Sometimes doing the right thing can pay off in a big way. 'Mercy's Reward' by Mark Sehestedt features Gethred showing mercy and freeing a wolf ensnared in a trap. Fans of the Forgotten Realms world will probably appreciate this one more than readers new to the world. 'The Siege of Zerith Hold' is pure action as the story details an intense and sometimes heartbreaking battle. Goblins are attacking and it is up to two men to inspire their men as the odds seem hopeless. 'The Siege of Zerith Hold' by Jess Lebow is a story of war. The ending was a bit of a disappointment, too, as it seemed like the author took the easy way out. Perhaps if I'd been more familiar with the world itself, this would have been an easier read. Ed Greenwood's tale is more than a bit confusing as no one is ever sure if the person before them is really that person. The vizier has created doubles of numerous people including Mirt and the trap is about to be sprung. In 'Too Many Princes' by Ed Greenwood, Mirt the Merciless is faced with a dilemma. Cordell perfectly captures the heart of this brave and daring adolescent in this heartbreaking story? 'Black Arrow' shows how heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and yes, even ages as Jotharam is a hero to remember. Who can't help but love the impetuousness of Jotharam? Bruce R. Jotharam Feor finds a way to get involved in the war despite his mother's wishes and his actions make him a hero. Cordell is perhaps my favorite story in the anthology. Morris packs a lot of tension into such a short story as her characters are vibrantly alive in this fascinating tale.

The ending is both startling and brilliant. Morris features two women on a quest involving a child and the undead. 'The Last Paladin of Ilmater' by Susan J. Sometimes it isn't how big one is but rather how quick one can think that wins and the author shows this well. Will he survive the Hunt? Lisa Smedman weaves together a clever tale that seamlessly flows back and forth in time as the pieces begin to fit together. Weasel is trapped by The Beast and has a chance to live. Kemp just to see where all the events are leading to! Lisa Smedman takes readers on a wild ride in 'Weasel's Run'. On the other hand, it makes me want to hunt down more stories by Paul S. It took me a bit to get into the storyline and see where it was going and I wish it had answered more questions than it did. But was the cost worth it? Continuum is an entertaining albeit slightly confusing story to readers unfamiliar to the background. Kemp's 'Continuum', Rivalen was willing to do anything to serve his priestess. See what happens when twelve talented authors put their spin on things in REALMS OF WAR. War in the fantasy world can be uplifting or it can be cruel.

Forgotten realms war of the gods