Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating city adventure with ho-hum conclusion
Review: Oddly enough, there doesn't seem to be that many great city-based fantasy novels. Are there? Well, if you like this particular genre, this series has much to hope for. City of Ravens, much to my pleasant surprise, proved to be a wonderful read for at least the first 80%. The pacing of the plot is wonderful, characterisation is realistic and belieavable; there is a decent amount of wit, logic and puzzle, humour and a large dose of mystery. The protagonist is easy to follow, and has a likeable personality with both good and er, not-so-legal traits.The plot has multiple treads, but is easy to understand - the combination of secret spy missions, theft missions, games of masquerade, treasure hunting and mysterious personalities all contribute to a fine story which just yearns for a spectacular ending. Unfortunately, that's where this reviewer refuses to give the fifth star. The resolution of the book is acceptable, but falls prey to the common semi-Deus ex machina syndrome. The "X-factor" which purports to explain the plot is introduced late (the first sign of this kind of weakness) in the book, thus dampening the buildup of suspension throughout the first 80% of the book. In the final analysis, the resolution of the various plot treads are a letdown in their lack of originality and "Ohhhhhh!"-factor. But don't let this stop you - I enjoyed the book very much while the fun lasted.
Rating:
Summary: Liquidnitro2's review
Review: The book "The City of Ravens" was an excellent story of a comical theif named Jack Ravenwild. The story tells of Jacks exploits in the wonderous city Ravens Bluff. He soon finds himeself foiling a conspirecy to destroy the city that he loves. This book is very enjoyable and never gets boring. Filled with action, danger and many hilarious situations this book would be a favorite for any one who loves the Forgotten Realms.
Rating:
Summary: Liquidnitro2's review
Review: The book "The City of Ravens" was an excellent story of a comical theif named Jack Ravenwild. The story tells of Jacks exploits in the wonderous city Ravens Bluff. He soon finds himeself foiling a conspirecy to destroy the city that he loves. This book is very enjoyable and never gets boring. Filled with action, danger and many hilarious situations this book would be a favorite for any one who loves the Forgotten Realms.
Rating: 
Summary: A great read!
Review: The City of Ravens is a witty, fast-paced, and engaging read from page one. Jack Ravenwild, the protagonist, gets himself into and out of more scrapes than you can shake a stick at while trying to get ahead in a fantasy city portrayed with a liberal amount of sarcasm and black humor. It reminded me a lot of Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar, or Jack Vance's Cugel the Clever -- not what I'd expected from a Forgotten Realms novel, and a fun change of pace. I'm going to make a point of reading more of Richard Baker's stuff in the future. The reviewer who said that the book was written entirely in first person is incorrect, by the way. It's a third person narrative, and Jack is the point of view character throughout the story.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, but not the greatest.
Review: This book has alot of good points, it's easy to read, the characters are fun, the action fast, and it never really lingers for long. The hero is likable overall as are some of the people he runs into. The plot could have been a little stronger, but it is a Forgotten Realms book and for one of them it has been excellent. The city series is something I am now looking out for. Well worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Book
Review: This book was wonderful. Jack, is perhaps one of the best and most entertaining characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The book is incredibly amusing, I was constantly in fits of laughter at some of the escapades of Jack. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Is a Hilarious Read, Like Reading a good Movie!
Review: This was a great book about a funny man named Jack who was both a minor sorcerer and a major thief. Because of the fact that he is ambitious and semi greedy, all his plans to gain money across Raven's Bluff put him into big trouble with the law and many other people after him. This book is great as a stand alone novel, most people would be able to read it without having read any other Forgotten Realms book. It has tons of action, a lot of mystery, a little bit of romance (Jack in love), magic, thievery, sword battles, humor, you name it, this book has it. I read it in a few days, but I know someone who read it in one sitting. Try it, its cool.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best
Review: This was one of the best Realms novels I have read (I've read over 60). In many other realms novels , thieves and bards are also master swordsmen. Here , the main character Jack Ravenwild wasn't. It was really great to see a thief who actually lost duels. The book had many characters & sub-plots, all of which were interesting. The only weird thing in the book was the red wizard Zandria, who wasn't evil and had a companion who was a priest of Tyr.
I would recommend it to anyone who is a FR fan.
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