Condemnation: War of the Spider Queen, Book III

by Richard Baker

Book Overview

The War of the Spider Queen explodes From the burning sands of Anauroch to the limitless labyrinth of the Underdark, an epic quest for the very essence of the Spider Queen takes one startling turn... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786932023
• ISBN13: 9780786932023
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Now we're getting somewhere

Disagreeing with most of the other reviewers here, IMO this is the best book of the series so far. Baker's straightforward writing style is a refreshing change that makes the book much quicker and easier to read. Additionally, the addition of Nimor Imphraezl and the Jaezred Chaulssin gives a whole new perspective to the story, making for more of an epic feel, something that was missing from the first two books. Telling the story from Hallistra's perspective sat fine with me, as we get a much better understanding of this character (who is going through some rather drastic changes) in this book. The thing I liked the most about this book, however, was that the reader finally learns so much about the true causes of the drow's troubles. As Nimor schemes to bring about the downfall of the Lolth-worshiping drow, and Pharaun and Co. travel throughout Faerun to determine the cause of Lolth's silence, momentous events are taking shape that will greatly influence the direction of the story. The Druegar of Gracklstugh and the demons of Kaanyr Vhok plan together to bring about the downfall of Menzoberranzan, fielding a massive army without the knowledge of the drow leadership. The lich lord of Agrach Dyrr (another new character that adds greatly to the book) plots along with them and ends up confronting Gromph Baenre in a fantastic battle. And of course Quenthel and her companions face all manner of adversaries on the surface, in the Underdark, and in more mystical places during their quest. While there are a number of inconsistencies when compared to the other two books, I didn't find them too distracting, and some of them could be explained by changes within the characters. The one that seemed to upset most of the other reviewers the most, involving the sudden appearance of Jeggred, must have been corrected in the printing I read. Instead, Ryld is asked to carry both Valas and Danifae (which in itself was somewhat inconsistent with the first book). Overall, this book progresses the overall story to a great degree and is just as enjoyable as the previous two.

great book

this was a great book. the intro of nimor was a great addition. the wizard battle between gromph and the lich dyr was a great addition to an already great book.

Who would've thought?

What reader of salvatore's work with the friends of Mithril Hall would have thought it were possible to be sympathetic to the drow of Menzoberranzan? This story accomplishes that and much more.

More Drow fun

This was very good too, apart from a few minor errors, where Danifae suddenly can levitate, and another where Quenthel orders Jeggred to pick her up and he's not even there.But it's a real page turner too, with a lot of surface adventures and continuing the story of Quenthel, Jeggred, Pharaun, Ryld, Hallistrae, Danifae and Alliszia. Pharaun is less the main character though still has his usual wit, and it takes on Hallistrae's perspective more which works nicely. Danifae's character is also more fleshed out and various blossoming romances (as far as that word can really apply to drow) are begun, as well as an interesting examination on Hallistrae's part of her faith in Lolth.Looking forward to the fourth book. It might have been nice if the series had been written by one author but it's working.

Condemnation was Good!

This was a good addition to the best series of books in the Forgotten Realms history of fantasy literature! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this episode in the War of the Spider Queen and am planning on rereading these books again soon. Richard Baker is a good writer but I felt that this was not the absolute best work in the series so far (Insurrection definitely was!). The intrigue and character development that Baker adds to the War of the Spider Queen really stands out. Fascinating locales visited across the realms (and alternate planes) culminating in an ultimately exciting scene set upon the mighty throne of the Queen of the Demonweb Pits herself! Highly recommended, but you must read all of the books to truly appreciate the series!