Azure Bonds

A woman awakens with a magical tattoo that compels her actions.

The first book in the Finder’s Stone Trilogy, Azure Bonds is a 380-page paperback fantasy novel. Set in the Forgotten Realms, it was co-written by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb, with cover art by Clyde Caldwell, and released by TSR Inc. in 1988. This novel later inspired the computer game Curse of the Azure Bonds. Co-author Jeff Grubb has called it one of his personal favorites among his own works.

Quick Facts

Author: Kate Novak & Jeff Grubb
Cover artist: Clyde Caldwell
Country: United States
Language: English
Series: Finders Stone Trilogy
Genre: Fantasy novel
Publisher: TSR, Inc.
Released: October 1988

Facts from the source article.

Plot

The story begins with the adventurer Alias awakening disoriented and amnesic, finding an azure tattoo on her sword arm. The tattoo resists removal and compels her actions. She becomes the nucleus of a party including Dragonbait, a lizard-like creature; Akabar Bel Akash, a southern mage; and Olive Ruskettle, a halfling bard. Their investigations are interrupted by the tattoo's compulsions. It is later revealed that Alias is a magically created artificial being, intended as a proxy by collaborating creators who used the tattoo for control and ownership. Her long-term memories were granted by a benign but misled creator, and her short-term memory loss stems from the gap between her artificial memories and premature awakening. Alias eventually wins freedom to control her actions. Near the end, Giogioni Wyvernspur inadvertently acquires the finder's stone, setting up the next novel.

Characters

The novel introduces enduring characters, foremost Alias and Dragonbait. Alias is a female warrior and protagonist, initially portrayed as a seasoned traveler and veteran hired guard; the cover art depicts her in chainmail with a ceremonial cleavage window. Akabar Bel Akash is a merchant from Turmish with training as a mage who yearns to prove himself as an adventurer. Olive Ruskettle is a female halfling who styles herself a bard but displays thievery; she won the identity of a true bard named Olav Ruskettle and feminized his given name.

Reception

In Issue #25 of OtherRealms, a reviewer stated Azure Bonds was written to appeal to those unfamiliar with AD&D, noted good characterization but glossed-over key scenes, and gave it 3 stars. Brett Franklin from Candlekeep.com gave a positive review praising characterization and the fixed linear storyline, while another Candlekeep reviewer found the ending not as succinct as desired. Reviewer Merric Blackman called the book an unqualified success with a compelling plot and memorable characters, concluding it is damn good storytelling. Dan Ruffolo thought the story arc resembled a role-playing adventure but considered that appropriate for the audience; he noted the strong female hero as unusual for the time, calling it an excellent story. On RPGNet, the book ranked 391 out of 461 gaming fiction titles with a rating of 6.51.

Other media

A game module titled Curse of the Azure Bonds was released in April 1989 as Forgotten Realms Module FRC2, written by Jeff Grubb and George MacDonald, tying in with the novel and following Alias as characters awaken with mysterious blue sigils.