The Alabaster Staff

This is the first book in a series of stand alone novels focusing on one of the most loved classes in the Forgotten Realms the rogue. Edward Bolme was chosen to write the first book, I believe they are having young authors write these to get their names out there so to speak. Bolme does a fine job with his first novel. This novel is set in a place that hasn't been written about before, which allows the author to flesh it out as he wants to and not rely on what others have done. I was impressed with how 'real' his characters seemed. They weren't over the top like some characters can be. It was refreshing to read characters that had flaws and weren't all powerful. All-in-all this is a very good start to these stand alone novels.

I am an avid reader of D & D Shared world novels, especially Forgotten Realms. I have lost count now how many novels I have read in total. But believe me when I say this that 'The Alabaster Staff' is one of the finest novels that you will read in recent times. I was really dubious about the Rogues series as, first of all, that character class has never been one I have enjoyed. After reading this I am ready to roll up a new character sheet. One of the really good things about the main character in this novel, Kehrsyn, is that she is not coming across as your typical rogue. Certainly not your master thief, which are normally portrayed in D & D based fiction. She is more a rogue, borne out of circumstance. For this reason you find her a lot more believable. She is a character that also stays consistent throughout the story. The person that she is at the start, is basically the person she is at the end of the book, regardless of what she has been through. The other characters in the book are wildly varied, from the straight talking Demok, to the lavishly scripted Massedar (who in my opinion is one of the best written characters, in term of dialogue, I have ever read). It is a rollercoaster of a ride, a book I could not put down. The last few chapters were filled with energy and I just kept on turning those pages until I hit the back cover. If you only have money to buy one realms novel, and you are looking at this book then do not hesitate and buy it now, you will not be dissapointed. Edward Bolme has an Eberron novel coming out later this year, which I am eager to read (Orb of Xoriat) and I think that his name is one we should all watch out for in the future!

This book is an absolute gem, recommended for all Forgotten Realms and fantasy fans.I'm a long-time fan of the Realms novels, and in my opinion this is the best for ages! The first novel in The Rogues series, this book focuses on Kehrsyn, a young and reluctant thief who is required to live off her wits and skills when forced into an unfortunate situation that spirals out of control.Maybe the premise is nothing particularly new, but the execution is wonderful. Edward Bolme understands the characters he writes about completely, and each has a beautifully fleshed-out personality (and agenda)! Starting slowly and deliberately, and building up to a thunderous, fast-paced climax, this story left me wanting much more than its 309 pages could provide. Here's hoping for further exploits of the characters and setting involved.A fantastic and refreshing change from all the Drow and `Event' series!

This book is quite different from most other FR novels I have read. Normally I don't go for change, but this is quite an exception. Quite an interesting technique having the first chapter focus on someone who then hands the plot off to the main character. A very inventive way to keep within the spirit of the series. Through most of the book my opinion was borderline, but the surprising and complete 180 of an ending just did it for me. I'm a sucker for that. I hope WOTC does a sequel or at least a followup using these characters.

The Alabaster Staff is about a young street performer whose life is occupied by figuring out where her next meal will come from, where she can spend the next night....and sometimes manages to find a little piece of happiness by entertaining children with her remarkable sleight of hand. She's also an unwilling thief who's sworn never to steal again. Then she's suddenly drawn into a twisting plot of double-crossings and betrayals. At the center of it all, an artifact of great power - the Alabaster Staff. This engaging novel is three parts fantasy, one part murder mystery. It's reminiscent of a 'Who-dunnit' thriller, and has you guessing until the end. The characters are believable yet surprising, and the author has made the protagonist not only realistic, but refreshingly moral-minded, a virtuous rogue who struggles with her own reluctant vocation. I found myself identifying with her more than most characters in the Forgotten Realms series. The book breaks down some of the archtypes normally associated with certain character classes, such as priests, warriors, and of course, rogues. You don't have to be a fan of the Forgotten Realms to enjoy this book, but it certainly helps. Set in the oppressed and occupied nation of Unther (a land previously unexplored in Realms novels, to my knowledge), it's a new landscape with a few familiar goodies tossed in as well. It's a fast read, inspiring, and not to mention full of really cool stuff. Did I not mention the cool stuff? Well...go read it then!