Customer Reviews

Shadows of Doom (Forgotten Realms: The Shadow of the Avatar, Book 1)

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

 

 

The trilogy of which this is the first book, like all the novels by Ed Greenwood features invincible, god-like heroes that slay their foes by the thousands. They invade a castle full of shapeshifters and defeat them all. No surprise there though, the good guys have to win the day of course. But the way they do it, it is just unbelievable, even for a fantasy novel. What I do not like at all about the books of Mr. Greenwood is, that his heroes are drenching the world in the blood of their enemies all the time. They are always evil, but when one reads his books, the answer to all your problems seems to be : Kill them all and do not think about it. They are evil and therefore deserve to die. I am not a moral apostle and enjoy reading action and battle-scenes, but killing people and monsters off by the thousands without any other moral justification than: They are against me, and I believe my way is the right way, is not only dangerous, but also no fun at all. I really have to consider buying another book by that author, even if I love the Realms he created and collect the novels. If you like god-like super-human-heroes winning the day, read it and be happy, if you like good fantasy, read something else.

I too, believe it was a little overdone and the odds were definitely against them. However, it did a good job describing the places in the Realms as well as it provided the history of some of the characters and Gods, I.E. Mystra and Elminster. Overall, it was very enjoyable.

Elminster. Yes, I'm happy to say that our favorite archwizard is back for another romp through the Forgotten Realms, lovingly and expertly narrated by Ed Greenwood. For me, when I saw Elminster's portrait adorning the front cover, I knew that I had to buy Shadows of Doom regardless of any other lesser, more logical considerations. As it turns out, this book is highly entertaining in its own right. What makes it so entertaining you ask? Well it has a host of humorously powerful heroes (among them Elminster and the Knights of Myth Drannor), action, and magic all wrapped up in an epic adventure. Shadows is a fast paced read, barring Greenwood's usual plot digressions (which I think are relatively pointless). If you like Forgotten Realms, then this book is a must read as it really serves to flesh out the world setting.
I can't wait to read the second part of the trilogy.

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were engaging, the story was good, and the descriptions were wonderful. Action and humor were the two words I'd most likely assign to this book, and in reality the whole series. The Two Harper Lads that travel with Sharantyr, youngest of the Knights of Myth Drannor, are just hilarious. I spent most of my time laughing, I think that's why it took me so long to finish. I recommend this series, especially if you're a fan of the realms. The only thing I found lacking, really, was the odds. Three rangers and Elminster versus that many Zhentilar? And El hardly casts because Magic is unstable? That's my only complaint.

This book showed up in wonderful condition and in time for me to give it to my fiance for his birthday! Thank you very much!

Sharantyr is the main reason to read this book. She's clever and feisty, and Faerun can use all the feisty sword-slinging women it can get. She's also in a few other books, but this is the one that introduces her (as far as I know).

The idea was very good, but the odds were a little bit bad. Probably the best parts were the Battle seens in High Dale.

This book is a great novel with magecraft and swashbuckling to the extreme! Complete with awesome spells and many foes.

I think This book is a good one to read when you first start getting intersted in novel fantasy books! I reccomend this book for people from the ages of about 11-13. This is the interesting story of a wizard given power many, many, many years before the book starts by a godess. At the beginning he gets it taken away, by the godess. There are many interesting charters and places in this book, and you never know what will hapen next. I encourage ages 11-13 year old kids that like fantasy to read this!!!!!

Based on some of the other reviews, it looks like some people actually enjoy reading about Ed Greenwood's invincible characters. I find them predictably boring. It takes much more than mindless hack and slash to tell a story. Greenwood's vocabulary must be limited, since I see the same words repeated again and again <"rueful" sigh>.