Pool of Radiance: The Ruins of Myth Drannor (Forgotten Realms)

Rating:
Summary: Just like a computer game
Review: At least this novelisation was done decently. A rogue, Kestrel, found herself inexplicably drawn into a quest in Myth Drannor to liberate the corrupted Mythal from a dracolich and its gang.

Strangely, while Elminster appeared in the background as the patron, he did not despatch more powerful adventurers even though he should be aware of the critical nature of the situation.

As story-telling goes, the writer made good use of newly introduced characters and gave them enough of "role-playing" such that their backgrounds were gradually fleshed out with consistency and sensibility. A paladin, a fighter, a mage and a rogue started out as strangers to each other, gated to Myth Drannor to pick up on a quest from a fallen group sent previously by Elminster. Like a computer game, they meet the easier foes first, gradually learning more about their quest, clues to the solution, and even found a sanctuary amidst the ruins of Myth Drannor to recuperate from their wounds. They even get to get new members as the story develops.

The author did it in a simple and straight forward manner, lending several twists customary to an RPG. Unlike traditional novels, this one took it from the computer game, without narrating any part from the adversary's point of view. The baddies were just there, having sprung from nowhere, with enough firepower to drive off the phaerimms and baazetus etc from Myth Drannor, but just careless enough to be taken by a small group of mid-level adventurers. Some inconsistencies here, but none really glaring that detracts from a good story.

Rating:
Summary: Just like a computer game
Review: At least this novelisation was done decently. A rogue, Kestrel, found herself inexplicably drawn into a quest in Myth Drannor to liberate the corrupted Mythal from a dracolich and its gang.

Strangely, while Elminster appeared in the background as the patron, he did not despatch more powerful adventurers even though he should be aware of the critical nature of the situation.

As story-telling goes, the writer made good use of newly introduced characters and gave them enough of "role-playing" such that their backgrounds were gradually fleshed out with consistency and sensibility. A paladin, a fighter, a mage and a rogue started out as strangers to each other, gated to Myth Drannor to pick up on a quest from a fallen group sent previously by Elminster. Like a computer game, they meet the easier foes first, gradually learning more about their quest, clues to the solution, and even found a sanctuary amidst the ruins of Myth Drannor to recuperate from their wounds. They even get to get new members as the story develops.

The author did it in a simple and straight forward manner, lending several twists customary to an RPG. Unlike traditional novels, this one took it from the computer game, without narrating any part from the adversary's point of view. The baddies were just there, having sprung from nowhere, with enough firepower to drive off the phaerimms and baazetus etc from Myth Drannor, but just careless enough to be taken by a small group of mid-level adventurers. Some inconsistencies here, but none really glaring that detracts from a good story.

Rating:
Summary: A great effort!
Review: Having read Philip Athan's awful adaptations of the Baldur's Gate games, it was with much trepidation that I picked this title up. I was even more cautious bearing in mind the fact
that the PC game takes place almost entirely in dungeons and involves fighting similar monsters over and over again. Whilst the Baldur's Gate games give massive scope for an epic novel (and indeed film), Pool of Radiance RoMD certainly does not.

I was therefore pleasantly surprised to find that this book was a highly enjoyable read. It actually stuck very close to the story in the PC game (as it should as an adaptation) but rather than simply include fight after fight with hordes of orcs and undead, it picked out several confrontations, embellished upon them and made the protagonists vulnerable such that you did not expect them to just wade through them and on to the next bunch of enemies.

Through mainly the eyes of one of the group of six heroes, the story was told. Details of their backgrounds were included, at times their feelings and vulnerabilities were touched upon, each of their individual skills were utilised and discussed, and as the book progressed you wished that all would survive to a happy ending. Time was also spent describing the surroundings, enemies and objects which gave even more depth.

The use of potions,spells and magical items was also adapted well. Many are included in the novel, but in a way that properly treats them as being rare and precious. The wizards learn spells as they go along and from each other, and the descriptions of their use is subtle so as readers can themselves realise which spells from the game are being used without the writer stating the obvious. Healing, protection and other potions are used similarly.

I have given the book 5 stars because as an adaptation of a rather tedious (but nevertheless good-looking) PC game, Carrie Bebris has done a wonderful job. Her knowledge of the game's story is never in doubt, nor is her understanding of the core elements of RPG gaming : makeup of party,skills, experience, item finding, spellcasting, and other aspects that do not necessarily translate well to the written word. She has added depth through descriptive narrative and character interactions, and has done this without straying very far at all from the hack-and-slash nature of the game. Great stuff!

Rating:
Summary: Pool of Radiance
Review: I grew up playing a little D&D but I am by no means a fanatic.

I liked the book and the subject itself. I understand that it is tough to introduce a new series of characters along with their backgrounds so it starts off slow in that sense.

The writing style had some spot where she chose some uncharacteristic language and I found myself stopping and shaking my head.

Overall I liked the book though and would choose to read another one following it.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning book
Review: I really loved the book. I am still new to gameing, and this was my first FR book that I read and now I am hooked. I am a big Greyhawk player but after reading this book I had to go out and by the FR campane settings, and some other great FR books. I would recommend this book to anyone weather you are a hard core gamer, or just love a good book.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: Pool of Radiance was a very good novel I read recently. I enjoyed it so much I recommended my friends to read the novel. Reading this book made me realize that reading is fun, well with the proper book its fun. I don't like to read subjects that don't interest me. The reason why I enjoyed this novel is because it's based on Dungeons and Dragons so it's very interesting to read.

The characters are unique and interesting, they all have their differences but they all work well together. My favorite character was Kestrel she was a thief that got her self into helping Corran a Paladin, Glenna a Sorceress and Durwyn a Fighter to keep watch on the Pool of Radiance. The funny part about Kestrel helping keep watch is that she didn't remember because she was drunk when she told this High Mage about the pool, so apparently she volunteered on accident. It's ironic that she is now helping the law but her whole way of life is breaking the law without getting caught.

The authors were able to hold my interests because it was such a good novel. The authors kept putting surprises everywhere, they also put a lot of fighting and they were very descriptive so I don't think that little kids should read this book. Pool of Radiance is three books in one and each book had different authors. They kept me on the edge of my seat for 90 percent of the time.

In conclusion I can say that I learned more about friendship and trust than I knew before. In this book there is a lot of verbal fighting between the friends but in the end they end up holding back their anger and keep going with their expedition. I already recommend this novel to my friends because they are into fantasy kind of novels and I'm sure that they will like this novel, and hopefully recommend it to their friends.

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable read
Review: Well it may never be a classic, but it's a fast, easy and fun read. I enjoyed the book immensely. I have read many of the Forgotten Realms novels, the harpers series among them. I'd say this book is on parr with some of the better works in the Forgotten Realms series. It's not a masterpeice, but it'll keep you entertained for a few hours.