Elfsong

by Elaine Cunningham

Book Overview

The bards of Waterdeep remember the past. Or do they? Even as they sing their ballads, a mysterious spell is changing their memories. Danilo Thann, Harper and would-be bard, sets out to uncover the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560766794
• ISBN13: 9781560766797
• Release Date: February 1994
• Publisher: TSR
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.2" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Forgotten Realms: Songs & Swords by Elaine Cunningham

I have the first 3 books and thoroughly enjoyed reading them. I am looking forward to other books by this author in this series.

Arilyn Moonblade has won a place in my heart!

Definitely two of my all time favorites, Elfshadow and Elfsong, bring to life the story of Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elf Harper, and her adventures in the World of Faerun, as she tries to cope with her dual heritage and seeks to unlock the mysteries of her magical moonblade sword. The books are so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to the Forgotten Realms universe and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. Elaine Cunnigham has truly outdone herself and has presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work, RA Salvatore's The Dark Elf and Icewind Dale trilogies and in authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends trilogies. She has done a FANTASTIC job of both acquiring vast knowledge relevant to Faerun as well as presenting this material relating to the customs, the religion and the history of Toril, efficiently and successfully! Her solid grasp of factual detail makes her very capable of providing the necessary background needed to carry out the difficult task of writing Forgotten Realms novels, which is something often missing from the work of many Fantasy authors. Consequently, from the moment you pick up the books you have trouble putting them down and if that is not a clear sign of a fantastic writer/author who can come up with a great plot, I don't know what is! Elves, spies, assassins, honor, bravery, magic, and swordfights are all about. Elfshadow and Elfsong make up for a great trilogy along with Silver Shadows and are a "must read" together with Evermeet, especially for all those who have a soft spot for everything Elven! In short, it's what Fantasy reading SHOULD be! One should seriously start thinking about turning these books into movies...

Like living through a role playing session

This is a sequel (to elfshadow) but I don't think you have to know the predecessor to enjoy this book.It's main characters are a female half-elf named Arilyn Moonblade, a not-as-stupid-as-he-seems human Danilo Thann, and a not-completely-evil elf named Elaith Craunobler (hope I got this right - grin).I won't tell more about the plot (even if it IS good) since I found that what fascinated me most about this book is not the bare story but the many details around it.For one lots of situations remind me on role-playing sessions with one big difference: the solutions which are found are simply more interesting than what often happens in role-playing sessions (it's not "we take our weapons and attack!!!").Some details (like the riddle of the dragon) are simply ingenious. I wonder how someone can have such a vivid imagination! Next I simply like the characters - all of them. Each and everyone has distinct features which lead to word-fencing and simply comical dialogs. What some people might find missing is a certain kind of depth in the book. It is simply an enjoyable adventure, without dark corners or the possibility of death of one of its main characters in it. It is also not a saga style book (no complex background scenario and lots of interwoven plots.) If you want some darker, less adventure based book, try "A Game of Thrones" from George Martin.Instead this book can be read in one fast sweep, like eating a good dessert.

Wonderful book!

I really liked this book. It is the first one I had read in the series. I really suggest you read it. Also, the characters were great... Especially Wyn. :)

A masterpiece, one of the best Forgotten Realms Novels ever.

Elaine Cunningham firmly takes her place among the best contemporary novelists with this book. Elfsong is a brilliant piece of literature that will challenge the readers mind and keep them guessing the whole way through. Readers will find it hard to put down, and even harder to keep themselves from skipping ahead to find out what happens! Filled with riddles and songs, even an encounter with a mighty dragon! It is the stuff classics are made of. This book is the sequel to Elfshadow, it beats it's predecessor by a longshot.