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Summary: E. C. is a superb writer who make stories really flow!
Review: At first, I was reluctant to read a book by another author writing about the Underdark. I had to read this book with a new pair of eyes becuase I tend to compare the authors. Even though, I think R. A Salvatore is the master of writing the drow and Menzoberranzan, Mrs. Cunningham brought a whole new prespective of the Underdark. This book is a bit sutle in the action department, but the story easily flow. By the time I was done reading I couldn't believe it was over. I wanted more and I could't wait to read the next installment, Tangled Webs. I love how Elaine Cunningham writes the new aspects of the crumbling drow society. I really love this book and I'm glad I didn't compare Liriel (the main character) to Drizzt the famous drow of Menzoberranzan. At first, I thought Liriel would be a female version of the powerful and loveable drow that we all had grown to love, but I had to remember this is her story. I was enchanted by Mrs Cunningham work and I'm looking forward to read more. I couldn't believe I ignored her previous works before this book.
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Summary: I loved it
Review: I love this book. I feel with the characters. I even find the bad guys interesting (I usually get bored with the vilians).Maybe I like this better than others because I'm not a Salvatore fan. Only read the Icewind Dale trilogy, and wasn't impressed at all. DotD has everything to make it great. It worked for me. I loved the way teh drow were. "Without joy." Striving for, not knowing it didn't exist. Liriel's first understanding of friendship was great. She never imagined a situation like that, a state of being like that, possible. To her frienship was hanging out with someone until they tried to kill her. Yes, she was a spoiled brat. She was meant to be. Nobility and honor were things she had to learn. So was the reality of consequences for actions. She had to grow up. By the end of Tangled Webs, we believe she's done it well.
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Summary: My introduction to the Realms
Review: As shallow as it might sound, I had never been interested in fantasy novels apart from the casual reading of Tolkien stuff. But found myself captivated by the dark female elf on the book cover whilst browsing my local bookshop.
Life screamed to a halt for the next couple of days as I found myself drawn deep into the story and Elaine Cunningham's book flew straight up into my list of favorite books.
The characters are well written and after a short while you feel like you come to know them like friends (albeit friends that would probably kill you in a heart beat)
Great story and memorable characters.
Why are you still reading this? Go buy this book!!
Rating:
Summary: An entertaining, lively read. A+++
Review: This has to be one of the best Forgotten Realms books I have ever read (non-withstanding its sequels, which I also found to be great works of fantasy). I'm not going to compare it to Salvatore in any way except by mentioning that Liriel (main char.) is a mage (her dad is the archmage, Gromph), and the stories are much more magic-based, where as Salvatore spends hours going over swordplay details (though does it quite quite well). Cunningham's writing is complex without being boring, and fun without being stupid. I do highly recommend this book, especially if you are into the drow culture, Sorcere, etc., and even if not, it is an entertaining read!
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Summary: best unxpected read!!! wounderfull
Review: First of all i just finished reading every R.A.Salvetore book i could get my hands on. After i was lost on what to read next. I tried the war of the spider queen series and just wasnt that impressed. Then i picked this baby up and i was expecting another book that couldnt get close to R.A. but this got very close. It was 1 of my fastest going books ive every read. It took my a grand total of 2 days to finish. The dark humor was a great aspect of the book. The fact that there were other drow gods/goddess was great.When liriel goes to the surface you can picture her cunfused emotions almost as if u were there. looking for a great read and stright up adventure pick this up,
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book takes place after the disastrous defeat of Menzoberranzan at the hands of Bruenor and Co, in Salvatore's books but before the events that take place in the War of the Spider Queen series, and is thoroughly enjoyable read. A worthy addition to the dark elf line. Menzoberannzan is portrayed with the usual accuracy, scheming power hungry drow female priestesses, opressed males and slaves, and drow superiority to all beings. In addition a little bit of the partying/lustful side of the drow is shown as well as other drow gods. The latter was interesting in that the gods and godesses are actually fighting among themselves for hearts and minds of their worshippers and are willing to grant spells even to not entirely loyal worshippers in hopes of ensnaring them with this power. The main characters are engaging, Liriel is a talented and beautiful young drow wizardess with some fighter and clerical training. She's appealing in that she's definitely not evil but does admire the drow for their power, skill and magic, and she's always ready for treachery. Her personality combines a certain impish adventurousness with the pride of a drow female noble. Not to mention she has the oh so rare quality in drow of having a sense of humour, similiar to Pharaun in the second War of the spider queen book.
The Rashemeni beserker she later meets and who's quest is intricately tied to hers, is quite formidable and clever himself, and their complicated relationship is interesting as well. The villains are many and appealing too. There's no Artemis Entreri, but Shaktri, Triel, Gromph and Nysstyre all fill their roles well and work for a variety of agenda, focusing of course primarily on their own. They are after all, drow. Triel and Gromph stand out much more if you've read all the other books in which they show up (Salvatore's series and War of the spider queen). Overall a worthy addition to the Dark elf stories in Forgotten realms, particulary if you've read all the other books, but it would probably stand well on it's own.
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Summary: Wonderful. I'm Glad I Read This.
Review: I have never read anything by Elaine Cunninham before. Beyond that, I tried to stay away from the world of the Drow (save the amazing Drizz't). That said, I'm glad I picked this book up. I was astonished at all I would have missed! Liriel Baenre is made to fit the part perfect. If I had to give a name, it would be an "innocent drow child" (I know, not possible). Though Liriel is a great character, she isn't my favorite. Fyodor is defintely more my style. A man that can bash some brains in but possesses some of his own as well. The the details of his background are a little shakey, The present Rashemi berserker warrior is good enough for me. Maybe it's just me, but I found Fyodor to be the kind of person I would think of when I consider a sane Minsc (Balder's Gate). I really like Minsc. The only part of this book I had a little trouble with was there was no really extravegant baddies. The bad guys you can't help but like. No Jarlaxles, Artemis Entreri's, Ringwraiths, etc. That kind of bothered me; it seemed to through the balance of the story off. The whole time I'm thinking, "okay, so Menzobarrenzan is against her. When is she going to drop the brat antics and become a good guy so we can make room for the real evil?" Never. But that's why it's book one. Onward to bigger and greater things, namely book two. Oh, I forgot, don't make the mistake I made and try to avoid the world of the Drow. It's too wonderfully twisted and detailed to miss.
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Summary: Walk with the deadly and cunning Drow of legend!
Review: Elaine Cunningham breaks all bounds with this unbelievable story of Liriel, a dark elven priestess who desires more than the usual drow treachery and intrigue. Liriel finds herself on a quest with an unlikely companion and numerous enemies. Daring the harsh rays of the sun, this drow takes a step up... out of her home tunnels and into the light above. The very best part of this book, is the way Cunningham brings the characters to life! Her ability to make you feel for the characters is brilliant! You will go through stages of grief, anger, humour, and joy in this utterly amazing story. This is a book you can't put down!
Rating: 
Summary: great book
Review: This is a great book, another side of the world of Drizzt and such. I wasn't really sure I wanted to read the Drizzt novels until my boyfriend gave me this to read. I loved it. It's a great story. However, don't go into it expecting Drizzt it's not. This is Liriel's story. When I found out there were two more books, I decided I had to come order them. I have also now read the first three drizzt novels..and love them. It reads easily and is a great story.
Rating: 
Summary: Awful!
Review: This book was just plan awful. I can't believe I read the entire book, I should've stopped reading it after the first ten pages (which was the only good part of the book). The characters are not interesting and as a matter-of-fact I hated them. The main character Lirel (sp), seemed to me like a spoiled brat not a deceitful drow. The Fodo, fordo, whatever his name was barbarian/warrior character was only cool when he got mad (which he didn't do a lot) and his backround story was a joke. I higly recommend to NOT read this book. It gives a poor description of the drow life and Menzoberranzan.
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