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The Cleric Quintet #1-5 omnibus
The Cleric Quintet Collector's Edition
New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore's beloved Cleric Quintet novels, now in a trade paperback.
R.A. Salvatore's Cleric Quintet tells the story of the scholar-priest Cadderly, plucked from the halls of the Edificant Library to fulfill a heroic quest: to stop the chaos curse unleashed upon Faêrun.
This one-volume collection includes all five of the original Cleric Quintet novels-- Canticle , In Sylvan Shadows , Night Masks , The Fallen Fortress , and The Chaos Curse --complete and unabridged, with an introduction by the author. The Cleric Quintet is the prequel to R.A. Salvatore's best-selling novel, The Ghost King .
R.A. Salvatore's Cleric Quintet tells the story of the scholar-priest Cadderly, plucked from the halls of the Edificant Library to fulfill a heroic quest: to stop the chaos curse unleashed upon Faêrun.
This one-volume collection includes all five of the original Cleric Quintet novels-- Canticle , In Sylvan Shadows , Night Masks , The Fallen Fortress , and The Chaos Curse --complete and unabridged, with an introduction by the author. The Cleric Quintet is the prequel to R.A. Salvatore's best-selling novel, The Ghost King .
1036 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
130 people are currently reading
2104 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
607 books11.3k followersAs one of the fantasy genre’s most successful authors, R.A. Salvatore enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times best-seller lists and have sold more than 10,000,000 copies. Salvatore’s original hardcover, The Two Swords, Book III of The Hunter’s Blade Trilogy (October 2004) debuted at # 1 on The Wall Street Journal best-seller list and at # 4 on The New York Times best-seller list. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Czech, and French.
Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.
His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.
The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.
Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.
When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...
Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.
His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.
The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.
Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.
When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 11, 2016
While I cannot bring myself to read much of RA Salvatores work anymore (the Drizzt/Dark Elf saga has been steadily becoming more and more repetitive and nauseating as time passes, and I gave up completely after "The Companions" [in which all Drizzts' dead companions are brought back to life, effectively negating decades of canon!]), I actually found this series refreshing.
While the Drizzt saga (obviously) focuses on Drizzt, I found this book to be more of an ensemble cast, where each character is just as interesting to me as the rest. Cadderly especially is a refreshing, likable protagonist, and it's enjoyable to watch him (and his comrades) grow organically in power as the series progresses.
I was actually saddened to see this series draw to a close, and am eternally hopeful for more adventures to come for Cadderly and Co.!!
While the Drizzt saga (obviously) focuses on Drizzt, I found this book to be more of an ensemble cast, where each character is just as interesting to me as the rest. Cadderly especially is a refreshing, likable protagonist, and it's enjoyable to watch him (and his comrades) grow organically in power as the series progresses.
I was actually saddened to see this series draw to a close, and am eternally hopeful for more adventures to come for Cadderly and Co.!!
February 11, 2008
Previous series The Dark Elf Trilogy, Icewind Dale Trilogy, and Legacy of the Drow.
Though Drizzt is not actually in this series, some of the main characters end up in future series, so I'd recommend reading it before Paths of Darkness... etc.
Following this series is the Paths of Darkness series.
I believe that R.A. Salvatore is one of my favorite authors. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the fight scenes until I read other fantasy and felt like the battles were lacking in depth and detail. I've read almost everything Forgotten Realms except the very recent, and would recommend it to any fantasy lover. Also, if you are new to fantasy, this would be a great starting place! These books are very black/white, good/evil. It's a fun read and easy to fall in love with the characters.
Though Drizzt is not actually in this series, some of the main characters end up in future series, so I'd recommend reading it before Paths of Darkness... etc.
Following this series is the Paths of Darkness series.
I believe that R.A. Salvatore is one of my favorite authors. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the fight scenes until I read other fantasy and felt like the battles were lacking in depth and detail. I've read almost everything Forgotten Realms except the very recent, and would recommend it to any fantasy lover. Also, if you are new to fantasy, this would be a great starting place! These books are very black/white, good/evil. It's a fun read and easy to fall in love with the characters.
May 31, 2009
3.5 of 5 stars.
This book was in many was better than the Drizzt series. The characters are more relatable to the average reader and the main character faces a battle many of us do: One of faith and religion. The book is written in typical Salvatore fashion, it goes deep into the characters mental and logical thinking process and the fight scenes are very detailed. There were only two major flaws I found in this series.
1. The first book in the series was waaaay too slow. I understand that a foundation has to poured on which the following stories sit, but I found this excessive.
2. The climax in the series takes place in part 4... the 5th part seemed nearly unnecessary. It was like watching the Disney original Aladdin and the watching Aladdin 3: King of thieves. You have to ask yourself "why?"
Would highly recommend this book to Salvatore and general fantasy fans :)
This book was in many was better than the Drizzt series. The characters are more relatable to the average reader and the main character faces a battle many of us do: One of faith and religion. The book is written in typical Salvatore fashion, it goes deep into the characters mental and logical thinking process and the fight scenes are very detailed. There were only two major flaws I found in this series.
1. The first book in the series was waaaay too slow. I understand that a foundation has to poured on which the following stories sit, but I found this excessive.
2. The climax in the series takes place in part 4... the 5th part seemed nearly unnecessary. It was like watching the Disney original Aladdin and the watching Aladdin 3: King of thieves. You have to ask yourself "why?"
Would highly recommend this book to Salvatore and general fantasy fans :)
February 19, 2017
The is the omnibus of the Cleric Quintet. Five books that tell the tale of Cadderly the scholar-priest and his adventures fighting the Chaos Curse.
I did rate and review all five individual novels but I also wanted to toss in a rating/review for the omnibus because at the end of the day this is one long story instead of five separate stories (think Lord of the Rings).
This tale hit all my pleasure points.
We had great characters who not only grew over the telling of the story but also had wonderful relationships and dialogue.
The plot was interesting and well paced - I never lost interest and always wanted to keep turning those pages.
It's R.A. Salvatore so you know we've got great battles, great fights.
The world is the Forgotten Realms so it's very well built and has a rich history.
The bad guys - there are so many of them and they're all pretty bad ass - we've got dragons, wizards, trolls, goblins, orcs, imps, vampires, zombies and I'm sure I'm missing some more.
This is a book that I will read many more times in the future.
I'm really glad I got to spend time with these characters and I recommend this highly.
I did rate and review all five individual novels but I also wanted to toss in a rating/review for the omnibus because at the end of the day this is one long story instead of five separate stories (think Lord of the Rings).
This tale hit all my pleasure points.
We had great characters who not only grew over the telling of the story but also had wonderful relationships and dialogue.
The plot was interesting and well paced - I never lost interest and always wanted to keep turning those pages.
It's R.A. Salvatore so you know we've got great battles, great fights.
The world is the Forgotten Realms so it's very well built and has a rich history.
The bad guys - there are so many of them and they're all pretty bad ass - we've got dragons, wizards, trolls, goblins, orcs, imps, vampires, zombies and I'm sure I'm missing some more.
This is a book that I will read many more times in the future.
I'm really glad I got to spend time with these characters and I recommend this highly.
April 17, 2023
Die Story hat erst ganz interessant angefangen hat mich aber zum Schluss nicht wirklich geflasht.
Ab Band 3 passiert eigentlich nicht mehr viel mit den Charakteren und dann wird die Story einfach nur noch langweilig
Ab Band 3 passiert eigentlich nicht mehr viel mit den Charakteren und dann wird die Story einfach nur noch langweilig
January 11, 2011
The story was tremendously interesting - alas, the characters failed to live up to the story's grand scheme in my estimation, especially the main character, the cleric-in-training Cadderly. His other companions - namely the dwarf brothers - proved to be much more interesting though they play quite a lesser role in the over all story.
The problem with Cadderly was that he was a young man who started out with minimal power but loads of potential, and quickly - too quickly, in fact - became monumentally powerful physically and magically with no potential for character growth. I felt like the boy Cadderly in the beginning didn't grow into the character he became, rather Salvatore substituted an entirely different character for Cadderly. Like a skinwalker came in and decided to finish Cadderly's story for him. He was really disjointed.
First he's struggling with all the moral and ethical psychological problems that accompany killing a person, evil or no, and then without a plausible, logical reason for personal growth suddenly finds it an acceptible, if distatsteful, practice to dispose of evil or inconvenient people he encounters in his pursuit of 'the greater good'.
His love interest Danica the warrior monk is just that - a love interest with an extremely hard head. The romance has been established outside of telling of this tale, so the romantic tension is nil. She loves him and he loves her, and that's the way it has been and always will be as far as the story is concern. They never experience any doubts towards the other that aren't resolved within the same sentence that they are uttered. She does not develop as a character at all. Their relationship is as unreal as it is uninteresting.
By contrast, the dwarf brothers Pickel and Ivan Bouldershoulders, are quite interesting. Unfortunately we don't see much of them and we rarely get to experience the story from their unique perspective. Their relationship is so typical of siblings, competative yet caring towards one anotoher. Because of Pickel's very limited vocab Ivan is often the one who interprets his brother's strange mutterings and moods for thsoe who are less familiar with him in an entertaining manner.
The lesser villains are also more interesting than the main villain, the cliche Aballister - the evil 'I will rule the world' wizard/Cadderly's anonymous father...Star Wars much? He was boring. Druzil his ghastly minion from another dimension, Ghost the immortal assassin, and Keirkan Rufo - Cadderly's former friend/nemesis the cleric Kierkan Rufo whose weak morals and Druzil's persuasiveness lead to his eventual downfall - all prove to be more interesting characters than any of Cadderly's friends, companions, and even himself.
I could have wasted my time much more satisfactorily reading other books. If you've wasted your time reading my review, please don't read The Cleric Quintet.:P
The problem with Cadderly was that he was a young man who started out with minimal power but loads of potential, and quickly - too quickly, in fact - became monumentally powerful physically and magically with no potential for character growth. I felt like the boy Cadderly in the beginning didn't grow into the character he became, rather Salvatore substituted an entirely different character for Cadderly. Like a skinwalker came in and decided to finish Cadderly's story for him. He was really disjointed.
First he's struggling with all the moral and ethical psychological problems that accompany killing a person, evil or no, and then without a plausible, logical reason for personal growth suddenly finds it an acceptible, if distatsteful, practice to dispose of evil or inconvenient people he encounters in his pursuit of 'the greater good'.
His love interest Danica the warrior monk is just that - a love interest with an extremely hard head. The romance has been established outside of telling of this tale, so the romantic tension is nil. She loves him and he loves her, and that's the way it has been and always will be as far as the story is concern. They never experience any doubts towards the other that aren't resolved within the same sentence that they are uttered. She does not develop as a character at all. Their relationship is as unreal as it is uninteresting.
By contrast, the dwarf brothers Pickel and Ivan Bouldershoulders, are quite interesting. Unfortunately we don't see much of them and we rarely get to experience the story from their unique perspective. Their relationship is so typical of siblings, competative yet caring towards one anotoher. Because of Pickel's very limited vocab Ivan is often the one who interprets his brother's strange mutterings and moods for thsoe who are less familiar with him in an entertaining manner.
The lesser villains are also more interesting than the main villain, the cliche Aballister - the evil 'I will rule the world' wizard/Cadderly's anonymous father...Star Wars much? He was boring. Druzil his ghastly minion from another dimension, Ghost the immortal assassin, and Keirkan Rufo - Cadderly's former friend/nemesis the cleric Kierkan Rufo whose weak morals and Druzil's persuasiveness lead to his eventual downfall - all prove to be more interesting characters than any of Cadderly's friends, companions, and even himself.
I could have wasted my time much more satisfactorily reading other books. If you've wasted your time reading my review, please don't read The Cleric Quintet.:P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2009
I read the first four books, got to the begining of book 5 and moved on to books I was more excited about reading. As always with Salvatore, some of the characters were really ineresting, others really funny, but the man just can't write.
March 26, 2017
It difficult to review this because it is technically a compendium of 5 books, each with their own highlights and low points. Overall, it's a very enjoyable read. A classic example of nerd lit escapist fantasy. It does a great job of capturing how D&D feels while also fleshing out a variety of interesting characters and settings. There are some amazing sequences (the fifth book in particular was very strong) but overall I was not a huge fan of the writing style. The battles especially felt a little too...and then this happened and then this happened. Which, while in keeping with the D&D style it's based on, didn't always read as fluidly as I'd have liked. So in general, this is an easy to read, fun series.
July 28, 2007
Cadderly is a very awesome character, I was excited, more so than I can explain here, to find out I was reading a book following a chosen (if you are familiar with the forgotten realms universe, there is an enormous pantheon of gods, and gods have to ability to single out a follower they find exceptionally suited to their portfolio, and grant them special abilities; basically making them their avatar on this plane. Cadderly is such a chosen follower. And for a very interesting god I thought. Not Torm or any of those mainstream fools)
Plus, I've always thought clerics were the shiz in the first place. A chosen, and a cleric? Basically, he is uber. I only regret this is back from the ol' advanced D&D age. I'd like it if he were strutting around in a pair of full plate.
agh... that might be the nerdiest review ever.
Plus, I've always thought clerics were the shiz in the first place. A chosen, and a cleric? Basically, he is uber. I only regret this is back from the ol' advanced D&D age. I'd like it if he were strutting around in a pair of full plate.
agh... that might be the nerdiest review ever.
November 14, 2017
Read all 5 books. My favorite characters were Ivan and Pikel and Druzil. Didn't much care for the main character, couldn't relate or identity with him. However I liked the story overall, especially the antagonist side of the story. I kept expecting the wizards to come back to life...because sometimes wizards never really die. Will definitely read more Ra Salvatore books. Not right now though, time to read some Ed Greenwood books I have been planning on reading.
March 2, 2010
One of the best books I've read. I LOVE all the Drizzt books and it was hard to be away from that group of characters while I read this (long) book, but Cadderly and the others were worth it. I can't wait to read it again, but first I have to finish the rest of the Drizzt series.
March 14, 2021
Awesome group of books. I wrote a D&D encounter around these books it had such an impact
January 28, 2025
As I've been telling myself lately, mainly due to The Cleric Quintet staring menacingly at me for three years of irregular reading between everything else, I'm done with attempting to review omnibus collections. I just can't keep track of multiple related novels and write a coherent piece tying them all together. With that in mind we dive into D&D fiction with all of its ups and downs.
Evident from the title we're looking at five novels covering the (mis)adventures of Cadderly Bonaduce pursuing his life of a scholar-priest. "Pursuing" in a sense that he was found abandoned at the doorstep of Edificant Library, arguably the single greatest temple dedicated to Deneir and Oghma respectively. More important to Cadderly, however, was the fact it was an extensive library as well and that was more so intriguing to the young ward than half-heartedly pursuing any religious obligations. He would get caught up in various shenanigans with the dwarven Bouldershoulder brothers, Ivan being the relatively grounded one and Pikel always up to well-meaning mischief Over time he learned they had far more skills than cookery albeit still involving slicing and dicing. Or in Pikel's case bludgeoning people over the head with a cheery "hehehe". But beyond that, beyond even Cadderly's standing rivalry with jealous Kierkan Rufo, was the budding romance with a visiting monk Danica Maupoissant. His opposite in so many ways and dedicated to physical arts the two would gradually get closer and closer ever ready to protect one another.
Above is really just a general overview, but also affirms one thing - these four are the main party even if there are other guest members from time to time. And yes, it would do you well to become adjusted to D&D terms because, similar to Pathfinder novels I've covered before, this is one of those cases where you can tell it's the author "fluffing up" rules to get the prose he wants. It even goes so far as to outright mention things like spell memorization, troll weaknesses, differences between clerical and wizard types of magic, etc. If you are a D&D aficionado you'll get more than enough references and winks, but you're not missing out in any way in case you aren't. Novels WILL establish these things and sometimes repeat them one time too many. After all, this is an omnibus and it's easy to forget real time time passed between original publications.
I have to admit despite having fixed and tiny cast of characters, there's one overarching villain and essentially a minor one before he levels up a bit in the final novel, there really isn't much development to go about. Cadderly starts taking his newfound role a lot more seriously a bit abruptly, like there's couple of chapters dedicated to fleshing it out just missing. Another way to look at it is becoming hardened by realizing the gravity of the situation, though. While they do toy around with new ideas, such as one of the dwarves deciding he's Doo-da after seemingly taming a snake or Danica clearly raising her proficiency with daggers, they are all rather static character-wise. Amusingly enough one of the side antagonists goes through her redemption arc because of Cadderly's mercy. Even when we get POV from the chief villain himself, and accompanying imp Druzil, they're very much one-note when it comes to evil. Power hungry nature and evil for evil's sake don't rank that high, but this is D&D. You gotta take your Lawful Evil and Chaotic evil in strides.
In terms of individual novels. Without any huge spoilers or such things go from obtuse temple invasion to building a new temple. Alright, there's a bit more in between.
While self-contained with their arcs, hence why the need to occasionally remind the reader of key points from previous novels, I'd argue the five novels themselves form this rhythmic pacing. Canticle, for example, is the origin story planting seeds for future events and is probably the most balanced. After that stories go in sequence from BIG EPIC BATTLES IN THE FOREST, manhandling a group of assassins, WE'RE STORMING THE CASTLE and lastly, in my opinion at least, novel that didn't need to exist. I imagine this might be somewhat controversial because not only does it call back to the eponymous bottled evil while giving the rival something tangible to do, but The Chaos Curse feels like a publisher-mandated conclusion. There was nothing wrong with leaving things on "party vanquishes the evil wizard, destroys the castle and hero gets the girl" open ending.
Would I recommend The Cleric Quintet? Probably yes, but I would give it a better score if the conclusion turned out differently. How many stories do you know where the protagonist is a priest growing into his powers and love interest a buxom, muscled monk lass? Just asking.
Evident from the title we're looking at five novels covering the (mis)adventures of Cadderly Bonaduce pursuing his life of a scholar-priest. "Pursuing" in a sense that he was found abandoned at the doorstep of Edificant Library, arguably the single greatest temple dedicated to Deneir and Oghma respectively. More important to Cadderly, however, was the fact it was an extensive library as well and that was more so intriguing to the young ward than half-heartedly pursuing any religious obligations. He would get caught up in various shenanigans with the dwarven Bouldershoulder brothers, Ivan being the relatively grounded one and Pikel always up to well-meaning mischief Over time he learned they had far more skills than cookery albeit still involving slicing and dicing. Or in Pikel's case bludgeoning people over the head with a cheery "hehehe". But beyond that, beyond even Cadderly's standing rivalry with jealous Kierkan Rufo, was the budding romance with a visiting monk Danica Maupoissant. His opposite in so many ways and dedicated to physical arts the two would gradually get closer and closer ever ready to protect one another.
Above is really just a general overview, but also affirms one thing - these four are the main party even if there are other guest members from time to time. And yes, it would do you well to become adjusted to D&D terms because, similar to Pathfinder novels I've covered before, this is one of those cases where you can tell it's the author "fluffing up" rules to get the prose he wants. It even goes so far as to outright mention things like spell memorization, troll weaknesses, differences between clerical and wizard types of magic, etc. If you are a D&D aficionado you'll get more than enough references and winks, but you're not missing out in any way in case you aren't. Novels WILL establish these things and sometimes repeat them one time too many. After all, this is an omnibus and it's easy to forget real time time passed between original publications.
I have to admit despite having fixed and tiny cast of characters, there's one overarching villain and essentially a minor one before he levels up a bit in the final novel, there really isn't much development to go about. Cadderly starts taking his newfound role a lot more seriously a bit abruptly, like there's couple of chapters dedicated to fleshing it out just missing. Another way to look at it is becoming hardened by realizing the gravity of the situation, though. While they do toy around with new ideas, such as one of the dwarves deciding he's Doo-da after seemingly taming a snake or Danica clearly raising her proficiency with daggers, they are all rather static character-wise. Amusingly enough one of the side antagonists goes through her redemption arc because of Cadderly's mercy. Even when we get POV from the chief villain himself, and accompanying imp Druzil, they're very much one-note when it comes to evil. Power hungry nature and evil for evil's sake don't rank that high, but this is D&D. You gotta take your Lawful Evil and Chaotic evil in strides.
In terms of individual novels. Without any huge spoilers or such things go from obtuse temple invasion to building a new temple. Alright, there's a bit more in between.
While self-contained with their arcs, hence why the need to occasionally remind the reader of key points from previous novels, I'd argue the five novels themselves form this rhythmic pacing. Canticle, for example, is the origin story planting seeds for future events and is probably the most balanced. After that stories go in sequence from BIG EPIC BATTLES IN THE FOREST, manhandling a group of assassins, WE'RE STORMING THE CASTLE and lastly, in my opinion at least, novel that didn't need to exist. I imagine this might be somewhat controversial because not only does it call back to the eponymous bottled evil while giving the rival something tangible to do, but The Chaos Curse feels like a publisher-mandated conclusion. There was nothing wrong with leaving things on "party vanquishes the evil wizard, destroys the castle and hero gets the girl" open ending.
Would I recommend The Cleric Quintet? Probably yes, but I would give it a better score if the conclusion turned out differently. How many stories do you know where the protagonist is a priest growing into his powers and love interest a buxom, muscled monk lass? Just asking.
August 23, 2017
Solid fantasy fiction from R.A. Salvatore's most original and least repetitive period. The tone of the series is a little silly relative to his Dark Elf books; it alternates between standing as a nice change of pace and distracting the reader.
In particular, Cadderly's goofy attempts to duplicate 20th-century gadgets with the available 2nd-edition magical item roster feels less like the element of a novel, and more like a witty player trying to troll his DM. The trouble he's gone to developing what is essentially a flashlight, in a world where a lifetime supply of torches is vastly cheaper, brings with it the same qualities of a Flintstones sight gag, where it's an elephant washing the dishes or a Brontosaurus standing in for a crane. The oddly comic tone of the series, coupled by distractions like these, make it a reading experience that is enjoyable, but doesn't quite fit with the Forgotten Realms proper.
At this point, if you are seeking out a 25-year-old Forgotten Realms series to read, with new ones still coming out and this series in particular not showing up on modern shelves with anything near the regularity of Salvatore's more popular Dark Elf books, you already know what you are getting into. The tone is one step lighter than the other Forgotten Realms books you've read; and Salvatore is one step better at pacing and action scenes than most of the other in-house authors. But you more or less know what you're getting. If you like Forgotten Realms novels, that's what these are. You'll probably like them, too.
In particular, Cadderly's goofy attempts to duplicate 20th-century gadgets with the available 2nd-edition magical item roster feels less like the element of a novel, and more like a witty player trying to troll his DM. The trouble he's gone to developing what is essentially a flashlight, in a world where a lifetime supply of torches is vastly cheaper, brings with it the same qualities of a Flintstones sight gag, where it's an elephant washing the dishes or a Brontosaurus standing in for a crane. The oddly comic tone of the series, coupled by distractions like these, make it a reading experience that is enjoyable, but doesn't quite fit with the Forgotten Realms proper.
At this point, if you are seeking out a 25-year-old Forgotten Realms series to read, with new ones still coming out and this series in particular not showing up on modern shelves with anything near the regularity of Salvatore's more popular Dark Elf books, you already know what you are getting into. The tone is one step lighter than the other Forgotten Realms books you've read; and Salvatore is one step better at pacing and action scenes than most of the other in-house authors. But you more or less know what you're getting. If you like Forgotten Realms novels, that's what these are. You'll probably like them, too.
November 16, 2018
My brother got me into the Forgotten Realms books when I was little, so in many ways, I grew up with these characters. Over the years, I've lapsed in keeping up with the newer Drizzt novels and the other characters that R A Salvatore created. I've probably had this quintet sitting on my To-Read shelf for a decade.
Knowing already how this story turns out, I took this collection as a chance to delve into the depths of Cadderly as a character, and not so much as a first introduction as was probably its initial purpose. So while it was interesting to read about the trials that made Cadderly into the priest that the Companions of the Hall meet, I felt a bit bogged down by it too. Particularly in the beginning, and through much of the first book, pretty much up until the last quarter of the second. Still, this was overall a great read, and I can appreciate the Drizzt books in a new light
Knowing already how this story turns out, I took this collection as a chance to delve into the depths of Cadderly as a character, and not so much as a first introduction as was probably its initial purpose. So while it was interesting to read about the trials that made Cadderly into the priest that the Companions of the Hall meet, I felt a bit bogged down by it too. Particularly in the beginning, and through much of the first book, pretty much up until the last quarter of the second. Still, this was overall a great read, and I can appreciate the Drizzt books in a new light
June 20, 2018
1,036 pages, in all. Whew. I haven't read a series like this in a while; it takes me back to my Shannara and Sword of Truth Days.
All in all, a great tale of cleric Cadderly's progression in his faith and his god-given powers. Good triumphs over evil, and the world is better for it. This was one of the few epics I've read in which the band of travelers adds to their number during their travels, and I appreciated the realism.
I believe I liked the second and third books the most; the premise of the fifth (which I won't share, so as not to ruin the surprise) seemed to fall short. My only other complaint was that the descriptions of the friends' fighting prowess did not always seem to match up with the very involved descriptions of the fighting.
I hope to see more of the BoulderShoulder brothers. :)
All in all, a great tale of cleric Cadderly's progression in his faith and his god-given powers. Good triumphs over evil, and the world is better for it. This was one of the few epics I've read in which the band of travelers adds to their number during their travels, and I appreciated the realism.
I believe I liked the second and third books the most; the premise of the fifth (which I won't share, so as not to ruin the surprise) seemed to fall short. My only other complaint was that the descriptions of the friends' fighting prowess did not always seem to match up with the very involved descriptions of the fighting.
I hope to see more of the BoulderShoulder brothers. :)
June 17, 2019
This is 5 books put together. I actually put it away for a while so it took me a long time to read it. After the first book, I was getting lost in characters. I needed time to sort out all the new characters that were thrown in. Once the second book began it was one fight battle of heads being smashed in after another. I had to skip over the gory details. The fighting scenes were too much for me.
When I picked it back up and Cadderly was by himself for a while and later meets Fyrentennimar, the dragon, I was able to get back into it.
I was waiting for the showdown between Cadderly and Aballister.
Of course, in my mind, Cadderly and Danica have children and live until they are around 100 years old.
When I picked it back up and Cadderly was by himself for a while and later meets Fyrentennimar, the dragon, I was able to get back into it.
I was waiting for the showdown between Cadderly and Aballister.
Of course, in my mind, Cadderly and Danica have children and live until they are around 100 years old.
July 18, 2018
A fun, light read. Nothing deep, no ground breaking new fantasy elements- but all the classics are there. Fans of TSR products may be more taken with it as there are moments where it feels as though you're reading a play-by-play of a campaign in progress.
For the rest, this is the literary equivalent of a bag of M&M's. Enjoy or avoid it as such, but if we're all being honest everybody likes a bag of M&M's once in a while.
For the rest, this is the literary equivalent of a bag of M&M's. Enjoy or avoid it as such, but if we're all being honest everybody likes a bag of M&M's once in a while.
January 22, 2020
I really enjoyed these books. I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Salvatore's writing, but a number of the characters in this quintet really spoke to me. The character Cadderly who is a scholarly genius who always questions his own intelligence has resonated with me for a long time. Everybody knows he is brilliant, but he is always questioning himself. Pikel, the druidic dwarf and his "Oo oi" babblespeak has worked its way into my lexicon. I'd recommend this series for sure.
February 3, 2021
Somewhat confusing and slow initially, but as the story is developed and the back story explained the pace picks up and everything makes sense. Salvatore's writing makes this book what it is, with his detailed scenery and character explanations. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a long, slower paced, fantasy book, but I do also think you should read The Icewind Dale Trilogy before this one.
July 18, 2023
A great character that goes through trials and adventures that grow in scope alongside Cadderly's power and view of the worlds. The supporting characters are as good as they come. Most notably for me are the Bouldershoulder brother, and especially Pikel Bouldershoulder. Pikel and Jarlaxle Baenre stand at the top of the heap for my favorites that Salvatore has created. Would highly recommend to anyone.
March 25, 2025
These were... fine. Cadderly and friends aren't as compelling as Drizzt and his companions, and the same goes for their forgettable antagonists. This is average, pleasant-but-not-really-memorable D&D fiction. The Bouldershoulder brothers are the highlight.
Read these if you're a Forgotten Realms or R.A. Salvatore completionist, or if you like the characters when they cameo in a Drizzt novel and want to learn more about them.
Read these if you're a Forgotten Realms or R.A. Salvatore completionist, or if you like the characters when they cameo in a Drizzt novel and want to learn more about them.
November 3, 2017
Captivating! I had trouble putting it aside to even sleep. The few inconsistencies are completely dissolved in the perfection of battle description. I was too engulfed by the images formed by words to even try to speed read. To say anymore might spoil something. Go read this very soon.
May 29, 2018
A welcome change in scenery and characters in the Forgotten Realms universe, Salvatore branches out to touch on a story where religion sits center-stage instead of dancing along the sidelines. Refreshing for Drizzt fans and an interesting world-building series.
March 13, 2021
As I approached the ending of Fallen Fortress, I became worried why there was still a 5th book to follow, but reading the epilogue I became excited for the final book in the series. I was thrilled to find The Chaos Curse to be superb and enjoyed ever minute of it.
February 21, 2023
I regret waiting so long to read Cadderly's story. Having read all the way up to "the ghost king" and beyond. I know his fate. So reading his earliest days was bittersweet but I loved all of it nonetheless!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
Really good series. While it took me awhile to read it all I really enjoyed it. I feel in love with Cadderly and everyone and felt like I was growing and learning more with him.
R.A. Salvatore pulled me in once again and I can't wait to see where he takes me next.
R.A. Salvatore pulled me in once again and I can't wait to see where he takes me next.
March 1, 2025
A good series but I accidentally skipped the Quintet and read The Witch King trilogy first so it really lowered the stakes of the Cleric Quintet when I doubled back to read it because I already knew who did and didn't survive based on who was or wasn't in the next series.
September 1, 2025
These are classic, good fantasy books. I read them first as a kid with no knowledge of the forgotten realms, and loved them. Cadderly and the Bouldershoulder Brothers are amazing. Nothing groundbreaking in this series, but it’s good old fashioned fantasy.
January 17, 2018
This is by far my favorite work of Salvatore’s. I read most of the Drizzt stuff but it never read as well.
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