The Demon Awakens

I liked the start of this series. It's a unique world with a new magic system, unlike his Drizzt series it is not set in a Dungeons and Dragons world and it does not use that rule set. Salvatore has actually produced a game that uses the rules roughly described by this book. The magic system is similar to those in other modern fantasy - specific item + skill = specific magic effect. In this case, the specific items are specially blessed and prepared semi-precious or precious stones (diamond, malachite, graphite, etc) that fall to Corona from 'the Halo' every 170 years. Chances to use this magic are rare as the stones are very rare, though sometimes also set in items.
Set mostly in a wilderness area, we meet the heroes of the book when show more they are young and their village is overrun by monsters. Elbryan and Jillesponie become warriors and eventually meet a monk of the Abellican Church, the overzealous creators and users of the magic stones, which they keep away from the common folk. This is a pretty standard sword and sorcery adventure novel, with some strong characters and great action. show less

A good book for fans of the word 'lustre' or the phrase 'ho, what'. Not so good a book for people who aren't comfortable with detailed and prolonged sexual descriptions of girls (well, one girl in particular) aged about 13 upwards.

An interesting plot, which I did enjoy, and well-written but, like I say, some aspects were uncomfortable to read. But that's fantasy apparently: women tend to not exist or to exist largely as sexual elements in stories like these, and I hate to say RA Salvatore has disappointingly followed this trend.

Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2010/07/r-salvatore-demon-awakens.html

The Demon Awakens follows, mainly, three different characters. It starts though bu introducing us to the villain....er demon, Bestesbulizubar. Yes, even demons have the most ridiculous names I have ever seen. I understand that this is set in the Old Times, if you will, but jeez. I am sure even back then someone would have had the crap beaten out of them for a name like that. Anyway, we are introduced to the demon's awakening (duh) and, of course, like any self respecting demon worth his salt (I am laughing at my own contradiction), he wants to raise some hell. That is when this long, yet somewhat enjoyable story beings.
This book takes us on a show more journey following the three main characters who have experienced plenty before the age of 30. The first two characters we are introduced to are Elbryan Wyndon and Jilseponie Ursal (Pony for short). They are very good childhood friends that obviously will fall in love. They drift apart after their village is attacked by goblins and giants. Elbryan thinks Pony is dead and vice versa. Elbryan is soon trained by mysterious creatures to become a protector for the villages. Pony goes through even more various stages of hell. But she is quite the tomboy so she was able to fight through all her obstacles. It is after one of her obstacles she was found and mentored by our third character.
The third main character is Avelyn Desbris. A young man training to become a monk for the Abellican Church. In this training, he shows he is one of the most promising members of the church. This brings attention to Avelyn from the leader of the church (you know, besides God). This is when Avelyn finds that there is more to this church than what is on the surface and his faith is put to the test.
I have read plenty of reviews for this book and I know quite a bit don't like it. I did though but I do understand the reasons why. I believe the biggest downside to this book is that it is verbose (too wordy, I know who am I to say that, right?). But this book had so much descriptions of various landmarks and stuff that really were not needed. It was a little daunting in parts, but through all of that I still could not stop reading it. Sure the reading was slow, but I read through it still. When I got to the end, I found that I really wanted to get my hands on the second book in the series. Was this book great? Not really. Could this have been better? Yes. Is it something that should be read at least once? Yes. show less

A sword and sorcery tale of demon trying to destroy the world leading to adventurers banding together to stop him. Pretty typical fantasy story, but it keeps it interesting. There are three main characters that are all excellent in their own way. The story is heavy on the action, but still includes plenty of character growth, mystery, and romance. It's a fun story with an interesting world. I listened to it through Graphic Audio, which includes many different sound effects, background music, and each character is narrated by a different person. It probably made the action sequences more exciting, but I only read it this way so am unsure. The only problem with Graphic Audio is sometimes the sound effects are louder than the narration.

This book was pretty good. I guess I was expecting something a little bit more from Salvatore. The beginning was fabulous, as we watch the three main characters develop and form. After the three reunite, however, the power behind the story is gone. It starts to seem as though Salvatore didn’t know what to do with these wonderful characters he created, so he just sends them off on a Lord-of-the-Rings style quest.

As the world is corrupted and evil, a demon awakens in the distant mountain of Aida born of lava. A ranger trained by elves, a monk who has learned the magical arts of precious stones, a warrior girl and a centaur venture out to fight this demon and this is their story.

The book is fast paced but we don't relate to or pity any charecters.

Yay I am so glad to have found this. I have heard so much about Salvatore over the years, but just have not had the time or resources for the series. So this will be my very first read with Salvatore.
I will let you know what I think, so the review to come.

Interesting. I wasn't expecting this to start with two preteens. I was expecting the scary demon. I think I was expecting late teens to be the heroes. Maybe this will have several plots that eventually intertwine. I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Yes they eventually intertwine with the plotlines. now it makes sense. Three that I am instantly reminded of God's Trubidore(sp?), The Book of Three, and The Merchant of Death.

Now at the end of it all. I have to say that it feels a show more bit incomplete, but it is a saga so it should be understandable. I don't suppose any out there have the same problem I do with a meddling mother, a husband who acts like a child, and two abnormally smart children? Why can't my day turn out normal so I can just effing read!?! show less