Books written by R.A. Salvatore
R.A. Salvatore: The Dark Elf Trilogy
If you are new to the Forgotten Realms, or just hungry to enter this forbidden world again after your AD&D adventures, or, as in my case played Baldur’s Gate, and wanted to know more about the Dark Elf who makes an entertaining showing halfway through the game, then this is the series for you.
The Dark Elf Trilogy is simply a stunning piece of fantasy literature. Salvatore not only gives us a touching prequel to his acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy, but develops an entire Underdark society in the process. As we travel through the life of the enigmatic dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden, we experience the entire feel of Drow society through Salvatore's masterful description.
Have you ever thought of following a single life from it's inception to its death. That's the power of this series. As Drizzt grows, so do we. The characters are just perfect. There are so many interesting characters it still amazes me. You'll never get stuck in a "boring chapter" that focuses on someone you don't care about. You will love the main characters as they live and develop.
I didn't think combat could be described on a page very well until I read this trilogy. Salvatore describes every move in glorious detail; you read it, and you see it in your mind's eye. The character development is top notch; all the hidden motivations of the main characters are not left to doubt. All three of these books are tense and gripping; it's a "just one more chapter" page turner of a book. The first two books will shock you at what a ruthless and cold trip the climb to power and status can be (especially when your expected lifespan is 600+ years), and how The third book makes you feel Drizzt's frustration as he tries to find acceptance on the surface.
Salvatore's characters are deep and many-faceted, particularly Zaknafein and the evil drow, which only the most superb of authors could portray so well. I recommend it to anyone looking to read an outstanding introduction into the Forgotten Realms novels.
The Dark Elf Trilogy:
Click the cover art and check it out at Amazon.Com
R.A. Salvatore: Icewind Dale Trilogy
The Icewind Dale Trilogy is a work of art, beautifully written and wonderfully played out. All of the characters are overblown fantasy archetypes (big strong barbarian, noble ranger, dwarf with a stern demeanor but a tender heart, heartless assassin), but they are presented in such a surreally likable manner that it's impossible not to become attached to them. Salvatore's debut of Drizzt, Wulfgar, and all of the others that readers have come to love over the years is just excellent. They have qualities and philosophies that are endearing to that of the world in which we really do exist. For a fan of these characters they become as real as anything in life itself. This is the main reason that they continue in the author’s heart and equally the readers.
Personally, I wish it was more than just a trilogy so I could still be reading it. The character development of Drizzt, Wulfgar, Bruenor, etc is exceptional and you feel as if you can relate to them as the story progresses. The imagery of each action and location is equally as vivid, which is something many books seem to lack these days.
So go make yourself a good cup of coffee and get comfortable, because you've got an excellent read ahead of you. Just remember to allocate plenty of time because I guarantee you won't be able to put this one down.
The Icewind Dale Trilogy
:
Click the cover art and check it out at Amazon.Com
R.A. Salvatore Hot Links
Icewind Dale.com - Name says it all
