8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Back to Basics, July 28, 2002
This review is from: The Savage Caves (Dungeons & Dragons Novel) (Mass Market Paperback)
I haven't read too many of the other DnD books (Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, Ravenloft, etc) because I found them, especially the earlier ones, to be a bit too much like a bad gaming session. They also seemed to be written more for Young Adults than grown up gamers like myself.
That being said, I am really looking forward to this series. Sort of a back to basics gaming novel, without 20 years of history to have to muddle through.
I enjoyed The Savage Caves quite a bit. It sports a rather unique, though, as I said, basic, storyline. The iconic characters in this story are Regdar the human fighter, Jozan the human cleric, Lidda the halfling rogue and Naull the human wizard. The characters are well portrayed, if a little stereotypical (but what do you expect from DnD, which is rife with stereotypes). There is some genuine chemistry between the characters (especially Lidda and Regdar) and a little love interest as well (though not between Regdar and Lidda).
I have to say that my favorite character is Jozan. Though this is ostensibly Regdar's book, Jozan shines here, especially in his interaction with Lidda.
I do have two complaints about the book, though.
The first one is the length. It is a very thin novel and costs as much as a larger one. The print is small, though, so there is some meat to the story, and I didn't feel like I didn't get my money's worth, so that complaint is a small one.
The second is the slang. Lidda frequently uses what I consider to be current slang (i.e. "My bad" and the like) which interrupts the flow of the novel, in my opinion, and smacked me in the head with it. Although I don't expect a bunch of "thee"s and "thou"s from the characters, Lidda's slang (not to mention Naull's pumping her fist and exclaiming "Yes!" when she was able to cast a particularly well-timed spell) was a little disconcerting. I removed one star from my review for this, as it really affected the whole feel of the novel.
So, all in all a good start, with a few bumps, and I am really looking forward to "The Living Dead".
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fun little romp in the dungeon., July 2, 2002
This review is from: The Savage Caves (Dungeons & Dragons Novel) (Mass Market Paperback)
The Savage Caves by T.H. Lain is a quick and fun return to what gaming should be and can be. Lain does an excellent job of giving the reader a solid little story that has re-kindled my intrest in gaming. The characters (based on D&D 3rd's ICON Characters) are fleshed out and stay true to the character class they represent. Now I am not going to say that this new series is Dragonlance or The Forgotten Realms, its a little stripped down. But thats ok. This little novel is action packed and predictable, but its so FUN. The dialog is pretty funny and a bit hokey, but he only had 182 pages. Hopefully as the series continues, Lain will give us a little more seasoning and depth, but for now enjoy a quick fun read. Forget the grand morality plays, let Lain place a torch in your hand and a mace in the other. Explore the Savage Caves, and still be back in time for bed. A good start to a new book line. Looking forward to the Living Dead.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun, but short dungeon hack 'n slash adventure, August 7, 2002
This review is from: The Savage Caves (Dungeons & Dragons Novel) (Mass Market Paperback)
"The Savage Caves" is the first in the new line of books based on the popular Dungeons & Dragons role-playing. These books seem to be written for two groups: new readers of fantasy and long-time players who seek a feeling of nostalgia. This one wasn't a masterpiece by any means, and as fantasy novels go, was just an average story. However, it was a fun story that gives the reader a sense of playing the game, keeping track of hit points, magic spells used, etc.
"The Savage Caves" revolves around a band of adventurers who are on a quest to stop giant spiders from stealing the livelihood of a small town -- their sheep. The fighter and mage agree to stop the spiders if a halfling scheduled for execution is freed and allowed to join their party. Along the way, they meet a young mage who has just left her mentor after years of training.
The group eventually follows the spiders to a series of caves. There they encounter goblins and a large hobgoblin that is running the show. The adventure is basically a hack 'n slash one as the party battles the spiders and goblins, eventually leading to the non-surprising big battle with the hobgoblin leader. However, the mystery behind the spiders' actions is also revealed as the story reaches a predictable, but satisfying ending. Overall, if you enjoy fun fantasy with little plot or character development, "The Savage Caves", and most likely the following books in the series, would be a satisfying read.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
