A surprisingly well-written and interesting story greeted me as I delved into its pages. The author's ability to craft a narrative that held my attention from start to finish was truly impressive. The characters were vividly portrayed, and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged.

However, while I thoroughly enjoyed the story during my initial read, I'm not entirely sure if I will ever pick it up again. There are so many other books out there waiting to be discovered, and I find myself constantly drawn to new and uncharted literary territories.

Nonetheless, I can't deny that this story was worth the read. It provided me with a brief escape from reality and allowed me to immerse myself in a different world for a while. It served as a reminder of the power of a good story to transport and captivate us.

I picked up this book with the hope of obtaining some inspiration for running a game in Sharn. And truly, it did not let me down.

The characters embark on a journey that takes them all over the city. Paul Crilley clearly has an in-depth understanding of the city. He vividly描绘s beautiful scenes of the various wards and districts within the City of Towers.

Moreover, the characters feel genuine and captivating, which is a challenge that many D&D books face. Overall, it was an outstanding read that I would highly recommend to any enthusiast of Eberron.

Whether you are a seasoned DM or a player looking for a great story set in the Eberron universe, this book is definitely worth checking out. It offers a wealth of inspiration and a detailed look at the vibrant and diverse city of Sharn.

So, if you're ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of Eberron and explore the wonders of Sharn, pick up this book and let the adventure begin!

Gigantic bore is a phenomenon that occurs in some rivers and estuaries. It is a large wave that travels upstream, often with great force and speed.

The bore is caused by the interaction of the tides with the river or estuary. When the tide comes in, it forces the water in the river or estuary to move upstream, creating a wave.

Gigantic bores can be very dangerous, as they can cause flooding and damage to property. They can also be very exciting to watch, especially for those who are interested in nature and the power of the elements.

Some of the most famous gigantic bores in the world occur in the Qiantang River in China, the Amazon River in South America, and the Severn River in the United Kingdom. These bores can reach heights of several meters and travel at speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour.

In conclusion, gigantic bore is a fascinating and powerful natural phenomenon that has both dangerous and exciting aspects. It is a reminder of the awesome power of nature and the importance of respecting it.

Witty dialogue and a good presentation of the setting are indeed the only worthwhile aspects of the book.

The dialogue is sharp and engaging, often making the reader smile or even laugh out loud. It adds a touch of humor and liveliness to the story.

The setting, too, is vividly described, allowing the reader to easily picture the world in which the story takes place.

However, the writing and story are both subpar. The prose is often平淡无奇, lacking the elegance and sophistication that one would expect from a well-written book.

The story, on the other hand, is predictable and lacks depth. It fails to engage the reader on an emotional level and leaves them feeling unsatisfied.

Overall, while the witty dialogue and good presentation of the setting are enjoyable, they are not enough to make up for the shortcomings in the writing and story.

I just read it again and now, over 8 years later, I can say that

it has many problems. Firstly, it takes many liberties with the source of Eberron. For example, it portrays Orcs as just followers of the shadow and goblins as mere cannon fodder to die, when in fact the former are hunters and part of a Druid society and the latter were slaves from one of the largest and oldest fallen civilizations and now minorities oppressed by humans.

Secondly, it's incredibly sexist. I don't know if it's due to the type of setting (Noir/Hard boiled detectives) or the author's views, but all the female characters only exist around the men. They are either lovers, prostitutes, possible dates, or even defined by the fact that a man refused them sex. There isn't a single woman whose dialogue didn't revolve around or was directly defined by a man. They are almost all victims.

Besides that, while the author seems to have read the Sharn map, there is no real sense of the city's personality. It looks like a generic dark city you'd see in other books. The fantastic constructs and magical artifacts that are staples of the setting are present, but there is no sense that these are humanoids from different cultures and a different world. The different races all feel merely human and not distinct.

The closest thing to a sense of race is some racist comments from Wrex to Thorin about dwarves, but it's more like generic dwarves than Eberron dwarves. You could remove everything from Eberron and make all the characters human and it would barely change anything. They also overuse the Valenar elf to define something great or badass, but never explain why the Valenar should be the metric.

However, it is entertaining and has some good dialogues. There is a convoluted mystery that combines a low-level revenge and an epic quest, a jail break (very short), and a combination of bad luck, plots, and search. Wren is a very good character (though unfortunately destroyed in the sequel), and I like Thorin. You can understand the pain that Cutter is suffering and why he acts as he does.

Overall, I give it 2 stars. If you're not a fan of the setting, you can get a similar experience from other books and it would be less confusing. If you are a fan of the setting, it's better to think of this book as a very hard AU Fanfic of Eberron or a Homebrew that just lifted places and some details from the setting. And it's so very, very sexist.

Holmes and Watson in Eberron, what more could you want? This combination is truly a dream come true. For fans of the Holmes canon, it offers a unique and exciting twist. We get to see the brilliant detective and his loyal companion in a completely different setting, one filled with magic and mystery. It's like a new adventure for them, and for us as well.

And for D&D nerds, it's just as thrilling. Eberron is a rich and detailed world, and having Holmes and Watson in it adds another layer of depth and intrigue. We can imagine them solving crimes and mysteries in this fantastical realm, using their wits and skills to outwit the bad guys.

As for me, being both a fan of Holmes and a D&D nerd, this is简直太棒了. It's like two of my favorite things have come together in one amazing package. I can't wait to see what kind of adventures Holmes and Watson will have in Eberron, and I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience.

Aha, now this book was a pleasant change of pace from the disappointment of the first book in the Inquisitives title from Eberron. It's truly a relief to encounter something different. This also happens to be the first of at least two books about the Inquisitive Abraxis Wren, with the second being Taint of the Black Brigade. I read Taint of the Black Brigade some years back, and upon realizing it was the second book for the titular character, I promised myself that I would eventually read this first one.

I will say that I enjoyed this book, although not necessarily for the character of Wren himself. He seems more like an afterthought or a side character in this story, while the character of Cutter takes the spotlight. There is an abundance of intrigue, with numerous twists and turns throughout the book. Personally, I find Cutter to be a sympathetic and compelling character. Wren, on the other hand, was more annoying than anything, even when he was being helpful. He fails to come across as interesting and instead comes off as a pompous, arrogant ass up until the very end of the story. Additionally, there is a lot going on in this book that probably could have been cut out or at least written in a way that made it more integral to the plot. As a result, a lot of the events that transpire feel a bit muddled and leave loose ends dangling.

Nevertheless, it's good, as far as I'm concerned, for the sake of entertainment value and for being an Eberron book. I highly recommend it, especially for Cutter. If anyone is wanting to get into it for the titular character, however, I do suggest reading Taint of the Black Brigade first and then coming back to this one. And keep in mind that Wren is an arrogant, posturing, womanizing paradigm of various interpretations of Sherlock Holmes, so if that's a turn-off, you might want to skip these books entirely.

A truly remarkable and outstanding book! It is a literary gem that has the power to captivate readers from start to finish. The story unfolds in a most engaging and enthralling manner, taking the reader on a journey filled with excitement, emotion, and thought-provoking ideas. The characters are well-developed and vivid, making it easy for the reader to connect with them on a deep level. The writing style is excellent, with beautiful prose and a seamless flow. I would without a doubt highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something to offer. It is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression and stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

Considering the meticulous detail and the great effort that the author exerted in constructing the mystery and building up the anticipation towards the climax, it is rather disappointing that the conclusion seemed to be reached in a relatively hasty manner. Some parts of the story were elongated over several pages, carefully weaving an intricate web of mystery. However, when it came to the conclusion, it was wrapped up in just a paragraph or two, leaving the reader with a sense of incompleteness.

Moreover, the resolution of the dramatic situation involving Torin was also rather underwhelming. It was quickly resolved in the epilogue, with Wren disclosing the details in a monologue to the person who gets arrested, who is merely an ancillary bit player. This approach failed to do justice to the complexity and significance of the situation.

Overall, it was just not a satisfying conclusion to the case. It felt rushed and lacked the depth and thoroughness that the build-up had promised. The author could have taken more time to develop the conclusion and provide a more fulfilling ending for the readers.

Really Good!

This simple phrase holds a lot of power. It can be used to express approval, admiration, or satisfaction. When we say "Really Good!" we are acknowledging that something or someone has exceeded our expectations or performed exceptionally well.

For example, if we taste a delicious meal at a restaurant, we might exclaim "Really Good!" This not only shows our appreciation for the food but also gives positive feedback to the chef. Similarly, if a friend does a great job on a project, we can encourage them by saying "Really Good!"

Using "Really Good!" can also have a positive impact on our own mindset. When we focus on the good in things and people, we tend to feel more positive and optimistic. It helps us to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

In conclusion, "Really Good!" is a small but mighty phrase that can make a big difference in our interactions with others and in our own lives. So, let's not be afraid to use it more often and spread the positivity!

Night of the Long Shadows is an action-packed and captivating blend of high fantasy and hard-boiled crime fiction. It is the second book in The Inquisitives series, set in the rich world of Eberron. However, it functions as a stand-alone story, meaning it can be enjoyed independently of the first book (though that one is also well worth reading). This makes it accessible to any fan of fantasy, even those who have never delved into an Eberron novel before.

The novel has a dark and gritty atmosphere, with a pulp noir feeling that adds to its allure. The well-written plot twists and the depth and interest of the characters make it one of the best Eberron novels to date. The cast of characters is truly great. The "heroes" are an eclectic mix. The story kicks off with a gruesome murder and quickly develops into a fast-paced and action-packed adventure through the vibrant city of Sharn.

We are introduced to a wide variety of characters from all walks of life. As mentioned in another review, there is the mob enforcer who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery, a half-elf detective who soon realizes that not everything is as it appears, the detective's dwarven assistant who helps keep him in check, and the old gang that hints at a less than savory past for our detective. Not only are the "heroes" well-developed, but the villains also offer an exciting combination of nastiness and genius.

The story is expertly written and full of surprising twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The author does an excellent job of providing clues and revealing the mystery gradually, without giving too much away too soon. I found myself scratching my head through most of the book, trying to figure out what was really going on.

In addition to the great cast of characters and the engrossing mystery, the author does an outstanding job of describing the city itself. Sharn comes alive in the pages of the novel, almost becoming like another character in the tale. The detailed descriptions add depth and authenticity to the story.

With great writing, crisp dialog, an interesting tale, and deep characters, this novel is a must-read for any fan of fantasy or mysteries. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read that will keep them entertained from start to finish.

An okay read and a nice introduction to the city of Sharn.

Nonetheless, I find myself somewhat disappointed. Partially, it's due to the excessive hype around Abraxis Wren, and partially because of the wasted potential within the book.

Given the initial description, I had anticipated this to be a sort of Sherlock Holmes novel, with the arrogant half-elf Abraxis Wren taking the leading role. However, I was sorely mistaken. Throughout the entire book, not a single intelligent idea emerges from the "best inquisitive of Sharn." Instead, the plot is resolved by other characters. In particular, it's often the bully Cutter and the secret service agent Col who do the heavy lifting, or in most cases, it's simply resolved by accident. This could have been humorous if the self-proclaimed genius Wren was treated with the irony he so richly deserved, but even that element is lacking. He's just a guy who somehow stumbles through the case and happens to be in the right place at the right time to kill the evil guy in the end. If there was any humor to be found here (beyond some of the dialogues between Wren and Torin), it completely escaped me.

Given the potential of the main protagonists, this is truly a shame. The author had so much more that could have been done with these characters and with the plot at hand. Instead, it all feels somewhat like a D&D adventure where the main objective seems to be to showcase as much of the city as possible and where the solution lies in fearlessly barreling from clue to clue, beating up people along the way.

So in the end, I don't quite understand why Abraxis Wren ever became so popular in the Eberron community.