Why is Forgotten Realms: Avatar on my TBR
This week I want to explore the reasons that encouraged me to include the series Forgotten Realms: Avatar by Scott Ciencin (for the first two books), James Lowder and Troy Denning (who also wrote Waterdeep under a pseudonym) on my TBR. The series includes five titles: Shadowdale, Tantras, Waterdeep, Prince of Lies, Crucible: The Trial of Cyril the Mad.
The series started publishing in 1989 (and this is a happy coincidence, helping me in my 80s fantasy journey in 2023). I am also excited to experience the series told from different authors; while it is not unheard of, it is also a unique experience for me and I cannot wait to see what impact it has - if any - on my reading journey!
Rodger’s Reads (a fantastic BookTuber who offers passion for and a different perspective on fantasy) made a whole video (here) suggesting a few series (and stand alone) as entry points in the vast world of the Forgotten Realms, with many authors contributing to the series and the success of the “franchise”. Just for clarity, Forgotten Realms is a Dungeons and Dragons campaign set in the fictional world of Faerûn.
Now, why would I mention the Avatar series specifically? In fairness, there are more than one series that I have felt compelled to start (for example, I cannot wait to read more about the Spider Queen and her manipulation of the dark elves in Menzoberranzan). Yet, the Avatar series has my favorite trope in fantasy: gods among humans. And in this case, as in the Shadowdale blurb: “gods walk the Realms”.
On top of all of this, Shadowdale’s blurb is giving me all the right vibes” (i) gods are inhabiting avatars and walking among humans/mortals; (ii) gods have schemes and are ambitious; (iii) they help create an unpredictable world and (iv) there are magical tools that might help define whose machinations will prevail. This series also contains the appearance (or at least quest to find him) of Elminster (and I started his series so I have a good idea as to who he is).
To recap: it is Rodger’s Reads has a very high opinion of it; it has one of my favorite tropes in fantasy, and there is a vast world to discover and a Forgotten Realms title!
Have you read Forgotten Realms: Avatar series? If so, what are the pros of the series? Would you recommend this series to anyone? What are the best elements of this story? Let me know in the comments down below!
If you did not read the series, are you interested in including this series in your TBR? What is appealing to you? Let me know in the comments down below!
