Elminster's Daughter

Forgotten Realms: Elminster #5

by Ed Greenwood

A woman scorned.

All her life, Narnra of Waterdeep has wondered who her father is. Amid the squalor of the streets, through the danger she faces daily as a thief in the City of Splendors, she speculates on whom the mysterious wizard might be who left her mother to raise a fatherless child.

Now she's discovered that it's no less a person than Elminster of Shadowdale, mightiest mage in all Faerûn. And her anger is as boundless as his power.
Like a silken shadow, the thief Narnra Shalace flits through the dank streets and dark corners of Waterdeep. Little does she know that she's about to come face-to-face with the most dangerous man in all Faerûn: her father. And amidst a vast conspiracy to overthrow all order in the Realms, she'll have to learn to trust again—and to love.

Genres: Forgotten Realms, Fantasy, Fiction, Dungeons and Dragons, Adventure, High Fantasy, Dragons

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

Ed Greenwood is the creator of the Forgotten Realms fantasy world, which became the setting for his home D&D game in 1975. Play still continues in this long-running campaign, and Ed also keeps busy producing Realmslore for various TSR publications.

Ed has published over two hundred articles in Dragon magazine and Polyhedron newszine, is a lifetime charter member of the Role Playing Game Associaton (RPGA) network, has written over thirty books and modules for TSR, and been Gen Con Game Fair guest of honor several times.

In addition to all these activities, Ed works as a library clerk and has edited over a dozen small press magazines.

Invented the character Elminster from the popular Forgotten Realms RPG series. Currently resides in an old farmhouse in the countryside of Ontario, Canada.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cover grabbed my attention with the bold, brutal and thrilling action which it depicts - the figure dressed in black, ferociously yet stealthily leaping with knife in hand, poised to strike her intended target. The action is furious - and makes an excellent cover that, as any good book cover should, forms many questions in the mind of the viewer: Who is this leaping assassin? Who is her target? Why does she want to kill him? Will she? Thus I was impelled to purchase a copy of this book to find the answers to my questions. I was doubly thrilled to see that this cover is by J. P. Targete. Targete is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy artists. His style seems to vary from cover to cover - sometimes Royo-like, other times similar to the art of Kinuko Craft, and other times in the style of the old masters (like Rembrandt). With Targete you never know what he's going to come up with next.

Unfortunately I can not offer much in the way of praise for the book Elminster's Daughter. The cover does not depict a scene from the book. One could say that it represents the powerful rage that the character Narnra feels because of her broken relationship with her father, the great wizard Elminster. However, the cover, and even the plugs on the back cover and inside flaps, are quite misleading. The characters Narnra and Elminster really are not central to the plot which is made up of many strands involving the deadly-doings of a host of knights and nobles, wizards and thieves, even dragons, most of which seemed to have no greater depth than a band of non-player characters from a D&D campaign. Even the attempt to deepen the character Narnra through explorations of feelings of abandonment seemed forced and trite. Now I have to admit, this is the first Forgotten Realms book that I have read, so perhaps the characters would have seemed more real to me had I read other books in the Elminster Series. Regardless, the novel is simply heavy on action but light on plot and character.

To make matters worse I found Greenwoods writing style quite irritating at times. In some passages the use of alliteration was so thick that sentences became tongue twisters. And Greenwood has this annoying habit of inserting second thoughts and commentary within his prose - creating what in my opinion were distracting and meandering run-on sentences. For example:

"Painted coats of arms - wooden plaques as large as a stable door, each of them, and these were the old, fully-gilded sort with real helms and crossed spears affixed to them, not the simply carved false adornments more in favor, for some inexplicable reason, these days - adorned the walls above the balcony, and there were many tall, dark, closed doors between them."

After a while, reading one after another of these rambles became extremely annoying. Long story short...Targete has created a very cool (albeit, misleading) cover to Greenwood's lukewarm (at best) book.

[Henrik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Word of Warning:

I'd like to warn any potential readers of my reviews that when I rate a Forgotten Realms novel I do it on the terms that it's a Shared World story entwined with an RPG aspect, with all the limitations as well as (hopefully) clear recognition of places, persons etc. of that world...

End of Warning;-)

Okay. So I've read it. I must confess that the last half was more like browsing, sigh. Why? Well, truth be told: Because I lost interest in the story. Double sigh. That is the reason I now give 3 stars instead of the 4 I gave to begin with.

In my opinion Ed Greenwood is one of the finest modern "pulp fantasists" today. He unflinchingly writes to please the crowd of Forgotten Realms fans--and since he is the creator of that world he can do it in ways that are unparalleled. He is a writer gifted with a sense of words and a fertile imagination to write fast-packed, high-magic fantasy stories featuring many-layered intrigues and a huge cast of characters. On top of that he has also managed to do this while finding some new ways of telling this kind of stories even if he also "caters to the public," in the process maintaining some sort of artistic integrity (whatever that is, of course) and quality. Nowhere is this more evident than in his Elminster in Hell (2001) (see Elminster in Hell), which I think is a brilliantly worked out story, using typesetting en masse to give everything a phenomenological twist that is pure bliss to a story that has the notion of personal identity as its main core. (This evaluation is of course also based on the context the story is written in.)

Elminster is Greenwood's trademark character--a Gandalf, if you will--and since there's been quite a score of novels (and even more short stories and, literally, hundreds of articles) with that old, powerful wizard as the main protagonist I salute the decision to let another person be the central character in an Elminster story. Alas, it doesn't really work for me. Narnra--the maybe/maybe-not daughter of the great wizard--is a hothead that I just never really find interesting; and to follow her constant run from one over-her-head scene to another while mighty people from around the globe plot intrigues and cast one powerful spell after another, as well as trying to assassin one another in various, more-or-less fanciful ways simply wasn't interesting enough for me to engage in.

A shame, since there are good scenes. And characters and places that I always find interesting.

Not Greenwood's best. But, hey, 3 stars isn't that bad. I just expected more from him.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that referencing his whoremongering in Elminster in Hell was setting us up for this installation. El's daughter Narnra is an angry theif, much like her father was in his youth. Elminsters daughter was full of backstabbing and intrigue. It makes more mention of the Red Wizards who are despicable no matter what story they are included in. I will be sad to finish this series.

[Alayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very confusing book to me. Not only had I not read any of the previous books, but there was no explanation of who anyone was, and it jumped from character/situation to other characters/situations in a very bewildering manner. However, I persevered and mostly enjoyed the book. I don't think I will read any others though.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth three and a half stars. A good tale and an interesting character, Elminster’s daughter. Ed Greenwood writes well.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is possibly the best Ed Greenwood novel I have read. I didn't expect much, as Greenwood is not one of my favorite authors. I picked this one up, as there is a Song Dragon in this story, and I was curious to learn more about them.

We follow the young thief Narnra as she accidently gets involved with some of the chosen of Mystra. She is swooped away from Waterdeep, and deposited in Marsember. With no idea of what is happening around her, she finds herself a pawn in a much bigger game of intrigue.

This was fun romp through Cormyr and a pleasant revisit of a lot of characters I haven't read about in some time (the Simbul is one of my favorite Forgotten Realms Characters).

Greenwood does less random dives into side characters in this novel. I really appreciate this, as often those sidebars do not add any richness to the story and take the reader down a confusing tangent. Greenwood also likes to break all the rules around magic that he invented, which I guess is his prerogative, and it does make for some pretty action packed spell duels.

Anywho, I fairly quick and easy read. I wonder if we will see more of Narnra in the future.

[Tristan Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite good, if you love Forgotten Realms like I do. The story presented here touches on topics that many at my tabletop games have explored, like the morality of magic and power. This is not another story of spellslinging without consequences but that of an extremely unfortunate young thief whose father happens to be the most powerful mage in the Realms.

I cannot give Elminster’s Daughter a 5 star review simply because there are some very slow portions of the book taking up the middle, and those who are not familiar with Forgotten Realms lore may find the numerous references to other FR characters, places and events annoying.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read the preceding books in this series, but I picked most of it back up right away. I have to say this one seemed somewhat disjointed to me. While it was good, the main character of Elminster seemed to have changed his personality drastically. I'm not saying it was bad, just different. It was still an enjoyable adventure filled with everything I love about fantasy, including dragons! I love dragons.

All in all, it was definitely a fit installment in the D and D world.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and enchanting read. The last few books in this series had become a little repetitive and less than enthralling, but this book added a whole new spin to the series, mostly told form the perspective of Narnra Shalace, this added a much needed change of pace.

I highly recommend this novel, and don't worry, there is still more then enough Elminster to satisfy all fans!

[Kagan Oztarakci · Rating 4 out of 5]

"he'd have to move like a man trying to catch the morrow."

"The right time is always now."

"Since when fairness play any part in life, beyond nursery tales?"

"Always more treasure beyond the next hill."

"The highest price of freedom is always its misuse by many."

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Elmister novels
Many many moving plots and characters that are nicely tied up by novel's end.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked the ending. The middle dragged a little with too many characters and chase scenes that went on for several chapters. Over all , solid entry into the Forgotten Realms world.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the series so far

[Lindsay Cote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good all round book to read.

[Brent Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more interesting and cogent story with a decent protagonist who actually evolves. Fun and magical!

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book...it took a looong time to finish because frankly the first half of this book is simply not good and I ended up putting it down and picking it back up many times. It's not particularly well written, it's confusing, it's convoluted, it's hard to follow. It gets better in the second half but it was quite a slog to get through. Red at your own risk.

[P. Aaron Potter · Rating 1 out of 5]

For some reason, I dived once again into Ed Greenwood's take on the Realms, and not only that, but one of his interminable Elminster stories. What am I, a glutton for punishment? At this point, I think I have to admit that my reading of Greenwood is a self-destructive compulsion, the literary equivalent of picking at an infected scab. I know it's going to be painful, I know it's likely to produce lingering illness, but I just can't seem to stop. I'm always peeking under the cover, trying to imagine just how horrible it's going to get.

In this case, only moderately horrible, in terms of the characters. Greenwood's routine grotesque old-man-leering-at-girl's-underwear sexism is on display here. It's almost ridiculous. The old lech thinks that sticking a sword into a pin-up's hands somehow excuses his lingering descriptions of her pouting like a little girl, whining like a child denied a lollipop, then roundly backflipping into the nearest bed/bath/thornbush with the first (usually *much* older) man she finds. It's revolting, but I can take that with almost clinical detachment, the way I would the diagnosis of any mentally deviant pervert.

What's more troubling here is that there are hints of an actual plot in this one, which are immediately tossed away in probably the worst case of temporal confusion in the annals of literature. Events that transpire for some characters over the course of several days, or even weeks, are described right next to a heist desciption that takes up two days, and these are interlaced with an extended chase sequence which, I kid you not, is supposed to last a bare half-hour. All with no indication, to anyone, characters or reader, that there's anything unusual with that. The end result is that, in typical Ed-Greenwood style, the so-called 'protagonist' is shuffled off into a sidebar, while the actual plot is carried out by towering, mysterious mages who have no realistic human motivations. Anyone we might actually empathize with as readers is left in the dirt. Clearly Greenwood's playing out his megalomania in these sad Mary-Sue projections, but does he have to be so blatantly obvious about it? It's like he's writing his own bad fanfic.

Structurally, this is a train-wreck. Didactically, Greenwood should be target number one if the fantasy genre ever wants to get out of the sexist, neck-bearded, basement-dwelling gutter it has inhabited for too long. Practically, next time Elaine Cunningham sees him in the halls at WotC or GenCon, I hope she gives him a good swift kick in the testicles.

[Jean-Francois Simard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here are five main takeaways from Elminster's Daughter by Ed Greenwood, based on its themes, character development, and narrative:

1. Family and Identity: The story centers on Narnra Shalace, a thief from Waterdeep, who discovers that her father is the legendary wizard Elminster. This revelation drives her journey, as she grapples with her identity, anger toward her absent father, and the implications of her lineage. It’s a tale of uncovering one’s roots and reconciling with them.

2. Trust and Relationships: Narnra’s arc involves learning to trust others, including her father, amidst a backdrop of betrayal and conspiracy. The book emphasizes the importance of building connections, even when past experiences—like her life of poverty and abandonment—make it difficult.

3. Power and Responsibility: Elminster, though not the central focus, embodies the weight of immense magical power and the consequences of his actions. Narnra’s encounters with powerful figures and her own struggles highlight how power shapes individuals and societies, often with unintended fallout.

4. Adventure and Intrigue: The novel unfolds as a fast-paced chase through the Forgotten Realms, filled with political plots and magical duels. It showcases Greenwood’s signature high-magic, action-packed style, with a sprawling conspiracy threatening the stability of the Realms.

5. Redemption and Growth: Narnra’s journey is one of personal growth, moving from vengeance to understanding. Her evolving relationship with Elminster and her role in thwarting larger forces suggest a path toward redemption—not just for her, but also in how she reframes her father’s legacy.

These takeaways reflect the book’s blend of personal drama and epic fantasy, characteristic of Greenwood’s work in the Forgotten Realms.

[Balazs Badics · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Elminster's Daughter" by Ed Greenwood is the 5th book in the Elminster series, offering a mix of intrigue and character development. The story follows Narnra Shalace, a thief from Waterdeep, who discovers that her father is none other than Elminster, the mightiest mage in all Faerûn. As she grapples with this revelation, she becomes entangled in a vast conspiracy threatening the stability of the realm.
Greenwood excels in creating a vivid and immersive world, with well-developed characters and engaging plotlines. The interactions between Narnra and Elminster add depth to the narrative, exploring themes of family, identity, and trust.
However, while "Elminster's Daughter" is much better than the third book in the series, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the first two. The pacing can be uneven at times, and some plot elements feel underdeveloped. Despite these flaws, the book remains an enjoyable read for fans of the Forgotten Realms and those invested in Elminster's saga.

Overall, "Elminster's Daughter" is a solid addition to the series, offering a compelling story with room for improvement. Fans of the genre will find much to appreciate in this tale of magic and discovery

[Theresa Ramseyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sour pickles, I somehow managed to lose my previous review, I think. Let me hit the highlights.

I enjoyed this book much more than Elminster in Hell. This is much more a normal book, with a better plot and a storyline. I can pick out names and alignments better, though my hold on some relationships are still tentative.

The characterization was an improvement on EIH. Elminster seems more human and approachable here, not just Elminster who bears all torture and wins and recovers. The plot twist at the very end was especially fun.

This is the last Elminster book the library has, except for the Annotated Elminster, which I hope to read but is overdue, probably long overdue.

I am pretty much looking forward to trying Ed Greenwood's other books.

I would be interested in finding a small intimate group that I could learn to play D&D, Forgotten Realms, etc. I would like to see how the FR universe is turned into a game.

Theresa

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, slightly more than Elminster in Hell. I had to force myself to finish reading this book.

Greenwood makes a sloppy effort of bringing in multiple stories. His jumps between scenes is horrid, at one point he was switching every sentence which left me irritated and lost. It felt like there wasn't enough content with them to make them actual chapters, so he just tossed them in wherever. The buildup was deflating, and lasted maybe a handful of pages.

I recommend staying away unless you truly like Greenwood's style. I came for an Elminster book, but was let down by his daughter.

[Elessar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronique complète : https://imaginelec.blogspot.fr/2016/1...

[...]
Ed Greenwood, qui est le créateur des Royaumes Oubliés, a souvent été décrié pour son style plus que moyen, un défaut qui ne m'a jamais frappé, ses romans, et notamment sa série sur Elminster faisant souvent partie de mes préférés, et ce nouveau volume de la série ne fait pas exception. Il n'est certes pas sans défauts, mais ceux-ci sont sommes toutes assez secondaire et on passe un excellent moment en compagnie du vieux favori et de son entourage. On reste dans une fantasy classique, avec guerriers, magiciens, donjons et dragons, mais quand on lit ces romans, c'est ce qu'on recherche, et ici, c'est plutôt bien fait !

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat enjoyable, though less than the previous books of the series, mainly because of the title character. She just had almost no instances where her actions and thought processes made any kind of logical sense. Her actions and dialogues seemed spastic, with no reason for explanation for them occurring.

[Silas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another audiobook for me. Having listened to this one close on the heels of Elminster in Hell, it had Ed Greenwood's very distinct style, but a very different tone. I rather enjoyed it, and found the exploration of the themes of extreme longevity rather interesting. Overall, though, it was just a rollicking adventure, and I enjoyed it enough to try the next one.

[Billy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ed it took you how long to come out with this after elminster in hell? and this was the best you could do? It is an okay book but certainly doesn't belong in the elminster series in terms of quality.

[Erik Weingardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow going. Doesn't seem to follow a very in depth story line. Getting bored with it. I wish there was more magic/wizardry. The ending was ok. It was barely worth 2 stars. I would have given it 1.5 if able.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. The title of the book is kind of misleading because the daughter is kind of a secondary character. Story line was pretty good and characters were ok. Was worth reading.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was the best of the series so far. it actually told a linear story. I didn't exactly care about it as per usual but at least I could follow it and it made sense. the back blurb was misleading but hey whatever.

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I'd read others in the series.

[Snowfalcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. A well crafted, fanciful romp.