Elminster in Myth Drannor: The Elminster Series [Mass Market Paperback]

Ed Greenwood (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Elminster Series | Publication Date: December 1, 1998

It is the time of the great elven city of Cormanthor, when the Heartlands are home to barbarians, wicked dragons rule the skies, and the elven people trust no one. Wizards and warriors alike threaten their civilization in vain, arrogant, and ignorant quests for glory.

Thus it was that Elminster was guided to Cormanthor, the Towers of Song, where Eltargrim was Coronal. There he dwelt for twelve summers and more, studying with many mighty mages, learning to feel magic and know how it could be bent and directed to his will . . . . It is recorded that when the Mythal was laid, and Cormanthor became Myth Drannor, Elminster was among those who devised and spun that mighty magic.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast; First Edition edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786911905
• ISBN-13: 978-0786911905
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,672 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms setting, is the best-selling author of hundreds of novels, game products, and articles. His most recent novel for Wizards of the Coast is The City of Splendors, a collaboration with Elaine Cunningham. He is also the author of the Band of Four novels published by Tor Books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Despite A Few Continuity Problems, July 11, 2003

By 

Harkius "harkius" (Laramie, WY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Elminster in Myth Drannor: The Elminster Series (Mass Market Paperback)

As one reviewer noted, there are a few problems with the portrayal of the elves, such as the Coronal snoring. However, I take issue with the other aspect's of that person's review. The "fact" that the most beautiful of all elf-waifs falling in love with Elminster isn't even true. The most beautiful elf-waif wants to USE Elminster and loves him less than the rest of his enemies. Two elves love him: The Keeper of the Tomb, and his fellow captive. Secondly, the elves are portrayed with quite a bit of realism, just not in the way that the reviewer would like. Many people read about elves and dream of being one to escape dirty, greedy, selfish humans. If you are one of those people, this is not for you.

However, if you like to read about what an ancient people with thousands of years in their lifespan might be like, it is for you. Ed portrays the elves as being much like White Wolf's vampires. If you aren't familiar with the concept, they are selfish, greedy, malevolent, manipulative beings, bent on controlling everything and being quite egomaniacal about their own nature. If you have read this book, this will immediately sound familiar to you, as this is exactly how all of the elves behave.

In short, Ed Greenwood did that most forbidden of fantasy novel things: He didn't leave the ugliness of our world behind when he wrote it, and, thus, created characters that you can hate. Characters that aren't even noble while they are evil, but are simply selfish and cruel. The elves are insulated and xenophobic, casually cruel in places, and concerned only with their own existence. In short, they are all you would expect of an arrogant race that lives thousands of years. They are realistic. None of this noble houses of morality banalness. Rather, they are believable. You will hate the Starym, and you will smile at Elminster's charisma and wisdom as he lives amongst the elves of Myth Drannor.

It was wonderfully written, a beautiful piece. It dares challenge the belief that fantasy is all about escapism, alone earning it five stars. But, in addition to all of that, it is satisfying, fun, and pleasant. Well done. Buy this book, read it, enjoy it, and read it again.
Harkius

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not worth it, January 13, 2000

By 

Dustin Hicks - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elminster in Myth Drannor: The Elminster Series (Mass Market Paperback)

With names like Aulauthar Orbryn and Eltargrim Irithyl, and about 40 other names and nicknames for a host of key characters..this book is way to hard to keep up with. The story was below average, and even the epic battles couldn't save it's let down of an ending. Ed's written better stuff.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It kicks some good arse!, January 7, 2000

By 

A young reader (Vienna, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elminster in Myth Drannor: The Elminster Series (Mass Market Paperback)

The whole story was really good, but I agree that the elves were badly portraited. I read all of RA Salvatore's books, and I really liked the dark elf trilogy. But my point is that some of the elves were almost as evil as the drow, especially the Starym.