3.5/5 While I enjoy the Drizzt books I think I burned myself out on this series a bit during this last stretch. seeing as I started it back in almost 3.5/5 While I enjoy the Drizzt books I think I burned myself out on this series a bit during this last stretch. seeing as I started it back in almost 2 months ago. My reading really ground to a halt these last couple months as I indulged in other hobbies. I think this is a little to blame though. Not that it was bad I was just a little over it for awhile and didn't want to start anything else until I finally finished it.
This one wraps up the Legacy of the Drow Tetralogy but thematically feels pretty different than the last 3 as the war with Menzoberrenzan was pretty well wrapped up in the last 3 books. Drizzt and Cattie-brie are now battling pirates when old demons from the Icewind Dale Trilogy start to pull them back. What was really fun was seeing Cadderly and the Boldershoulder brothers (from the Cleric Quintet) though it was not enough for my liking.
Still fun popcorn fantasy and I'm sure I'll come back for more eventually but I'll be taking a bit of a break from Drizzt and his companions at least for a little while....more
3.5/5 The 9th Drizzt book and the 3rd in the Legacy of the Drow Tetralogy. This book was just one giant battle sequence as the Drow of Menzoberrenzan 3.5/5 The 9th Drizzt book and the 3rd in the Legacy of the Drow Tetralogy. This book was just one giant battle sequence as the Drow of Menzoberrenzan assault Mithrall Hall. What's actually kind of surprising is how much time we spend away from our main cast of characters. A ton of focus is spent on the Baenre Drow and on the goodly heroes opposing them like Lady Alustrial, Berkthgar, and the Harbles. Like the others this book is still fun and entertaining but not terribly deep.
Siege of Darkness ties together the last couple books with few loose ends so I'm curious to see where the story goes in book 4....more
3.5/5 After the events of The Legacy Drizzt heads back into the underdark returning home to Menzoberranzan to stop the Drow from attacking Mithrall Ha3.5/5 After the events of The Legacy Drizzt heads back into the underdark returning home to Menzoberranzan to stop the Drow from attacking Mithrall Hall. Catti-brie then chases after Drizzt.
A lot of action and Drow intrigue keeps the book fast paced. More fun characters but sadly more Entreri, that assassin is like a bad penny. I enjoy these books but I prefer them out in the world instead of always in the underdark but I’m guessing that the next couple at least will take place there....more
3.5/5 It’s been a little while since I did my 11 book RA Salvatore Forgotten Realms binge. Picking up where I left off I jumped into The Legacy of the3.5/5 It’s been a little while since I did my 11 book RA Salvatore Forgotten Realms binge. Picking up where I left off I jumped into The Legacy of the Drow Tetralogy. Picking up after the events of the Icewind Dale Trilogy. Drizzt is living with the dwarves of Mithrall Hall and everyone is preparing for the wedding of Cattie-brie and Wulfgar.
The Legacy brings together the casts of Icewind Dale and The Dark Elf series. Drizzt’s family returns as his sister Vierna and the agents of Menzoberranzan are out to bring Drizzt back and sacrifice him to the Spider Queen Lolth. We also see more of Artemis Entreri who I don’t particularly like. He reminds me of Team Rocket.
It’s all still easy fantasy but it’s fun. Good characters and Salvatore writes excellent action scenes. Like usual it’s nothing deep or amazing but fun to read fantasy....more
4.5/5 RJ Barker is definitely one of my favorite fantasy authors working today I’ve yet to be disappointed.
War Lords of Wyrdwood remains a “hard” fant4.5/5 RJ Barker is definitely one of my favorite fantasy authors working today I’ve yet to be disappointed.
War Lords of Wyrdwood remains a “hard” fantasy. There is a lot going on. It’s a complex world with complex creatures and characters. Made slightly worse with way more POV characters. Book one was all Cahan and Venn’s mother Kirven. Now there are at least 6 POVs.
Cahan & Venn still struggle with their powers after the events of book 1. And they must now lead the villagers of Harn into Wyrdwood to start a new brutal life amongst the creatures of the forest. The Rai are close behind.
Some of the new PoV characters are great. Ont in particular I really enjoyed. We also get to see through the eyes of Sorha who hunts for Cahan after he ripped the cowl from her and turned her into a walking duller. But it’s sad not to get as much of Cahan this time around.
The world and creatures are characters unto themselves I get a kick out of all of them.
We have a bit of an abrupt ending this time around but I can’t wait until next year to finish this trilogy....more
5/5 RJ Barker does it again and is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of epic fantasy. Some of the best world building I’ve ever read in Fant5/5 RJ Barker does it again and is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of epic fantasy. Some of the best world building I’ve ever read in Fantasy.
Cahan is taken at a young age to essentially become the avatar of a god. Raised to overthrow the current ruling god. However a different god and avatar rise leaving Cahan aimless and without purpose. Choosing a hermetical existence as a forester and clanless vagabond he just wants to live in quiet and peace. However the world of Crua has other plans for the false cowl-rai and Cahan is inexplicably pulled back into chaos and forced to help those which he has no love for.
I really enjoyed this one. An excellent and memorable cast of characters and a setting and world you won’t easily forget. It is hard fantasy and since all of the creatures, cast system, and flora are all unique to Barker’s world it can take a little time to adjust and figure out what everything is. It is also a bit of a slow build but I was never bored and once I got my head around what everything is I quickly found myself addicted once more to one of Barker’s fantasy worlds. Every bit as good as The Bone Ships....more
4/5 Finished another series by Michael J Sullivan. This one expertly finishes the Rise and Fall Trilogy and ties the Legends of the First Empyre to Ri4/5 Finished another series by Michael J Sullivan. This one expertly finishes the Rise and Fall Trilogy and ties the Legends of the First Empyre to Riyria Revelations. As a whole I didn’t enjoy this series as much as the others. They don’t have the same scope as the others and the antagonist who appears in all 3 books just isn’t great. However Sullivan is master when it comes to world building and weaving a tapestry that is Elan.
The characters and dialog are also top notch like usual. Esrahaddon and the goblin Niblick will be fondly remembered whenever I think of Sullivan’s works now.
This entry was a lot darker than most of what Sullivan had put out as well and I really dug that even though grim is definitely not what you think of with of the author, he’s usually much more optimistic and upbeat so it’s a nice change for him. Though he is a master of breaking your heart as well. Not as much as Farilane and portions of Empyre though some of those were down right tragic.
You can’t go wrong with Sullivan if you’re a fan of epic fantasy. Highly recommended. Read in publication order....more
3/5 The final book in the Cleric Quintet was sadly not as enjoyable as the last few installments. While it did a good job tying up loose ends it still3/5 The final book in the Cleric Quintet was sadly not as enjoyable as the last few installments. While it did a good job tying up loose ends it still managed to feel tacked on. Without Abalister and the hordes of Castle Trinity it just didn't hold it's appeal for me. We do get to see what happens with Kierkan Rufo and the imp Druzel and then wrap up everyone's story at least.
This time the party is heading back to the Edificant Library after successfully taking out Castle Trinity and it's minions. Only to be greeted by a Vampiric host that has taken over. The Chaos Curse also feels like a big down beat after the mostly uplifting series so it just feels a little out of place.
As a whole I enjoyed the quintet particularly the cast of characters and I am pleased to know that they will show up in later Drizzt novels. The first and last books are the weakest links but it was a fun adventure. Ranking the series in the following order 3>4>2>1>5...more
4/5 In The Fallen Fortress Cadderly and company take the fight to Castle Trinity. Another fun adventure particularly where the dwarven Bouldershoulder4/5 In The Fallen Fortress Cadderly and company take the fight to Castle Trinity. Another fun adventure particularly where the dwarven Bouldershoulder brothers are involved. The party travels across the mountains from the Edificant Library taking on ogres, goblins, and a rousing group of battles involving a dragon which was the highlight of the novel for me.
Cadderly has become very powerful now and I'm sure some would argue too powerful for a traditional fantasy novel but I personally enjoy his character more this way.
The novel is pretty nonstop action with a largely loveable cast. Only one novel left in the quintet. I still think I like these novels better than the first 6 Drizzt books but I've been enjoying my popcorn fantasy....more
4/5 This is my favorite of the series so far. Cadderly is still conflicted but not nearly the Mary Sue he was in previous books.
The dark priest of Ta4/5 This is my favorite of the series so far. Cadderly is still conflicted but not nearly the Mary Sue he was in previous books.
The dark priest of Talona, Abalister, has sent a dangerous group of assassins after Cadderly this time around. One particular assassin named Ghost has the ability to take over peoples bodies. This book focuses on Cadderly developing his powers while fighting off the Night Mask assassins.
Lots of action and the cast continues to grow on me. More popcorn fantasy but still fun....more
3.5/5 I enjoyed this one more than Canticle as it hits the ground running where as Canticle took a while to hit it's stride. Like all of the R.A. Salv3.5/5 I enjoyed this one more than Canticle as it hits the ground running where as Canticle took a while to hit it's stride. Like all of the R.A. Salvatore books I've read before this the story here is relatively self contained. The back story of the agents of Talona trying to dominate the region is still present as are the antagonists but there are no real cliff hangers and each adventure is usually in a new area and wraps up nicely.
In Sylvan Shadows starts with Cadderly and friends heading to the forest of Shilmista to investigate the presence of Talona's minions. A group of Ogre's, Bug Bears, and Goblins have laid siege to the forest. After a meeting at the Edificant Library Cadderly meets up with the Elven Prince Elbereth to venture into the forest. The group is then quickly throne from one battle to the next.
The pace is pretty much nonstop action and the main draw here is the cast of characters which I still enjoy more than Drizzt's party. Particularly the dwarf brothers Ivan and Pikel. Beyond that the story is a little shallow. Still though it's a fun piece of pulp fantasy....more
3.5/5 The first of a 5 books series, The Cleric Quintet. This is the first R.A Salvatore I’ve read outside of Drizzt. This wasn’t quite as epic feelin3.5/5 The first of a 5 books series, The Cleric Quintet. This is the first R.A Salvatore I’ve read outside of Drizzt. This wasn’t quite as epic feeling. The scope just felt smaller maybe because it all takes place in a library.
The first half of the novel just feels pretty slow but it does pick up. The main draw here for me is the cast. Cadderly, Danica, Pikel, and Nevander are all fantastically fun characters.
A group of cultists release a Chaos Curse in the Edificant Library. Everyone goes insane except Cadderly and a select few people whose mission is now to stop this affliction. ...more
4/5 The final volume in the Icewind Dale Trilogy and the 6th chronological Drizzt novel. The Halfling's Gem see's the party in pursuit of the assassin4/5 The final volume in the Icewind Dale Trilogy and the 6th chronological Drizzt novel. The Halfling's Gem see's the party in pursuit of the assassin Artemis Entreri after he has kidnapped the halfling Regis and Drizzt magic panther statue that he uses to summon his companion Gwenhwyvar.
This volume is pretty much nonstop action as the companions chase Entrari from one location to the next. There are some fun battles both on land and see. There are also even more compelling beasts and villains.
All in all I've enjoyed both the Dark Elf Trilogy and the Icewind Dale Trilogy. I think I'll be detouring into the Cleric Quintet next.
4/5 A Solid follow up to The Crystal Shard. In this volume Bruenor the dwarf leads his companions on a quest to find and reclaim his homeland Mithrall4/5 A Solid follow up to The Crystal Shard. In this volume Bruenor the dwarf leads his companions on a quest to find and reclaim his homeland Mithrall Hall. The party consisting of: Regis the halfling who is the holder of a magic gem that can be used as a mind control charm. Wolfgar the barbarian loyal friend and new king of the Icewind Dale barbarian tribes. And our ever present dark elf Drizzt.
Regis is being hunted by master assassin Entreri who is out to reclaim the gem. He is a fun character and Salvatore’s best antagonist yet. Other sinister powers are I pursuit as well. Keeping things generally action packed.
The pacing and story flow have improved over The Crystal Shard. It’s still cookie cutter popcorn fantasy but it’s still a fun and satisfying read.
This is the first of the Salvatore novels to end in a semi cliff hanger....more
3.5/5 I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the previous trilogy of books. A lot happens here quickly. It was like taking an epic fantasy trilogy a3.5/5 I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the previous trilogy of books. A lot happens here quickly. It was like taking an epic fantasy trilogy and cramming it into one book.
That said there is some great characters and cool monsters to battle. The cast is definitely more fleshed out and a little more enjoyable then focusing 100% on Drizzt.
It just felt a bit disjointed and rushed compared to the others. Either way onward to Streams of Silver....more
4/5 This was my favorite book in the Dark Elf Trilogy. Sojourn recounts the tales of Drizzt finally leaving the Under Dark and coming to the surface w4/5 This was my favorite book in the Dark Elf Trilogy. Sojourn recounts the tales of Drizzt finally leaving the Under Dark and coming to the surface world. The setting was a huge improvement coming out of the caves and opening the world up a lot more.
Drizzt spends the entire novel bouncing from place to place encountering a ton of different fun characters and dangerous creatures. It also tells of how Drizzt becomes a ranger and finally how he comes to Icewind Dale.
As a whole I quite enjoyed The Dark Elf Trilogy it was entertaining albeit not very deep which isn’t always a bad thing. Since I don’t have anything else catching my eye to read at the moment I think I’ll swing right into The Crystal Shard and start the Icewind Dale Trilogy....more
4/5 While not as good as Homeland, Exile is a solid continuation of the Dark Elf Trilogy starring Drizzt Do’Urdan.
Taking place right after the events4/5 While not as good as Homeland, Exile is a solid continuation of the Dark Elf Trilogy starring Drizzt Do’Urdan.
Taking place right after the events of Homeland Drizzt has been living alone with his occasionally summoned Panther Guenhwyvar in the Under Dark. I still find the Under Dark a bit of bland setting but there are some fun and interesting creatures and characters that inhabit it and keep the story entertaining.
Drizzt eventually finds some companions and the story becomes a survival tale as his family hunts Drizzt down in service to the Spider Queen.
The highlight for me is the creatures. The Hook Horrors and Ilithid Mind Flayers are surreal and a ton of fun to read about.
The conclusion to the trilogy, Sojourn, promises to show off more of the world and I’ll be jumping into that one next....more
4/5 Recently my son asked for a Dungeons & Dragons novel. Thinking to give him even more options I gave him the first DragonLance novel (Dragon’s of A4/5 Recently my son asked for a Dungeons & Dragons novel. Thinking to give him even more options I gave him the first DragonLance novel (Dragon’s of Autumn Twilight) and one of the first Forgotten Realms novels (Homeland) so he could check out 2 of the bigger D&D worlds himself. I’ve read the original DragonLance Chronicles Trilogy but never touched anything in Forgotten Realms. I had heard great things about Salvatore’s work so I figured now was my chance to give it a shot.
The origin story of Drizzt is a compelling fantasy. It may be a little formulaic but it hits all of the right notes. Homeland is the first in a prequel trilogy that takes place prior to Icewind Dale. It seemed like a better place to start.
I was a bit hesitant about the setting. The Under Dark an underground world full of darkness just sounded bland to me. Thankfully that was not the case and I wound up being good with it. Definitely not my favorite though.
The characters are excellent. Drizzt and his wicked family were a lot of fun. The story of Drizzt’s upbringing and how he came out from under their thumb is classic.
I know there’s like 30 more books with Drizzt in them and I can see why he’s become a fantasy icon. I’m jumping into book 2 right away....more
3.5/5 I originally read this back in 2002 when it first released. I remember buying an ARC (advance readers copy) off of the internet. I remember enjo3.5/5 I originally read this back in 2002 when it first released. I remember buying an ARC (advance readers copy) off of the internet. I remember enjoying the story of a farm boy turned dragon rider and intending to follow the series. However I never did.
Eragon was a pretty big deal and probably would have been much bigger had the movie not tanked (I didn’t like it either).
Anyway I had every intention of finally coming back and reading the series. Now after rereading Eragon I find that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had. The story is passable and the characters are decent it just felt a little bland this time around. Very average not bad. I just realize why I remember so little of it.
I may continue on but it’s not likely. From all the other fantasy novel reviewers I follow the general consensus is that it does not improve but in fact gets worse so I think I’m likely to just skip it. ...more
4/5 The First Binding is a great epic fantasy one I hope builds into a larger series. It is a Frame story much like Name of the Wind so you will see m4/5 The First Binding is a great epic fantasy one I hope builds into a larger series. It is a Frame story much like Name of the Wind so you will see many comparisons to Rothfuss' work. Frame story in this context means a story within a story. Which is fitting since our lead character Ari is a story teller. He's a lot like a bard who doesn't sing.
The world and Ari's character are built up by a series of stories. The tales of the world are told to tavern patrons by Ari as part of his job. Ari's tale of his upbringing and becoming a great Binder (Mage) is told by him to a woman he meet's who is a singer and performer, Eloine.
This book is a beast and it took me a long time to get through. Though admittedly I was very distracted by my Playstation these last couple months.
Some of the chapters that took place in present time and some of the older history lesson segments were a little dry buy the majority of the novel involving Ari growing up were great. I look forward to continuing the saga in the future. Hopefully it's release schedule fares better than the fore mentioned Name of the Wind....more
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