pidgevorg's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, I have to say that I was REALLY pleasantly surprised by the fact that this book actually resolves its main plot threads. The usual bait-and-switch cliffhanger endings so typical in this genre... yeah, not here, thank God. Dahlia's stint as a Matron Mother--resolved. Tiago's obsession with fighting Drizzt--resolved with appropriately explosive fanfare. The Demogorgon invasion in the last novel--likewise. The Drizzt-Entreri epic frenemy bromance (frenemance? can I coin that word?)--resolved, finally. Finally, a good balance of satisfying resolution with some lingering mysteries that make you want to read the next book in the series. Finally, something I can actually point to and call a "book" as opposed to a "really long chapter 1 of 4 for which I was for some strange reason charged separately..." Anyhoo, I think I made my point. This book is WELL worth buying before the whole series comes out.
Next, I have to say the balance of action vs dialogue here was perfect. There was plenty of interesting action and fight scenes, as well as plenty of intrigue and character interaction. Nothing felt like it was too much or out of place, it was all seamlessly integrated and flowed well. And this despite the fact that one of the major plotlines, the restoration of the Hosttower, is almost nothing other than corporate-boardroom-style meetings and discussions about theoretical magic. And maybe that's not for everyone, but I liked it, I thought it was a refreshing break from the action.
And, as I said, plenty of intrigue--lots of lovely backstabbing in everyone's favorite drow city. But actually, also lots of genuine character development for these very same drow. It's amazing how most of the characters in this series are always evolving and changing, even the minor ones. Not always growing, mind you, but definitely encountering new points of view and having to adjust their own. (Which is more than I can say for some so-called classic literature, which doesn't even have the excuse of being plot-driven, like this novel.) Just seeing Gromph, the mighty deus-ex-machina from previous books, taken out of his comfort zone and forced to reconsider his established point of view... priceless. As was Drizzt's existential angst (can't say more, spoilers). Normally I'm not into the whole nihilistic gloom and doom thing, but in a Forgotten Realms book... it is, again, very refreshing after all the action. It's all a matter of context, I guess.
Not everyone was an interesting character, of course. The drow Priestesses' endless and unremitting posturing did get a little redundant, but then it was supposed to be. They are meant to be annoying, empty-headed fanatics, after all... And it all feels worth it when Artemis Entreri gets to kill so very many of them. (I was so happy for him that he got to do that. The poor man, he's been through so much lately, he deserves his few simple pleasures.)
And speaking of annoying, empty-headed people... here comes my rant about the only problem I have with this book. Yes, it's my favorite pet peeve in these novels, Mary-S... I mean... Catti-brie. Who, yet again, is SPESHUL, SO SPESHUL. Once again, she is a diplomat extraordinaire, ending up the leader of a whole delegation of experienced wizards from all over the world, despite the fact that she manages to horribly insult two of them. Once again, she saves the day with some new super-duper-pooper power that she just pulled out of her butt and certainly didn't work a day in her life to attain. (They should just bottle her turds and sell them, it would solve all the problems, present and future, in the Forgotten Realms setting.) Once again, she's all simpering sweetness... that is, until she's not, and then it's always someone else's fault. It's not that she's tempted to cheat on her husband, it's that the other guy is a rapist... in his mind. It's not that she's a self-righteous shrew, it's that anyone who doesn't lead her lifestyle is a slut. It's not that she doesn't appreciate her dwarf heritage, it's just that she can't be seen speaking their dialect unless she means to insult someone. With a lovely and perfect personality like that, it's no wonder that she hasn't developed as a character since Streams of Silver.
In fact, Catti is very similar to another character in this book, Yvonnel, the creepy magically-grown-and-enhanced baby Chosen of Lolth. But whereas everyone seems to know that Yvonnel's unexplained power-ups and her simpering, chirping ways are creepy and evil, no one seems to have cottoned on to Catti-brie. Except, appropriately enough, Yvonnel herself, who makes a dire prediction for Drizzt at the end of the book. I really hope Salvatore decides to take that up and actually goes there. But I'm afraid it will all be resolved painlessly (aka. Catti will bludgeon poor gormless Drizzt into moral submission) and Catti will continue to stampede over this series, hurling puppies and rainbows all around...
Next, I have to say the balance of action vs dialogue here was perfect. There was plenty of interesting action and fight scenes, as well as plenty of intrigue and character interaction. Nothing felt like it was too much or out of place, it was all seamlessly integrated and flowed well. And this despite the fact that one of the major plotlines, the restoration of the Hosttower, is almost nothing other than corporate-boardroom-style meetings and discussions about theoretical magic. And maybe that's not for everyone, but I liked it, I thought it was a refreshing break from the action.
And, as I said, plenty of intrigue--lots of lovely backstabbing in everyone's favorite drow city. But actually, also lots of genuine character development for these very same drow. It's amazing how most of the characters in this series are always evolving and changing, even the minor ones. Not always growing, mind you, but definitely encountering new points of view and having to adjust their own. (Which is more than I can say for some so-called classic literature, which doesn't even have the excuse of being plot-driven, like this novel.) Just seeing Gromph, the mighty deus-ex-machina from previous books, taken out of his comfort zone and forced to reconsider his established point of view... priceless. As was Drizzt's existential angst (can't say more, spoilers). Normally I'm not into the whole nihilistic gloom and doom thing, but in a Forgotten Realms book... it is, again, very refreshing after all the action. It's all a matter of context, I guess.
Not everyone was an interesting character, of course. The drow Priestesses' endless and unremitting posturing did get a little redundant, but then it was supposed to be. They are meant to be annoying, empty-headed fanatics, after all... And it all feels worth it when Artemis Entreri gets to kill so very many of them. (I was so happy for him that he got to do that. The poor man, he's been through so much lately, he deserves his few simple pleasures.)
And speaking of annoying, empty-headed people... here comes my rant about the only problem I have with this book. Yes, it's my favorite pet peeve in these novels, Mary-S... I mean... Catti-brie. Who, yet again, is SPESHUL, SO SPESHUL. Once again, she is a diplomat extraordinaire, ending up the leader of a whole delegation of experienced wizards from all over the world, despite the fact that she manages to horribly insult two of them. Once again, she saves the day with some new super-duper-pooper power that she just pulled out of her butt and certainly didn't work a day in her life to attain. (They should just bottle her turds and sell them, it would solve all the problems, present and future, in the Forgotten Realms setting.) Once again, she's all simpering sweetness... that is, until she's not, and then it's always someone else's fault. It's not that she's tempted to cheat on her husband, it's that the other guy is a rapist... in his mind. It's not that she's a self-righteous shrew, it's that anyone who doesn't lead her lifestyle is a slut. It's not that she doesn't appreciate her dwarf heritage, it's just that she can't be seen speaking their dialect unless she means to insult someone. With a lovely and perfect personality like that, it's no wonder that she hasn't developed as a character since Streams of Silver.
In fact, Catti is very similar to another character in this book, Yvonnel, the creepy magically-grown-and-enhanced baby Chosen of Lolth. But whereas everyone seems to know that Yvonnel's unexplained power-ups and her simpering, chirping ways are creepy and evil, no one seems to have cottoned on to Catti-brie. Except, appropriately enough, Yvonnel herself, who makes a dire prediction for Drizzt at the end of the book. I really hope Salvatore decides to take that up and actually goes there. But I'm afraid it will all be resolved painlessly (aka. Catti will bludgeon poor gormless Drizzt into moral submission) and Catti will continue to stampede over this series, hurling puppies and rainbows all around...
kerush's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
3.0
Drizzt Do'Urden may never have thought he'd return to Menzoberranzan. The the Drow city, his former home, is his destination. But this should be a quick in-and-out- visit. Traveling with unlikely companions, he must rescue Dahlia, a former love.
And his current (and forever) love, Cattie-brie, finds herself working with some unlikely allies as well. Her team, including Gromph Baenre, Archmage of Menzobarranzan, must work to rebuild the one thing that can keep the ancient primorial under Gauntlgrym in check.
So two unpleasant but important tasks lie before them. And both know that accomplishing their goals will come with challenges. But when a Drow force to be reckoned with--one thought long gone--reveals herself, it becomes clear that the challenge is just beginning.
I have been waiting for some action to return to this series for a couple of books now. Things have been moving slowly. But this one really bought things back into focus. There was an intensity here that I think both longtime and new Drizzt readers can appreciate.
I also enjoyed getting to see a bit more of some of the non-Companions characters. Jarlaxle and Gromph feature a bit more in this book. And readers are re-introduced to a character who could be the biggest game-changer since the Companions of the Hall returned.
I certainly look forward to the next book in this series. The game is truly on now. And I could see it ending in many different ways.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
And his current (and forever) love, Cattie-brie, finds herself working with some unlikely allies as well. Her team, including Gromph Baenre, Archmage of Menzobarranzan, must work to rebuild the one thing that can keep the ancient primorial under Gauntlgrym in check.
So two unpleasant but important tasks lie before them. And both know that accomplishing their goals will come with challenges. But when a Drow force to be reckoned with--one thought long gone--reveals herself, it becomes clear that the challenge is just beginning.
I have been waiting for some action to return to this series for a couple of books now. Things have been moving slowly. But this one really bought things back into focus. There was an intensity here that I think both longtime and new Drizzt readers can appreciate.
I also enjoyed getting to see a bit more of some of the non-Companions characters. Jarlaxle and Gromph feature a bit more in this book. And readers are re-introduced to a character who could be the biggest game-changer since the Companions of the Hall returned.
I certainly look forward to the next book in this series. The game is truly on now. And I could see it ending in many different ways.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
ferrisscottr's review
3.0
And we're back for (I believe) the 32nd book in the Legend of Drizzt, the middle book in the Homecoming trilogy.
My rating is based on my enjoyment of the book and let me explain.
This is a very good book and probably one of Salvatore's best but my enjoyment wasn't as high as usual because it was all doom and all gloom all the time and that had me at times not wanting to read it, not wanting to spend an hour with murder, rape, torture and all of the other evils of Menzoberranzan.
We have two main plot points.
Cattie Brie trying to rebuild the Host tower of the Arcane to prevent the escape of the primordial.
And we have Drizzt, Artemis Entreri & Jarlaxle heading to Menzoberranzan to rescue Dahlia.
Drizzt, Entreri & Jarlaxle of course are a fighting force of nature and are pretty amazing together but they also have to battle magic and that leads to a bunch of times where the unbeatables are slapped down.
The pacing was great - no real 10 page fight scenes that drag on just a little too long. The tension and plot escalate slowly until we have a pretty good conclusion.
Characters are amazing as always.
World Building - Faerun is great and we spend a ton of time in the politics and house dealings in the Underdark.
Really the only thing that wasn't amazing was me. Maybe it was the mood I was in but I found it really hard to maintain enjoyment when 90% of the book takes place in the most evil depressing place in Faerun and compared to previous books, it's more dark and gloomy than it ever has been in the past.
But I am excited to continue the series and see where Salvatore takes us next.
My rating is based on my enjoyment of the book and let me explain.
This is a very good book and probably one of Salvatore's best but my enjoyment wasn't as high as usual because it was all doom and all gloom all the time and that had me at times not wanting to read it, not wanting to spend an hour with murder, rape, torture and all of the other evils of Menzoberranzan.
We have two main plot points.
Cattie Brie trying to rebuild the Host tower of the Arcane to prevent the escape of the primordial.
And we have Drizzt, Artemis Entreri & Jarlaxle heading to Menzoberranzan to rescue Dahlia.
Drizzt, Entreri & Jarlaxle of course are a fighting force of nature and are pretty amazing together but they also have to battle magic and that leads to a bunch of times where the unbeatables are slapped down.
The pacing was great - no real 10 page fight scenes that drag on just a little too long. The tension and plot escalate slowly until we have a pretty good conclusion.
Characters are amazing as always.
World Building - Faerun is great and we spend a ton of time in the politics and house dealings in the Underdark.
Really the only thing that wasn't amazing was me. Maybe it was the mood I was in but I found it really hard to maintain enjoyment when 90% of the book takes place in the most evil depressing place in Faerun and compared to previous books, it's more dark and gloomy than it ever has been in the past.
But I am excited to continue the series and see where Salvatore takes us next.
jess_eats_books's review against another edition
5.0
I’m enjoying this trilogy more than any I’ve read since Sellswords.
Seeing Drizzt, Entreri, Jarlaxle, Cattie Brie, and Gromph unite to fight a common enemy was absolutely epic. I especially enjoyed the exchanges and power struggle between Gromph and Cattie Brie, I’m really curious to know more about him now. Jarlaxle’s dialogue never disappoints, and it’s good to see Entreri back in the game.
This book was an all around great time, and I’ll be starting the next immediately.
Seeing Drizzt, Entreri, Jarlaxle, Cattie Brie, and Gromph unite to fight a common enemy was absolutely epic. I especially enjoyed the exchanges and power struggle between Gromph and Cattie Brie, I’m really curious to know more about him now. Jarlaxle’s dialogue never disappoints, and it’s good to see Entreri back in the game.
This book was an all around great time, and I’ll be starting the next immediately.
nerdlife's review against another edition
3.0
Too much written about dark elf politics and not enough of the companions adventuring. I really wish Salvatore would go back to his roots and write a trilogy where the original cast simply goes on an adventure. I'm so sick of dark elf matron mothers and their ilk. It's incredibly boring.
stein's review against another edition
5.0
This is the best drizzt book I've read in awhile. I was annoyed at Archmage's laborious setup and find the dwarf centric stories more boring. But Maestro has a lot more focus. The antagonist, Yvonnel, feels more weighty than anything in recent memory. The Cattie-Brie subplot is the weakest part for me, but still enjoyable. Five stars as far as the legend of drizzt goes.
vaderbird's review against another edition
3.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
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