Ladies of the Lair (Dragon Knights, Books 1 & 2)

Ladies of the Lair (Dragon Knights, Books 1 & 2)
Average customer rating:

Bianca's Books

what can I say, I love dragons

5 Klovers! Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques

A great read for those who love shape shifter books

Ladies of the Lair (Dragon Knights, Books 1 & 2)
Bianca D'Arc
Manufacturer: Samhain Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
Gothic | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Ice Dragon (Dragon Knights)

Lords of the Were (A Tale of the Were, Book 1)

Seeing Eye Mate (Mates, Book 1)

Hunted (Guardians' League, Book 1)

Prince of Spies (Dragon Knights, Book 4)

ASIN: 159998251X
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

Enter a world where dragons and knights fight together to protect their home and the special women who share their lives. Passion and discovery mark their journey through a time of war, when each will be tested and only the strength of their love can see them through. Maiden Flight A chance meeting with a young male dragon seals the fate of an adventurous poacher. The dragon's partner, Sir Gareth, takes one look at the woman and decides to do a little poaching of his own. He falls deeply in love with Belora and wants her for his mate, but to marry a knight, a woman must also accept the dragon, the dragon¿s mate¿ and her knight too. Border Lair Adora yearns for Sir Jared, but becomes emotionally attached to Lord Darian, an honorable man who gave up his title, lands, and home in order to warn the dragons and knights of his king¿s evil plan. Both men admire the lovely Adora, but Jared¿s broken heart will not easily mend. It will take two dragons, a good friend and the love of his life to heal him and help them all form a family in this time of crisis.

Customer Reviews:

Bianca's Books.......2007-10-17

I read Bianca's book on her reccomendation. When I read Ladies of the Lair I kinda knew what to expect since Ive already read Ice Dragon. It turned out to answer more questions that I thought I had and it gave a different back ground that I assumed.
B weaves together a group of people that have a different life style, but in some fashion makes it blend together and works out for the best. I didnt understand how a the main chracters could be going at it like bunnys with in hours of meeting, AH but I read the book further and now I get it.
The dragons have a HUGE impact on thier human counter parts. The dragons also manipulate (and blame the mother of all) the humans to make things happen that will have a better outcome for both races.
Things happen at a fast clip for a reason in her world. There is a nemesis that is trying to over take and over shadow our poor Draconia and lay it to waste.
I personally give the first two books a huge 5 stars on the plot and story line. More into that than the alternative scences, but hey they are important to arent they?

Written By Kore

what can I say, I love dragons.......2007-03-10

I enjoyed reading this book, I would buy other books from this author. Yes, there is some ambivalence. I just perfer a more intense type of book, where I cant put the book down. I was able to put this one down over several days.

I have faith, so I have ordered the Ice Dragon. Let's see where this leads.

5 Klovers! Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques.......2006-11-05

Ladies of the Lair includes the first two of the Dragon Knights series: Maiden Flight & Border Lair.

Maiden Flight:

There are not many human females in the world who have the ability to speak with a dragon, much less the courage to stand up to one. When the dragon Kelvan meets the human woman Belora, he knows she is special and resolves to take her to his Knight, Gareth, who will know what to do.

Gareth and Belora are instantly drawn to each other, falling in love at once. Gareth knows recognizes Belora as his true mate, but worries that she will turn away from him when he reveals his secrets to her.

Will Belora be able to live the life of a Dragon Knight's mate? And when her own secrets are revealed, how will they change both her life and her mother's?

This was the first book of Bianca D'Arc's that I read, and I was instantly mesmerized! D'Arc draws the reader in to her story from page one, engendering familiarity with her characters as if the reader has known them for some time.

Belora's and Gareth's love is a tender, almost innocent romance, but don't let that fool you. The story is filled with plenty of spicy scenes, including ménage scenes! Setting the story in a fantasy realm gives the author a prime opportunity to create a valid reason for the ménage, and she not only makes you understand it, but agree with it.

If you love dragons, knights, and sweet romances chock full of sexiness, this is a must-read!

Border Lair:

Adora's story is introduced in Book One of the Dragon Knights series, where she is reunited with her long-lost surrogate dragon mother, Kelzy, who is mother to Adora's daughter Belora's dragon, Kelvan.

Widowed since Belora was a small child, Adora has struggled to provide a good and happy life for Belora, in spite of the heartbreak suffered by both when Adora's oldest twin daughters were kidnapped as toddlers. A talented healer, Adora has supported herself and her youngest daughter by healing the townspeople.

When Belora mated with Gareth and Lars, Adora returned to her woodland shack alone. But when evil attacked the town, leaving it desolate and empty, she is taken in by Kelzy and her dragon Knight, Jared.

Jared thought his life over when his family was murdered. Kelzy gave him a reason to live, bonding with him and making him her dragon Knight. When Adora is attacked in her cottage, Jared and Kelzy rescue her, bringing her to their den, where Jared tends to Adora's wounds until she is well. Having resolved never to love again, Jared is determined not to allow himself to fall in love with Adora, yet finds her irresistible. When his old friend Darien also falls for Adora, will Jared finally admit his feelings to both himself and Adora?

Bianca D'Arc created a magical world with Book One of the Dragon Knights series, and picks up where she left off in Book Two, Border Lair. From the beginning of Book Two, the reader feels as if they simply turned another page in the same story, with no noticeable passage of time between the two stories.

The love story of Jared, Adora, and Darien is a mature romance between adults, and yet is filled with the same sweet innocence the first book boasted. The lead characters' motivations are so pure and noble one can't help but fall for each in their own right.

In this sequel, we learn more about Adora and Belora's secrets, unknown even to the women themselves. We meet a Black Dragon, who is full of his own secrets, and we learn more of the threats their Skithdronian enemies pose, and the atrocities by the enemy king.

Once again, D'Arc treats us to many steamy love scenes, including some ménage themes. I highly recommend this story and its companion books to anyone who enjoys sexy fantasy stories!

Series Order:
Ladies of the Lair: Dragon Knights I & II
The Ice Dragon (Dragon Knights)
Prince of Spies (Dragon Knights (Samhain))

A great read for those who love shape shifter books.......2006-09-27

Bianca does a wonderful job of making you feel her charactors.These books are wonderful reads and if you like good love scenes then you are in for a treat with her books.This is one of my favorite series in books.You will become addicted to this series just like me.

Dragon's Lair (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Average customer rating:

Ransom demand
Wonderful book!
A Huge Disapointment
third in a terrific series
Justin de Quincy Rides Again!

Dragon's Lair (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Sharon Kay Penman
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Mystery | Book Clubs | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Prince of Darkness
The Queen's Man: A Medieval Mystery (Medieval Mysteries)
Cruel As the Grave: A Medieval Mystery
Time and Chance (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Cruel as the Grave

ASIN: 0345434234
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Book Description

July 1193. King Richard Lionheart lies in a German prison, held for ransom by the emperor. His mother, Dowager Queen Eleanor, ransacks England for gold to buy his freedom, while his younger brother, John, plots with King Philippe of France to ensure that he rots and dies in chains.

When a ransom payment vanishes, Eleanor hastily dispatches young Justin de Quincy to investigate. In wild, beautiful Wales, his devotion to the queen will be supremely tested–as an arrogant border earl, a cocky Welsh prince, an enchanting lady, and a traitor of the deepest dye welcome him with false smiles and deadly conspiracies. The queen’s treasure is nowhere to be found, but assassins are everywhere . . . and blood runs red in the dragon’s lair.

Customer Reviews:

Ransom demand.......2007-04-03

King Richard, caught while on his way back from the Holy Land, has been imprisoned by Henry VI, King of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor. Prince John, Richard's hated brother (and the same Prince John from the Robin Hood stories) is plotting with the French king to make sure that Richard doesn't leave prison alive.

Henry sets the ransom at an impossible 150,000 marks (perhaps five times the annual income for the English Crown under Richard), and the Dowager Queen Eleanor has set about raising the ransom. In Wales, a sizable portion of that ransom has gone missing, and she sends Justin de Quincy into Wales to find it.

Davydd ab Owain, Prince of Wales, suspects his nephew, Llewellyn ab Iorweth, who would later grow to be one of the greatest of all Welsh princes. He is married to Emma of Anjou, the highborn half-sister of Richard's and John's father - and Eleanor's deceased husband - King Henry. Davydd is incensed when Justin approaches the problem logically, wanting to inspect the site the ransom was to have been stolen from, conducting interviews, etc.

While not as intricately plotted as the next book in the series, Prince of Darkness, this nevertheless is a fantastic read, especially if you've read and enjoyed Penman's historical fiction, and amongst those, namely Here be Dragons.

Wonderful book!.......2006-08-28

If you haven't discovered the joys of Sharon Kay Penman, then I feel sorry for you. All of her books are fascinating character studies and are rich in action, romance, and period detail. This is one of her delightful short mysteries.

If you are interested in the Medieval time period, then do read Sharon Kay Penman. She has researched this subject so much, that she is able to bring historic characters to life in an exciting and fascinating way.

Check out her novel: "Time and Chance", or any other of her historic novels.

How did they solve murders in the Middle Ages? Penman's mysteries tell you how. Her series is on par with Cadfael, and The Name of the Rose. I love all four of her mysteries and think most readers will too. My only complaint is that they aren't longer!

Dragon's Lair is a fun read. I love the Medieval characters, and think other readers will be happy to discover the wonderful world of Sharon Kay Penman's Middle Ages. Check her out. Her books will hook you!

A Huge Disapointment.......2005-07-27

Personally, I don't see what the fuss is about over Penman. This book was underwhelming in a number of catergories.

For example, the main character Justin de Quincy is two-dimensional and unrealistic. After spending over 300 pages with this character, I feel I know very little about him, and what I do know is somewhat of a contradiction. Whilst de Quincy is loyal to his queen, he has no loyality to the woman that carries his child. Not only does de Quincy cheat on the pregnant woman, he doesn't even think twice about it. Meanwhile, his sense of duty to his queen and stedfast loyality to her are constantly apparent throughout the story. The point is, it is very hard to believe a character who is a loyal professional, but doesn't have the slightest bit of regret by living an amoral personal life.

The second issue I have with this novel is the mystery itself. 'Dragon's Lair' has so much potential in this arena, but falls flat time and time again. The basic premise of trying to find the queen's ransom is appealing, but the way in which the crime unfolds is anti-climatic. Moreover, the murder in this book does not occur until after page 200 of a 320 page book!

Dialogue is another major issue here. When murder finally occurs it announced by a character declairing 'there's been murder done!' - for me, that was a laugh out loud moment. Do people really talk that way? de Quincy's lover constantly says silly things like 'goodbye lover!' and 'thank you lover'. Again, people don't talk that way, and I found it very annoying having to read dialogue that was continuously unrealistic.

Lastly, although this book is historical in nature, there was hardly anything historical about this book. Although the politics of the age affect the events of this story, that alone did not bring the middle ages alive in this story. Penman resorted to cheap tricks such as having over half the book take place in taverns in an attempt to create time and place.

In short, lack of detail, flat characters, bad dialogue, and no real mystery to solve made this book a huge disapointment.

third in a terrific series.......2005-05-04

Sharon Penman's series about Justin de Quincy, the Queen's Man for Eleanor of Aquitaine, is both highly readable and historically accurate. The reader is treated to an interesting plot involving a king's ransom stolen in Wales, as well as the development of the de Quincy character.

I enjoyed reading about Wales and the politics of the region at the time. I also thought the secondary characters were interesting and believable. I have enjoyed other books by this author and will continue to follow this series.

Justin de Quincy Rides Again!.......2005-03-17

Sharon Kay Penman's "Queen's Man" series of historical mysteries is starting to rival her other, longer novels of a more pure "historical fiction" bent. It's no surprise -- her historical mysteries demonstrate better research and command of the period than many "pure" historical novels.

"Dragon's Lair" again features Penman's fictional hero, Justin de Quincy, bastard son of the bishop of Chester. Justin is educated, resourceful, clever, and, as he admits, lucky. As a result, he's the perfect choice to serve Queen Eleanor. Beset by a tide of troubles in her later life, Eleanor in 1193 is trying to ransom her beloved son, King Richard, currently held captive in Germany. While the call has gone out across the realm for the ransom to be compiled, many less-than-loyal subjects desire to keep the ransom for themselves. The leading candidate for betrayal comes from within the royal family, as Eleanor's son John has no desire to see Richard return from confinement.

And so it is no great surprise when a valuable shipment of coin and luxurious wool (worth its weight in gold) goes missing en route from Wales. Eleanor immediately dispatches Justin to this remote, wild kingdom, charged with recovering the lost ransom. Justin soon finds himself in Welsh intrigues as wild and tangled as the Welsh countryside, and there's more than a wee spot of murder afoot, too.

Along the way, Penman feasts the reader on a host of precise details that evoke the time period, but does so in a highly readable fashion. We also delight in learning more about Justin, including meeting some players from his misspent youth.

An entertaining mystery (very realistic in its details) populated by a vivid cast of characters, "Dragon's Lair" keeps you guessing from page to page. A very enjoyable read!

Legends & Lairs: Mythic Races - Character Race Compendium

Average customer rating:

Just what I was looking for!
A nice addition to any campaign setting.
Well Done Mystic Flight Games
Not as helpful as I hoped
Now for something COMPLETELY Different

Legends & Lairs: Mythic Races - Character Race Compendium
Fantasy Flight Games , and Various
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Seafarer's Handbook: Sourcebook of Ships, Oceans, and the Beasts Therein (Legends & Lairs, d20 System)
Heroes of Horror (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement)
Legends & Lairs: Giant Lore
Sword and Fist: A Guidebook to Fighters and Monks (Dungeon & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying)
Fiend Folio (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying)

ASIN: 1589940547

Book Description

Some have lived in the world for millennia. Some have conquered continents. Some have gained great fame in magic, sacrifice or heroism of ages past. Some have lived in obscurity throughout the ages. Some wait in hatred amongst dark caverns for their time to ravage and rule the lands. Some dwell in peace deep in hidden valleys and on forgotten plateaus. Some walk openly among the known people, and some walk hidden. They are races of myth and lore. They are tribes, civilizations, outcasts, and abberants. Their time is now.

FFG is proud to present the second core book in the Legends & Lairs line of d20 System material. Mythic Races provides payers with 30 new detailed cultures for character creation. Each race is beautifully illustrated and details their history, gods, special skills, feats, equipment, and new prestige classes. These races range from the familiar to the alien, and all can be easily introduced into any campaign, making use of level modifiers to maintain game balance.

Customer Reviews:

Just what I was looking for!.......2007-08-24

I've searched everywhere in bookstores throughout my city trying to find this book but no one had it! I got the best price around and the book was in excellent condition!

A nice addition to any campaign setting........2003-05-21

Let me start off by saying that this book was a pleasant surprise. I decided to purchase it based off of the previous review of the book, and I can say I was not disappointed. Here are the highlights:

Fairies: If you're looking for a good race of fae without all the hassle involved in using Savage Species, this is the one. +2 Dex, +2 Cha, -4 Str, -2 Con. Key racial abilities: Natural Invisibility, Faerie Fire, and Spell Abilities (8 total). ECL +3
This race also includes dark fairies: the unseelie!

Luminous: A race of Positive Energy emitting humanoids. These beings make awesome clerics and paladins. +2 Wis, -2 Cha. Key racial abilities: Poison Immunity, +4 saves v.s. Necromancy magic, produces own body light equal to a torch at will, and enhanced turning. No ECL modifier!

Mhuinntirs: Shapechanging humaniod jaguar people (think Aztecs). In jaguar form: +4 Str, +6 Dex, +4 Con and +1 AC bonus! Speed 40 feet, climb 20 feet. +2 bonus to Spot and Track checks, bite and claw attacks, plus new feats just for this race. ECL +2

Niomus: My personal favorite. Bat-winged human-like race. Wings fold down and can be covered by a cloak or robe to fool on-lookers! +2 Int, +2 Cha, -2 Str (due to hollow bones). Key racial abilities: fly 50 feet, cold resistance 5, +2 bonus on Jump, Search, and Spot checks. ECL +2

Quissen: think desert reptile men. Warrior race created by wizard with artifact. +2 Con, -2 Cha. Key racial abilities: Darkvision, +4 bonus on Hide in desert terrains, +2 on Climb checks (clawed hands and feet), and thick scale natural armor bonus +2. ECL +1

Uthuk Y'llan: 6 to 7 feet tall, 200 to 300 pd humanoids with tatoos, ritual scars, and bone spurs. Eyes glow when enraged! +2 Con, +2 Str, -2 Int. Key racial abilities: +2 on Intimidate checks, they have an herbal root that when chewed causes them to go berserk! I using this race for my next character, an all-out brawling streetfighter type.

Anyway, there are many other very good races to choose from: Risen Demons, Stonegrunts, Pevishan, Tremen, etc... My only complaint is that there are a few lame races that are just core race rip-offs, or just bad choices for adventurers, but these make up only a moderate portion of the book.

Overall, this book has some really good, refreshing choices that can add a lot to your enjoyment of the game.

Well Done Mystic Flight Games.......2003-02-09

A well put together book of races, with each race having at least one racial prestige class. I have found the book useful and informative.

Not as helpful as I hoped.......2002-12-04

This book does have lots of new races. But when you start to really take a look at them, they start to seem very similar to one another. I run a 3rd Edition D&D game and play in both d20 StarWars and D&D. I thought I would use this as a resource to create interesting new PCs and NPCs. But I have found that I barely open the book since I purchased it. Very disappointing.

Now for something COMPLETELY Different.......2001-10-05

I had a high level of expectation for this product after seeing their fine Blue Planet system. I was not disappointed.

Contained in this 170 (reasonably priced) hardcover is:

* 30 New Races
* 31 Race Specific Presitge Classes
* 13 New Feats (mostly Race Specific, but easily adaptable)
* New Spells
* A Wealth of Background information to make each race unique.

Some examples of the fine work found in Mythic Races:

* Animen - A race of Humanoids with Animal heads (and a hidden animal nature)
* Athathi - A race of (VERY) well designed Humanoid Felines.
* Eleti - For the Necromancer in the Party... a Race of Undead... with a twist.
* Faeries - Finally a well designed Faery race (for those of you who like your fantasy with wings).
* Luminous - A race of beings composed of pure energy... great alternative for Paladins.
* Mhuinntirs - A race of Shapeshifters. The focus here is felines, but could easily be adapted for other animal types.
* Rhonians and the Rhoode - An Avian race and an Anphibian race that live in a strange symbiotic society
* Risen Demons - EASILY the best thing in the book, the opposite of Fallen Angels... two presitige classes are presented.
* Tremen - That's TREE-MEN... VERY COOL

And obviously there is a LOT more. All of the races are easily adaptable and a lot of the races I didn't mention are Warm and fuzzy in a halfing kind of way... but others are savage, brutish or horrible in some way... What thy ALL have in common is excellence of execution...

Bravo Fantasy Flight... Now I'm just waiting on the Sea-Farers guide...

Into the Dragon's Lair (Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms Adventure)
Average customer rating:

What's This?!

Changing the Realms! Yea, but wait awhile.

Into the Dragon's Lair (Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms Adventure)
Sean Reynolds , and Steve Miller
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Role Playing & Fantasy | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Miller, Steve | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Dungeons & Dragons | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Forgotten Realms | Dungeons & Dragons | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Pool of Radiance: Attack on Myth Drannor (Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms)

The Standing Stone: An Adventure for 7th-Level Characters (Dungeons & Dragons Adventure)

Heart of Nightfang Spire (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying Adventure, 10th Level)

The Speaker in Dreams (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying Adventure, 5th Level)

Deep Horizon (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Adventure, 13th Level)

ASIN: 0786916346
Release Date: 2000-10-01

Book Description

The King lies dead after a terrible battle against an ancient and powerful dragon. Now treasure seekers gather across the land to find the lost hoard of the dead dragon. Whoever claims the treasure earns the crown of Cormyr! This treasure hunt is precisely the type of adventure that defines the Dungeons & Dragons(r) experience: heroic adversity against formidable foes with untold wealth awaiting the victors.

Customer Reviews:

What's This?!.......2005-12-14

I must start by telling the truth. I haven't gotten to running this adventure through, and most likely I never will.

I was very excited to get my hands on this firt Realms adventure for the 3rd edition rules and started reading it as soon as I got my hands on it. But to my dismay I found that the text seemed stale and the plot was very linear and overbearing taking away alot from the characters by instead placing too much emphasis on the historical aspect of the adventure.

But perhaps it will be fun to play anyway I thought and proceeded to read it through. But when done I came to the conclusion that parts of the adventure was missing. There was crucial information that wasn't given in the text. Lacking this (and not being able to find a way around it) I have placed to book on the shelf where it will gather dust for ever more.

Changing the Realms! Yea, but wait awhile........2000-10-23

In the wake of the new D&D rules, Wizards has released this(it appears) first supplement that uses the 3rd edition rules for the popular Forgotten Realms world. There are good and bad things; bearing in mind that(to me) the jury is still out as to whether 3rd Edition is wholly successful.

First, the good. The story is an adventure in which the PC heroes will get to revisit a war-ravaged Cormyr in the wake of King Azoun's death. It is a good game line involving loyalty and betrayal, and ceratinly it tries to add to both the Realms gameworld's history and supplement the novel, Death of the Dragon, from which it is based. If you are planning on reading that novel, some spoilers are revealed here! The tale varies from some traditional, Realms fare by providing a distinct,but open storyline to follow. It gives minor side treks to enhance the main story, but also generates numerous foes of various levels to face the heroes. In keeping with Wizards of the Coast "new" approach to Forgotten Realms, Reynolds and Miller have kept more powerful, noted luminaries away(like Alusair, and Vangerdahast) and left the adventurers on their own with a basic mission.

Beyond the developing storyline, they have also managed to do a good job of forming the adventure to the new rules and concepts. For hardline gamers, some of these rules will seem unconventional with the game world, but a little speculation and thought will make them clear. Most importantly, the module tries to emphasize the action over the rules. This is valuable, given that there won't be an official Realms book translating and customizing the 3rd Edition rules until next year! It should have made it possible for old and new players to join in the game as it is set.

Now the bad. In spite of the fine 3rd Edition design, there is some perception here that this was reconfigured mid-stream from the older rules. The rules' framework seem skeletal, at times, on what to do, plus there is very little supplemental material to help in the transition to a 3rd Edition Realms game. Case in point, the priest conversion for Torilian gods are limited to 7 of them! This isn't very much given that in previous Realms material(Faiths & Avatars, etc.)there are probably around 50 unique beings characters can choose from. This wouldn't be so bad if, like other new 3rd Edition modules, this was a 1st or 2nd level adventure to get you used to the system. But this is intended for 10th Level players!

If you are new player, this makes it daunting to try an play advanced character in a new system without all the details or experience. If you are an older player, this means placing your current, likely 2nd Edition, characters through a conversion to the new rules, but lacking all the materials to make them Realmsian players. Clearly, more information would have been helpful to supplment. The assurance that you can make your own designs until the new Forgotten Realms release, and then "tinker" to match these impending new rules isn't comforting if you play with the your "home-made" changes for nearly year and then discover you are all wrong! However, I also realize that it would have bulked up the module beyond its design(plus been costly)!

Besides this awareness, I mention two other things. First is that some your opponents are rather daunting for this offering(given that the idea is to make it 4 10th level characters), especially Mahrlee's Raiders and their Blue Dragon ally! Second, the goblin city of Grodd is a great idea and is well developed, but given the implied urgency(to beat rival foes to the hoard) at this point in the adventure, I was surprised that it is left so open-ended for exploration. Ideas are given on how the characters could explore the city, but it stated that no guidance should be given to keep the characters moving along. Neither of these things are serious flaws, but they do generate some frustration if your are trying to maintain a consistent story.

So to wrap up: A great story and unique characters in the style Forgotten Realms fans will enjoy, but it lacks some foundations in terms of coping with 3rd Edition rules and higher level play. In a way, maybe Wizards of the Coast should have made it the "last" 2nd Edition module and waited to start the Realms anew next year. Long-time Forgotten Realms fans and gamers can probably adjust to their style of play, but newer fans or those committed to using pure 3rd edition rules will have to be flexible and follow your books well. I don't think you can pick it up and go. Maybe wait until next year to order it, when the new Realms sourcebook arrives in town. In the meantime, enjoy the new, Greyhawk-based ones to wet your feet!

Entering the Dragon's Lair: Chinese Antiaccess Strategies and Their Implications for the United States
Average customer rating:
Entering the Dragon's Lair: Chinese Antiaccess Strategies and Their Implications for the United States
Roger Cliff
Manufacturer: RAND Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Relations | International | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
International Security | Freedom & Security | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Science | Subjects | Books
Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Managing Sino-American Crises: Case Studies and Analysis

China: Fragile Superpower: How China's Internal Politics Could Derail Its Peaceful Rise

ASIN: 0833039954

Book Description

Could China use antiaccess strategies to defeat the United States in a conflict-in the sense of accomplishing its military and political objectives while preventing the United States from doing likewise? Analysis of Chinese military-doctrinal writings reveals a number of antiaccess concepts that could have this effect. There are a number of actions the United States can take, however, to reduce the effectiveness of such strategies.

Monster's Handbook: A Sourcebook for Creating and Customizing d20 System Monsters (Legends & Lairs, d20 System) (Legends & Lairs)

Average customer rating:

A great resource for creating new monsters
Very handy book for GM's

Monster's Handbook: A Sourcebook for Creating and Customizing d20 System Monsters (Legends & Lairs, d20 System) (Legends & Lairs)
Fantasy Flight Games , and Various
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humor | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Computers & Internet | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Dungeoncraft (Legends & Lairs, d20 System)
Legends & Lairs: Portals & Planes
Twisted Lore (Legends & Lairs, d20 System) (Legends & Lairs)
Traps & Treachery II: A Sourcebook of Deadly Machinations (Legends & Lairs, d20 System)
Legends and Lairs: Elemental Lore

ASIN: 1589940768

Book Description

The definitive d20 System resource for enhancing and modifying the monsters in your game.

• More than 60 new feats for monsters of all types.
• More than a dozen new prestige classes, including the thunder hammer giant and draconic tyrant.
• Dozens of new special attacks, special qualities, and traits conveniently broken down by creature type.
• New templates such as the chaos dragon and relentless undead that can be applied to a variety of creatures to create devastating and interesting new breeds of enemy.
• Detailed guidelines on adding abilities to monsters and adjusting their CRs to reflect the new challenge for PCs.
• A comprehensive discussion on using monsters effectively in your game, and suggestions on how to modify existing monsters to present exciting and mysterious new challenges to your players every session.
• In-depth suggestions for combining core feats, skills, classes, and magic items with different types of monsters.
• Sample creatures in each section showcase the new rules and make suggestions on how to effectively integrate them into your campaign.

Customer Reviews:

A great resource for creating new monsters.......2006-04-21

I agree with the previous reviewer on all points.

This is an excellent book that I wish I had purchased years ago. I have acquired eight monster books from various publishers, plus scoured the web in an effort to keep my players challenged with monsters they've never seen before. Invariably; however, someone in the group is already familiar with what I'm throwing at them.

Even though they try not to take advantage of their knowledge of the creature's strengths and weaknesses while at the game table, it's a little disappointing when you pull out something you think is new and someone already knows what it is and what it can do.

The Monster's Handbook solves this problem handily. Through Feats, Prestige Classes and other special abilities, this book let's you turn old standbys into new beasts that will surprise your players. As long as you don't go sharing your notes, your players will never know what hit them and won't be able to look it up.

The book's simple point-buy system makes calculating Challenge Ratings for your new creations a snap. The author's guidelines help you decide what special abilities make sense for the type of monster you're customizing. All in all, the monster customizing system in this book is much more user friendly than anything else I've read.

I highly recommend this book.

Very handy book for GM's.......2006-02-02

This has to be one of the best, if not the best Monster enhancing book available to GM's. Only 1 problem, it is 3.0 and not 3.5. Beacause of this, the book has some very obvious hinderances. However, these are easily overlooked and fixed by any GM new and experienced. It just takes a bit of time. I still use this book constantly in my current 3.5 campaign.

This is not a book full of new monsters, nor is it a book full of simple templates like most other monster enhancing books are. This is a detailed book that delves into the creation of monsters, giving the DM a 'point buy' type of system for creating monsters and assigning CR's. No longer will you have to sit and wonder what a god CR is for your latest creation. Put a simple formula in on your calculater, and there is your answer.

This book covers each monster type is a fully detailed chapter. The only exception is Magical Beasts, but this can be picked up from FF's website as an enhancement for free, and you should check it out before buying the book, as it will give you an excellent idea about the book.

The first chapter details all the various supernatural, extraordinary, spell like and other such abilities of monsters. It shows you how to give creatures the use of any spell in the PHB, and most any monster ability found in the MM. It then goes on to explain how to give the monsters more flavor and description, calculating the CR, and some other basic info on moster creation.

The remaining chapters, as said above, detail each monster type. This goes into EXCELLENT detail. It gives optimum class choices for each monster type, good spells and equipment to use, feats to choose, skills, and in some cases techniques in battle. It then has a series of feats designed to that creature type, several creature type specific templates and PrC's (for each creature type). There is probably 20+ templates, and 15+ PrC's.

The book then has some new and example special abilities for that creature type, which you can add in, or simply base an ability off of, along with how much 'difficulty' it ads to the creature for calculating the CR. The chapter then ends with an example creature of the type.

You definatly get your money's worth for this book, and as long as you don't mind convertng bits over to 3.5, or if you are in a 3.0 game, then definatly a great and very handy book for any GM.

The Book of Lairs: Deluxe Accessory Ref3 (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons)

Average customer rating:

A great collection of adventure seeds
A lifesaver!
Pretty Good

The Book of Lairs: Deluxe Accessory Ref3 (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons)
James M. Ward , and Mike Breault
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Book of Lairs II (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Official Game Accessory 9198)
The Complete Paladin's Handbook (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition, Player's Handbook Rules Supplement)
Castle Guide (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition, Dungeon Master's Guide Rules Supplement/2114/DMGR2) (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons)
The Complete Book of Villains (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition)

ASIN: 0880383194

Customer Reviews:

A great collection of adventure seeds.......2004-01-05

NOTE: THIS REVIEW FOR REFEREE'S EYES ONLY. THERE ARE SPOILERS HERE FOR PLAYERS.
The Book of Lairs (REF3) is perfect for those times when -- as a DM -- you're having "writer's block." Here's an example of what I did with just one of the encounters from the book, "Drow." What follows is an "after-action" report I wrote for my players, so the details of the adventure wouldn't be forgotten with time.

(6/2/03) "Festan answered the summons from the Archdruid Kyelmann immediately. Ardeep Forest, close to Waterdeep, is a de facto druid embassy to the city-state. Ideally, conflicts from both sides can be resolved peacefully, and Kyelmann has negotiated most of those agreements.

Kyelmann, an old but vigorous man with snow-white hair and beard, greeted Festan formally. This was not their first meeting. The two sized each other up once again, for one day the ambitious and able younger druid would surely challenge Kyelmann for the Archdruid position. The outcome of that contest was far from certain.

The assignment: Investigate the source of recent Drow elf raids in The High Forest, south of the Star Mounts. Drow kill indiscriminately, and are as disruptive as settlers hacking down the forest. Kyelmann also had a "gift" for Festan, an elf warrior, Evana Vega, who ended up being a welcome addition to the party. Since the loss of Boutros the Half-Ogre, the party had been missing an extra sword.

The party gathered at the Yawning Portal, their favorite watering-hole in the city. The remnants of a badly savaged adventuring group emerged from Undermountain during their meeting, but they shrugged off the bad omen.

The party:
· Festan, druid
· Stalith, fighter
· Kavitt, mage
· Thoumann, bard
· Evana, fighter
· Druwçzza, fighter/thief

The party embarked by barge from Illefarn up the Unicorn Run. The trip was slow and peaceful, save for Orc bandits attacking from cliffs overlooking the river. The assault was quickly broken, the orc survivors scattering.

After proceeding up the River Shining, the party began searching the southern reaches of the High Forest for several days, before finding clues of Drow raiders. The only significant encounter was an extremely large brown bear, angry because Thoumann thought her cubs were cute.

Festan, in reptile form, investigated a set of featureless metal doors behind a bramble thicket. Despite threats and pleas from the talking doors, traps galore, and the failure of the party's strongest warriors, the doors were finally forced open (by Thoumann the bard). Inside was a wide hallway, and dark. The party didn't realize how high the hall reached, and was attacked by the guardian, Bilastrinix, a Drow elf fighter/magic-user. He was levitating above, casting magic, and firing crossbow bolts with a sleep poison. It was a difficult and frustrating encounter for both sides, with much magic hurled, only to be repelled by the Drow's magic resistance. Several party members were virtually impotent, lacking an effective attack. Evana finally ended the battle, using her magic items to climb the wall, and leaping onto the levitating elf. A vicious one-on-one fight left the Drow dead, and Evana plummeting to the ground.

As the dust settled, and the party was taking count of the situation, Druwçzza's mother Qilué Veladorn - one of the legendary Seven Sisters - arrived. Being Drow, this caused the party a few moments of consternation. But she only came to seal off the passage, to deny the Underdark Drow this access to the surface.

Kyelmann was extremely pleased, and received the whole party. The Drow threat was not only identified, but also neutralized."

Wayne Gralian
Wayne's World of Books / Krakow RPGs
WaynesBooks.com

A lifesaver!.......2000-05-02

Here it is, the DM's Bible... over 70 mini-adventures for all levels, all places, and all play styles, arranged by creature type. This book is the saving grace for DM's blessed with those players who love to do their own thing and wander off into the wilderness. So, when the encounter dice read "Quicklings," and you say, "Uhhh..." here's the ideal way to handle it! The adventures are all well-written, original, and intense. One of TSR's finest, highest recommendation.

Pretty Good.......1998-07-06

This is a great book for anyone who likes a few adventures ready at their fingertips. Many of the adventures are beautifully designed, and are great to fit into any campaign. The parameters surrounding them are very flexible for doing this. The adventures also work well independently for a quick one-adventure play, during those times you don't know if you have time for a full campaign. It has a few drawbacks however. A few of the adventures are rather mediocre, and overall, they tend to focus more on hack-and-slash than on role-play, but in the hands of a skillful dm, it can be a powerful and effective tool.

Book of Lairs II (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Official Game Accessory 9198)

Average customer rating:

An excellent resource

Book of Lairs II (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Official Game Accessory 9198)
TSR Inc
Manufacturer: TSR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Book of Lairs: Deluxe Accessory Ref3 (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons)
The Complete Paladin's Handbook (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition, Player's Handbook Rules Supplement)

ASIN: 0880383968

Customer Reviews:

An excellent resource.......2004-09-23

This AD&D (1st edition) book is an excellent resource for any Dungeon Master (DM) running an AD&D campaign, especially a 1st or 2nd edition campaign. The book contains some 65 (if I counted correctly) mini-adventures, all entirely self-contained, that a DM can slip into an existing campaign, perhaps as a chance encounter while the party is traveling. The mini-adventures range in party difficulty level from 1st level up to 12th level, and even contain a number of Oriental Adventures mini-adventures.

So, if you are a DM, running an AD&D campaign, then this is an excellent resource for you to get, one that you will find yourself using throughout the years - as I have. I highly recommend this book.

Key to the Griffon's Lair (Dungeons and Dragons: Knights of the Silver Dragon)

Average customer rating:

Key to the Griffon's Lair (Dungeons and Dragons: Knights of the Silver Dragon)
Candice Ransom
Manufacturer: Mirrorstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Curse of the Lost Grove (Dungeons and Dragons: Knights of the Silver Dragon)
The Silver Spell: Knights of the Silver Dragon (Dungeons and Dragons: Knights of the Silver Dragon)
Mystery of the Wizard's Tomb (Knights of the Silver Dragon)
The Hidden Dragon: Knights of the Silver Dragon (Dungeons and Dragons: Knights of the Silver Dragon)
Mark of the Yuan-ti (Knights of the Silver Dragon)

ASIN: 0786938277
Release Date: 2005-09-29

Book Description

At midnight, an army of ghosts will attack Curston. The city has only one hope: the Knights of the Silver Dragon – knights both
living and dead. Can Moyra, Kellach, and Driskoll locate the hidden crypt, where knights sleep for eternity, before the ghostly battle begins?

Key to the Griffon’s Lair continues a new series of adventures written specifically for readers ages 8 - 12. This exciting series follows the adventures of three children, who through their heroic deeds, become members of the Order of the Knights of the Silver Dragon.

The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature: From Dragons Lair to Hero Quest

Average customer rating:

Advice from the Professionals
The zen of writing fantasy literature
Excellent reference
A truly inspiring and insightful "must-read"

The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature: From Dragons Lair to Hero Quest

Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy
The Writers Complete Fantasy Reference: An Indispensable Compendium of Myth and Magic
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy (Writing Series) (Writing Series)
Writing the Fantasy Film: Heroes and Journeys in Alternate Realities

ASIN: 0871161958

Book Description

The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature offers an overview of the main styles of fantasy, with scores of practical tips and techniques, along with examples of great fantasy writing from today's best mythic-fiction writers. This thoughtful guide will help you navigate your way from dragon's lair to hero's quest—on your personal path to success! Get advice on generating ideas, tips on planning, writing and revising, and how to submit your work for publication. Step inside and learn techniques from the experts like Joan Aiken, Peter S. Beagle, Ursula Le Guin, Terry Pratchett, and Jane Yolen. If you ever wanted to try your own hand at writing spellbinding tales of wonder, here is a wealth of advice from some of the all-time masters of the field!

Customer Reviews:

Advice from the Professionals.......2004-10-31

This is a collection of essays and interviews from various fantasy authors. They share their views, thoughts, and techniques about writing fantasy. This is a book for people who want to learn from professional and successful fantasy authors.

I enjoyed this book because I was interested in what these authors had to say about fantasy. They gave very helpful advice about writing. I thought this book was very informative about the field of fantasy. It covers everything from generating ideas for novels to sending novels to publishers.

If you want to learn from the pro's, this is the book for you.

The zen of writing fantasy literature.......2004-01-18

I was expecting much more of a nuts and bolts book on writing fantasy, but a lot of the material in the book seemed targeted toward having a better appreciation of fantasy or what's required to write it, rather than the actual mechanics of writing. I enjoyed reading the book anyway, but it was not entirely what I had expected. The first part of the book introduced the concept of fantasy literature. I found Chapter 1, which analyzed the popularity of the Harry Potter series, to be very interesting. Chapter 2 introduced the general concept of fantasy literature and Chapter 3 categorized fantasy literature into five types with an accompanying essay or interview for each type. Although interesting, Chapter 3 was probably the weakest section of the book. The interviews, often about a single book the author wrote, were not the most effective means for conveying information. The second part of the book addressed the story itself. Chapter 4 discussed character development and was fairly informative, although like most of the book about a third to a half of the material are passage quotations from fantasy books. The two contributed portions of this chapter were not as informative as the material written by the author. Chapter 5 was similar in content and quality, but addressed places rather than characters. Chapter 6 discussed common themes often found in fantasy-such as magic, riddles, and prophecies-and also included two author interviews. Chapter 7 addressed plot and common story lines in fantasy literature and also included an interview and contributed article. The third part of the book addressed many of the mechanics of the writing process. Chapter 8 discussed generated ideas; Chapter 9 discussed the mechanics of the layout and order of which chapters to write first; Chapter 10 discussed how to set goals and remain motivated in the writing process; Chapter 11 discussed revising material; and Chapter 12 discussed submitting your work for publication. This last chapter was the only one in this part that included contributed material. I particularly enjoyed the interview with Terry Pratchett and the article by Ray Bradbury. The fourth part of the book included some reference material: publisher addresses and web/print references. Overall, as a 'How To' book for writers I give this book four stars. While all of the material was interesting, the usefulness of it was uneven. Betters books are "Worlds of Wonder" by David Gerrold or "How To Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card. However, if you love fantasy and just want a better appreciation of what goes into writing it, then this book is definitely five stars.

Excellent reference.......2002-03-23

Unlike most writing books, which are filled with common sense fluff, this book gets down into the nuts and bolts of writing for the fantasy genre. Definately worth reading. Make sure you have a highlighter handy.

A truly inspiring and insightful "must-read".......2002-02-12

Philip Martin's The Writer's Guide To Fantasy Literature: From Dragon's Lair To Hero's Quest is a collection of informative essays specifically written to help both aspiring and established writers improve the quality of their work, and create fantasy worlds to suspend disbelief and capture the imagination. Essay contributors include such notable talents as Patricia A. McKillip, Jane Yolen, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Peter S. Beagle. Chapters and essays cover such issues as generating ideas, constructing a coherent plot, and enhancing settings with your own brand of magic. The Writer's Guide To Fantasy Literature is a truly inspiring and insightful "must-read" for anyone looking to improve their fantasy writing - and the majority of its tips, tricks, and techniques would also apply to the writing of science fiction, historical fiction, or genre novels of any sort!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books