All Shadows Fled

Sharantyr, a recurring character in this series, and her friends, battle Malaugrym. Oh, other stuff happens, yes, but the most important and memorable parts are the Malaugrym. This book was the first time I remember reading about these creatures, and I found them fascinating. The main characters actually invade the Malaugrym's home on whatever that other plane is that they live on, and have a suspense-filled time waltzing through a Malaugrym mansion. It is really quite entertaining.

... not just of Greenwood's works, but just of Fantasy in general. The novel picks up directly where the last one left off, and flows without a hitch. The Rnagers Three return as the main heros of the novel, with Elminster and the Knights of Myth Drannor (all FR regulars) spiraling in to give life to Greenwoods infamous humor. (Check out the chapter "There's always revenge". that cracks me up every time i read it.) while the battle scenes (specificly the one for Mistledale) are rather unrealistic (70 v 7000, 70 win with maybe 20 casualties...) they are fun and very well crafted. The way that Greenwood lights from perspective to perspective draws the reader in, and the Maulaugrym provide entertaining and origional villians. THe trilogy was created to be a more perosnal look at the Time of Troubles (as opposed to the Avatar Trilogys wider world-based view) and the two complement eachother nicely, although Greenwood is the better of the three writters. I recomend this to everyone and anyone who enjoys FR and Fantasy novels.

While the series isn't a literary smash, it is solid fun reading. The battles are well choreographed, despite the fact the good guys don't really look like they'll lose. This leads a lot of fans to despise the Zhentilar as push over baddies. However, Ed does return with his tongue in cheek humor, and the wonderful descriptive voice he uses. While not nearly a pulitzer quality book, it does a good job at being what it is...a fun adventure. I would like to note, that the book Elminster: Making of a Mage is a super jump after this one, as would be the Avater series. And lastly, when Mystra says "Elminster cannot last forever" at the end, Ed leaves you wide eyed at the possibility for "Elminster:The Death of a Mage", will it ever happen? Wait and see.

This story is fast paced, action packed and a great finish to the Shadow of the avatar series. Belkram and Ithar are great renderations of real people, while Shar is a little hard to belive. The knights of Myth Drannor add comical amusement in this book (check out the chapter called "There's always revenge" for the best scene from any book I've ever read) Overall, Ed did a great finish to a great series.

Once again Ed Greenwood captivates us with his superb writing and detail of the characters we all love: Elminster, Storm Silverhand, Sharantyr, Belkram, Itharr, Khelben Blackstaff, Sylune and many others. This final chapter in the Avatar trilogy kept me entralled until the very last word as Sharantyr, Belkram, Itharr and Sylune continue to investigate the Malaugrym's schemes and the chosen of Mystra fight them without the aid of their magic. The novel's conclusion was excellent and surprising especially when I read the quote by Midnight (Mystra) "Elminster cannot last forever." This book was worth far more than the purchase price. Enjoy! (I certainly did).