Dragonwall

Dragonwall, is the second book in the Empires Trilogy, and deals primarily with Shou Lung (located to the far east of Faerun), and its inhabitants. Picking up from where Horselords left off, the book sheds light on General Batu, leading the imperial forces in the defense of his homeland against Khahan Yamun and the Tuigan army. Whereas Horselords looks at the story from the point of view of Koja and the Tuigan, Dragonwall looks at the continuation of the same story from the point of view of General Batu and the Shou Lung. It's not bad, just a bit unusual, and it does take some getting used to. The plot as a whole is excellent! The book is so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to another plane of existence and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. Moreover, Troy Denning does a great job of presenting the distinct culture and civilization of the peoples of the Orient. He has done a great deal of research in order to provide such an accurate and lucid description of the Chinese-like people. Red Wizards, Gnolls, epic battles, sieges, political intrigue, blackmail, assassinations, and betrayal are all about. In conclusion, Dragonwall has something for everyone, and is strongly recommended to all Forgotten Realms fans, especially Eastern/Oriental enthusiasts.

This is an absolutely amazing novel. The second book in the Empires trilogy, it completely avoids the "middle book syndrome". Most 2nd novels in a trilogy are about nothing and contain a whollllllle lot of travel, but this book is a very personal tale. Batu is a general in the Shou army who is charged with stopping the Tuigan invaders. His wife is left behind to deal with the court. Out of these 2 simple plot devices a fascinating tale unfolds.Without revealing anything I will say this, the novel is a very personal journey by Batu as he tries to deal with the invaders. The pleasant thing about this tale is the unexpected twists it takes. What you expect at the beginning of this story is not what you get at the end. Being that it is the 2nd book in a trilogy there are some things that you know MUST happen, such as the Tuigans continuing on to battle Cormtyr in the 3rd novel. This does not mean that a very powerful battle does not occur. It is the results of the battle and its fallout that are surprising.All of the characters are interesting, and seem like real people. In fact, it is the honest portrayals that make this such a good book. After everything that Batu goes through his responses seem real, not as if they were manipulated to fit an outline. It was further enhanced by the appearance of characters from the 1st novel, who come across as true to their portrayals in Horselords. If you want a really good story with action and personality read Dragonwall.

This books holds the second dimension of the 3 dimensional gem called "The empires triology". Leading you to view the desicions and lives of 3 leaders all engulfed in a sweeping war makes you think a bit about right and wrong, winner and loser. Almost as good as "Horselords" this book opens a gate to the land of Shou Lung, it's court and it's field. As a young general attemps to hold the kingdom's borders from the sweeping horde of Tuigan barbarians, while his wife attempts to save his reputation and command from the hands of spy sent to undermine him.A book that engulfs you in battles and conspirasies. A Must BUT can be fully enjoyed only after reading "Horselords".

Upon finding out this book is no longer in print, I felt upset-- upset that so many lovers of fantasy literature will never be able to read it. Fans of AD & D novels who are forgiving of the weaknesses of the genre will be shocked to find those weaknesses missing here. DRAGONWALL is a study of a man who struggles; he struggles between duty to empire and duty to his ancestry, love of family and love of emporer, and the hateful but necessary arena of politics versus the glorious but hardship-ridden theatre of war. Stunningly, this book satisfies on a variety of levels; the intrigue of court politics is intricate and suspenseful, the scenes of battle are breathtaking and involving, and the personal struggles wracking the protagonist make you understand him deeply. You will admire him and suffer with him. If any "fantasy" novel can bridge the gap between entertainment reading and literature, this is the one. Try to find it--it's incredible.