Daughter of the Drow (Forgotten Realms: Starlight and Shadows, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: A book that can stand on its own.
Review: "Daughter of the Drow" is a book that can stand on its own. No, it isn't in the tradition of R. A. Salvatore; the drow are portrayed differently, and even Menzoberranzan seems to have changed. But all of this is readily explainable; Elaine Cunningham's book is set in a time when Menzoberranzan itself is going through change, and the character of the book is a female drow mage. If the character of Liriel Baenre had been modeled on R. A. Salvatore's Drizzt, it would have been much less enjoyable, not to mention somewhat false. I thought this book was fascinating for portraying another side of the drow (the description of the nedeirra dance is particularly good), for the character of Liriel and the way she managed to be both evil and humorous at the same time, and for the character of Fyodor. Finally, two characters in fantasy who are going on a quest to solve a problem for themselves, not to save the world! That was a wonderfully refreshing idea. In short, this is a book that is different from the "traditional" books about the drow. Reader expectations, not the writing, are what would drag it down.

Rating:
Summary: YACNBEC: Yet Another Charming Novel by Elaine Cunningham
Review: "Daughter of the Drow" is yet another foray into Forgotten Realms by Elaine Cunningham - and her first attempt at Underdark novel. This may not be her best book, but it showed once again that even at her average, Cunningham is miles above the other Forgotten Realms writers. Her flowing language, intriguing plot, likable characters make a delightful combination and a worthy read. It seems even better when compared to Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urden novels with its blatant moralizing, two dimentional characters and linear draggin'n'stamblin' plot. Menzoberranzan, the City of Boredom, finally gets to show its true colours; and even though at the end of this book our two heroes leave the city, never to return, I will be eagerly awaiting the continuation of their journey in the form of another Cunningham's book - "The Tangled Webs."

Rating:
Summary: A Expansion of the Works of R.A. Salvatore
Review: Elaine Cunningham, in her book Daughter of the Drow, has attempted, somewhat successfully, to expand on the works of R.A. Salvatore and his books regarding the Dark Elf, Drizzt Do'Urden. What begins as an attempt to tell a good story of a female drow mage quickly becomes a confusing ensemble of new places, names, and more importantly, Gods and Goddess. The story bogs down as the protagonist, Liriel Baenre, a minor member of the highest ranked house in the City of Menzobarranzan, the largest city of the drow, is forced from her lifestyle to become a priestess of the evil godess Lloth, against her wishes. Being much more interested in wizardly persuits rather than becoming a priestess, she is still forced to attend the priestess academy. The story then breaks into a jealous colleague, escape attempts, and an improbable search with a barbarian tribesman for a magical item. Elaine Cunningham is a good writer, but it's debatable whether this story needed to be written. What seems to have begun as an attempt to provide an expansion to the Forgotten Realms (c) universe has instead introduced confusing new things, too quickly. However, this story does have merits... and should not be overlooked by the fans of Cunningham's work. As long as noone expects another Drizzt Do'Urden book, they will not be very disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: This was my first Forgotten Realms book and now I'm hooked for life. The impressive cover caught my eye and as I read through the first three pages, I was hooked. This is an excellence read that many will enjoy. The epic battle scenes and rich irony makes this book impossible to put down!

Rating:
Summary: Another fun drow read
Review: I chose this book because I had to read something for english class in a short period of time, and because I liked drow. Despite such strange reasons, I was pleased with DotD. Having read much of Salvatore's stories beforehand, I was eager to compare the two books. There are a few discrepancies that bothered me, such as Drizzt coming to the surface with his magic intact while Liriel had to fight for it (frankly, the former situation seems more likely to me, but then there wouldn't be much need for the Windwalker, which I find to be quite an interesting idea for an artifact). The characters weren't quite as likeable as Salvatore's either, but that does not mean they aren't interesting on their own. It struck me as peculiar that Liriel, for a spoiled princess, was not quite so uppity upon meeting a /human male/. Curiosity, though, can work miracles... Frankly, some of my favorite characters were the 'bad guys' such as Nisstyre and Gorlist; she did a fair job making them interesting. I have not yet read the sequels because I haven't had time, and I still have the rest of Salvatore to read, but to sum up my opinion thus far: Elayne has a very good writing style, easy to read; her grasp of the drow society is a bit weak in areas but it's nice that she dealt with the other gods besides Lolth (you'd think there weren't any if you read other books), and some of her concepts, though a bit faulty in places, are certainly interesting; not to mention the intriguing dichotomy in Liriel: exploring the world while still holding onto her drow traditions, such as defending spiders (that was a great touch)- a character who doesn't always act so rationally is a nice change of pace. It's a book worth reading, especially since it's quick! Don't take it too seriously (that's what Salvatore is for, in my opinion) and it's wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: Great story
Review: This book was my introduction to the Forgotten Realms and I am glad it was! This story, as well as Tangled Webs and Windwalker, were a great start for me for this setting as well as this genre of writing. Liriel is a neat character, and it is a pleasure to watch her develop throughout this series.

Rating:
Summary: Another fun drow read
Review: I chose this book because I had to read something for english class in a short period of time, and because I liked drow. Despite such strange reasons, I was pleased with DotD. Having read much of Salvatore's stories beforehand, I was eager to compare the two books. There are a few discrepancies that bothered me, such as Drizzt coming to the surface with his magic intact while Liriel had to fight for it (frankly, the former situation seems more likely to me, but then there wouldn't be much need for the Windwalker, which I find to be quite an interesting idea for an artifact). The characters weren't quite as likeable as Salvatore's either, but that does not mean they aren't interesting on their own. It struck me as peculiar that Liriel, for a spoiled princess, was not quite so uppity upon meeting a /human male/. Curiosity, though, can work miracles... Frankly, some of my favorite characters were the 'bad guys' such as Nisstyre and Gorlist; she did a fair job making them interesting. I have not yet read the sequels because I haven't had time, and I still have the rest of Salvatore to read, but to sum up my opinion thus far: Elayne has a very good writing style, easy to read; her grasp of the drow society is a bit weak in areas but it's nice that she dealt with the other gods besides Lolth (you'd think there weren't any if you read other books), and some of her concepts, though a bit faulty in places, are certainly interesting; not to mention the intriguing dichotomy in Liriel: exploring the world while still holding onto her drow traditions, such as defending spiders (that was a great touch)- a character who doesn't always act so rationally is a nice change of pace. It's a book worth reading, especially since it's quick! Don't take it too seriously (that's what Salvatore is for, in my opinion) and it's wonderful.

Rating:
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: 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.