Byers, Richard Lee Books

Undead: Haunted Lands, Book II (The Haunted Lands)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Solid characters and decent story 3 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Undead by Richard Lee Byers is the second book of the Haunted Land trilogy set in the Forgotten Realms. The first book is titled Unclean (Forgotten Realms: The Haunted Lands, Book 1) and the third book, scheduled for release in March 2009, is titled Unholy. This trilogy is the second trilogy penned by Mr. Byers in the Forgotten Realms, the first trilogy was titled Year of the Rogue Dragons. Mr. Byers also has several other stand alone books, or books apart of other series, set in the Forgotten Realms such as; Dissolution (Forgotten Realms: R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen, Book 1), The Black Bouquet (Forgotten Realms: The Rogues, Book 2), The Shattered Mask: Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, Book III (Forgotten Realms), and Queen of the Depths (Forgotten Realms: The Priests).

The plot of this book is a direct continuation of Unclean, so if you have not read the first book, then you really need to do so before reading this novel. There are many plot elements that occur in this book that are set up in the first novel. The main plot of this book is the continued civil war that is occurring in the realm of Thay. There are several sub plot scattered throughout the novel as well such as; numerous political aspects. Things such as who is on who's side, and will that person betray the side they are currently on to help the other side. The romantic sub plot from the first part continues into this novel as well. A sub plot involving Szass Tam's army and what it takes to keep an army, such as his, moving and `happy'. There are also a couple other sub plots, but I won't talk about those for fear of spoiling things for some people. Overall, the plot seems a little more developed, which is to be expected, from the first book.

The characters in this book are mostly the same as the first book, but there are a few more added that help the story progress. The main characters remain largely the same. Characters such as Aoth, Bareis, Tammith, and Szass Tam headline the character cast. Much like I felt with the first book, the characters of this book seem to really be an aspect that keeps things interesting. While I enjoyed these same characters in the first book, I was unsure just how much character development would take place in this book. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of character development that did take place. There is even at least one instance that the character development goes beyond normal expectations and adds an interesting touch to what should be a very interesting character in the third book. The thing I like most about the characters, is that they really aren't flashy, they just are. They seem normal, and real. Even the lich Szass Tam has some character development, which surprised me because he has been around in the realms for a long time.

My only real criticism with this novel is how the chapters are setup. They are organized as several small `snap shots' of scenes featuring different points of view. To me, setting up chapters like this causes them to feel disjointed and as though they are jumping around. I would have much preferred slightly longer scenes, and smaller chapters. The way it is right now it is very hard to develop any continuity and consistency. As a reader, it seemed like just as I was getting into the story I was jerked out and thrust into a different plot line. It made for difficulty following things and I am almost positive I missed things due to this.

Some things I really enjoyed about this book.

As I said above, I enjoyed the characters quite a bit more. In fact, I enjoyed them even more with this book, since Mr. Byers did not have to spend as much time setting things up. He was allowed more liberties with them and it really showed.

Also, I have always been interested in Thay, as I am sure many other readers have been. This book, and trilogy, allows us a glimpse into the intrigue and cut throat nature that Thay is.

Overal, I enjoyed the book however, I am still left with the impression that if it was written differently (style wise) I would have enjoyed it more. I don't feel as though I was able to get the full experience and see the full vision that Mr. Byers had. With that said, I think this trilogy is a must read for Forgotten Realms fans as there is one event in this book that will certainly have an impact throughout the entire Forgotten Realm landscape. This is a book I will recommend to hard core Forgotten Realms fans, but aside from that I am not sure how often I will be recommending this one.

Editorial Review:

Join heroes fighting the undead hordes!

Undead armies have massed and march to the beat of an evil necromancer's drum. The living citizens of the magic-rich realm of Thay must unite and mount a defense before they die and join their enemy's ranks.

The second book in The Haunted Lands series, the events in Undead will have tremendous impact on the Forgotten Realms world.

War of the Spider Queen Gift Set, Part I (War of the Spider Queen)

Richard Lee Byers, Thomas M. Reid, Richard Baker

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

If you moderately like RA Salvatore's books... 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 10 people found this review helpful.

...you'll become fully engrossed in this compelling series. The series follows the journey of a group of drow from Menzoberranzan on the quest to discover the fate of Lloth, the Spider Queen. The party is comprised of high priestess Quenthel Baenre, sister to now matron mother Triel Baenre, Jeggred the draegloth and son of Triel, Pharaun Mizzrym, mage and apprentice to Archmage Gromph Baenre, Rhyld Argith, Pharaun's "trusted friend", Faeryl Zayvirr of Ched Nasad and her slave Drisinil, and the scout Valas Hune. (I think that's everyone) As the story progresses, other story lines weave into the grand web.

Each book is written by a different author which I thought at first was going to affect the atmosphere of the series. Let's face it not many people can really capture the duplicitous and intriguing nature of drow. Each author's style is really what makes the series prominent and memorable. Each book was unique both from point of view and style. For example one book was told exclusively from Pharaun's point of view while another was from multiple points of view. Another cool aspect of the series was that the reading level was vastly superior to RA Salvatore's books. I love a book (in this case books) that makes me find the definition of a word while I'm reading and expands my vocabulary.

Another selling point is the authors are much more vivid and slightly graphic than RA Salvatore, but not overly so. Just enough to compel you say "wow what a way to go, very cool," then turn the page. Lastly and simply these books are a must read because they involve drow while not involving Drizzt!

Editorial Review:

This striking new boxed set contains the first three titles from R.A. Salvatore’s War of the Spider Queen six-book series: Dissolution, Insurrection, and Condemnation. Each author is a veteran writer who is well-known to Forgotten Realms fans, and multiple-time best-selling author R.A. Salvatore consulted on the entire series of titles.

When the evil goddess of spiders stops answering the prayers of her faithful, the matriarchal theocracy of the dreaded dark elves teeters on the brink of ruin. A hand-picked team of powerful drow embark on an epic quest to answer a simple question: Where is the Queen of the Demonweb Pits? The question may be simple, but finding the answer could either save or destroy an entire civilization.

Unclean (Forgotten Realms: The Haunted Lands, Book 1)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I can't wait for the rest of the series! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Richard Lee Byers is an excellent author. In my opinion, he is the one of the best authors to write a forgotten realms book, second only to Salvatore, but obviously out to challenge him. His writing style is high in action, and full of vivid description. Not once in this book did I want to put it down, and I found that I couldn't read it when I went to bed or I wouldn't get any sleep.

The book is set in the country of Thay on Faerun. Thay is ruled by a council of mages called Zulkirs, each Zulkir being the leader of his form of magic. Slavery is a common practice everywhere in Thay and the zulkirs themselves view everyone else as mere pawns at best. The book begins with the murder of one of the zulkirs and a failed attempt to invade a neighboring country by an army of Thay. These two events set up a general feeling of turmoil that sets the tone of the situation in the country.

The two heroes of the book are Bareris, and Aoth. Bareris is a skilled Bard just arriving home after six years of adventuring abroad, and Aoth is a wizard member of the Griffin Legion, doing his duty and nothing more, except what happens in the privacy of the tavern. We find out about Bareris's love selling herself into slavery only two tendays before and Aoth develops a love during the course of the book. The situation between Bareris and Tammith, his childhood love drives Bareris to discover one part of the mystery behind this book. Aoth on the other hand discovers a force of undead on a rampage and becomes part of the army to fight against them.

Eventually we are introduced to Malark, a monk. Malark is not motivated in the same way as Aoth and Bareris, but I won't reveal anything about him except to say that he becomes a more important character as the book progresses. Finally, Bareris is introduced to Mirror, a ghost that is thousands of years old, and our four heroes are united in the civil war that is brewing in Thay.

Byers is an amazing writer using a great combination of known creatures and original creatures in this book. He also uses organizations familiar to those of us that know about the realms. For example, the monks of the long death. In this book, we see an excellent use of a well known character of the realms when Byers uses Szass Tam. Szass Tam is as ultra powerful, polite, and evil as ever in this book. If you aren't familiar with these people, creatures, or organizations, a little `wiki' research will fill you in on such things.

This book is excellent, and everything about it makes me want to read the rest of the series. I seriously recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy horror, or is a realms fan. Unclean is just the beginning and I want to read the whole series.

Unholy: Haunted Lands, Book III (The Haunted Lands)

Richard Lee Byers

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Dissolution (Forgotten Realms: R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen, Book 1)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 64 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

An excellent book for all Drow lovers! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

After reading all of Salvatore's books on the Drow, I was thoroughly enchanted by them. This book and the others after it were a godsend. The characters are great, the plot enticing, and it's about the Drow! Malicious and devious, this book and all five after it are excellent.

About what some of the people said about this first one, though. They are correct in some respect about the writing. Byers does go a bit overboard with the level of language used. Still, though, the book is good enough in and of itself to justify five stars here. An excellent novel.

Editorial Review:

The debut title of the R.A. Salvatore-inspired series is now in paperback.

Dissolution is the first book in an epic Forgotten Realms series about one of the most popular races in the setting. A prologue by project consultant and New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore introduces the title and the series.

While their whole world is changing around them, four dark elves struggle against different enemies. Yet their paths will lead them all to the most terrifying discovery in the long history of the drow, and set them on a quest to save not only Menzoberranzan but the entire dark elf race from Dissolution.

The War of the Spider Queen begins here.

The first novel in an epic six-part series from the fertile imaginations of R.A. Salvatore and a select group of the newest, most exciting authors in the genre. Join them as they peel back the surface of the richest fantasy world ever created, to show the dark heart beneath.

The Black Bouquet (Forgotten Realms: The Rogues, Book 2)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Adventurous misdeeds 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Holy cow! There are a ton of unexpected twists and turns in the fast and easy read. Even if you find fault with the characters the pace is fast enough to keep this enjoyable.

I did find a few small editing issues (He instead of The and the like) but nothing that distracted from this adventurous caper.

This book was given to me and I finished it on a around the world plane flight. I have since found the other in the series and will read them.

Editorial Review:

The second title in a series of stand-alone adventures about the secret life of rogues.

He thought it was a game.

He thought no one would get hurt.

He thought he could trust a tanarukk bandit.

He thought he was hired for his skill and cunning.

He thought it was just another victim, just another mark.

He thought he could do his job without turning the entire city agaisnt him.

He was wrong.

Second in a new series that brings to life the people who survive on the fringes and in the shadows of the Forgotten Realms world--The Rogues.

The Rage (Forgotten Realms: The Year of the Rogue Dragons, Book 1)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Retarded Dragons and "Infinite" Life 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I've only read about 50-60 pages and decided not to waste anymore of my time with this book. The dragons are absolutely retarded in this book. I hate reading books where authors make the main characters all Rambos and stupidifying powerful enemies or creatures so the Rambos can mow them down in a lame attempt to show how "awesome" the main characters are. This book also reads like you're watching somebody play a game. Somebody almost dead? No problem, here's a healing potion. Gored by a dragon? No big deal, here's a healing potion! If not a healing potion, then a handy cleric with the cure dragon bite spell. And while we're at it, let's chug some acid resistance potions to make that acid from the dragon useless! Being instantly revived from fatal wounds totally cheapens combat scenes, and having a seemingly endless supply of those healing potions or healing spells is ridiculous. I was half expecting somebody to say they got 2,000 experience points after killing a dragon. If this sort of thing turns you off, don't buy this book, because I imagine this book would continue with the stupid dragons & instant cure themes. I know I'm never buying a book from this author again

Editorial Review:

The first in a new trilogy of novels from R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen author Richard Lee Byers. The Rage is the first title in a new trilogy exploring the ancient secrets of dragon society in the Forgotten Realms world. Author Richard Lee Byers will be writing the entire trilogy, and the cover art for the trilogy and the associated anthology will be rendered by award-winning fantasy artist Matt Stawicki.

The Shattered Mask: Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, Book III (Forgotten Realms)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Crucial installment of the Sembia series 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

After reading and really enjoying the last two books in the series, I was somewhat nervously regarding the release of this book as it centres around a rather awkward secret and marital problems ( I personally like to avoid these sorts of problems in books and see the characters simply focus on beating the bad guys, winning the girl etc etc).

However the book is well written with the author exploring the past and present of the Uskervan matriach, a character who has been sidelined and treated a bit coldy in most of the previous stories. Richard Lee Byers however does a good job of exploring the character and adds plenty of exciting action to boot. To top it all off the book ends with a happy ending, something which always leaves me with satisfied feelings at the end of a book.

All in all this book is pretty good by the standard of most Realms novels and despite some credibility gaps as to what the characters do, is really pleasing (along with the other stories in the series) for the way in which it threads all the characters and stories together in a way that we grow attached to them and feel as if the family is really changing through the tests it has thrown at it (kinda like a soap opera I guess).

With the standard of the first 3 books in the Sembia series so high, I can barely wait for the next addition to the series "Black Wolf" to be released in December.

Editorial Review:

When Shamur Uskevren, the matriarch of one of Sembia's oldest and most powerful merchant families, is tricked by an angry wizard into an assassination attempt on her own husband, her family is thrown into turmoil. Once the truth is dicovered, she and her husband must struggle to save their family and stop the sorcerer. But in her anger, she has fogotten one thing: in the world of intrigue and decption, of shadows and lies that is Sembia, nothing is ever what it seems.

The Rite (Forgotten Realms: The Year of the Rogue Dragons, Book 2)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Byers keeps the story moving 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is the middle book of the Year of the Rogue Dragons trilogy. As such parts of the story need to be moved along and things set up for what will surely be a great final installment.

Byers follows through on all accounts and does a fantastic job of keeping the story going without recycling things used in the first book. As you read this one you can sense things coming to a head in the next book. You can almost anticipate what is going to happen in book three, the the second you do there is a twist that makes you rethink all that you thought before.

All-in-all this is a very good middle book and makes me eagerly anticipate the third in this very good trilogy.

Editorial Review:

The second in a new trilogy of novels from R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen author Richard Lee Byers.

The Rite is the second title in a trilogy exploring the ancient secrets of dragon society in the Forgotten Realms world. Author Richard Lee Byers will write the entire trilogy, and the cover art for the trilogy and the associated anthology will be rendered by award-winning fantasy artist Matt Stawicki.

The Ruin (Forgotten Realms: Year of Rogue Dragons, Book 3)

Richard Lee Byers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Two and a Half Stars Rounded Down 2 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This conclusion to the Year of Rogue Dragons trilogy was hamstrung from the every beginning with the lackluster plot and tone set by its predecessors. As the first two books in the series didn't exactly blow us away, I cannot say that The Ruin singlehandedly ruined the series, but it definitely left MUCH more to be desired. The Ruin made me so disinterested that only my status as a hardcore Forgotten Realms fan enabled me to truck through this book after several weeks and several sittings. This once promising story is so devoid of any excitement, richness and character, I couldn't care less, with the exception of Pavel the priest, what happened to each and every personage. I could think of a lot of things, a rock for example, I could better empathize with. The author just seemed to randomly generate a band of 7 wildly dissimilar yet completely bland adventurers (a half-golem, song dragon, human priest, winged elf, halfing, ice dwarf, and a pseudodragon) and have them quest AND survive against humorously impossible odds. There is zero connection to them and the Forgotten Realms universe; the author might've well as written "abracadabra" and then have 7 adventurers appear out of nowhere to do battle with dragons. Cursory and transparent attempts were made at character development such as the love affair between the Dorn the half-golem and the Kara the song dragon (!?!?) but it is painfully obvious that this was nothing more than a page filler until the next gigantic battle. The redeeming qualities? It is a grandiose journey through a large breath of Faerun that includes Sammaster and Iyraclea and has plenty of varied and frenetic action albeit ill-conceived.

Needless to say, I expected more out of the talented Mr. Byers.

Editorial Review:

The climactic conclusion of The Year of Rogue Dragons! Madness takes hold, Sammaster draws closer to victory, and forgotten secrets are revealed at last. Dorn and the rogue dragons will have to find the source of a millennia-old curse, then find some way to destroy it, before the Rage overcomes the world.