Elfsong (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 2) [Mass Market Paperback]

Elaine Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Song & Swords | Publication Date: April 1, 2000

The bards of Waterdeep remember the past. Or do they? Even as they sing their ballads, a mysterious spell is changing their memories. Danilo Thann, Harper and would-be bard, sets out to uncover the mystery. In this quest, his closest companion is his deadliest enemy, the rogue elf Elaith Craulnober.

At stake is not merely the future of Faerûn but also its past.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786916613
• ISBN-13: 978-0786916610
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #751,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like living through a role playing session, July 26, 2001

By 

Cornus Mercatius "lundril" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elfsong (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 2 / The Harpers) (Mass Market Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece, one of the best Forgotten Realms Novels ever., July 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Elfsong (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 2 / The Harpers) (Mass Market Paperback)

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.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cunningham doesn't disappoint, January 8, 2000

By 

"estrolof" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elfsong (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 2 / The Harpers) (Mass Market Paperback)

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!