Swordmage, book one in The Blades of the Moonsea series, is the first novel set in the *new* Forgotten Realms. The Spellplague, already come and gone, is only briefly touched on in this book, but the effects can still be felt.
Geran Hulmaster, along with his friend and business partner Hamil, is on his way home to the sleepy town he grew up in. The reason for his return is not a happy one. He is mourning a loss, in the town he's headed to, and in the one he has left behind.
Things go from bad to worse when the travelers arrive in Hulburg. The sleepy town is awash with foreign merchants bent on taking the law, and the town's economy into their own hands. Then there's the orc threat., and they have help from abroad as well.
What I liked best about Swordmage were the characters. The bad guys aren't just mean, they're clever and the good guys aren't sickly sweet, goody-two-shoes. The plot could be a tiny bit formulaic at times, but never to the point of feeling that turning the next page would be futile.
In all, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book to someone who was looking for a fantasy read laced with a hint of mystery and suspense. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
Geran Hulmaster, along with his friend and business partner Hamil, is on his way home to the sleepy town he grew up in. The reason for his return is not a happy one. He is mourning a loss, in the town he's headed to, and in the one he has left behind.
Things go from bad to worse when the travelers arrive in Hulburg. The sleepy town is awash with foreign merchants bent on taking the law, and the town's economy into their own hands. Then there's the orc threat., and they have help from abroad as well.
What I liked best about Swordmage were the characters. The bad guys aren't just mean, they're clever and the good guys aren't sickly sweet, goody-two-shoes. The plot could be a tiny bit formulaic at times, but never to the point of feeling that turning the next page would be futile.
In all, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book to someone who was looking for a fantasy read laced with a hint of mystery and suspense. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
