Originally Posted by Daniel (Post 1188217)

I've always loved fantasy, but over the past few years I have fallen in love with the Forgotten Realms, it started with CRPG games like Baldurs Gate (I dont play PnP and didnt know anything about the realms prior to playing this), then one day I stumbled across a dusty old copy of Homeland, I would probabally have never have picked the book up if I hadnt recognising the main character as that crazy Gnoll slashing Drow Elf I had met in the first Baldurs Gate. And so began my love affair with R.A Salvatore.

Having read everything Salvatore has to offer, I was wondering what other Forgotten Realms fans would recommend as my next read? and what should I miss? I was thinking of giving the Elminster books a try next, though I have no idea where to begin, there are quite a lot of them (if anyone could list them in chronological order, it would be appreciated :) ).

Well thats about it, beyond Salvatore and the number of CRPG's that have been released over the years my knowledge of the Realms is pretty limited, so any info and recommendations are welcome.

Originally Posted by Dragonshadow (Post 1188220)

The War of the Spider Queen series was always my favourite.

Originally Posted by Micah Foehammer (Post 1188232)

If you liked the Spider Queen series - try out Lisa Smeden's "The Lady Penitent" series. It's a continuation of the Spider Queen series - first two books are in paperback. :)

Originally Posted by Daniel (Post 1188250)

Hehe I already have the third book in the 'War of the Spider Queen' series, I got it free when I joined a mail order book club, but seeing as I dont have the previous books its just been sat on my shelf gathering dust for years, I might have to give them a try. Just a quick question, how do the books carry on from one another? One thing I noticed is that each book in the series is by a different author, it always struck me as a bit odd, I'm not sure whether its a good or a bad thing.

And are the the Elminster books really that bad? He always seemed such a popular character, so I just assumed they were good.

I already own and love the Cleric Quintet, but I dont think I have heard of any of the other books mentioned (with the exception of Pools of Radiance/Darkness I remember the ancient games of the same name on the Amiga 500 lol), I'll look them up, and see what I can find, thanks for the responses.

Originally Posted by Daniel (Post 1188250)

Just a quick question, how do the books carry on from one another? One thing I noticed is that each book in the series is by a different author, it always struck me as a bit odd, I'm not sure whether its a good or a bad thing.

Originally Posted by SpiritWarrior (Post 1188276)

I always felt even RAS was kinda forced/paid to quickly write some new Drizzt books to bring in the fans.