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SirUrza
Master of Realmslore
USA
1283 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Jan 2005 : 06:17:53
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I'm thinking about cracking those open and I was wondering if they had anything to do with eachother? If they don't, then I was wondering if anyone had any specific recommendations?
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"Evil prevails when good men fail to act."
The original and unapologetic Arilyn, Aribeth, Seoni Fanboy. |
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SirUrza
Master of Realmslore
USA
1283 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2005 : 03:54:46
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But the absolute no reply in 5 days but 38 people reading, I take it no one has read..
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr
Faces of Deception
Star of Cursrah
The Nether Scroll
And can offer any insight. |
"Evil prevails when good men fail to act."
The original and unapologetic Arilyn, Aribeth, Seoni Fanboy. |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6648 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2005 : 04:07:51
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I've read the "Lost Library of Cormanthyr" and "The Nether Scroll". Of the two, I enjoyed the second one more as it seemed more tied in with the setting. In saying this, my own personal definition of a "good FR novel" usually relates more to the FR information provided and staying true to the setting/sources than 'X was such a great character' or 'I really felt the pathos when X had to leave Y'-type FR novel experiences.
I have to re-read "Lost Library" as I can't recall much about it to be honest. That may indicate my level of satisfaction with it, or it could be that I just haven't got around to it. Mel Odom usually writes decent FR novels however (I enjoyed his "Threat From the Sea" stuff), so I'd give both "Lost Library" and "The Nether Scroll" a go.
-- George Krashos
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"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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Lauzoril
Seeker
Finland
71 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2005 : 18:07:33
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I've read all of the above and generally they're all separate stories. As far as Library and Nether goes, it's a sort of fifty-fifty for me. Nether had slightly more spark imo.
Of the others, I'd recommend Star of Cursrah. It has a very intriguing and tragic historical story dealing with Calimshan's past, funny too in few situations.
Faces of Deception is generally interesting, considering there's a half-ogre as a main character. There are many interesting and annoying situations in the story but few things toward the end left something to be desired, at least for me. Someone else may think differently.
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"Death to the enemies of Bane."
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36782 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 00:17:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Lauzoril
I've read all of the above and generally they're all separate stories. As far as Library and Nether goes, it's a sort of fifty-fifty for me. Nether had slightly more spark imo.
Of the others, I'd recommend Star of Cursrah. It has a very intriguing and tragic historical story dealing with Calimshan's past, funny too in few situations.
Faces of Deception is generally interesting, considering there's a half-ogre as a main character. There are many interesting and annoying situations in the story but few things toward the end left something to be desired, at least for me. Someone else may think differently.
I didn't care for Faces of Deception, either... It was one of those that when I got done reading it, I was like "what was the point of that?" Star of Cursrah was an intriguing read, though. |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 16:30:09
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quote:
Originally posted by SirUrza
But the absolute no reply in 5 days but 38 people reading, I take it no one has read..
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr
Faces of Deception
Star of Cursrah
The Nether Scroll
And can offer any insight.
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr is my favorite. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36782 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 23:12:32
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| I've read all of those books, but it's been quite some time since I did so. Of the lot listed, I liked Star of Cursrah best. As I recall, the books have nothing to do with each other. But don't quote me on that, as it's been at least 18 months since I read any of them. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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SirUrza
Master of Realmslore
USA
1283 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2005 : 23:36:04
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Sounds like a lot of diversity. I planned on reading The Lost Library of Cormanthyr and The Nether Scroll first. I wonder about the other two now. :)
Oh well, have to finish the Finder trilogy first. :) |
"Evil prevails when good men fail to act."
The original and unapologetic Arilyn, Aribeth, Seoni Fanboy. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36782 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2005 : 03:15:37
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quote:
Originally posted by SirUrza
Sounds like a lot of diversity. I planned on reading The Lost Library of Cormanthyr and The Nether Scroll first. I wonder about the other two now. :)
Oh well, have to finish the Finder trilogy first. :)
Ah, now that is an excellent trilogy! 'Tis one of my faves!  |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2005 : 17:48:06
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| I've read both The Nether Scroll and Star of Cursrah but not for a couple of years. Both were reasonable reads I seem to recall and they had nothing to do with each other. |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2005 : 15:06:28
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I'm also thinking about bursting these novels open, i'm coming to the end of my FR novel reading backlog and am pondering over what series\novels to read in the foreseeable future.
I'd be interested to hear in which order of preference these novels lie. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Lauzoril
Seeker
Finland
71 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 06:21:48
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The order of preference for Lost Empires books is as listed in SirUrza's second post. It's the exact order they were released.
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"Death to the enemies of Bane."
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36782 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2005 : 16:05:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Lauzoril
The order of preference for Lost Empires books is as listed in SirUrza's second post. It's the exact order they were released.
But since the books are not related, they can be read in any order...
Going strictly from memory, here's the order I'd read them in:
Star of Cursrah
The Nether Scroll
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr
Faces of Deception (this one I'd only read if you want to read all of them... I seriously disliked this one)
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore
USA
1537 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2005 : 04:36:31
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quote:
Originally posted by SirUrza
I'm thinking about cracking those open and I was wondering if they had anything to do with eachother? If they don't, then I was wondering if anyone had any specific recommendations?
Star of Cursrah
The Nether Scroll
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr
Faces of Deception
I've only read Star of Cursrah from beginning to end, and I found it okay, but I wouldn't want to read it at least once every year hereafter.
I skimmed The Nether Scroll and found a few passages which interested me.
I'm not sure if I have ever actually handled Faces of Deception, but it hasn't "spoken to my condition" on Amazon.
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr is on my Amazon wish list. Some day I may actually buy it! I haven't been able to get into other Mel Odom book's I've sampled, but I hope that my interest in the Realms will suffice to carry me through this, even if it wouldn't otherwise be my cuppa joe. |
I have a mouth, but I am in a library and must not scream.
Feed the poor and stroke your ego, too: http://www.freerice.com/index.php.
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Sandhrune
Acolyte
35 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2005 : 04:50:11
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| As most of the above I have read The Nether Scroll and The Lost Library of Cormanthyr. I liked both of them but lean toward The Nether Scroll even though I was such a n00b when I read it that I had no idea what the Nether Scroll was( I feel so ignorant now). I had a few problems with The Lost Library of Cormanthyr, but that was just my feelings on some of the subjects presented. Both were really well written IMHO. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36782 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2005 : 05:43:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Sandhrune
I was such a n00b when I read it that I had no idea what the Nether Scroll was( I feel so ignorant now).
Don't feel bad -- we all had to start from scratch some time.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2005 : 06:30:04
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Among the four books, I prefer the Nether Scroll and The Lost Library of Cormanthyr, for they are well written and exciting. The star of cursrah well...not too in my favor for there are alot of things I still do not understand about the book.
Faces of Deception is still okay...in my opinion. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2005 : 08:55:03
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The Lost Library of Cormanthyr is by far the best novel in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Star of Cursrah is a nice flashback style tragic tale, definately worth a read.
Faces of Deception was great. It was a good paced novel with a sudden ending, but I think that made it and it was a nice change.
I wasn't impressed by The Nether Scroll at all. I found it quite bland and fizzled out terribly.
Overall, its a nice series and certainly worth spending some time with. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2005 : 03:50:40
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I have recently read Lost Library of Cormanthyr and Faces of Deception. LLOC was a good read. So was FOD, but much of it didn't feel much realmsian and I also got a feeling of WTF at the end.
I'm looking forward to reading The Nether Scrolls, due to my fascination with all things Netherese. Star of Cursrah looks like it will be a good read, but I can't say for sure if it is since I have not read it yet. |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2005 : 12:17:45
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| The Lost Library of Cormanthyr is well written. It`s just like Indiana Jones met Forgotten Realms. A good story to remember. |
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2005 : 03:24:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Lameth
The Lost Library of Cormanthyr is well written. It`s just like Indiana Jones met Forgotten Realms. A good story to remember.
Aye, true. Certainly one of the best first Novels of FR written by Mel Odom. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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Ty
Learned Scribe
USA
168 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2005 : 21:53:06
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| I've read both the "Nether Scroll" and "Faces of Deception" and was rathered disappointed in both. I'll leave it at that. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2005 : 18:05:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Ty
I've read both the "Nether Scroll" and "Faces of Deception" and was rathered disappointed in both. I'll leave it at that.
Well I felt Nether Scroll to be the weakest, by far. I'd highly recommend Lost Library though. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31701 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 02:26:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad
quote:
Originally posted by Ty
I've read both the "Nether Scroll" and "Faces of Deception" and was rathered disappointed in both. I'll leave it at that.
Well I felt Nether Scroll to be the weakest, by far. I'd highly recommend Lost Library though.
I'll second Rad on that. Lost Library was definitely a particular favorite for me among the novels of the 'Lost Empires' series.
What I enjoyed specifically was the 'archaeologist' aspect to the main character. It's not something that is often focused on in the Realms, especially with all the history Faerun has.
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore
USA
1537 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 04:14:12
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'll second Rad on that. Lost Library was definitely a particular favorite for me among the novels of the 'Lost Empires' series.
What I enjoyed specifically was the 'archaeologist' aspect to the main character. It's not something that is often focused on in the Realms, especially with all the history Faerun has.
You've convinced me to read it. I have wondered for some time now what role archaeologists have in the Realms. |
I have a mouth, but I am in a library and must not scream.
Feed the poor and stroke your ego, too: http://www.freerice.com/index.php.
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Shadovar
Senior Scribe
785 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 07:35:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Jamallo Kreen
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'll second Rad on that. Lost Library was definitely a particular favorite for me among the novels of the 'Lost Empires' series.
What I enjoyed specifically was the 'archaeologist' aspect to the main character. It's not something that is often focused on in the Realms, especially with all the history Faerun has.
You've convinced me to read it. I have wondered for some time now what role archaeologists have in the Realms.
Maybe to keep the history of the Realms updated and to let everyone in the Realms know their cultural and racial backgrounds and origins. Of course, some archaeologists like some mages in the Realms seek to recover some item of power for themselves but often put their lives on the line when seeking such stuff. Either they die trying looking for a ancient site or were executed by some who do not like their presence such as the Shadovar now excavating some of the ancient Netheril Sites. |
We have fostered trust, recruited loyalty, and gathered the faithful. We have trained thousands. Our legions can cover the land, fill the sky and travel through the darkness. We can hunt any and all that would deny our heritage. Now is our time, now is the time of the Dark Reign(Rain) of the Empire of Shadows.
- High Prince Telemont Tanthul, Lord Shadow
In a speech given to the citizens of Shade Enclave
At the celebration of the Shinantra Battle victory when he revealed that he was THE Lord Shadow of legend. |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 15:51:00
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| Well I have now begun reading The Nether Scroll. I read all the others. Finished Star of Cursrah yesterday. That was a really good read. I jumped into Empires of the Shining Sea (2E sourcebook on Calimshan) to see if there was any mention of Cursrah. There isn't, but at least from the story in the novel that makes sense. |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Jamallo Kreen
Master of Realmslore
USA
1537 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2005 : 19:42:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
Well I have now begun reading The Nether Scroll. I read all the others. Finished Star of Cursrah yesterday. That was a really good read. I jumped into Empires of the Shining Sea (2E sourcebook on Calimshan) to see if there was any mention of Cursrah. There isn't, but at least from the story in the novel that makes sense.
One of the things I really enjoy about Forgotten Realms is the vast range of tantalizing tidbits of lore scattered through the products. Someone or something or some event mentioned a single time may have a novel's worth of associated history, but that history isn't always revealed.
I would love to see an Encyclopedia Toriliana some day. It ain't gonna happen, but still.... |
I have a mouth, but I am in a library and must not scream.
Feed the poor and stroke your ego, too: http://www.freerice.com/index.php.
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Question about Lost Empires
