The Shadowmask: Stone of Tymora, Book II Review
The Shadowmask is the second book in the Stone of Tymora trilogy by R.A. and Geno Salvatore. The first book is The Stowaway and the third is The Sentinels due out in September 2010.
The Shadowmask begins right were The Stowaway left off finishing the cliff hanger from that book. It also continues the plot of Maimun telling his tale to a pirate who has captured him and through continuing the telling of his tale is keeping him alive. Once Maimun's predicament is resolved at the beginning, he continues on his journey now to be rid of the stone he possesses. An unfortunate incident happens and he aligns himself once again with Captain Deudermont and the Sea Sprite crew to chase pirates and retrieves what he has lost. Yet again there are special appearances by Drizzt and company and the reader is given a clue as to the timeline of this story which takes place during and after events in The Halfling's Gem from The Icewind Dale Trilogy. A couple subplots spring up in this one with Maimun's infatuation with a certain girl, the ambitions of a pirate captain, a woman wearing a shadowmask who can turn into a raven, and the mystery of an island.
This story moves much better than the first. There was more mystery involved and so help my interest much more. There wasn't as much of a need for character introductions so the story moved along nicely. Once again, this one is a fast read with short chapters and large print. This makes it ideal for a younger audience to read. The character development is done very well. A couple of the characters grow in ways that make sense and continues to define their growth. There is even a special appearance from one of the past characters, but to refrain from spoilers I won't say who. I feel this is a good bridge novel and I am looking forward to continuing this story. Geno Salvatore is doing a wonderful job and I am impressed with the improvement of his writing. The details and depictions of battles are just about as good as his fathers. It flows wonderfully and the pacing keeps the reader turning the pages.
Some criticisms:
1. Like the fist book, this one is written in the first person POV. I have never been a fan of this POV, but have make exceptions in the past and have read some good books utilizing this style, however, for this series, I believe a third person POV would have made the story much better.
2. Maimun's constant blaming of others or circumstances gets old. Instead of learning more about some situations it just continues to be the blame game over and over.
3. As with the first book, this one also has a cliff hanger ending, albeit, this time at least there is more of an actual ending and the cliff hanger leads more into the next book. At least this time he didn't end the book in the middle of a battle.
Some positives:
1. To me, the writing was much better and the action sequences are fantastic. The wording is not over done for the young adult audience it is geared towards.
2. Also set up for a younger audience is the length of the short chapters. It helps to five the YA reader a feeling of accomplishment while enjoying a well told story.
3. There is more of a mystery set up with this one and the way it plays out is excellent. Though there are still some things left out, I still enjoyed the read. I hope more is explained in the final book.
Overall, I had a good time reading this one. It was far better paced than the first and once again, the characters used from his father's books only enhanced the adventure and were not a focal point. Mr. Salvatore did a good job of making his characters the main part of the book. I really am looking forward to the conclusion in The Sentinels.
Happy reading
-Dimndbangr
The Shadowmask: Stone of Tymora, Book II Overview
Cross swords with swashbuckling pirates and unravel the mystery of the masked spellcaster in this second book of the Stone of Tymora trilogy.
Though robbed by a masked spellcaster and left for dead by a demon, twelve-year-old Maimun refuses to give up the magic that rightfully belongs to him. After reuniting with dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden and Captain Deudermont's crew, Maimun sets off on a sea-faring chase that will test both the strength of his spirit and of his friendships. As perilous storms rock Sea Sprite and vicious pirates bombard its decks, a mysterious force gathers in the Moonshaes, determined to bring Deudermont's ship--and Maimun's quest--crashing to an end on its shores.
In this second book of the Stone of Tymora trilogy, R.A. Salvatore and his son Geno continue their gripping tale of coming-of-age in a world filled with magic, featuring another cameo of R.A. Salvatore's signature character Drizzt Do'Urden.
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