In the Realm of the Wolf (Drenai Tales, Book 5)

Book Description

Enter the extraordinary, action-filled world that became Legend--
as the exciting Drenai adventure continues to unfold . . .

A mighty warrior and a feared assassin among the Drenai, Waylander the Slayer is now a man hunted by his own people--with a fortune in gold offered as grim reward for his murder. But this is only one of many evils closing in on Waylander and his daughter, Miriel, the beautiful and deadly Battle Queen of Kar-Barzac.

For, once separated, father and daughter face certain death as the sorcerers and demons, soldiers and shamans of three empires summon their blackest, most destructive powers in an effort to annihilate these two most gifted Drenai warriors.

Customer Reviews:

Keep on Writing David!.......2006-03-18

In the Realm of the Wolf by David Gemmell is the sequel to Waylander and is the continuation of the Drenai saga. In fact, this is book 5 in the saga. So far, every book I have read by Gemmell has been a joy to read, this one is not any different.

Unlike some sequels this book does not pick up right where the previous one left off. However, Gemmell does a very good job of filling in the years in between with small conversations, and small flashbacks of some of the characters. Normally I don't like the time jump, but in this case it worked out well and probably kept the book to a manageable size versus some of the larger volumes of fantasy work that seem to be the `in thing' right now.

The plot of this book is fairly straight forward, fans of Gemmell will know what to expect with this one. The names and faces have changed a little, but the straight ahead plot is still here. It is a joy to read Gemmell's work from the first novel onward as the reader gets to see his progression as a writer and a thinker. There is the main plot in this book of Waylander trying to find who put a price on his head as well as hunting someone who feels the need to kill. The sub plot, involves Waylander's adoptive daughter from the first book and her progression into a bigger player in the world and what that ultimately means. By reading the book sin order that they were written, not chronologically, the reader is allowed a rare glimpse into the future and what will ultimately happen. The ending of this book really had me sit back and say "Whoa!" It was amazing to see how Gemmell brought everything together.

The characters in this book are fairly stereotypical, kind of the "what you see is what you get" character. There is not a lot of deviation from what one would expect. However, that works with this book. The main two characters, Waylander and Miriel, are written in such a way that the reader feels comfortable with them, yet new enough to hold the reader's interest. There is some character development in this book, but most of it happens with the secondary characters. I think part of this is that Waylander developed so much in the first book there was really only so far he could go. Not a bad thing mind you, just an observation. The Thirty really begin to have depth in this book and Gemmell does a very good job at fleshing out what their order is all about and the internal struggles that they must face each and everyday. To me, one of the highlights of reading Gemmell is the struggles that he puts his characters through. He does a fantastic job of allowing us to get inside the characters heads. It's not simply a hack and slash book, there are definite emotions and feelings associated with his characters.

Overall, I am very impressed with Gemmell and will certainly seek out more of his books. Fans of the fantasy genre should give his first book, Legend, a chance. It has elements that everyone will enjoy. Once you read Legend I am confident you will want to continue of the tale. I highly recommend these books to everyone even remotely interested.

An Excellent Sequel..........2006-03-13

David Gemmell, in In the Realm of the Wolf, writes another brilliant piece to the Drenai Saga. More history, more wonderful characters, and more action packed scenes bring the pages of this book alive. The magic might be subtle in Gemmell's books, but he includes just enough sorcery to quench the reader's thirst for a complete fantasy book.

Waylander the Slayer has not been the Slayer for quite a few years, but when a ruler feels he has a reason to fear for the life of his son and himself, Waylander finds that there is a wealth of gold on his head. With deadly assassins after Waylander and his daughter Miriel, he finds that the quiet life he has come to like will no longer be good enough.

Miriel, Gemmell's first strong female character, is the daughter of Waylander. She has been training hard under the tutelage of her father, but even his training cannot protect her from what is to come.

The unlikely band that Waylander and Miriel assemble will find themselves on a quest to help find the Uniter. Gemmell cannot keep up this astounding pace of unbelievable books in the Drenai series going. Or can he? Each book can stand alone, yet they connect with the other books in the series in so many ways. I am truly a fan of Gemmell and will continue to recommend him to every fantasy reader I come across. Enjoy!

Not as memorable as Waylander.......2004-11-10

It's been a month or more since I finished this one, and I'm having trouble remembering the story. In fact, I remember the highlights of the prequel, Waylander, far better. Not an encouraging sign for this novel, I guess. After flipping back through it and scanning the chapters, I realized that the action scenes were well written (typical of Gemmell) and I'd like to give it 3.5 stars if that rating were available. But I can't quite give it four, due to the poor plotting. So three it is.

The story is pretty much a continuation of Waylander's plot, with a decade or so gap between the two. Waylander himself is still an expert archer and solid swordsman, and still prefers to make his kills by stealth. His past deeds have now caught up to him, though, and through most of the book he's on the run from forces bent on revenge. In addition, evil supernatural powers are after him. His step-daughter Miriel is now an adult and a warrior as well. Together with a couple other allies, they try to survive the stacked odds.

The first half of the book is good material, with Waylander depending on his wits and skill to outmaneuver the assassins who have been hired to kill him. The culmination of this phase of the novel occurs when Waylander fights the expert swordsman Morak in single combat. If the book had merely contained more of the same that was in the first half, it would have turned out great.

Instead Waylander, for no real logical reason, takes up a quest to assassinate the evil sorceror Zhu Chao. Here we get into the disappointing second half of the book, where the story is far less believable due to the introduction of sorcery and demonic forces. The two climaxes at the end both consist of silly battles against huge seemingly invincible creatures, who of course are defeated against all probability.

Gemmell likes his heroes to survive incredible odds with a combination of skill, brains, and luck. He rarely kills off the unflawed heroes, preferring instead to have close companions with character flaws be the ones to die off. Because with Gemmell you know the hero will win and live, the story had better be a good one to make the novel enjoyable. He pulled it off in the prequel Waylander, but not in this one.

Realm of the wolf.......2001-01-12

A mighty warrior and a feared assassin among the Drenai, Waylander the Slayer is now a man hunted by his own people--with a fortune in gold offered as grim reward for his murder. But this is only one of many evils closing in on Waylander and his daughter, Miriel, the beautiful and deadly Battle Queen of Kar-Barzac.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. A truly great fantasy book. Gemmell will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Undeniable genius.......1999-11-17

Never have i been captivated by a book to such an extent that i have, quite literally, not put it down. From start to finish this second instalment of the tale of Waylander draws you in. You becaome part of the book, you experience what the characters experience. I do not cry often but this book made me weep more than once. A superb novel from a superb writer.

The Dreaming Universe: A Mind-Expanding Journey Into the Realm Where Psyche and Physics Meet

Average customer rating:

If everything's a dream, then nothing's a dream.
Sophistocated and enlightening
Very good.
Basic Instincts
Spectacles for the Mind's Eye.

The Dreaming Universe: A Mind-Expanding Journey Into the Realm Where Psyche and Physics Meet
Fred Alan Wolf
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0684801590

Book Description

In The Dreaming Universe author Fred Alan Wolf examines the psychological and scientific elements of this most personal yet most enigmatic of human processes. By linking research ranging from the ancient Greek "dream temples" and modern experiments in telepathy, REM, and lucid dreaming to his own research on human consciousness, he theorizes that dreaming is the basis for consciousness, and that it is through dreaming that we are able to manifest a sense of ourselves.

Customer Reviews:

If everything's a dream, then nothing's a dream........2002-08-14

10-Point Rating: (5.5)
This book gets two stars for dealing with an extremely interesting topic and for making quite a few good points throughout, however the author just wants dreams to do too much. The fact that we can and do distinguish between waking (i.e. ordinary) consciousness and dream consciousness means that the two must be qualitatively different - and in fact they are. The discontinuity of dreams among other features distinguishes them as derivative conscious states, that is to say they are not primary - everyday waking consciousness is primary. We define dreams relative to waking states and not vice-versa for a variety of reasons, and Wallace does little to challenge these obvious differences. It's a bit like saying "everything's alive" or "everything's conscious" - statements like these tend to cheapen the meanings of these words, if everything is, then nothing is.

Sophistocated and enlightening.......2002-03-22

This has much of the same information as the Holographic Universe (above) but worded in a more scientific way. I found Talbot's book much easier to read and just better overall. This book is highly worthwhile in it's own right although. If I had to pick one it would be Talbots.

Very good........2002-01-06

This is not light reading..It is a read that one has to take slow and think about. The information presented in the book is very thought stimulating. It is an excellent book and the author does a good job of simplifying a very complex subject.

Basic Instincts.......2001-04-26

This book is a must if you've ever wondered why it's easier to hunt deer with a computer game than it is to hunt the real thing. A computer (and the brain, according to some physicists) operate under Boolean theory. A program contains all possible scenarios at once, with overlaps in some segments of each. A specific inquiry narrows the choices, but ultimately, there is only one outcome. Fred Alan Wolf attempts to explain the variable 'instinct' that is the ancient universal holding place for all knowledge. Instinct can't be duplicated by a computer, so it must exist in a Quantum environment. A semi-conscious state like a dream would be necessary to access such an environment. An excellent thought-provoking read.

Spectacles for the Mind's Eye........2001-03-12

Fred Alan Wolf takes us closer than ever to understanding the "Mind's Eye," and how the brain produces pictures through holograms.

Book Description

The intrigue-filled Sembia series is designed for first-time readers of Forgotten Realms books. This fourth novel in the series continues the story of one of the characters introduced in The Halls of Stormweather, the anthology of short stories that serves as the introduction to the Sembia series.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-05-03

"Black Wolf" by Dave Gross is the fourth installment in "Sembia" series of novels. The preceding books ranged from good to great, and considering they were written by different authors, one must give them credit for that. This novel isn't any different.

Gross succeeds in making his main character, Talbot Uskreven, heroic without making him cheesy. A rare thing in WoTC novels, indeed. In fact, all of the characters in this book are very good, consistent, interesting and somehow different. It may be the motivations that make them so memorable. Ranging from treacherous servants to demented vampires, this novel really offers a great set of heroes and villains. This book covers a year and a half, so there is much space for character development, done in a nice, natural way. No sudden epiphanies here.
The plot is also very strong, with a fair number of twists and turns, but not too hectic. It keeps a steady progress, and the author gives us something in every chapter.
I loved Gross' detailed writing. Somebody may consider it boring, but I really enjoy this kind of writing over action-centered one. I just wonder why this guy didn't write any more novels.

Usually this is the part where I write about things I didn't like about the book, but this time I'm leaving it blank.

If you liked this novel, you ought to check out Mistress of the Night (Forgotten Realms: The Priests) by Dave Gross and Don Bassingthwaite. It is a good novel, and fairly similar to this one, dealing with werewolves and all that. There is also a short story featuring Talbot and his acting troupe in Realms of Dragons anthology, written by Gross, of course.

Nothing more to say, really. You should check this book out if you like rich fantasy writing.

The Best Faerun Book Ever Written.......2005-10-08

I know this is a bold statement, but this novel is easily the best installment in the Forgotten Realms universe. The writing and plot actually venture into the world of real "literature". The love story, action and drama of the protagonists' triple life (actor, werewolf, scion of an important family) all combine to make a truly compelling novel. This is probably not a good "first" Forgotten Realms Novel: I always recommend Shadowdale, Tantras and Waterdeep, but if you are looking for a good tale set in everyone's favorite fantasy campaign world, this is where to look.

Great Sembia book!.......2005-08-18

The Sembia series is a series of books that intriqued me fromt he start. An interesting concept having a bunch of authors write books about the same cast of characters for the most part. Yet, this book stuck out in the series to me.

It's a fantastic take on werewolves int he Forgotten realms setting. When you really think about it there haven't been a lot of book in the Forgotten Realms dedicated to Werewolves or Vampires. Yet, this one tackles werewolves in grand fashion. The plot is seemingly easy to understand until you get deeper into the book and it starts to get more complex.

The character development through out the book is very subtle, but effectively done. I also like how the main character, Talbot, is not the typical hero in that he has doubts and he's not perfect, he has flaws. He's not all powerful, he can be hurt. Truly a great character to read about.

Fans of the Forgotten Realms will enjoy this book. People just coming into the Forgotten Realms could do worse than starting with this one.

OVERALL SCORE: (B-).......2004-03-23

'Black Wolf' is the follow-up to the short story in the "Sembia - Halls of Stormweather" anthology. It centers on Talbot, the youngest and somewhat estranged son of a noble family who has recently become a werewolf, and the two strange concurrent plots about why he was infected with lycanthrope. The plot regarding the `weird vampire thing' was somewhat disappointing, hard to follow and boring. The plot regarding Rusk and the God Malar, was by far the more interesting part of the story, and the book would have been much better if it would have only had this plotline.

OVERALL SCORE: (B-)
READABILITY: (B-), PLOT: (B-), CHARATERS: (B-), DIALOGUE: (B-), SETTING: (B+), ACTION/COMBAT: (A-), MONSTERS/ANTAGONISTS: (C+), ROMANCE: (C), SEX: (n/a), AGE LEVEL: (PG)

A great intro to the forgotten realms.......2003-09-05

I found this book highly entertaining and very well written. That being said this book is responsible for my now intense intrest in the forgotten realms books and video games (Much to my wifes displesure) my nose is always in a book now, i've finished twelve books since i read this book with another 5 on their way. they have enriched my life in a way i never thought possible. Thats why i love this book so much it has changed my fiction heros from spidey and captain america to Drizzt and Talbot BUY IT

Skullport (AD&D Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms)

Average customer rating:

More info than undermountain box
Great book but the price is a few bucks too high
If you ever plan to strand your PCs in a dangerous place,...
Skullport couldn't get any more in-your-face than this

Skullport (AD&D Fantasy Roleplaying, Forgotten Realms)
Joseph Wolf
Manufacturer: TSR Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0786913487

Customer Reviews:

More info than undermountain box.......2001-01-22

I liked this a bunch. It will help in any campaign. The descriptions were well done of the different areas of skullport and I liked the discription of the river channels. It was much easier to figure out how to prevent folks from just invading skullport and why the Lords allow it to exist below the city of Waterdeep. It was useful in finding out the spy network from Waterdeep that exists here also. If you are looking to have an undermountain campaign this book is a MUST. It will allow your PC's to have a city to interact in without drudging all the way to Waterdeep, another 3 levels up.

Great book but the price is a few bucks too high.......2000-07-28

The art in this book is amazing. It is a must if you are running a campaign in Undermountain. Compared to the few paragraphs written about Skullport in The Undermountain boxed set series this book blew me away. It tells about many NPCs and taverns; it also provides some great pictures to give you the feel of the Underdark. The only problem I have with this book is the price, although it is jammed full of information it still isn't very long, and there are no maps. I think maybe the book would be better priced at $15 instead of $20.

If you ever plan to strand your PCs in a dangerous place,..........1999-12-28

then buy this accessory. Skullport is the perfect place to be used by a fiendish DM or anyone looking for trouble. This place is lovely in a unique sort of way: the concept is pulled off masterfully and is very well thought out. The text is good but not so full as to stifle any hope of DM creativity ( which means you can glue bits and pieces of Skullport to your own home-made campaign). The graphics are dark and moody. One thing I can gripe at is the unstable binding for the books and booklets, which will fall apart easily. Also, as it is, Skullport is an awfully small place to forever wander, and as your players at some point will wander out of it (probably sooner than later), I don't see this one being replayed too often. Buy it if you like this sort of thing.

Skullport couldn't get any more in-your-face than this.......1999-07-30

Simply amazing. Skullport can't be described in any other way. Floating skulls that act as judge, jury, and executioner; a traitorous beholder who took the place of another traitorous beholder; corruption seething from the very walls -- why, this is just the place to insert your favorite adventuring party and watch them fumble about in such a dark (yet boisterous) city.

This is the political DM's dream come true.

Average customer rating:

Realm of the Wolf by David L. Falconer

Very Believable!

Great Book, an instant favorite of mine.

Interesting story, mediocre writer.

Most interesting concept dealing with lycanthropy I've read.
Realm of the Wolf
David L. Falconer
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1420892282

Book Description

A peaceful mountain community holds a dark secret hidden for over three-hundred years. A madman threatens to unleash that secret to the world in an insane bid for control of his peoples' destiny. A dozen friends head for the tranquillity of an old mining camp in the Idaho mountains, unaware of the power play beginning a few miles from their destination. A power play that turns deadly as man confronts a race he has shared the earth with since the beginning of time. A hidden race deadlier than any creature known. Death is a cold introduction to the Realm of the Wolf.

Customer Reviews:

Realm of the Wolf by David L. Falconer.......2006-01-10

The book is truly as amazing as the Author. Intriguing, Suspensive, Dedicated, and Loyal. Ok so when do we get the sequel???

Very Believable!.......1998-01-27

If werewolves exist, I think they would exist like this. I enjoyed being transported into their world, from the safely of my armchair, of course. The human characters in this story were like people I have known, in fact, I could have been one of them. The sheer anticipation of what was coming next and how it would end held my attention. I am looking forward to other books from this young author.

Great Book, an instant favorite of mine........1998-01-15

This is the first book that this author has published. I read this book in two sittings, even though it was over 500 pages. This is one of the best books I have read and certainly the best book on werewolves that i've read. Non-stop action and great suspense. His books will only get better from here.

Interesting story, mediocre writer........1998-01-01

I found the plot interesting and the action compellingly narrated (definitely not for the squeamish reader). But the author's style is a bit amateurish: he's rather heavy-handed in "foreshadowing," for example, and he has a tendency toward unnaturally stilted language. Still, I'd recommend it to readers who like horror or adventure stories.

Most interesting concept dealing with lycanthropy I've read........1997-08-06

Realm of the Wolf was an exciting book from early in the start to the end. My interest is usually in the Tom Clancy style military thrillers, but Realm of the Wolf told a story that kept me riveted in place, turning each page as I eagerly awaited what would occur next. A modern day story of lycanthropy is nothing new, but I was excited by the way he went into a viable history that incorporated actual validated occurences in history. I loved the story and highly recommend it to people who enjoy action/adventure of any sort as well as those who enjoy horror

Battle Realms: Winter of the Wolf Official Strategy Guide

Average customer rating:

Battle Realms: Winter of the Wolf Official Strategy Guide
Bart G. Farkas , and BradyGames
Manufacturer: BRADY GAMES
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Battle Realms Official Strategy Guide

ASIN: 0744001595

Book Description

BradyGames Battle Realms: Winter of the Wolf Official Strategy Guide features maps and strategy for the new missions in Kenji's continuing journey. Complete coverage of the Clans, including a rundown of units and structures for each, plus tactics for upgrading them. Multiplayer tactics and skirmish maps give gamers strategies for crushing their opponents. Updated charts and tables are included to help players understand all critical items in the game.

Realms of Norrath: Forests of Faydark (Everquest)

Average customer rating:

Too high priced for a paperback

Realms of Norrath: Forests of Faydark (Everquest)
White Wolf
Manufacturer: Sword & Sorcery Studio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1588461335

Customer Reviews:

Too high priced for a paperback.......2005-12-04

I've played EQ since day one and had planned to buy every piece of fiction written about the world of Norrath that brought the lore of the planet alive. I've rated this book a one solely on the basis of the publishers cheap marketing ploy to soak the Everquest community by charging us hardback prices for cheap paperbacks. $24 bucks list price for a paperback? Start taking the EQ communty seriously and give us the lore in hardback form as they did for The Rogue's Hour. I'll hang onto my money until you do.

Black Wolf: Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, Book IV (Forgotten Realms)

Average customer rating:

Great

Black Wolf: Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, Book IV (Forgotten Realms)
Dave Gross
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786942835
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Book Description

Talbot Uskevren, the second son of one of Selgaunt's most powerful families, fights a deadly battle within himself. Like most men of his station, Talbot spends his days honing his sword fighting skills, and unlike others, practicing the art of acting. Now, Talbot will put both of these talents to the test when a rival House comes looking for blood. The only way for Talbot to survive against the Black Brotherhood is to let the inner wolf loose, and the only way for him to live in Selgaunt's society is to keep the wolf chained.

Black Wolf continues the story of the Uskevrens' second son, introduced in the story "Thirty Days" from The Halls of Stormweather. An exciting tale of werewolves in the Forgotten Realms, this is the fouth book in the Sembia series.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-08-19

Average customer rating:

Waylander II In the Realm of the Wolf
David Gemmell
Manufacturer: Legend
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M6338S

Average customer rating:

Super Reader
Waylander II

WAYLANDER II: IN THE REALM OF THE WOLF
DAVID GEMMELL
Manufacturer: LEGEND
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0099892502

Customer Reviews:

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

The second Waylander book is in reality a little more about his adopted daughter Miriel.

Karnak and others decide to dispose of Waylander the Slayer, and send assassins and men to kill him. A mistake, as he has trained his daughter well, and two other warriors end up fighting with him.

Thrown into the mix are a Nadir shaman and his plans for the coming of the Uniter of the tribes.

Everyone must also worry about the Dark Brotherhood.

Waylander II .......2006-03-15

High in the mountains of Skein, the woodsman Dakeyras and his beautiful daughter Miriel live a life of harmonious solitude. Unbeknown to them, a group of warriors stalk the mountains. Men who have never known defeat, to whom revenge and torture are meat and drink. For ten thousand in gold they intend to kill the woodsman.

Battle-hardened warriors, they have no fear of this task - but they should have. For Miriel is a woman of fire and iron. Skilled with bow and blade, she was taught her skills by one of the deadliest killers of all time...
Her father. A woodsman better known as Waylander the Slayer.
---from book's back cover

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