Elfshadow

I have to say, this book surprised me. When I began reading it I didnt expect to like it as much as I did. I mean, about the only Forgotten Realms stuff I've read has been Salvatore and I was afraid to read anyone else lest I be disappointed. But I wasn't with Elaine Cunningham. Her characters and plot take you along on a ride that is neither disappointing nor impossible (as many fantasy plots become) The plot is rather understandable but nonetheless interesting... someone is killing Harpers and the prime suspect is a Harper agent. Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elven Harper 'assassin' whose magical sword will only let her engage an armed and preapred enemy in 'honorable' combat, which is a bit of a drawback when the enemy doesn't have a trace of honor, is the suspect. All the murdered Harpers have been near her yet she herself has not been killed... And the Harpers, who seem to have communication problems, send a few diffrent investigators... not all of whom are interesting in saving the Harpers.If you've never read a Forgotten Realms book try this one as well as the Salvatore books. Both these authors make the Forgotten Realms so vivid and populate it with interesting people and things.Enjoy!

The first book in the much heralded and well deserved Songs & Swords series is simply one of the best novels in the Forgotten Realms line. For those of you who haven't yet read Elaine Cunningham...brace yourselves. Her writing style is just addicting. Throughout this first book she introduces the reader to a pair that you'll surely grow attached to: Arilyn Moonblade and Danilo Thann. Their mission to discover the mystery of the unaccountable deaths of various Harpers is really quite engaging. Then, when you meet such personalities as Kymil Nimesin and Elaith "The Serpent" Craulnober, it gets to the point where you're all of a sudden putting Ms. Cunningham in the same league as R.A. Salvatore and the DL duo Weis & Hickman. I can't spoil any of the intriguing plot developments but the story in Elfshadow is very complex and refreshing. I highly recommend this title by Elaine Cunningham, and I can guarantee that if you enjoy fantasy done right, you'll finish this book and immediately pick up the next book in the series Elfsong without a second thought.

This book is the first of a great series by E. Cunningham.The characters are so well formed that you feel you're right there with them.The series spans 4 books ELFSHADOW,ELFSONG,SILVER SHADOWS, & The DREAM SPHERES.The characters grow & learn more about themselves as you do.This is one of the best series I have read, & I've never seen a story unfold & evolve better than this one..

The first book that Elaine Cunningham wrote for the Forgotten Realms world, it is the most engaging of her works to date. Follow the earliest adventures of Arilyn and Danilo as they seek to solve the mystery of the Elfshadow. Their personalities are finely wrought and three-dimensional and may almost be called the Mulder and Scully of Faerun. The story will surprise and delight any fantasy novel fan.

The magic of "Elfshadow" is awesome. I started reading this book a days ago and finished the next evening. When you read this book you will be caught in a nonstop joy ride to God knows Where!!! After reading "Elfshadow" pick up the exciting sequel "Elfsong". Even though Arilyn is only in it once Danilo does a good job of being the main character. But before "Elfsong" check out "Realms of Valor". That book will tell you how Arilyn and Danilo got to Tethyr