Beyond the High Road: The Cormyr Saga

Cormyr, Faerûns forest kingdom, steeped in lore and pride. Long has it stood against the shadows of evil, a bastion of hope against the evils of the world. But, how is one to battle a shroud of evil from within, forged by the nation itself over its long and storied history? A year has passed since King Azoun IV lay awaiting death, incapacitated by an assassin's plot. Cormyr has survived the near loss of her king, but untold evils lie awaiting their opportunity to devour the lands unaware of the danger. "Beyond the High Road" is the second in the, thus far, marvelous Cormyr Saga. The first title, "Cormyr: a Novel" by Greenwood and Grubb, functioned as a stand-alone title, this title does not. In no way does that diminish its value, or its success as a novel. That is not to say it requires you to read the precursor, but doing so will only serve to enhance the plot and the depth to the characters, whereas it will become vitally important to obtain and read the following title. In regards to the author, oft times Mr. Denning has been accused of "not doing his homework" when it came to realms consistency-the prime example being a Shou Embassy in Elversult-nevertheless, he's done his research for this title. His handling of the characters, and their personal voice and ambiance are seamless with previous works. His handling of such renowned characters as: King Azoun IV, both of his daughters, and especially Vangerdahast, is wonderful. This is without a doubt his finest realms work to date, and not to be missed.Further, Tanalasta the much-maligned crown princess is handled extremely well. I cannot in good truth say I like her in the slightest, or that I wish her upon the Cormyte people; but she is handled with a consistency befitting her personality, and past representations. It is true, as another reviewer stated, I wouldn't mind her death, but she is the least of my worries as I look forward to the third act in this saga, this August's "Death of the Dragon" by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning. The last chapters of this book leave me with many questions unanswered, but I do not feel jaded, as though the answers are not forthcoming. Moreover, if you have waited until now to read this book I envy you even more. If you are an avid reader of all things Faerûnian, or merely a fan of fantasy fiction, you will enjoy this title (along with the predecessor), I urge you to order them now, you will not regret it.

If you need closure to a book, you might want to wait for the sequel and buy both at the same time. This is just an appetizer, the main course is to come. Tanalasta has improved since Cormyr the novel. She is driven and focused now. The creatures were vivid and chilling. I didn't put it down till the end and can't wait for the sequel!

Troy Denning's "Beyond the High Road" is set in the Forest Kingdom of Cormyr, in the wildly popular Forgotten Realms. This novel continues the saga of Cormyr, and in particular Vangerdahast, Azoun, and the two crown Princess'. Denning shows us his best face in this book. He has obviously done his research into Realms Lore; and his depiction of the characters, following so closely on the heels of "Cormyr: A Novel", both in Realms time and our own is seemless! The story is full of the classic elements, character growth, flawed heroes, the whole showboat. A top notch book, and a must have for any fan of the Realms. The end will leave you thirsting for more (Which you'll get next August in "Death of the Dragon").

Troy Denning's "Beyond the High Road" is set in the Forest Kingdom of Cormyr, in the wildly popular Forgotten Realms. This novel continues the saga of Cormyr, and in particular Vangerdahast, Azoun, and the two crown Princess'. Denning shows us his best face in this book. He has obviously done his research into Realms Lore; and his depiction of the characters, following so closely on the heels of "Cormyr: A Novel", both in Realms time and our own is seemless! The story is full of the classic elements, character growth, flawed heroes, the whole showboat. A top notch book, and a must have for any fan of the Realms. The end will leave you thirsting for more (Which you'll get next August in "Death of the Dragon").

Though it seems like tsr is trying to say that this is a sequel to Cormyr: A Novel -- it's really not. This book is not only more interesting, but much more focussed and just more intelligent in every way. Something big is obviously being set up in this book and you shoiuld miss it at your own risk. Troy Denning gets better and better with age and experience and though I've heard that some FR fans don't like him for some reason. This book is exciting, thought-provoking and flat out excellent. Denning is shaping up to be the best (maybe not the most popular) writer in the FR series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for people with a brain and those over the age of 12.