Beyond the High Road (Forgotten Realms: The Cormyr Saga, Book 2) [Mass Market Paperback]

Troy Denning (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Cormyr Saga | Publication Date: December 1, 1999

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?

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078691436X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786914364
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #503,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History can hurt you, June 15, 2000

By 

"estrolof" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the High Road (Forgotten Realms: The Cormyr Saga, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

Cormyr, Faerûns forest kingdom, steeped in lore and pride. Long has it stood against the shadows of evil, a bastion of hope against the evils of the world. But, how is one to battle a shroud of evil from within, forged by the nation itself over its long and storied history? A year has passed since King Azoun IV lay awaiting death, incapacitated by an assassin's plot. Cormyr has survived the near loss of her king, but untold evils lie awaiting their opportunity to devour the lands unaware of the danger.

"Beyond the High Road" is the second in the, thus far, marvelous Cormyr Saga. The first title, "Cormyr: a Novel" by Greenwood and Grubb, functioned as a stand-alone title, this title does not. In no way does that diminish its value, or its success as a novel. That is not to say it requires you to read the precursor, but doing so will only serve to enhance the plot and the depth to the characters, whereas it will become vitally important to obtain and read the following title. In regards to the author, oft times Mr. Denning has been accused of "not doing his homework" when it came to realms consistency-the prime example being a Shou Embassy in Elversult-nevertheless, he's done his research for this title. His handling of the characters, and their personal voice and ambiance are seamless with previous works. His handling of such renowned characters as: King Azoun IV, both of his daughters, and especially Vangerdahast, is wonderful. This is without a doubt his finest realms work to date, and not to be missed.

Further, Tanalasta the much-maligned crown princess is handled extremely well. I cannot in good truth say I like her in the slightest, or that I wish her upon the Cormyte people; but she is handled with a consistency befitting her personality, and past representations. It is true, as another reviewer stated, I wouldn't mind her death, but she is the least of my worries as I look forward to the third act in this saga, this August's "Death of the Dragon" by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning. The last chapters of this book leave me with many questions unanswered, but I do not feel jaded, as though the answers are not forthcoming. Moreover, if you have waited until now to read this book I envy you even more. If you are an avid reader of all things Faerûnian, or merely a fan of fantasy fiction, you will enjoy this title (along with the predecessor), I urge you to order them now, you will not regret it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beyond the next page, February 29, 2000

By 

Joyce Shackelton "Joyce S" (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the High Road (Forgotten Realms: The Cormyr Saga, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

If you need closure to a book, you might want to wait for the sequel and buy both at the same time. This is just an appetizer, the main course is to come. Tanalasta has improved since Cormyr the novel. She is driven and focused now. The creatures were vivid and chilling. I didn't put it down till the end and can't wait for the sequel!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A supurb piece of fiction!, December 21, 1999

By 

"estrolof" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the High Road (Forgotten Realms: The Cormyr Saga, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

Troy Denning's "Beyond the High Road" is set in the Forest Kingdom of Cormyr, in the wildly popular Forgotten Realms. This novel continues the saga of Cormyr, and in particular Vangerdahast, Azoun, and the two crown Princess'. Denning shows us his best face in this book. He has obviously done his research into Realms Lore; and his depiction of the characters, following so closely on the heels of "Cormyr: A Novel", both in Realms time and our own is seemless! The story is full of the classic elements, character growth, flawed heroes, the whole showboat. A top notch book, and a must have for any fan of the Realms. The end will leave you thirsting for more (Which you'll get next August in "Death of the Dragon").