Rating:  Summary: What a FANTASTIC book!!!!! Review: Elain has written yet another wonderful book. The Dream Spheres has action, romance, mystery, and suspence through the whole thing that keeps you turning the pages!I would recomend this book to anybody who is a fantasy fan.
Rating:  Summary: Not the best of the series, but one truly good book! Review: Finally, Arilyn, Danilo and Elaith are back. I was not disappointed. Elaine Cunningham's novels often evolve around mystery, intrigue and plotting, and this one is no exception. The plot is very deep and complex and will grab the reader's attention. We finally see the relationship between Dan and Arilyn evolve (although I must confess I prefered it when they were bickering in Elfshadow, hehe), and The Serpent is back, so we can expect some exciting events ^_^. I was thrilled with the development of Elaith's character, especially near the end. The addition of Thorhold characters was a good idea too (so reading it isn't recommanded unless you read Thornhold, as well as the previous books with Arilyn and Danilo obviously). A sequel to this novel is needed. How about bringing back Lucia Thione, and showing how Elaith prevails with the forest elves? }=)
Rating:  Summary: Awesome Adventure Review: I absolutely devoured this book! Elaine Cunningham does not disappoint with this, her latest treasure. I do agree that there must be a sequel, though Ms. Cunningham's novels usually do end with the characters still striving forward, moving from adventure to adventure. Even if you haven't read the other Harper novels that involve Danilo and Arilyn ("Elfshadow," "Elfsong," "Silver Shadows" - they're all wonderful!), I believe this book stands nicely on its own. Bravo, EC!
Rating:  Summary: Unfocused, disjointed narrative, frenetic pace Review: I have to agree with Andreas Meyer's review on this book. I am giving it 2 stars because Thornhold (by the same author) is even worse and will get 1 star. Get Elfshadow, Elfsong and Silver Shadows, which are great, but stay away from these two books.The books reads very much like an alternate twentieth century urban mystery where magic works: no sense of wonder at all, a flying caravan escorted by an Evermeet Elf Guard is presented as somewhat unusual, not just as the eye-popping once-in-a-lifetime event it should be. It stresses my sense of disbelief to think of Evermeet Elf Guards allowing themselves to be hired, and what about merchants being able to organize such a prodigious gathering? Just because they are noble and savvy they can pull such a stunt? Now that it has been done, what's next? Merchants setting up a courier express service network all over the North? Or a food delivery outfit ? ("Pegasus Pizza" anyone?) Not to discuss the Boeing jet engines these animals must have hidden in their wings to get to their destination in so little time...I remember when the mere mention of Halruaa's flying ships brought "ooohs" and "aaahs" from me. In my opinion, much of the blame, however, is to be laid not at Mrs. Cunningham's feet, but at TSR's handling of the Forgotten Realms: that campaign setting has been Star-Trek-ised. It has been converted in an alternate mundane Earth where magic replaces technology: witness Waterdeep's air patrols, pegasus raising ranchs, corporate wizards (The Magists & Protectors in Waterdeep), in fact, corporate organizations abound (Harpers, Red Wizards, Cult of the Dragon, Twisted Rune, etc...). Proof-reading also went out of the window. As far as I know, for some 11 years one character in the book has had the name of Laeral, with two "a"'s. In this book she gets named Laerel. I didn't mind when Elaith's last name was changed from Craunolbur to Craunolber (he was only presented in the FR1 sourcebook), but Laeral has had a fair share of appearances in sourcebooks (can you spell "Seven Sisters" or "Code of the Harpers"?) and novels before this. What gives?
Rating:  Summary: Danilo's response to foxfire Review: I have to agree with most people that this book seemed to hop all over but thats not my problem with it. When Danilo finds out what happened between foxfire and arilyn he just takes it in stride and they kiss and make up. No man would take that easy even if he was confident they would be nothing else but friends, he would still be haunted by it because it gave him second seat in her life. Moreover that would be same as ripping a mans entire ego out and making him feel worthless. Does Danilo love his duty more than arilyn of his other friends "no". Yet for arilyn her duty to the elves comes before danilo he takes a 2nd seat at best in her life. No man could ever be truly happy like that. If you drag this story out 20 years Danilo is going to be a bitter old man who isn't happy with his life due to nagging doubts. I never saw these problems dealt with. You can't have 2 masters, Yet Arilyn does, which in the end does she choose?This series needs another book or a follow up series. No man could be content like that. For a very realistic writer about human nature elaine seems to have had her head stuck in the clouds.
Rating:  Summary: Interesting addition to the series Review: I think I must have missed a book, because there were references to a mission that I didn't remember (the last I read in the adventures of Ariliyn & Danilo was _Sylvan Shadows_). I also don't recognize Bronwyn and Ebenezer from any previous book, but then, I'm behind... That being said, I found the book enjoyable. Cunningham's one of the best writers in T$R's stable, and she puts a lot more thought into her novels than most of the others. The exploration of Waterdeep's darker secrets was intriguing, but not nearly fleshed out enough! (As for those who complained about the mercantile use of magic--well, considering how common magic is in the Realms, why *wouldn't* it be put to financial and practical use? See Poul Anderson's excellent _Operation Chaos_ for an example in a completely different setting--a magical Earth.) Danilo's grown more serious, true, and Arilyn more tolerant--but then, after all those two have been through together, it's about time for some more character development. I'd say give it a try. Mileage varies, but that's true for any book. :-)
Rating:  Summary: One of the best Forgetton Realms adventures Review: I truly enjoyed this book. But then, given that I am utterly and totally in love with Danilo, I could hardy feel otherwise ;) Seriously, though, this was a surprisingly (given it's a TSR publication) gripping book with an intricate plot with some delightful twists and revelations. The characters are fascinating (especially Elaith), the fight scenes are wonderful and I love the way Cunningham weaves together disparate threads from her works into this one, thus giving a great sense of continuity (although there wasn't nearly enough of Ebenezeer). If you love the Realms, these characters, or just high fantasy adventure buy this book - you won't regret it!
Rating:  Summary: Welcome to Waterdeep Review: In the Forgotten Realms' greatest city, the half-elven fighter Arilyn Moonblade and nobleman bard Danilo Thann reunite for a story about magic, dreams, family, love. . . and similar disasters. These characters were first introduced in Elfshadow. In subsequent books (Elfsong and Silver Shadows) Arilyn and Dan went their separate ways to find their own paths and answer deeply personal questions. Finally they are back together, struggling to find a way to meld their very different worlds. Adding complication is Elaith Craulnober, a moon elf rogue who may be more dangerous as a friend than as an enemy. Spending time with these three "old friends" was a pleasure. I enjoyed telling this tale, and look forward to hearing from readers. Those who have questions or comments are welcome to email me at ecunningham@ibm.net.
Rating:  Summary: Just couldn't get into this.... Review: Mmmm.... I admit, this is my first book in this series, and I just could NOT get into it. I have difficult caring for a character who steals for a living without serious just cause. The concept of the dream spheres seems like a thinly veiled cautionary tale on the dangers of drugs. I don't know... It just did NOT work for me. Perhaps the others are better. Until then, I'll give this series a pass.
Rating:  Summary: DId Elaine write this? Please say no! Review: Oh! Oh! This cannot be by the all-mighty Elaine Cunningham! The plot wasn't intriguing, the dwarf Ebenezer was annoying! Elaith? I still don't know if he's going to land in hell, or if he's going to land in some sort of heavenly Evermeet. I can understand why he wanted the Mhaorkiira Hadryad, but he seemed too stupid to even fight against it, he just went all despairing over his fate. And Arilyn? She doesn't feel like Arilyn. Danilo's okay, but he's not that funny anymore. There's a whole bunch of characters who are interesting, who should be the main characters, but aren't! TOO MANY SIDE CHARACTERS! One: Lilly Two: Ebenezer Three: Bronwyn Four: Rhep Five:Isabeau Thione Six:Oth Eltochul Maybe EC did write this, it certainly has that flavor, but it isn't witty, it isn't fun. It isn't advisable to pick this book up.
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