Crypt of the Shadowking (Harpers, No 6)

Rating:
Summary: One of the better Harpers titles I've read thus far.
Review: Actually, 3.5 Stars. Decent story line. A definite step up from some of the other Harpers books (I am reading them in order and have just finished this one). It's not a brilliant story or brilliantly written, so I'd say it's really best for FR fans.

Rating:
Summary: A good story but not very memorable.
Review: I really thought this book was well written with a good plot and characters. Unfortunately, it seemed to lack something that would otherwise have made it stood out as superb. Caledan is a fascinating character who becomes entwined with Mari while investigating problems in the city of Iriaebor. One of the better novels in the Harper series but i'd only recommend it to other fans of the Forgotten Realms setting.

Rating:
Summary: "It's called the Mal'eb'dala, The Book of the Shadows"
Review: In Crypt of the Shadowking, Caledan Caldorien, a former Harper finds himself involved in trying to save the city of Iriaebor and its citizens from the sinister Zhentarim, led by his dead fiancés sister. Together with Mari Al'maren, an active Harper, and his old adventuring companions from the Fellowship of the Dreaming Dragon, he sets out to spoil the villain's plans.
The book is very well written, and the reader feels that they have been transported to another universe and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense.

On the negative side, HOW did a city like Iriaebor, City of a Thousand Spires, fall so easily and quietly under the control of the Zhentarim and WHY did the city's prominent/powerful citizens not put up so much as a fight for over a year, when it was evident as to who Lord Ravendas was, not to mention the presence of Zhents among (actually dominating) the military/city guard?
Moreover, where is the outside intervention that would surely come if and when a city the caliber of Iriaebor ever fell to the Black Network? Crusades would be undertaken to expel the Keep's agents from the City.
The only resistance comes from a Thieves' Guild and the Harpers, with the latter using "green" Mari, and "uncooperative" Calderon?

By no means does this make Curse of the Shadowmage a bad book; the plot, the writing and the characters are very well thought out and presented!
The story of Verraketh, the sorcerer, who becomes the Shadowking, along with the Nightstone, with which he "meant to gain sway over the spirits of men and bring countless realms under his dire rule" (Pp150) are GREAT.
Moreover, the Shadevar was an interesting addition to the story.
Zhents, assassins, love, duty, honor, bravery, magic, and swordfights are all about.
Strongly recommended along with Mark Anthony's Curse of the Shadowmage, which is the sequel to Crypt of the Shadowking, as well as The Shadow Stone by Richard Baker for a good dose of Shadow Magic.


Rating:
Summary: Action-packed high fantasy adventure won't disappoint.
Review: This is a very entertaining, well-constructed novel. There is never a dull moment in Caledan and Mari's battle against the Zhentarim for control of the city of Iraiebor, from Caledan's unwelcome return to the city, rife with evil, to an all-out battle and just slightly predictable conclusion, as Caledan and an accompanying band of heroes race the Zhentarim's evil agents to discover the secret of the shadow magic. It's a page-turner, with chapters more often than not ending on cliffhangers. The book has its share of surprises, and the characters are introduced slowly and developed well. I found myself rooting for the main character, Caledan, to succeed and to "get the girl" Mari, which should happen considering this a tightly-plotted, quick moving novel focusing mainly on Caledan and his exploits as he reluctantly tries to wrest the city from evil's grasp. Anyone who just wants to have a good time reading an excellent adventure novel should try this. It leaves you wanting a sequel, or even a trilogy.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent addtion to the Harpers series
Review: This is a wonderful tale by Mark Anthony, ranking up there with the best Realms stories of Salvatore and Cunningham. The characterization is very good, and, as each character is introduced gradually, you get a good feel for their personalities. The writing style is smooth and flows very well from chapter to chapter; it's one of those compulsive reads you end staying up till 3:00 AM reading! The story itself is strong and imaginative, and while the climax is just a bit predictable, nevertheless it builds very well to an exciting conclusion. There is also a nice denouement, which ties up loose ends very well, something that not all Forgotten Realms authors are good at doing. Highly recommended, both for veteran readers of the Realms and fantasy in general, as well as newcomers!

Rating:
Summary: Worst TSR book I've ever read
Review: While this book had an OK beginning, the imagination and original creativity of the book quickly went out the window. There is a scene where a thief is being hung, but his friends just waltz on by and free him from execution...not a bad idea, but I saw it first in the movie "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves". And then the readers discover that the thief has a distinct personality which is none-too-subtlely ripped-off from the thief Silk in David Edding's books. I am abhorred that TSR actually published this book which barely retains a shred of true originality.