7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard-Hitting and Intense, November 3, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Shadow's Witness (Forgotten Realms: Sembia series, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
A few things. If you haven't read Cale's prequel story in Halls of Stormweather, you should do so first. It adds depth to the conflicts in this book. Also, be advised that this book has a fair amount of violence in it, but it works very well to highlight the evilness of the villains, and the terrible world Cale is stuck in. ON to the reveiw.
This book picks up where Halls left off and further explores the conflicts in Cale's life, his relationship with Jak Fleet, his secret past, etc. And in addition, another layer of inner conflict is added in this novel, but I won't spoil that for you by writing about it.
The novel starts out dark and intense, keeps up throughout, and ends in a very satisfying way (but still leaves plenty open for sequels). Cale's guildmaster, the Rightous Man, has a summoning go awry in his efforts to destroy a rival, and all Hell breaks loose in Selgaunt. When Cale and the family he loves are directly effected, he takes action and the novel takes off like a bullet. I read this whole thing in one sitting. In the process of facing external demons, Cale also must face his internal demons. He does, and the tale is well told.
IMO, Cale is one of the best characters to come along in FR books for a long time. If you want a wild ride, have a read.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Realms Novel, December 12, 2000
This review is from: Shadow's Witness (Forgotten Realms: Sembia series, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
Shadow's Witness was a wonderfully dark, and entertaining novel, and I can give it 2 big thumbs up!! The novel takes place shortly after the first book in the Sembia series, Halls Of Stormweather, and as it has been said before. You should go read that one first. Erevis Cale the mysterious, and ever loyal butler is up to his doublet in demonic trouble, and only Jak Fleet veteran thief, and cleric is able to assist him. The book is rich with intrigue, and I was enthralled with Kemp's characters, and vibrant story telling ability. Kemp's characater of Cale is the perfect blend of tortured soul, and anti-hero. We know what he is capable of, but still would trust him with our lives. I hope to see much more of Kemp's work, and much more of Erevis Cale!!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Paul Kemp is a great author., November 8, 2000
This review is from: Shadow's Witness (Forgotten Realms: Sembia series, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
Shadow's Witness just arrived today. Approximately 12:30. It's now 4:13 and i'm done with it. I just devour novels.
I am impressed. Kemp is quickly becoming one of the best authors the Realms has, and I want to see what he could do out of the Realms.
This novel follows about 3 characters continually, and 5 total. (One for only a chapter. another for only part of a chapter). It, of course, mostly follows Erevis Cale, the butler for the Uskevren (Too Bold to Hide) family, and spy for the Night Knives. It also follows Jak Fleet. Priest of Brandobaris and Harper. and also Drasek Riven. Lt for the Night Knives, and high-up thief/assassin for the Zhentarim.
Drasek Riven is written to be a character of unbridled ambition, and loyalty to almost none but himself. I say almost cause he seems to be loyal to the Zhents as an organization, if not his bosses. Throughout the entire book he has been conveyed this way, and unlike in Halls of Stormweather, he is not used as the foil to Erevis, but as his own character and meets up with Erevis only in the last couple pages. What a great last couple pages they were too.
Jak Fleet is a man of contradictions. I mean a priest of Brandobaris as a Harper? It does work though, rather well. Kemp keeps track of what Misadventurers of Brandobaris could do in 2nd edition, and it shows in Jak's writing. He is like Drasek in the way that he is loyal to the organization and its beliefs, if not his superior officers. Mostly he is with Erevis in this novel, but there is couple of times we follow him by himself. Really great insights on his character. And i'll admit, If I ever run a game, I'm going to steal Kemp's idea on how God's call priests, and use it in direct game play. One minor note though. In Chapter 2, it seems either Kemp or Fleet mis-thought. Mentioning how the Righteous Man (leader of the night knives) was leader of the Night Masks. Either that was Kemp's mistype, or Fleet just doesn't pay attn to underworld organizations. <top of page 38>.
And finally Erevis Cale. Possibly the closest thing to a neutral character i've seen in a gaming novel yet. I swear he's true neutral. There's not much I can say about him, anything I say is pretty much a spoiler. Though his actions in this novel make me wonder if he still belongs in the Sembia (Aka the Uskevren) series. But even if not, I really do hope there are more novels about him.
I like how Paul shows his knowledge of the setting. And his take on Divine spells (you will it to happen, and pray. even silently. While not fully practical game-wise, it really works for novular characters. (Yes I think i just made up a word.) This novel is one I highly recommend. For after reading it I have to place Kemp as one of my favorite living authors. A step or two below Kay.
After the events of this novel, I really really hope WotC does a Tazi novel also. So far it seems this Shared Family experiment is a success. And now I can't wait for The Shattered Mask.
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