8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great start to a new trilogy, December 10, 2009
This review is from: The Fall of Highwatch: Chosen of Nendawen, Book I (Mass Market Paperback)
The Fall of Highwatch (TFoH) is the first book in a new trilogy by Mark Sehestedt called Chosen of Nendawen. The second book Hand of the Hunter is scheduled to be released in December 2010 and the Third, Cry of the Ghost Wolf, in December 2011. Those who have read Frostfell in the Wizards series will be able to read more about one of the characters from there as well as some background that bleeds over into this one.
TFoH is fast paced right from the start. It takes a few pages to get the reader set up with a short background of the people and the land, introduces some characters, and then the mayhem begins and doesn't let up until the middle. With such a frantic pace, there may be some readers who may feel that they miss a point or key information in all the action. I, however, did not feel that way. The novel has some good transitions and flows nicely.
The plot has many elements and so the main plot really doesn't come in until towards the end. It begins with a character being given a quest to find Nendawen's chosen since he didn't bring a sacrifice when he entered his lands. Then there is the battle that brings down the ruling family and all loyal to Highwatch except one, Hweilan, who escapes and later becomes hunted. Also during this there is Gulric who has allied himself with a spellscarred person, Argalath, who is to help Gulric revive his dead wife. Other characters appear when Hweilan is taken to the Feywild and meets the queen there to decide her fate. She also meets Menduarthis who is more than he seems. There are many sub plots such as the reason Hweilan is wanted, the deeper ambitions of Argalath, and others that may lead to spoilers.
Of all the characters, I liked Menduarthis the most. I was able to connect with most of the characters. The one that I had the hardest time connecting with was Lendri. His character seemed bland and just didn't add much flavor to his scenes. All the rest were easier, even the villains were easy to connect with. As for character development, there really wasn't much in this book. I have a feeling that now with the story and characters set up, there will be much more development in the subsequent books.
A couple criticisms:
1. Like I mentioned previously, I couldn't connect with Lendri's character. It has been a long time since I read Frostfell so I may be missing something with this character, but he just didn't seem to make me care about him that much.
2. I have read previous reviews claiming that Mr. Sehestedt did not give good descriptions of the cold wastes in Frostfell and I believe he listened because even though the descriptions are a lot better in this one, later after all the fighting and chasing he seemed to describe everything and the story really slowed down there. I felt like I was being told every minute detail. This was good for getting the author's vision across, but after the speed of the first half of the book, this sudden "Slow School Zone" pace felt too slow.
3. For those who do not like cliffhanger endings, well, this one has it. This is one of the reasons that I usually wait for a full trilogy to get published before I read it.
Some positives:
1. Here's the caveat to the description criticism. During the chase scenes and the rest of the book, the depictions were not overbearing and the author was able to get his vision across as well as let the reader fill in any gaps to make the story their own. The reader could easily envision the landscape and feel the environment around.
2. I have to say, it has been quite a while since there was a good amount of gore in a FR novel. There are some scenes in here that may turn someone's stomach. Mr. Sehestedt towed the PG-13 line nicely in this regard.
3. I enjoyed the fast pace of the book. I really had a hard time putting this one down and I wouldn't have if it wasn't for work and needing sleep. It has been a long time since I read something that was so engaging.
4. This is the first book in the newer 4E realms were the only mention of anyone being spellscarred is the villain. I am sure there may be more scarred people later in the trilogy, but if Mr. Sehestedt keeps it this way, I will be more than happy. It is not that I don't like protagonists that are spellscarred, but I like the fact that this would be something different having only the antagonist being spellscarred.
Reflecting back, this is one of those trilogies I wish I didn't have to wait a year between books. Aside from the few minor issues, I enjoyed this book immensely. I really am looking forward to reading the next one. 12 months seems so far away. If you still enjoy the 4E realms novels, you should really enjoy this one. Even those who don't should give it a try. If you want fast paced action in fantasy, then this one is for you. Even those new to the fantasy genre could enjoy this. This is one of those books I would prefer to give 4 ½ stars, but I can't see bringing it down to 4 so I will give it 5. Happy reading.
-Dimndbangr
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Fall of Highwatch, January 3, 2010
This review is from: The Fall of Highwatch: Chosen of Nendawen, Book I (Mass Market Paperback)
Forgotten Realms: Chosen of Nendawen #1: The Fall of Highwatch, by Mark Sehestedt
"The Fall of Highwatch" is a Forgotten Realms novel set in the 4th Edition D&D world, but don't let that stop you from reading this excellent book. Let me start by saying that I don't play D&D, but I have read many FR novels and rather enjoy them.
The fortress of Highwatch sits in the Giantspire Mountains, in the frozen regions of Narfell. The citadel has stood strong for over a century, as the landscape around it has made it virtually impregnable. Indeed, Highwatch only falls because of inside treachery, when the captain of the guard betrays everyone for a second chance with his deceased love.
Hweilan, the granddaughter of the Warden of Highwatch, survives the massacre, and is thrust into a wild journey through the wilds of Narfell and even a jaunt into the Feywild. On the run from a dangerous vampire-like demon, she meets Lendri, an elf who claims to be bloodkin and oathsworn, and Menduarthis, a strange male who takes her into the Feywild because he's "bored." Even after losing everything she knows - her family, her home - Hweilan is still a strong character, and more stubborn than a donkey.
Sehestedt sets up an intriguing plot, and I can't wait for the other two books of this trilogy; I'm frustrated that I'll have to wait a year for the next installment - especially since the book ends on quite a cliffhanger. Just enough is revealed that you want to know more, and I kept reading long after I meant to go to sleep. The action is very very fast, and will at times leave you wondering just how Hweilan could have the energy to continue running and fighting after enduring so much, but adrenaline and the will to live make sense. Sometimes things were too predictable, but not often enough to really detract.
Lastly, I have to say I absolutely love the cover design of this book - it's very different, as it's horizontal art instead of vertical. The theme is continued inside, and looks very nice overall. It's eye-catching.
4/5.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great New Start for Forgotten Realms, December 27, 2010
This review is from: The Fall of Highwatch: Chosen of Nendawen, Book I (Mass Market Paperback)
Having read other 4th edition D&D novels and not been impressed, this one is truly the best! Great plot, strong characters, interesting & very descriptive writing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS NOVEL! I will not give away the story just read above info, but this is a good read, and doesnt seem to have a forced influence from WOC, where a monster apppears for no reason and didnt make sense( as many people have discribed in previous novels recently)
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