Crypt of the Shadowking

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.

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.

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!