In Sylvan Shadows

In R.A. Salvatore's second novel of "The Cleric Quintet" series, R.A. Salvatore brings us some his best writing outside of the Dark Elf series. Break neck pacing, intriguing plot, well done character development and growth, hilarious comedic relief, basically, everything you want in a novel, the author packed into this novel. "In Sylvan Shadows," for me, can be counted among the few novels where I had the time and more importantly, the inclination to actually sit down and read the novel in one day as I simply, could not put this novel down. The premise: Castle Trinity, after suffering the loss of the chaos curse and its bid to destroy the Edificant Library, unleashes its army of monsters upon the elves of Shilmista forest. Cadderly, Danica and the Bouldershoulder brothers join forces with the elves in an epic struggle to expel these monsters and regain control of the forest... What follows is one of the best fantasy fiction novels available. I highly recommend this novel and the rest of "The Cleric Quintet" series to fans of this genre. A note of disappointment that the publisher hasn't made this novel available for Kindle. {ssintrepid}

Well written and easy to follow from the Book I. Highly recommended if you have read the first book.

While a some elements of In Sylvan Shadows seem to be, ahem, borrowed from Tolkien, there are also concepts that the fantasy genre at large could do well to to emulate. Take Rufo - he's not "OMG pure evil!!!", he's just a coward. Cadderly struggles with his humanity more in this volume, whether his mercy is a strength or a weakness. And, if nothing else, it's very nice to read a novel where the climax is not a dramatic duel (although there are plenty of those) but a healing spell.

"What?" I thought to myself "Five books about acleric? How good could that be?" But because it was Salvatore Iread and, boy, am I glad I did. Cadderly is one of the best characters I have ever read about. He fancies himself a scholar a priest who is not adept at the clerical magic of his faith...or is he? ...There are complaints about the ending, and I too must admit that it is not the most heartwarming in the world in was necessary for the transfer into the next book, just as Cadderly's Year Quest was for transition to this book. If you are a fan of Drizzt and Salvatore's books then you will this book and series very ingrossing (I read the first three books in a day, I couldn't help myself) and extremely intertaining. ...Don't be dissapointed that everyone's favorite dark elf ranger is not in this series, Cadderly is every bit as intriguing. IF you did not read this series because Drizzt is not in it then I beg you to reconsider you will not regret your decision.

This is just another great example by Salvatore of just how to write a fantasy novel. Yet again I found myself having to stay up late at night, to read the next page, the next chapter. It only took two or three nights to finish off, I just couldn't stop reading in case I missed something important. Cadderly is a totally believable character and his friends are a bunch of misfits who somehow manage to form a great friendship whilst in the midst of a horrific war. You cannot help but feel for them all and you find yourself cheering at their successes, frowning at their losses and feeling upset when they fight amongst themselves. Recommended without a second thought.