The Savage Caves is the first novel in the 2002 series introducing archetypical "iconic" 3.0 Dungeons & Dragons characters in literary terms. These novels were apparently designed to support the 3.0 launch by inserting players handbook characters into actions and/or quests that D&D fans could both understand and enjoy.
I found the first novel very enjoyable and a fast read. Several facets of this book make it a great starting point in the series of ten. First, the four characters represent the four core classes in D&D: Regdar the Fighter, Jozan the Cleric, Lidda the Thief, and Naull the Magic-user. Second, the foes are classic first level type creatures: Goblins, Giant Spiders, and Hobgoblins. The best part of the book though, was that the characters acted like beginning adventurers - they make mistakes, generate extra noise when they shouldn't, show too much light, etc...its great! Finally, characters actually act like mortals rather than gods that never make a mistake, never miss a blow, etc...Good stuff!
Eventually a total of ten books were written for this series by various staff writers in the WOTC stable. All ten used the psuedo-name "T.H. Lain" to grant continuity between the books. Each adventure looks like it features different iconic characters and as I read them I will post reviews for all, along with which characters were present. My hope is that the story line is pulled from one book to another but that is never a sure thing with multiple authors. It will be disappointing, for example, if Regdar and Naull have to "meet" again, since they seemed to be working on a budding romance between them.
If you like this review please give me a thumbs up, it would be nice to know it was helpful to someone! Also, check out my other reviews for this series (as I get them read) and others I have done previously. Thanks!
I found the first novel very enjoyable and a fast read. Several facets of this book make it a great starting point in the series of ten. First, the four characters represent the four core classes in D&D: Regdar the Fighter, Jozan the Cleric, Lidda the Thief, and Naull the Magic-user. Second, the foes are classic first level type creatures: Goblins, Giant Spiders, and Hobgoblins. The best part of the book though, was that the characters acted like beginning adventurers - they make mistakes, generate extra noise when they shouldn't, show too much light, etc...its great! Finally, characters actually act like mortals rather than gods that never make a mistake, never miss a blow, etc...Good stuff!
Eventually a total of ten books were written for this series by various staff writers in the WOTC stable. All ten used the psuedo-name "T.H. Lain" to grant continuity between the books. Each adventure looks like it features different iconic characters and as I read them I will post reviews for all, along with which characters were present. My hope is that the story line is pulled from one book to another but that is never a sure thing with multiple authors. It will be disappointing, for example, if Regdar and Naull have to "meet" again, since they seemed to be working on a budding romance between them.
If you like this review please give me a thumbs up, it would be nice to know it was helpful to someone! Also, check out my other reviews for this series (as I get them read) and others I have done previously. Thanks!
From the back cover...... Between the mountains of the Merciless Tange and the tall boughs of the Hellwood lurks a foul presence. Those who approach it, perish. Those who flee it are slain. These are dark times for the citizens of Fairbye, but there is till hope. Four heroes rise to the challenge, determined to sace the small hamlet from the clutches of evil. But will the heroes survive the depths of he savage caves?
