I generally have very positive things to say about Elaine Cunningham’s literature, and Tangled Webs is no exception. And, no, this isn’t because of “fanboyism”, or whatever one might call it. There is a reason that Elaine’s novels are almost universally regarded as the cream of the crop of Forgotten Realms literature.Before even getting to the actual story, or the actual characters, I want to talk about concept. Tangled Webs, if we need to break things down into pseudo-Greek terms, consists of ‘Water’ and ‘Darkness’. Ordinarily, I don’t think that I would have though to combine ‘Water’ and ‘Darkness’. Normally, when I think of Elemental Water, in either Classical Greek terms, or in mainstream video game terms, I think healing, which is about as opposite that you can get from ‘Darkness’, which normally entails ‘Evil’, which entails ‘Pain’, all of which isn’t good. There’s something about the book that just works, though. I don’t know how to explain it. The themes of ‘Water’ and ‘Darkness’ blend nicely. It might be the concept of the ‘threat from the sea’ that makes it work. It might be the concept of water-themed intrigue under the cover of darkness that makes it work. Maybe it’s my subconscious, doting on the favorable images I have of the cartoon ‘Pirates of the Dark Water’. Regardless, whatever it is that makes it work, it makes it work.Now for the characters. Before I get to pre-established characters, like Liriel, or Shakti, I want to talk about some of the new characters. Primary among them are Xzorsh and Ibn. Xzorsh was a great character, very refreshing. While I wouldn’t say that Xzorsh is my favorite character in the setting, I’d say that he’s in the Top Ten. Hell, I liked him enough to include in Elves of Faerûn Xzorsh’s mechanical write-up for an example of an Aquatic Elven NPC. I think it’s his naivety that endears him to me. He’s a capable warrior, as his position and deeds demonstrate. But, he’s perfectly willing to accept Liriel as who she says she is, at face value, is perfectly willing to accept his Malenti companion, Sittl, as who he says he is, at face value, is perfectly willing to accept the pirates of the Seasprite[i/], based on his pledged, and the deeds of Captain Hrolf. His type of personality- curious and innocent- is refreshing to see in a character. First mate Ibn, on the other hand, is the exact opposite of Xzorsh, in a way. He is suspicious to the maximum, unwilling to accept Liriel, Xzorsh, and others, even after they prove themselves time and time again. His continual sparring with Liriel, both literally, figuratively, verbally, and physically was a fun theme constant in most of the novel. Oftentimes I was left wondering if Ibn was being loyal to Captain Hrulf, concerning the presence of Liriel, or if he was letting his irrational hate and fear of the Drow get in the way of his friendship with the captain, and his duties as first mate of the ship.In Tangled Webs, the bad blood concerning Shakti and Liriel all came to its head. The relationship between Liriel and Fyodor reached its blossom. In theory, Tangled Webs could be the final installment of the series, and I’d be happy. Windwalker, of course, came out, and wrapped everything up in a smooth bundle (mostly), but if that book had never come out, I wouldn’t be sitting here bemoaning the lack of an ending point, for the characters, and the plot.The part I disliked most about the novel involved Ventress, the ruins of Ascore, and Ventress’ “pet” Aboleth. As mentioned elsewhere, the entire “Aberrationization” and “Far Realmsization” of the Aboleth race becomes “at odds” with home Ventress’ Aboleth is portrayed. I think Elaine dropped the ball on that creature, though. Even before the…’momentum’ behind Aboleth was changed, they were portrayed as much more sentient than the one in the novel was. Being a fan of Aboleth, I didn’t like it’s portrayal. It felt too…off. Come to think of it, the same thing with Ventress. While Illithid don’t have genders, and it was interesting for Elaine to pass Ventress off as having a female personality, I don’t think it really worked all that well. Rather than exhibiting male characteristics, I tend to think of Illithid displaying no gender characteristics.
What do You think about Tangled Webs (2003)?
Liriel Baenre, the dark-elf wizard embarks on a runequest with her human beserker companion, Fyodor, when they find themselves tangled neck-deep in a sinister plot. Together they must protect the warrior people of Ruathym to fulfill their quest.Tangled Webs starts out slow. Cunningham introduces plenty of characters in different settings and just when you think you have it figured out, she introduces more. This may sound appealing but I find that it made the story convoluted. What's even more frustrating is that a few of the characters seemed completely unnecessary to propel the story. Tangled Webs takes place mostly at sea, where Daughter of the Drow took place mostly in the Underdark. Another noticeable difference is Liriel's character starts to become "good." There was a fair share of battles, but since I didn't feel much attachment to the story or the characters, they weren't very exciting. There was also more mystery and romance in this novel that I would have liked.
—Tony
I admit, I like Forgotten Realms novels more for the characters than I do the action, and because of this I always feel a little bogged down in the second books. It’s not a fault of the author, it’s just that by the second book you know the characters and it’s much more about advancing the plot, especially in a trilogy.Because of this, I found the first part of the novel a bit long for my personal tastes – which means it will be ideal for people who enjoy action and plot oriented storylines.The second part of it, however, when more developed between Fyodar and Liriel, I was absolutely absorbed. I love their relationship and how it’s developed. Elaine Cunningham has a real knack for interpersonal relationships, and I feel she may be a bit limited by the expectation of action and fighting in D&D novels.She’s a woman I’d love to do a fantasy romance. I think she’d do an amazing job of it.
—M. Keep
