Rating: 
Summary: Secrets at Stormweather!
Review: This is an excellent novel, with only a few faults. The main gripe I have with the book is that it is truly a series of short stories, but is treated like a novel. What I mean to say is that there is no table of content that allows you to easily jump one from story of interest without having to scan through the entire book. The tales need not be read in order at all, and yet you are expected to do so.
Each story centers on one member of the Uskevren house, starting with the Patriarch all the way down to the maid. Each of these people seem to have some special quality about them, and their secrets are kept close to their breasts. Sometimes, it seems that there is a reason that each person is so special or has so deep and dark a secret. Clearly, there is more to this family than is initially let on, and only further tales will reveal what is so special about them. In case you did not know, the shorts in this book are but preludes to the other novels in the series, they are basically the set up tales that get you interested, but really give you no completion. Many things are left unsettled by the end of this book. The only downfall I can really see, and it has nothing to do with this novel in and of itself, is that the final book that was to be penned by Greenwood has been canceled. I would love to see another anthology of tales to close out the series. Of them all, the Best tales deal with the matriarch, the butler, the maid, the daughter, and the second son. The Patriarch's tale is informitive, but dry and the heir's story has plenty of drama, but no depth. Two out of seven aint bad! Besides, they are still decent tales. Warning: If you buy this book you will have to pick up the rest of the series!
Rating:
Summary: Secrets at Stormweather!
Review: This is an excellent novel, with only a few faults. The main gripe I have with the book is that it is truly a series of short stories, but is treated like a novel. What I mean to say is that there is no table of content that allows you to easily jump one from story of interest without having to scan through the entire book. The tales need not be read in order at all, and yet you are expected to do so.
Each story centers on one member of the Uskevren house, starting with the Patriarch all the way down to the maid. Each of these people seem to have some special quality about them, and their secrets are kept close to their breasts. Sometimes, it seems that there is a reason that each person is so special or has so deep and dark a secret. Clearly, there is more to this family than is initially let on, and only further tales will reveal what is so special about them. In case you did not know, the shorts in this book are but preludes to the other novels in the series, they are basically the set up tales that get you interested, but really give you no completion. Many things are left unsettled by the end of this book. The only downfall I can really see, and it has nothing to do with this novel in and of itself, is that the final book that was to be penned by Greenwood has been canceled. I would love to see another anthology of tales to close out the series. Of them all, the Best tales deal with the matriarch, the butler, the maid, the daughter, and the second son. The Patriarch's tale is informitive, but dry and the heir's story has plenty of drama, but no depth. Two out of seven aint bad! Besides, they are still decent tales. Warning: If you buy this book you will have to pick up the rest of the series!
Rating: 
Summary: All Forgotten Realms books should be this good!
Review: This novel is a GREAT kickoff for the new Sembia series. The characterization is in-depth and believable, and the stories are loaded with action. Normally, I'd be a little concerned with a book that has seven different authors, but these guys (and ladies) pull it off great! Each story leads nicely into the next and you get to see each character through the other characters' eyes. I'm not sure I even have a favorite character yet. They're all good! An excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: The best Realms novel ever
Review: Wow. Generally I am not impressed by Realms Novels. While some are a good read, none really impress me. (Actually in truth most novels don't impress me. Most are just good reads). But this really has impressed me. The writing was superb, especially in Ed Greenwood's story. I have to say he really impressed me on this. It was probably the best story he ever wrote. How he phrased each paragraph was just...wow. Richard Lee Byer (Probably am spelling some part of his name wrong) was great with writing the Matriarch. Oh sure the early part of the story was a bit confusing, but once I got far enough into it everything fell into place. I cannot wait for the full length novel. The Work on the Heir *by Clayton Emery if memory serves* was also well done. I didn't really like the character, but I found the story good and the writing rather well. I think this is the first time I enjoyed reading about a character I didn't like. The Eldest Daughter...Wow. Well done. This is another full length novel I'm waiting for. Sadly this one's not on the schedule yet. (I really dislike having only two a year. I want all of 'em released now! Or as soon as they are finished) The Second Son's story. Also well done. especially the use of the priesthoods in it. While I (And probably anyone who reads the story) knew what he was well before the end, I still was interested because I wanted to find out who the new characters were. Another novel I can't wait for (November 2001). Why is it the new fiction authors always write so good? Steven Schend with Keros (who I still want a full length novel on) and now Paul Kemp with Erevis Cale. The character was really interesting and well done. This character has a full and rich past, far more interesting then even the Mother's. And the introduction of Jak, a Halfling Priest (Probably Specialty Priest) Of Brandobarius was also well done. I cannot wait to read more on this character, and more of Mr. Kemp's work in general (November 2001 for Erevis' novel). The Maid. Whose name I can never remember. The story seemed rushed. It was 10-20 pages shorter then the rest of the others. I don't know if it was editting concerns or if the author made it so. Several interesting things were shown in this story though, ESPECIALLY the main character. While most people would point to Erevis as their favorite character, for me it's a tie between Tazi and the maid. But the best thing in this novel is how the seven main characters intereact. For example the maid is true to character in two other stories written by other authors. Each character is true to form in others stories. I am hoping the Sembia Series stays alive for a long time. Any of you who weren't sure to pick this up, do so! Even if you have no money find a way to get money (Check couch cushions). This is a superb piece of fiction in general. and a Godlike piece of gaming fiction.
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