5.0 out of 5 stars
History can hurt you, Jun 15 2000
Ce commentaire est de: Beyond the High Road: The Cormyr Saga (Mass Market Paperback)
Cormyr, Faerūns forest kingdom, steeped in lore and pride. Long has it stood against the shadows of evil, a bastion of hope against the evils of the world. But, how is one to battle a shroud of evil from within, forged by the nation itself over its long and storied history? A year has passed since King Azoun IV lay awaiting death, incapacitated by an assassin's plot. Cormyr has survived the near loss of her king, but untold evils lie awaiting their opportunity to devour the lands unaware of the danger.
"Beyond the High Road" is the second in the, thus far, marvelous Cormyr Saga. The first title, "Cormyr: a Novel" by Greenwood and Grubb, functioned as a stand-alone title, this title does not. In no way does that diminish its value, or its success as a novel. That is not to say it requires you to read the precursor, but doing so will only serve to enhance the plot and the depth to the characters, whereas it will become vitally important to obtain and read the following title. In regards to the author, oft times Mr. Denning has been accused of "not doing his homework" when it came to realms consistency-the prime example being a Shou Embassy in Elversult-nevertheless, he's done his research for this title. His handling of the characters, and their personal voice and ambiance are seamless with previous works. His handling of such renowned characters as: King Azoun IV, both of his daughters, and especially Vangerdahast, is wonderful. This is without a doubt his finest realms work to date, and not to be missed.
Further, Tanalasta the much-maligned crown princess is handled extremely well. I cannot in good truth say I like her in the slightest, or that I wish her upon the Cormyte people; but she is handled with a consistency befitting her personality, and past representations. It is true, as another reviewer stated, I wouldn't mind her death, but she is the least of my worries as I look forward to the third act in this saga, this August's "Death of the Dragon" by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning. The last chapters of this book leave me with many questions unanswered, but I do not feel jaded, as though the answers are not forthcoming. Moreover, if you have waited until now to read this book I envy you even more. If you are an avid reader of all things Faerūnian, or merely a fan of fantasy fiction, you will enjoy this title (along with the predecessor), I urge you to order them now, you will not regret it.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
forgotten realms: beyond the high road, Mar 5 2000
By A Customer
Ce commentaire est de: Beyond the High Road: The Cormyr Saga (Mass Market Paperback)
Great book the first 200 houndred pages but quickly got bogged down and way to predictabe just wish tanalasta character would eighter grow up and stop getting so many other people killed around her or she woould die (horrieable perfered)yea kill her off and her sister and you just might have something here hope to it happen in the nest book
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Beyond the next page, Feb 29 2000
Ce commentaire est de: Beyond the High Road: The Cormyr Saga (Mass Market Paperback)
If you need closure to a book, you might want to wait for the sequel and buy both at the same time. This is just an appetizer, the main course is to come. Tanalasta has improved since Cormyr the novel. She is driven and focused now. The creatures were vivid and chilling. I didn't put it down till the end and can't wait for the sequel!
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