beorn_101's review against another edition
4.0
It has been years since I went thru this series. I was a huge fan of Salvatore as a teen, but grew tired of his writing style.
Recently I have been feeling nostalgic and wanted to revisit my favorite of his series, the Cleric Quintet.
I enjoyed the first book, but didn't feel like it was mind blowing. The characters while fun, were a bit hollow, the events churned along at a somewhat awkward pace.
In Sylvan Shadows fixes a lot of these issues, Cadderly is undergoing some dramatic crisis of faith, questioning the morals of slaying monsters/beings to protect his friends and world. Salvatore does an admirable job navigating Cadderly's nuanced perspective, while still keeping him feeling useful. His friends get his struggle, but don't hinder or help his progress much.
It is character progression that works pretty well.
In addition, because there isn't a mind altering curse happening, we get more exploration of the amazing dwarf brothers Pikel and Ivan. Cadderly's love interest creates some interesting dynamics, managing to avoid any damsel in distress tropes these books fall into. And even better her and Cadderly's relationship is supportive and understanding, without being too clingy.
The pacing in the book is good, the stakes and villain, if a little basic, work well.
Overall this is a big improvement from book 1!
Recently I have been feeling nostalgic and wanted to revisit my favorite of his series, the Cleric Quintet.
I enjoyed the first book, but didn't feel like it was mind blowing. The characters while fun, were a bit hollow, the events churned along at a somewhat awkward pace.
In Sylvan Shadows fixes a lot of these issues, Cadderly is undergoing some dramatic crisis of faith, questioning the morals of slaying monsters/beings to protect his friends and world. Salvatore does an admirable job navigating Cadderly's nuanced perspective, while still keeping him feeling useful. His friends get his struggle, but don't hinder or help his progress much.
It is character progression that works pretty well.
In addition, because there isn't a mind altering curse happening, we get more exploration of the amazing dwarf brothers Pikel and Ivan. Cadderly's love interest creates some interesting dynamics, managing to avoid any damsel in distress tropes these books fall into. And even better her and Cadderly's relationship is supportive and understanding, without being too clingy.
The pacing in the book is good, the stakes and villain, if a little basic, work well.
Overall this is a big improvement from book 1!
zav3nd's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It took a long time for anything to happen. I struggled to get through, then the last 3rd of the book picks up and flies by.
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great, fast-paced read. And the characters!
tamzy6's review against another edition
4.0
The themes and plot are largely reminiscent of Tolkien's The Two Towers. As they say, imitation is the best form of flattery. I honestly felt like I was in Middle Earth, except Salvatore takes effort with his long (but vividly descriptive) battle scenes.
ferrisscottr's review against another edition
3.0
Book two of five in this series.
Cadderly our scholarly cleric is back along with Ivan and Pikel Bouldershoulder, Danica and all of the supremely skilled elves on a desperate, suicidal mission to thwart a seemingly insurmountable invasion until the very trees themselves join our heroes.
A good, fun story.
Salvatore is known for his fight scenes but there were just too many in this book - I would've liked a little more characters, a little more plot and a little less fighting.
Still, it was good, it was fun, it was Salvatore.
Looking forward to the next book of Cadderly's adventures.
Cadderly our scholarly cleric is back along with Ivan and Pikel Bouldershoulder, Danica and all of the supremely skilled elves on a desperate, suicidal mission to thwart a seemingly insurmountable invasion until the very trees themselves join our heroes.
A good, fun story.
Salvatore is known for his fight scenes but there were just too many in this book - I would've liked a little more characters, a little more plot and a little less fighting.
Still, it was good, it was fun, it was Salvatore.
Looking forward to the next book of Cadderly's adventures.
tkat's review
4.0
Here in the second installment of The Cleric Quintet, our semi-fearless hero Cadderly Bonaduce goes off on a whirlwind adventure, spurred on by his god and with the always amusing dwarven brother Ivan and Pikel, as well as the lovely Danica by his side.
I think we can see where that's going to go...
Fairly enjoyable. Cadderly and crew enlist the aid of some nearby elves, and in the end the trees themselves join the grand epic final battle.
Not bad.
I think we can see where that's going to go...
Fairly enjoyable. Cadderly and crew enlist the aid of some nearby elves, and in the end the trees themselves join the grand epic final battle.
Not bad.
stoicloofah's review against another edition
3.0
This book is basically Lord of the Rings with an outsider (Cadderly) thrown into an elven forest under attack by orcs and such. The characters, their conflicts, and the plot resolution are extremely stereotypical, so you're not going to be surprised or feel like you need to think hard about what's going on. However, it's an easy read anyways and enjoyable just to go with it.
littlefoot1919's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
saucysardine's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Story seemed pretty dull but there was great character development for the lead character, Cadderly. The dwarf brothers were a great comic relief.