Project Realms Reads discussion

With this book, we will have reached the end of the 1988 block. Once we finish I'm thinking I may do some polls just for fun. Maybe one with favorite character so far and one for which book is the favorite at that point.

Spoiler Schedule! Remember it's fine if you read ahead but if you do please hid it under a spoiler tag until the appropriate day.

March 11th Spoilers thru Chapter 11 Allowed
March 18th Spoilers thru Chapter 21 Allowed
March 25th Spoilers for Entire Book Allowed

Where To Get A Copy


Check your Local Library - According to WorldCat's database there are copies in 88 libraries around the world. And there are likely many more that just aren't in the database.


Support Your Friendly Local Book Store - If you don't already know of one nearby check out these sites I found to see if there is one after all.

USA
UK and Ireland
International


If you want or need to purchase a copy online here are some places I would recommend checking.

ThriftBooks
BetterWorldBooks

I've read up through chapter 11--I was a little worried about this book because it seemed like the review ratings were a bit low. However, I don't know if it's because I disliked Spellfire so much or what, but I'm really enjoying this one! I do think the disconnect between the cover art and how Alias dresses/acts is pretty funny, but that's old fantasy for you.

I don't have too much to say about this one so far, though I am still enjoying it. I had a little Spellfire panic when Elminster showed up, but he doesn't stick around.

I'm glad we're uncovering some of Alias' mystery... even though I guessed it in the beginning of the novel.

Nikki ~ The Nocturnal Bookworm wrote: "Once we finish I'm thinking I may do some polls just for fun. Maybe one with favorite character so far and one for which book is the favorite at that point."

This is a great idea and I look forward to it.

I am beginning my reading of Azure Bonds this evening and I am excited to get it underway. Though I am behind, I am glad we are reading this and can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts.

Speaking of Alias, how do you pronounce her name?

AY-lee-us (literally like the word alias)?

AWE-lee-us?

AL-ee-us (like the male name, Al as in Allen)?

Don wrote: "Speaking of Alias, how do you pronounce her name?"

I've been pronouncing it like the word alias. There's a bit of names carrying meaning beyond just what you call someone in this book.

I really like Dragonbait, he's an interesting character!

I forgot to post that I'd finished this last month! I enjoyed this book a lot more than Spellfire (though I wasn't happy about the Elminster cameos)--but I was surprised by how much plot they packed into the book. I think all of the events in this single book could have been stretched out to encompass the entire trilogy, so I'm curious to see where it goes from here.

Now that it's April we're doing another Drizzt book, right?

Raechel wrote: "though I wasn't happy about the Elminster cameos..."

Yes, Elminster rears his ugly head in Azure Bonds for no good reason at all except to give him lip service. Many, many books have benefited by not paying homage to that awful character.

Anyway, I finished Azure Bonds this past week. I've been avoiding the group to not see spoilers, and I missed you guys!

Guys, I did not like this book at all. My full comments are HERE and they are not flattering. I tried to like Azure Bonds but I couldn't do it.

Raechel wrote: "I was surprised by how much plot they packed into the book. I think all of the events in this single book could have been stretched out to encompass the entire trilogy, so I'm curious to see where it goes from here."

I think this is a problem for Azure Bonds. Too much is attempted to be told that none of it is done well. I won't rehash my review here and now, but gosh I struggled to read it. It took me almost three weeks, as I was avoiding the book! I am not sure I'll follow the trilogy, but we shall see. The completionist in me may cry out to finish the trilogy: just not right away.

Don wrote: "Yes, Elminster rears his ugly head in Azure Bonds for no good reason at all except to give him lip service."

Yes! You could have easily removed him and the book would have been better for it. All he does is add a few more pages of him doing literally nothing but hinting that he knows all about what's going to happen.