An excellent resource for those who want to play as part of Golarion, instead of just in Golarion. The details on each deity for both worshippers and believers were concise and well-written, though specifically, this is more a book for laypeople as opposed to a details-for-clerics kind of work. In the same way that most Golarion setting books make me want to run an adventure in that setting, this book made me want to role-play.
The divine classes weren't left in the cold, however; I really enjoyed and appreciated the paladin codes. They seem like they could alleviate a great many alignment arguements, in addition to making a tangible difference in the way paladins from different deities would be played.
I thought this a fascinating collection, in a completely different way than the usual Planet Stories books. As a bit of an amateur writer, this book was very encouraging; from this perspective, I value this book as much as any other 'How to Write Sci-Fi' that I've ever purchased. In fact, as the brother of an amateur writer, this book also made a great gift.
It's true the stories aren't the best from each author. To me, this compilation is more about the genre of sci-fi and the process or writing than it is the stories themselves. It's sort of the DVD Extras of the sci-fi industry.
The only reason I only rated it four stars is for those who on read books, and never even play with writing. For them, this book is only mostly good.
Prince of Wolves stands as a strong fantasy novel even without the Pathfinder label, Golarion setting, or underlying adherence to game rules and effects. It stands as an excellent first book for the Pathfinder Tales series, as all that is required to enjoy it is a desire to read a well-written fantasy.
I felt the slightly experimental style was handled excellently, and came off as a requirement for the drama of the narrative rather than any kind of gimmick. Alternating the point of view between the main characters allowed us to explore them more thoroughly, and highlighted the differences between them and how that made them a better team. I feel it went above and beyond what is normally found in standard 'buddy' fiction.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good fantasy read, and eagerly await Dave Gross' next installment.
I thoroughly enjoyed Plague of Shadows. Normally I am a bit wary of both setting fiction and party novels, feeling that in the standard novel length there is rarely enough time to develop both setting and party members.
Howard Andrew Jones has proven my wariness unnecessary in both cases. Though the first few chapters were a bit slow, the story and characters built rapidly and well, and by halfway through I was unable to stop reading. Setting pieces and even game rules (for classes and abilities) were well-worked, and enhanced rather than detracted from the narration.
I look forward to the next Pathfinder Tales, and will be seeking out more of the author's works in the future.
