Customer Reviews

Elf Song Pb (Harpers Series)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a sequel (to elfshadow) but I don't think you have to know the predecessor to enjoy this book.

It's main characters are a female half-elf named Arilyn Moonblade, a not-as-stupid-as-he-seems human Danilo Thann, and a not-completely-evil elf named Elaith Craunobler (hope I got this right - grin).

I won't tell more about the plot (even if it IS good) since I found that what fascinated me most about this book is not the bare story but the many details around it.

For one lots of situations remind me on role-playing sessions with one big difference: the solutions which are found are simply more interesting than what often happens in role-playing sessions (it's not "we take our weapons and attack!!!").

Some details (like the riddle of the dragon) are simply ingenious. I wonder how someone can have such a vivid imagination!

Next I simply like the characters - all of them. Each and everyone has distinct features which lead to word-fencing and simply comical dialogs.

What some people might find missing is a certain kind of depth in the book. It is simply an enjoyable adventure, without dark corners or the possibility of death of one of its main characters in it. It is also not a saga style book (no complex background scenario and lots of interwoven plots.) If you want some darker, less adventure based book, try "A Game of Thrones" from George Martin.

Instead this book can be read in one fast sweep, like eating a good dessert.

Elaine Cunningham firmly takes her place among the best contemporary novelists with this book. Elfsong is a brilliant piece of literature that will challenge the readers mind and keep them guessing the whole way through. Readers will find it hard to put down, and even harder to keep themselves from skipping ahead to find out what happens! Filled with riddles and songs, even an encounter with a mighty dragon! It is the stuff classics are made of. This book is the sequel to Elfshadow, it beats it's predecessor by a longshot.

The Blackstaff, the name resounds with might and just a healthy dose of fear in all those who've lived in Waterdeep, or faced his anger. When a shadow from Khelban's past threatens to dethrone the lords of Waterdeep, and blemish the Midsummer season, only Danillo Thann and a surprise ally can save the city. In her second Realms novel (eighth in the Harpers series), Mrs. Elaine Cunningham delivers a supurb sophmore effort. Once again she delivers the sarcastic wit of Elaith Craulnobur, the elven rogue; and wonderfully plays him off Danillo Thann Waterdeep's beloved fop. This was a great read, the characters were round, they had meat on their bones so to say; and for all of you who read Elfshadow and loved the infamous rogue Elaith, this one's a MUST read, you'll be glad you did!

Definitely two of my all time favorites, Elfshadow and Elfsong, bring to life the story of Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elf Harper, and her adventures in the World of Faerun, as she tries to cope with her dual heritage and seeks to unlock the mysteries of her magical moonblade sword.
The books are so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to the Forgotten Realms universe and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. Elaine Cunnigham has truly outdone herself and has presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work, RA Salvatore's The Dark Elf and Icewind Dale trilogies and in authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends trilogies.
She has done a FANTASTIC job of both acquiring vast knowledge relevant to Faerun as well as presenting this material relating to the customs, the religion and the history of Toril, efficiently and successfully! Her solid grasp of factual detail makes her very capable of providing the necessary background needed to carry out the difficult task of writing Forgotten Realms novels, which is something often missing from the work of many Fantasy authors. Consequently, from the moment you pick up the books you have trouble putting them down and if that is not a clear sign of a fantastic writer/author who can come up with a great plot, I don't know what is!
Elves, spies, assassins, honor, bravery, magic, and swordfights are all about. Elfshadow and Elfsong make up for a great trilogy along with Silver Shadows and are a "must read" together with Evermeet, especially for all those who have a soft spot for everything Elven! In short, it's what Fantasy reading SHOULD be! One should seriously start thinking about turning these books into movies...

This is the best of Cunningham's books. It has a fast-paced plot with a number of interesting elements, but escapes being too complicated, Cunningham's usual flaw. Danilo and Elaith Craulnober come to the fore with no Arilyn around to darken the tone. The ambiguous relationship between the noble Human and the self-centered, evil, yet oddly likeable elf helps drive the action forward, and the bickering between them provides some good comedy moments. The supporting characters are likewise fun, and are well-written to provide assistance or insight to the main characters at the appropriate moments. The villains of the piece are not unsympathetic either, as they have good reasons for their actions, and all of them find themselves caught up in circumstances beyond their control.
I'm still not certain why Garnet, the rebel bard and Harper, should have left the means of undoing her plan with the dragon - a misplaced sense of fair play, perhaps? It would have been nice to have more of an explanation into how the status of bards had declined and how their role in the Harpers changed, and why Garnet was so bitter about it. And the unravelling of her plot and the arrival of the dragon in Waterdeep seemed a little too melodramatic to me.
Yet those should not be taken as seriously detracting from this book. It's a fun read, well written and with some surprisingly poignant moments. A good example of what Cunningham is capable of at her best.

I am not specifically commenting on the storyline, author or book itself. I knew what this book was when I was buying it because I already owned it and enjoyed it. My issue is with the Kindle edition specifically. Throughout the entire book punctuation is omitted and missing, mostly periods. While this seems like a small complaint it is absolutely rampant throughout the entire book and gets worse near the end. At times I have had to re-read a sentence and notice a missing period for it to make sense. Sloppy work on the part of Amazon.

I have the first 3 books and thoroughly enjoyed reading them.

I am looking forward to other books by this author in this series.

Elsong is the sequel to Elfshadow, a book written by Elaine Cunningham and continues the stories of the Harpers, a secret society for good. In this novel, Ms. Cunningham brings several characters back. For example, we see Danilo Thann, a bard turned Harper, Elaith, an suspicious and cunning elf, Kehlben Arunsun, a powerful sorceror, and, very briefly, the quick-witted, sword swinging half-elf, Arilyn Moonblade. In the story, Danilo is chosen by his uncle, Khelben, to seek out the answer to what is changing the history, memory, and life for the people in the Forgotten Realms. Unfortunately, he finds himself paired with his rival, the elf Elaith. With the aid of dwarves and elves and harm caused by sorceresses, dragons, and harpies, Danilo and his small group of companions set out to save their people and stop the evil within the changes. A good read, but not as lively as Elshadow. However, its still pretty top-notch.

I really liked this book. It is the first one I had read in the series. I really suggest you read it. Also, the characters were great... Especially Wyn. :)

I LOVED this book. I'm a big fan of the Scarlet Pimpernel and Zorro and now Danilo Thane. I love the way he plays the fop, but really gets down to business when he needs too. His relationshiip with his uncle Khelben Blackstaff is too funny. I also recomend Elfsong where you meet Danilo for the first time. He is absolutly hillarious.