Ascendancy of the Last (Lady Penitent) | Lisa Smedman | Welcome to Forgotten Realms 4th Edition

Ascendancy of the Last (Lady Penitent) | Lisa Smedman | Did not dissapoint, very enjoyable!

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Ascendancy of the ...

	Ascendancy of the Last (Lady Penitent) Lisa Smedman Wizards of the Coast, 2008 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Is it the end for the Lady Penitent? Is it the end for Lolth?

Lolth has come out of hibernation with a plan that may seem too ambitious even for her, and to pull it off she'll need the help of a drow who's betrayed her at least once already--a drow she's transformed into the demonic Lady Penitent. The shocking conclusion to a trilogy that will change the Forgotten Realms world forever.

Welcome to Forgotten Realms 4th Edition

There is no doubt that writers of Forgotten Realms 4th edition needed some new player races and this book just ushered one in. Smedman is the one of the best writers of the Drow out there. She has nicely tied up a lot of unfinished history of the Drow which was a huge task but she pulled it off. All three books were very well written and enjoyable. Lisa Smedman now ranks up there with Thomas M. Reid and Richard Baker.

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Did not dissapoint, very enjoyable!

I, for one, enjoyed this third book very much - I was captivated through the story which provided sufficient amount of non-linear plot, double-crosses, weaves and turns to make it very entertaining. I would recommend this to anyone who has read the previous two.

While I rate the story on a high side, I would say characters were not growing as much as in the previous books, but then there was a LOT that needed to be covered in this one. While this is true, I feel that the focus was more on the game and repercussions of the game between the goddesses, and as such the book definately delivered.

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Major change has come to the realms and the drow...

Change can be good and bad. When it's done properly, it's a wonderful thing. When it's handled incorrectly, it can totally ruin something, be it a television show, a book series, a game series, what have you.

Lisa Smedman, one of the more prolific authors for Wizards of the Coast has been given the task of brining about profound change to the Drow of the Forgotten Realms RPG and novel setting.

It's a daunting task, there is no doubt about it, and her work will be met with both praise and wrath.

What brings this up? The third and final book in the Lady Penitent trilogy - Ascendancy of the Last.

Like the first and second novel in the trilogy that saw Drow pantheon change dramatically, this one has even greater repercussions than either of the first two books.

I can't give any spoilers away, as that is my policy when it comes to whatever I review. Besides anything I give away in this review would really spoil it for the potential reader.

All I can say is this - change has come in a realm shattering manner to the Forgotten Realms.

When you consider that Wizards of the Coast, as of writing this review has had the 4th edition of the venerable Dungeons and Dragons game just released, it's not a big surprise that these changes have come around.

I can't vouch for the game, as I haven't purchased it and I doubt that I will, but scuttlebutt from the internet has that the entire magic portion of the game has changed dramatically from the previous editions.

I remember when the various editions came about, that the novels that were written at the time reflected the changes that occurred in each edition. So, it goes without saying that this must be the case with this trilogy... the changes in the novel are reflections of what has changed in the game and the campaign setting as well.

Now, back to the review... I can easily state that this novel was probably the bloodiest of all three books. The body count was extremely high, and no one was spared the sword, be it the lowliest supporting character on up.

Mysteries and fates are revealed at last. What has happened to some venerable characters from this trilogy and even from previous books is revealed as well.

As I said before, this final book in the trilogy has major repercussions for the Realms. Of course the question has to be raised... how will this affect future novels and game products?

Only time will be able to answer that question. Well, and the head honchos at Wizards of the Coast.

How will these changes be met by the fans of the game and novels? That too remains to be seen.

I personally can say that I found the change to be a little disturbing. When you are familiar with something, and it's comfortable to you, any change will be unsettling. You might be asking if I liked the changes that took place... Yes, and no. Again, I can't go into details without spoiling it for any would be readers.

But, again, as I mentioned before, one of the most beloved villain races in the realms has undergone drastic change, as anyone who has read the first two novels will attest to. This one takes the change right to the edge and pushes it over.

Did I enjoy the book? Yes, I did. To me, it was far more entertaining to read than the second novel, and I had to say that I liked it pretty much on par with the first novel.

Kudos' to Lisa Smedman. She was handed a difficult task (or maybe she made the proposal to Wizards of the Coast and they liked what she had to offer) and she brought these drastic changes to one of the most venerable campaign settings in role playing history.

I can see mixed reaction to this from the fans towards her. But this is something she must have known would happen when she sat down and began work on this trilogy.

4 out of 5

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Ascendancy of the Last (Lady Penitent III)

Wow! Changes this big to the pantheon of deities are rare! Lisa has done it already in this series by eliminating two members of the Drow pantheon. I really didn't expect what she did here and that is what I like about her writing. She really makes major changes to the world. Dieties rarely die or cease to exist. This could make great plots to the D&D gamers who follow the books.
I read every book that comes out about the Underdark, and Lisa continues to do superb work. If you read Salvatore's and Elaine Cunningham's Underdark work, then you will love this too.
I was disappointed that there was very little story to the title character, Lady Penitent. It's like she was forgotten. Also there were too many named characters that weren't developed. It wasn't as bad as book II, but I got confused at all the names. Lisa does a great job developing characters history-usually, but not the last two books. The plot is a little confusing w/ so many twists. Her explainations don't feel as logical as they should. But it is still a great work and well worth the read. I won't hesitate to pick any book up by Lisa. I just feel this is her weakest book in the Underdark. Wish it had been more about Lady P.

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Woah- dont read this book if you like your characters to stay ALIVE!

This was a very interesting book to say the least. Although it seemed a little less satisfying to me compared to the previous two volumes, it was a conclusion that not only has a lot of things happen, but it leaves room for some serious development of some characters like Q'arland and his band of merry magicians.

For those who have read the previous two volumes, be warned- the World of the Drow is about to be changed forever (as "forever" as it can be, until TPTB decided to change the rules of the game again!). As with the Spider Queen Series, expect many people to die, many powerful people.

I know this is a give away, so forgive me, but I feel sorry for The Lady Penitent- she lives on and gets more and more crazy. I hope she's not a subconscious manifestation of Lisa Smedman's mind! hehe

I'm now awaiting the conclusion of The Twilight War with Everis Cale. :)

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reviews: page 1, 2

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