Customer Reviews

The Magehound (Forgotten Realms: Counselors & Kings, Book 1)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Given the task of writing about a relatively unexplored region of the popular Forgotten Realms setting and letting go of the characters which made her such a popular author, Elaine Cunningham has gone back to what made her original books such critical successes--an intriguing plot, interesting characters, and a knack for revealing just enough to keep her readers hungering for more.

This novel takes place in magic-rich Halruaa, where wizards rule as kings and their counselors, the jordaini, are their sworn servants, valuable for their peerless training and resistance to magic. This is a great start to her new trilogy, Kings and Counselors (borrowing a line from the Bible, Job 3:14) and promises to be as defining of Halruaa as her prior work was on elves and as her colleague, Salvatore's, work was on the drow. The development of the Halruaan society meshed flawlessly with the plot, with few passages of sheer (and oftentimes boring) description. Rather, instead of telling her readers, Cunningham shows her readers what she needs them to know about the setting. Magic is plentiful, and almost mundane to the characters, but never to the readers, a trap that many Realms authors seem to fall into when describing the fantastic.

The ending seemed a little rushed, perhaps due to space constraints, but that is more a fault, I think, of the limited number of pages that TSR dedicates to every novel, and not a fault of Cunningham's otherwise superb storytelling.

I think my biggest dissapointment with this novel was that it did not have EC's other characters in it, but that in no way makes this a bad novel. Elaine Cunningham, is an excellent writer and this book is one of her best ones yet. It is nice to finally see a little written about area of Toril finally come to life. My favorite part about this book is the way that the characters are not always 100% confident on where they stand morally, it makes for much more interesting characters, not to mention, more realistic. Other excellent features include philosophical debates, interesting antagonists (Kiva is great), some humor and a nice amount of action. If you enjoy good fantasy, with characters that are not practically demi-gods then you can not go wrong with reading the Magehound, its an wonderful novel. I can't wait for book II.

Once again, Elaine Cunningham returns to the lands of Faerūn, known to many as the Forgotten Realms. Considered by many to be one of, if not the premier Realms author, we are once again reassured of her talent for storytelling.

In "The Magehound", we receive the first serious look at the lands of Halruaa since the age-old "Shinning South" Game supplement. Before I picked it up, I was concerned whether a novel could maintain my interest, and any semblance of consistency in a land so saturated with magic. Legends and tavern tales proclaim that even the lowliest barmaid can wield a minor spell or two to lighten their load. How then could a problem of manageable scale arise and be solved in a matter of one novel? Well, I am happy to say, it is and it is not. I don't want to ruin anything, but I think it was well managed in achieving some sort of conclusion, while at the same time allowing enough questions to linger for the next book in the series; as I was pleased to learn this was to be series, as opposed to a one shot view of that fabled land.

The novel's tone and voice are easy to follow, and make for a swift read. The characters are interesting, and while we only learn so much, the depth is there, but as yet untapped; and if I can cling to her previous works as evidence, I believe these characters will become as real as Arilyn and Danilo. For that reason, and the fact I liked the story, I have to recommend this title, give it a read.

As with most tales begun in a new and enchanting land, The Magehound begins with a hefty dose of introductions. Here you'll meet Matteo: Jordaini counselor, his counterpart Andris, a strange girl named Tzigone, and Kiva: an elven inquisitor that isn't what she seems. Then the plot kicks in, and it would do you well to keep up.

Author Elaine Cunningham demonstrates remarkable creativity and subtlety with her stories, and The Magehound doesn't disappoint. Behind all the magic and swordplay, something else is going on. But what? Keep reading, and you'll see.

While this novel is an excellent start to a great trilogy, I must say I wouldn't recommend it so highly if taken alone. To truly appreciate the Counselors and Kings saga, you must get to the conclusion! In a manner of speaking, the trilogy is just one long three-book story, and this is just the beginning. There's more- much more- to come.

"The Magehound" is the first book in the Counselors and Kings trilogy by Elaine Cunningham, the popular author of many books in the Forgotten Realms series. As evidenced by this book and her others in the Forgetten Realms world, Ms. Cunningham is definitely a fan of elves as a few to several of her characters are of elvish descent.

The story revolves around a young jordaini that has his best friend taken from him. The primary villain, Kiva, the Magehound, is the one responsible and Matteo, the jordaini, seeks justice. While Matteo himself does not have magical abilities (it is forbidden for jordaini to have them), he does meet others with magical abilities to help him on his quest. The Magehound convinces those who follow her that her plans for conquering a swamp filled with undead are honorable. However, they soon learn that she is simply one who intends to better herself.

The storyline drags a bit in places, but that is to set up events later in the book. The ending is satisfying, but abrupt. The buildup is too long for the quick resolution. There are a number of subplots left hanging which will be resolved in the next two books. The fight scenes are also not discussed in detail like they are in Salvatore's books (his strongpoint). Cunningham seems to spend more time describing the characters and their world. This is not necessarily bad, but when a book is this short (312 pages) and too much time is spent in this manner, the overall flow of the book is affected -- hence my rating of three stars. It's still an enjoyable read, but be prepared to read the other two books in the trilogy soon afterward to have all questions answered.

I overlooked this book for quite awhile because I was not impressed with the artwork or backcover synopsis. I was given a copy and decided to give it a try. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The concept of the jordaini was fascinating and I can't wait for subsequent volumes. Cunningham does an excellent job of fleshing out Halruaa and making it distinct from the rest of the Forgotten Realms. As a previous reviewer has stated, the ending seemed a little rushed but was enjoyable none-the-less. I recommend this book for any FR reader looking for something different.

This book was a cool read. It has some interesting creatures, and I am not just talking about the laraken either. I have enjoyed reading Forgotten Realms books off and on for years. They are easy to read and enjoy. Elaine Cunningham is one of the best writers for F.R. since R.A.Salvatore. I am looking forward to reading the last two books in the series. Peace.

Ms. Cunningham has done it again. The Magehound is an excellent opening to what looks like an intriguing trilogy. In this book magic rules the land, and the author does an excellent job describing the laws that govern this world. The characters are very interesting. I believe Kiva will become a villain readers will love to hate. I like that Ms. Cunningham uses more fanciful creatures withing this storyline. Readers tire of the same goblin raids and epic battles against dragons. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is a fan of the FR world.

A marvelous, magical journey through the mysterious land of Halruaa. Cunningham deftly captures the essence of this place with her wonderful characters and lyric writing. Every word is to be savored! I can't wait for the next novel!

While probably not quite as good as Daughter of the Drow, this books is fabulous. It has very in-depth characterization, and characters are the best part of any novel.

The plot is good. There's more to it than battles. There are loyalties and pretended loyalties and confusion and secrets. I was eager for the next one to come out. It was interesting to see the sheltered Matteo learn and grow. I don't think Tzigone changed nearly as much. But I liked her anyway.

Given four stars only because the synopsis on the back is sooo far from the truth of the book that it kept me from buying it for a while. Like, when did Matteo ever think he was magical? He didn't.