Customer Reviews

Elfshadow (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 1)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to say, this book surprised me. When I began reading it I didnt expect to like it as much as I did. I mean, about the only Forgotten Realms stuff I've read has been Salvatore and I was afraid to read anyone else lest I be disappointed. But I wasn't with Elaine Cunningham. Her characters and plot take you along on a ride that is neither disappointing nor impossible (as many fantasy plots become) The plot is rather understandable but nonetheless interesting... someone is killing Harpers and the prime suspect is a Harper agent. Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elven Harper 'assassin' whose magical sword will only let her engage an armed and preapred enemy in 'honorable' combat, which is a bit of a drawback when the enemy doesn't have a trace of honor, is the suspect. All the murdered Harpers have been near her yet she herself has not been killed... And the Harpers, who seem to have communication problems, send a few diffrent investigators... not all of whom are interesting in saving the Harpers.
If you've never read a Forgotten Realms book try this one as well as the Salvatore books. Both these authors make the Forgotten Realms so vivid and populate it with interesting people and things.
Enjoy!

This is a really good fantasy / mystery story, written by one of the best fantasy writers today. This book like all of Elaine Cunningham's books are pleasant to read, with interesting plots, very likable characters, and an emotional payoff in the end.

Main Characters;
Arilyn Moonblade, half-elf agent, extremely engaging.
Danilo Thann, fun and charming, a very `real' character.
Elaith Craulnober is great, a well written bad guy, but likable just the same.

OVERALL SCORE: (A)
READABILITY: (A), PLOT: (B+), CHARATERS: (A), DIALOGUE: (B), SETTING: (A), ACTION/COMBAT: (B-), MONSTERS/ANTAGONISTS: (A), ROMANCE: (B), SEX: (Light), AGE LEVEL: (PG- 8 and up)

The first book in the much heralded and well deserved Songs & Swords series is simply one of the best novels in the Forgotten Realms line. For those of you who haven't yet read Elaine Cunningham...brace yourselves. Her writing style is just addicting. Throughout this first book she introduces the reader to a pair that you'll surely grow attached to: Arilyn Moonblade and Danilo Thann. Their mission to discover the mystery of the unaccountable deaths of various Harpers is really quite engaging. Then, when you meet such personalities as Kymil Nimesin and Elaith "The Serpent" Craulnober, it gets to the point where you're all of a sudden putting Ms. Cunningham in the same league as R.A. Salvatore and the DL duo Weis & Hickman.

I can't spoil any of the intriguing plot developments but the story in Elfshadow is very complex and refreshing. I highly recommend this title by Elaine Cunningham, and I can guarantee that if you enjoy fantasy done right, you'll finish this book and immediately pick up the next book in the series Elfsong without a second thought.

This book is the first of a great series by E. Cunningham.The characters are so well formed that you feel you're right there with them.The series spans 4 books ELFSHADOW,ELFSONG,SILVER SHADOWS,& The DREAM SPHERES.The characters grow & learn more about themselves as you do.This is one of the best series I have read,& I've never seen a story unfold & evolve better than this one..

The first book that Elaine Cunningham wrote for the Forgotten Realms world, it is the most engaging of her works to date. Follow the earliest adventures of Arilyn and Danilo as they seek to solve the mystery of the Elfshadow. Their personalities are finely wrought and three-dimensional and may almost be called the Mulder and Scully of Faerun. The story will surprise and delight any fantasy novel fan.

The magic of "Elfshadow" is awesome. I started reading this book a days ago and finished the next evening. When you read this book you will be caught in a nonstop joy ride to God knows Where!!! After reading "Elfshadow" pick up the exciting sequel "Elfsong". Even though Arilyn is only in it once Danilo does a good job of being the main character. But before "Elfsong" check out "Realms of Valor". That book will tell you how Arilyn and Danilo got to Tethyr

I loved this book.It was really good.If you like any of the forgotten realms books then you'll love this one.It has everything in it you like about books.I liked that it has some comedic stuff in it.It's about this girl Arilyn Moonblade who inhereits a sword.There's this assassin who follows her.He kills someone and it just so happens that she's always near it.And he leaves the Harper sign somewhere on the victim.She finds a man named Danilo Thann and they try to find the assassin together.I would tell you more but I obviously wouldn't want to spoil anything for you now would I?Anyway go read the book and I'm sure you'll love it too.

Arilyn & Danillo, to realms fans they bring to mind a vivid image of Waterdeep, of the Harpers, and a tie to all things Elven. Elfshadow, Elaine Cunninghams first venture into the lands of Faerun, and the second in the sixteen novel series dealing with the mysterious Harpers, provides us the introduction to these beloved rogues. When a mysterious Assassin begins killing Harpers, the secret orginanization begins seeking the murderer. Could it be Arilyn, the half-elven rogue born of a shadowy past, and wielder of the Moonblade? Khelban Arunsun, Arch-Mage of Waterdeep wonders, and so enters his foppish nephew, Danillo Thann. Mrs. Cunningham displays a keen insight into the minds of Fearuns elves--I dare say she is the master of Faerunian elves--and into the Harpers themselves. She displays a gift at providing well rounded characters, with a depth to them and to their motivations (Keep your eye on Elaith, he's a top notch character!). The story in which we find them thrust is a wonderful mystery, filled with age old lore, and long held grudges. Elaine does a wonderful job of giving the reader several choices in their quest for the true villain(s), and maintains the intensity even after you feel you know who's to blame. I would recommend this book to any who ask.

Normally I hate tie-ins for rpg's and so on; most of them are awful. But Cunningham's one of the (few) exceptions. Here she sets up an interesting mystery about a half-elf and her mystical sword, not to mention the tangled (and trying!) relationships between Arilyn (the half-elf) and the apparent wastrel, Danilo Thann of Waterdeep. My only complaint was the culprit's motives--seemed a bit too tied to the AD&D alignment system, and wasn't entirely convincing. But worth a look.

Now, when it comes to writing Forgotten Realms novels, there is only to authers the can do that: Elaine Cunningham and Ed Greenwood. This book is generally a good book, that deserves a lot of respect. Its storyline is about the Quessir; Aralyn Moonblade that has a misterious sword. Sha and an unwellcome traveler named Danilo Thann, has to unlock the swords powers to protect the future of the Harpers from a enemy unknown. Its is worth the money...