Customer Reviews

Silver Shadows (Forgotten Realms: Songs and Swords, Book 13)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Silver Shadows is one of the best TSR books, well worth reading. But to get the most out of it, I suggest that you read the two prequels for it first: "Elfshadow" (Harpers 2) and "Elfsong" (Harpers 8). They are essential for understanding the small subplots and undercurrents of "Silver Shadows." Another useful prequel reading for this book is a thirty page story by Elaine Cunningham in the Forgotten Realms anthology "Realms of Valor." This story, called "The Bargain" is directly related to "Silver Shadow" and explains the reasons behind the Harper mission which landed Arilyn Moonblade and Danilo Thann in Zazzespur and their respective introduction to the Assasin's and Wine Merchant's guilds.

This was an amazing book. Elaine Cunningham lets readers into Arilyn's complicated mind and the strange powers of the Moonblade become more apparent and it's demands worsen upon it's half-elven bearer. I enjoyed every page of this book, the plot, characters and setting were masterfully put on paper but...
You might wonder why I only gave 4 stars when this book's plot and characters are obviously 5-star material. While Elaine did an amazing job for this book whoever edited it did not. I am no english grammar whiz but still there were obvious mistakes that should never have been printed. For example, on one page a halflings name is Sandusk and on the next it is Suldusk. Also, the land which this tale takes place in is named Tethyr, it says so in the map in the front of the book but throughout the pages it is misspelled, one sentance it is Tethyr and on the next line (really!) it's spelled Tethir. I know these are just annoyances but that's it!
I enjoyed the premise and style of this book, I love the way Elaine Cunningham writes but I was thoroughly annoyed by the editorial mistakes.
A 5 star book
A 3 star editing job
Please overlook the bad editors and read what Elaine Cunningham is saying, it's a wonderful book, please read.

I loved this book which continued the wonderful tale of Arilyn Moonblade. Silver Shadows helped give incredible insight into Arilyn's inner turmoil stemming from her half-elven heritage, the moonblade which she wields, and her evolving relationship with Danilo Thann. You also get a rare and interesting glance into the interworkings of the elven royal family on evermeet and their feelings towards both Arilyn and the forest elves living in Fauren. And lets not forget the wonderful Silver Shadows (which I won't spoil for you what they are!) As usual Elaine Cunningham weaves a wonderful story perfect laced with great dialogue, interesting characters, and great action!

With "Silver Shadows", Elaine Cunningham once again returns to the forested lands of Faerūn. In her forth tale set within the Forgotten Realms, she reprises the character Arilyn Moonblade taking her far from the familiar territory of Waterdeep. In this tale, we follow Arilyn's journey through Zezasspur, capital city of the tumultuous nation of Tethyr, and into the distinctly fey realms of the sylvan elves of the Tethir forest. Somehow, the Harper must straddle the line between these two starkly conflicting cultures, and find the means to save the elven people of Tethir; all the while struggling to find her own place in both worlds, to neither of which she fully belongs. Mrs. Cunningham is a master of her craft; in my opinion, none among her Faerūnian peers can match her compassion, and objectivity to the elven plight. She also has a talent for developing characters; all too often, the characters within a fantasy novel are merely passengers for the plot, not so for this author. She remarkably balances the expected, with the unexpected, all the while maintaining a compelling story ripe with action, humor and emotion. This was a marvelous book, whether or not you faithfully follow the tales of the Forgotten Realms, this is a must read. However, I suggest you first read "Elfshadow" and then "Elfsong" before you pick this one up; while not necessary, it will only serve to enhance the undercurrents within the story.

After many boring and sometimes offensive perspectives of the Forgotten Realms, I finally come to Silver Shadows. It is one of the best fantasy tales I have ever read. Ms Cunningham has her hands on the pulse of Faerun as the story begins where her others left off. This one completely envelopes and compliments Elfsong and doesnt need to be read in sequence. The publisher like series or trilogies. This is both for marketing and in most cases, rewrites of Lord of the Rings. "There is gold in them dungeons!"

This book was the last big published effort by old TSR. A name that strikes fear and excitement in the publishing industry. Most of the time, pulp is the result. This author was the exception. While Ed Greenwood created the Forgotten Realms, he has some problems telling his stories! This is a wonderful setting with infinite possibilities. Most guest authors bring hack-saws to it. This title shines with a timeless appeal and original plot that is hard to beat.

Arilyn Moonblade was introduced in Elfshadow in 1991. Her temperment is not appealing as the story unfolds, yet her spirit makes her likeable. The adventure she undertakes is engrossing and highly imaginable. It seems to come beyond the Realms and into the very heart of the meaning of "fairy tale". Tolkien is left out of the picture, which seems to be a problem for other authors of this setting. Humor and Fun are highlights of this thrilling tale, that itself would make a great movie in the proper hands. The bad guys are loathesome and the Elves are a delight. Oh, I almost forgot a nice dragon thrown in.

Ms Cunningham has exceptional skills at creating a world that is filled with whimsy, light romance, laughter, and totally engrossing battle scenes! Now if only the rest of the authors could be this good!

This is yet another great book by Elaine Cunningham. The first fantasy book I ever read was the first book in this series, "Elfshadow." Her writing is what got me interested in fantasy books, Forgotten Realms in particular.

I really like the way she portrays her characters, and I can really imagine what they look, sound, and act like. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you've read the other two books! Cunningham's writing has definitely kept my imagination working!

The Forest Elves are being framed for attacks on caravans.And if this was'nt bad enough an army of mercenaries are destroying their villaiges & enslaving the elves, those are the lucky ones... Becuase those who don't get enslaved are dead..Arilyn seeks answers about herself & searches for away to keep from binding herself to the Moon Blade but it may cost her everything she's ever wanted & loved..This book is the third of a great series by E. Cunningham.The characters are so well formed that you feel you're right there with them.The series spans 4 books ELFSHADOW,ELFSONG,SILVER SHADOWS,& The DREAM SPHERES.The characters grow & learn more about themselves as you do.This is one of the best series I have read,& I've never seen a story unfold & evolve better than this one..

I liked this book very much.Arilyn is a great heroine.I also thought that Jill was very funny and not your average gruff dwarf-type.I wasn't so fond of the parts with Hasheth,but overall this is a book I am going to read many times.Elaine Cunnigham is one of the better writers of Realms books.I hope that she will someday write a book telling what happened to Arilyn and Danilo after this.

It is a rare thing that a book can make me weep and laugh in the same page. The first series that pulled it off was Chronicles. Then the Dark Elf trilogy, and finally Songs and Swords. So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled to hear of Silver Shadows. I anticipated savoring it, over several days, but alas such was not to be. I can advise the wouldbe reader of two things. 1. Do not miss the chance to read this book. 2. Ensure that your significant other is occupied, at length, when you open it. I learned much in my reading. A new understanding of the WoodElves, or Wild Elves. A keener insight into the Knights of the Shield. Next week marks the first reunion of my favorite AD&D group. It's been ten years, and I am thinking that Tethyr is a Fine place to begin our new adventures together. Thank you, Mrs Cunningham, for another wonderful read. -Mauricilean Evercrest of the Elven Court, near the human settlement of Essembra

Elaine Cunningham does a wonderful job in this book as all the other reviewers before me have surely said. And it is a little late for me to review this book i guess you can say, but I must tell you that I have gotten a late start in reading forgotten realms novels, and I have caught up and am an avid reader of these novels as well.

Back to the reciew of Silver Shadows, this book shows the quest that Arilyn undertakes independently of Danilo Thann. If you are reading this book, you have surely read Elfsong, and that is the book that describes Danilo's quest for the harpers. Elaine is a great story teller and from first point on is able to apprehend your attention and take you through Arilyn's journey of her self and for the harpers and the elves of evermeet. In addition throughout this quest, you see the maturity of Arilyn as a person since Elfshadow.

Overall Elaine Cunningham is one of my favourite authors of the realms, and this book is one of the various Forgotten Realms books i would recommend.