The Council of Blades Review

 

Book: The Council of Blades
Author: Pauli Kidd
Pages: 310
Hard Core Scale: 2.5/4
Normal Scale: 8/10
Publish Date: 1995
About: A new technology and political intrigue will change the blade kingdoms forever. However, a young sorceress princess and inventor and a fiery bird amongst the madness might be the answer that the people seek in the shifting turmoil.

Review: Again, just well written fun stuff. Also, some lovely critique of the perceived genre. Again, some stuff to cut and pacing issues. Perhaps just that smear of the old contract and word count. Been there. Some tell moments and an uncanny hyper simile that is a constant scene breaker. Bad habits from an early book in the career. Might be the most unique DND Forgotten realms book out there. Breaks the mold. Fun enjoyable.  Her tropes despite common reinforce instead of detract. Some reflection of real life here that haunts in a good way. Always that deeper thinking with tech and magic and its use in a session usually forgotten about in that standard gaming. Probably is a slap to the face for most people reading this series and those seeking a "standard" DND fantasy. Could have been its own thing and thus take way less flak for it. The cover despite a classic fantasy is the whole critique of the book as it does not represent the book at all. Wish it was easier to find, like all Pauli's books worth the read.


                                        Cover by Walter Velez, Wizards of the Coast

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