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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Harper Series wasn't supposed to end here..., April 1, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: THORNHOLD (Forgotten Realms: The Harpers, #16) (Mass Market Paperback)
This book puzzled me, so I took the author up on her offer and emailed with questions. She admitted that the story was not supposed to be the END of the Harper series, but a PIVOT that would end the numbered SERIES but would take the Harper organization in new directions. The Harpers have changed before, and a new upheaval was planned. The characters introduced in this book would continue, and a lot of the plot threads would resolve. She especially wanted to see the Algorind young paladin overcome the betrayal he suffered without losing his faith, and "move from unquestioning acceptance into true wisdom," was I think the words she used. So what happened? TSR abandoned the plot line and decided to move in completely new directions. The book was changed from a pivot story and put out as the last book. Cunningham admits that if she had known this was going to happen, she would have written a very different story, because this one sure doesn't END the Harpers. It wasn't meant to. The ending as written, and as the situation stands, is not very satisfying. I, for one, would like to know what happens to Algorind, what skeletons Khelben Arunsum has hidden in his closet, and what those rings of Samular can do when they really cut loose. It seems like a trio of altered artifacts is too powerful just to activate a magical siege tower. And it doesn't make sense to organize a whole order of paladins around protecting the descendants of Samular, unless they can do some serious, um, "stuff." I asked about some of these things, and Cunningham told me what she'd had in mind. I'm sorry that the whole story isn't going to be told. Oh, well.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cunningham is Cream, January 25, 2000
This review is from: THORNHOLD (Forgotten Realms: The Harpers, #16) (Mass Market Paperback)
Returning to Waterdeep, the City of Splendors, in this the final Harper Novel (sixteenth in the series), Elaine Cunningham shows us the fine line between truly being good, and merely having good intentions. In this tale of half-truths and deceivers, we follow Bronwyn, a professional finder of lost treasures, and Dag Zoreth a fanatically zealous Strifeleader (priest of Cyric) in their search for their family, and for their birthright. Mrs. Cunningham has a wonderful gift for creating and developing characters; over the course of the novels, she has continually developed Danilo, and Khelban (they being the primary returning faces). The direction in which she has taken the character of Danilo is both logical and appealing. Some claim he lacks the wit inherent in his person in Elfshadow and lessened in Elfsong; but I bid them look deeper. Danilo has grown over seven years of trial and tribulation, both his own and that of his love-Arilyn-it is also important to note his responsibilities, not only to the Harpers but also to his Bardic College, such weight naturally ages any man. Equally so, I truly loved the character Cara, she added the presence of a warm, and innocent figure, a perfect balancing factor for all the jaded and cynical players already on the field. I have to disagree with a previous reviewer, Bronwyn is not grating, she is merely a woman tired of being pushed, and pulled through life, and tired of being fed half-truths and lies. I found her character refreshing, and I completely sympathized for her. Within the tale, I followed several themes, the first of which was "Family." Following the Dwarven clan arc (I loved Ebenezer and his sister, Elaine does well with her handling of the earthy folk), and further into the Elven and Orcish villages, she presses the importance of family home to Bronwyn, a thing she so desperately seeks throughout the novel, despite the fact she seems to try to tell herself otherwise. The second theme, was "good is not always good," I may not be expressing that right; I will try to explain. As I read this tale, I found myself gaining more and more respect for the burdens of Khelban Arunsun, the Arch-mage of Waterdeep. The balance he has to maintain, not only for the world around him, but really for his own sanity. I also loved the way Mrs. Cunningham handles the Paladins, often we as gamers, look to the Paladin as the ultimate force of good, overlooking the fact that they are oft-times blinded by their convictions. We see Algorind, a young and righteous man, he desires nothing more than to do what is right and honorable; yet, he is ill prepared to make decisions based in a world where all is not as it appears (you'll see when you find the truth behind Sir Gareth). By juxtaposing the Paladins (including Sir Gareth, Algorind, and Lord Piergeiron), against the evils of the Zhentarim (Ashemi, Semmamon, & Dag Zoreth), but at the same time against the Orc Village, and against the Harpers (in particular Danilo, Khelban, & Alice), we as readers are allowed to weigh the positives and negatives of each organization; and to see how each looks through differing filters, and how none of them are perfect, but all of them human. Finally, I have to agree and disagree with a previous reviewer. On one hand, it is true that we do not expressly see the powers inherent in the rings of Samular, but she alludes enough in the Prologue (where we witness the destruction of Hellgate Keep), that one can imagine future tales involving them, and Khelban's apparently regretted past. However, the story is not about the rings, it is not about the magic, the story is about the people involved. I too long to see what becomes of Algorind, I hope he is tempered by this trial, gaining true wisdom and insight. I fear for Cara's future, for what may befall Dag Zoreth when he returns to Darkhold. Nevertheless, I do not find this book a bad ending to the Harper series. While it may be the end of the "series", it is by no means an end to the Harpers, and I do not see it being sold as such. It is, though, a turning point, this is very apparent as you watch Khelban and Danilo. I really enjoyed this title, more on a thinking level than her previous Harper novels. Do not be scared though, it has plenty of action, and a good smattering of humor to lighten the atmosphere. However, to further enhance the experience and several of the characters read both Elfshadow & Elfsong first.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beyond Good and Evil..., November 21, 2007
It has taken me nearly 10 years to get around to reading this epic tale. I finally turned the last page after beginning it 6 months ago. I savored and reflected upon most of it. The cover alone tells one this will be a dark adventure into the center of much controversy-the ever so irritating Harpers. The supposed force of good in this world filled with much evil.
It starts out with some familiar characters and introduces a dysfunctional, yet likeable brother and sister duo. Bronwyn is likeable and not too serious. Danilo Thann returns with a minor role. This is not a sequel to any other story and contains itself within these pages. Khelben Arunsun plays a rather large part in this tale. I must admit his wierd neutrality makes him hard to accept as a hero much less a holy wizard. His wife, Laerel is much more appealing and sensible. Sound intriging so far?
Enter a really nasty villain, Dag Zoreth, who I sort of like. He performs some really nasty deeds within that turn the feel of the story dark. He is a preist of Cyric, after all and the main Zhentarim power on the Sword Coast. Then there are these goody-goody paladins who take thier cause too far.
What we get is a somber and contemplative study of who is good and bad, and prefer those who make light of this dark study. The streets of Waterdeep come vividly alive and Elaine Cunningham has the uncanny ability of making the reader feel like an eyewitness. Bravo on many levels!!!
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