Rating: 
Summary: Another Gem
Review: As I typically do when a Cunningham novel comes out I dropped what I was currently reading and dove right on in. And once again I was not at all disapointed. This is a continuation in the Counselors and Kings trilogy. As with most second novels this one reveals many of the hidden action, creating more conflict in an increasingly chaotic world. Previously Halruaa was seen as a very orderly law driven community. In Magehound and even more so in Floodgate the chaos, deception, and the usual bereaucracy unseen by most citizens in a strong noble community is revealed. I think the most amazing thing of any Cunningham novel however is the reality of her characters. Rarely purely evil, or purely good as seen in so many fantasy novels. Always the shades of grey that make us think, and help us identify with them. This one is no different. From the obviously tortured soul of the villian Kiva, to the confusion of Matteo and his boyhood friend Andris, their eyes opening to a strange many layered web of a world, and their different chosen paths within it. And most of all, the young heroin Tzigone. A powerful girl in a very cruel world, simply doing anything she can to survive and to find out who she is, as we all do. But this novel has more than just strong characters. It has a tight plot, that doesn't stray to far from its purpose, though you sometimes wish it would so you could learn more of the world around. And, of course, good battle scenes. This is a treat for any fantasy fan and I simply can't wait for the final installment.
Rating:
Summary: Another Gem
Review: As I typically do when a Cunningham novel comes out I dropped what I was currently reading and dove right on in. And once again I was not at all disapointed. This is a continuation in the Counselors and Kings trilogy. As with most second novels this one reveals many of the hidden action, creating more conflict in an increasingly chaotic world. Previously Halruaa was seen as a very orderly law driven community. In Magehound and even more so in Floodgate the chaos, deception, and the usual bereaucracy unseen by most citizens in a strong noble community is revealed. I think the most amazing thing of any Cunningham novel however is the reality of her characters. Rarely purely evil, or purely good as seen in so many fantasy novels. Always the shades of grey that make us think, and help us identify with them. This one is no different. From the obviously tortured soul of the villian Kiva, to the confusion of Matteo and his boyhood friend Andris, their eyes opening to a strange many layered web of a world, and their different chosen paths within it. And most of all, the young heroin Tzigone. A powerful girl in a very cruel world, simply doing anything she can to survive and to find out who she is, as we all do. But this novel has more than just strong characters. It has a tight plot, that doesn't stray to far from its purpose, though you sometimes wish it would so you could learn more of the world around. And, of course, good battle scenes. This is a treat for any fantasy fan and I simply can't wait for the final installment.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Novel
Review: Elaine did an excellent job with The Floodgate. The book is both captivating and entertaining. I recommend this novel along with the entire trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Novel
Review: Elaine did an excellent job with The Floodgate. The book is both captivating and entertaining. I recommend this novel along with the entire trilogy.
Rating: 
Summary: Actually I give it 3.5 stars
Review: For a middle book it is good. I did not care for this book quite as much as "The Magehound", but still I enjoyed it. In this book the author evolves the characters well. We learn the fates of the characters after the battle in the swamp. This is a great book within an excellent trilogy. "Counselors & Kings" will end up being one of the more popular FR sets in recent years.
Rating:
Summary: All is still not well in the Shining South...
Review: Having defeated the deadly Laraken, Jordaini counselor Matteo and his mischievous companion Tzigone get on with their lives... or so they would want to. Along with a memorable cast of companions, they will be thrust into a wickedly twisted plot that threatens to undo the might of magical Halruaa.In this second of three novels of the Counselors and Kings series, author Elaine Cunningham maintains the quality of work she is well known for. As with most go-between novels in a trilogy, The Floodgate builds upon previous material and leads into a conclusion. As such, it is as fine a bridge as I've had the pleasure of reading. Halruaa is brought to life as never before, and despite the general lack of references to some more familiar Forgotten Realms characters (who are largely dismissed as 'barbaric northerners') you won't be missing any bit of the excitement or action that the Realms are known for. The author, as is expected, answers some questions and leaves others for later. There is a tense sort of foreboding behind the swordplay and spell battles, impressive though they might be. One cannot help but wonder where this is all leading. Rest assured that all will be answered by the end of the series. Do read The Floodgate on the way, however, for this trilogy is best taken in whole.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good, really!
Review: Not quite up to par with some of her other series (of course you have to realize that she has created a whole very complex society from scratch, which might account for something), but MUCH, MUCH better than nothing. Generally, I think that every thing happened way to fast (timeline wise). I think that the author is tring to create a feel of frenzied motion that leads up to (eventually) the war between the king and the necromancer, and what she gets instead is a book with, relitive to her other books, little depth. Not that its a bad book, mind you. Fast paced, interesting charicters (sp?), and excessive use of magic are just some of the things that you'll experience in this book. All around, it is a book that needs reading from any science-fantasy fan.
Rating:
Summary: A middle child novel that should not be overlooked
Review: The centre items of trilogies are often neglected as middle children, but it would be a shame for The Floodgate to be forgotten. Elaine Cunningham says she was calling it Watergate until something clicks; I say it bears a certain resemblence to that debacle, as both deal with secrets being revealed about a head of state. The plot proceeds with logic, though the Mulhorandi presence, while not unreasonable, is definitely under-justified (rather like the Red Wizards in Evermeet). The business with the Unseelie Court is also interesting, but not really dealt with to my satisfaction. But these are but mosquito bites in the face of a rather wonderful novel. The most compelling figure here is Kiva, a curiously sympathetic villain. It's a shame the release dates of these books are staggered so much; by the time this novel came around, I'd forgotten much of the events of The Magehound, and I expect the same to be true with The Wizardwar.
Rating:
Summary: Like the swift flow of water in a river
Review: The multicultured variety in the Forgotten Realms settings never seems to end. In the second volume of the "Counselors and Kings" series, the story of the young jordain, Matteo, continues. It continues with advancing the history of the land of Halruua. The book is not astounding or anything, but you could say that Elaine Cunningham certainly knows how to capture the reader's dedicated attention. I just can't wait to read the third volume. Don't get me wrong, people. It's a great book. Worth reading and buying. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Like the swift flow of water in a river
Review: The multicultured variety in the Forgotten Realms settings never seems to end. In the second volume of the "Counselors and Kings" series, the story of the young jordain, Matteo, continues. It continues with advancing the history of the land of Halruua. The book is not astounding or anything, but you could say that Elaine Cunningham certainly knows how to capture the reader's dedicated attention. I just can't wait to read the third volume. Don't get me wrong, people. It's a great book. Worth reading and buying. Enjoy!
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