War in the fantasy world can be uplifting or it can be cruel. See what happens when twelve talented authors put their spin on things in REALMS OF WAR….

In Paul S. Kemp’s Continuum, Rivalen was willing to do anything to serve his priestess. But was the cost worth it? Continuum is an entertaining albeit slightly confusing story to readers unfamiliar to the background. It took me a bit to get into the storyline and see where it was going and I wish it had answered more questions than it did. On the other hand, it makes me want to hunt down more stories by Paul S. Kemp just to see where all the events are leading to!

Lisa Smedman takes readers on a wild ride in Weasel’s Run. Weasel is trapped by The Beast and has a chance to live. Will he survive the Hunt?  Lisa Smedman weaves together a clever tale that seamlessly flows back and forth in time as the pieces begin to fit together. Sometimes it isn’t how big one is but rather how quick one can think that wins and the author shows this well.

The Last Paladin of Ilmater by Susan J. Morris features two women on a quest involving a child and the undead. The ending is both startling and brilliant. Susan J. Morris packs a lot of tension into such a short story as her characters are vibrantly alive in this fascinating tale.

Black Arrow by Bruce R. Cordell is perhaps my favorite story in the anthology. Jotharam Feor finds a way to get involved in the war despite his mother’s wishes and his actions make him a hero. Who can’t help but love the impetuousness of Jotharam? Bruce R. Cordell perfectly captures the heart of this brave and daring adolescent in this heartbreaking story? Black Arrow shows how heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and yes, even ages as Jotharam is a hero to remember.

In Too Many Princes by Ed Greenwood, Mirt the Merciless is faced with a dilemma. The vizier has created doubles of numerous people including Mirt and the trap is about to be sprung. Ed Greenwood’s tale is more than a bit confusing as no one is ever sure if the person before them is really that person. Perhaps if I’d been more familiar with the world itself, this would have been an easier read. The ending was a bit of a disappointment, too, as it seemed like the author took the easy way out.

The Siege of Zerith Hold by Jess Lebow is a story of war. Goblins are attacking and it is up to two men to inspire their men as the odds seem hopeless. The Siege of Zerith Hold is pure action as the story details an intense and sometimes heartbreaking battle. Fans of the Forgotten Realms world will probably appreciate this one more than readers new to the world.

Mercy’s Reward by Mark Sehestedt features Gethred showing mercy and freeing a wolf ensnared in a trap. Sometimes doing the right thing can pay off in a big way. Mercy’s Reward was initially a bit difficult to follow for a newcomer to the storyline with all the various intrigues and characters but it quickly begins to all come together. The ending isn’t necessarily unexpected but is still satisfying.

In Redemption by Elaine Cunningham, the elf Elaith Craulnober finds his purpose as his legacy is revealed when he aids other elves. Elaine Cunningham is actually one of the two authors I’ve previously read and her story did not disappoint. Her characters are always multidimensional and Elaith is an excellent example of her skill in crafting characters one cares about.

Changing Tides by Mel Odom is the strongest stand alone story in the anthology and the most entertaining to someone new to the realm. Rytagir Volak is on an underseas salvage operation when things go awry. Changing Tides shows exactly why Mel Odom is an author I regularly read. The prose is clear and concise while the characterizations are sharp. The action draws the reader in as Changing Tides makes me want to read more of the Forgotten Realms books. 

Jaleigh Johnson’s Chase the Dark is the story of Devlen Torthil. Devlen is a man who has found solace in being a charlatan… but how will he handle an opportunity to shine as a hero? The relationship between Devlen and Morla intrigued me in this story as I found I wanted to know more. The twists in Chase the Dark are quite well done as Jaleigh Johnson throws in a few surprises for the reader.

Bones and Stones by R.A. Salvatore is a story I was eagerly anticipating as I’ve heard so much about this author. Thibbledorf Pwent and G’nurk are enemies in a war, but sometimes even enemies have something in common. R.A. Salvatore not only writes a fantastic story, he also makes a powerful statement with Bones and Stones. While Pwent and G’nurk are very different on the surface, underneath it all they have the same hopes, dreams, and emotions. 

Richard Lee Byers concludes this anthology with Second Chance. Kemas deserted his temple and has been captured. Will he get a Second Chance at defending his beliefs or will he be forever branded a traitor? Richard Lee Byers writes a very smooth story in which Kemas is forced to mature quickly or die. The growth of the main character is well done as Richard Lee Byers will have readers cheering for Kemas as the story unfolds.

REALMS OF WAR is an entertaining fantasy anthology. Even readers unfamiliar with the Forgotten Realms world will find something to pique their curiosity. Very enjoyable!

Reviewed by Debbie

 

 

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Posted April 2008