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Paths of Darkness #1-4 omnibus
Sendas de tinieblas
Drizzt conduce a sus amigos a una misión para destruir la diabólica Piedra de Cristal sin comprender lo poderosa que es la llamada Crenshinibon. así comienza la aventura de Drizz Do'Urden, el bárbaro Wulfgar, el asesino Artemis Entreri, el elfo oscuro Jarlaxle, Catti-brie, regis y Bruenor, que los conducirá al misterioso Calimport, las cavernas de Menzoberranzan, Las cimas de La Columna Del Mundo y el peligroso Mar de las Espadas en busca del Aegis-fang robado.
Por primera vez en un volumen se reúnen las obras de Salvatore El Estigma de Errtu, La Columna del Mundo, El siervo de la Piedra y el Mar de las Espadas.
Por primera vez en un volumen se reúnen las obras de Salvatore El Estigma de Errtu, La Columna del Mundo, El siervo de la Piedra y el Mar de las Espadas.
1376 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
733 books10.8k 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 45 reviews
February 11, 2008
Previous series The Dark Elf Trilogy, Icewind Dale Trilogy, Legacy of the Drow, and possibly The Cleric Quintet (though Drizzt is not actually in this series, some of the main characters end up in future series, so I'd recommend reading it before this one... etc.)
Drizzt reunites to duel with his evil, arch-nemisis, Entreri. The Crystal Shard also makes a comeback and Drizzt and Co. must find a way to destroy it. Of course there is a lot more to the four books that make up the series... I'm a fan and can't get enough of my favorite dark elf!
Follow this series with: The Hunter's Blades Trilogy.
I believe that R.A. Salvatore is one of my favorite authors. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the fight scenes until I read other fantasy and felt like the battles were lacking in depth and detail. I've read almost everything Forgotten Realms except the very recent, and would recommend it to any fantasy lover. Also, if you are new to fantasy, this would be a great starting place! These books are very black/white, good/evil. It's a fun read and easy to fall in love with the characters.
Drizzt reunites to duel with his evil, arch-nemisis, Entreri. The Crystal Shard also makes a comeback and Drizzt and Co. must find a way to destroy it. Of course there is a lot more to the four books that make up the series... I'm a fan and can't get enough of my favorite dark elf!
Follow this series with: The Hunter's Blades Trilogy.
I believe that R.A. Salvatore is one of my favorite authors. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the fight scenes until I read other fantasy and felt like the battles were lacking in depth and detail. I've read almost everything Forgotten Realms except the very recent, and would recommend it to any fantasy lover. Also, if you are new to fantasy, this would be a great starting place! These books are very black/white, good/evil. It's a fun read and easy to fall in love with the characters.
October 5, 2009
This series is a nice read and it is at the standards Salvatore can deliver. Try not to compare it with the earlier trilogies of course or it will suffer a little.
The standard fare are all here: detailed action, great villains, the depictions of character relationships, and best of all, the re-appearance of Drizzt's nemesis - Artermis Entreri - even better, there's also Jarlaxle involved. Never a dull moment.
Overall, anyone who has been following Drizzt's adventures should not skip this as it's a good read, while those haven't should read them in chronological order to get a better appreciation of things.
The standard fare are all here: detailed action, great villains, the depictions of character relationships, and best of all, the re-appearance of Drizzt's nemesis - Artermis Entreri - even better, there's also Jarlaxle involved. Never a dull moment.
Overall, anyone who has been following Drizzt's adventures should not skip this as it's a good read, while those haven't should read them in chronological order to get a better appreciation of things.
December 19, 2009
As with all R.A. Salvatore's books, this is an excellent series. This set of books starts with Wulfgar's return and ends with him finding peace. However, not all four books are about Drizzt, Bruenor, Catti-brie, Wulfgar, and Regis, only two of them really explore stories related to the entire group. The third book, doesn't really have anyone in it aside from Entreri. I liked all the books, but I really found the third facinating given its intrigue and backstabbing.
May 11, 2007
Back to angst. Salvatore was doing so well with his Legacy of the Drow books, but reverts to overstated morality and angsty whining on the part of his characters in this series.
That's not to say that this series has nothing of worth to offer: only that it is not as good as it could have been.
That's not to say that this series has nothing of worth to offer: only that it is not as good as it could have been.
October 10, 2007
This collector's edition was four books in one. I liked the last book the best. The third was a tad drawn out in some areas, but still entertaining. Salvatore did a great job in pairing Jarlaxle and Artemis Entreri. On to the next trilogy...
July 30, 2019
a very interesting series
the descent was the best part
the descent was the best part
June 8, 2018
After Siege of darkness i had planned to stop reading these books. booring and repetitive Salvatore had become. however after little break i thought i should read at least passage to dawn. That was a lot better again and now i can happily say i have truly enjoyed the silent blade. These books are such a great escape from the real world!
Yes, Salvatore still likes to repeat himself a lot (curiously he keeps reminding us of the very facts which have just occured a few pages earlier and which we would certainly not be able to forget without that repetition anyway, while at times he also briefly and very vaguely refers to happenings from 4 books ago that leave you wondering what exactly did happen there and who was involved again a bit more info to refresh my memory would be nice thanks), which i did find rather annoying. However he also shows us a lot more about the realms and, crucially, about a couple of fun characters (known from previous books but i don't like to put spoilers in by naming them just in case anyone actually reads this) that have a bit more too them that the one-sided goody goodness that Drizzt and his friends are restricted too.
Yes, Salvatore still likes to repeat himself a lot (curiously he keeps reminding us of the very facts which have just occured a few pages earlier and which we would certainly not be able to forget without that repetition anyway, while at times he also briefly and very vaguely refers to happenings from 4 books ago that leave you wondering what exactly did happen there and who was involved again a bit more info to refresh my memory would be nice thanks), which i did find rather annoying. However he also shows us a lot more about the realms and, crucially, about a couple of fun characters (known from previous books but i don't like to put spoilers in by naming them just in case anyone actually reads this) that have a bit more too them that the one-sided goody goodness that Drizzt and his friends are restricted too.
February 10, 2019
So exciting! I love the stories about this entirely sympathetic character and his not belonging because he is far superior mentally and morally to his culture. The fight scenes I tend to skim through a little, bc fight scenes are not my thing normally. However, Salvatore makes these less tedious to read through than many others.
April 7, 2018
It was good, not great.
November 10, 2022
Loved this collection, the culmination of so many different character journeys, and the absolute amazing action.
December 30, 2016
The Paths of Darkness compendium includes R.A. Salvatore's Forgotten Realms novels published from 1998 to 2001. The principle storyline for this series is the return of Wulfgar from imprisonment by the demon Erttu, and his stuggle to come to grips with his new life. Three of the books included in this one make up the final part of the 'Legend of Drizzt'. One book, Servant of the Shard, seems to have been included in this volume only because of publication order. It is actually the first book of the separate 'Sellswords' trilogy and doesn't really have anything to do with Drizzt and Co.
In The Silent Blade (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 1), a fresh new adventure for the Companions of the Hall is began. As Drizzt and Co. head out to Spirit Soaring to have Cadderly destroy the (same old) Crystal Shard, monsters hound them at every turn. Wulfgar struggles with inner demons until he finds a place as a bouncer for a rough tavern in Luskan, where he has a great time bashing heads and drinking booze. Artemis Entreri travels back to his roots in Calimport to begin reestablishing his name and fortune. Jarlaxle has ventured out of Menzoberanzan in the search for power and wealth and coaxes Entreri to join his plans. Character development is the primary thing that stands out in this book. Wulfgar, Entreri, and Jarlaxle especially grow as characters. [4-star rating].
The Spine of the World (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 2) is completely devoted to the continuing struggle of Wulfgar, who cannot seem to overcome his inner demons and allows himself to fall into a rather shameful existence. The story consists of two separate plot-lines that briefly come together near the end of the book. Wulfgar and Morik (who develops nicely here) fight, are framed, get beat, leave Luskan, fight, are framed, get beat, and so on. The other story was actually the more intriguing to me. It involves characters that we've never met before and their emotional wrangling. A hi-bred lord courts a lowly peasant (Meralda), who goes along with it for her family's sake but makes a big mistake in getting knocked up by another man. The two stories come together in an unpredictable way that results in a hugely surprising and satisfying ending. [3-star rating]
The third book in the Paths of Darkness, Servant of the Shard (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 3), probably shouldn't have been included in this collection. It is really somewhat of a duplicate book, released two different times with different looking covers, the second time as book one of The Sellswords. It is also one of the most enjoyable Salvatore books to date. The Sellswords series follows the adventures of Artemis Enreri and Jarlaxle. This perfect couple is extremely well-developed and are fun to read about. In book 1, the Crystal Shard occupies center stage as the story began in The Silent Blade is continued. The annoyingly pious Cadderly plays a part in the latter parts of the book, but doesn't do too much harm to the story. Excellent fighting scenes and plenty of action make for a fun and exciting read. [5-star rating].
In Sea of Swords (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness), the story of Wulfgar is rejoined for the final book of the Legend of Drizzt. As the Companions of the Hall set out to retrieve Aegis-Fang from the pirate Sheila Kree, it seems nothing could stand in their way. Wulfgar finally comes to terms with his new place in life, and is reunited with his old friends before the final battle. A mysterious elf from Drizzt's past has plotted to slay Drizzt for years and the two meet in an epic clash. Overall, this was a bit disappointing for a Drizzt novel, particularly because of its being the last in the series. [3-star rating].
Overall, these books really start to lose interest as the reader becomes inundated with Drizzt and his friends. The heroes (except Wulfgar ironically) become practically invincible and the stories become predictable. I'm just glad that I'm finally through the Legend of Drizzt (although I probably will read The Hunter's Blades trilogy).
In The Silent Blade (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 1), a fresh new adventure for the Companions of the Hall is began. As Drizzt and Co. head out to Spirit Soaring to have Cadderly destroy the (same old) Crystal Shard, monsters hound them at every turn. Wulfgar struggles with inner demons until he finds a place as a bouncer for a rough tavern in Luskan, where he has a great time bashing heads and drinking booze. Artemis Entreri travels back to his roots in Calimport to begin reestablishing his name and fortune. Jarlaxle has ventured out of Menzoberanzan in the search for power and wealth and coaxes Entreri to join his plans. Character development is the primary thing that stands out in this book. Wulfgar, Entreri, and Jarlaxle especially grow as characters. [4-star rating].
The Spine of the World (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 2) is completely devoted to the continuing struggle of Wulfgar, who cannot seem to overcome his inner demons and allows himself to fall into a rather shameful existence. The story consists of two separate plot-lines that briefly come together near the end of the book. Wulfgar and Morik (who develops nicely here) fight, are framed, get beat, leave Luskan, fight, are framed, get beat, and so on. The other story was actually the more intriguing to me. It involves characters that we've never met before and their emotional wrangling. A hi-bred lord courts a lowly peasant (Meralda), who goes along with it for her family's sake but makes a big mistake in getting knocked up by another man. The two stories come together in an unpredictable way that results in a hugely surprising and satisfying ending. [3-star rating]
The third book in the Paths of Darkness, Servant of the Shard (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 3), probably shouldn't have been included in this collection. It is really somewhat of a duplicate book, released two different times with different looking covers, the second time as book one of The Sellswords. It is also one of the most enjoyable Salvatore books to date. The Sellswords series follows the adventures of Artemis Enreri and Jarlaxle. This perfect couple is extremely well-developed and are fun to read about. In book 1, the Crystal Shard occupies center stage as the story began in The Silent Blade is continued. The annoyingly pious Cadderly plays a part in the latter parts of the book, but doesn't do too much harm to the story. Excellent fighting scenes and plenty of action make for a fun and exciting read. [5-star rating].
In Sea of Swords (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness), the story of Wulfgar is rejoined for the final book of the Legend of Drizzt. As the Companions of the Hall set out to retrieve Aegis-Fang from the pirate Sheila Kree, it seems nothing could stand in their way. Wulfgar finally comes to terms with his new place in life, and is reunited with his old friends before the final battle. A mysterious elf from Drizzt's past has plotted to slay Drizzt for years and the two meet in an epic clash. Overall, this was a bit disappointing for a Drizzt novel, particularly because of its being the last in the series. [3-star rating].
Overall, these books really start to lose interest as the reader becomes inundated with Drizzt and his friends. The heroes (except Wulfgar ironically) become practically invincible and the stories become predictable. I'm just glad that I'm finally through the Legend of Drizzt (although I probably will read The Hunter's Blades trilogy).
February 9, 2012
The Path of Darkness Saga is a rather entertaining read like other books in the Legend of Drizzt. However, this saga had a few more boring parts in my opinion than the other books. This may be due to the fact that Drizzt appears in the first and the last book. While the second book store centers around Wulfgar's trials and the third book is about Artemis Entreri and the drow Jaraxle.
In the Silent Blade we join the Companions of the Hall as they journey to destroy the Crystal Shard. In the beginning of this journey Wulgar inner turmoil from the memories of the torture from the hands of the demon Errtu causes him to leave the group to deal with his problems that only he can solve. Throughout the rest of the journey the four companions face many dangers as the shard is calling anyone that will here its calls to stop the companions. When Jaraxle learns of the Shard he is quick to formulate a plan to retrieve it and in the end Jaraxle steals the Shard from the companions and there is another exciting battle between Drizzt and Artemis.
In the Spine of the World two stories are told. One is of Wulfgar attempting to understand himself and deal with the inner turmoils. The other is about a a peasant woman and a lords affection for her. This is my least favorite of the stories and mainly due to the second story. The story tie together eventually and Wulfgar comes with a new friend in Morik the Rouge, a child to raise, and a new love interest.
In the Servant of the Shard we see the surface working of Jaraxle and his band along with Artermis. This story was filled were drow intrigue and some exciting battles. This may very easily be my favorite of the saga. The story is a rather exciting and in the end leads into the Sell Swords trilogy with Artermis and Jaraxle.
In the final story Sea of Swords we join again with the Companions of the Hall that come by information regarding their friend Wulfgar and searches out for him and see how their friend is during.This is the story of Wulfgar final acceptance that he must face the truth of his past and move on to join with his friends and to relocate his lost/stolen warhammer. The story ends on a bitter-sweet end for Drizzt with him having his lost friend back again, but with a sense that the world is just unfair. A good story to end the series.
Overall the Path of Darkness was a fun read and bit more slow with the action as the other books. But once the action/intrigue starts again the books become fast paced and exciting. I would recommend this series to anyone that has read the previous series and likes the character Drizzt Do'Urden.
In the Silent Blade we join the Companions of the Hall as they journey to destroy the Crystal Shard. In the beginning of this journey Wulgar inner turmoil from the memories of the torture from the hands of the demon Errtu causes him to leave the group to deal with his problems that only he can solve. Throughout the rest of the journey the four companions face many dangers as the shard is calling anyone that will here its calls to stop the companions. When Jaraxle learns of the Shard he is quick to formulate a plan to retrieve it and in the end Jaraxle steals the Shard from the companions and there is another exciting battle between Drizzt and Artemis.
In the Spine of the World two stories are told. One is of Wulfgar attempting to understand himself and deal with the inner turmoils. The other is about a a peasant woman and a lords affection for her. This is my least favorite of the stories and mainly due to the second story. The story tie together eventually and Wulfgar comes with a new friend in Morik the Rouge, a child to raise, and a new love interest.
In the Servant of the Shard we see the surface working of Jaraxle and his band along with Artermis. This story was filled were drow intrigue and some exciting battles. This may very easily be my favorite of the saga. The story is a rather exciting and in the end leads into the Sell Swords trilogy with Artermis and Jaraxle.
In the final story Sea of Swords we join again with the Companions of the Hall that come by information regarding their friend Wulfgar and searches out for him and see how their friend is during.This is the story of Wulfgar final acceptance that he must face the truth of his past and move on to join with his friends and to relocate his lost/stolen warhammer. The story ends on a bitter-sweet end for Drizzt with him having his lost friend back again, but with a sense that the world is just unfair. A good story to end the series.
Overall the Path of Darkness was a fun read and bit more slow with the action as the other books. But once the action/intrigue starts again the books become fast paced and exciting. I would recommend this series to anyone that has read the previous series and likes the character Drizzt Do'Urden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
I decided to upgrade my rating for this from a poor 2 stars to a decent 3 stars. Salvatore has definitely grown as a writer and having spread Wulfgar's PTSD recovery to three books shows depth to the character's development. Artemis Entreri was also promoted to secondary main character and in hindsight, this was a setup for him to begin his own franchise. What stops this from getting any higher is Salvatore's insistence on writing fight scenes which are a bore to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2013
I'm gonna level with you on this one. I didn't finish this book. I didn't get past the 11th book, which is pretty much the first 200 pages or so of this book.
I honestly don't feel like reading the Legend of Drizzt books anymore. Granted, it's the longest series I've ever read (10 and a half books I've read so far. The most I've read in a series before was 8.) But honestly, halfway into the 11th book I'm surprisingly bored out of my mind. This has never happened to me before for this series. I think it's because the story isn't that great anymore, not like how it was in the Icewind Dale trilogy or the Legend of the Drow trilogy. Even the Legacy quartet wasn't so bad, if a bit simple. But then, the Drizzt books have never been about story. They've always focused on character development and action. Lots of mindless action. The character stuff is here, and so is the action, but this time it doesn't feel right because so much of it focuses on Wulfgar, who I regard as a just plain boring character. It also puts an emphasis on master assassin Artemis Entreri, who I always regarded as one of my favorites in the entire series, but this time he's just moping around the city of Calimport rethinking his life, and engaging in politics that I personally have no vested interest in, because the characters involved in that all just seem the same. It's a disappointment, because Entreri was one of the characters I loved reading about. But now whenever I reach one of his chapters I just sigh and prepare for boredom. His chapters used to be so fun.
The series isn't what it used to be. I think I might give up on it soon enough. But even so, I will admit that I had a great time reading the series. The first 10 books are great, and I'd give them a glowing recommendation any day.
But after book 10? I'm not entirely sure.
Note: While book 10 does end on a satisfying note, it's important to note that the main plot isn't finished, and reading the next few books is needed if you want an end to the plot. I just can't do it, though, as much as I want to see all the loose ties get closed up.
Sad day for me. :(
I honestly don't feel like reading the Legend of Drizzt books anymore. Granted, it's the longest series I've ever read (10 and a half books I've read so far. The most I've read in a series before was 8.) But honestly, halfway into the 11th book I'm surprisingly bored out of my mind. This has never happened to me before for this series. I think it's because the story isn't that great anymore, not like how it was in the Icewind Dale trilogy or the Legend of the Drow trilogy. Even the Legacy quartet wasn't so bad, if a bit simple. But then, the Drizzt books have never been about story. They've always focused on character development and action. Lots of mindless action. The character stuff is here, and so is the action, but this time it doesn't feel right because so much of it focuses on Wulfgar, who I regard as a just plain boring character. It also puts an emphasis on master assassin Artemis Entreri, who I always regarded as one of my favorites in the entire series, but this time he's just moping around the city of Calimport rethinking his life, and engaging in politics that I personally have no vested interest in, because the characters involved in that all just seem the same. It's a disappointment, because Entreri was one of the characters I loved reading about. But now whenever I reach one of his chapters I just sigh and prepare for boredom. His chapters used to be so fun.
The series isn't what it used to be. I think I might give up on it soon enough. But even so, I will admit that I had a great time reading the series. The first 10 books are great, and I'd give them a glowing recommendation any day.
But after book 10? I'm not entirely sure.
Note: While book 10 does end on a satisfying note, it's important to note that the main plot isn't finished, and reading the next few books is needed if you want an end to the plot. I just can't do it, though, as much as I want to see all the loose ties get closed up.
Sad day for me. :(
September 5, 2010
Great series in a great series - I am a fan of the Forgotten Realms.
This series was interesting and continued the adventures of our old Friends, Drizzit, Bruenor, Cattie-Brie Wulfgar and Regis.
I went into this expecting more of the hack and slash mixed in with minor character development and moving the stories of all the friends along - and thats is what I got.
For me it did bog down some with the Drow elements, but it always does for me - I just dont find the Drow politics and machinations all that interesting. And MOST of the 3rd book is totally dedicated to the Drow Jarlaxle and his merry band (HA HA) and their in-fighting and scheming.
All in all - if you enjoy the Forgotten Realms in general, and the Drizzit books in particular, this is a good series. If you do like I did and get the 4 books in a single collectors edition hardback so you dont have to hunt each one down, it is a LONG read - but worth the time.
This series was interesting and continued the adventures of our old Friends, Drizzit, Bruenor, Cattie-Brie Wulfgar and Regis.
I went into this expecting more of the hack and slash mixed in with minor character development and moving the stories of all the friends along - and thats is what I got.
For me it did bog down some with the Drow elements, but it always does for me - I just dont find the Drow politics and machinations all that interesting. And MOST of the 3rd book is totally dedicated to the Drow Jarlaxle and his merry band (HA HA) and their in-fighting and scheming.
All in all - if you enjoy the Forgotten Realms in general, and the Drizzit books in particular, this is a good series. If you do like I did and get the 4 books in a single collectors edition hardback so you dont have to hunt each one down, it is a LONG read - but worth the time.
Currently reading
August 27, 2009I was given this book for Christmas a couple of years ago, and since it was a good friend I endeavored to read it in a timely manner. Needless to say I am still working my way through it. Mostly because I really had no familiarity with the characters and became confused and felt like I didn't understand what was going on. This is especially true of the first book in the collection. Looking back on it I am not even sure I can tell you what happened it made so little of an impression on me.
The second book was much more user friendly. I enjoyed it quite a lot, in fact. That being said, my thesis intervened and I am back to reading it again. I will of course update this with further comments as I continue...
The second book was much more user friendly. I enjoyed it quite a lot, in fact. That being said, my thesis intervened and I am back to reading it again. I will of course update this with further comments as I continue...
March 25, 2007
This isn't a great epic fantasy, so don't read them if that is what you are looking for. The books can be a lot of fun if you like playing D&D, though.
This set includes both the best and worst of the Drizzt books. The best of them is Servant of the Shard which is about Jarlaxle and Artemis Entreri and ends up being the starting point for the Sellswords trilogy. The worst book was Spine of the World, which was about Wulfgar.
This set includes both the best and worst of the Drizzt books. The best of them is Servant of the Shard which is about Jarlaxle and Artemis Entreri and ends up being the starting point for the Sellswords trilogy. The worst book was Spine of the World, which was about Wulfgar.
February 3, 2012
As this is 4 different books, I'm going to review it as the four since there are differences between the books.
See review for the silent blade, the spine of the world, Servant of the Shard, and Sea of Swords. I enjoyed the series, although I still like the original Dark Elf series the best. One thing that this does illustrate, is Salvatores ability to develop characters other than Drizzt. Having said this, I still enjoy the story the most when Drizzt is the main character.
See review for the silent blade, the spine of the world, Servant of the Shard, and Sea of Swords. I enjoyed the series, although I still like the original Dark Elf series the best. One thing that this does illustrate, is Salvatores ability to develop characters other than Drizzt. Having said this, I still enjoy the story the most when Drizzt is the main character.
November 11, 2011
Finally!! It took me ages to finish the book. Personally, I don't like it as much as the first ones, there's a point where you already know what's going to happen next, and I find the characters kind of annoying. Especially Wulfgar.
To be honest, what I like most about this edition is the book that tells just the story of Jarlaxle and Artemis. Definitely both of them are my favourite characters.
And Robillard deserves an especial mention.
To be honest, what I like most about this edition is the book that tells just the story of Jarlaxle and Artemis. Definitely both of them are my favourite characters.
And Robillard deserves an especial mention.
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January 12, 2013A boxed set of four New York Times best-selling titles from R.A. Salvatore.This slip-covered gift set contains the four New York Times best-selling titles that make up the Paths of Darkness series: The Silent Blade, The Spine of the World, Servant of the Shard, and Sea of Swords. Each of these titles center around R.A. Salvatore's signature dark elf character Drizzt Do'Urden.
November 9, 2007
A great action story again by R.A. Salvatore. When Drizzit meats Artemis Entreri the sword battles are the most amazing ever created. A great adventure as well as all of the Drizzit books are it is a must read.
June 28, 2008
majority is 5 stars, but toward the last two books in this collection, there is a story element that seriously needs to be resolved. You keep thinking that it is and open the next book and voila! It's not. boo. hiss. other than that wonderful!
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January 15, 2009The Drizzt series is fluff. Utter fluff. And oh! How I love it!!! I just discovered that Salvatore is writing yet another Drizzt Trilogy and I seriously haven't been this happy since...well, probably since Tad Williams started his Shadowmarch Trilogy!!!!
November 22, 2010
Some of the best fantasy I've read. Follow the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden and his posse as they attempt to destroy the crystal shard, Crenshinibon. Definitely recommended...Salvatore is unmatched in his story telling prowess.
February 18, 2011
Enjoyed the 3rd book quite a bit. Wished I had skipped the second book (which isn't directly related to the 3rd book). The first and fourth books are about what you would expect for an RA Salvatore Drizzt Do'Urden novel, a fun swashbuckling adventure that isn't that deep.
July 23, 2014
Really liked the characters - 5 stars! But didn't feel like there was much of a plot and I didn't like the way the author jumped around. Want to read the other trilogies because the characters were fascinating, as was their world, but will not because the way the author writes bothered me too much.
March 16, 2007
Very cool. This is the first book where I could really visualize the action scenes in my head.
July 31, 2007
Awesome series of where all the heroes tales interwine into one great finale.
My favorite of the bunch is Servant of the Shard which crosses over as the first book to the SellSwords trilogy.
My favorite of the bunch is Servant of the Shard which crosses over as the first book to the SellSwords trilogy.
March 13, 2008
the fourth section of books about Drizzt. has the same great action and intense story!
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