Customer Reviews

Cloak of Shadows (Forgotten Realms: The Shadow of the Avatar, Book 2)

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"The Great Foe", a name that sent shudders down the amorphous spines of the shadowmasters, an odd clan of shapeshifting sorcerers living in the demi-plane of Shadows. Such was the name given to Elminster of Shadowdale. Greenwood returns in the sequel to "Shadows of Doom", and the fifth in the line of novels dealing with the Godswar, also called the Avatar Crisis. Ed's humor is once again a huge part in this novel, as is the setting of the stage for the Maulagrym to steal into the magic depleated realms and wreak havok en route to total domination. Ithar, Belkram Sharantyr, along with the ghost of Sylune must battle the horrid creatures, or all Fearun will be lost. Over all a solid book, the best way I can place it is, Entertaining.

Don't mistake with the title. I really enjoy reading this book, but it isn't as good as others Greenwood novels. The plot is great, and it keep you reading the book. It plays with an ancient race that is no longer on Faerun, but in other "dimension", and that gives more interest on the book. The treath that they made is very dangerous to Fareun, but Elminster could easilly kill all of them. Thus, Greenwood keep him busy, with the Times of Troubles, the Zentharim, Mystra and all of that. Then, the responsability to save Faerun from the Maulagrym lies in others foes, that make it good :). I enjoy really this book, and it's worth to buy it.

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!

Usually I'm unwholesomely addicted to pulp fantasy novels, but I couldn't stand to read this one. Elminster has to be one of the genre's most annoying characters. It took me more than 1000 pages before I started to hate Drizzit, but only a few dozen for Elminster. In Greenwood's world the most powerful person on Faerun is always cracking bad jokes, winking at his companions, and observing how funny he is. The people around "El" are continually groaning and sighing. The novel ends up reading like an unfunny episode of Cheers (the sitcom): cloying atmosphere combined with the impossibility of character development.

If you enjoy reading about world-changing events, check out some of the Cyric stories, like _Crucible_ by Troy Denning. Otherwise check out some good FR books by Elaine Cunningham and Paul Kemp.

Greenwod pulls you into the world of Faerun. If you like the mystic side of fantasy; this is a series for you. Other favs: Salvatore's : Crimson Shadow Series, Drow Series.