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Legacy of the Drow #2
Nacht ohne Sterne
I can find no answers in Mithril Hall....The apparent serenity of Drizzt Do'Urden, the brooding quiet, will show me nothing of the future designs of the drow. yet, for the sake of my friends, I must know those dark intentions. And so I fear that there remains only one place for me to look...The Underdark. A place of brooding darkness, where no shadows exist, and where Drizzt Do'Urden does not wish to go. The noble dark elf must return there, though, must go back to find his friends in the gnome city of Blingdenstone, and on to Menzoberranzan, the city of drow. Only then can Drizzt discern what perils might reach out from that dark place to threaten his friends in Mithril Hall.he finds allies where he least expects them and enemies he htough long gone. His scimitars slash at monsters too evil to reside under the sunlight of the surface world, while his inner strength wrestles with the tumult of emotions assaulting the noble drow when he looks once more on his dreaded homeland. All the while Drizzt must fend off the weight of guilt he carries for a dear friend lost to him forever.
378 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 1992
693 people are currently reading
6445 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
606 books11.4k 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 425 reviews
August 8, 2019
A low point in the Drizzt legend, almost down to Icewind Dale trilogy levels, primarily because it reads like a repeat of the previous book. In The Legacy, Drizzt gets captured and taken into the Underdark and needs to be rescued. In Starless Night, Drizzt willingly walks off into the Underdark and needs to be rescued.
Regardless, it is definitely an acceptable middle book in an overall very much decent quartet of Forgotten Realms book. I may have been biased against it from having read it all in a long day of bus travel on a way too hot July day.
Regardless, it is definitely an acceptable middle book in an overall very much decent quartet of Forgotten Realms book. I may have been biased against it from having read it all in a long day of bus travel on a way too hot July day.
January 10, 2011
I read the first 13 Drizzt books back-to-back, so I sometimes forget what happened in which specific book but I certainly enjoyed the ride. The rating above reflects only the content.
This book stood out for a different reason...The cover is so absolutely atrocious it irked me every time I looked at it. The whole "Legacy" series in this printing is bad, but this one takes the cake. If you aren't familiar with the story, Drizzt is a young drow warrior. In this depiction he looks like an ancient, caucasian human wizard. And is he leering?? Maybe because Cattie-brie looks 12 on this cover instead of 20. And the headband she's wearing? Should be silver. I realize writers often don't get much say in their cover art, but someone should have caught this, especially since both are main characters in the already-established series.
So if you want to read this book - find the later printing with better cover art.
This book stood out for a different reason...The cover is so absolutely atrocious it irked me every time I looked at it. The whole "Legacy" series in this printing is bad, but this one takes the cake. If you aren't familiar with the story, Drizzt is a young drow warrior. In this depiction he looks like an ancient, caucasian human wizard. And is he leering?? Maybe because Cattie-brie looks 12 on this cover instead of 20. And the headband she's wearing? Should be silver. I realize writers often don't get much say in their cover art, but someone should have caught this, especially since both are main characters in the already-established series.
So if you want to read this book - find the later printing with better cover art.
October 7, 2009
Anyone who's been reading Drizzt stories until now probably don't need any reviews to determine whether he keeps reading or not. While I like the many contemplation moments in this book and feel despair and loss as a result of the first book, there's one thing that feels unrealistic - and that's how powerful they are or how lucky they are. Despite the fact that the heroes are heading into enemy territory, things seem to always go their way. I just feel that a couple of the encounters could have been made more realistic and harrowing, rather than having things made easy for them.
August 11, 2019
Τα τελευταία βιβλία του Σαλβατόρε που έχω διαβάσει είναι όλα στο διάστερο, που κανονικά θα πει "it was okay". Ετούτο είναι ένα τσικ πιο κάτω, αλλά κρατάω το διπλό από τεμπελιά και βαρεμάρα.
Ο Γούλφγκαρ τάχα μου νεκρός (άμα δεν τον δω να γίνεται on screen ψιλά-ψιλά κομματάκια δεν το πιστεύω ότι τον φάγανε, πάει και τέρμα), στις εφτά του μακαρίτη άλλον έμπασε στο σπίτι η παρολίγον νύφη, και τα artefacts τα μαζεύεις από δω κι από 'κει, να βρίσκονται.
Επίσης η πιο ηλίθια σκηνή που έχω διαβάσει τελευταία: μπουκάρουν στο γραφείο του αρχιμάγου (το πώς, ασχολίαστο, γιατί δεν έχω πει και καφέ σήμερα) κι η Κάτιμπρι αρχίζει ν' ανοίγει μπουκαλάκια και να τα μυρίζει. Διότι τι μπορεί να πάει στραβά, να μεταμορφωθεί σε λάμα, ας πούμε; Χαχα. Χα.
Κρατιέμαι να μην τ' αλλάξω σε ένα αστεράκι, αλήθεια.
Ο Γούλφγκαρ τάχα μου νεκρός (άμα δεν τον δω να γίνεται on screen ψιλά-ψιλά κομματάκια δεν το πιστεύω ότι τον φάγανε, πάει και τέρμα), στις εφτά του μακαρίτη άλλον έμπασε στο σπίτι η παρολίγον νύφη, και τα artefacts τα μαζεύεις από δω κι από 'κει, να βρίσκονται.
Επίσης η πιο ηλίθια σκηνή που έχω διαβάσει τελευταία: μπουκάρουν στο γραφείο του αρχιμάγου (το πώς, ασχολίαστο, γιατί δεν έχω πει και καφέ σήμερα) κι η Κάτιμπρι αρχίζει ν' ανοίγει μπουκαλάκια και να τα μυρίζει. Διότι τι μπορεί να πάει στραβά, να μεταμορφωθεί σε λάμα, ας πούμε; Χαχα. Χα.
Κρατιέμαι να μην τ' αλλάξω σε ένα αστεράκι, αλήθεια.
March 11, 2025
4.25 stars
February 16, 2022
By far the best book of The Legend of Drizzt so far!!! Salvatore finally gave us a much better look into the main characters and their motivationsand actions. I loved the charming and flamboyant Jarlaxle most of all.
April 5, 2019
I enjoyed this a degree more than R.A. Salvatore's prior few Drizzt books, for this reason: it was a significantly more condensed adventure. In previous outings, Drizzt spent one book escaping, Menzobarranzan (I'm not looking up the correct spelling), another hanging out in the Underdark, a third establishing himself on the surface world, and the last dealing with a Drow assault on Mithril Hall. In Starless Night, all four adventures are essentially revisited, in reverse, in compact fashion. It also provided some appreciated character development for side characters, in particular , Jarlaxle and Catti-brie, the last of whom got to break out a little bit (but not entirely) from her sidekick-with-a-bow routine. She is a fiery and impish Irish lass in my mind (don't hate me if I supposed to think 'Scottish') and I enjoyed that she got more to do here.
Of course, the writing remains overly descriptive (does it really take three sentences to say that she stood up and slammed the table?) and Drizzt always finds time for woeful self-reflection and self-chastisement. Much attention was paid to shuffling of magical items, which is an uninteresting way to set up future events and is one unfortunate strong tie to the table-top game this is based on, in a series that mostly breaks out of that mold.
And oh boy, do we ever need to talk about the cover art (for the original hardcover and paperback release by TSR, as opposed to the later Wizards of the Coast re-releases). Was the person responsible for commissioning this even familiar with the characters, or even know what a Drow is? Or did that person not bother conveying any of this to the artist? Clearly the faces on the cover are supposed to represent Drizzt and Catti-brie (for whom I would really like to see some in-book cultural naming conventions), but, um, how should I put this... Drizzt isn't white, he is literally black! Nor he is an old dude! With a gold skull-cap! The cover reminds of nothing more than an original-series Battlestar Galactica promotional shot. The cover art on this line of books in the early 1990's was almost universally bad overall, but this one stands out as a particularly mystifying example.
Of course, the writing remains overly descriptive (does it really take three sentences to say that she stood up and slammed the table?) and Drizzt always finds time for woeful self-reflection and self-chastisement. Much attention was paid to shuffling of magical items, which is an uninteresting way to set up future events and is one unfortunate strong tie to the table-top game this is based on, in a series that mostly breaks out of that mold.
And oh boy, do we ever need to talk about the cover art (for the original hardcover and paperback release by TSR, as opposed to the later Wizards of the Coast re-releases). Was the person responsible for commissioning this even familiar with the characters, or even know what a Drow is? Or did that person not bother conveying any of this to the artist? Clearly the faces on the cover are supposed to represent Drizzt and Catti-brie (for whom I would really like to see some in-book cultural naming conventions), but, um, how should I put this... Drizzt isn't white, he is literally black! Nor he is an old dude! With a gold skull-cap! The cover reminds of nothing more than an original-series Battlestar Galactica promotional shot. The cover art on this line of books in the early 1990's was almost universally bad overall, but this one stands out as a particularly mystifying example.
October 10, 2024
Back when I first started reading Forgotten Realms books in the 90s I never read any of Drizzt's books. Now that I started reading the entire Forgotten Realms series these are some of my favorite books. It is hard not to like Drizzt and his companions.This is the first in his series I didn't like though. The book as a stand alone would be excellent. My issue is that Salvatore overplayed this scenario. It is time to move on. It was obvious from the get go that his arch rival would be back. Sure he introduced a few new villains but overall it is the same story for numerous books. He even did the plot of Drizzt needing to work with Artemis before. Sure it moved the storyline slightly in the future but it is just the same as the past with very few differences. Hopefully the next Drizzt book I get to gives Drizzt some different adventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Adventuring back to the Underdark, twenty-plus years on (me, as well as the characters). Always felt that the books set in and around Menzoberranzan were the best of bunch and enjoyed the return, particularly Jarlaxle, really coming to the fore.
Fights got a bit wearying and went on for WAY too long, but otherwise, an enjoyable D&D romp, doing exactly what it said on the tin
Fights got a bit wearying and went on for WAY too long, but otherwise, an enjoyable D&D romp, doing exactly what it said on the tin
December 17, 2019
There are no shadows in the Underdark. There is no room for imagination in the Underdark. It is a place for alertness, but not aliveness, a place with no room for hopes and dreams.
- Drizzt Do’Urden
My favourite Forgotten Realms novels are the ones that take place in the Underdark. The savage and wild Drow fascinate me more than any other race I know. They’re devious, conniving and cutthroat. And I freaking love them. So, Drizzt deciding to leave the surface and return to his former home of Menzoberranzan in the Underdark completely excited me.
What resulted was a brilliantly fast paced journey through the Underdark. A journey filled with excitement, anticipation and intense and vivid battle scenes. RA Salvatore seriously writes the best battle scenes ever.
This was my first book of the year. I picked it up, hoping for a fun adventure with Drizzt Do’Urden (the fictional character that I admire most in the world, btw). I got it and more!
I only deducted a star because Cattie-brie annoys the hell out of me. I’m really trying to love her. I REALLY am, but ugh, it’s just not happening. What she did in this book was completely reckless and idiotic to me. But I can see where her storyline is going. It worries me and I really hope my opinion of her changes in the next instalments.
April 27, 2022
So pleased to say I genuinely enjoyed this book! I nearly gave up on the series after Legacy of the Drow, but Starless Night has given me the will to go on.
While Drizzt's "diary entries" remain both preachy and basic, and there is some extremely tired "not like other girls" misogyny around Catti-brie, the book is overall charming and engaging. Jarlaxle and Entreri's viewpoints let us actually get a view of the political machinations of Menzoberranzan, rather than just being told that they exist, which goes a long way to enrich world.
While Drizzt's "diary entries" remain both preachy and basic, and there is some extremely tired "not like other girls" misogyny around Catti-brie, the book is overall charming and engaging. Jarlaxle and Entreri's viewpoints let us actually get a view of the political machinations of Menzoberranzan, rather than just being told that they exist, which goes a long way to enrich world.
April 22, 2025
The Legend of Drizzt 08 The Legacy of the Drows 02 Starless Night by R.A. Salvatore
challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
This story is one of friendship, and what friends to for one another, even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient.
The main characters in this story were:
Drizzt
Catti-brie
Regis
Bruenor
Entreri
This story felt more contained than previous, but there were a LOT of tender moments, too.
Going to the Under Dark / Menzoberranzan was a choice that two made...on purpose, for there really wasn't any other GOOD choice.
The ones that stayed behind, did it for the most part...reluctantly.
I look forward to the next adventure, which will be in Siege of Darkness.
challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
This story is one of friendship, and what friends to for one another, even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient.
The main characters in this story were:
Drizzt
Catti-brie
Regis
Bruenor
Entreri
This story felt more contained than previous, but there were a LOT of tender moments, too.
Going to the Under Dark / Menzoberranzan was a choice that two made...on purpose, for there really wasn't any other GOOD choice.
The ones that stayed behind, did it for the most part...reluctantly.
I look forward to the next adventure, which will be in Siege of Darkness.
November 26, 2024
3.5/5 After the events of The Legacy Drizzt heads back into the underdark returning home to Menzoberranzan to stop the Drow from attacking Mithrall Hall. Catti-brie then chases after Drizzt.
A lot of action and Drow intrigue keeps the book fast paced. More fun characters but sadly more Entreri, that assassin is like a bad penny. I enjoy these books but I prefer them out in the world instead of always in the underdark but I’m guessing that the next couple at least will take place there.
A lot of action and Drow intrigue keeps the book fast paced. More fun characters but sadly more Entreri, that assassin is like a bad penny. I enjoy these books but I prefer them out in the world instead of always in the underdark but I’m guessing that the next couple at least will take place there.
November 27, 2014
Reeling from the loss of one of his dearest friends, the warrior dark elf Drizzt journeys back into the Underdark - but can he survive the harsh environment after years of growing accustomed to life on the surface?
In pursuit of Drizzt are his loyal friends: Cattie-brie, the dwarven-raised deceptively tough-as-nails human female, and Guenhwyvar the panther, 600 pounds of fur, teeth, and claws! Meanwhile, the ever-eccentric drow mercenary leader, Jarlaxle, and the human assassin now stuck in the city of the drow, Artemis Entreri, find themselves playing pivotal roles in this tale - Starless Night, the 8th book of the Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Series.
This book has just about everything I love in a Drizzt novel! Drizzt, Jarlaxle, Entreri, and the shifting political landscape of the dark elf city, Menzoberranzan. We're also introduced to a cunning nemesis that Drizzt must face, along with a new magic-weapon talisman that plays a prominent role in stories to come.
Many of the earlier and later Drizzt novels focus heavily on Drizzt and tend to have a lot of introspective narrative from Drizzt's perspective; however, Starless Night gives us a respite from the constant musings of Drizzt in order to focus on the larger tale being told and the development of other key character's that play larger roles in upcoming books in the series.
Starless Night showcases Cattie-Brie's resilience and resourcefulness. She definitely becomes a character you can root for in this novel. While yet still young and lacking wisdom (pursuing Drizzt in the Underdark is pretty foolish!), Cattie-Brie shows her fierce independence and determination as she overcomes obstacles to navigate a territory she has never been through.
Jarlaxle. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? The reason I love Jarlaxle is because he is one of those gray characters, the reader never truly understands his motives and intentions. While he lives by a certain code, he still won't hesitate to do what is necessary for his own self-serving ambitions.
Artemis Entreri. Again, not just a purely evil character; yet his priority of self-preservation far outweighs any inkling of self-sacrifice he may exhibit. Entreri again finds himself forced to cooperate in order to save his own skin.
Overall, the tale told in Starless Night is somewhat of a search-and-rescue mission that features plenty of small battle scenes and a cast of dark elf characters maneuvering different power plays (as is the standard for the dark elf culture.) Salvatore even provides a few laugh-out-loud moments that fit surprisingly well in this otherwise dark story.
Starless Night is jam-packed with the peanut-butter that makes up a great Drizzt novel. Highly recommended for readers of the series - this is one you don't want to skip out on.
In pursuit of Drizzt are his loyal friends: Cattie-brie, the dwarven-raised deceptively tough-as-nails human female, and Guenhwyvar the panther, 600 pounds of fur, teeth, and claws! Meanwhile, the ever-eccentric drow mercenary leader, Jarlaxle, and the human assassin now stuck in the city of the drow, Artemis Entreri, find themselves playing pivotal roles in this tale - Starless Night, the 8th book of the Forgotten Realms Legend of Drizzt Series.
This book has just about everything I love in a Drizzt novel! Drizzt, Jarlaxle, Entreri, and the shifting political landscape of the dark elf city, Menzoberranzan. We're also introduced to a cunning nemesis that Drizzt must face, along with a new magic-weapon talisman that plays a prominent role in stories to come.
Many of the earlier and later Drizzt novels focus heavily on Drizzt and tend to have a lot of introspective narrative from Drizzt's perspective; however, Starless Night gives us a respite from the constant musings of Drizzt in order to focus on the larger tale being told and the development of other key character's that play larger roles in upcoming books in the series.
Starless Night showcases Cattie-Brie's resilience and resourcefulness. She definitely becomes a character you can root for in this novel. While yet still young and lacking wisdom (pursuing Drizzt in the Underdark is pretty foolish!), Cattie-Brie shows her fierce independence and determination as she overcomes obstacles to navigate a territory she has never been through.
Jarlaxle. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? The reason I love Jarlaxle is because he is one of those gray characters, the reader never truly understands his motives and intentions. While he lives by a certain code, he still won't hesitate to do what is necessary for his own self-serving ambitions.
Artemis Entreri. Again, not just a purely evil character; yet his priority of self-preservation far outweighs any inkling of self-sacrifice he may exhibit. Entreri again finds himself forced to cooperate in order to save his own skin.
Overall, the tale told in Starless Night is somewhat of a search-and-rescue mission that features plenty of small battle scenes and a cast of dark elf characters maneuvering different power plays (as is the standard for the dark elf culture.) Salvatore even provides a few laugh-out-loud moments that fit surprisingly well in this otherwise dark story.
Starless Night is jam-packed with the peanut-butter that makes up a great Drizzt novel. Highly recommended for readers of the series - this is one you don't want to skip out on.
February 6, 2019
Once again, I found myself utterly let down by this book. So Drizzt decides he needs to return to the Underdark and strikes alone without even Guen to help. His side of the story was really interesting. I liked the return to the Underdark, I liked seeing Drizzt wrestle with his past and future coming together, and I liked all the conflict there.
And then Cattie-Brie strikes off on her own to go after Drizzt and one thing became very apparent to me: Cattie-Brie is a gigantic pain in the ass and a pretty terrible person to boot. First of all, she beats up Regis, a three foot tall halfling who can't really defend himself because he won't tell her where Drizzt went. And it immediately gets dismissed because "she's a fiery and passionate person." Then she goes to Lady Alustriel, a woman who goes out of her way to help Cattie because Drizzt is missing and she's worried about her friend. And Cattie treats her like absolute garbage and acts like a spoiled and petulant child because Alustriel is another girl who has had contact with Drizzt. This too is dismissed because she loves Drizzt. She's terrible, and I hated having to read about her for half of the book. I just didn't care. I was so fed up with her antics.
I was excited to Drizzt and Artemis forced together as allies again, except the two of them just pretty much agree to ignore each other. They're escaping the Underdark, a place filled with some of the most capable villains around and we don't get ONE badass scene of Drizzt and Artemis working together. Instead, they just exist in the same realm and instead, it builds up to a huge fight between Drizzt and another Drow, Dantrag, who desperately wants to be labeled as the best of the best and plans to kill Drizzt to do it. So the entire book works up to that fight, talking about how great Dantrag is, and how he has a possessed demon sword to help him accomplish his goal, and we get... a rushed fight scene where Drizzt prevails and the demonic sword does NOTHING. If you're so desperate to get to the end and out of the underdark then just put the fight off til the next book. It honestly would have been less of a letdown.
And on the note of let downs in Elfhain. A long time ago when Drizzt was still in the underdark, his group raids the surface and kills her entire family, but Drizzt can't find it in himself to kill a young girl so he spares her and hides her from his kin. Elfhain could have been the Batman of Faerun, but instead, she shows up with a sword and repeats "you're not ordinary drow" like a broken record and then she collapses into a sobbing wreck and someone needs to come carry her away.
I know, I know... I'm complain a LOT. There's a lot for me to complain about here, but I did still like the book overall, and I do still want to read more. But you know that would have made this book way better? Wulfgar and Dinin. OH WELL.
And then Cattie-Brie strikes off on her own to go after Drizzt and one thing became very apparent to me: Cattie-Brie is a gigantic pain in the ass and a pretty terrible person to boot. First of all, she beats up Regis, a three foot tall halfling who can't really defend himself because he won't tell her where Drizzt went. And it immediately gets dismissed because "she's a fiery and passionate person." Then she goes to Lady Alustriel, a woman who goes out of her way to help Cattie because Drizzt is missing and she's worried about her friend. And Cattie treats her like absolute garbage and acts like a spoiled and petulant child because Alustriel is another girl who has had contact with Drizzt. This too is dismissed because she loves Drizzt. She's terrible, and I hated having to read about her for half of the book. I just didn't care. I was so fed up with her antics.
I was excited to Drizzt and Artemis forced together as allies again, except the two of them just pretty much agree to ignore each other. They're escaping the Underdark, a place filled with some of the most capable villains around and we don't get ONE badass scene of Drizzt and Artemis working together. Instead, they just exist in the same realm and instead, it builds up to a huge fight between Drizzt and another Drow, Dantrag, who desperately wants to be labeled as the best of the best and plans to kill Drizzt to do it. So the entire book works up to that fight, talking about how great Dantrag is, and how he has a possessed demon sword to help him accomplish his goal, and we get... a rushed fight scene where Drizzt prevails and the demonic sword does NOTHING. If you're so desperate to get to the end and out of the underdark then just put the fight off til the next book. It honestly would have been less of a letdown.
And on the note of let downs in Elfhain. A long time ago when Drizzt was still in the underdark, his group raids the surface and kills her entire family, but Drizzt can't find it in himself to kill a young girl so he spares her and hides her from his kin. Elfhain could have been the Batman of Faerun, but instead, she shows up with a sword and repeats "you're not ordinary drow" like a broken record and then she collapses into a sobbing wreck and someone needs to come carry her away.
I know, I know... I'm complain a LOT. There's a lot for me to complain about here, but I did still like the book overall, and I do still want to read more. But you know that would have made this book way better? Wulfgar and Dinin. OH WELL.
October 14, 2025
Years ago (mid to late 90s) before audio books were a prevalent as they are now I had this book on cassette, if you aren't familiar with the term do a quick Google search, it was a 2 cassette, abridged audio book. I still have the both this book & The Legacy on cassette somewhere in a box with the rest of my cassette collection. I listened to it often as there wasn't much selection in the sci-fi/fantasy realm. I say all that to say that there's so much nuance/dialogue in this book I'd forgotten about that made this version a lot more enjoyable.
Still reeling from the rcent loss of a close friend Drizzt decides to go back to Menzoberrazan to give himself up because in some weird way he things the drow will leave the rest of his friends alone. Drizzt leaves Guenhwyvar behind with Regis & sets out to locate the cave he emerged from years ago. Catti-Brie upon discovering Drizzt left goes after him.
We see quite a bit of character growth from Cattie-Brie in this novel as she follows into the Underdark. There are several appearances from characters in Menzoberrazan that we haven't seen in a while plus you can't have chaos with Jarlaxle poking his head in. This story is my favourite out of this 4-book series.
Still reeling from the rcent loss of a close friend Drizzt decides to go back to Menzoberrazan to give himself up because in some weird way he things the drow will leave the rest of his friends alone. Drizzt leaves Guenhwyvar behind with Regis & sets out to locate the cave he emerged from years ago. Catti-Brie upon discovering Drizzt left goes after him.
We see quite a bit of character growth from Cattie-Brie in this novel as she follows into the Underdark. There are several appearances from characters in Menzoberrazan that we haven't seen in a while plus you can't have chaos with Jarlaxle poking his head in. This story is my favourite out of this 4-book series.
October 14, 2019
A journey into the underdark and a revisit to the dark elf city of menzoberranzan.
Incredible, awesome adventure packed with movie-like scenes of combat.
May or may not be like this:
Very, very good, but this book would not stand on its own well at all. It's a chapter of a larger series.
Incredible, awesome adventure packed with movie-like scenes of combat.
May or may not be like this:
Very, very good, but this book would not stand on its own well at all. It's a chapter of a larger series.
March 13, 2020
The cover is pretty crappy though, honestly. Drizzt is supposed to be a young, dark elf and the dude on the cover is old and gold skinned. The book itself was pretty good though!
April 27, 2021
These books are like candy. They may taste good but they leave you with bad teeth and a stomach ache and wondering why you even bothered.
July 23, 2024
"No hay sombras en la Antípoda Oscura, no hay cabida para la imaginación en este mundo de tinieblas. Es un lugar en el que se vive alerta, pero sin sentirse vivo; un lugar en el que no caben la esperanza ni los sueños".
Segundo libro de esta tetralogía, octavo de la saga "La leyenda de Drizzt", y mi libro favorito desde la primera trilogía (que esperaba que ningún libro posterior superase, y ni siquiera que se le arrimase). Supongo que la sociedad drow tiene un atractivo especial.
En este libro, por distintas razones, Drizzt decide volver a Menzoberranzan para enfrentarse a una amenaza que parece amenazarle tanto a él como a sus seres más queridos de la superficie. Lo hace en secreto y sin avisar a nadie, pero su fiel amiga Cattie-Brie se dará cuenta y enseguida partirá en su busca, lo que tiene como consecuencia un (AL FIN) mayor protagonismo suyo en la historia (gracias Salvatore, ya era hora).
Conoceremos un poco más en profundidad una de las casas más poderosas de los elfos oscuros, pero también volveremos a ver a viejos conocidos, por lo que este libro se siente un poco como la mezcla de las dos primeras trilogías. También Drizzt se aleja en esa ocasión de esa figura de héroe infalible, aunque sea un poquito, y deberá salir del atolladero gracias a la ayuda de otros personajes, que ganan algo de peso en la historia, lo que para mi ha sido uno de los mayores puntos positivos. Una de las cosas que más echaba en falta en esta saga es que Drizzt no fuese siempre absolutamente perfecto en todo y fallase también de vez en cuando.
Como consecuencia, lo dicho. El libro que más me gusta de la saga después de la trilogía principal (que queramos que no, siempre va a estar bañada por la nostalgia), y uno que me deja con muchísimas ganas de más. Seguimos del tirón.
Segundo libro de esta tetralogía, octavo de la saga "La leyenda de Drizzt", y mi libro favorito desde la primera trilogía (que esperaba que ningún libro posterior superase, y ni siquiera que se le arrimase). Supongo que la sociedad drow tiene un atractivo especial.
En este libro, por distintas razones, Drizzt decide volver a Menzoberranzan para enfrentarse a una amenaza que parece amenazarle tanto a él como a sus seres más queridos de la superficie. Lo hace en secreto y sin avisar a nadie, pero su fiel amiga Cattie-Brie se dará cuenta y enseguida partirá en su busca, lo que tiene como consecuencia un (AL FIN) mayor protagonismo suyo en la historia (gracias Salvatore, ya era hora).
Conoceremos un poco más en profundidad una de las casas más poderosas de los elfos oscuros, pero también volveremos a ver a viejos conocidos, por lo que este libro se siente un poco como la mezcla de las dos primeras trilogías. También Drizzt se aleja en esa ocasión de esa figura de héroe infalible, aunque sea un poquito, y deberá salir del atolladero gracias a la ayuda de otros personajes, que ganan algo de peso en la historia, lo que para mi ha sido uno de los mayores puntos positivos. Una de las cosas que más echaba en falta en esta saga es que Drizzt no fuese siempre absolutamente perfecto en todo y fallase también de vez en cuando.
Como consecuencia, lo dicho. El libro que más me gusta de la saga después de la trilogía principal (que queramos que no, siempre va a estar bañada por la nostalgia), y uno que me deja con muchísimas ganas de más. Seguimos del tirón.
June 12, 2021
Salah satu novel dari siri Forgotten Realms (juga siri game Dungeons & Dragons), antara siri novel fantasi yg terkenal dan banyak peminatnya. Merupakan buku ke-2 dalam quadrilogy 'Legacy of the Drow' - menyambung kisah pengembaraan Drizzt Do'Urden dan rakan-rakannya (Bruenor Battlehammer, Wufgar, Cattie-Brie, dan Regis). Juga merupakan buku ke-8 (dari 34) dalam siri 'The legend of Drizzt'. Buku kedua ni lebih tertumpu pada watak Drizzt dan Cattie-Brie. Plotnya juga lebih dark kerana latar tempat banyak tertumpu di Menzoberranzan, negara dark elf.
Novel kali ni menyambung kisah dari buku pertama quadrilogy ni. Drizzt yg rasa bersalah kerana serangan kaumnya sendiri ke atas rakan-rakannya mengambil keputusan untuk kembali ke Menzoberranzan untuk mengintip rancangan jahat yg dirancang oleh penguasa kota itu. Tanpa dia sedari, dia telah mendapat bantuan daripada beberapa individu yg dia tidak jangkakan...
Novel kali ni menyambung kisah dari buku pertama quadrilogy ni. Drizzt yg rasa bersalah kerana serangan kaumnya sendiri ke atas rakan-rakannya mengambil keputusan untuk kembali ke Menzoberranzan untuk mengintip rancangan jahat yg dirancang oleh penguasa kota itu. Tanpa dia sedari, dia telah mendapat bantuan daripada beberapa individu yg dia tidak jangkakan...
July 21, 2024
Kad piedzīvojumu un dažādu cīņu pieredzējušam tā teikt kaujiniekam, kāds ir Drizzd Do’Urden, jāaprod ar dzīvi miera apstākļos starp draugiem un bez lieliem uztraukumiem, nav nemaz tik viegli, un prāts jau apsver ideju, vai nebūtu labāk sākt dzīvot interesantākos laikos. Vienīgi, kad citu ietekmē šie mierīgie apstākļi mainās, var saprast, cik muļķīga šāda ideja bijusi, jo situācijas maiņa apdraud nevien paša, bet iegūto draugu un kompanjonu dzīvības.
https://poseidons99.com/2024/07/21/r-...
https://poseidons99.com/2024/07/21/r-...
January 1, 2026
Another banger brought to you by RA Salvatore. Finally Drizzt makes his way back "home" to the Underdark, to Menzoberanzan! A bit of a weak plot line for Drizzt to go back just because he doesn't want to be a liability to his friends. But w/e lol and then Catibri runs after him. Felt weird that the whole gang wasn't apart of the journey this time - Bruenor, Wulfgar, and Regis.
March 5, 2021
Lots of good fighting as you would expect from
drizzt.
drizzt.
October 16, 2025
This edition of the Drizzt saga was enjoyable, however, the intricate descriptions of fight scene went on just a little too long, a little too often, for my liking.
May 8, 2025
Quite an average book, just a simple action romp. Which I don't mind since it's the reason I read these books. But the story and the premise is so bad. At least the action and the fight scenes are top notch.
August 19, 2021
La Dama del Bosco - per RFS
.
Ormai è una certezza che siano stati i Drow ad attaccare i nani, e sono, quindi, un pericolo per l’intera comunità e gli amici di Drizzt: questo il nostro eroe non può perdonarselo essendo convinto che i Drow siano lì per catturare lui e sacrificarlo alla Regina Ragno.
Egli non può permettersi di essere un pericolo per gli altri, non può acconsentire, con la sua presenza, di mettere a repentaglio la vita dei suoi amici, seppure questi siano ben decisi a combattere i nuovi nemici per difenderlo a ogni costo.
Ecco allora che Drizzt decide di partire e raggiungere la sua antica patria per scoprire quali siano i reali piani delle matrone madri e, in particolare, di casa Baenre, primo casato di Menzoberranzan. Se necessario è pronto a sacrificarsi e donare la sua vita pur di salvare gli altri come farebbe un vero Ranger fedele a Mielikki.
Durante il suo lungo viaggio i ricordi riaffioreranno nella sua memoria assieme al suo sangue Drow che lo guiderà, lungo i tortuosi cunicoli dove i suoi occhi si riadatteranno al Buio Profondo, a incontrare vecchi e nuovi amici, passati nemici e scontri all’ultimo sangue. Ma quello che lo aspetta, del tutto inatteso, è una profonda sofferenza fisica ed emotiva che lo sconvolgerà profondamente aprendogli gli occhi su se stesso e sugli altri, facendogli capire che essere eroi non significa sempre sacrificarsi, ma imparare a fidarsi e scendere a compromessi.
Il suo percorso, pensato in solitaria, non sarà però tale, perché da solo Drizzt non riuscirebbe mai a uscire vivo dalla sua città natale e dalle mani sadiche delle sacerdotesse di Lolth.
Finalmente in questo libro non avremo solo la prospettiva di Drizzt e dei suoi amici, ma conosceremo, attraverso le pagine a loro dedicate, anche i suoi nemici. Vedremo da dentro i giochi di potere di Menzoberranzan e conosceremo bene i personaggi che vi vivono, non solo l’astuto Jarlaxle, il cui gioco non è sempre chiaro ma è adorabile proprio per come manovra la situazione alle spalle di tutti gli altri, ma anche i membri della casata Baenre e di quelle minori che con la loro perfidia, i loro giochi di potere nascosti e intricati renderanno il libro molto avvincente.
In genere i romanzi di mezzo di una trilogia sono molto lenti e spesso sono opere di passaggio. Non è questo il caso, essendo il racconto in continua salita a livello di colpi di scena, di emozioni e di situazioni tirate al limite.
Un’altra avventura fantastica che vi invito a leggere, perché chiunque ami i libri ricchi di avventura non potrà non apprezzare questa trilogia. E, poi, se il secondo libro è così avvincente cosa ci aspetterà nel terzo?
Ovviamente non vi dico nulla e vi aspetto alla prossima recensione
.
Ormai è una certezza che siano stati i Drow ad attaccare i nani, e sono, quindi, un pericolo per l’intera comunità e gli amici di Drizzt: questo il nostro eroe non può perdonarselo essendo convinto che i Drow siano lì per catturare lui e sacrificarlo alla Regina Ragno.
Egli non può permettersi di essere un pericolo per gli altri, non può acconsentire, con la sua presenza, di mettere a repentaglio la vita dei suoi amici, seppure questi siano ben decisi a combattere i nuovi nemici per difenderlo a ogni costo.
Ecco allora che Drizzt decide di partire e raggiungere la sua antica patria per scoprire quali siano i reali piani delle matrone madri e, in particolare, di casa Baenre, primo casato di Menzoberranzan. Se necessario è pronto a sacrificarsi e donare la sua vita pur di salvare gli altri come farebbe un vero Ranger fedele a Mielikki.
Durante il suo lungo viaggio i ricordi riaffioreranno nella sua memoria assieme al suo sangue Drow che lo guiderà, lungo i tortuosi cunicoli dove i suoi occhi si riadatteranno al Buio Profondo, a incontrare vecchi e nuovi amici, passati nemici e scontri all’ultimo sangue. Ma quello che lo aspetta, del tutto inatteso, è una profonda sofferenza fisica ed emotiva che lo sconvolgerà profondamente aprendogli gli occhi su se stesso e sugli altri, facendogli capire che essere eroi non significa sempre sacrificarsi, ma imparare a fidarsi e scendere a compromessi.
Il suo percorso, pensato in solitaria, non sarà però tale, perché da solo Drizzt non riuscirebbe mai a uscire vivo dalla sua città natale e dalle mani sadiche delle sacerdotesse di Lolth.
Finalmente in questo libro non avremo solo la prospettiva di Drizzt e dei suoi amici, ma conosceremo, attraverso le pagine a loro dedicate, anche i suoi nemici. Vedremo da dentro i giochi di potere di Menzoberranzan e conosceremo bene i personaggi che vi vivono, non solo l’astuto Jarlaxle, il cui gioco non è sempre chiaro ma è adorabile proprio per come manovra la situazione alle spalle di tutti gli altri, ma anche i membri della casata Baenre e di quelle minori che con la loro perfidia, i loro giochi di potere nascosti e intricati renderanno il libro molto avvincente.
In genere i romanzi di mezzo di una trilogia sono molto lenti e spesso sono opere di passaggio. Non è questo il caso, essendo il racconto in continua salita a livello di colpi di scena, di emozioni e di situazioni tirate al limite.
Un’altra avventura fantastica che vi invito a leggere, perché chiunque ami i libri ricchi di avventura non potrà non apprezzare questa trilogia. E, poi, se il secondo libro è così avvincente cosa ci aspetterà nel terzo?
Ovviamente non vi dico nulla e vi aspetto alla prossima recensione
June 12, 2017
I'm writing this as a thirty-six-year-old male who only picked this book up because its horrible cover drew him in, and the two-dollar used book price tag was just right.
This is the first Drizzt book I've ever read. It's also chronologically the eighth book in the series. That said, I know I missed out on a lot of character work and plot background which is regularly mentioned throughout this story. There's stuff about past character deaths and quests, but I didn't feel that the lack of this background information should have resulted in the confusing experience this book ended up being.
So, there's a mercenary who...does stuff. And there's a matron mother who wants to capture Drizzt. And there's a weapons master who wants to kill Drizzt to show that he's superior to the weapons master who trained Drizzt. And there's some magician guy named Artemis who is also part of the story for some reason, and there are a bunch of other random names and people tossed in for good measure. And Drizzt runs away from his friends at the start of the book, and is then chased down by his loyal friend and (likely?) future lover, Cattie-Brie. So this is basically a chase book in which POV switches from Drizzt to Cattie-Brie as Drizzt heads towards a target location but must travel through the Underdark and come up against all of the characters mentioned above because of reasons.
I still don't know what this book was really about. Still, I commend R.A. Salvatore on being able to write some engaging action and chase sequences. Those parts are the strength of the book, along with Drizzt's diary entries, which provide some more emotional heft to the ongoing story.
This book is not great, but if you're a young teenage boy or girl into dungeon crawlers and RPGs, you might think this is amazing even though there's barely a comprehensible plot to speak of.
Stuff happens. And then happens again. Forever. If that's your thing, check out Starless Night.
By the way, is that really supposed to be Drizzt on the cover? Holy hell does he look terrible and nothing like you imagine him while you're reading through this.
I'll have to check out some of he better-reviewed Drizzt books to see what the hubbub is really about. This one is pretty mindless but fun even if you don't know why the things are happening that are happening.
This is the first Drizzt book I've ever read. It's also chronologically the eighth book in the series. That said, I know I missed out on a lot of character work and plot background which is regularly mentioned throughout this story. There's stuff about past character deaths and quests, but I didn't feel that the lack of this background information should have resulted in the confusing experience this book ended up being.
So, there's a mercenary who...does stuff. And there's a matron mother who wants to capture Drizzt. And there's a weapons master who wants to kill Drizzt to show that he's superior to the weapons master who trained Drizzt. And there's some magician guy named Artemis who is also part of the story for some reason, and there are a bunch of other random names and people tossed in for good measure. And Drizzt runs away from his friends at the start of the book, and is then chased down by his loyal friend and (likely?) future lover, Cattie-Brie. So this is basically a chase book in which POV switches from Drizzt to Cattie-Brie as Drizzt heads towards a target location but must travel through the Underdark and come up against all of the characters mentioned above because of reasons.
I still don't know what this book was really about. Still, I commend R.A. Salvatore on being able to write some engaging action and chase sequences. Those parts are the strength of the book, along with Drizzt's diary entries, which provide some more emotional heft to the ongoing story.
This book is not great, but if you're a young teenage boy or girl into dungeon crawlers and RPGs, you might think this is amazing even though there's barely a comprehensible plot to speak of.
Stuff happens. And then happens again. Forever. If that's your thing, check out Starless Night.
By the way, is that really supposed to be Drizzt on the cover? Holy hell does he look terrible and nothing like you imagine him while you're reading through this.
I'll have to check out some of he better-reviewed Drizzt books to see what the hubbub is really about. This one is pretty mindless but fun even if you don't know why the things are happening that are happening.
October 15, 2015
Short Review
If you already really like Drizzt and the Forgotten Real series, or you are currently / have a lot in common with your average 14 year old boy you'll probably enjoy this. Light on substance, heavy on paper thin characters, magic, swords, and general fantasy trappings.
Long Review
If you already really like Drizzt and the Forgotten Real series, or you are currently / have a lot in common with your average 14 year old boy you'll probably enjoy this. Light on substance, heavy on paper thin characters, magic, swords, and general fantasy trappings.
Long Review
June 1, 2020
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
My Opinion: Underdark is a very interesting place that is hard to even imagine. Out there, in a place where there are no shadows, for there is no light, one has to learn to live, behave differently. In need to hide one must find a way to hide their body heat, for blending in with the surroundings is futile among creatures who were born in the pitch black. To add to that, the schemes of the drow are interesting to read. They’re interlaced with other drow plotting against those drow, for a dark elf is no friend to a dark elf, most of the time, and so you can never be sure whom to trust. Daring sneak-outs, intense escapes, and epic battles, duels.
Truly, I keep saying this, but if you’re into classical fantasy, take these books. A firm 5 out of 5 from me.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
My Opinion: Underdark is a very interesting place that is hard to even imagine. Out there, in a place where there are no shadows, for there is no light, one has to learn to live, behave differently. In need to hide one must find a way to hide their body heat, for blending in with the surroundings is futile among creatures who were born in the pitch black. To add to that, the schemes of the drow are interesting to read. They’re interlaced with other drow plotting against those drow, for a dark elf is no friend to a dark elf, most of the time, and so you can never be sure whom to trust. Daring sneak-outs, intense escapes, and epic battles, duels.
Truly, I keep saying this, but if you’re into classical fantasy, take these books. A firm 5 out of 5 from me.
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