Customer Reviews

The Wizardwar (Forgotten Realms: Counselors & Kings, Book 3)

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

 

 

This book was a really quick read: not only was it too short, but I couldn't stop once I started. After reading the first two books, I really wanted to know what the plot would turn out to be and the Wizardwar wraps up everything and each event that happens is important. Even though I didn't skim this book, it only took me several hours to complete. If you read the first two, you would love how this book has a mixture of the two books. I can't stand the ending though! It wasn't bad, its just that the book ended! Overall the book was very well written and a nice creative break from my favorite author, R.A. Salvatore. But honestly, after this book I'm starting to like Cunningham more. The character developement is amazing as they grow and grow on you. I would highly reccomend it to anyone who likes fantasy (and elves: Elaine likes elves) but you should read the first two books (The Magehound and The Floodgate) first!

The Counselors and Kings trilogy is author Elaine Cunningham's best work since Elfshadow. Although they can be taken one at a time, these three novels are best read as one monolithic book. In The Wizardwar, the author brings the intricate plot to resolution, in one of the best finales I've seen in fantasy literature.

Readers of the previous books might have picked up some hints about what will happen in the magical kingdom of Halruaa, but many things are left unanswered. Namely, who is descended from who, and why does this matter? I won't spoil it for you here, but suffice to say that the answers might be surprising, and it indeed does matter. The machinations of the elven wizard Kiva and the efforts of her victims to stop her are both intriguing and exciting. Though the object that is the Cabal was finally revealed in The Floodgate, you'll finally discover exactly what it does.

Cunningham weaves an truly fine yarn, as usual interspersed with excellent characterization and humor. The magical kingdom of Halruaa comes to life in astonishing detail, including a unique cast that is both memorable and believable. For any fan of the Forgotten Realms, this is a must-read.

This book is excellent. As a gamer that has been living in the Forgotten Realms for years, I was truly fascinated by a closer look into this new area of the Realms. The book tied up all loose ends and shocked us with several revelations. The introduction of new people, such as the Crinti, have really given gamers fuel for their fires. The characters are deep and complex. I will agree with one other review, it was a bit rushed or short depending on your point of view. If you are a fan of mages in the Forgotten Realms, this series is an excellent place to start. Thanks Elaine for such a great series and I'm looking forward to the next.

This book is everything I have come to expect from Elaine Cunningham. Its very well written, the characters deep and detailed, and the plot well thought out. However, the last 100 pages or so seem very rushed. Like this trilogy likely should have been four books, or book three should have been extended another 200-300 pages. Quite frankly though, when the only thing you can find about a book that is negative is that it seemed too short, it must be a pretty good book. Pick it up. Its well worth the read.

Cunningham wraps up her Halruaa trilogy in a professionally plot-twisted fashion. Characterization is very high for a Forgotten Realms novel, and while I saw some events coming, others I didn't.

Personally, I only liked this novel, and it's not deserving of a rave (five star) review. While it is among the best D&D fiction I've read, other orignal fantasy settings have more to offer. If Cunningham could have been unconstrained by company editors, I bet this would be tons better. Being forced to skirt around romantic resolutions and horrific details made the novel lose depth.

Still, I think the 'Counselors and Kings' trilogy is something even fantasy readers who don't particularly like dungeons and dragons would enjoy.

The Wizardwar brings the Counselors and Kings trilogy to an exciting conclusion. In this book, all of the main plot lines from the previous books are tied up nicely with some good surprises. The main characters really develop in this book and take on new levels of depth. The interesting culture and intrigues of the people of Halruaa are really fleshed out in this book.

Needless to say, if you enjoyed the previous two books, this conclusion will not disappoint you in the least. Elaine Cunningham continues to please this reader with another excellent Forgotten Realms series.