Rating: 
Summary: Not really worth it...
Review: I found this book in one of the many boxes of books in our closet, on a night when I was looking for something to alleviate my boredom. To that end, the book served it's purpose.The concept for the novel is intriguing, particularly if you have some basic knowledge of its place in the mythology of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. The four main characters (Kelemvor, Midnight, Adon and Cyric) find themselves in a world turned upside down by the expulsion of the gods from the heavens. The gods have taken avatars (i.e. human hosts) and are attempting to reassert themselves; only adding to the chaos in the Realms. Unfortunately, the potential of that tale was not met. With the notable exceptions of Kelemvor and Cyric, I felt that the characters were one-dimensional and wholly uninteresting. The story itself was thin, with leaps in logic that I found implausible. To put it quite simply, it was fluff. I was entertained enough to attempt the second book in the trilogy (Tantras). However, I only made it a few chapters before I gave up because it was simply too much of a stretch. I suppose, to wrap up, I agree with those that have said it is the best DnD module they have ever read. The books did feel like Mr. Awlinson played in a game with that plotline and then attempted to turn it into a novel. I would only recommend the book if you are looking for an easy read to kill some time.
Rating: 
Summary: One of those I CANT STOP READING IT books!
Review: I Found this book incredibly great from the momeny i start chapter 1. It's one of those books where you just can't stop thinking about even when you're not reading it. There is plenty of excitement, magic, adventure, etc... I think most of you that like fantasy novels agree that this is a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Very entertaining fantasy
Review: I have read several Forgotten Realms novels and I rank this author right up there with Salvatore. Salvatore is better on the fight scenes but Richard Awlinson ties the whole plot together and develops his characters nicely too. This was a fun read and I plan to read the other two in the trilogy as soon as possible. Also, this is a great place to start if you are new to fantasy or to the Forgotten Realms setting.
Rating:
Summary: First Book, great one!
Review: I have read this book many times, and each time I lijed it more. The book shows the strugles of four men fighting for the destiny of the world and it's Gods, wich have fallen from heaven becouse of the evil of some of them. The book open a Serie (wich will end with Crucible, the Trial of Cyric the Mad) about the Gods of Faerun and his worshipers. Its great to know more about those who seldom appear in the others book but in shouts of war, or of surprise or fear. And, even if you aren't fascinated with the idea of seeing gods walking like mortals all around faerun, the book itself its Great! It has a great plot, and the characters aren't the so-often heroic and perfect paladins or great mans, pure souls. Great book to read (and the four novels that follow this one).
Rating:
Summary: Good at points, but sometimes hard to follow
Review: I just finished Shadowdale and I must say I did enjoy reading this book. After reading 4 Drizzt books in a row, I needed a change. This series seemed like a good choice. I like the character development, except they were a slightly predictable. The only thing that disappointed me was the authors storytelling technique. It seemed choppy and it jumped around a bit. The author would set the scene and tell you what was happening. Then right when you are ready to ask, "Explain how this character got to this point" the author would give you a paragraph, or two, explaining what happened in between scenes. His writing style did not have a smooth flow and can be confusing. But still it was worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Good at points, but sometimes hard to follow
Review: I just finished Shadowdale and I must say I did enjoy reading this book. After reading 4 Drizzt books in a row, I needed a change. This series seemed like a good choice. I like the character development, except they were a slightly predictable. The only thing that disappointed me was the authors storytelling technique. It seemed choppy and it jumped around a bit. The author would set the scene and tell you what was happening. Then right when you are ready to ask, "Explain how this character got to this point" the author would give you a paragraph, or two, explaining what happened in between scenes. His writing style did not have a smooth flow and can be confusing. But still it was worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful start...I hope the next two are like this...
Review: I just finished Shadowdale for the first time, and must say, I'm hooked! To be honest, I was hooked after only the first chapter! The author's descriptive dialect put me right into the thick of things, and I found myself frequently losing track of time while sitting down with this one. Awlinson's talent for character development shines brightest, in my opinion, within the character of the fighter,Kelemvor. It amazed me how much of a change of opinion I, as the reader, experienced as the storyline progressed through Kelemvor. Perplexingly, I found myself hating this man in one chapter, only to find how much I respected and admired him in the next! Stunning. Simply put, I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy. If Tantras and Waterdeep are anything like their predecessor, we shall all be in for quite a treat.
Rating:
Summary: Ambitious plot
Review: I liked this book mainly because of the first four or five pages. It grazes you with absorbing strength. Nonetheless, it is worse than the other two, and it is like the three books of the trilogy were written by three very different people. Nevertheless, the trilogy Avatar is a classic and this is the first book in the series!!!
Rating:
Summary: A waste of Time
Review: I love the Forgotten Realms series and the AD&D RPG games to go along with it. After just finishing the last of R.A Salvatore's books I picked up the first book in the Avatar trilogy expecting it to be up to par. It wasn't! If you are a fan of fantasy novels I recommend passing this one by in the Library or the book store. The plot was ill-conceived and the characters were bad. It was torture for me just to finish it. Obviously by the other reviews though, some people like it and maybe it just isn't the style of book I like to read. I see this book as a waste of time but you might not. I guess you can read it and see.
Rating: 
Summary: Good for the FR/D&D player; so-so for the casual reader
Review: I mainly read this book because I play D&D in the Forgotten Realms system, and the history of Forgotten Realms fascinates me. In that sense, the plot and story of the book are quite creative and enjoyable. However, I found the writing style that related this plot and story to be cumbersome and undeveloped. "Awlinson" (which is actually a pseudonym for about 4 authors that wrote this series) barely gives any descriptive or sensory information, especially when you meet new people. The dialog too often leaves the reader out. The writing is too "fantasy typical," in that many situations are overexplained, beat to death, and characters are all too emotionally unstable to accomplish anything. If I hadn't enjoyed the stories themselves so well, especially as background for the campaign, I'd have given these books 2 stars.
| 
