The Floodgate

There are absolutely no redeeming qualities to these villians. You'd love to kill them yourself. The narrow escapes, danger from 'friends', help from 'enemies', the blurring of always excepted right and wrong -- and tied all up with magic. What more could you ask for? A hero, a heroine, a mission with no clear direction and danger around every corner. Do what's right or do as you're told and preserve surface honor? What would you do?

Elaine did an excellent job with The Floodgate. The book is both captivating and entertaining. I recommend this novel along with the entire trilogy.

Having defeated the deadly Laraken, Jordaini counselor Matteo and his mischievous companion Tzigone get on with their lives... or so they would want to. Along with a memorable cast of companions, they will be thrust into a wickedly twisted plot that threatens to undo the might of magical Halruaa.In this second of three novels of the Counselors and Kings series, author Elaine Cunningham maintains the quality of work she is well known for. As with most go-between novels in a trilogy, The Floodgate builds upon previous material and leads into a conclusion. As such, it is as fine a bridge as I've had the pleasure of reading. Halruaa is brought to life as never before, and despite the general lack of references to some more familiar Forgotten Realms characters (who are largely dismissed as 'barbaric northerners') you won't be missing any bit of the excitement or action that the Realms are known for.The author, as is expected, answers some questions and leaves others for later. There is a tense sort of foreboding behind the swordplay and spell battles, impressive though they might be. One cannot help but wonder where this is all leading. Rest assured that all will be answered by the end of the series. Do read The Floodgate on the way, however, for this trilogy is best taken in whole.

As I typically do when a Cunningham novel comes out I dropped what I was currently reading and dove right on in. And once again I was not at all disapointed. This is a continuation in the Counselors and Kings trilogy. As with most second novels this one reveals many of the hidden action, creating more conflict in an increasingly chaotic world. Previously Halruaa was seen as a very orderly law driven community. In Magehound and even more so in Floodgate the chaos, deception, and the usual bereaucracy unseen by most citizens in a strong noble community is revealed. I think the most amazing thing of any Cunningham novel however is the reality of her characters. Rarely purely evil, or purely good as seen in so many fantasy novels. Always the shades of grey that make us think, and help us identify with them. This one is no different. From the obviously tortured soul of the villian Kiva, to the confusion of Matteo and his boyhood friend Andris, their eyes opening to a strange many layered web of a world, and their different chosen paths within it. And most of all, the young heroin Tzigone. A powerful girl in a very cruel world, simply doing anything she can to survive and to find out who she is, as we all do. But this novel has more than just strong characters. It has a tight plot, that doesn't stray to far from its purpose, though you sometimes wish it would so you could learn more of the world around. And, of course, good battle scenes. This is a treat for any fantasy fan and I simply can't wait for the final installment.

WOW!!! I never thought that the best writer for WotC could improve on the perfection of "The Magehound", but she did! Elaine Cunningham is without a doubt the most talented writer at WotC!!!!!!!!!!!!