The magic of Rogue's Hour starts within a few words of R. A. Salvatore's forward, in which he recounts his first experience playing the online game upon which the novel is based. As one of the legions of players of the original Everquest, Salvatore encapsulated the novelty of one's experience in Norrath. Unfortunately, the novel started a few pages later and ruined everything.

Given incomprehensible mess that this book is, it's hard to believe that Ciencin has written 60 novels. The stuttering, ornate plot defies description. Roughly speaking, it deals with the attempts of the titular rogue's attempt to regain his memory. Threads and characters are shuffled rapidly, as if the author is trying to disorient the reader and hide the shoddy workmanship. Characterization is horrible as every single character fails to behave consistently, especially the token woman, Bronwynn. The copious fight sequences are incoherent. Characters repeatedly are killed, only to pop up again when necessary. Even the basic art of description fails Ciencin repeatedly, as he repeats stock cliches and lazily peppers Everquest lore into the story instead of drawing a complete picture. I fear readers unfamiliar with Everquest will be completely lost.

I suppose if one digs through those Everquest forums which are still existent, plenty of fan fiction could be found. Back in the heyday, the best ten or five percent of it would put this novel to shame. ( )

Writing a book within a set environment doesn't have to be a bad thing. The writer just doesn't invent the landscape, the rules and the kind of inhabitants, but other than that it's up to the writer and his fantasy. Some writers ,Salvatore is one example, are able to write a story based on a computer game that doesn't make you feel like you are reading a walk trough. This writer is not so talented . The main characters are completely one dimensional. I really did not enjoy this book. ( )

To many dead people reappear in situations where they are usefull to help the hero or hinder the hero. Plus the storytelling is a bit longwinded. On the bonusside you have interesting characters and an impressive final battle. ( )

http://www.sfreader.com/read_review.asp?ID=559 ( )