Master of Chains

Forgotten Realms: The Fighters #1

by Jess Lebow

A new series focusing on the popular character class Fighters!
 

The first title in a new Forgotten Realms series focusing on the popular Dungeons & Dragons ® game character class of Fighters. Each title will feature characters with a different exotic style of fighting.  

Genres: Forgotten Realms, Fantasy, Fiction, Dungeons and Dragons, High Fantasy, Ebooks, Collections

312 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Anastasiaadamov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than expected. The ending was intense to the last few pages.
I am not sure what to think about the ending though...

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a great feeling when, after finishing a book and setting it back on the shelf, the only word that comes to mind is 'wow.' Sitting here now I find my eyes constantly scanning back to it's location on the shelf, just begging to set their gaze on this one once again. And if ever a cover depicted what was to come, this was it--Raymond Swanland's amazing art gave a real insight into the dark land and emotional atmosphere that made this story so good, so believable.

Very few authors have managed to make me feel (actually feel) the sorrow, the remorse, the pride, the unwavering strive for vengeance, the brotherly love, and the betrayal that is so well fleshed out by Jess Lebow. I found myself many times looking up from the page to ponder what I would do in that given situation; but of course, those visions paled in comparison.

If I keep going spoilers will undoubtedly start popping up, so instead I'm just going to reiterate my love for this book--I really wish it could continue, maybe a sequel Mr. Lebow?

[Dani Businelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book! Action packed, likable characters...sadly the ending just was not to my liking. It seemed very rushed.

[Alexander Mavrodiev · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first Forgotten Realms book I pick up and it has to be so bad. I has a serious sad. Unlikeable characters, weak story, worse writing. Just. A total waste of time. The author should stick to writing for videogames.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story basically has two protagonists - brothers who end up on opposite sides. It constantly flips from one side to the other, picking up pace in the last chapter or two.

I'm not familiar with Erlkazar so descriptions of the region didn't particularly resonate. I felt like the settting was somewhat generic, except for maybe the Broken Spear's hideout.

I found myself unsympathetic to the characters, including the brothers. Together with the supporting characters, the motivations felt all other place and inconsistent. One moment they could be comrade-in-arms and steadfast, then distrustful and suspicious, then back to being loyal and true. Almost all the named characters will do some flipping.

The fights are a mixed bag. I guess fighting with chains is really just so far out there that the author deserves some praise for even attempting to. It's just really funny that there are always just the right chains available for just the right use. That's D&D for you I guess

Overall, the story and the plot and even the antagonist is fine. It's just the execution and the characters that leaves me with a feeling of there being a checklist that needs to be ticked. The ending felt really rushed, and was very unsatisfying - almost nothing got resolved. The cliffhanger was quite tasteless. You'd imagine a community regularly facing undead threat would know how to deal with their compromised dead.

[Kagan Oztarakci · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The flames grew quickly, then fell back again. Rising and falling, rising and falling. It was as if they were trying to leap off the log and fly up the stone chimney to escape. But there was no escape. They were chained to the source of their life, stuck to the burning log until it was completely consumed and they were estinguished."
"he was proud of himself for being so foolish."
"He had an amazing ability to accept the inevitable...He just took everything as if it were a part of the plan."
"Living your life is a scary proposition. The more you gain, the more you have to lose. The more you have to lose, the harder it becomes to live with the consequences. But that shouldn't stop you from living the life you think you should live."

[Roh Bawt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually I honestly want my main characters to be someone I can admire. Or at least charming and/or interesting. This book had two main characters and I found neither to meet even my most minimum requirement. No one in this book seems to have any decency at all really. It's just not what Im looking for in a fantasy book. And really none of the other aspects such as the action or painting the wonders of Fearun were more than mediocre so they sure didn't make up for this.

[Danny B · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writer had some good items but because he only had one novel to work with it ended up being wayyy too rushed. Plot points were pushed through like in a speed run and everything happened too easily. And apparently somebody can become a "master" despite having no prior training and mysteriously gain power for no reason. It would have been fun to dive into but alas writer didn't have enough time.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read this book I really enjoyed it. Specific scenes had stuck with me and ultimately made me want to re read it. But some things are better left in the database were time and nostalgia blur the truth.
I found myself not being able to get through it the second time, maybe that's cause I remember the rough outline of it but I think its more on dialogue, it just took me out of the immersion. It's not a bad book by any means, I just didn't get drawn into it like I had years ago.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Master Of Chains follows two brothers and their weird love triangle. The book takes place in Erlkazar and the lore from this area i havent heard much about was the best part of the novel. The characters aren't that developed and have weird motivations but it was short and the vampires were cool. There weren't really any characters that were memorable except maybe the main villan but even then she and pretty much every character in this book weren't very interesting.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

It hits the cliches of a mediocre franchise fiction book. It's fast paced with lots of action and fantasy trope stuff. It's not really deep at all and a couple things stretch logic, but there is "turn your brain off" type fun to be had. The antagonists are good. It's definitely not the worst book of this type one could read.

[Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mind candy, fluff, and a fun read. The one thing that really bothered me was the language characters used, the dialogue: "modern," dull, and almost boring.

And seriously. Some of the names of some of the characters mentioned... really?

The whole thing, while having an okay enough plot, did appear rather slapped together.

[Michelle B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stumbled across this book after YEARS. The writing is pretty decent for the time, action is excellent and detailed. Not a huge fan, personally, of how the female characters are written, however. No spoilers here, but I will say overall, Jess is a great writer of fantasy where it counts!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is your typical Forgotten Realms story with all of the flair: magic, vampires, dire wolves, zombies, magicians, with a mix of humans who seem to have some abilities as well. The story unfolds with the two protagonists, Liam and Ryder, two brothers from a small farming town held by a seemingly corrupt baron named Purdun. Liam and Ryder are part of a rebellious group called the Crimson Awl who fights against heavy taxation and the baron. That's really about it. There's no other depth to the Crimson Awl, but I digress.

Ryder becomes quickly captured, though Liam believes him dead, and Liam is left to try to lead the Crimson Awl, deal with the guilt of his parents and Ryder's grieving widow. What unfolds, however, quickly results in some role reversals, betrayal, outright stupidity, and the outlying force of vampires invading and causing a ruckus.

The true problem of the story becomes apparent with the rise of a powerful vampire mistress named Shyressa who is hungry for not only blood, but power. That seemingly corrupt baron is the only thing stopping her from dominating the part of the world where all of these characters reside. And so, transitions occur.

The story is written loosely, but well, and it's an easy, quick read. However, the depth of the characters and the difference of opinions and feelings that arise seems uncannily quick (the entire span of the novel is just a few months). Hard formed alliances that have lasted years change and feelings of love and compassion are shattered rather quickly replaced by new loves and compassion and loyalty. It makes me think I'm reading a story about a bunch of hot-headed dolts. The only characters that make sense for changing allegiance so quickly are the vampires, considering they don't have a choice in the matter once bitten.

However, I am not above giving credit where credit is due. It's a good story, one that leaves you at a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter, and the book itself. Good is just about all I can say. It doesn't stand out and it doesn't completely want me to give up on reading either. It's just slightly flat where more depth could be added. The story can be read in a few days and if you're anything like me you'll feel fairly neutral about the whole thing.

[Daniel Volpe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pretty bad on all levels. The story line was decent at best (the only reason for 2 stars, rather than 1) but the writing was weak. I don't know if the original version of this was longer and possibly cut down by an editor, but the story felt rushed. The reader was given a lot of information at once that didn't make much sense. There was one section where someone was listing off cities or towns that had no relevance to the story.

The characters were ok, something that seems normal for a Forgotten Realms story.

The action scenes were another one of the few high points in this story. They weren't as good as R.A. Salvatore's battle scenes, but they were easy to follow and with an appropriate amount of gore.

All in all, I would avoid this one.

[Rowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me and simply put, it's not my type of book. I love the plot (hence the 2 stars). But the writing style made it difficult for me to get into and I often fell asleep while reading. It's very D&D-esque, which is fine, but the writing style... It's overly descriptive in a stiff kind of way. The structure and flow seem blocky and abrupt. Feelings and thoughts are stated superficially rather than written with powerful emotion that evoke response from the reader. At least that's how I felt. I know a lot of people enjoyed this book and that's great, I really love that. I wish I was able to, as well, but unfortunately I did not. I will say that the plot is great, there are good cliffhangers, and the ending was... pleasant. :)

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a really good book with good descriptive action, and a twisted story that really sucks your attention. When you finish its the kind of book where you wish it had a sequel but you know if it did it would ruin it. I dont think there are to many ladies that would like this book.

[Remington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good quick read, fairly interesting. Nice twists and great fight descriptions / attention to detail. Very well paced, not overly drawn out action and neatly organized lulls. Funny without trying too hard. And cooool characters, never thought I'd root for a dude with a Chain.

[Ranrick James · Rating 4 out of 5]

So while I was reading the book I felt that it was an ok book, but on the last two pages I realized that the was a wonderful epic! I mean I want right away for everyone to read this. Time for the next one. i really like it to be honest and Son of Tjhunder I can't wait to read

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solidly written, fluffy action book, with a direct and fairly obvious plot, but one that keeps a nice pace and flow. The ending pleasantly surprised me. It's not quite worth a 4th star for it though.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Quick, fairly good plot, some nice magic and monsters. I enjoyed it for the first book I've read by this author.

[M.A. Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forcefully mediocre. I didn't enjoy reading this at all, and that's saying something. Yuck.

[Philip Chedsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good pace to the storyline but a little cliched and predictable with an escape scene that didn't seem to be possible.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a while to get into this story. Good tale though. Love the vampires. =)