Customer Reviews

Shadowrealm: The Twilight War Book III

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Shadowrealm by Paul S. Kemp is the third, and final, novel in the Twilight War Trilogy. The first two books are; Shadowbred (The Twilight War, Book 1) and Shadowstorm (Forgotten Realms: The Twilight War, Book 2). If you have read the first two novels in this trilogy I also suggest that you read the short story "Continuum" by Mr. Kemp that is in the Realms Of War (Forgotten Realms) Anthology. While technically you need not have read it to understand anything that goes on in this story, there are a few side stories that are greatly enhanced by reading the short story. Plus, it's a great short story. Fans have watched, or should I say read, about Erevis Cale since the anthology The Halls of Stormweather (Gateway to Sembia) in July, 2000. The Twilight War trilogy is a continuation of the story of what a mere butler can become.

The plot of this novel picks up right where Shadowstorm left off. The Shadowstorm is spreading across Sembia and Cale and Riven are trying to stop it. The Shadowstorm is of course the main plot line. How much damge will it do, what will it swallow up before it is stopped, or will it be stopped at all. There are also numerous sub plots scattered throughout the book. Sub plots such as the political situation in Sembia, who is really in control of the area. There is the sub plot of the Shadovar seeking to gain control of the region through less than honest means. Mag's continued spiral into madness. There is also the deal that Cale made to the devil Mephistopheles and the consequences of that deal. There are a couple more sub plots that I can not really talk about due to spoiler material. If all of the above seems like a lot to be packed into one book, you would be correct. Much like Shadowstorm, Mr. Kemp successfully weaves together multi-layered plot lines with deft precission. Some of what occurs within this book attentive readers may guess, other things are beyond comprehension. No matter, this book is a stunning conclusion to the trilogy.

The characters, as can be expected for a third book in a trilogy, are largely carry-overs from the first two books. Familiar names such as Cale, Riven, Mags, Abelar, Rivalen, Tamlin, and Kesson Rel to name a few. There is a great deal of character development with these characters and a few others. Many of the questions that readers will have after the first two novels are answered in this novel. Things such as Cale and Riven's relationship with Mask, Abelar's fall from Lathander's light is expounded upon, Kesson Rel's plan is explained and many more. There is so much going on in this novel it is really hard to pin things down to write about and not write something that would be a spoiler. If you are a fan of these characters, and really enjoy character development then I have little doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy this novel. As with past Kemp novel, the characters are simply outstanding.

The only criticism I can think of for this novel is that maybe, just maybe, there was to much happening in the novel. Later on in the novel there are some scenes that jump back and forth between a multitude of perspectives. I found myself having to really slow my reading so I could make doubly sure I was following everything that was going on. It just seemed a little odd that I had to slow my reading down when I came to the climax of the story. This could have very well been me wanting to know so badly what happened that to slow down seemed wrong.

Some things I really enjoyed about this novel:

1 - The character development. I have read many novels that only one character really developed. That is not the case with this book. There are no less than half a dozen characters that have significant character development. It is a fine line to walk between giving the reader too much and not giving them enough, Mr. Kemp toes the line perfectly and will leave readers satisfied and still wanting more.

2 - The prose and pacing of the novel. It has been an absolute joy to read Mr. Kemp's novels and watch him grow as an author. This novel is, in my opinion, his best yet. It's tight, succinct, and the pacing is full throttle. It is almost as though he is challenging the reader to dare and put the book down.

3 - The ending. That's all I will say about that. Wow. Loved it.

Fans of the Forgotten Realms need to read this book. There are several things that occur within the pages that will have wide reaching implications not only with this particular story arc, but the Forgotten Realms as well. I highly doubt readers will be disappointed with this novel. If you enjoyed the Erevis Cale Trilogy, if you enjoyed the first two novels of the Twilight War trilogy then you know exactly what to expect here. A tight storyline with fantastic characters. The ending may very well leave you slack-jawed. This is a novel, and series, that I would have absolutely no reservations about recommending it to anyone. I simply can not wait to see what Mr. Kemp has in store for his next novel.

For those of you not familiar, Shadowrealm is the third and final book in the Twilight War trilogy, with the first book being Shadowbred and the second being Shadowstorm.
When I got my copy of Shadowrealm I said to myself that there was no way that Mr. Kemp would tie up all the plots and sub-plots in the 339 pages that the book consists of.
Not only did he do this, he also wrote his, in my opinion, best novel so far. I found it really hard to put down the book, as it goes on at breakneck speed throughout the entire novel.
What I really love about this one is that the characters still have the central stage, even though the scope of it all is really epic, involving realms and worlds even.
As such it would be easy to lose track of individual characters when there's so much at stake, but it always felt like they were the one's controlling and driving the plot forward, and not the other way around.
While I don't want to spoil anything, I have to say that the ending really blew my mind, and it really kept me on the edge of my seat during the last couple of pages.
For those familiar with Mr. Kemp's work, this is a must. For people new to his work, check out Shadowbred, Twilight Falling, or Shadow's Witness to learn more. You won't be disappointed.

Shadowrealm - the third and final book of the Twilight War Trilogy - is without a doubt, Paul S. Kemp's finest novel yet. Leaving off from the huge cliffhanger in Shadowstorm, which gave me an ear-to-ear grin, Kemp sets the stage for an epic and final struggle between the forces of light and shadow. Or, in Cale's case, the final struggle between black and gray.

After another quick look into Magadon's slowly deteriorating mental state, we find Cale where we last left him: transporting himself, Riven and Abelar back from the charred skeleton of Fairhaven, Abelar's home. Villagers that had fled from Saerb and some of the smaller settlements surrounding Saerb think Cale and Riven enemies, but once Abelar vouches for them, the villagers shout their thanks and blessings.

It is then that Cale sees his purpose. Even though he is surrounded by shadow, he can still be a light to others. Although his often dark and pessimistic thoughts war with this realization (and it wouldn't be a Kemp novel if he didn't), some part of him still holds firm. And that was an aspect of Cale's character that I loved.

There are many stories that have been told throughout the trilogy, and a fair share of them end with this book, but I would say that none is more interesting than the relationship between Cale and his god, Mask. Cale has been the only Chosen that I have read about to so openly rebel against their gods. But I suppose Mask clears that up, "That's one of the reasons I chose you." He goes from devoted to cursing his god and then forming an uneasy truce for the sake of both their needs.

Something that I love about Kemp's books is that he gives every character meaning. When reading he makes you feel what they do and, depending on the character, encourages you to root for them and see them through. Every word has an impact, every line of dialogue carries depth and purpose. By the time you're done reading you don't feel like you've just finished a book; you feel like you've finished an adventure.

His story is filled with both drama and action in equal measures. The characters that he creates seem to take on a life of their own and walk out on the page to greet you. When reading you realize that these are characters you want to read about forever. But, unfortunately, this book is a resolution, and boy does it deliver.

The ending, in all of its spectacular glory, is sad. Not a sad that makes you dread ever leaving you're house, but a sad that makes you wish it could've ended differently, but at the same time waving you off in the perfect way. I won't be ashamed to say that there were two instances that brought tears to my eyes and that in itself is a great feat. The ending moves you in a way that you never thought a book could before, but it does, and I'm all the more thankful for it.

Now, if I had more than two thumbs I'd be pointing them all up, but since I don't I'll raise the two I have and reach for the sky.

Completely and unequivocally recommended.

Here, we are taken through the last book of The Twilight War by Paul S. Kemp. As usual, Kemp delivers a very visual story and keeps the reader locked in until the end. Having always been a fan of Forgotten Realms, it has been an utter joy to have Kemp writing stories for this world.

Do not let this be your first book of Paul S. Kemp's. You should read The Halls of Stormweather. Within it you will find a good starter for the characters in this book. After that is the second book of that series, Shadow's Witness. Then on to the Erevis Cale Trilogy.

Gods, kingdoms and demons clash as men's souls and an entire world are at stake in Shadowrealm, the third book of The Twilight War trilogy.

It is worth noting that this book is indeed the third in a trilogy and it's highly recommended that you check out the other two book before you start this one. Luckily, the other two books in this series are also superb.

In continuing the story of Erevis Cale and Drasek Riven, author Paul S. Kemp has packed an amazing amount of character development, hard hitting action and excellent storytelling in to what is a relatively short book compared to many others in the fantasy genre. The pacing is excellent and the prose powerful but very compact; almost reminiscent of Robert E Howard at his best.

This is an entertaining, action-packed fantasy book that very deftly to weave in themes as diverse as the conflict between a father's obligation to his son and his god, destiny versus free will and thoughtful insights in to what truly makes a person who they are.

The characters of Cale, Riven, Abelar and Rivalen advance in satisfying and believable ways and the ending to this book was truly epic and very moving. There were a few parts that I'm not ashamed to say actually choked me up a bit.

This is one of the few books I've read in a long time where the ending actually felt perfectly *right* and satisfying. I would recommend this book and the entire Twilight War trilogy to anyone who loves good, thoughtful and well-written storytelling.

I cannot explain how amazing this Novel was. It is rare to read such a book these days--one you cannot put down. The way Paul Kemp weaves the story is perfect. Even Shar herself couldn't do better.

There are Toril Shattering revelations in this Novel as well--a few. And I won't spoil anything except to say, the end of the book brings us to the current new date of 1479 in Faerun.

I have read probably all 140-ish Forgotten Realms Novels, and can easily say it is one of my top 3 favorites of all time. Paul, I really hope to see more trilogies from you in the future, as we know a secret..

No Bitterness for Shar here! Joy! All Joy!

Shadowrealm by Paul S. Kemp- This is the final book in The Twilight War trilogy. It picks up directly after Shadowstorm, with the events that are occurring in Sembia. The story centers around Erevis Cale, Drasek Riven, Magadon, Rivalen Tanthul, and Abelar Corrinthal and their trials and fight against Kesson Rel. The first book is Shadowbred and the second is Shadowstorm.

As I mentioned above, the this part focuses mostly on Erevis Cale, Riven, and Rivalen's attempts to stop Kesson Rel and the Shadowstorm from destroying Toril. While Abelar and Magadon faces inner turmoil.

Negatives:
1) Confusion between Riven and Rivalen. When they group up, there were spots and saying in which something that Rivalen would say would come out of Riven's mouth. I guess the problem was that they are so identical in name that Paul S. Kemp or the editor didn't really notice these slight problems.
2) Abelar and Jiriis. The "love interest" plot between them didn't work out at all I felt. I just was forced and not really interesting. Basically, I thought it was just there to move parts of the story along. But not once did I think that they "loved" one another. It was just very poorly executed.
3) Cale and Riven "sharing a look." I wasn't a big problem, but after seeing it within each chapter in the previous books and seeing it in here, it just got a little repetitive and stale. How many times can two people share a look? Apparently not enough.

Positives:
1) Cale, Riven, and Abelar. I liked how each of these characters were the main focus in the story. You really see the friendship that forms throughout this trilogy between Cale and Riven. The eminence growth of these two's personalities and traits is just outstanding and at the same time, amazing. Then the struggle Abelar goes through is wonderfully done and believable. I really could try and understand what he went through.
2) The last 100 or so pages. Fast paced and unbelievably exciting. I really didn't put it down, or want to put it down in the closing pages. Paul S. Kemp really draws you into the action and doesn't really let go. I was just that impressed.
3) Ending. I won't give anything away, but how everything ended, I liked. The only thing I wanted to know is what happened to the Lathanderians and Abelar. But the "cliffhanger" at the end, makes me just want more and more. It was exciting, closed a lot of questions, yet opened others that would be worth exploring in the future. The end just was near perfect.

Overall: 5/5
*Exciting, fast, well developed characters, and the overall quality of the story made it near perfect. The biggest problem was the "love interest," it just need more information or developed a little farther. However, the fact that I like Erevis Cale and Drasek Riven just made the story perfect.*

Great Book! Paul Kemp is by far my favorite Forgotten Realms writer.

I was not happy with the ending but that could be just my personal taste. I never read books so fast before as I did with Kemp's stories. He has a way to keep you engage for the entire story. No part of the story is boring but you may become impatient simply because you just left someone hanging off the proverbial side of a cliff.

Finally worth the money spent!

If fantasy is your thing, I would definetly recommend this. You should buy 1 and 2 first though. One of the best series around.

Shadowrealm, the final book in the Twilight War Trilogy, does a first rate job at closing out the story of Erivis Cale without removing it's foot from the gas peddle. The story, like the previous books in this series, is fast paced and packed with action. I think in this book Paul Kemp does his best job at providing provocative imagery for the reader to imaging his tale as it unfolds. There are several scenes that I would love to have viewed in person, though obviously from a safe distance.

The impacts to the Realms are also interesting and thought provoking, and should stir many additional stories and adventures. Thank you Mr. Kemp, for an excellent trilogy. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.