Customer Reviews

The Dream Spheres (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 5)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What a wonderful book! Three cheers for Elaine for delivering yet another excellent story about Arilyn, Danilo, and Elaith, her three best characters, a most welcome return to Waterdeep. This has everything that readers have come to love and expect from Elaine: wonderful and witty dialogue, great characters, a complex and well-crafted story (a kind of murder mystery this time), great action sequences, and vivid descriptions of places and events. I especially like the touches of humor, always evident in Dan's dialogue. I found myself laughing out loud more than once! This is also a crucial story in the development of Arilyn and Danilo's relationship with each other, which we've all been waiting for! The ending leaves a lot of scope for further adventures, and some interesting plot threads are left unresolved, apparently "to be continued". My only complaint is that it now looks as if we shall have to wait awhile for the next installment, as Elaine has another FR project lined up. Please don't keep us waiting too long, Elaine! Also, my copy has a different front cover than is advertised on Amazon and in other publications. I'm curious about the last-minute switch, though if the male figure in the original painting is supposed to be Dan, then it is wrong, because Dan has blond hair and no moustache. Perhaps that was the reason for the switch? What's with some of these cover atrists anyway? Apparently they have no contact with the authors of the books they illustrate. I still haven't forgiven TSR for the ridiculous picture of Drizzt on the cover of "Starless Night", which made him look like John Quincy Adams! Oh well, the replacement "Dream Spheres" cover is quite good. Thanks again, Elaine! More please!

"Dream Spheres" is a true triumph--for Elaine Cunningham and for her characters. I found their continuing development to be the true highlight of the story, though the plot was quite gripping as well. I enjoyed the focus on Danilo's family--something previously only hinted at. Perhaps my only criticism comes with the inclusion of Bronwyn and Ebenezer. Though I enjoyed "Thornhold" as well, I felt that their presence beyond the initial meeting at the Curious Past was a little too much. Nevertheless, I do understand how they fit into the plot, and am content. I eagerly await the next installment of Arilyn and Danilo--after all, the full extent of the war in Tethyr has yet to be explored (as summarized in the "Lands of Intrigue" boxed set). Thank you again Mrs. Cunningham--I can't wait for your next work!

Finally, Arilyn, Danilo and Elaith are back. I was not disappointed. Elaine Cunningham's novels often evolve around mystery, intrigue and plotting, and this one is no exception. The plot is very deep and complex and will grab the reader's attention. We finally see the relationship between Dan and Arilyn evolve (although I must confess I prefered it when they were bickering in Elfshadow, hehe), and The Serpent is back, so we can expect some exciting events ^_^. I was thrilled with the development of Elaith's character, especially near the end. The addition of Thorhold characters was a good idea too (so reading it isn't recommanded unless you read Thornhold, as well as the previous books with Arilyn and Danilo obviously). A sequel to this novel is needed. How about bringing back Lucia Thione, and showing how Elaith prevails with the forest elves? }=)

As I read through a few of the other reviews here I felt I had to give my opinion. I read this novel the first time in 2 days. A few weeks later I read it again. Both times I found this work, as with all her other novels an improvement from the last. Her beautiful use of words and description are amazing. What's more amazing is how she can keep focused on the plot and interesting character developement while being so desciptive. No other Forgotten Realms author comes close to the complicated, detailed, evolving characters she creates. A top rated novel in my opinion and I eagerly await the next.

"The Dream Spheres" find us once again embroiled in the intrigues of Waterdhavian society, and who resides in the eye of this tempest? Of course, Danilo Thann, Arilyn Moonblade, and Elaith Craulnober. Elaine uses this book to delve deeper into the ugly underside of the Waterdhavian nobles, and their mercantile endeavors. As always, Mrs. Cunningham displays her wonderful gift for developing and "growing" characters, the development of all three of the previously mentioned players is completely natural-especially if you have the luxury of witnessing it over the course of her other titles (Elfshadow, Elfsong, Silver Shadows, & Thornhold). As a previous reviewer stated, they felt too many "side characters" graced the tale; I disagree completely. These characters were important to the overall intrigue of the tale, additionally, several of the roles would then have to be filled by miscellaneous new and unknown characters; is it not better to have an emotional investment in those characters that appear, and to know what they entail? I would, however, be lacking if I failed to lend criticism on the following point, I must say the final encounter with the master behind all the ugliness was less than I'd hoped for. I would have liked to see a grander, less swift wrapping-up of things. But again, she leaves us in the prime location for another riveting tale...On to Tethyr!

Definately not for a first time reader. It would be confusing to someone not previously introduced to the characters within. However, it gives wonderfull insight into some of my favorite characters. Elaith's character has always been interesting but always been left a mystery. In *Elfsong* you got to understand his character, but never the reasons for his behavior. In this book, you get those explanations. The plot was twisted and full of surprises at the end. Elaine showes a lot of growth in her characters in this edition.

I truly enjoyed this book. But then, given that I am utterly and totally in love with Danilo, I could hardy feel otherwise ;) Seriously, though, this was a surprisingly (given it's a TSR publication) gripping book with an intricate plot with some delightful twists and revelations. The characters are fascinating (especially Elaith), the fight scenes are wonderful and I love the way Cunningham weaves together disparate threads from her works into this one, thus giving a great sense of continuity (although there wasn't nearly enough of Ebenezeer). If you love the Realms, these characters, or just high fantasy adventure buy this book - you won't regret it!

I have to agree with Andreas Meyer's review on this book. I am giving it 2 stars because Thornhold (by the same author) is even worse and will get 1 star. Get Elfshadow, Elfsong and Silver Shadows, which are great, but stay away from these two books.

The books reads very much like an alternate twentieth century urban mystery where magic works: no sense of wonder at all, a flying caravan escorted by an Evermeet Elf Guard is presented as somewhat unusual, not just as the eye-popping once-in-a-lifetime event it should be. It stresses my sense of disbelief to think of Evermeet Elf Guards allowing themselves to be hired, and what about merchants being able to organize such a prodigious gathering? Just because they are noble and savvy they can pull such a stunt? Now that it has been done, what's next? Merchants setting up a courier express service network all over the North? Or a food delivery outfit ? ("Pegasus Pizza" anyone?) Not to discuss the Boeing jet engines these animals must have hidden in their wings to get to their destination in so little time...I remember when the mere mention of Halruaa's flying ships brought "ooohs" and "aaahs" from me. In my opinion, much of the blame, however, is to be laid not at Mrs. Cunningham's feet, but at TSR's handling of the Forgotten Realms: that campaign setting has been Star-Trek-ised. It has been converted in an alternate mundane Earth where magic replaces technology: witness Waterdeep's air patrols, pegasus raising ranchs, corporate wizards (The Magists & Protectors in Waterdeep), in fact, corporate organizations abound (Harpers, Red Wizards, Cult of the Dragon, Twisted Rune, etc...).

Proof-reading also went out of the window. As far as I know, for some 11 years one character in the book has had the name of Laeral, with two "a"'s. In this book she gets named Laerel. I didn't mind when Elaith's last name was changed from Craunolbur to Craunolber (he was only presented in the FR1 sourcebook), but Laeral has had a fair share of appearances in sourcebooks (can you spell "Seven Sisters" or "Code of the Harpers"?) and novels before this. What gives?

Overall I liked the book if only to satisfy, if only for the moment, my cravings to see Danilo and Arylin.

It was like seeing old friends again, laughing at Danilo's antics with the humor heightened by Arylin's long suffering reaction to it. I found the wordsmithing not quite to to the standards of Evermeet though I feel that says more about the tremendous quality of Evermeet than a disservice to Elaine Cunningham's current book.

As always, the world is populated with wonders both mundane and magical and people truly come alive. Dan steals the show (of course!) but Arylin holds her own. Elaith is a strong suppporting character though I have difficulty resolving my feelings for him. He is still a villain but there seems hope. Just as well since, as in real life, things are seldom cut and dry.

Bad points: does every single member of the nobility except Danilo have to be silly, shallow, or manipulative? It was rather jarring.

A quibble: You can tell than Dan and Arilyn are in love but I wish she'd mellow a bit more around Dan and be more affectionate. She can't be tough ALL the time.

Another quibble: granted it was the material but the tone was tremendously grim. Perhaps something a bit more light hearted next time?

Overall though a strong work as one has come to expect from Ms. Cunningham. I look forward to her next work

Dream Spheres is the fifth book in Elaine Cunningham's series after Elfshadow, Elfsong, Silver Shadows, and Thornhold. Keep in mind that there are several short stories that take place before, during, and after events presented in these five books and can be found in the Dragon magazines 246 and 259, and the novels Realms of Mystery, Realms of Infamy, and Realms of Valor. This is why there are some reviewers that feel "lost".
In relation to Dream Spheres, it takes a while for the story to take off, i.e. it is rather slow. The first scene, the party at the Thann residence, takes up almost 50 pages (!!!) and it's not that great.
This comes in contrast with the previous in line book, Thornhold, which starts off by capturing the reader's attention/interest from the very first page, though the ending is very disappointing.
The plot as a whole is not bad, but it is not great either. It is just that the more one reads, the more one realizes how much like a soap opera the series, and this book in particular has become; enough with the Danilo-Arilyn relationship difficulties already! Get married or break up! And enough with Arilyn's attitude problem.
Moreover, the tren are not that great or interesting of a nemesis, especially not one to be used so much throughout the whole book.
Khelben Blackstaff who we see a lot of in Thornhold has only a few lines in Dream Spheres for no apparent reason (he might as well have been considered to have been absent from the City of Splendors).
Furthermore, the SERIES seems to be going back and forth between Waterdeep and Tethyr, Waterdeep and Tethyr... There are other places in Faerun to visit.
The mother-in-law thing was just too much...
My main question is why did Danilo not raise his sister? If she had been devoured by tren yes, but she was found in one piece.
Most of the favorite characters are there, some without good reason though.
(I agree with many of the points the reviewer "kalan" has made further down)
It is unfortunate, that there is no mention of the issues/matters that do matter to us fans, and had been left lingering at the end of Thornhold; Arilyn's brother Dag Zoreth, Arilyn's niece Cara Doon, the Thornhold fortress, the Samular Paladin order, the paladin Algorind, the Zhentarim that had a change of heart, the three rings and the artifact etc.
What we do get though, is the arrival of Foxfire and a wild elf band in the City of Splendors??? How did they ever make the journey north in one piece? And how were they allowed in the City without city guard supervision yet alone participate in the fighting that took place? Especially when the City is supposed to be so vigilant in relation to elves.
There seem to be too many things going on at the same time just for the sake of it, and not for any apparent reason.
At first I thought it was just a matter of getting to the good part, but the book seems to lack that something to put it over the top, along with Elaine Cunnigham's other work.
On the positive side, the book is not terrible, the characters for the most part are familiar if not good, the overall plot is alright, and hopefully a sequel will be written setting things straight by shedding light as to what comes next.
In conclusion, it is my belief that the book for the most part deserves about 3.5 stars, and since I am an Elaine Cunningham fan, that translates into a 4.