Customer Reviews

The Highwayman: A Novel of Corona

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The Highwayman by R.A. Salvatore is a prequel novel set in his signature world of Corona. This book is a prequel to the highly acclaimed Demon War saga. The first book in the Demon War saga, Demon Awakens, is a fantastic novel and one I think every fantasy fan should read. The beauty of The Highwayman, is that a reader needs not to have read the Demon Wars books to understand anything that occurs in this novel. There are certainly things that would make a little more sense, such as the gem stones magical abilities, if one has read those previous novels, but it is not overly necessary.

The plot of this book is not really a traditional book plot, in that it really doesn't follow a truly linear path. It is actually broken up into several sections each adding to the story, but being several years apart. In fact, the main plot points are written so well that much of what I normally discuss in the plot sections of my reviews would be considered almost spoilers. So, please forgive me for being somewhat, but necessarily so, vague. Throughout the novel there is a great deal of a political undertow, mostly centering on the church and the progression of a certain faction. There is also the story of a young man who has some severe physical disabilities and how he seeks to make the most of his situation. Fans of the Demon Wars novels will also be pleased to see a further explanation of the Jhesta Tu and some glimpses of who they are. In typical Salvatore fashion, there is also a great deal of the human element and how that impacts choices and decisions.

The characters in this novel and solid and well thought out. There is a wide variety here to almost guarantee that every reader with find something they like. From SenWi and Brother Dynard, to Prince Prydae and Bransen and many more in between. Salvatore has always had a knack for writing gripping, believable characters, and this novel in no different. One thing I was very pleased with is the character development in this novel. Some novels let the story do most of the work and carry the characters through. This novel, almost all the characters develop in some way or another. Salvatore does a very good job of character development with Prince Prydae, in so far that while it is easy to have him as a character, some of his actions and decisions are understandable. I also appreciated the sensitivity that was paid to Bransen and his disabilities and how they are dealt with. It made them feel much more real.

I do have two minor criticisms with this novel.

First, I would have liked to have seen a little more explanation on the gemstones and their uses. Not for me personally, but for readers who this novel is their first introduction into the series. That little added bit of explanation may help a reader or two fully understand what was going on, instead of having an idea of what was going on.

Secondly, the `twist' in this novel is rather easy to spot and was not really much of a surprise factor. I was slightly disappointed that what I thought was going to happen is indeed what actually happened. Yet, at the same time, it made sense to the story and was meant to be. Maybe it could have been hidden a little better, I don't know.

With all that said, this was a great book to read. It's nice to visit a world where Salvatore is not handcuffed by rules and other novels written before him. Where he can `play' the way he wants it to go without anyone telling him no, or that he can't kill a character when it makes total sense to kill a character. In my opinion, the Corona novels are some of the best he has ever written. I don't want to take away from the Drizzt novels as those are what most fans know Salvatore from, but the Demon War books are truly epic fantasy.

If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, do yourself a favor and read this novel along with the accompanying Demon War novels. You won't be disappointed. If you are looking at getting your feet wet in the genre, you could do much worse than picking up this novel. I have enjoyed almost every Salvatore novel and this one did not disappoint me at all. Yet another solid novel. The latest Corona novel has been released and is titled The Ancient and I am eagerly looking forward to wrapping my hands around that one as well.

I'm a big fan of R.A. Salvatore. First I started out with the Crimson Shadow Series then I became entralled with tales of Drizzt and the rest of the Forgotten Realms crew. Finally I ended up diving right into his realm of Corona.

The main isn't the type who you'd think of as a hero. In fact, due to his physical infirmities early on, you'd think it would be altogether impossible for this man to be the dashing, rogue that the highwayman turns out to be.

I found myself sympathetic to the tale of Prince Prydae. Sure, he showed contempt for the common folk but that's to be expected in a realm based on serfdom. Later on he wasn't such a nice guy but I found myself wishing I could read more of the Prince and his hulking Champion.

I'd definately read another book based on the Highwayman. However, after all the stretching of the Forgotten realms tales from book to book, it was certainly nice to read a book by Mr. Salvatore that I felt had a nice, tidy finality to it.

It never ceases to amaze me on how well Salvatore can develop his characters. My first impression of this "Highwayman" was an aloof cheesy expectation........I was dead wrong. To my chagrin, Bob has yet to disapoint, granted it is a very quick read, but non the less a very good book.

***SideNote***
If you are interested in obtaining a signed copy of any of Salvatores books, check out his website: www.rasalvatore.com. There is listed his book signings.

I really enjoyed this book. It took me back to the early adventures of Drizzt and his posse. The characters rakish personality is cool, as is the fact that he's a smaller man. Some of the traits that the character gains are somewhat unbelievable, especially since he has no physical experience (being a martial artist I know how hard some of the moves can be) but other than that it was a good, fast read. I definitely recommend it.

Having read the other books set in Corona, I was eagerly awaiting the release of this book, in order to see what new surprises R.A. Salvatore would bring us. I was not dissapointed in the last, since this book had everything I have come to love from Salvatore...everything from a great story, to great fights, to great characters. And to top that off, the main character in this book is somebody that you wouldn't really expect to be a hero, which just makes it all the better when he does. As others have said, you can definitely read this book without having read the DemonWars books, since this book takes place before them. However, if you haven't read the DemonWars novels, you should rush out and get them after reading this superb novel from a great author. The Highwayman is a welcome addition to the world of Corona and I, for one, can't wait to see what will come next.

RA Salvatore has done it again! He has written another excellent book in one of the greatest world's ever created. In the Highwayman you will grow to love, hate, loathe, and admire many characters. I finished the book in three days and when i was through i had a great sense of awe over come me as i reflected my feelings, while looking at the cover for many minutes, then going and reading the book description again. It is a great read and i recommend it highly. Also, RA Has mentioned that it would depend on sales of this book to determine if he writes anymore stories in the wonderful world of Corona. This is his own creation and it is brilliant. I also recommend reading the other seven book saga, The DemonWars saga to any and all who enjoy fantasy or who enjoy a good fast paced read. AND I LOVE CORONA AND I WANT MORE! SO GO BUY THESE BOOKS, PLEASE!!!!!!!!

Let me start by saying that I am not a complete Salvatore-o-phile. As much as I enjoyed his orginal Drizzt stories, the later ones have been done to death. There is nothing left to write that hasn't been written about the dark elf and I would recommend that Salvatore move on. Having said this, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the Highwayman. There is nothing new in this story, there are no deep revelations or Universe expanding messages. This book is just good, clean, swashbuckling fun. It follows the life of Bransen (the Highwayman) and his parents as they struggle with racial bigotry, bigotry towards the handicapped, and religious xenophobia. You will find no surprises in this novel, but you will cheer for a small handicapped boy as he learns to release the hero within, and see himself the way God sees him.

I had a great time and can't wait until Salvatore dishes up another helping of the Highwayman!

R.A. Salvatore has done it again. The book keeps you guessing but pulls you along for a wonderfully written story that brings an amazing new character to life. If you have ever read a book by R.A. Salvatore you won't be disappointed with this story. If you haven't read his work before you will be pleasantly surprised at what a good story this is. You won't want to put it down! I look forward to his next novel in his work with Drizzt but this was a nice change of pace. I hope everyone else enjoys this as much as I did.

This is a very good book and should be read before the other two in the series--as it does give a good background for what is to come. If you are into this type of reading, the series is phenomenal

Mr. Salvatore has won me over yet again. Ive been following him since the Crimson Shadow series and have all of the novels concerning Drizzt and the Companions of the Hall. I was very surprised by the leading guy in this story considering he is basically handicapped without that stone he carries. Yet even with that foundation though I found myself turning the page nonstop completely immersed in a world that only Mr. Salvatore can create. All in all I enjoyed this story just as much all the other stories concerning Drizzt and co. and look forward to reading more about this highway man in the future. On a different note, I still think Drizzt is Salvatores best creation and would beat the living snot out of this HIghwayman!