Rating: 
Summary: Confusingly Interesting
Review: I picked up this book after being introduced to the Forgotten Realms setting by a friend who got me hooked on Baldur's Gate. I was curious about the strange old man in the hat who went by the name of Elminster and seemed to pop up at unexpected moments. I can't say this book entirely satiated my curiousity--but then, that's not the point. Have no doubts, the story has flaws: its main characters are, as has been said, distressingly powerful; it seems to be 75% fighting action to 25% plot; the supporting characters appear and disappear so quickly that we have no time to get a good feel for them. Elminster himself seems rather unreal. There were several opportunities for plot twists that weren't taken, which I thought was a shame. However, it does well to keep in mind that this *isn't* a fantasy epic as such, and to expect any book based on an RPG to be as mindblowing fantastic as early Wheel of Time books or even earlier works of Mercedes Lackey seems a way to doom yourself to disappointment. Very few of them are deep and thought-provoking literature. Instead, most--with this being no exception--would appear to be quick, fun romps through worlds of swords and sorcery, full of action and power, action and gods, history and action, action and more action... and what's so bad about that? (Okay, so maybe a *little* less action might be nice. Just a tad.) _Elminster: the Making of a Mage_ is a fine example of an RPG-based novel. I was left wanting to read more about the Forgotten Realms and Elminster himself, which is probably part of the idea; I found it difficult to put down, and nothing that keeps me that interested can be all bad! It's a decent book to start the series with, although readers unused to the style of RPG books (or who prefer their protagonists to be more on the puny side) might do better to begin with something else.
Rating: 
Summary: Everyone has to start at level one
Review: While I was reading the reviews for this book. The few one-star reviewers made NO SENSE. Calling Elminster a wuss. Excuse me he is only a kid. Actually pretty strong kid after seeing his parents murdered right in front of his eyes. Then they say there is nudity. I have read about nudity in some of Lackey's books and this is G-rated. I love the progression of the book just like in a PC generated D&D game which divided up each part of the book While I read the book I saw no typos and Greenwood did a great story. The fact is that there was not enough history and not to much. But I look forward to the rest of the series with great excitement. The only critical thing I have to say about the series is the fact that the order of the books are kinda of confusing. I will list what I think is the correct order:
1. Elminster: The Making of the Mage.
2. Elminster in Myth Drannor
3. The Temptation of Elminster
4. Elminster in Hell
5. Upcoming Elminster's Daughter. I hope everyone will enjoy this great series.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but lacking something
Review: It was a well-written story with all the expected twists and turns and plots from such an experienced writer. However, it lacked something in the telling that would make it great. It was as if the author didn't really want to reveal anything new about the world, and he was telling the story the way you would read it in a history book. It is useful if you run a campaign in the setting and need historical information on Elminster, but otherwise it isn't really a surprising story or a particularly well-told one. It's missing a certain joi de vivre to make it excellent. On the other hand, it is necessary to read this to understand what is going on in Book 2 of the series, Elminster in Myth Drannor, which has everything that this book lacks. So, if you are interested in the sequel, definately read this. Just get it used and save yourself some money.
Harkius
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable!
Review: In the first of the Elminster series, Ed Greenwood has done a great job with "The Making of a Mage". I found myself captivated and finished the book quickly. I am a first-time reader of Forgotten Realms. In picking out this book, I was afraid that I would be lost in the setting because I didn't know much about it, but that was not the case. I didn't feel the need for more background, so I believe the book can stand alone. If you're looking for a good start into the Forgotten Realms novels, I would definitely recommend starting here. I really enjoyed it, and will buy the next in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Take a Trip Through the Forgotten Realms!
Review: Elminster: The Making of a Mage is a wonderful book! It focuses on the early life of one of the most famous wizards - if not THE most famous - in all the colorfully decorated realms, Elminster. He goes from nobility to thieving to flicking spells around and much more fun! My favorite quote: "The chamber pot! Never somewhere nice!" Want to find out why...? Elminster is a good book, but one of the downsides is that if you haven't read some other books, you won't enjoy it quite as much. Knowing how he turns out is part of the fun. So, for all puposes of reading without previous knowledge, this is a 4-star. If, however, you've read some others...priceless. Have a go!
Rating:
Summary: Fun for a light read
Review: While Ed Greenwoods style can be a touch confusing at times, this book is a must read for lovers of all things magical. It's a nice touch to see the roots of one of the greatest fictional wizards of all time. The book has a nice cadence to it, as it flows from chapter to chapter.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable
Review: As a fan of the Dragonlance realm, I was hesitant about starting a new "world". However I was recommended books by R.A.Salvatore, and my interest in the Realms was piqued. I figured I had better start with this novel to get really familiar with the Realms and Elminster, and I was surprised at the page turning ability this novel created. From his start as a prince, to a thief, to a woman priestess, to a man again and an apprentice, this novel had it all.
All I will say is enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable!
Review: In the first of the Elminster series, Ed Greenwood has done a great job with "The Making of a Mage". I found myself captivated and finished the book quickly. I am a first-time reader of Forgotten Realms. In picking out this book, I was afraid that I would be lost in the setting because I didn't know much about it, but that was not the case. I didn't feel the need for more background, so I believe the book can stand alone. If you're looking for a good start into the Forgotten Realms novels, I would definitely recommend starting here. I really enjoyed it, and will buy the next in the series.
Rating:
Summary: What are the critics motives, I wonder
Review: I have read hundreds of science fiction and fantasy books along with hundreds of non fiction books -- included were dozens of D&D titles -- prior to this one. Given the one-star reviews, I only bought this one book in the Elminster series -- usually, I buy all the books in a series -- but, the one-star reviews made me cautious. This was a good read -- basically I went straight through over two days. I think the one-star reviewers had an axe-to-grind. For example, nudity was "mentioned" in the book, but it was very non-graphic, and in good taste -- it fit the story line -- no basis for complaint, in my opinion. For example, lovemaking was alluded to in the book, but it was completely non-explicit and non-"sexy" -- it also fit the story -- no basis for complaint in my opinion. I agree that the other reviewers are entitled to a different opinion as to what constitutes an enjoyable read. But, having read the book, the comments seemed a bit much, considering the actual verbiage in the book. The negative comments misinformed me. I was very satisfied with the book, and will buy more by the same author.
Rating: 
Summary: the WORST book I've ever read
Review: I've read quite a few books published by TSR/Wizards. I thought they were all great books until I started reading Greenwood's crap. But I guess I'm just used to reading about heros who aren't invincible and who aren't fantasy clones of their authors. I'm also used to reading tastefully written books rather than glorified smut romance disguised as fantasy (EVERY female character repeatedly ends up naked in every Greenwood story I've every read). Some people are multi-talented. Monte Cook is a good RPG game designer and a respectable author. Ed Greenwood, however, should stick to designing and retire from novel writing.
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