Evermeet: Island of the Elves

Along the lines of JRR Tolkien's classic, the Silmarillion, and with a slight touch of Spelljammer and Planescape, comes Elaine Cunningham's Forgotten Realms novel, Evermeet: Island of Elves.It deals with the Elves and their long journey through the eons up until the present (as far as the Forgotten Realms world is concerned). It does bring to mind Ed Greenwood's and Jeff Grubb's Cormyr, and one could easily claim that Evermeet deals with the Elves in a similar way that Cormyr presents the history of the Cormyreans, or Cormytes as is more common within the Kingdom.The book is so incredibly well written that 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. Elaine Cunnigham has truly outdone herself once again and has presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work, RA Salvatore's The Dark Elf and Icewind Dale trilogies and in authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends trilogies. She has done a FANTASTIC job of both acquiring vast knowledge relevant to the People as well as presenting this material relating to the customs, the religion and the history of the Elves, efficiently and successfully! Her solid grasp of factual detail makes her very capable of providing the necessary background needed to carry out the difficult task of writing Forgotten Realms novels, especially one as complex as this, which is something often missing from the work of many Fantasy authors. Do keep in mind though, that Evermeet is not a book for the light-hearted, instead it is more tuned to the needs/taste of the Forgotten Realms die-hards (like myself...)Gods, Elves, Dragons, Magic, Honor, Love and swordfights are all about. Elaine Cunningham's Elfshadow, Elfsong, and Silver Shadows make up for a great trilogy and are a "must read" together with Evermeet, especially for all those who have a soft spot for everything Elven!

This is one of the few of author Elaine Cunningham's novels that does not feature one of her trademark characters. The story does mention some of them (Danilo and Arilyn) and is supposedly a result of the former's research into elven lore. Instead of focusing on familiar heroes and heroines, Evermeet is a story of elves both familiar and not. It can be seen as a continuation of the saga started with 'Elfshadow,' and fans of that series will find it an interesting read. Without giving too much away, Evermeet: Isle of the Elves starts at the present day for a rather alarming prologue that is only settled at the very end. That is to say, the island is under heavy assault, and the reader knows little of how this came about or how it will turn out. The rest of the book explains just that- starting way back when the elves first came to Toril. Included is an intriguing portrayal of the Seldarine and its nemeses: Lloth, Malar, and Grummsh. Also included are interesting points about the primeval Forgotten Realms and its occupants, and a good deal of narrative on the early history of the drow. The novel, of course, is largely focused on the last refuge of the elves- the isle of Evermeet. Its history is laid out from the beginning, and the author has plenty of compelling and wondrous tales of its founders, occupants, and defenders. Essentially a collection of short stories within a looming overall plot (that of Amlaruil, the present leader of Evermeet), Cunningham has proven herself as much a master of the brief tale as the multi-volume scheme. For those who have read and enjoyed Elaine Cunningham's other works, and also for those merely interested in the Realms and their elven inhabitants, this is by far the most exciting and brilliantly composed work on them. The intricate weave of a plot that spans thousands of years (but just generations for elves) is something that must truly be experienced.

I couldn't put it down. I wouldn't recommend it to a first time reader. I love the way it bounces back and forth to keep me on my toes. The layout reminds me a lot of the book, Cormyr, in the way it moves back and forth. I really enjoyed finally understanding the character of Alustriel. The ending left me hanging for a sequel. I can't wait for the story to continue!

This book was fantastic! It blew me away with it's intricate web of intrigue. It really challenges your mind to follow the storyline, because it wavers back in forth through time and diving down deep into other worlds. The part with the Elven Gods was splendid. I love the way Elaine Cunningham told the story of how Loth came to be. This book is incredible! If you read any other Forgotten Realms book that deals with elves, you'll want to pick this up. It is the centerpiece of the elves. If you've never read a Forgotten Realms book, this one would give you a taste of almost every aspect in the Forgotten Realms realm! A must buy!

This book is the prime example of why books for fantasy games should be written. Sure about 90% are complete crap, but every so often an author with talent comes along. Elaine Cunningham is one of these gifted authors. Her book takes a look at elven history in the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, and also some of the lost history of elves is uncovered. It begins with the history of the elven gods, with the fight of Corellon Larethian, and Grummish One-Eye. And ends very well considering the size and scope of the book. Many thousands of years go by in this book. The first date in the book comes almost at the end, and it is -9000 DR, 10,000+ years before the current Forgotten Realms year. I loved this book, and cannot say enough about it.