This book was a really quick read: not only was it too short, but I couldn't stop once I started. After reading the first two books, I really wanted to know what the plot would turn out to be and the Wizardwar wraps up everything and each event that happens is important. Even though I didn't skim this book, it only took me several hours to complete. If you read the first two, you would love how this book has a mixture of the two books. I can't stand the ending though! It wasn't bad, its just that the book ended! Overall the book was very well written and a nice creative break from my favorite author, R.A. Salvatore. But honestly, after this book I'm starting to like Cunningham more. The character developement is amazing as they grow and grow on you. I would highly reccomend it to anyone who likes fantasy (and elves: Elaine likes elves) but you should read the first two books (The Magehound and The Floodgate) first!

The Counselors and Kings trilogy is author Elaine Cunningham's best work since Elfshadow. Although they can be taken one at a time, these three novels are best read as one monolithic book. In The Wizardwar, the author brings the intricate plot to resolution, in one of the best finales I've seen in fantasy literature.

Readers of the previous books might have picked up some hints about what will happen in the magical kingdom of Halruaa, but many things are left unanswered. Namely, who is descended from who, and why does this matter? I won't spoil it for you here, but suffice to say that the answers might be surprising, and it indeed does matter. The machinations of the elven wizard Kiva and the efforts of her victims to stop her are both intriguing and exciting. Though the object that is the Cabal was finally revealed in The Floodgate, you'll finally discover exactly what it does.

Cunningham weaves an truly fine yarn, as usual interspersed with excellent characterization and humor. The magical kingdom of Halruaa comes to life in astonishing detail, including a unique cast that is both memorable and believable. For any fan of the Forgotten Realms, this is a must-read.

This book is excellent. As a gamer that has been living in the Forgotten Realms for years, I was truly fascinated by a closer look into this new area of the Realms. The book tied up all loose ends and shocked us with several revelations. The introduction of new people, such as the Crinti, have really given gamers fuel for their fires. The characters are deep and complex. I will agree with one other review, it was a bit rushed or short depending on your point of view. If you are a fan of mages in the Forgotten Realms, this series is an excellent place to start. Thanks Elaine for such a great series and I'm looking forward to the next.

This is a GREAT book. It is a MUST read for all 4th grade teachers and students. It has universal appeal, that I think anyone, who enjoys reading about history, in a kind of you are there style, will enjoy. I have read this book yearly to my 4th grade classes since it was first published. The story is based in the Rancho period of California history. It is unique in that it is about a girl, and how daily life on a rancho affects her. The girl is young and the kids easily relate to her. The story itself is fiction. But, it is set on a Rancho that really did exist in what would later become Ventura County. The names of the people that the girl and her family interact with are real names of local founding families, and are historically accurate. A LOT of research has gone into making it as historically accurate as it can be. There are other good fiction stories for other periods of California history, but usually a boy is the main focus. It is WONDERFUL to have a book that has a girl as the main character and to have one that strives to be historically accurate while still telling a good, engaging story.

Elsong is the sequel to Elfshadow, a book written by Elaine Cunningham and continues the stories of the Harpers, a secret society for good. In this novel, Ms. Cunningham brings several characters back. For example, we see Danilo Thann, a bard turned Harper, Elaith, an suspicious and cunning elf, Kehlben Arunsun, a powerful sorceror, and, very briefly, the quick-witted, sword swinging half-elf, Arilyn Moonblade. In the story, Danilo is chosen by his uncle, Khelben, to seek out the answer to what is changing the history, memory, and life for the people in the Forgotten Realms. Unfortunately, he finds himself paired with his rival, the elf Elaith. With the aid of dwarves and elves and harm caused by sorceresses, dragons, and harpies, Danilo and his small group of companions set out to save their people and stop the evil within the changes. A good read, but not as lively as Elshadow. However, its still pretty top-notch.

Danillo must team up with his old enemy Elaith Craulnober the elf assasin.They both quest for the same artifact but each has different plans once they get it.The bards keep changing the lyrics to all the old songs of history but no one knows why. This book is the second of a great series by E. Cunningham.The characters are so well formed that you feel you're right there with them.The series spans 4 books ELFSHADOW,ELFSONG,SILVER SHADOWS,& The DREAM SPHERES.The characters grow & learn more about themselves as you do.This is one of the best series I have read,& I've never seen a story unfold & evolve better than this one..

This book is just as good as Elfshadow because of the fact that Danilo Thann and Elaith Craulnober, two of the most well-made characters in novel history and two of the most unlikely pair, have to work together to recover a harp that is enspelling musicians of the Northlands, in a plot to rid the city Waterdeep of its Archmage, Khelbun Arunsun. Very well made. A good read.

Silver Shadows is one of the best TSR books, well worth reading. But to get the most out of it, I suggest that you read the two prequels for it first: "Elfshadow" (Harpers 2) and "Elfsong" (Harpers 8). They are essential for understanding the small subplots and undercurrents of "Silver Shadows." Another useful prequel reading for this book is a thirty page story by Elaine Cunningham in the Forgotten Realms anthology "Realms of Valor." This story, called "The Bargain" is directly related to "Silver Shadow" and explains the reasons behind the Harper mission which landed Arilyn Moonblade and Danilo Thann in Zazzespur and their respective introduction to the Assasin's and Wine Merchant's guilds.

With "Silver Shadows", Elaine Cunningham once again returns to the forested lands of Faerûn. In her forth tale set within the Forgotten Realms, she reprises the character Arilyn Moonblade taking her far from the familiar territory of Waterdeep. In this tale, we follow Arilyn's journey through Zezasspur, capital city of the tumultuous nation of Tethyr, and into the distinctly fey realms of the sylvan elves of the Tethir forest. Somehow, the Harper must straddle the line between these two starkly conflicting cultures, and find the means to save the elven people of Tethir; all the while struggling to find her own place in both worlds, to neither of which she fully belongs. Mrs. Cunningham is a master of her craft; in my opinion, none among her Faerûnian peers can match her compassion, and objectivity to the elven plight. She also has a talent for developing characters; all too often, the characters within a fantasy novel are merely passengers for the plot, not so for this author. She remarkably balances the expected, with the unexpected, all the while maintaining a compelling story ripe with action, humor and emotion. This was a marvelous book, whether or not you faithfully follow the tales of the Forgotten Realms, this is a must read. However, I suggest you first read "Elfshadow" and then "Elfsong" before you pick this one up; while not necessary, it will only serve to enhance the undercurrents within the story.

I loved this book which continued the wonderful tale of Arilyn Moonblade. Silver Shadows helped give incredible insight into Arilyn's inner turmoil stemming from her half-elven heritage, the moonblade which she wields, and her evolving relationship with Danilo Thann. You also get a rare and interesting glance into the interworkings of the elven royal family on evermeet and their feelings towards both Arilyn and the forest elves living in Fauren. And lets not forget the wonderful Silver Shadows (which I won't spoil for you what they are!) As usual Elaine Cunningham weaves a wonderful story perfect laced with great dialogue, interesting characters, and great action!

The first book in the much heralded and well deserved Songs & Swords series is simply one of the best novels in the Forgotten Realms line. For those of you who haven't yet read Elaine Cunningham...brace yourselves. Her writing style is just addicting. Throughout this first book she introduces the reader to a pair that you'll surely grow attached to: Arilyn Moonblade and Danilo Thann. Their mission to discover the mystery of the unaccountable deaths of various Harpers is really quite engaging. Then, when you meet such personalities as Kymil Nimesin and Elaith "The Serpent" Craulnober, it gets to the point where you're all of a sudden putting Ms. Cunningham in the same league as R.A. Salvatore and the DL duo Weis & Hickman.

I can't spoil any of the intriguing plot developments but the story in Elfshadow is very complex and refreshing. I highly recommend this title by Elaine Cunningham, and I can guarantee that if you enjoy fantasy done right, you'll finish this book and immediately pick up the next book in the series Elfsong without a second thought.

This novel is the first Realms novel I have ever read and up to this day after countless others, it still remains my favourite. I have read this book so many times I can no longer count them. At a time when the Forgotten Realms and Harpers series were still in their beginnings, when many other FR books seemed to be no more than documented role playing campaigns, Elaine Cunnigham conjured forth a novel which will keep you up all night! I love so much about this book. The intriguing plot that will stupify you again and again, characters of great depth that you just gotta love [Arylin, Danilo, Khelben, and even Elaith (or perhaps especially Elaith!)], a great setting and action sequences which are neither too short nor too elaborate. When you finally do close this book, you

a) Feel realy good about finally having money well spent. b) Feel really hungry as you realize that you have not eaten for the past 22 hours.

c) Feel that you will read it again soon.

For FR veterans and people who have never touched a fantasy book alike: This is how a book should be written! Get it while it's still there!

Andreas "They don't get any better than this" Meyer

I loved this book.It was really good.If you like any of the forgotten realms books then you'll love this one.It has everything in it you like about books.I liked that it has some comedic stuff in it.It's about this girl Arilyn Moonblade who inhereits a sword.There's this assassin who follows her.He kills someone and it just so happens that she's always near it.And he leaves the Harper sign somewhere on the victim.She finds a man named Danilo Thann and they try to find the assassin together.I would tell you more but I obviously wouldn't want to spoil anything for you now would I?Anyway go read the book and I'm sure you'll love it too.

For a middle book it is good. I did not care for this book quite as much as "The Magehound", but still I enjoyed it. In this book the author evolves the characters well. We learn the fates of the characters after the battle in the swamp. This is a great book within an excellent trilogy. "Counselors & Kings" will end up being one of the more popular FR sets in recent years.

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.

Well I must say I enjoyed this novel, especially with the prequel having left me in a state of "Gee, and how can so little happen on so many pages?" puzzlement. Elaine Cunningham did her best to save the plot (was she aware of this after the first book came out?) You can tell she feels much more comfortable with the setting being outside the underdark, which she has already shown in great harper novels. Her underdark just didn't work for me (much less her drow), and this book shows how great Cunningham can really write. The story unfolds with great detail and less of the confusion which "the Daughter of the Drow" previously held in store for us. The storyline on the sea is great and I really did get to like Fyodor and Liriel (especially her sense of humor) but I also must say that the Ruathyms did annoy me quite a bit and I would not have shed too many tears had they failed to defend their little island. Plus I had to grit my teeth every time Shakti Hunzrin appeared on the scene. Gimme a break Elaine! That character was sometimes just outright ridiculous! All in all a good novel with a good story (& a good logical end). You will like it if you overlook the annoying characters. I still think Elaine Cunningham is THE best author for elf stories, but I will now limit that judgement to the elves who dwell on the surface. Like Elaith Craulnobur (*hint hint hint*, Mrs. Cunnigham.)

Divination

I enjoyed this book more than any of Elaine Cunningham's other novels because I felt as though Liriel and Fyodor were much better developed than Danilo Thann and Arilyn Moonblade. Liriel in particular developed into a fascinating character. She has a wicked sense of humor, and seemed to struggle with the notion of herself as a "goodly drow". She developed through this novel into one of "those who dream".

The only thing I did not much care for was Liriel's relationship with Lloth and, to a lesser extent, Ellistrae. I realize that a goddess of chaos can act however she chooses, but I agree with some other reviewers that Lloth seemed to answer Liriel's prayers frequently, without much reason. Moreover, the way in which Liriel finaly escaped from Lloth was a bit of an anticlimax to one of the central struggles within the book: Liriel's relationship as a "good drow" with an evil goddess. Finally, mere minutes after renouncing Lloth, Ellistrae enabled Liriel to perform a resurrection. That seems like a lot of magic for a fledgling priestess who has just renounced her goddess.

All in all, though, I really enjoyed this book, including the twists at the end, even if I did find the clerical aspects to be somewhat unbelievable, the characters themselves were so rich that it made up for a lot.

I have been a fan of Cunningham's for quite awhile now, and I feel that this is definitely her best work as of yet. She often is berated for her weak characters, and shallow plots, but I think this book shows how far she has come in her writing.
Liriel is still as confused and haughty as ever, and Fyodor is still trying to decide how he feels for her because of these traits. In this book we see Liriel growing (albeit slowly)out of her selfish cruel upbringing, and becoming much more compassionate and considerate of others. The only complaint I might raise is that Liriel is a bit too "lucky". The girl is still an adolescent, and yet she is an incredibly powerful mage, cleric, fighter, and much more. Although the end of the book does bring more emotional weakness to like which helps. Fyodor's character doesn't really change at all, but his sturdy, loyal personality is needed to provide contrast.
The relationship between the Liriel and Fyodor was really orchestrated well, in my opinion. Cunningham manages to bring their longing and desire to the surface without turning it into some trashy romance novel. Instead she draws you into the fears and hopes they both have, and keeps you rooting for a happy ending for them.
I am a huge fan of Salvatore, and these books are almost as good as the ones concerning Drizzt. It is also nice to see Liriel find her love, after waiting for Drizzt and Catti Brie to get together for so many long years!!!
I highly reccommend this book, and cannot wait until Windwalker comes out!!

"The Magehound" is the first book in the Counselors and Kings trilogy by Elaine Cunningham, the popular author of many books in the Forgotten Realms series. As evidenced by this book and her others in the Forgetten Realms world, Ms. Cunningham is definitely a fan of elves as a few to several of her characters are of elvish descent.

The story revolves around a young jordaini that has his best friend taken from him. The primary villain, Kiva, the Magehound, is the one responsible and Matteo, the jordaini, seeks justice. While Matteo himself does not have magical abilities (it is forbidden for jordaini to have them), he does meet others with magical abilities to help him on his quest. The Magehound convinces those who follow her that her plans for conquering a swamp filled with undead are honorable. However, they soon learn that she is simply one who intends to better herself.

The storyline drags a bit in places, but that is to set up events later in the book. The ending is satisfying, but abrupt. The buildup is too long for the quick resolution. There are a number of subplots left hanging which will be resolved in the next two books. The fight scenes are also not discussed in detail like they are in Salvatore's books (his strongpoint). Cunningham seems to spend more time describing the characters and their world. This is not necessarily bad, but when a book is this short (312 pages) and too much time is spent in this manner, the overall flow of the book is affected -- hence my rating of three stars. It's still an enjoyable read, but be prepared to read the other two books in the trilogy soon afterward to have all questions answered.

Once again, Elaine Cunningham returns to the lands of Faerûn, known to many as the Forgotten Realms. Considered by many to be one of, if not the premier Realms author, we are once again reassured of her talent for storytelling.

In "The Magehound", we receive the first serious look at the lands of Halruaa since the age-old "Shinning South" Game supplement. Before I picked it up, I was concerned whether a novel could maintain my interest, and any semblance of consistency in a land so saturated with magic. Legends and tavern tales proclaim that even the lowliest barmaid can wield a minor spell or two to lighten their load. How then could a problem of manageable scale arise and be solved in a matter of one novel? Well, I am happy to say, it is and it is not. I don't want to ruin anything, but I think it was well managed in achieving some sort of conclusion, while at the same time allowing enough questions to linger for the next book in the series; as I was pleased to learn this was to be series, as opposed to a one shot view of that fabled land.

The novel's tone and voice are easy to follow, and make for a swift read. The characters are interesting, and while we only learn so much, the depth is there, but as yet untapped; and if I can cling to her previous works as evidence, I believe these characters will become as real as Arilyn and Danilo. For that reason, and the fact I liked the story, I have to recommend this title, give it a read.

I think my biggest dissapointment with this novel was that it did not have EC's other characters in it, but that in no way makes this a bad novel. Elaine Cunningham, is an excellent writer and this book is one of her best ones yet. It is nice to finally see a little written about area of Toril finally come to life. My favorite part about this book is the way that the characters are not always 100% confident on where they stand morally, it makes for much more interesting characters, not to mention, more realistic. Other excellent features include philosophical debates, interesting antagonists (Kiva is great), some humor and a nice amount of action. If you enjoy good fantasy, with characters that are not practically demi-gods then you can not go wrong with reading the Magehound, its an wonderful novel. I can't wait for book II.

This was a marvelous book and I certainly enjoyed reading how Araushnee became Lolth after Corellon banished her and how the first elves came to Faerun. What disappointed my though were the ending. The book should have been at least 100 pages bigger to detail all the battles between the elves and their various foes.There should have been more stuff regarding how Kymil Nimesin managed to rally the red wizards of Thay and the human merceneries. Also I was a bit surprised that we didn't hear anything about the Baelnorn and the celestial army of elves, and wasn't it supposed to be a Leviathan guarding the island too? Anyway the book is a must read for those who are interested in elven history,warfare and magic.

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!

"Evermeet" is a fascinating mixture of history that seems to have been written by an elven historian and single stories told through the eyes of individual elves. The stories always have some bearing on the history, but the personal aspect makes it easier to understand, and more interesting. The book begins with an account of treachery and war between the elven gods, and continues with a steadily advancing timeline focused more on the Realms. Woven in with this is a present-time story of Evermeet in crisis. Elaine Cunningham keeps them all seperate and writes with the beauty that marks her other books. Only reason I didn't give this book a 10: There are annoying time gaps. The book is given to leaping ten, twenty, or hundreds of years without warning. But other than that, it's great.

If anyone is reading this I would like to borrow the radiant dragon by elaine cunningham! I have been looking for this book for 3 years. so if anyone has it I would be very happy to borrow it.

my address is: rt1 box 23 wanette ok 74878

I bought this book cause i was hooked on the series and i needed to know how it ends, i am still looking for the last two books. This book was better than the first 3.

I happened to be in a used book store and wanted to get a series. I love being able to get to know the characters as the story progresses, much better than a single novel. So I picked up this series because it looked interesting. I'm so glad I got the whole thing! I couldn't stop reading them.