Bury Elminster Deep: The Sage of Shadowdale [Englisch] [Gebundene Ausgabe]

Disclaimer-If you read the review and feel there is a spoiler in it, please let me know and I will remove that section. Also, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.

Bury Elminster Deep is the next book in the series The Sage of Shadowdale. The first book is Elminster: The Making of a Mage, the second is Elminster in Myth Drannor, then The Temptation of Elminster, Elminster in Hell, Elminster's Daughter co-wrote with Elaine Cunningham, and Elminster Must Die!. Elminster Enraged is due out in August 2012.

Bury Elminster Deep continues directly from where Elminster Must Die! ends. The main plot of this book follows those who want to take control of Cormyr and unseat the king. There are numerous subplots dealing with all the intrigues of the nobles and the disorganization of the war wizards and just about everyone else in the castle. There are also the love interest subplots and the ambitions of the one who strives to be the king of Cormyr and beyond.

At first the novel begins with a very linear storyline and once the focus shifts to the city of Suzail pretty much all hell breaks loose, which is a very accurate way to describe the writing. There are so many shifts in the settings is was very difficult to keep up with what was going on and became confusing to the point I was thinking this was not going to be that good of a novel. After about two-thirds of the way through the book, the plotline becomes more focused and was easier to follow along and was a definite improvement. The ending was a bit surprising and yet not all at the same time, but was a good place to stop to for the next novel to begin.

Some criticisms:

1. Lack of direction in the beginning. There was so much going on it was really hard to follow the story as I said previously. I was so lost I didn't know where this book was going. Eventually, however, it does get back and track and makes up for all the confusing moments.

2. Jumpy. Along with all the things going on, the focus of the book shifts constantly and the reader is forced to change perspectives about every other page adding to the confusion of trying to keep up with all the plotlines.

3. Way too many side characters. There are so many names thrown at the reader it is hard to keep up with who is who. Not only the characters that play a part in the story, but also those that are just mentioned to serve either as a lineage or who is supposed to be in league with who.

Some positives:

1. For those who were looking forward to seeing if what was mentioned in the last book was true, well you will have to see, but I am sure you won't be disappointed in what you find out. To add on to that, the ending of this book expands on the FR world and explains nicely what was foreseen by the Gods and why the spellplague had to happen.

2. The main characters really shine for me, especially Amarune and Lord Arclath. They develop nicely and I found myself really caring for them and how things played out and kept rooting for them. Also I really enjoyed Mirt. I have always had an affinity for his character and enjoyed every novel he has been in. He adds some nice comedic scenes and keep things interesting and entertaining.

For me this was just another average book by Mr. Greenwood. This one could have been so much better without all the jumping around and the multiple subplots which I feel were supposed to keep the book exciting, but tuned out to just make it more confusing. For fans of Mr. Greenwood, you will definitely want to get this one to see how things progress. For those who don't like him, well, I have a feeling this book won't change your mind either. For fans of the FR and hardcore fans, you may want to pick this one up if only just for the beginning and the ending. For people new to the realms, start at the beginning of the series and judge for yourself, but know there are better out there.

Happy reading

-Dimndbangr

Although "part of" the overall Elminster series of novels in the Forgotten Realms, Bury Elminster Deep is better thought of as being part of a subset trilogy within that series. It follows Elminster Must Die!, and won't make much sense if you haven't read that first. Then, the next book, Elminster Enraged is due out in August 2012.

Set in the nation of Cormyr, you'll see many of the characters using language or expressions specific to that region. Some readers might find this a bit confusing or annoying, but those familiar with the Realms will understand. In many ways, this book is a nod to prior novels and characters of the Realms, and even brings some characters who "should have died" (because of the spellplague or the 100-year "gap") into the present 4th Edition Realms. It is, after all, a world of magic, and many of these old characters will be familiar to long-time Realms fans.

Beyond the familiar characters, there is a large cast of characters to keep track of in this novel. And, in addition to the main plotline, there are quite a few secondary and tertiary plots to keep track of as well, making it a somewhat complex read. The overall story involves a threat to the kingdom by a truly old enemy from the past, and his plan involves numerous mind-slaves, spies, and dupes. On top of this, you have several different factions of loyal, semi-traitorous, and fully traitorous nobles that are each working toward their own agendas. Amid all the chaos and twists, our protagonists have to figure out what's going on, and how to save the kingdom. It's not your standard one-shot Realms novel with a simple, straightforward plot.

For me, this was one of Greenwood's best novels. I liked the twists and turns, and all of the competing, often backstabbing, nobles with their various interests. It made Cormyr feel more realistic, more alive, because you never quite knew who might show up next and how they might upset the main villain's plans or unbalance the efforts of the protagonists. Suzail felt like a living city. The main characters were compelling, and quite frankly they nostalgically reminded me of the "old" Realms that I grew up with and loved. It was a fun read, with plenty of humor and adventure, nods to the past, and characters old and new, to go along with the serious. Too many current novels in 4th edition are overly serious, overly dark, or both.

Lord Arclath, Amarune, Storm, Elminster, and Mirt were all very compelling and enjoyable. For those still seeking answers about the murdered goddess of magic, Mystra, you may be surprised. And if you like Greenwood's style, you won't be disappointed. If you prefer simple plots, aberrations, and quickly-defeated evil, this won't be the book for you.

Ed Greenwood, credited with nearly single-handedly creating the Forgotten Realms, has put forth a new Elminster series. Set after Mystra has died and then returned, El must survive the culmination of one of his deadliest enemie's grandest schemes. But El's role in his own book is overshadowed by his costars, as El spends much of the book as a pile of dust.