On the Realms With Ed Greenwood

The Silmarillion is a comprehensive narrative that details the creation of Tolkien's universe, Eä, and the history of the First Age. It includes the legend of the Silmarils, jewels crafted by Fëanor that contain the essence of the Two Trees of Valinor. The book covers the creation of the world, the history of the Elves and Men, the wars against Morgoth, and the legendary love story of Beren and Lúthien. Edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien with the assistance of Guy Gavriel Kay, it is a foundational work that underpins the stories of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.

H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath" is a fantasy novella featuring Randolph Carter's journey through the surreal Dreamlands. The story blends elements of dream logic and cosmic horror, exploring themes of the subconscious and the vastness of the unknown. Carter encounters bizarre creatures and landscapes, highlighting Lovecraft's signature blend of fantasy and horror. The narrative is episodic, following Carter's encounters with various beings and places within the Dreamlands. The novella's impact lies in its imaginative world-building and exploration of the uncanny.

This book follows Elminster from his childhood as a shepherd boy to his later life as a rebel fighter, thief, and eventually a powerful mage. It delves into his tragic childhood, his struggles to hide his identity, and his encounters with the goddess Mystra. The story spans several years of Elminster's life, detailing his moral growth, his accumulation of magical knowledge, and his ultimate goal of overthrowing the oppressive magelords of Athalantar. The novel provides a deep insight into why Elminster becomes the Sage of Shadowdale and highlights his practical, patient approach to his quests and personal growth.

Published in 1991, 'Elfshadow' is the first book in Elaine Cunningham's 'Songs & Swords' series and part of the larger Forgotten Realms setting. The story revolves around Arilyn Moonblade, a half-elf Harper agent, who is suspected of being involved in a series of assassinations targeting Harpers. Alongside Danilo Thann, a nobleman and Harper agent, and Elaith Craulnober, an elven crime lord, Arilyn must uncover the truth behind the murders and an ancient mystery related to her inherited Moonblade. The novel delves into the intricate elven lore and the complex relationships between humans and elves in the Forgotten Realms, adding depth to the setting and its characters.

Fire & Blood is a detailed historical account of the Targaryen dynasty in the world of Westeros. Written in the style of a historical text, it covers the conquest of Westeros by Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters, the reigns of subsequent Targaryen kings, including the long and complex reign of King Jaehaerys I, and the tumultuous events such as the Dance of the Dragons. The book is illustrated with over seventy-five black-and-white illustrations by Doug Wheatley and includes family trees and other historical details. It is the first volume of a planned two-part history, with the second volume still in the works.

Johann David Wyss's "Swiss Family Robinson" is an adventure novel about a Swiss family shipwrecked on a deserted island. The story follows the family's resourcefulness and ingenuity as they build a life for themselves in their new environment. The novel emphasizes themes of family, resilience, and adaptation. The family's ability to overcome challenges through collaboration and creativity is central to the narrative. "Swiss Family Robinson" is known for its detailed descriptions of the family's inventions and their interactions with the island's flora and fauna.

Homeland is the first book in The Dark Elf Trilogy and serves as a prequel to The Icewind Dale Trilogy. It follows Drizzt Do'Urden from his birth in the drow city of Menzoberranzan to his early years and training at Melee-Magthere Academy. Drizzt, born into a matriarchal drow society ruled by the evil Spider Queen Lolth, must navigate the cruel and competitive world of his homeland while struggling with his own moral principles that contradict those of his society. The novel delves into Drizzt's upbringing, his relationships with his family, particularly his father Zaknafein, and his eventual realization that he does not fit into the drow's societal norms of cruelty and deception.