Realms Of War (Forgotten Realms)

Realms Of War (Forgotten Realms) | Realms of War Review

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Realms Of War (For...

	Realms Of War (Forgotten Realms) Wizards of the Coast, 2008 - 352 pages average customer review:based on 6 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

War stories from the battlefields of Faerûn!

The millennia-old history of Faerûn is punctuated by wars both local and world-spanning. This anthology of all new stories are set against the backdrop of a dozen of those conflicts. From forest elf assassins to jungle-dwelling halflings, from the mighty Seven Sisters to primitive goblins, warriors in every form struggle for their place in the Forgotten Realms world.

Realms of War is an anthology of all new war stories from The New York Times best-selling authors R.A. Salvatore, Paul S. Kemp, Elaine Cunningham, and Lisa Smedman; Forgotten Realms creator Ed Greenwood; fan favorites Richard Lee Byers, Mel Odom, Bruce R. Cordell, and Jess Lebow; and talented newcomers Mark Sehestedt, Jaleigh Johnson, and Susan Morris.

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Entertaining

War in the fantasy world can be uplifting or it can be cruel. See what happens when twelve talented authors put their spin on things in REALMS OF WAR....

In Paul S. Kemp's "Continuum", Rivalen was willing to do anything to serve his priestess. But was the cost worth it? Continuum is an entertaining albeit slightly confusing story to readers unfamiliar to the background. It took me a bit to get into the storyline and see where it was going and I wish it had answered more questions than it did. On the other hand, it makes me want to hunt down more stories by Paul S. Kemp just to see where all the events are leading to!

Lisa Smedman takes readers on a wild ride in "Weasel's Run". Weasel is trapped by The Beast and has a chance to live. Will he survive the Hunt? Lisa Smedman weaves together a clever tale that seamlessly flows back and forth in time as the pieces begin to fit together. Sometimes it isn't how big one is but rather how quick one can think that wins and the author shows this well.

"The Last Paladin of Ilmater" by Susan J. Morris features two women on a quest involving a child and the undead. The ending is both startling and brilliant. Susan J. Morris packs a lot of tension into such a short story as her characters are vibrantly alive in this fascinating tale.

"Black Arrow" by Bruce R. Cordell is perhaps my favorite story in the anthology. Jotharam Feor finds a way to get involved in the war despite his mother's wishes and his actions make him a hero. Who can't help but love the impetuousness of Jotharam? Bruce R. Cordell perfectly captures the heart of this brave and daring adolescent in this heartbreaking story? "Black Arrow" shows how heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and yes, even ages as Jotharam is a hero to remember.

In "Too Many Princes" by Ed Greenwood, Mirt the Merciless is faced with a dilemma. The vizier has created doubles of numerous people including Mirt and the trap is about to be sprung. Ed Greenwood's tale is more than a bit confusing as no one is ever sure if the person before them is really that person. Perhaps if I'd been more familiar with the world itself, this would have been an easier read. The ending was a bit of a disappointment, too, as it seemed like the author took the easy way out.

"The Siege of Zerith Hold" by Jess Lebow is a story of war. Goblins are attacking and it is up to two men to inspire their men as the odds seem hopeless. "The Siege of Zerith Hold" is pure action as the story details an intense and sometimes heartbreaking battle. Fans of the Forgotten Realms world will probably appreciate this one more than readers new to the world.

"Mercy's Reward" by Mark Sehestedt features Gethred showing mercy and freeing a wolf ensnared in a trap. Sometimes doing the right thing can pay off in a big way. "Mercy's Reward" was initially a bit difficult to follow for a newcomer to the storyline with all the various intrigues and characters but it quickly begins to all come together. The ending isn't necessarily unexpected but is still satisfying.

In "Redemption" by Elaine Cunningham, the elf Elaith Craulnober finds his purpose as his legacy is revealed when he aids other elves. Elaine Cunningham is actually one of the two authors I've previously read and her story did not disappoint. Her characters are always multidimensional and Elaith is an excellent example of her skill in crafting characters one cares about.

"Changing Tides" by Mel Odom is the strongest stand alone story in the anthology and the most entertaining to someone new to the realm. Rytagir Volak is on an underseas salvage operation when things go awry. "Changing Tides" shows exactly why Mel Odom is an author I regularly read. The prose is clear and concise while the characterizations are sharp. The action draws the reader in as "Changing Tides" makes me want to read more of the Forgotten Realms books.

Jaleigh Johnson's "Chase the Dark" is the story of Devlen Torthil. Devlen is a man who has found solace in being a charlatan... but how will he handle an opportunity to shine as a hero? The relationship between Devlen and Morla intrigued me in this story as I found I wanted to know more. The twists in "Chase the Dark" are quite well done as Jaleigh Johnson throws in a few surprises for the reader.

"Bones and Stones" by R.A. Salvatore is a story I was eagerly anticipating as I've heard so much about this author. Thibbledorf Pwent and G'nurk are enemies in a war, but sometimes even enemies have something in common. R.A. Salvatore not only writes a fantastic story, he also makes a powerful statement with "Bones and Stones". While Pwent and G'nurk are very different on the surface, underneath it all they have the same hopes, dreams, and emotions.

Richard Lee Byers concludes this anthology with "Second Chance". Kemas deserted his temple and has been captured. Will he get a "Second Chance" at defending his beliefs or will he be forever branded a traitor? Richard Lee Byers writes a very smooth story in which Kemas is forced to mature quickly or die. The growth of the main character is well done as Richard Lee Byers will have readers cheering for Kemas as the story unfolds.

REALMS OF WAR is an entertaining fantasy anthology. Even readers unfamiliar with the Forgotten Realms world will find something to pique their curiosity. Very enjoyable!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

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Realms of War Review

Over all, I liked the stories in this anthology as they highlighted some interesting aspects of many of the Realms' wars, with a bulk of the stories taking place in more recent times. As a whole, this anthology is well done and was definitely worth the read. The best part of this book, though, is the sampling of new authors, such as Susan J. Morris, Mark Sehestedt, and Jaleigh Johnson. Of course, the heavy hitters contribute some amazing tales, like Elaine Cunningham, R.A. Salvatore, and Mel Odom (whom I thought long gone from the Realms a while ago).

This anthology is based upon the backdrop of the recent events told by Paul S. Kemp of a Shadow War that is currently unfolding in the Realms. Reviewing all the stories will take a lot space and time so I will only highlight them rather than go in depth. As I said, the whole book is great to add to another collection and truly reveals the talents of so many of the authors.

Continuum, by Paul S. Kemp, is another fine tale spun out of Paul's miracle fabric of characterization. This story spotlight's an aspect of the Shadow War Paul is currently telling and certainly reveals his talent in bringing the Realms into succinct reality with his penchant for creating such believable characters, even gods. In this story, I did feel a little rushed in some way but I attribute it the tone of the story in which Erevis Cale's girlfriend (for lack of a better term) is suddenly roused by a horrific storm happening in distance Sembia but spreading in her direction. As she tries to escape, she finds another group of refugees trying to get away and joins them. She meets an interesting stranger who not only saves her from the storm but protects her from unknown enemies. This tale brings to focus an aspect in Erevis Cale's life that may have much deeper meaning in following books.

Lisa Smedman's Weasel's Run is fun story with a tragic ending. Not revealing spoiler information but as with all stories of war happy endings are a rarity. But, her story shows how humanity can certainly have an effect on one's principles and attitude. The tone was lighthearted but somber, fast paced but not hectic and it crammed some solid characterization into the story's short amount of space. Very nice!

The Last Paladin of Ilmater, by Susan J. Morris, was an enjoyable plot driven story. The characters revealed themselves well enough but I didn't feel I saw real change in them and very much depth. The story was very good though, and I certainly look forward to more of Morris's contribution to the Realms. What I liked most about the story was how Susan revealed the paladin's downfall. This concept should resonate on many different levels to readers. It has a definite religious feel to it, after all it is about a paladin, but the unfolding story shows how we each can learn from failure. I enjoyed reading this though it may have been just a little slow in places.

The Black Arrow is a great story, yet I felt robbed at the same time. Bruce Cordell tells about an adolescent boy whose influential mother prevents him from participating in the city's war, or least far from any danger. The boy ends up finding himself in the right place at the right time and shirks his mother's warning about staying out of the way. He is sent by an unwitting soldier to bring a message to a forward deployed force, of which the boy's hero is leading. A tower was recently taken by the enemy and the boy helps his hero and his warrior aunt to take the tower, revealing a hidden path his friends used. In the end the boy is the one who saves the city by bringing a very important missive back to the General. This story is great in its pace and action while capturing the boy's point of view. What bothered me was that Bruce didn't reveal what happened to the boy that caused the story to end the way it did (or, actually, begin as it did). Frustrating, but still very enjoyable.

Ed Greenwood's Too Many Princes is the great disappointment of this anthology. Ed brought me into the Realms and helps keep the Realms a wonderful place to spend my time, but this story, as with most of his more recent tales, is a flop. It starts off great and even keeps me entertained until near the end. I was expecting this early tale of Mirt the Moneylender to figure some creative and clever way out if his predicament, which seemed to become worse by the minute. I had fun watching the characters fall further and further into the trap and wondered how this was going to turn out. Then, in true Greenwood style, apparently, he brings in his `McGuffin' who saves the day by leaving such a nasty taste in my mouth. I actually had to leave the rest of the book alone for a day or two just to get over my nausea. If I told you to rip these pages out of the book then this anthology would definitely be five stars.

After overcoming the dysentery that was the previous story, I was inspired to delve deeper into this book thanks to Jess Lebow and the story, The Siege of Zerith Hold. This was the story that Ed's should have been. The two main characters in this story find themselves, and the soldiers they lead, besieged in a keep by two vast tribes of goblins. The situation becomes worse as one section of the keep is finally overcome by worgs and their goblin riders. This certainly builds tension as the two leaders realize their only hope is to leave the keep and cut through a sea of goblins in order to kill the goblin leader. This story had me anxious to see how it ends and didn't let me down. Good story!

Mercy's Reward is Mark Sehestedt's tale of a Cormyrean running for his life during the Tuigan Crusade, bringing us back to the region he revealed in his book Frostfell. The Cormyrean escaped the Khan's force and is on the run. Hiding from the horselords, he is hunted day and night and soon finds himself near exhaustion, dehydration, and starvation. He stumbles upon a wolf caught in a trap and decides to free the wolf rather than kill it for food, knowing he was probably going to die anyway. Deciding he'd rather not die by the Khan's men. He ends up as prisoner to a vile shapechanger but is ultimately saved by the horselords. The story reveals an interesting twist that reveals some great characterization and how honor can find its way into the hearts of enemies.

Elaine Cunningham brings us back to Elaith Craulnabor in her story, Redemption. This tragic hero has found himself at peace and has attained a certain satisfaction with his life. But, true to fashion, nothing stays that way for long. A cry for help from elves in the Wealdath Forest brings to light the truth behind who Elaith is and why he cannot become the elf he really wants to be. Understanding the mission, he accepts because he knows that to do what needs to be done he is the only noble elf that can do the job. This story is written very well and validates why Elaine has written for the Realms for as long as she has. Very good!

Changing Tides by Mel Odom was a good tale that returns the readers to the War of Sahuagin. Mel tells about an adventurer-historian who is searching for a sunken ship and its manifest and diary. Sea elves find him in their territory and only by agreeing to a percentage of any treasure on the ship does he get out his predicament. He is also able to enlist the aid of the elves in searching the sunken wreck. Suddenly under sahuagin attack, the elves and the historian retreat to the historian's hired vessel. While fighting for their lives they bond with each other and agree to help each other until their return to port. This story reveals how key decisions can have an impact on unforeseen events. Definitely a good read and the pacing was just right.

Jaleigh Johnson tells us a grim story of a soldier who wants to die. In Chasing the Dark, a loner scout who is ostracized by his countrymen for fear of his magic is compelled to accomplish suicide missions as a way of redeeming himself through death. His superior forces him to accompany another soldier and a priest to investigate a recent massacre. He receives additional instructions that place the lives of two soldiers in his hands. Not wanting to die guilty of two other deaths he accepts the responsibility, but a sudden twist at the end reveals the scout as a true hero. Jaleigh reveals that it might not be as cracked up as everyone makes it.

Bones and Stones, by R.A. Salvatore, doesn't even need to have a review. Salvatore just doesn't quit when it comes to telling compelling stories with excellent characterization, drama, and action. Everything comes into play during the Orc Campaign of Mithral Hall. Salvatore reveals how both races, dwarves and orcs, have more in common than either would admit. But it also shows that orcs have a certain presence that cannot be denied and to understand that may be the key to save each of their people. Such a powerful story that reveals so much in so little space. Plus, you can't beat a story with Thibbledorf Pwent as the lead.

Finally, Richard Lee Byers story, Second Chance, introduces the readers to the events taking place in his Haunted Lands Trilogy. The story of a young man who deserts his temple and is caught by the enemy is given his `second chance' to overcome the cowardice within him. With the aid of a mysterious stranger the man is able to save his temple from the siege by a local Thayan force. Characterization is key here as we delve into the reasons why the man deserted and what he has to do to save his friends and masters. This story moves rather quickly but you don't notice it, but more importantly the young man seems to mature before your eyes into a hero that he never would have been. Excellent!

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A strong look at war--with some interesting twists

In the world of Faerun, war seems eternal. Sometimes, battle can be decided by strength, sometimes by trickery. Often, though, it comes by finding unexpected allies--or by making allies out of those who seemed enemies. The highest wisdom comes, it seems, in recognizing that victory itself is not really the ultimate goal, and in finding the humanity in everyone in the fight.

A number of top Forgotten Realms authors join to create an anthology of stories spanning almost two thousand years. Too often, in an anthology, authors bash off something and then return to their real love--their novels. And the form of the short story, coupled with the fact that many readers in their own series won't read the anthology, means that real advances in their continuing story line are impossible. Fortunately, all of these stories are readable and most of the authors have chosen, wisely, to use the short story format to look more deeply into individual characters during a few moments or days of their lives.

A few of the twelve stories deserve special attention. "Weasel's Run" by Lisa Smedman, is a really enjoyable adventure. "Changing Tides" by Mel Odom gives us a great character in in Rytagir, and a look at a part of the Forgotten Realms that is often, well, forgotten. "Bones and Stones" by R. A. Salvatore, is a profound miniature as two warriors revisit a battlefield to recover the bodies of their fallen young. A couple of the authors got carried away in battle, forgetting that we read these stories to learn about people rather than military tactics, but even these stories were well written and held my interest.

I'm not usually a fan of the short story collection: I enjoy the longer format of the novel, and find multiauthor collections too often simply attempts to capitalize on the big name authors. REALMS OF WAR is an exception and an enjoyable read.

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A kinetic grab bag

"Realms Of War" is a kinetic grab bag of twelve war stories edited by Philip Athans. It is a cross of dark fantasy and old fashioned sword and sorcery fiction wrapped in the world of the Twilight War trilogy. If you haven't read these Forgotten Realms books before, you'll find that this collection both stands by itself as good reading and is compelling enough to make you want to dive into the Twilight War books by Paul S. Kemp.

Each of the stories in Realms of War is a quick thirty pages long and packed with bigger-than-life heroes, (mostly) pretty girls, exotic places, strange and mysterious villains. These are action stories loaded with magic and they don't disappoint. With settings across "all the lands 'twixt bustling Waterdeep and the sparkling waves of The Sea of Fallen Stars" you get to sample bit-sized pieces of the very best this world has to offer.

The very first story, Continuum by Paul S. Kemp, is magnificent. It's character's are very well developed and are expertly woven into their world. The blend of intrigue, magic and action is only topped by an ending that zings with a really appealing twist.

The other stories in the anthology are also very good, but a couple of them stand out. Changing Tides by Mel Odom has an undersea salvage operation, a titanic sea battle, fiercesome creatures seeking flesh (or simply meat as they call it) and a strange alliance of humans and magical creatures. Chase the Dark by Jaleigh Johnson takes the concept of battle, cause, effect and consequence to an entirely new level. Very well done!

"Realms Of War" is a fast, fun read and doesn't require having read the first two books in the Twilight War trilogy - Shadowbred and Shadowstorm - to slip into the action and enjoy the ride. After reading "Realms Of War", you'll probably find that you'll want to check out Shadowbred and Shadowstorm sometime before Shadowrealm is released later this year.

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Motley collection of stories filled with magic and wonder

Twelve authors gather to write separate, but conjoined stories based on one world. That world is that of the Forgotten Realms - the result is Realms of War.

Each story, by authors such as Forgotten Realms authors Richard Lee Bryers, Jess Lebow and Lisa Smeadman; New York times best-sellers R. A. Salvatore and Paul S. Kemp; and other professional novelists like Mel Odom, Susan J. Morris, and Mark Sehestedt, highlights a different part of the Forgotten Realms world, incorporating interesting characters and plots into the overall good-versus-evil plot. Though someone unfamiliar with the series (like myself) may at first have a bit of a question mark lurking over their head, each short tale gives a further understanding of the Lord of the Rings-reminiscent world and its many rivalries and battles.

Each author's different approach to the series is the most interesting element of the anthology, with some authors (Kemp, Lebow, Bryers, Bruce R. Cordell, Jaleigh Johnson) focusing on the war and conflict of the world, while others use cunning (Smeadman, Odom) and insight (Salvatore, Elaine Cunningham) to show their side of the world. Think of it as twelve different perspectives of a universe not yet known to the fullest extent.

Some of the stories really hold the reader's interest (Smeadman's character Weasel is a favorite, and Odom's Rytagir is immensely interesting), while others kind of fall flat (Morris' "The Last Paladin of Water" doesn't stay in the memory, and Cordell's and Greenwood's shorts aren't very impacting). But as a whole, Realms of War is something to look into if you're a Dungeons and Dragons kind of reader.

- T.C. Robson

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reviews: page 1, 2

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