Rating: 
Summary: More great epic fantasy from one of today's best authors
Review: In sequel to Ascendence, of which I was not terribly impressed, I bought Transcendence out of loyalty to the author, having loved nearly all of his previous efforts. Having read the book in very short time, despite its length, I must say my loyalty was rewarded.Following a different path than any of the previous books in the Demon Wars setting, Salvatore explores an entirely different culture than in those ealier novels. Thus we are not re-hashing any of the same old story lines as before. While there is a returning character, he holds true to his form while still managing to grow from his prior mindset. The main character appeared in the last book, but she was only a minor player. Here she is allowed to grow. The events of this book occur simultaneously with Ascendence, with each book referring to events transpiring in the other. Having completed her Elven training, Brynn Dharielle embarks on her quest to liberate her people from their conquerors. With her is Belli-mar Juraviel, her Elven companion and mentor. Early in their journey, they become sidetracked, the circumstances of which gain them a new companion. In their effort to traverse the mountains and gain Brynn's homeland, another significant branch is added to the storyline. In addition to the good guys mentioned above, there are also the conquerors. Some of the political machinations of these religious fanatics described by Salvatore are just delicious, while many of the resulting actions are quite disturbing. The main character from this group is the leader of the Behrenese peoples, and the architect of the conquest of Brynn's homeland. While he is supprted by religious fervor and thrives upon it, it is quite clear that he is both a heretic and a hypocrite, making him one to love to hate. There is another new set of characters in the guise of an enclave of reclusive monks. One of the major characters in the story is a member of this monastery, and he is a great character, often proving to be a moral foil to Brynn and others with his blunt innocent statements and questions. For character development and the new setting for the world of Corona, Salvatore has outdone himself, and far surpassed the previous book in the series. Fantasy readers will love this one.
Rating:
Summary: More great epic fantasy from one of today's best authors
Review: In sequel to Ascendence, of which I was not terribly impressed, I bought Transcendence out of loyalty to the author, having loved nearly all of his previous efforts. Having read the book in very short time, despite its length, I must say my loyalty was rewarded. Following a different path than any of the previous books in the Demon Wars setting, Salvatore explores an entirely different culture than in those ealier novels. Thus we are not re-hashing any of the same old story lines as before. While there is a returning character, he holds true to his form while still managing to grow from his prior mindset. The main character appeared in the last book, but she was only a minor player. Here she is allowed to grow. The events of this book occur simultaneously with Ascendence, with each book referring to events transpiring in the other. Having completed her Elven training, Brynn Dharielle embarks on her quest to liberate her people from their conquerors. With her is Belli-mar Juraviel, her Elven companion and mentor. Early in their journey, they become sidetracked, the circumstances of which gain them a new companion. In their effort to traverse the mountains and gain Brynn's homeland, another significant branch is added to the storyline. In addition to the good guys mentioned above, there are also the conquerors. Some of the political machinations of these religious fanatics described by Salvatore are just delicious, while many of the resulting actions are quite disturbing. The main character from this group is the leader of the Behrenese peoples, and the architect of the conquest of Brynn's homeland. While he is supprted by religious fervor and thrives upon it, it is quite clear that he is both a heretic and a hypocrite, making him one to love to hate. There is another new set of characters in the guise of an enclave of reclusive monks. One of the major characters in the story is a member of this monastery, and he is a great character, often proving to be a moral foil to Brynn and others with his blunt innocent statements and questions. For character development and the new setting for the world of Corona, Salvatore has outdone himself, and far surpassed the previous book in the series. Fantasy readers will love this one.
Rating: 
Summary: More of the same with less inspiration
Review: In Transcendance R.A. Salvatore explores more of the world of Coronoa. The story takes place ten years after the fall of the Demon Dactyl and follow the ranger Brynn Dharielle as she travels with the elf Bellimar Juraviel to a southern kingdom so she can launch a war. Much of the story, however, reads like his other war novels (Demon's Apostle, Witch's Daughter, etc.) and the characters are far less tantalizing. Many people have come to enjoy the passion and philosophy of Drizzt Do'Urden, the Drow from his Forgotten Realms novels. To this end he has tried to create a character very much like Drizzt with Brynn. Brynn, however, lacks the background that Drizzt had during his formative years. She lacks the uncomparable skill in swords that awed many readers. She even is unable to truly come to grips with death and destruction in the same way Drizzt did. For example, she bemoans having to attack and kill in a city and then calmly hangs the equivalent of the mayor. She'll have a quick conversation with her confidant Pagonel, and then move about the next piece of business. In fact, few of the characters illicit awe from the readers. His early charcters were the greatest at what they did (Avelyn with gemstones, Drizzt with swords, etc.) The only one to remotely inspire is Pagonel. He is unfortunately introduced a quarter of the way in the story and is mostly relegated to sidekick. Furthermore, there seems to be little new ideas within this book and it mostly falls within traditional fantasy. The dragon is the biggest, strongest, most fearsome creature around. The elves are secretive and mistrustful of humans. This contradicts the novels of the first DemonWars Saga when a new world was introduced wherein the magic came from gemstones. That was at least a twist on traditional fantasy stories. Sadly Transcendance lacks that. What you will find in Transcendance is a greater exploration of Corona. It is in fact a very big world. You will even see a couple of familiar characters though few will inspire you.
Rating:
Summary: More of the same with less inspiration
Review: In Transcendance R.A. Salvatore explores more of the world of Coronoa. The story takes place ten years after the fall of the Demon Dactyl and follow the ranger Brynn Dharielle as she travels with the elf Bellimar Juraviel to a southern kingdom so she can launch a war. Much of the story, however, reads like his other war novels (Demon's Apostle, Witch's Daughter, etc.) and the characters are far less tantalizing. Many people have come to enjoy the passion and philosophy of Drizzt Do'Urden, the Drow from his Forgotten Realms novels. To this end he has tried to create a character very much like Drizzt with Brynn. Brynn, however, lacks the background that Drizzt had during his formative years. She lacks the uncomparable skill in swords that awed many readers. She even is unable to truly come to grips with death and destruction in the same way Drizzt did. For example, she bemoans having to attack and kill in a city and then calmly hangs the equivalent of the mayor. She'll have a quick conversation with her confidant Pagonel, and then move about the next piece of business. In fact, few of the characters illicit awe from the readers. His early charcters were the greatest at what they did (Avelyn with gemstones, Drizzt with swords, etc.) The only one to remotely inspire is Pagonel. He is unfortunately introduced a quarter of the way in the story and is mostly relegated to sidekick. Furthermore, there seems to be little new ideas within this book and it mostly falls within traditional fantasy. The dragon is the biggest, strongest, most fearsome creature around. The elves are secretive and mistrustful of humans. This contradicts the novels of the first DemonWars Saga when a new world was introduced wherein the magic came from gemstones. That was at least a twist on traditional fantasy stories. Sadly Transcendance lacks that. What you will find in Transcendance is a greater exploration of Corona. It is in fact a very big world. You will even see a couple of familiar characters though few will inspire you.
Rating:
Summary: What can I say - like RAS
Review: Is this a genre changing book like a Tolkein or Donaldson. Nah. But he writes well, much better than the average fantasy writer. Well worth a couple of hours.
Rating:
Summary: What can I say - like RAS
Review: Is this a genre changing book like a Tolkein or Donaldson. Nah. But he writes well, much better than the average fantasy writer. Well worth a couple of hours.
Rating:
Summary: better and better
Review: Mr. Salvatore first won over fans with his original Demon Wars trilogy. The "bridge" book between the two trilogies, Mortalis was nothing short of spectacular. He followed that up with an excellent book in Ascendence, only to one up himself with his latest, Transcendce. Richly developed characters travel through Corona, a very well laid out and interesting world, on fantastic adventures. It's easy to become attached to his characters and find yourself trying to dodge blows in the action sequences. If you haven't read the first five books of the series, it's well worth the time to start at the beginning. Otherwise you will find yourself captivated by just one book, instead of them all. This series is unfairly lacking the recognition it deserves!
Rating:
Summary: better and better
Review: Mr. Salvatore first won over fans with his original Demon Wars trilogy. The "bridge" book between the two trilogies, Mortalis was nothing short of spectacular. He followed that up with an excellent book in Ascendence, only to one up himself with his latest, Transcendce. Richly developed characters travel through Corona, a very well laid out and interesting world, on fantastic adventures. It's easy to become attached to his characters and find yourself trying to dodge blows in the action sequences. If you haven't read the first five books of the series, it's well worth the time to start at the beginning. Otherwise you will find yourself captivated by just one book, instead of them all. This series is unfairly lacking the recognition it deserves!
Rating:
Summary: better and better
Review: Mr. Salvatore first won over fans with his original Demon Wars trilogy. The "bridge" book between the two trilogies, Mortalis was nothing short of spectacular. He followed that up with an excellent book in Ascendence, only to one up himself with his latest, Transcendce. Richly developed characters travel through Corona, a very well laid out and interesting world, on fantastic adventures. It's easy to become attached to his characters and find yourself trying to dodge blows in the action sequences. If you haven't read the first five books of the series, it's well worth the time to start at the beginning. Otherwise you will find yourself captivated by just one book, instead of them all. This series is unfairly lacking the recognition it deserves!
Rating:
Summary: seamless
Review: Mr. Salvatore has done it again, but even better this time. If you are looking into beginning the DemonWars Saga, don't start with this one! Start at the beginning and you will gain a knowledge of the rich, multi-textured world that Salvatore has created. He is the master of showing, not telling. In this book, Salvatore has created a story following Brynn, Aydrian Wyndon's schoolmate, in her quest to free her homeland, at the same time that Aydrian is trying to assume control over Honce-the-Bear. We read about Aydrian's efforts in Ascendence, and now we read about Brynn's doings in Transcendence.
Salvatore keeps the action steady and moves the story along at a fast clip, keeping the reader eager to see the plot unfold. His subplots involving the Chezru Chieftain's dark secret and the Jhesta Tu and the dragon keep the experience full and very interesting. We meet some wonderful new characters in Pagonel, Cazzira and Agradeleous. Characters we are familiar with continue in their own personal arc and we find ourselves cheering for Juraviel and his growing joy.
The only weakness this book has is the lack of faith that Salvatore's publishers have in the reader. I wanted him to have taken a little more time with the conclusion, and I feel like he wanted to, but his publishers doubted his readers would want to read an even longer book. The fact is, I read this book in four days, while I read the Wishsong of Shannara in two weeks. Both books are of the same length, but Salvatore is much more adept at plot spinning and character development.
Finally, the battle scenes with their large scale depictment and intimate step by step scenes are outstanding.
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