Tantras

Forgotten Realms: The Avatar, Book 2

By: Scott Ciencin

Narrated by: Nicole Greevy

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

This title is the second in a series of recovers of the popular Avatar series. At the time of its original release, this series presented key events that impacted the entire Forgotten Realms world, and the effects of those events are still felt in current novels. This title was originally released under the author's pseudonym, Richard Awlinson.

Heroes stand trial!

When Elminster, the Old Sage of Shadowdale, is apparently slain, Midnight and Adon stand trial for his murder. When Bane, god of murder, and his allies seek the lost Tablets of Fate, a slender dark-haired woman is all that stands between Faern and disaster.

When a friend betrays them, Midnight and her companions can trust no one.

©1989 TSR, Inc., 2003 Wizards of the Coast LLC (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Great book, but ...

As is the case for the entire series, the books are great - but the narrator leaves a bit to be desired - just not engaging IMHO.

For the fellow Nerd

This book is mainly for us fellow nerds that know some about Forgotten Realms already. With that said, it is truly an excellent story that educates us about the canon and give great insights. Not the least for us Dungeon Masters.
Sadly, as often is the case with these stories, the female starts out as a very strong independent person, just to become more of an female in need of a man as soon as a love story is introduced. That really breaks a lot of the experience of the book. Nevertheless i will continue reading and hope this will correct itself.

Only Continued Reading Because Series Gets Better

What did you like best about Tantras? What did you like least?

I like the overall story line. Keep in mind the author did not write the storyline or plot.

What could Scott Ciencin have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Not sure. It was difficult to stay interested as most of the content seemed unnecessary. Almost felt like the author was trying to make a page count so that this story could be a trilogy. Noting that it ended up being five books, may have been better if book 1 and 2 of the series were one book.

What aspect of Nicole Greevy’s performance would you have changed?

She is okay. Not bad. I enjoy other readers much more though.

Do you think Tantras needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes. Of course I cheat here as all five are already written.

Any additional comments?

I'm listening to the third right now. Troy Denning (keep in mind this was his first hit or one of his first; prior to Dark Sun books) saves this series with much better writing and overall plot organization. Meaningless characters like the assassins drop off quickly. Gods become much more intelligent and powerful. The characters stop making the entire plot about their relationship Midnight and Kelemport. Ceric and the Halfling Thief character kind of steal the show; or they are the most interesting characters. Helps a lot that Elminister is in this story much more. Anyhow, I've read/listened to over 100 Dungeons and Dragons books. This was one of the most frustrating. It was a lot like the Raveloft books that don't deal with Strahd. I'd say these characters aren't anywhere near the favorites. They aren't very intelligent and will step into any trap and be saved through what seems to be Dungeon Master pity. Reads like a 10 to 14 year old role playing group would act. And even thou Troy Denning writes it better, the characters are still not great.

Very well done

Any additional comments?

Another excellent performance by Nicole Greevy. The narrator really brings the book to life! Can't wait to listen to the remaining books in the series.

Narrator Says Hu-Whip Like Family Guy Joke

The story is nostalgia, but the narrator is hard to get through. She really doesn't seem like this is her day job.

Great Story! Horrible Narration!!!

Classic story with everything you want from a forgotten realms book! And the worst narrator in the history of audible books, my dog has more emotion and inflection than this woman!!!!

Fantastic story terrible narrator

Like the previous book in the series the story is fantastic but the narrator is terrible. The narrator has a terrible issue with inflection and acting out voices and her cadence leaves little to be desired,which combined with the many mispronunciations, it almost makes listening to these books a chore rather than the delight that it should be.

Good

I like the idea of the fallen gods.
Voice actor was ok but not well suited for this story.

3rd time I've listened

my second favorite narrator the voice of Mistra in my head. haters are gonna hate. thank you

not fond of this narrator at all, but good story

book one is not so good. this one picks up, but it's worth wading thru to book 3