"Viper's Kiss," book 2 in Lisa Smedman's "House of Serpents" trilogy, provides a new setting, new characters, and new challenges for Arvin to maneuver his way through.
I read Smedman's book in The War of the Spider Queen series. When I found out that she did a spinoff series following the character of Halisstra, I wanted to read it, because I'm a sucker for Drow. The Lady Penitent series is sitting on my bookshelf, but I've yet to tackle it (I only finished reading The War of the Spider Queen a couple of years ago). I don't blame you for your distaste for the books Greenwood wrote. I could never finish the few books of his I've tried to read. I love the man for creating The Forgotten Realms, but I think as a writer he leaves a lot to be desired (just my opinion!). Maybe one day I'll get to read the "Snake Books" by Smedman.
I consider Greenwood to be a fantastic idea man. He's got a lively imagination and has done a good job of developing the framework of what has become an incredibly expansive setting for tabletop gaming. But just as a talented novelist doesn't necessarily translate to a talented director or screenwriter, a vividly imaginative worldbuilder isn't necessarily a skilled novelist. Greenwood had a lot of fun ideas with what I read of Shandril's Saga, but he didn't know how to flesh them out with compelling characters or thoughtful plotting. Things just sort of happen and, as Mark Twain is said to have stated, "It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense."
I read Smedman's book in The War of the Spider Queen series. When I found out that she did a spinoff series following the character of Halisstra, I wanted to read it, because I'm a sucker for Drow. The Lady Penitent series is sitting on my bookshelf, but I've yet to tackle it (I only finished reading The War of the Spider Queen a couple of years ago). I don't blame you for your distaste for the books Greenwood wrote. I could never finish the few books of his I've tried to read. I love the man for creating The Forgotten Realms, but I think as a writer he leaves a lot to be desired (just my opinion!). Maybe one day I'll get to read the "Snake Books" by Smedman.
I consider Greenwood to be a fantastic idea man. He's got a lively imagination and has done a good job of developing the framework of what has become an incredibly expansive setting for tabletop gaming. But just as a talented novelist doesn't necessarily translate to a talented director or screenwriter, a vividly imaginative worldbuilder isn't necessarily a skilled novelist. Greenwood had a lot of fun ideas with what I read of Shandril's Saga, but he didn't know how to flesh them out with compelling characters or thoughtful plotting. Things just sort of happen and, as Mark Twain is said to have stated, "It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense."
So true. The only author I've really liked from Forgotten Realms so far is Salvatore.
Just so you're aware, you owe me royalties for using my Original the Line (that no one has ever used before me). No one apes the Ape for free.
Would you accept the payment in the form of a trio of one gallon paint cans filled with peanuts?
You run a hard bargain, but throw in some cashews and almonds and you have yourself a deal.
I'm sure I could scrounge some of those up from the Trader Joe's to the street.