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The Way of the Drow #3
Lolth's Warrior
The epic conclusion to New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore’s electrifying trilogy, The Way of the Drow, finds Drizzt Do’Urden coming to understand his role as a friend, a father, and a man caught between the darkness and the light.
The drow city of Menzoberranzan has fallen into discontent, sowed by the growing legend of the one who escaped: Drizzt Do’Urden. Now many of the drow—including the city’s most powerful house, led by the Matron Mother—are questioning the influence of the Spider Queen and the very history of the city’s founding.
What secrets lie ahead? The drow are determined to find out, and they’ll stop at nothing to dismantle the very structure they’ve called home.
As social tensions rise and the demands for answers boom, a fight erupts between the adherents of Lolth’s chaotic evil and those drow who demand more, demand better. In the Underdark there are only absolutes and no compromise will be found. With winner taking all, Drizzt Do’Urden cannot and will not remain on the sidelines anymore. This will be an uprising Menzoberranzan will never forget, and the rest of the Forgotten Realms won’t be able to look away.
The drow city of Menzoberranzan has fallen into discontent, sowed by the growing legend of the one who escaped: Drizzt Do’Urden. Now many of the drow—including the city’s most powerful house, led by the Matron Mother—are questioning the influence of the Spider Queen and the very history of the city’s founding.
What secrets lie ahead? The drow are determined to find out, and they’ll stop at nothing to dismantle the very structure they’ve called home.
As social tensions rise and the demands for answers boom, a fight erupts between the adherents of Lolth’s chaotic evil and those drow who demand more, demand better. In the Underdark there are only absolutes and no compromise will be found. With winner taking all, Drizzt Do’Urden cannot and will not remain on the sidelines anymore. This will be an uprising Menzoberranzan will never forget, and the rest of the Forgotten Realms won’t be able to look away.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2023
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
719 books10.6k followersAs one of the fantasy genre’s most successful authors, R.A. Salvatore enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times best-seller lists and have sold more than 10,000,000 copies. Salvatore’s original hardcover, The Two Swords, Book III of The Hunter’s Blade Trilogy (October 2004) debuted at # 1 on The Wall Street Journal best-seller list and at # 4 on The New York Times best-seller list. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Czech, and French.
Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.
His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.
The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.
Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.
When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...
Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.
His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.
The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.
Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.
When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 26, 2023
I’m not sure if this is where it ends—Salvatore certainly let enough hooks and breadcrumbs for another trilogy (or more)—but if it is, I’d feel just fine about that.
I’ve waxed eloquent at length in prior reviews about what Drizzt and Bob Salvatore mean to me, so I won’t do so again here. What I will say is this: I am constantly amazed by Salvatore’s ability to evolve as a writer and storyteller as the world around us changes, and to stay true to the fantasy tropes we all know and love (and that keep us coming back) while reflecting the increasingly fraught and complicated nuance of an impossibly polarized and fractured world. The resolution to the war in Menzoberranzan (no spoilers!) is just the latest example of his aptitude in that regard.
I will always want more Drizzt. But if this is the end of the road, I will shed no tears. I have only gratitude for the countless adventures we’ve shared and the endless miles we’ve traveled together for 30 years.
I’ve waxed eloquent at length in prior reviews about what Drizzt and Bob Salvatore mean to me, so I won’t do so again here. What I will say is this: I am constantly amazed by Salvatore’s ability to evolve as a writer and storyteller as the world around us changes, and to stay true to the fantasy tropes we all know and love (and that keep us coming back) while reflecting the increasingly fraught and complicated nuance of an impossibly polarized and fractured world. The resolution to the war in Menzoberranzan (no spoilers!) is just the latest example of his aptitude in that regard.
I will always want more Drizzt. But if this is the end of the road, I will shed no tears. I have only gratitude for the countless adventures we’ve shared and the endless miles we’ve traveled together for 30 years.
August 31, 2023
I had pre-ordered this book 6 months or so before it was released and I'm glad that I did. Seems Mr. Salvatore did it again wrote another great book that had a lot of twists, turns and surprises in it. Not sure if he's got anything else planned for Drizzt, Cattie-brie, and the rest for which we love. But I know of 2 things 1. There is more that he could write about like with Drizzt and Cattie-bries daughter and the drows for which left the Underdark after the war and more. the 2nd is that I will be there reading every book that he continues to put out. Mr. Salvatore has had me hooked on his books since Homeland and I've read everyone of them.
August 28, 2023
Letdown after letdown
This was a massive letdown from the get go. I've been a fan of Drizzt for about 17 years now, having read all of his novels, but noticing a distinct trend in the last 5-6 years. Drizzt is no longer the main character in the Drizzt novels. Makes sense right? The cast of characters for this novel is massive, easily 30 or more main players. There is a dramatis personae, but with the Kindle version, it's at the end of the book, so I'm not sure if it's at the beginning in the print version. It's very hard to keep track of all the characters and the events of the previous novel.
As I gathered my thoughts to write this review, I was torn on how to best describe this novel. The best and fastest way I can describe it is, Avengers Endgame, if half the main Avengers weren't in it. Bruenor, Wulfar, Cattie-Brie, Artemis, and Regis are barely in this book and it's a downright shame. All of these characters have a personal stake in seeing the City of Spiders fall, but when the time comes to fight, everyone of them says no. Artemis goes off on a side quest to find his ex, but doesn't find her. Clearly this is setting up to be resolved in another novel, but it was just dumb to have him pause what is arguably the biggest fight of his life for this. At one point, it's believed that Artemis and Cattie-Brie are killed, but they managed to teleport away at the last second. After they do that, Artemis isn't mentioned again until the very end, where the two meet Drizzt again, but then Artemis juat stops being mentioned again. Cattie-Brie says no to fighting, until Drizzt leaves to go fight and then she changes her mind right away. But Bruenor, Wulfgar, and Regis all just decide they won't find to topple Lolth, despite them hating the evil drow.
The previous novel spent a lot of time setting of Voselly and Aleandra, former driders. Voselly is killed in battle fairly early on, which wastes all the time spent on her in the last novel. Aleandra isn't mentioned again after Voselly dies. There was a brief hint that Voselly hadn't died, but was taken prisoner, but it wasn't fully explained or mentioned again. I liked the surprise reveal from the last novel that Drizzt's brother Dinin was alive. In this novel he makes a deal with Lolth early on to kill Drizzt's daughter, but this isn't mentioned again until the very end of the book.
Having Kimmuriel die was bittersweet but also disappointing. He's become a favorite character of mine, not physically powerful but easily one of the most powerful and dangerous drow alive. Until he gets trapped in a bubble and dies. He deserved a better death than that. Have him go out with a dramatic battle like Gromph. It was nice seeing that Kimmuriel's mind is still intact and able to communicate with Jarlaxle, but he still deserved a better send off. Gromph dies temporarily, but it was heavily implied earlier in the novel that he had set contingency plans in place. Even if he hadn't come back, he went out like a boss, throwing destruction around like it was nothing. Another massive letdown was having Yvonnel getting trapped in an unknown dimensional prison at the beginning of the fight. That was such a lazy cop out.
This book should have been the Drizzt equivalent of Avengers Endgame. Drizzt, Zak, Azzudonna, Cattie-Brie, Jarlaxle, Kimmuriel, Gromph, Artemis, the Companions of the Hall, some of the Callidean drow, and the Dwarven armies should have marched down to the City of Spiders, teamed up with House Baenre, and laid absolute waste to their enemies. The Lolthians and demons would have put up a good fight, but ultimately they should have been absolutely demolished. Lolth still could have appeared and been temporarily banished. Most of the characters who died could have been given much better and worthier deaths. Instead we got half the characters suddenly deciding they don't want to fight. The fight scenes were well written but there's so much more to this series than just swordplay. Oh and the dialogue was so grandiose and over the top it was like Salvatore went on a Shakespeare binge. This book could have been incredible but it was such an awful let down.
This was a massive letdown from the get go. I've been a fan of Drizzt for about 17 years now, having read all of his novels, but noticing a distinct trend in the last 5-6 years. Drizzt is no longer the main character in the Drizzt novels. Makes sense right? The cast of characters for this novel is massive, easily 30 or more main players. There is a dramatis personae, but with the Kindle version, it's at the end of the book, so I'm not sure if it's at the beginning in the print version. It's very hard to keep track of all the characters and the events of the previous novel.
As I gathered my thoughts to write this review, I was torn on how to best describe this novel. The best and fastest way I can describe it is, Avengers Endgame, if half the main Avengers weren't in it. Bruenor, Wulfar, Cattie-Brie, Artemis, and Regis are barely in this book and it's a downright shame. All of these characters have a personal stake in seeing the City of Spiders fall, but when the time comes to fight, everyone of them says no. Artemis goes off on a side quest to find his ex, but doesn't find her. Clearly this is setting up to be resolved in another novel, but it was just dumb to have him pause what is arguably the biggest fight of his life for this. At one point, it's believed that Artemis and Cattie-Brie are killed, but they managed to teleport away at the last second. After they do that, Artemis isn't mentioned again until the very end, where the two meet Drizzt again, but then Artemis juat stops being mentioned again. Cattie-Brie says no to fighting, until Drizzt leaves to go fight and then she changes her mind right away. But Bruenor, Wulfgar, and Regis all just decide they won't find to topple Lolth, despite them hating the evil drow.
The previous novel spent a lot of time setting of Voselly and Aleandra, former driders. Voselly is killed in battle fairly early on, which wastes all the time spent on her in the last novel. Aleandra isn't mentioned again after Voselly dies. There was a brief hint that Voselly hadn't died, but was taken prisoner, but it wasn't fully explained or mentioned again. I liked the surprise reveal from the last novel that Drizzt's brother Dinin was alive. In this novel he makes a deal with Lolth early on to kill Drizzt's daughter, but this isn't mentioned again until the very end of the book.
Having Kimmuriel die was bittersweet but also disappointing. He's become a favorite character of mine, not physically powerful but easily one of the most powerful and dangerous drow alive. Until he gets trapped in a bubble and dies. He deserved a better death than that. Have him go out with a dramatic battle like Gromph. It was nice seeing that Kimmuriel's mind is still intact and able to communicate with Jarlaxle, but he still deserved a better send off. Gromph dies temporarily, but it was heavily implied earlier in the novel that he had set contingency plans in place. Even if he hadn't come back, he went out like a boss, throwing destruction around like it was nothing. Another massive letdown was having Yvonnel getting trapped in an unknown dimensional prison at the beginning of the fight. That was such a lazy cop out.
This book should have been the Drizzt equivalent of Avengers Endgame. Drizzt, Zak, Azzudonna, Cattie-Brie, Jarlaxle, Kimmuriel, Gromph, Artemis, the Companions of the Hall, some of the Callidean drow, and the Dwarven armies should have marched down to the City of Spiders, teamed up with House Baenre, and laid absolute waste to their enemies. The Lolthians and demons would have put up a good fight, but ultimately they should have been absolutely demolished. Lolth still could have appeared and been temporarily banished. Most of the characters who died could have been given much better and worthier deaths. Instead we got half the characters suddenly deciding they don't want to fight. The fight scenes were well written but there's so much more to this series than just swordplay. Oh and the dialogue was so grandiose and over the top it was like Salvatore went on a Shakespeare binge. This book could have been incredible but it was such an awful let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
I very much enjoy how The Way of the Drow series addresses the fact that fantasy races are often inherently racists. Whether intentional or not having a race of entirely black skinned elves being evil is racist. Instead of arguing this point with people who will cling to their denials Salvatore just changes the game up making it very clear that drow aren't evil as a race, Lolth is evil. This isn't a perfect way to address the racism historically found all throughout fantasy, but it is a something in the right direction.
This particular book focuses on the war to free Menzoberranzan from Lolth's grasp and involves lots of battles and the death of many favorite characters. (prepare to cry). The ending sets up quite a bit of unresolved conflict, I don't know if there will be a 4th book in this series or just an opening for another Drizzt series. (I'm happy either way).
Obviously recommended for all Drizzt fans and if its been years since you've read a Drizzt book here is your push to go back and catch up on his adventures, they keep getting better.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to leave this review.
This particular book focuses on the war to free Menzoberranzan from Lolth's grasp and involves lots of battles and the death of many favorite characters. (prepare to cry). The ending sets up quite a bit of unresolved conflict, I don't know if there will be a 4th book in this series or just an opening for another Drizzt series. (I'm happy either way).
Obviously recommended for all Drizzt fans and if its been years since you've read a Drizzt book here is your push to go back and catch up on his adventures, they keep getting better.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to leave this review.
August 27, 2023
This has been a long road with these characters. The message from this series is plain on what is in store for the future of the Drow on Faerun. I don’t want to get into a long dissertation about Salvatore’s writing style, but I would love a story of less of a cast of characters. One where I don’t need an entire handout to remind me of whom this is or they are. I would enjoy a novel with the original Companions of the Hall are present in equal measure. Was sad that Bruenor & Wulfgar were only mentioned with Regis only in a chapter or 2. I am curious about the subplot with Entreri wanting to find Dahlia.
August 16, 2023
Salah satu novel dari universe Forgotten Realms (juga siri game Dungeons & Dragons), antara siri novel fantasi yg terkenal dan banyak peminatnya. Merupakan buku terakhir dalam trilogi 'The Way of the Drow' - menyambung kisah pengembaraan Drizzt Do'Urden dan rakan-rakannya. Juga merupakan buku ke-36 (ter-latest) dalam siri 'The legend of Drizzt'. Plot novel ni diceritakan secara bergilir2 dari view watak2 utama di Menzoberranzan dan Callidae. Seperti biasa, novel2 dari siri ni padat dengan aksi2 pertarungan dan pengembaraan. Sesuai dibaca oleh peminat2 genre fantasi.
Plot novel ni mengisahkan tentang misi Drizzt, Jarlaxle, Zak dan rakan-rakannya yg lain utk menghentikan konflik dan perang saudara di antara kaum dark elves di Menzoberranzan, serta untuk menamatkan pengaruh Lolth di sana...
Plot novel ni mengisahkan tentang misi Drizzt, Jarlaxle, Zak dan rakan-rakannya yg lain utk menghentikan konflik dan perang saudara di antara kaum dark elves di Menzoberranzan, serta untuk menamatkan pengaruh Lolth di sana...
July 30, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. What a way to end this trilogy, I am so curious what’s next for Menzoberranzan after this, and what’s next for Drizzt and crew because this felt like such a conclusion to some plot threads that have been going on for AGES. Buckle up friends the magic battles in this one are on a whole nother level, and it was so fun!
March 20, 2024
I have devotedly read all of the Drizzt books written by R. A. Salvatore over the years and have to say that this “epic conclusion” to the current series within a series fell a little flat. The characters are always well developed and familiar which is why I can’t give this book a lower rating, but there are multiple loose ends remaining regarding the characters at the end of this book. Also, the take home point of enjoying family as family is what life is really about gets overused and overemphasized to the point of being preachy.
September 5, 2023
I've read online that this may be the last Legend of Drizzt book. If that is so, I'm content. Having read the series since the beginning, I've come to know these characters well and with the addition of the aevendrow of Callidae, I'm coming to see that Forgotten Realms still has a lot room to grow, especially with drow.
The cast of characters I'm extremely familiar with at this point, so almost nothing shocks me, but there were a few moments where it didn't go exactly like I thought. The major character deaths, (including a non-death) feel consistent with a "final book", and the ending was extremely peaceful and thematically 'book ends' well with Homeland.
Menzoberranzan and The Companions of the Hall can now exist separately, I believe.
R.A. Salvatore has been my favorite author for many years, and I look forward to his future endeavors.
Strong recommend. Not only this book, but the entire series!
The cast of characters I'm extremely familiar with at this point, so almost nothing shocks me, but there were a few moments where it didn't go exactly like I thought. The major character deaths, (including a non-death) feel consistent with a "final book", and the ending was extremely peaceful and thematically 'book ends' well with Homeland.
Menzoberranzan and The Companions of the Hall can now exist separately, I believe.
R.A. Salvatore has been my favorite author for many years, and I look forward to his future endeavors.
Strong recommend. Not only this book, but the entire series!
September 8, 2023
Another addition to the adventures of Drizzt … although it was mostly about other characters.
There were some great scenes played out. Several great characters from the series got little to no time in this story, which was unfortunate. The climax built up pretty well but had some disappointments and the conclusion kind of felt like it just piddled out.
Overall? I enjoyed reading, but it could have been better.
There were some great scenes played out. Several great characters from the series got little to no time in this story, which was unfortunate. The climax built up pretty well but had some disappointments and the conclusion kind of felt like it just piddled out.
Overall? I enjoyed reading, but it could have been better.
December 19, 2023
Meh-nzoberranzan. Too many characters and not enough development or plot to satisfactorily spread amongst them all.
The final volume of the latest Drizzt trilogy just kind of happens. Everybody has been freed from their ice-tombs, so now it's time for some drow-on-drow civil warring as good drow do battle with the bad drow over what it means to be drow.
There's plenty of action during the extended fight within the drow city but with so many secondary and tertiary characters playing more prominent roles, it's harder for the reader to remain invested (especially as drow in-fighting has been such a staple of D&D mythos for YEARS -- this feels like heated up leftovers with a thin gloss of "but this time, it's different!" on top.
The action scenes are fine, if pointless - lots of side-stepping and magic items flinging - but a sense of gravitas never deigns to intrude. The battle and book ends, and there's a collective "Well ok then" sense of things.
The final volume of the latest Drizzt trilogy just kind of happens. Everybody has been freed from their ice-tombs, so now it's time for some drow-on-drow civil warring as good drow do battle with the bad drow over what it means to be drow.
There's plenty of action during the extended fight within the drow city but with so many secondary and tertiary characters playing more prominent roles, it's harder for the reader to remain invested (especially as drow in-fighting has been such a staple of D&D mythos for YEARS -- this feels like heated up leftovers with a thin gloss of "but this time, it's different!" on top.
The action scenes are fine, if pointless - lots of side-stepping and magic items flinging - but a sense of gravitas never deigns to intrude. The battle and book ends, and there's a collective "Well ok then" sense of things.
December 21, 2023
So tired of the “oh no they died, but they didnt.” And this one was very repetitive of one of the older drizzt books. I did enjoy this book but i feel like the quality and the skipping the full story at times is really killing my love for Salvatore these last few books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
This book was half “catching up” with where all the characters were at and then finishing with a massive war-battle in the second half.
I liked this book a lot but it did suffer from character overload. Especially when you start getting into which house is which with the drow. All the names of the houses sound too alike to keep apart.
Overall, another good entry in the series though. There’s a satisfying “ending” with enough loose strings to keep the series going strong.
I liked this book a lot but it did suffer from character overload. Especially when you start getting into which house is which with the drow. All the names of the houses sound too alike to keep apart.
Overall, another good entry in the series though. There’s a satisfying “ending” with enough loose strings to keep the series going strong.
October 6, 2023
Some great action scenes and battles. Spell battles are just chaos. Quite a blow to both sides. So many plots to tie up in later series.
November 3, 2023
Me costó entrar, pero luego he quemado el piso.
Espero que esto continue, han quedado cabos sueltos importantes.... Y siempre quiero más drizzt.
Espero que esto continue, han quedado cabos sueltos importantes.... Y siempre quiero más drizzt.
August 16, 2023
My last ra salvatore book ever ..wheres a writer who loves drow as they were
This book is a failure ..its repetitive. Its old nothing new and im tired of it..ive read all his books but theese last 3 i cannot condone ..ive heard that the writers have new guidelines they have to follow..im sick of it..hopefully there will be a new WAR OF THE SPIDER QUEEN type author who loves what drow were ..its time for a change
This book is a failure ..its repetitive. Its old nothing new and im tired of it..ive read all his books but theese last 3 i cannot condone ..ive heard that the writers have new guidelines they have to follow..im sick of it..hopefully there will be a new WAR OF THE SPIDER QUEEN type author who loves what drow were ..its time for a change
August 2, 2023
Lloth's Warrior continues the tradition of Drizzt and another edition in the journey of one of the best characters in fantasy. This book well written like most of the previous books in this series and full of action and some intrigue due to the drow. Like in most of the later books of the series we continue the discussion of moral, ethics and what it means to be an indivdual who just wants to find his place in the world. I have been somewhat interested in this and sometimes not so much wishing for more action instead of all this heavy thought. Wanted to read more about Drizzt but this was more of a story of all the characters that we have to know and love. This was not just about Drizzt but is the ongoing story of the battle against Lloth and the desire of some drow not to live under the rule of Lloth. Was thinking so many different things were going to happen but the ending did not fully end to my expectations but there were twists and turns that I would not want to spoil for anyone. I now wonder where the story will continue and we are given hints to what could come next in the journey of Drizzt. Young Brie or will she become Breezy for the foreseeable future is the one I hope to see more of in future books. Will the upcoming books take place years or maybe decades from where we leave off in this book. Hope to see what happens next and to continue to read the adventures of Dritzz and his companions. Thanks to the publishers and netgalley and most of all thanks to the author who has been writing these books for so long.
October 15, 2023
.... Bro wtf 😭
January 8, 2024
After I saw reviews of this book ‘lacking Drizzt’ as a negative. It made me want to write this review. Since to me, it never been about Drizzt as the ‘individualistic hero’. The whole point of this story told over the decades is Drizzt unconsciously inspiring more Drizzts via his actions and words. And a chance to give a positive review to the brilliant writing that set this up
Lolths warrior is a peak point from what to me is a brilliant piece of patience from the author. Reading the books in quick order and reaching this point I suddenly realised how long he has been slowly setting this all up and reached in this book a brilliant summary about the heart of Drizzt the series has always had. A level of writing long term like this that one piece author oda demonstrates often. If you are a long term or new fan of the series I highly recommend reading this book and re-reading the series with its theme of companionship, community and Lolth deal in mind. Since this book brings it all together where everyone now not just Drizzt has the good heart. While Drizzt not prominent as in earlier books his heart beat echos throughout. As he has transcended and so have the hearts of the other characters to become more one and many.
Context for the above review
In the previous books the characters meet in city of equality of Callidae and jarlaxle comments he realises the truth more now. That Drizzt is not a one off and he better sees Lolths lies they learnt about more clearly. That there’s nothing in him that’s inherently bad or that will cause him to betray others or even himself. Which is understandable fear, given how many demonic objects in the past have almost brought something bad up in many. How they went to rescue little Doe because her redemption is important as their own. Since to these characters now it’s something they can overcome or fight back or find redemption from. As Yvonnel commented ‘they can fight better now they know what they are fighting for’. That there’s power and truth in community and it’s far stronger than Lolths city and possible. That redemption is possible. The way of the drow can be different from what was taught in Menzoberranzan. Its an end point that feels like a new beginning
Also the ongoing theme that if Lolths afflicts others with the desire to do ill, be selfish, seek power for themselves by any means etc. Drizzt has the similar affect but he spreads the desire in others to do good and form community, be selfless etc. meaning we are always going to reach the point where Drizzt shares the stage of the series.
So it makes sense after decades of careful storytelling by the author we reach this point. Where it’s no singular hero leading the way. There are other varieties of Drizzt (possibly the positive side of chaos). But realisation of Jarlaxles dream city and Drizzt heart message. That all the characters can now share the heroic stage with Drizzt in their own way and shared way. It took them time to find their way to this throughout their life experiences. Also they can stay unified no matter the chaos or darkness they will come up against. Since in this book is not a clean victory and there’s still a long way to go to break the legacy and hold Lolth has. It’s bitter sweet ending. Yet this is a logical and heartfelt conclusion of Drizzt will be he is joined by companions and as the series develops so do the books move from Drizzt being the lead, to move the series being a heroic ensemble like the society that Callidae has of unity and equality.
My one complaint is with a large ensemble as this I wish the book was longer to give us more time with each
Lolths warrior is a peak point from what to me is a brilliant piece of patience from the author. Reading the books in quick order and reaching this point I suddenly realised how long he has been slowly setting this all up and reached in this book a brilliant summary about the heart of Drizzt the series has always had. A level of writing long term like this that one piece author oda demonstrates often. If you are a long term or new fan of the series I highly recommend reading this book and re-reading the series with its theme of companionship, community and Lolth deal in mind. Since this book brings it all together where everyone now not just Drizzt has the good heart. While Drizzt not prominent as in earlier books his heart beat echos throughout. As he has transcended and so have the hearts of the other characters to become more one and many.
Context for the above review
In the previous books the characters meet in city of equality of Callidae and jarlaxle comments he realises the truth more now. That Drizzt is not a one off and he better sees Lolths lies they learnt about more clearly. That there’s nothing in him that’s inherently bad or that will cause him to betray others or even himself. Which is understandable fear, given how many demonic objects in the past have almost brought something bad up in many. How they went to rescue little Doe because her redemption is important as their own. Since to these characters now it’s something they can overcome or fight back or find redemption from. As Yvonnel commented ‘they can fight better now they know what they are fighting for’. That there’s power and truth in community and it’s far stronger than Lolths city and possible. That redemption is possible. The way of the drow can be different from what was taught in Menzoberranzan. Its an end point that feels like a new beginning
Also the ongoing theme that if Lolths afflicts others with the desire to do ill, be selfish, seek power for themselves by any means etc. Drizzt has the similar affect but he spreads the desire in others to do good and form community, be selfless etc. meaning we are always going to reach the point where Drizzt shares the stage of the series.
So it makes sense after decades of careful storytelling by the author we reach this point. Where it’s no singular hero leading the way. There are other varieties of Drizzt (possibly the positive side of chaos). But realisation of Jarlaxles dream city and Drizzt heart message. That all the characters can now share the heroic stage with Drizzt in their own way and shared way. It took them time to find their way to this throughout their life experiences. Also they can stay unified no matter the chaos or darkness they will come up against. Since in this book is not a clean victory and there’s still a long way to go to break the legacy and hold Lolth has. It’s bitter sweet ending. Yet this is a logical and heartfelt conclusion of Drizzt will be he is joined by companions and as the series develops so do the books move from Drizzt being the lead, to move the series being a heroic ensemble like the society that Callidae has of unity and equality.
My one complaint is with a large ensemble as this I wish the book was longer to give us more time with each
August 29, 2023
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Lolth's Warrior concludes the 'Way of the Drow' trilogy, continuing on the presumably endless series of books in the Drizzt saga. Unfortunately, similar to the last entries in most trilogies, this is the one where worlds shatter and Big Things happen but everything still feels like a bit of a letdown.Story: Menzoberranzan is at civil war between the Lolth supporters and the newly minted converts. To help with the outcome, three separate groups travel there at slightly different times and for different reasons - Drizzt/Jarlaxle, Zaknafein and a contingent good Drow of the north and Catti-Brie, Gromph and Entreri. There's plenty of internal politics of usual Menzoberranzan nature: meaning, it's more self defeating outbursts than actual cunning. It should all sound very familiar to reads of the Drow books.
As with some of the other trilogy-enders, I feel like Salvatore is not quite sure where to connect all the lines he has created - and also that he realizes there are way too many characters around to give everyone something interesting to do. The end result is a bit of a mess between very small, character-driven story lines intermixed with massive, world changing battles. There's a Monty Hall problem of trying to go bigger but after a certain point it just becomes meaningless.
For longtime readers like myself, the book is not terrible, just one of the ones you need to slug through. There are things that change that have potential for the future of the series so it's worth a read for that purpose, and some of the subplots are good, if out of place. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
August 29, 2023
Truly a wonderful (if somewhat gut-wrenching) end to an incredible trilogy. Bob does a great job shaking the foundations of Faerun with the introduction of the aevendrow (of course, he did this in book 1 of this trilogy) and how it affects some of our favorite udadrow characters and those that care for them.
I feel as though this particular novel suffers from some pacing issues, though. I very much would have liked to see more of Drizzt experiencing Callidae as opposed to opening directly to them back home, preparing to leave for war in Menzoberranzan. The brief callbacks to the time they spent there (however short it may have been) felt disappointing only in that we did not get to experience them ourselves.
Entreri's decision to finally hunt for Dahlia also felt out of place. It may have been better served for him to have been actively looking for her when Jarlaxle pulled him into the original quest for Little Doe at the beginning of Starlight Enclave. It just feels like it hurt the flow a little bit.
I still very much enjoyed this final book of the series - I am pleasantly surprised that many of the series regulars survived! (RIP Kimmuriel, what a way to die) - and I can not wait to see what comes next for our friends.
I feel as though this particular novel suffers from some pacing issues, though. I very much would have liked to see more of Drizzt experiencing Callidae as opposed to opening directly to them back home, preparing to leave for war in Menzoberranzan. The brief callbacks to the time they spent there (however short it may have been) felt disappointing only in that we did not get to experience them ourselves.
Entreri's decision to finally hunt for Dahlia also felt out of place. It may have been better served for him to have been actively looking for her when Jarlaxle pulled him into the original quest for Little Doe at the beginning of Starlight Enclave. It just feels like it hurt the flow a little bit.
I still very much enjoyed this final book of the series - I am pleasantly surprised that many of the series regulars survived! (RIP Kimmuriel, what a way to die) - and I can not wait to see what comes next for our friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
This volume of the Dark Elf saga delivered on the promise of the previous two in this trilogy, but also on elements from much earlier in the series, back to some elements from the original book. It did all of this while not quite following the pathway I might have thought from the title. Some characters from Callidae return, and given the knowledge of a civilization where drow are welcomed and not inherently evil, many of the drow characters from previous books make a push to free those drow who want it from the grip of Lolth in Menzoberranzan. Because it is a canonically Chaotic Evil matriarchal society, there is a fair bit here about the lot of male drow in a disadvantaged position in a cruel society. It flips the real world on its head, but that is a classic trope, and, I thought, thoughtfully done, and not the entire focus of the book. As expected, both from a D&D novel and from this series, there are plenty of fights, and they are as exciting as ever. I appreciated how much many of the plot twists hinged upon things you might actually find in a game of Dungeons & Dragons, and that, despite my long history with the game, I did not always see them coming. This was another great entry in a series of books that I love.
August 6, 2023
Battle has begun in the City of Spiders. The ruling houses are split between those who long for freedom and those who crave power.
In Callidea, the Aevendrow are split between those who wish to join the fight with their Udadrow kin, petitioning for permission to do so, and those who believe their safety depends on remaining unknown to the rest of Faerun.
This is the most important battle of Drizzt's life. His friends, the original companions in his earliest adventures, remain behind in supporting roles. Drizzt ventures forth with just a few friends, none knowing if they will make it back from the corrupt society that Drizzt escaped so many years ago.
This is book 39 in the Legend of Drizzt series. For new readers, no need to be overwhelmed by that number. The unique format of this series makes it easy to join in from any point, as it is broken down in independent trilogy arcs, Lolth's Warrior is the last book in The Way of the Drow trilogy. Reading the whole series gives a rich depth of character development, but is not needed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager / Avon for the opportunity to enjoy this riveting e-ARC of one of my favorite series.
In Callidea, the Aevendrow are split between those who wish to join the fight with their Udadrow kin, petitioning for permission to do so, and those who believe their safety depends on remaining unknown to the rest of Faerun.
This is the most important battle of Drizzt's life. His friends, the original companions in his earliest adventures, remain behind in supporting roles. Drizzt ventures forth with just a few friends, none knowing if they will make it back from the corrupt society that Drizzt escaped so many years ago.
This is book 39 in the Legend of Drizzt series. For new readers, no need to be overwhelmed by that number. The unique format of this series makes it easy to join in from any point, as it is broken down in independent trilogy arcs, Lolth's Warrior is the last book in The Way of the Drow trilogy. Reading the whole series gives a rich depth of character development, but is not needed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager / Avon for the opportunity to enjoy this riveting e-ARC of one of my favorite series.
October 26, 2023
Another amazing Drizzt book! Hopefully, it's not the last one. Great story and writing, and amazing fight scenes, as usual. I have some minor qualms with this book, though. In general, it is shorter than the first two. I didn't like the seemingly random Entreri obsessed with finding Dahlia part. Which disappeared. However, I also do not remember how their situation ended. Maybe it would make sense if I did. I did not understand why the Companions were not involved. The usual 5 friends, I mean. I understand why Bruenor would not bring several Dwarven armies in. It's not his fight. I HATED that Yvonnel disappeared! I was not happy at all about that. I am still hoping her and Drizzt get together down the road. I always loved reading their interactions together. Like when Drizzt first arrived in Menzo... When Kimmuriel died, I was once again unhappy. He was one of my favorites! Besides all of that, R.A. left many possibilities open for new books or series. I desperately hope he continues the adventure. Drizzt means a lot to me. Also, I would like to read more about Callidae and how it progresses with the newly freed Drow. It's such an exciting possibility!!! Ugh, see, options!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2023
I read the three books in this trilogy over several days of travel.
First, and probably most importantly, it was an enjoyable read, helping pass the time in airports and on flights. The story was engaging and kept me in its grips all the way through.
Secondly, the characters, the setting, and the societies described expand the world of the Forgotten Realms and the possibilities there.
Thirdly, from a gamer's perspective, although what the characters do are fantastic, they didn't feel improbable within the fantasy world and its rules and constraints.
And finally, although this is a work of fantasy and fiction, several of the prominent themes provoke thoughts that are relevant to challenges in the real world. Themes of race and racism, gendered stereotyping and judgment, moral ethics and how they are formed and applied, the role of power in societies, can there be peace without violence, and the question of what freedom really is.
I thought the trilogy was well worth the time to read, and as always, new developments and hooks are dropped for future works.
First, and probably most importantly, it was an enjoyable read, helping pass the time in airports and on flights. The story was engaging and kept me in its grips all the way through.
Secondly, the characters, the setting, and the societies described expand the world of the Forgotten Realms and the possibilities there.
Thirdly, from a gamer's perspective, although what the characters do are fantastic, they didn't feel improbable within the fantasy world and its rules and constraints.
And finally, although this is a work of fantasy and fiction, several of the prominent themes provoke thoughts that are relevant to challenges in the real world. Themes of race and racism, gendered stereotyping and judgment, moral ethics and how they are formed and applied, the role of power in societies, can there be peace without violence, and the question of what freedom really is.
I thought the trilogy was well worth the time to read, and as always, new developments and hooks are dropped for future works.
February 1, 2024
The third and last volume in the Way of the Drow trilogy, yet another trilogy in a long series of trilogies featuring Drizzt Do'Urden and friends. This is a pretty good return to form for a trilogy that meandered slightly in the middle volume, after a promising start.
Drizzt is more of a secondary character than anything here, although he is on the cover and clearly helps sell the books, the only comes in over 100 pages into the novel, we can easily tell that Salvatore is a lot more interested on the courtly intrigue at the Drow city of Menzoberranzan than on Drizzt's more small scale problems.
The volume is set for some 90% of the action in Menzoberranzan as pro and anti-Lolth forces fight each other for control of the city. By the end of the volume there have been big changes to the power structures of the city, with characters sacrificing themselves, others changing profoundly and a snake in the grass that serves as a kind of setup for a future series of novels.
Drizzt is more of a secondary character than anything here, although he is on the cover and clearly helps sell the books, the only comes in over 100 pages into the novel, we can easily tell that Salvatore is a lot more interested on the courtly intrigue at the Drow city of Menzoberranzan than on Drizzt's more small scale problems.
The volume is set for some 90% of the action in Menzoberranzan as pro and anti-Lolth forces fight each other for control of the city. By the end of the volume there have been big changes to the power structures of the city, with characters sacrificing themselves, others changing profoundly and a snake in the grass that serves as a kind of setup for a future series of novels.
March 18, 2024
This book suffers from the same issues as many of his books of late. The first 125 pages are extremely boring as one passes through the endless politics of the underdark with so many characters that, even after reading 35 books in the series I can’t even keep straight, nor are they introduced at this point. Granted, a personae dramatis covering some of them is included. After that you get some epic encounters, significant developments, and unique action sequences for the series. Overall average. The tension was lower throughout however, and it really seems at this point Salvatore is having as much trouble challenging his characters as a DM would designing a dungeon for level 20 players. You know what you’re getting with these novels at this point and they’re not taking high fantasy in any new directions. At least we get to see Drizzt occasionally on the page, considering that he’s still been downgraded to side character status.
September 6, 2023
This was a genuinely bad book. R.A Salvatore's writing has always been a little hit and miss, but after the build up from Starlight Enclave and Glacier's Edge, this end to a trilogy was awful.
So much time spent by people deciding if they're fighting in the civil war, or which side their on - like 70% of the book is spent on this. And then when it actually comes to the war, it's over in two deaths, two sacrifices, and everyone deciding it's futile to fight on.
There's also waaaay to much time spent setting up future threads - which would be fine if this was book 1 of a trilogy, but at the end, it feels dishonest - and just a way of selling more books later on.
I bowed out once before after Gauntlygrym, but came back because the rebirth stories were on a good path, but Salvatore really doesn't know where he's going with this.
So much time spent by people deciding if they're fighting in the civil war, or which side their on - like 70% of the book is spent on this. And then when it actually comes to the war, it's over in two deaths, two sacrifices, and everyone deciding it's futile to fight on.
There's also waaaay to much time spent setting up future threads - which would be fine if this was book 1 of a trilogy, but at the end, it feels dishonest - and just a way of selling more books later on.
I bowed out once before after Gauntlygrym, but came back because the rebirth stories were on a good path, but Salvatore really doesn't know where he's going with this.
August 22, 2023
This book brings changes that I can see leading to many different storylines in the future. The battles were less one on one than in previous novels. Less swordplay, more group combat. Without giving away any spoilers, I enjoyed the book and the way we get to see a major change in the drow. The characters, as usual, are very enjoyable and the combat is as descriptive as ever. As has been the case for a while, the main characters have an issue with power creep and being able to avoid any serious consequences for the most part.
Overall a good read if you enjoy this type of genre and it opens up so many possibilities moving forward.
Overall a good read if you enjoy this type of genre and it opens up so many possibilities moving forward.
February 13, 2024
I’ve been reading this series since I read Homeland in 1990. I’ve always loved these characters, and I particularly enjoy R.A. Salvatore as an author. However, I can’t help but feel like this series is continuing solely because it is the cash cow for the Forgotten Realms fantasy setting. The novels continue to get longer and suffer in quality, and sadly I’m no longer interested in reading this series. I will finish with The Dao of Drizzt, and I will close the book on The Legend of Drizzt series forever. Thanks to R.A. Salvatore for the hours of entertainment and joy this series has brought me.
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