Rating: 
Summary: This isn't a novel by any definition.
Review: A casual observer can peruse the reviews of this book and surmise that a reader will either love this book or hate it vehemently. There is no in-between. If one looks closer at the reviews however, it is apparent that the five star reviewers obviously have low standards for literature. I have written some modest fiction myself, and although I can lay no claim to fame, I must say that this book wouldn't survive a review by a class of Begining Composition 101 students. Athans neglects so many ingredients of acceptable story-telling I can't describe them all. His understanding of the human equation as depicted by the actions of his characters is on a par with a hormone-raging 13 year-old. I have played the game from which this book takes its name. While I enjoyed the game, I must keep my standards for novels and my standards for story telling through a game seperate. Obviously, a computer game should not be held to the same standards as a novel. I don't think Athan's took the effort to make the same distinction when he wrote this book. There are many fantasy writers out there who are much more capable, who can't get published, and who are gnashing their teeth in frustration at seeing talentless people like Athans get a book published simply because TSR wanted to make some quick money off of a successful game and got some TSR hack to do it. If I wanted to be entertained by gratuitous combat and cheese-cake scenes I would have played DOOM or something. I expect more from a novel.
Rating: 
Summary: What's wrong with this book?
Review: To those that gave this one star: You didn't hate the book, you probaly didn't even read it, you're just angry because you're not good at the video game, and you kept dying every minute. If you stink at a video game, then except it and move on, it's not the game's fault and it's definately not the book's fault, so lighten up will you?To those interested in the book:If you liked the game, you'll probaly like the book too. It's very well written, has the main characters from the game in it (Jaheira,etc.)Don't listen to any of the reviewers that gave it one star, because unless they typed several paragraphs of detailed reasons why the book was bad, they didn't read it, and had a grudge at the video game. To reader in the imaginary town of Arkham: The game's sequel is coming out early next summer, so the novel's sequel will probably come out this time next year.
Rating:
Summary: An embarrassment to TSR and the Forgotten Realms
Review: I've been a fan of TSR's since the late 1970's and have read most of their books (Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance) as well as played many of their games from time to time. This book by Athans is absolutely the worst item they have ever published and I wish I HAD listened to the reviews posted here. I too enjoyed the computer game and was looking forward to the novelization (fully knowing that most books based on games have strict guidelines to follow). However it was all I could do to finish this book without either getting a headache or losing my lunch. I read an average of 10 books a month and have for many, many years and I must say that this immature, testosterone-driven, poorly written fantasy is THE WORST book I have ever read! My only wonder is if the folks at TSR (or Wizards of the Coast) actually even read this before they put their name on it! Do yourself a favor if you're thinking of buying this book; go get a Forgotten Realms novel by Salvatore, Cunningham, Novak, or Greenwood and forget this abomination was ever written!
Rating: 
Summary: One of the worst TSR novels ever
Review: I hope this book was written in haste to go along with the computer game. Man, what a lemon. Athans either had a great deal of restrictions on him to follow the game story or just not enough time to write at least a descent novel. If all of his writing are similar to "Baldur's Gate", then he should consider writing novels for the "Death Dealer" series.(Well, I can't say that he is bad enough to be put in the "Death Dealer" catagory, but he is very close to it.)
Rating: 
Summary: What is going on here?
Review: Are there no conservatives here? Does everyone say its worth 1 star or 5 stars? It sounds like no one has read the book and instead is just thrashing about like beached whales.
Rating:
Summary: Reviewers really missing the point!
Review: I've read Baldur's Gate and I'm just dumbfounded by the totally negative reviews posted here. I'm not sure why people are getting so upset over a book that was obviously written with a spirit of fun. Are we taking this way too seriously? YOU BET! I didn't get the sense that this book was trying to be anything but a fun action romp through the settings and characters of the computer game. I've also played the game and though it beats most CRPG's hands down, I haven't been able to find any real story under all the side quests and time-wasters. The fact that this author could even find the story of the game, much less make it as coherent as it is says something. I don't think this book belongs with the greats of the fantasy genre but neither do I think it tries to be. If you want a good, fast, pure fun read, this is it. If you're looking for a strategy guide to the game, buy the strategy guide.Also, if you're reading the babbling rants below, keep in mind that as easy as it is to manipulate these reviews, this is probably one jerk with some axe to grind posting over and over again under assumed names. I try not to make decisions about what book I read based on ill-mannered attacks on an author who meant well by people (or one person) who are just plain rude, obnoxious jerks. Too bad Amazon doesn't watch this stuff more closely!
Rating:
Summary: A novel that makes a great case for illiteracy
Review: I bought this novel because it was based on a terrific game with a good story. Here the story seems to be secondary to THE worst romantic plot I have ever experienced (meaning either in novel or on screen.) Every death in the book is meaningless and dull. The hero reminded me a little of Lenny in "Of Mice and Men" or even more like the Abominable Snowman from the Looney Tunes cartoons, a goofy, hulking brute who can't seem to stop killing folks. I'll grant the character has potential, but I am never convinced of his tortured soul. A much better novel could be written (by someone else) about Montaron and Xzar, who are the only real characters of interest and who leave the story too fast to become as interesting as they ought to be.
Rating:
Summary: The Worst FR novel EVER!
Review: There have been some bad FR books, but GOD! does this one take the cake! I used mine to start the grill up last week.
Rating:
Summary: What a horrible book!
Review: Buy this if you enjoy Jerry Springer for intellectual reasons, if not... STAY AWAY!
Rating:
Summary: Written by a four year old?
Review: I am shocked that this book has received such high reviews! I can only assume that the main character's tendency toward evil acts is the cause of this (dude, this Abdel rocks man! He aint a wus like that dude he kills!)... you know people like this? If you do and they annoy you, you will hate this book. If you ARE one and you enjoy watching your friends play Mortal Kombat just for the sake of the blood, then you may like this book. Not much like the game at all, and certainly not consistent with the bright, heroic feel of the Realms. Very disappointing and poorly written. I think Abdel is a re-hash of Athans' character from the game ( I also agree with the other reviewer from South Carolina who feels the author has a crush on Jaheria... sick huh?)
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