Customer Reviews

All Shadows Fled (Forgotten Realms: The Shadow of the Avatar, Book 3)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

... not just of Greenwood's works, but just of Fantasy in general. The novel picks up directly where the last one left off, and flows without a hitch. The Rnagers Three return as the main heros of the novel, with Elminster and the Knights of Myth Drannor (all FR regulars) spiraling in to give life to Greenwoods infamous humor. (Check out the chapter "There's always revenge". that cracks me up every time i read it.) while the battle scenes (specificly the one for Mistledale) are rather unrealistic (70 v 7000, 70 win with maybe 20 casualties...) they are fun and very well crafted. The way that Greenwood lights from perspective to perspective draws the reader in, and the Maulaugrym provide entertaining and origional villians. THe trilogy was created to be a more perosnal look at the Time of Troubles (as opposed to the Avatar Trilogys wider world-based view) and the two complement eachother nicely, although Greenwood is the better of the three writters. I recomend this to everyone and anyone who enjoys FR and Fantasy novels.

This story is fast paced, action packed and a great finish to the Shadow of the avatar series. Belkram and Ithar are great renderations of real people, while Shar is a little hard to belive. The knights of Myth Drannor add comical amusement in this book (check out the chapter called "There's always revenge" for the best scene from any book I've ever read) Overall, Ed did a great finish to a great series.

I really wanted to like this series of books because I think Ed Greenwood is an extremely creative writer (he'd have to be to create the entire Forgotten Realms setting), but I was completely disappointed. This series exemplifies the worst aspect of his writing. There were times when fifty pages would go by and I couldn't really think of one significant thing that happened to advance the plot. Over and over, a new enemy--one of the Malaugrym--is introduced, tries to kill Elminster or one of the other protagonists, and then ends up dying himself. It gets really old really quick. This entire series could have easily been fit into one novel instead of a trilogy. However, I will say that the best part about this series is the witty dialogue and the character of Elminster. There were many times when I actually laughed out loud. If Greenwood's brand of humor appeals to you, then this series may be worth checking out. Otherwise, I would suggest reading books that have better storylines, for example, Salvatore and Cunningham.

Where's a good mage war when you need one? While Mr. Greenwood is a master of describing the intricacies of spell battles, his skills at characters development and human interaction are tragically underdeveloped. One gets the impression that every heroic character in his works has the same sophomoric, sarcastic sense of humor; the same selfless devotion to good causes (usually without any motivation); and the same overly sexualized past (read his books and you'll see what I mean) without any real follow-through in the present-day. The villains are even worse. I had to force myself to finish this book (nee trilogy) because I paid good money for it and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't. Overall, this was a sadly disappointing work from an icon of game design. Please focus more on your strengths, Mr. Greenwood.

Once again Ed Greenwood captivates us with his superb writing and detail of the characters we all love: Elminster, Storm Silverhand, Sharantyr, Belkram, Itharr, Khelben Blackstaff, Sylune and many others. This final chapter in the Avatar trilogy kept me entralled until the very last word as Sharantyr, Belkram, Itharr and Sylune continue to investigate the Malaugrym's schemes and the chosen of Mystra fight them without the aid of their magic. The novel's conclusion was excellent and surprising especially when I read the quote by Midnight (Mystra) "Elminster cannot last forever." This book was worth far more than the purchase price. Enjoy! (I certainly did).

This book showed up in wonderful condition and in time for me to give it to my fiance for his birthday! Thank you very much!

Sharantyr, a recurring character in this series, and her friends, battle Malaugrym. Oh, other stuff happens, yes, but the most important and memorable parts are the Malaugrym.

This book was the first time I remember reading about these creatures, and I found them fascinating. The main characters actually invade the Malaugrym's home on whatever that other plane is that they live on, and have a suspense-filled time waltzing through a Malaugrym mansion. It is really quite entertaining.

While the series isn't a literary smash, it is solid fun reading. The battles are well choreographed, despite the fact the good guys don't really look like they'll lose. This leads a lot of fans to despise the Zhentilar as push over baddies. However, Ed does return with his tongue in cheek humor, and the wonderful descriptive voice he uses. While not nearly a pulitzer quality book, it does a good job at being what it is...a fun adventure. I would like to note, that the book Elminster: Making of a Mage is a super jump after this one, as would be the Avater series. And lastly, when Mystra says "Elminster cannot last forever" at the end, Ed leaves you wide eyed at the possibility for "Elminster:The Death of a Mage", will it ever happen? Wait and see.

The Avatar Series sucks compared to Waterdeep- Trantras Series. Who knows what is happening in the plot or who are the Shadowmasters? Silly plot and fight scences. Read Greenwood's Shadowdale for a decent story.