Shadowrun Books

Looks like FASA got their act together for this book and really gave what both players and GM's can use. The background information is clear and concise, the game effects are balanced and well-thought-out, and the new rules enhance the depth of the game. Clearly worth the money.

Shadowrun, despite being my all-time favorite gaming universe, was a complete money drainer, with an excessive amount of supplements to purchase in order to flesh out your campaign.
3rd edition and its updates however, seemed to consolidate and condense better, focusing on game mechanics and rules rather than pictures and colorful quotes from fictional characters.

Magic in the Shadows is no exception, as it compiles all three previous magic books, updates their mechanics, and also introduces new 3rd edition magic rules, skills, and abilities. Although the 3rd edition books are not as colorful or fun to read as previous books, they do a much better job of actually providing rules and mechanics to streamline your game.
This book is a must have for anyone with "awakened" characters, because it covers the rules for initiation, a process that makes a magical character uber-powerful.

Heh. I remember my troll mage. He kicked so much, well, you know. And to think, that wouldn't have been possible without this book. So wonderful. Magic becomes so much easier with the updated rules. And rules for making your own spells? Exquisite. Although some of the combinations are so powerful that my GM disallowed them. Dam. Ah well. Anyway, the point is that I can assure you that if you're playing a magic user in Shadowrun 3rd Edition, you'll want, nay, you'll NEED, this book. Get it. Now! Enjoy!

I remember when I first played Shadowrun how much of a pain using magic was. Fasa has finally come out with a much needed update for the magic system. This is an excellent source book that expands the system for magic and makes it very easy to use. No longer is magic confusing and hard to understand; now it is a breeze to play a magic using character in the Shadowrun world.

Magic in the Shadows, while long overdue, is most definitely worth the wait. It's a little dry in places, but anything with this much information and rules clarification is going to have that problem. Overall, the book is well worth cover price because of its excellent organization and clear writing. Shadowrun's magic system needed a major overhaul, and this does the trick beautifully. An absolute must-have for anyone, player or GM, who deals with magic in Shadowrun Third Edition.

This was the first Shadowrun book I ever read after having picked up the Bug City companion which referenced this novel. Tom Dowd has painted a wonderful picture of the situation in Chicago and the slow build up to the eruption of one of the largest bug hives in the Shadowrun universe. This dark, gritty tale also helps set the mood for anyone interested in running a Bug City campaign and is a must read for any gamemaster.

Burning Bright is a great novel. The first Shadowrun novel I was actually fulfilled by in its premise and storytelling. It is such an amazing and incredible book. I only wish I though to comment sooner. Oh well.

This book is well-written and engrossing. It's also a lot less "cutesy" and a lot more adult than most Shadowrun novels. Highly recommended!

Not infrequently I get into debates/arguments about the utility of novels in game universes (for example, do the Forgotten Realms novels make the Realms a better, or worse, game setting?) In those debates, "Burning Bright" is the example I use of a good use of game-related fiction.

Most game-related novels, whatever their other merits, end up with one grave flaw, which over time weakens the utility of the setting as an RPG universe - they end "happily," with the heros triumphant and villans humbled (Zhentil Keep is nuked, Tethyr unified under benign government, etc, etc). This makes the setting gradually less interesting as a place to adventure in. Most authors seem to lack the stomach for anything other than a happy ending, and most readers seem to agree. Also, most such novels answer more questions than they leave you with (reducing the game world's mystery), solve more problems than they introduce (reducing the "threat level").

In Burning Bright, Tom Dowd was bold enough to take another path. He took the road less travelled by, and that made all the difference. In addition to solid characters and a engaging storyline, this book's ending paved the way for a very dangerous, dark game setting (Bug City). While publically exposing the bugs, it left the problem not only unsolved, but more dangerous - and eventually this storythread led to Yeats, Penchyk, and the Empowerment Coalition.

This was one of the first SR novels I ever read, and if only all game related fiction were this good, RPG gaming might not be a withering hobby. . .

Though Nigel Findley was the one of the last true Shadowrun authors, Tom Dowd recently took the late novelists place. Burning Bright has an edge, a quality, that most of the other(and more recent) Shadowrun novels lack. The characters are excellent, as is the plot. I was always confused about what happened in Chicago in the late months of summer. This novel clarified everything.

I honestly didn't find many errors. The actual plot slowed down a little, but before I could get impatient, everything picked back up again. A must read for the Shadowrun fan. Actually, a must read for the casual reader, as well.

This bokk has it all: tough heroes, monstrous enemies, and an unpredictable plot, all in the fantastic world of Shadowrun.

Woah Dirk Montgomery is the best shadowrun heros. If you like action mysterious plots and investigations, this book's for you. And you'll laught too. Nigel Findley is a real clown heh heh.

I'll admit, I stole this book. I saw it on the bookshelf at my Dormitory and thought, "Hey, I'm kinda board, this looks interesting." I never thought that this book would be so great. I've never read any Shadowrun books before, and all I know about it is that it was an old RPG campaign setting that never really took of. (That doesn't mean anything, Planescape is the best campaign setting ever, but they discontinued it for quite some time) It is supposed to be a blend of Sci-Fi and Fantasy... yeah I know their pretty much the same thing, but still, it's refreshing to see that if there were once elves and orcs and other creatures, what would happen if they were still living with us throughout the future?

What's cool is the multi-genreness of this book. It's a basic hard-boiled detective novel, set in a dark future (i.e Bladerunner), with fantasy creatures and characters, (i.e Lord of the Rings). What else could you ask for? Character.

Character is the most important part of the story, and if anybody's taken a writing class they would know this, that the characters are what mak the story. You have to care for the character, actualy care if they die or not, if they fall in love or not, if they make it out of this with sanity intact or not.

Dirk Montgomery is a great character. From the mold of those Film Noir, Detectectives, which was then super injected with a tough, street smart, morally upright, drinker substatce, and painted with a broad spectrum of emotions.

The Minor Characters are great, and I don't want any spoilers, but you will care when they die... or not die... or something.

Yeah, pick up this book. It's a real good read that will have ou thinking afterwards, and looking for more.

You gotta read it, 5 stars, it goes really fast and it's so exciting. Big conspiracy in this one. A little scary in places, even. The author-to-reader dialogue of Findley is precious. Unfortunately, Findley died in his early 30s of a heart attack. Don't be mistaken -- his novels, placed in this "mass market series" are real art.

This is by far the absolute best of the Shadowrun novels. Non-stop action, adventure and a plot so full of twists and turns that it'll have you backing up a few chapters to try and find out where you've "heard that somewhere before".

Every chapter of this book gives you a glimpse into the life of the most unusual shadowrunner to hit the streets yet. A man of complex history and complex ideals. The most amazing thing is that as the book continues, nothing happens that shouldn't. No cheap cop-outs to solve a complex situation. No easy victory. No characters begin to act in a way that is unlike their established demeanor. Everything is so well thought out and planned and executed perfectly. When you turn the last page, you'll know the smell of the every allyway and the sound of an HK Assault rifle fired from a moving vehicle. And you will miss reading about characters who are gone.

I'm going to check to see if the follow up book, " House of the Sun" or something, is in stock. I've been told that it is almost just as good. If you can find a copy of 2XS, you will have found the best of a great thing.

I was surprised as to how good this book was. I really enjoyed it. It gave two different views of Lone Star: From the loyal cop viewpoint and the jaded shadowrunners viewpoint. Highly recommended. I also liked how the did skillwires and the chipping of skills.

The title says it all.
I'm a man of little words. All I can say its a really really great book! Buy it and try it!

As a vivid Shadowrun I have read all the novels and play the game. Nigel Finley pefectly captures the essence of the awakened world of Shadowrun. He is a great a writer who will be missed

I've been a Shadowrun fan for years. Always surprised at the high quality of the world & the novels. Unfortunate that the rule-books always have a tendency to be dififcult to use.

The worst thing about this book is the cover. The writing style is quite nice, as is the solid main character.

ENJOY!

REkz

I was surprised as to how good this book was. I really enjoyed it. It gave two different views of Lone Star: From the loyal cop viewpoint and the jaded shadowrunners viewpoint. Highly recommended.

Nigel D. Findley's last book is a very typical Findley book. That is, it is a one continuous explosion of guns, sun and high tecnology at it's finest. I have always enjoyed Nigel's books and will miss him dearly as an book and an Shadowrun accessory author. Solid Findley quality. Read it! (And the others.)
I'll go and have a good long cry now..

The last of the great Nigel Findleys novels where he takes his favorite character Dirk Montgomery a former cop who quits and works in the shadows and places him in his (Nigel) favorite place, Hawaii. Where he once again has to stop an unstopable force of evil to save the world. If your a fan of guns, magic and creatures of legend this is a book to read

this book along with nigels other shadowrun novels are what shadowrun is all about. nigel really made the world of shadowrun such a great and better place. me and close friends still roleplay the game and mention nigel every time. his stories and characters are the greatest. in his books he mentions about a 'kindred spirit'. nigel was one of these. i've reread his books many times to escape into his stories. i recommend this book and all his others.

Nigel Findley was always a creative and original writer, but this novel takes the cake. Nigel's Derek (Dirk) Montgomery character was his favorite, and shines as bright as the sun in this novel. Dirk has to pay a debt, and finds himself in constantly increasing trouble as the story progesses. House of the Sun was filled with action, fantasy, twists, and Dirk's trademark dry humor.

Nigel D. Findley (who passed away while this book was in it's final stages of rewriting)was, and most conisder he will always be, the true visionary of the Shadowrun universe. Unlike the smug writers now who churn out nothing but hack pasted together from the sourcebooks, Findley understood, and developed a considerable amount of, the Shadowrun technology beyond that available to the players for game purposes. His clarity and creativity has never really been matched since his passing, and this book stands as the last testement to that real genius of intellect. Sadly, most of his plots and ideas have, since his passing, been turned into silliness and tripe by the authors FASA has hired out for its novel series. Get this book and Lone Wolf. Also get 2XS and Shadowplay if you can find them. Findley WAS Shadowrun, and with him gone the place is cold and hollow. Treasure these novels, they are all we have left of him.

Growing up this was one of the best modules i have ever seen or played. The story lines and the depth behind it.

Has anyone else noticed a resemblance between this and John Case's new best seller "the first horseman" ?

As far as Shadowrun adventures are concerned this one is relatively standard fare. You look for a missing person and unearth something more sinister. Compared to other Shadowrun adventures this one is about average as far as complexity and plot development are concerned. What makes this adventure stand out above and beyond other Shadowrun adventures isn't the physical adventure per se, but rather the implications regarding what the adventurers find out and how that is presented.

Basically the biggest treat in this adventure is a player handout that actually has more pages than the adventure book itself. This handout is essentially a net conversation between two reporters over the course of a few weeks that reveals one of the greatest threats to the Sixth World. This handout alone is worth getting the adventure. Where the gameplay is merely average this one aspect puts that "average" adventure into a whole new level.

I have seen this book sell in auctions as high as $50 or more. My guess is you can probably get it for a good deal less with a little patience (seems interest in these books comes in waves). As far as value is concerned I would say if you really like conspiracy theories that delve into sci-fi and fantasy then paying $40+ might actually be worth it. Whether you're frugal or not in your Shadowrun adventure purchasing this particular adventure is a must have.

I have played for 14 years now, and I have played nearly evry type of RPG there is from Battletech to Bar Wars to Call of Cthulu to my personal fav SR. UB is perhaps one of the best executed modules I have had the pleasure of reading. I wish FASA would reprint it.

As someone who has gamed extensively over the years, I can safely say that this is the absolute best module for any game ever written. Bone chilling and frightening, and eerie on every level. I remember running this and seeing goosebumps on all my players when I read choice bits from the "netbook" that was included.

It's been a few years since this book came out, and in its time has become the most sought-after Shadowrun sourcebooks. Probably the most frightening sourcebook FASA has put out, Universal Brotherhood is a must-have. A complete adventure (best when played in a campaign after Total Eclipse, Queen Euphoria, and Double Exposure) that details the secrets of the Brotherhood and a sourcebook/information packet that contains the secrets about what's really going on in those Chapterhouses.

Your players won't be able to sleep properly for days after running this adventure.

Pay twice cover for it. It's worth every penny.

Thomas Deeny (thomas@cooper8.com)

Think you know it all about the 'trix cummer, guess again. You dont know drek but this book could change that. "Virtual Realities 2.0" is the most extinsive matrix suplament published by fasa. A great addition to any deckers library.

VR 2.0 is a definite must for any campaign incorporating deckers, and FASA's views of it greatly reducing the time matrix runs take (everyone who uses the old system has rented a flic while the decker is navigating through rough diagrams that look like crumpled spiders) are just. However, the amount of setup (beforehand) time in character creation is greatly increased, and a decent eratta sheet has yet to be published. Start bringing that calculator to gaming groups...

This book is an absolute must if you incorporate decking in your Shadowrun campaign. Never again will the decker character feel left out while he decks and the rest of you go for pizza. This new(er) rules supplement brings decking into real time gaming with a vengeance.

Now everyone will want a datajack........

There are three books that are "must haves" in the SR world, and this is one of them, with the other two being the main rule-book and Rigger2.

Sure, you can run a campaign with just the BBB (Big Black Book, aka main rulebook) but why? Add in the spice of the decker, give him a place in the group. Combine this with the Rigger book and you have a well matched system. GMs! Give your deckers a reason to exist, buy this book and scare them out of the matrix!

VRII is an excellent book. Throw away everything you knew about the old matrix rules before you pick this up, as almsot everything is different. You still have the same ICE types (Trace, Killer, etc) but they have added a few more surprises.

The biggest change is actually how the Matrix works. Instead of just a generic number of successes to get something done, you have Target numbers for ACIFS (Access, Control, Index, File, and Slave), with your programs reducing the TNs. Want to log on? Look at the Access rating, reduce it by your Sleaze, and viola, you're in.

The artwork does leave some to be desired (the Virtual Reality guide in VRI is better then the one in this book and the black and white artist doesn't seem to be able to draw a straight line to save his life). and there are a few places were the rules get sketchy (such as Scramble IC and in depth detail into the Otaku) and that can get annoying, but overall the rules are excellent.

If you have people who want to be deckers, this is a MUST have. It will speed things up and make the game a lot more fun for both the GM and the players.

PS: I have had a chance to speak to the author, Paul Hume, as he once assisted us on the Shadowrun MUX on the Internet. Very nice guy :)

i just got finished reading beyond the pale and it is an awsome end to an awsome series of books... the action is great.. the feeling is great.. the end is the best. Anyone who likes shadowrun will love all 3 of these... i hope to see ryan and these other characters in future shadowrun books.. even if they aren't the main ones.

Beyond the Pale (the third and last book of the dragon heart saga) is one of the best books I ever read!

Assets. Inc. really knows how to capture your attention, this is a must read, though I suggest reading books 1 and 2 first.

This third and final book in the Dragon Heart trilogy ties up all the loose ends left in the previous two books. The trilogy itself blended into the Shadowrun universe beautifully, and gave those creative enough to use it lots of background information. The ending wan't quite what I expected, but that's a good thing. I would recommend all of these books to a friend.

Although the Shadowrun universe is definitely one of fantasy, I've found some of the novels to be a little far fetched, even within the liberal boundaries of Shadowrun. This one however, is pure delightful entertainment! The writing is excellent, the story is fun and exciting and there aren't any corny elements that have plagued some other Shadowrun novels. If you're a fan of Shadowrun, you'll be a fan of Dead Air.

My Thoughts about this novel is that this is one of the top 5 Shadowrun books.Jak Koke is a great author and FASA knows it.

When Jonathan's closest friend gets greased in a combat bikematch and it becomes clear it wasn't excactly an accident things gethot. Jonathan has to run the shadows and dodge the bullets while figuring out who got who in their pockets and why. Koke makes an fluid and enjoyable novel with all the Shadowrun elements neatly in place. Hi-tech, shadowrunners and sinister megacorps all come into play making a punch-proof novel. It all gets crowned by an unexpectedly great ending. Throughoutly enjoyable book for the fans of Shadowrun and Sci-fi.

Shadowrun novels started with some great works by Findley and Charrette, but then it started to go down hill. The writing became long winded, and the plots ... well .. lets just say they were uninteresting at best. Koke has put the Shadow back into Shadowrun. This is what Shadowrun was meant to be! Dark, gritty, and very few people alive at the end!

This book's got it all! All the details of the shakedown that happened in Chicago. The bugs are described with all the stats. The main movers and shakers in the CZ are all there. It was a pleasure to buy this book and see all the different types of critters that FASA could dream up with and turn them into manaical bugz! A must buy for GM's that need creatures that are tough as a MAC truck and twice as powerful.

I enjoyed the thought of MJ gettin what he deserved (No not another sneaker deal) as giant Bugs take Chicago by storm the rest can kinda be guessed (try and kill the bugs) But I had fun, nonetheless

PS When is FASA gonna make one with an assualt of vampiric dragons?

Bug, bugs, and more bugs (but what did you expect with a name like Bug City?). This book take the Shadowrun status quo and turns it inside out, as the great city of Chicago gets turned into an even more dangerous version of Escape from New York. The UCAS military has quarintined the city. No one gets in, no one gets out (yeah, right. That's the kind of talk shadowrunners eat for breakfast). Even so , Chicago just got more dangerous than a troll with an assault cannon. The bugs are out in the open, and they don't care who knows it