdict: I give this one a 5/10. A tropey yet functional fantasy novel.
Like the previous one, I would recommend this to people who have an interest in the lore and creative history of the Forgotten Realms as a setting, with the caveat that you shouldn't expect too much.
June 16, 2021
Continuing my trip down Memory Lane... Reading the second book of the Avatar trilogy certainly rekindled memories of the three or four times I read it as a teenager, and the scribblings it inspired.
I actually found the opening chapters more gripping than Shadowdale, with Cyric going back to his Zhentish ways to aid Midnight (and reluctantly Adon). I've read criticisms that the sharp turn he takes is unrealistic. Initially I disagree with this. This is who he was. But the scene at the end of the book caps off a transformation in character that feels a bit too much like it's serving the narrative (casual homicide as opposed to doing what must be done).
Kelemvor and Midnight's love-ins and bickering become a bit tedious, and a certain person being unable to say "You" was a bit frustrating.
But these are books of their time. 80s fantasy with gods, magic that is only limited by imagination, and since the books were written for a new edition of D&D I think, characters have classes (mage, thief, fighter, cleric, bowman, bard...).
If you read them years ago, they're worth a revisit. Looking forward to Waterdeep & Bhaal!
I actually found the opening chapters more gripping than Shadowdale, with Cyric going back to his Zhentish ways to aid Midnight (and reluctantly Adon). I've read criticisms that the sharp turn he takes is unrealistic. Initially I disagree with this. This is who he was. But the scene at the end of the book caps off a transformation in character that feels a bit too much like it's serving the narrative (casual homicide as opposed to doing what must be done).
Kelemvor and Midnight's love-ins and bickering become a bit tedious, and a certain person being unable to say "You" was a bit frustrating.
But these are books of their time. 80s fantasy with gods, magic that is only limited by imagination, and since the books were written for a new edition of D&D I think, characters have classes (mage, thief, fighter, cleric, bowman, bard...).
If you read them years ago, they're worth a revisit. Looking forward to Waterdeep & Bhaal!
August 24, 2022
Probably between a 4 and a 5, but a lot stronger novel this one for me, even if I didn't like the scenario set up at the ending of the last novel and carried into the first chunk of this novel - it was still portrayed quite well, with good tension and exploration of the characters.
One of the characters in particular is a bit changed from the first book, but at the same time can see what has driven the change, better than I recalled it being the case, while the others also faced their own various traumas and changes as a result, but stayed more true to who they were originally.
Built up well to a great climax for me, and I really liked Torm in this novel, helping make him one of my favourite Gods of the realms pretty early on.
Became quite a fast paced read, making me eager to pick up the next book.
One of the characters in particular is a bit changed from the first book, but at the same time can see what has driven the change, better than I recalled it being the case, while the others also faced their own various traumas and changes as a result, but stayed more true to who they were originally.
Built up well to a great climax for me, and I really liked Torm in this novel, helping make him one of my favourite Gods of the realms pretty early on.
Became quite a fast paced read, making me eager to pick up the next book.
July 16, 2025
Ok, so I realized most people rank this lower than the first but I actually enjoyed it a lot more. it could just be that there's more action and the good guys get into a lot more trouble. I will say that the the shift that one character makes (I won't spoil it but it's obvious) didn't seem as out of the blue to me as some other readers.
still pretty uneven just like the first of the trilogy, but I think the pacing is much better. The main characters seem to still be being worked out but there is a clear idea of who they are. for the most part, my only complaints about the book is that the antagonist to be swept along for purposes of the plot. Decision get made for him and he goes with it but I was hoping to see him really need to work for his goal. this made me think about dropping the first book to two stars but I think three is probably right.
still pretty uneven just like the first of the trilogy, but I think the pacing is much better. The main characters seem to still be being worked out but there is a clear idea of who they are. for the most part, my only complaints about the book is that the antagonist to be swept along for purposes of the plot. Decision get made for him and he goes with it but I was hoping to see him really need to work for his goal. this made me think about dropping the first book to two stars but I think three is probably right.
October 25, 2024
Better than Shadowdale, though it's not much of an achievement. The main characters were horribly boring and predictable, just like before. Bane pretty much carried the entire thing on his back, the parts with him were without question the most fun out of the entire book. He's queer coded to hell and back which makes the sections feel like a breath of fresh air in between all the boring 80s fantasy BS.
I would generally recommend it if you're into realmslore because it's such a crucial part of it, or if you want more lore about any of the characters, but it's a really, really bad fantasy book on its own.
I would generally recommend it if you're into realmslore because it's such a crucial part of it, or if you want more lore about any of the characters, but it's a really, really bad fantasy book on its own.
February 11, 2025
This book was obviously written by a novice. His storytelling and plotting was great, but his voice and language usage left a little to be desired. I wonder if this is the reason that the third book in the series is changed over to Troy Denning. The group of heroes strike out to find the Tablets of Fate, and though they still are not very likable characters, we do get some good character beats with them. I'm intrigued with where the story is going even though I'm pretty sure I already know how it's going to end. The arc itself is worthwhile if you're into the D&D books or the history of Forgotten Realms, but otherwise you can skip it.
June 27, 2017
Leggermente meglio del primo libro, sebbene l'autore continui a soffrire di una alternanza tra momenti dinamici ed adrenalinici ed altri lenti e pallosi. La storia continua ad essere piuttosto lineare, sebbene le descrizioni di Scardale e Tantras siano molto interessanti e dettagliate. La conversione al male di Cyric, pur prevedibile, forse è stata pensata in maniera troppo repentina e poco credibile. Divertente invece lo scontro finale tra gli avatar di Torm e Bane, che mi ha tanto ricordato qualche bel manga di robottoni giapponesi.
August 10, 2018
Tantras continúa con el grupo tras ser detenidos en el primer libro. El inicio es tan absurdo como el final del anterior, con 3 capítulos que me dieron ganas de dejar la saga en ese instante. Luego se va recuperando y termina con un final bastante "épico" a nivel rolero.
La simpleza de la trama continúa, los personajes son en su mayoría igual de planos, y está plagado de escenas inverosímiles. De nuevo, es un libro que solo recomiendo si quieres conocer la Era de los Trastornos en primera persona. Dentro de su género y de la literatura no aporta nada.
La simpleza de la trama continúa, los personajes son en su mayoría igual de planos, y está plagado de escenas inverosímiles. De nuevo, es un libro que solo recomiendo si quieres conocer la Era de los Trastornos en primera persona. Dentro de su género y de la literatura no aporta nada.
April 16, 2023
The overall writing quality has improved somewhat since the last book, but the story still has major problems. A main character's alignment flips 180° between books for no good reason, everyone spends a lot of time doing nothing of importance, and the supposedly epic culmination fight of the book is written like a child smashing two action figures together. Yet again, the cover art doesn't seem to actually depict the main characters as described in the story. Two books in, this trilogy doesn't seem worth the effort of reading it.
May 29, 2018
Intéressant. Mais comme pour le premier, certains passages sont très expéditifs et manque de détails alors que d'autres s'étirent inutilement. La motivation de certains personnages est difficile à comprendre (Kelemvor entre autre). On a droit aussi à certaines décisions complètement stupides de la part du vilain principal. Mais la finale est intéressante et nous donne tout de même le goût de terminer la série.
October 3, 2018
Cyric was kind of an ambiguous character in book 1, doing bad things and feeling bad because of it, and trying to ease his way out of his past. And all of a sudden, he's super evil in book 2. Kill everything, no twinge of guilt. I feel like there could have been a bit of inbetween there.
Midnight and Kelemvor are a bit wishy washy. Adon is a vague sidestory.
The book picks up in the last third and becomes more interesting.
Midnight and Kelemvor are a bit wishy washy. Adon is a vague sidestory.
The book picks up in the last third and becomes more interesting.
June 20, 2020
I'm giving this one a 2.5. It's not the worst book I've ever read, but it's not good. The number of times I had to read "the heroes" did this or that. It got very annoying. And Cyric suddenly going full evil...really? Nothing gradual. He went from middle of the road asshole to mustache twirling evil. I don't regret reading it, overall the story is still interesting, but it's also very frustrating. Give it a shot if you read Shadowdale and want to see where it goes.
July 11, 2024
How do they keep pulling me back in?? The first 75% wasn’t that interesting. I don’t even know why but the last 25% had me really invested. Bane still somehow comes off as cool while not really doing anything. I wish they’d give me more time with this lunatic sorcerer friend of his. Very excited for Waterdeep, even though I’m guessing it’ll follow the same pattern. But I simply must know how our heroes end up in their places in the Forgotten Realms pantheon.
January 27, 2025
Now we're talkin'!
After the most idiotic court trial in the history of both real and imaginary worlds (which is the previous book's fault, to be honest), the adventures start rolling! Monsters, spells, chases, mysteries, and it all climaxes with a literal clash of the titans.
I still don't like this version of Elminster, though.
Ain't no high literature, but it's a good, fun novel. I'm already boots-deep into the next one.
After the most idiotic court trial in the history of both real and imaginary worlds (which is the previous book's fault, to be honest), the adventures start rolling! Monsters, spells, chases, mysteries, and it all climaxes with a literal clash of the titans.
I still don't like this version of Elminster, though.
Ain't no high literature, but it's a good, fun novel. I'm already boots-deep into the next one.
April 15, 2025
Great from a "historical" perspective. These books introduced me to the Forgotten Realms setting of D&D and at the time I really liked them. Going back to them now for my kids they are kind of rough and simple. Enjoyable but not as good as Dragonlance (picking books from the same era). And my kids enjoyed the Cleric Quintet more than these so far. But it's introducing them to the realms in prep for teaching them D&D.
October 2, 2025
I really like the character development of Cyric in this book, but im bias as i've based a DnD campaign around him... I really like this book and the culmination at the end flows well. If you're a DnD geek, its great, if you're a moderate fan, there's probably other more captivating series to start with. P.s. some very dated writing about women in this... Doesn't hold up well to modern standards...
January 27, 2018
While the writing got better with this book, the characterization got worse. Adon was completely useless throughout the entire thing. Kelemvor couldn't make up his mind which side of the fence he was on. And Cyric... Who decided to completely flip Cyric's alignment? It really feels like some teenagers tried to turn their D&D campaign into a novel and failed horribly at it.
August 27, 2018
Another good 'un
Feels a bit vague and aimless to begin with, whilst it faffs about subtly recapping Book One. But once it's gets going, the going gets really good, and Ciencin delivers another winner. (Although Midnight still seems unjustifiably besotted with Kel). On to Book Three!
Feels a bit vague and aimless to begin with, whilst it faffs about subtly recapping Book One. But once it's gets going, the going gets really good, and Ciencin delivers another winner. (Although Midnight still seems unjustifiably besotted with Kel). On to Book Three!
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