The Pirate King (Forgotten Realms: Transitions, #2; Legend of Drizzt, #18)

My rating:

add to my books

The Pirate King (Transitions #2)

by R.A. Salvatore

3.91 · rating details · 1,531 ratings · 82 reviews

The New York Times best seller now in mass market paperback!

Captain Deudermont has sailed to the pirate city of Luskan on a mission--a mission to once and for all defeat the true power behind the corrupt city: a wicked lich and his cabal of evil wizards from the Host Tower of the Arcane. But the Host Tower has some tricks up its sleeve, as do the pirate captains who would ...more

Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Published July 7th 2009 by Wizards of the Coast (first published October 7th 2008)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,517)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 23, 2008

Mical rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Any fan of fantasy.

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 1 like

· see review

Oct 09, 2011

Steve rated it

· review of another edition

It’s been while since I read The Orc King, but surprisingly, there really weren’t overt references to the events from that book. General things, like the alliance between the Dwarves and the Orcs, sure, but there was no need to really remember specifics. I don’t know if that’s necessarily a good thing or bad thing, but either way…It saved me time, not having to reference or skim The Orc King. Overall, The Pirate King was enjoyable, more enjoyable than I thought it would be.

One point th...moreIt’s been while since I read The Orc King, but surprisingly, there really weren’t overt references to the events from that book. General things, like the alliance between the Dwarves and the Orcs, sure, but there was no need to really remember specifics. I don’t know if that’s necessarily a good thing or bad thing, but either way…It saved me time, not having to reference or skim The Orc King. Overall, The Pirate King was enjoyable, more enjoyable than I thought it would be.

One point that I don’t like about Mr. Salvatore’s more recent work is that it reeks of forced racial (Faerûnian, not real world) undertones. The Mirabarran Dwarves, for instance, are sore at the group from Mithral Hall because Mithral Hall sided with Obould and his Kingdom of Many-Arrows. Sure, perhaps, but the main reason why the people of Mirabar are sore at them is because a great deal of Dwarves betrayed Mirabar, pledging loyalty to Mithral Hall, and Bruenor. To use a real world example, let’s bring up John Walker Lindh. I don’t dislike the man because he converted to Islam, I dislike him because he betrayed America and/or American interests abroad. In his more recent novels, Salvatore seems to be looking "too deep" sometimes.

Anyway, too much of the novel seemed either forced, or too contrived. I think, though, that if more detail or coverage had been given to certain events, it wouldn’t really seem like that. There was a lot in the book that I think was ultimately extraneous- the first battle, with Obould, and Drizzt and Regis’ visit with Wulfgar, among them- that, if removed, could have added a lot to the book, in freeing up room for storylines central to the plot to have more coverage. For example, when part two (I believe) end, we leave off with Captain Deudermont preparing to get ready to assault Luskan, with the aid of Lord Brandenberry from Waterdeep. Then, as part three begins, the assault on Luskan is in full swing, with no explanation- at least, not in the present tense- as to how the force was built, and things like this. I think that politics were the strength of this book, and focusing on a matter like that, in lieu of say, a random brawl between Drizzt and Anthrogate, would have done more to help than hurt. Or, hey, even an explanation as to how Drizzt escaped whatever lower plane he had been teleported to, other than him magically reappearing on the Prime Material Plane, likely due to the interference of one enterprising Drow whose handiwork was all over the war in Luskan.

Yes, the political dealings between all of the various factions in Luskan, and elsewhere, were this novels’ strength. The political maneuvering and power brokering by the Captains of Luskan, I especially enjoyed. Kensidan “the Crow” was an enjoyable villain, though I didn’t really understand his entire ‘transforming’ schpiel. Rather than entering into the fray itself, I think he would have been a better villain sitting in the background, maneuvering all of the pieces, like a certain Drow Elf whom we all know and love (and, on that matter, I will say that I look forward to The Ghost King, which supposedly will feature said Drow as more of a main character, though be it protagonist or antagonist, it remains to be seen).

Something that I noticed in this book, that I never really noticed too much in Salvatore’s other books (to the point that it made me shake my head) is the fact that, at points, Salvatore seems too liberal, with his application of the rules. Yes, I am a big proponent in an author having free reign over his/her characters, but, at the same time, things should use the rules of D&D as a guide, to provide continuity from one book to the next, from one author to the next. In this book, Drizzt ‘magically’ is immune to the paralysis of a ghoul because of his “Elven constitution”? Kimmuriel Oblodra is able to use mind-affection Psionics on Valindra Shadowmantle, a Lich? The aforementioned Valindra is turned into a Lich via drinking a potion after her death? Little things, but annoying things that I noticed.

One final point that stuck out in my mind as I read was something that I am 99.9% sure that Mr. Salvatore didn’t mean, but that’s how I construed it in my head, when I read into it: Arklem the Lich of the Hosttower mentions that he is sick of all of the minor (in the long run, with him being an immortal Lich) attacks on himself, his office, and his city by the various people living in Luskan, the various factions in Luskan, and people from the rest of Faerûn. Being sufficiently agitated, he literally blows up the Hosttower, causing a lot of damage to the city, his rational being that he wanted to strike back in a major way, that would make the people cringe and suffer. I couldn’t help but picturing WotC as the Lich, the Forgotten Realms as Luskan, and we, the fans, as the people of Luskan.(less)

· see review

May 17, 2010

Travis rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

The Pirate King by R. A. Salvatore- This is the second book in the Transitions trilogy. It picks up a few years after the events in The Orc King. The stories focus is on the ever popular, Drizzt Do'Urden, Captain Deudermont, and the fate of the city named Luskan. As I mentioned, The Orc King was the first book while the third book, The Ghost King, is due out in October 2009.

Captain Deudermont, the captain of the Sea Sprite and a famous pirate hunter, learns that the controller of some ...moreThe Pirate King by R. A. Salvatore- This is the second book in the Transitions trilogy. It picks up a few years after the events in The Orc King. The stories focus is on the ever popular, Drizzt Do'Urden, Captain Deudermont, and the fate of the city named Luskan. As I mentioned, The Orc King was the first book while the third book, The Ghost King, is due out in October 2009.

Captain Deudermont, the captain of the Sea Sprite and a famous pirate hunter, learns that the controller of some of the pirates on the Sword Coast is in Luskan. So Deudermont takes the fight to Luskan, hoping at the same time to improve the conditions there. At the same time, Drizzt Do'Urden and Regis the halfling set out to visit Wulfgar in Icewind Dale. During the duos travel, they stop in Luskan to find that Deudermont beginning his fight. The duo stay to help him out. Does Deudermont succeed and if so, does Luskan welcome him as there savior? Or are there others that are in control of the events taking place?

Negatives:
1) "Hiding" certain characters. About halfway through the novel, you know who these characters are, yet they aren't mentioned by name and don't get mentioned until the last 3 chapters. Honestly, what was the point to drag out naming them? I don't think it served any real big purpose and it certainly wasn't suspenseful.
2) The actions of Deudermont. This is what really bothered me about this book. Deudermont is, or has been, very noble and full of insight and understanding. I just felt that all his wisdom and insight was just thrown out, and a sense of "I must do the right thing" and "I can fix this!" attitudes were just inserted for no reason it seems. Basically, I couldn't see Deudermont doing what he did after taking down the "controller of the pirates." Granted, it wasn't a bad thing Deudermont did, but rather so out of character and just that he didn't realize what was going on really got to me.
3) Forced parts. There were a few parts that I felt forced, and unnecessary. For example, the first time we see Wulfgar and he is yelling,"I am Icewind Dale." One, it was very stupid and reminded me of some bad movie dialogue. Two, I don't think it served a big purpose. Sure it set up where he was and how he got it, but for some reason it annoyed me. Then there were some other scenes in this book that I similar thought pointless and just didn't fit.

Positives:
1) Conditions of Luskan. I thought that the way that Luskan was described after the "battle" was great. It really made you picture the hardships of the people and the desperation they had.
2) Deudermont's fate. What happens to Deudermont was really unexpected, yet perfect. I didn't expect him to do what he did, yet what happens to him still came as a total shock, even though I knew before reading this book. It was sudden and just jaw dropping, because you never expect a well-known character to leave like that.
3) Characterization of Drizzt and Regis. There were parts of this story that added new dimensions to Drizzt and Regis. For instance, when in Icewind Dale, and the feeling of "rightness" that they feel by being there just added something new and interesting in my eyes. The only thing I didn't care for though, was Regis seemed to whine a lot. It wasn't bad, but his whining served a purpose and made you look into Regis' thoughts and how he feels about certain events happening.

Overall: 3/5
*Why so low? At times the story and some characters actions didn't fit. Not only that but, the story didn't seem complete, and it seemed to lack something. Also, I didn't feel blown away by most of the events in this book. However, I'm a Drizzt fan, and always will be. I did like the book, but not enough that I thought it was great. It just seemed mediocre.*(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Oct 07, 2009

Jean rated it

Recommends it for: Only people very familiar with Forgotten Realms

Recommended to Jean by: No one

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. From My Science Fiction Fantasy

R.A. Salvatore is one of my favorite fantasy authors, largely because of Drizzit Do'Urden, a character I absolutely adore. So when I saw The Pirate King in the store, a novel I'd been waiting for, I was very excited, wanting to know how "The Orc King" storyline would continue. Unfortunately, I was ultimately disappointed by this story, for a number of reasons, which I'll get into. But largely, it just lacked the continuity and polish that I...more

· see review

Sep 28, 2009

Jeff rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The Pirate King is the Second novel of the Transitions series by R.A. Salvatore. The hardcover edition was released in the US on July 2009 (reprint edition).

As many know, the Forgotten Realms is changing. With the advent of Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition the FR timeline is being advanced approximately 100 years. The various "Drizzt Novels" so far have been set earlier in the timeline (corresponding with 2nd Edition AD&D and D&D 3rd Edition/ 3.5). The "Transitions Ser...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Aug 06, 2009

Chris rated it

· review of another edition

I suppose this is less a review of this book and more a review of Salvatore's body of work to this point. The book itself appears to bridge Book I and Book III by introducing another villain who may or may not be of much consequence going forward, and killing off a regular, but not main character. It focuses almost solely on Drizzt and Regis, with the other Heroes making minor appearances. In a way, the books have become Drizzt-centric, which isn't bad as he is generally the most interesting ...more

· see review

Jun 27, 2009

Russ rated it

· review of another edition

I'll be honest with you- I am getting so sick of Salvatore's Drizzt books that I got this from the library pretty much just in case I ran out of other things to read during my paternity leave. I started reading it almost reluctantly, but you know what? It sucked me right in, just like pretty much every Salvatore Drizzt book to date.

Salvatore is an extremely talented writer and I think he's really improving as the years pass. He's taken a "well worn" character who has sunk i...more

· see review

Mar 13, 2010

Daisy added it · review of another edition

I grabbed The Orc,Pirate,& Ghost King or the "Transitions Trilogy" to have books on the night stand while waiting for others to come in, & The Orc King sucked me back. Not that I haven't enjoyed Salvatore's (Forgotten Realms) Drizzt books. It's just that I have always had other books come in while in the middle of reading a Drizzt book, and went straight to them as soon as I was finished.
Salvatore has been a savior for me with his Drizzt books, when I'm in between a series or wa...more

· see review

Dec 29, 2011

Lauren rated it

· review of another edition

The Pirate King by R.A. Salvatore is the second book in the Transitions trilogy. It picks up a few years after the events in The Orc King. The story's main focus is on the ever popular Drizzt Do'Urden, Captain Deudermont, and the fate of the City of Luskan.

Captain Deudermont, the captain of the Sea Sprite and a famous pirate hunter, learns that the controller of some of the pirates on the Sword Coast is in the city of Luskan. So Deudermont takes the fight to Luskan, hoping at the same ...moreThe Pirate King by R.A. Salvatore is the second book in the Transitions trilogy. It picks up a few years after the events in The Orc King. The story's main focus is on the ever popular Drizzt Do'Urden, Captain Deudermont, and the fate of the City of Luskan.

Captain Deudermont, the captain of the Sea Sprite and a famous pirate hunter, learns that the controller of some of the pirates on the Sword Coast is in the city of Luskan. So Deudermont takes the fight to Luskan, hoping at the same time to improve the conditions there. At the same time, Drizzt Do'Urden and Regis the halfling set out to visit Wulfgar in Icewind Dale. During the duo's travel, they stop in Luskan to find that Deudermont beginning his fight. The duo stay to help him out. Does Deudermont succeed and if so, does Luskan welcome him as their savior? Or are there others that are in control of the events taking place?

Negatives:
1. "Hiding" certain characters. About halfway through the novel, you know who these characters are, yet they aren't mentioned by name and don't get mentioned until the last 3 chapters. Honestly, what was the point of dragging out naming them? I don't think it served any real big purpose and it certainly wasn't suspenseful.
2. The actions of Deudermont. This is what really bothered me about this book. Deudermont is, or has been, very noble and full of insight and understanding. I just felt that all his wisdom and insight was just thrown out, and a sense of "I must do the right thing" and "I can fix this!" attitudes were instead. Basically, I couldn't see Deudermont doing what he did after taking down the "controller of the pirates." Granted, it wasn't a bad thing Deudermont did, but rather so out of character and just the fact that he didn't realize what was going on really got to me.
3. Forced parts. There were a few parts that I felt were forced and unnecessary. For example, the first time we see Wulfgar and he is yelling, "I am Icewind Dale." One, it was very silly and reminded me of some bad movie dialogue. Two, I don't think it served a big purpose. Sure it set up where he was and how he got it, but for some reason it annoyed me. Then there were some other scenes in this book that I similarly thought pointless and just didn't fit.

Positives:
1. Conditions of Luskan. I thought that the way that Luskan was described after the "battle" was great. It really made you picture the hardships of the people and the desperation they had.
2. Deudermont's fate. What happens to him still came as a total shock, even though I knew before reading this book. It was sudden and just jaw dropping, because you never expect a well known character to leave like that.
3. Characterization of Drizzt and Regis. There were parts of this story that added new dimensions to Drizzt and Regis. For instance, when in Icewind Dale, and the feeling of "rightness" that they feel by being there just added something new and interesting in my eyes. The only thing I didn't care for though, was Regis seemed to whine a lot. It wasn't bad, but his whining served a purpose and made you look into Regis' thoughts and how he feels about certain events happening.(less)

· see review

Aug 23, 2009

Dhuaine rated it

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-adventure, forgotten-realms

21th instalment of 'Drizzt the soap opera' does not disappoint. After so many years (and volumes) some improvement in author's workshop can be finally observed. The Orc King could be regarded as overdone failure; in The Pirate King the change was more successful.

The main plot arc takes place in Luskan and involves a great transition indeed. High Captains think up an intrigue to gain more power in the city and to kick out Arcane Brotherhood. Captain Deudermont, aided by young Waterdha...more21th instalment of 'Drizzt the soap opera' does not disappoint. After so many years (and volumes) some improvement in author's workshop can be finally observed. The Orc King could be regarded as overdone failure; in The Pirate King the change was more successful.

The main plot arc takes place in Luskan and involves a great transition indeed. High Captains think up an intrigue to gain more power in the city and to kick out Arcane Brotherhood. Captain Deudermont, aided by young Waterdhavian lord, meddles in and we get a nice little war.
The intrigue itself is much better than in previous books. The outcome changed from mere 'and they lived happily ever after' to something less expected and more realistic. Even the characters started to behave less idealistically and started to develop some common sense (or not; but at least such persons aren't depicted as normal anymore).

Out of all Companions of the Hall, the main characters are Drizzt and... Regis (cheers!). We meet Bruenor and Catti-brie only briefly, which really is a huge development for the series (c'mon, how much time can a king and a nearly-forty-years-old woman spend on the road?). Wulfgar arc, in my opinion, could be skipped entirely. It sounded like a total fanservice anyway, and a reminder that that character still exists.

Some good guys start to die, which is also a vast improvement.

Unfortunately, there are not only good points. While the summarized plot looks pretty good, the book is in fact... dull. Terribly dull. In spite of all these exciting events, the pace is rather steady and slow. There's nothing really, truly interesting, which would make you turn the pages faster and faster. I have no idea how Salvatore managed to achieve this, but it's true: for some reason, the book runs like molasses. I don't mind it that much, but there surely are people who are going to complain. Anyway, I have high hopes for next novel, The Ghost King. Maybe in the final volume of Transitions Salvatore will manage to combine his previously fast-paced style with new, more complex plot. (less)

· see review

Apr 13, 2011

Eric Class rated it

· review of another edition

Unlike the other trilogies that have graced the Drizzit series, the Transitions trilogy is three seperate stories that come together for one final battle, rather than one story split into three books.

After settling the ties between the dwarves and the orcs, Drizzit is given a plea to help another old friend, Captain Deudermont. He is trying to make the impossible happen, make a haven for pirates, thieves and rouge magicians into a paradise for traders and travelers alike. Over a few ye...more

· see review

Nov 26, 2008

Jenni rated it

· review of another edition

I love Salvatore as a Dungeons and Dragons style fantasy writer. Lately though his more recent novels about his character Drizzt have been unimpressive. He has missed out on the deep character development that I used to love. His most recent novels have been about war and not much else. Drizzt seems almost too at peace with himself. In the previous novels it was his internal conflict that made him such an interesting character. His sword skills also seem to be getting weaker. He used to b...more

· see review

Feb 09, 2012

Child_reborn rated it

· review of another edition

Well, needles to say, I was a big fan of drizzt. But unexpectedly, the orc king, and the pirate king let me down.. A lot. Drizzt became something of a fantasy spider man, torn between love and friends, moral and duty. He lost that Hunter's edge I loved in starless night (was it that part?). after battling obould, he really didn't have any real enemies. The fights are shallow, and side-by actions. The part when he ends up in abyss... well I thought.. not again.. he's lost.. and presumed dead. jus...more

· see review

Sep 20, 2009

Jeff rated it

If I could give this book 3.5 stars, I would. There are sections of the book that I found touching and special (Regis and Drizzt returning to Icewind Dale, and the conversation and introspection they share), and sections that were discouraging (just about everything else). More importantly, I don't like reading fantasy novels that are thinly-veiled versions of current political events and issues, and the majority of this book is certainly that. It destroys the immersion feeling of the fantasy...more

· see review

Aug 16, 2011

Steven Cole rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: forgotten-realms

An impressive telling of how power grabs in a magical world can leave a city gutted. This is a great tale of the continuing adventures of Drizzt and Regis, and Drizzt's pirate-hunting friend Deudermont. Lots of moral dilemmas to be sure, which tend to drag the story in some spots...

But this works for me on two levels: the "reading a fantasy novel" level and the "game master wants examples of how things go wrong" level. ("Homeland" did the same thing for m...more

· see review

Nov 10, 2011

Anne Broyles rated it

· review of another edition

I enjoyed this mystery featuring Mary Russell, fictional wife of the fictional Sherlock Holmes. I’m late to this party, since this is the eleventh in a series I knew nothing of until I found this at my library. This was a perfect audio book for a long drive, and I found the plot engaging enough. Russell solves mysteries related to the silent film industry in the 1920s, and Holmes only comes in toward the end of the book. I liked Russell’s strong, self-sufficient character and all book’s humor an...more

· see review

Aug 02, 2011

Ryan rated it

Highly disappointing until the very end of the book. It proved almost impossible to get into until the last 1/4, something that has never before happened to me in a book about Drizzit Do'Urden. Though I loved the witty comments from Robillard the mage of the Sea Sprite throughout, the book in and of itself was the least interesting or enticing amongst the books of Salvatore that i have read.

I do hope the next book proves better, because as a stand alone book, I cannot bring myself to...more

· see review

Jul 25, 2011

Emilyanne rated it

· review of another edition

I've been a friend of Drizzt for many years.
I loved this book. Salvatore has matured his writing, and Drizzt surely has matured in recent books.
I get that the change and 'growing up' of the stories puts some fans and readers off. Perhaps they miss 'the good old days'.
But I liked traveling along with Drizzt despite the darker aspects of this book-it was more than just reading a story-
as Drizzt revisits Ice Wind Dale and all his memories there- I found myself feeling rather nostalgic myself,
rem...more

· see review

Oct 03, 2011

Rosanna rated it

Shelves: forgotten-realms, fantasy, owned

Originally started August 10, 2010.
Started again 1/16/11.
Began again from the beginning, September 2011, reading with a friend. Suggestion: The first 25 pages are dull. Keep reading until you get to 50 or so. You won't want to stop after that.
4.5 stars, lots of action, one of the more enjoyable in the series.

#18 in Salvatore's epic tale. I LOVE this series. Sometimes (random thought) I wonder if Salvatore sits with character sheets and D20 and determines the ba...moreOriginally started August 10, 2010.
Started again 1/16/11.
Began again from the beginning, September 2011, reading with a friend. Suggestion: The first 25 pages are dull. Keep reading until you get to 50 or so. You won't want to stop after that.
4.5 stars, lots of action, one of the more enjoyable in the series.

#18 in Salvatore's epic tale. I LOVE this series. Sometimes (random thought) I wonder if Salvatore sits with character sheets and D20 and determines the battles.
I've read, at this point, 18 books into the tale of Drizzt and I have no intention of stopping. That should stand for a sufficient, albeit concise, review on whether or not it's good. It's great. If you like fantasy and swords and dragons and pirates and magic, pick up a Salvatore book today.

The rest of this review is FULL of spoilers, for my own note taking on what happened where, since it's easy to get confused on plot points with so many books. Now would be a good time to stop reading if you haven't finished the book...
(view spoiler)[

Main setting: Luskan
Main character status:
-Drizzt- right in the thick of it.
-Guen- still at his side.
-Bruenor- only present in the beginning, stays put being king, still holding a grudge and treaty with Obould Many Arrows.
-Cattie-brie- only present in the beginning, off for a bit to study more magic with Lady Alustriel.
-Wulfgar- found in Icewind Dale by Drizzt and Regis; he's in a cave working on becoming son of Icewind Dale, having defeated 3 of 4 seasons when they find him. The good news: looks like we'll be seeing less of emo whiny giant Wulfgar, and more heroic awesome bad ass barbarian Wulfgar. Yay! I might even start liking him again...
-Regis- accompanying Drizzt throughout the book, character development into a hero instead of just a portly hindrance. He even lands some quality shots with his halfling mace.
-Jarlaxle- ever the entrepreneur, he and Bregan D'aerthe are of course behind all the chaos of Luskan. He's looking to profit, of course. Kimmuriel is at his side. He does a good for Drizzt and Regis, letting them live and carry on. He is determined to have Drizzt understand the chaos and death was not his FAULT, just his to profit from. He also swipes a scrimshaw from Regis, a carving of Drizzt and Guenhwyver. Such sentiment. LOTS of cliffhanger there... we'll see him again. He's the bad guy you hate to hate because every once in awhile he shows a redeeming quality. Such a complex fellow. I kinda love him.
-Artemis Entreri- only mentioned in passing, not a player this round.
-Deudermont- He fought like Hell, tried to do good things for Luskan, was killed in the end by the pirate king. Also, Sea Sprite is destroyed. :(
-Robillard- he killed a lich! And never stopped being a cynic in the process. Also, Morrik the Rogue saves him by flying over the water and plucking his drowning body from the ruins of Sea Sprite. Thus our powerful good wizard with a bad attitude lives to fight another day.
-Arklem Greeth- he's a lich. He ruled the HostTower, which ruled Luskan. He gets kinda run out, and then when he comes back, he kinda gets killed, but not really because...
-Valindra Shadowmantle- who is Arklem's love, 2nd in command at the HostTower, gets turned into a lich so he can have her forever, and when she finally snaps back to reality after her quasi-nervous breakdown about immortality in undeath, she is found holding a bottle containing the spirit of Greeth... major cliffhanger for a story here... will she destroy him for raising her from the dead, or will she restore him because he's powerful? To be continued...
-Kensidan the Crow- dude can turn into a bird thanks to his cooky cape! Any size crow. Looks like a crow, too. He becomes the pirate king after his dad (Rethnor) dies, the other four pirate High Captains follow his lead or die (Suljack). In the end, he controls Luskan.
-The Harpell's- as if they could get crazier... the idiot wizards are taking a turn towards evil, punishing people by turning them into bunnies. There's a lot of wascally wabbits in Longsaddle these days...
-Athrogate- the evil red bearded dwarf with 2 morning stars fights and epic battle with Drizzt, shows he has honor, would have lost had not Jarlaxle and Kimmuriel and a psionic energy bubble intervened.
(hide spoiler)]

(less)

· see review

Sep 01, 2010

Dirk Grobbelaar rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, books-i-own

Well, this one has certainly received a mixed bag of reviews. I have to agree with another reviewer: Drizzt needs a purpose. There is certainly a lot to give him pause in this novel but he appears strangely undecided about things. Of course, characters constantly evolve and develop, which is why we keep coming back for more. I miss Artemis Entreri, who was a great counterpoint to the enigma that used to be Drizzt Do'Urden. Drizzt does receive a new nemesis in this book, but he feels like a poor ...more

like 1 like

· see review

Nov 03, 2008

Carrie rated it

· review of another edition

Ugh. What a chore this book was. It took me three weeks to finish and there were many days I didn't even pick it up. This is one of my favorite series, my favorite character and it was just awful. Salvatore is getting ridiculously boring in his later novels. Pages and pages and pages...and pages of intrigue. I'm incapable of skimming, I have to attempt to understand EVERYthing and sometimes my brain doesn't latch on. The last 40 pages of the book were somewhat interesting with the big reveal/re...more

· see review

Jun 02, 2010

Brad rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, fantasy

This is the second in the Transitions trilogy, and it helps to have read the other books in the Drizzt saga before starting these ones. I enjoyed this book quite a bit more than the Orc King. Similar elements were involved in both, but I guess I'm a lot more excited about intrigue involving characters I care about (Deudermont [honorable pirate hunter and ship captain we met in earlier books:] instead of Obould [orc king with desires to start an orc city instead of just plunder:]).

C...more

· see review

Mar 20, 2009

This Is Not The Michael You're Looking For rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, fantasy, buy, dungeons-and-dragons, high-fantasy, forgotten-realms

This book just felt off to me. I've generally been a fairly big fan of Salvatore over the years, dating all the way back to the original publication of The Crystal Shard, but I'm gradually finding his books less appealing. While my tastes have changed somewhat, I think it has more to do with some aspect of the writing.

This book is darker than many of his others, but that is not the problem. This subseries trilogy is rightfully called "Transitions" and certainly appears to r...more

· see review

Jan 15, 2012

Rick Staten rated it

· review of another edition

I realized in this book that it isnt a matter of being caught up or finishing with all the drizzt books, its about where you get off the train. This has to be around book 15 for this character and after so many books it is hard to create anything new and thus it is very repetitive (especially when you refuse to kill off any character and anyone one that does die returns to life or is replaced by someone who is identical ie deudermont)

· see review

Jan 05, 2009

Jacquelyn is currently reading it · review of another edition

Good, but seems more like its setting up for a bigger plot in the next book so far.I enjoy how the author continues plot so well, and keeps the pace and continuation going where it doesn't make it ever seem like the story ends.. it is written like life.. a continuation instead of one short story about one short event like most books or series. Of course this being book number.. 19 or 20 of the series, it would seem like that wouldn't it >D. As a gamer, I also appreciate how the author in a ...more

· see review

Jul 07, 2009

Rachion Scott rated it

· review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

· see review

May 01, 2011

Bradley rated it

· review of another edition

Truly an excellent tale well worth savoring. Drizzt was only partially engaged in this novel but that is okay. It was well worth waiting for. Christmas money got this for me at full price from Borders. Now I gotta find the next book in this series and slog through my backlog of paranormal romances and shoot-shoot novels. =)

· see review

Sep 01, 2009

Michael Baes rated it

· review of another edition

Very. Bad. Story. Sigh.....

I honestly expected much more from this author and this current series. It was long, drawn-out, and much of the time, just plain tedious. Nearly all your favorite character make a cameo appearance, yet it just seems as if they were written in simply to show that they all still exist in this universe. Salvatore does nothing to further the 'Transitions' series with this one.

Let's hope the next one is better.

· see review

May 05, 2011

Derek Jordan rated it

· review of another edition

It was good - good to see more of the characters that really enhanced my reading in the past - after reading it a bit I got into it much better. It is good that it is called 'Transitions' as everything is ... well falling apart and the 'world' is becoming something so different. Anyway - I did enjoy it!

· see review

Jun 17, 2009

Daniel rated it

· review of another edition

A good book filled with intrigue though it could have been better. This book in the Transitions series focuses largely on two characters, Drizzt and Regis leaving the others out. The Pirate King can seem tedious at times but the author seems like he is setting up for the third book in the series by including sections on politics and factional infighting. Like all of Salvatore's books, this one picks up towards the end and the last 50 pages or so has most of the good parts.

· see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 83 84 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
I can't wait for October!	1	23	Jul 26, 2008 07:43pm

combine
Other Editions (7)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy

121 users

Dungeons And Dragons > Forgotten Realms

56 users

Fantasy > High Fantasy

6 users

Science Fiction Fantasy

6 users

Role Playing Games > Dungeons And Dragons

3 users

Science Fiction

2 users

Literature > American

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers Also Enjoyed

About R.A. Salvatore

As 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 most recent original hardcover, The Two Swords, Book III of The Hunter’s Blade Trilogy (October 2004) debuted at # 1 on The Wall Street Journal best-...moreAs 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 most recent 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.
(less)

More about R.A. Salvatore...

Books by R.A. Salvatore

Sojourn (Forgotten Realms: The Dark Elf Trilogy, #3; Legend of Drizzt, #3)

Exile (Forgotten Realms: Dark Elf Trilogy, #2)

The Crystal Shard (Forgotten Realms: Icewind Dale, #1)

The Halfling's Gem (Forgotten Realms: Icewind Dale, #3)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Pin It

Trivia About The Pirate King

10 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from The Pirate King

“A span of a few heartbeats can make for a greater memory than the sum of a mundane year.-Catti-brie” — 10 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Pirate King
avg rating	preview: The Pirate King Goodreads rating: 3.91 (1531 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6307038-the-pirate-king?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320544953m/6307038.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6307038-the-pirate-king?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Pirate King by R.A. Salvatore[/url]

The Pirate King (Transitions #2)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Readers Also Enjoyed

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website