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Neverwinter #1
Gauntlgrym
Drizzt joins Bruenor on his quest for the fabled dwarven kingdom of ruins said to be rich with ancient treasure and arcane lore. But before they even get close, another drow and dwarf pair stumbles across it Jarlaxle and Athrogate. In their search for treasure and magic, Jarlaxle and Athrogate inadvertently set into motion a catastrophe that could spell disaster for the unsuspecting people of the city of Neverwinter—a catastrophe big enough to lure even the mercenary Jarlaxle into risking his own coin and skin to stop it. Unfortunately, the more they uncover about the secret of Gauntlgrym, the more it looks like they can’t stop it on their own. They’ll need help, and from the last people they ever thought to fight alongside Drizzt and Bruenor.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
634 people are currently reading
7802 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
603 books11.3k 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 431 reviews
February 6, 2017
Salvatore strikes again! I took a little break from this saga after The Ghost King (which ripped out my heart), but picking up Gauntlgrym after all that time felt like coming home.
Salvatore is known for his detailed hand-to-hand combat scenes, which pack a lot of excitement into his books. I have to say, after 20 or so novels of the same back-and-forth swordplay, I started to get a little… bored isn’t the right word, but let’s just say it lacks a bit of the thrill it once had for me. That said, I can’t imagine a Drizzt book without intricate fight scenes, so you really can’t win with me. ;P
Gauntlgrym’s storyline required an unusual passage of time compared to others in the series, which was a cool change of pace that kept me interested throughout. I also loved the mix of new and old characters – the elf woman (cover image), among my new favorites.
Overall, Gauntlgrym (I am proud to say that I can finally spell it without having to look it up– go me!) was a fun installment and excellent continuation of the series. Although it was nowhere near my favorite of the saga, I’m still excited to start Neverwinter sometime soon.
Other books you might like:
Dragons of Autumn Twilight – Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
The Way of Shadows – Brent Weeks
The Demon Awakens – R. A. Salvatore
Magician: Apprentice – Raymond E. Feist
The Warded Man Peter V. Brett
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Salvatore is known for his detailed hand-to-hand combat scenes, which pack a lot of excitement into his books. I have to say, after 20 or so novels of the same back-and-forth swordplay, I started to get a little… bored isn’t the right word, but let’s just say it lacks a bit of the thrill it once had for me. That said, I can’t imagine a Drizzt book without intricate fight scenes, so you really can’t win with me. ;P
Gauntlgrym’s storyline required an unusual passage of time compared to others in the series, which was a cool change of pace that kept me interested throughout. I also loved the mix of new and old characters – the elf woman (cover image), among my new favorites.
Overall, Gauntlgrym (I am proud to say that I can finally spell it without having to look it up– go me!) was a fun installment and excellent continuation of the series. Although it was nowhere near my favorite of the saga, I’m still excited to start Neverwinter sometime soon.
Other books you might like:
Dragons of Autumn Twilight – Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
The Way of Shadows – Brent Weeks
The Demon Awakens – R. A. Salvatore
Magician: Apprentice – Raymond E. Feist
The Warded Man Peter V. Brett
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
October 4, 2012
I am almost offended that this book has 4 stars. I have read and enjoyed all the Drizzt characters, but in this book Salvatore introduces a character who breaks his own world, is crazy annoying, and is quite obviously, the DM's girlfriend.
Drizzt has fought some badass stuff over the years, he's fought against Drow, Assassins, Dwarves, Demons, Liches, Undead of Every flavor. Hell, open a Monster's Manual and flip through it, Drizzt has probably killed whatever you turn to in there. . There is also a character named Barbarus in this book, who I was happy to see and is only vaguely disguised as clearly another character from this series. .
And then there's Dahlia, she out wits the witty characters and outfights the fighty characters. Her motivation? How did she get so badass? Years of training under the best weaponsmasters in the world? No. A life as a fugitive, constantly on the run and fighting guards every step of the way? No. She was raped by demons. That's her backstory. That's literally the only thing about this character's past that we know. And she outdoes every character she encounters in this book in everything.
She has a magic staff, that Salvatore rambles on and on about constantly. I would have prefered 1/3rd less talking about how she does a handstand on a magic stick, and 1/3rd more discussion on her past or anything else about her. It was bad enough that I hesitated buying the next book in the series, and since she appears in it and has even more screen time than in this one, I put the book down and am currently uncertain if I'm going to be reading any more of RA Salvatore's writing, which again as someone who has read every other book he's written and given him 4-5 stars is pretty bad.
For the few things I DID like. He does a bunch of huge time jumps, like 10-15 years at the end of each chapter. Most people didn't like this, but I thought it did a good job of showing a world changing around these characters with extended lifespans. I also like the reappearance of Barbarus, and the descriptions and ideas in Gauntlgrym (some complaints I read called it a mines of moria knockoff, but I didn't get that, I thought it was awesome).
Some longtime characters won't be returning after this book, and met a very fitting end here, and the climax of the book, I thought, was great, but getting there was a serious chore. If you're a completionist or intend to read more of Salvatore's stuff you should probably give this a read since it has some major plot stuff, but if you read The Ghost King and liked it, you might want to consider that the end of the Drizzt series of books and close off on a highish note.
Drizzt has fought some badass stuff over the years, he's fought against Drow, Assassins, Dwarves, Demons, Liches, Undead of Every flavor. Hell, open a Monster's Manual and flip through it, Drizzt has probably killed whatever you turn to in there. . There is also a character named Barbarus in this book, who I was happy to see and is only vaguely disguised as clearly another character from this series. .
And then there's Dahlia, she out wits the witty characters and outfights the fighty characters. Her motivation? How did she get so badass? Years of training under the best weaponsmasters in the world? No. A life as a fugitive, constantly on the run and fighting guards every step of the way? No. She was raped by demons. That's her backstory. That's literally the only thing about this character's past that we know. And she outdoes every character she encounters in this book in everything.
She has a magic staff, that Salvatore rambles on and on about constantly. I would have prefered 1/3rd less talking about how she does a handstand on a magic stick, and 1/3rd more discussion on her past or anything else about her. It was bad enough that I hesitated buying the next book in the series, and since she appears in it and has even more screen time than in this one, I put the book down and am currently uncertain if I'm going to be reading any more of RA Salvatore's writing, which again as someone who has read every other book he's written and given him 4-5 stars is pretty bad.
For the few things I DID like. He does a bunch of huge time jumps, like 10-15 years at the end of each chapter. Most people didn't like this, but I thought it did a good job of showing a world changing around these characters with extended lifespans. I also like the reappearance of Barbarus, and the descriptions and ideas in Gauntlgrym (some complaints I read called it a mines of moria knockoff, but I didn't get that, I thought it was awesome).
Some longtime characters won't be returning after this book, and met a very fitting end here, and the climax of the book, I thought, was great, but getting there was a serious chore. If you're a completionist or intend to read more of Salvatore's stuff you should probably give this a read since it has some major plot stuff, but if you read The Ghost King and liked it, you might want to consider that the end of the Drizzt series of books and close off on a highish note.
October 15, 2010
Gauntlgrym by R. A. Salvatore- This is the first book in the Neverwinter trilogy as well as the twentieth novel in The Legend of Drizzt series. The next two books in the trilogy are yet to be named at the time of this review. The Legend of Drizzt series contains a number of trilogies and series and it all takes place in the Forgotten Realm universe of Dungeons and Dragons. The Dark Elf Trilogy (Homeland, Exile, and Sojourn), The Icewind Dale Trilogy (The Crystal Shard, Streams of Silver, and The Halfling's Gem), Legacy of the Drow (The Legacy, Starless Night, Siege of Darkness, and Passage to Dawn), Paths of Darkness (The Silent Blade, Spine of the World, Sea of Swords), The Hunter's Blades Trilogy (The Thousand Orcs, The Lone Drow, and The Two Swords), and Transitions (The Orc King, The Pirate King, and The Ghost King) are all apart of The Legend of Drizzt series. Some other characters in the saga are found in The Sellswords trilogy (Servant of the Shard, Promise of the Witch King, and Road of the Patriarch) and The Cleric Quintet (Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, and The Chaos Curse). R. A. Salvatore has also written a few other books set in shared universes. He has written two Star Wars based books, Vector Prime and Star Wars Episode Two: Attack of the Clones, and he has also written a book based on Tarzan called Tarzan: The Epic Adventures. R. A. Salvatore has also written a few books in his on created worlds, Ynis Aielle (Echoes of the Fourth Magic, The Witches Daughter, and Bastian of Darkness), Spearwielders Tales (The Woods Outback, The Dragon's Dagger, and Dragonslayer's Return), The Crimson Shadow (The Sword of Bedwyr, Luthien's Gamble, and The Dragon King), Demon Wars (The Demon Awakens, The Demon Spirit, The Demon Apostle, and Mortalis), Demon Wars: Second Saga (Ascendance, Transcendence, and Immortalis) and the Saga of the First King (The Highwayman, The Ancient, The Dame, and The Bear). He also co-wrote The Stone of Tymora (The Stowaway, The Shadowmask, and The Sentinels) with his son Geno Salvatore. Along with all that, he has written a few short stories. Gauntlgrym was released in October 2010 and is published by Wizards of the Coast.
Years have passed since Drizzt Do'Urden's life changed. His love, Catti-brie, is dead, along with his friend Regis. The dwarven kingdom of Mithral Hall's peace treaty with the orcish Kingdom of Many Arrows has held over the years and a peace is found in the land. His other friend, the king of Mithral Hall, Bruenor Battlehammer, is nearing the end of his life. However, Bruenor still has the fire in him to find the lost dwarven kingdom named Gauntlgrym, so he brings Drizzt, the battlerager Pwent, an orc named Jessa, and a gnome alchemist named Nanfoodle along with him. Years upon years pass by with no luck finding the place. Even after Jessa and Nanfoodle pass away, Drizzt and Bruenor continue the search. However, another group stumbles upon the forgotten city. A Thayan named Dahlia is searching for what powered the Hosttower, a treelike tower that housed wizards in Luskan before the cities fall. Her search for answers leads her to Jarlaxle and his dwarven friend Athrogate. Little do they know that it was Gauntlgrym that produced the Hosttower. Unknown to the group, unleash a primordial and with it, devastation. After years pass after the devastation, Drizzt and Bruenor are still on the search for the ancient dwarven stronghold. However, they may need the help of Jarlaxle and Athrogate to find it.
Criticisms:
1) Time Jumps. This is my major issue with Gauntlgrym, as well as any other book I read. I loathe time jumps. I am not a fan when a story jumps forty some odd years. I would have liked to see some of the adventures that Drizzt, Bruenor, Jessa, and Nanfoodle under took, I do hope that somewhere down the line there will be a short story involving one such adventure. I would have liked to see more of Drizzt and Bruenor failing at finding Gauntlgrym or their brief search for finding Catti-brie and Regis. I would have liked to see this, or even a chapter about some of these things. Now, I wouldn't have an issue if it was two or three years pass. I wouldn't even have that big of an issue with just one time jump. However, Gauntlgrym has two jumps. Two jumps that forcefully progress the story. While the first jump was about fifty years, the second is a more reasonable ten or so. However, this still bothered me. We never really see Dahlia's consequences for her actions she took in Gauntlgrym. We never see how Athrogate is effected, nor Jarlaxle. We do have little snippets, but there is so much more to be said. These jumps just make the story seem as through it was rushed. We have a lot of things happening, but nothing to really show for it aside from a line or two.
Praises:
1) Drizzt. Let me be honest here for a second. It's my opinion that after twenty-sum books, Drizzt Do'Urden has grown a little stale. Don't get me wrong, he still is great, but he never really seemed to undergo a major change that seems to last for an extended amount of time. Sure there were times were he let his savage side take over (The Hunter's Blades Trilogy) and the life changing event that he underwent in The Ghost King. But for the past twenty-two years, he has hardly changed. That being said, Drizzt does undergo a shift in personality, albeit subtle. In fact, I barely noticed any major change until Jarlaxle pointed it out. Before, Drizzt only killed when it was necessary. Now he seems to enjoy it. It's almost like the 'Hunter' in The Hunter's Blades Trilogy, but with more control. It's almost like he's becoming more 'Drow'. It is nice to see that everything that Drizzt went through in his life thus far is finally affecting him. He may seem like the Drizzt we all know and love, but now there seems to be something more, and darker, growing in everyone's favorite drow.
2) Jarlaxle. Jarlaxle really surprised me. I knew that Jarlaxle does have a somewhat noble streak to him, but I am utterly at a loss for words about what he does. Sure, he's still the pragmatic drow that we've known from before, but now there seems to be more to him than what meets the eye. He seems to be more disparate and uncontrolled. The best example is his one on one interactions with Drizzt. To put it simply, Jarlaxle yells at Drizzt for being what he's become. I never would have thought that Jarlaxle would do such a thing. But that's just not all he does. There were other things in the story that I would have never have thought Jarlaxle would do. It was just a nice surprise to see more character depth to Jarlaxle.
3) Forward. I do like where the series seems to be heading. Now it seems like there will be little reminiscing of the past, and the legend of Drizzt is going in a new, exciting direction. I'm just excited to see what happens next.
Side Notes:
1) Valas Hune. It was nice to see one of the my favorite characters from The War of the Spider Queen series make a brief cameo.
2) Barrabus the Grey. I hope this isn't who I think it is. If it is, all I can say is that I'm disappointed.
3) Cover Art. The first thing I noticed about the cover art is that it's bright. It really catches your eye and draws it in. After so many recent Dungeons and Dragons based books having darker coloring, it's nice to see something bright. The action scene between Drizzt and Dahlia is pretty epic looking, although it doesn't happen in the novel. That kind of bothers me. It would have been wonderful to see Drizzt and Dahlia fighting one another. The only major issue I have is that Dahlia looks horrible. She doesn't look the least bit attractive. In fact, her face just doesn't look quite right, almost as though everything is just squished together. However, the cover art is definitely a nice, bright change and I do like it.
Overall: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
Gauntlgrym is good. I wouldn't really expect any less from a Drizzt novel. However, there is one problem that I still can't get over. I hate the time jumps. I absolutely hate it when things are skipped over that could have made an interesting couple of chapters. In fact, I would have rather have had this book as the second in the trilogy. The first book could have been some of the events leading up to Athrogate pulling the lever. Dahlia seemed to need a little more development, and we could have had some time getting to know Jessa and Nanfoodle. That said, the rest of the story was great. It's nice to finally see everything impacting Drizzt and a new, unexpected look at Jarlaxle. I'm really liking where this story is taking Drizzt. So should you pick it up? Yes. Definitely. Even if you're not a fan of Drizzt, it's well worth a read. However, you should have a little prior knowledge before jumping in.
Years have passed since Drizzt Do'Urden's life changed. His love, Catti-brie, is dead, along with his friend Regis. The dwarven kingdom of Mithral Hall's peace treaty with the orcish Kingdom of Many Arrows has held over the years and a peace is found in the land. His other friend, the king of Mithral Hall, Bruenor Battlehammer, is nearing the end of his life. However, Bruenor still has the fire in him to find the lost dwarven kingdom named Gauntlgrym, so he brings Drizzt, the battlerager Pwent, an orc named Jessa, and a gnome alchemist named Nanfoodle along with him. Years upon years pass by with no luck finding the place. Even after Jessa and Nanfoodle pass away, Drizzt and Bruenor continue the search. However, another group stumbles upon the forgotten city. A Thayan named Dahlia is searching for what powered the Hosttower, a treelike tower that housed wizards in Luskan before the cities fall. Her search for answers leads her to Jarlaxle and his dwarven friend Athrogate. Little do they know that it was Gauntlgrym that produced the Hosttower. Unknown to the group, unleash a primordial and with it, devastation. After years pass after the devastation, Drizzt and Bruenor are still on the search for the ancient dwarven stronghold. However, they may need the help of Jarlaxle and Athrogate to find it.
Criticisms:
1) Time Jumps. This is my major issue with Gauntlgrym, as well as any other book I read. I loathe time jumps. I am not a fan when a story jumps forty some odd years. I would have liked to see some of the adventures that Drizzt, Bruenor, Jessa, and Nanfoodle under took, I do hope that somewhere down the line there will be a short story involving one such adventure. I would have liked to see more of Drizzt and Bruenor failing at finding Gauntlgrym or their brief search for finding Catti-brie and Regis. I would have liked to see this, or even a chapter about some of these things. Now, I wouldn't have an issue if it was two or three years pass. I wouldn't even have that big of an issue with just one time jump. However, Gauntlgrym has two jumps. Two jumps that forcefully progress the story. While the first jump was about fifty years, the second is a more reasonable ten or so. However, this still bothered me. We never really see Dahlia's consequences for her actions she took in Gauntlgrym. We never see how Athrogate is effected, nor Jarlaxle. We do have little snippets, but there is so much more to be said. These jumps just make the story seem as through it was rushed. We have a lot of things happening, but nothing to really show for it aside from a line or two.
Praises:
1) Drizzt. Let me be honest here for a second. It's my opinion that after twenty-sum books, Drizzt Do'Urden has grown a little stale. Don't get me wrong, he still is great, but he never really seemed to undergo a major change that seems to last for an extended amount of time. Sure there were times were he let his savage side take over (The Hunter's Blades Trilogy) and the life changing event that he underwent in The Ghost King. But for the past twenty-two years, he has hardly changed. That being said, Drizzt does undergo a shift in personality, albeit subtle. In fact, I barely noticed any major change until Jarlaxle pointed it out. Before, Drizzt only killed when it was necessary. Now he seems to enjoy it. It's almost like the 'Hunter' in The Hunter's Blades Trilogy, but with more control. It's almost like he's becoming more 'Drow'. It is nice to see that everything that Drizzt went through in his life thus far is finally affecting him. He may seem like the Drizzt we all know and love, but now there seems to be something more, and darker, growing in everyone's favorite drow.
2) Jarlaxle. Jarlaxle really surprised me. I knew that Jarlaxle does have a somewhat noble streak to him, but I am utterly at a loss for words about what he does. Sure, he's still the pragmatic drow that we've known from before, but now there seems to be more to him than what meets the eye. He seems to be more disparate and uncontrolled. The best example is his one on one interactions with Drizzt. To put it simply, Jarlaxle yells at Drizzt for being what he's become. I never would have thought that Jarlaxle would do such a thing. But that's just not all he does. There were other things in the story that I would have never have thought Jarlaxle would do. It was just a nice surprise to see more character depth to Jarlaxle.
3) Forward. I do like where the series seems to be heading. Now it seems like there will be little reminiscing of the past, and the legend of Drizzt is going in a new, exciting direction. I'm just excited to see what happens next.
Side Notes:
1) Valas Hune. It was nice to see one of the my favorite characters from The War of the Spider Queen series make a brief cameo.
2) Barrabus the Grey. I hope this isn't who I think it is. If it is, all I can say is that I'm disappointed.
3) Cover Art. The first thing I noticed about the cover art is that it's bright. It really catches your eye and draws it in. After so many recent Dungeons and Dragons based books having darker coloring, it's nice to see something bright. The action scene between Drizzt and Dahlia is pretty epic looking, although it doesn't happen in the novel. That kind of bothers me. It would have been wonderful to see Drizzt and Dahlia fighting one another. The only major issue I have is that Dahlia looks horrible. She doesn't look the least bit attractive. In fact, her face just doesn't look quite right, almost as though everything is just squished together. However, the cover art is definitely a nice, bright change and I do like it.
Overall: 4/5
Final Thoughts:
Gauntlgrym is good. I wouldn't really expect any less from a Drizzt novel. However, there is one problem that I still can't get over. I hate the time jumps. I absolutely hate it when things are skipped over that could have made an interesting couple of chapters. In fact, I would have rather have had this book as the second in the trilogy. The first book could have been some of the events leading up to Athrogate pulling the lever. Dahlia seemed to need a little more development, and we could have had some time getting to know Jessa and Nanfoodle. That said, the rest of the story was great. It's nice to finally see everything impacting Drizzt and a new, unexpected look at Jarlaxle. I'm really liking where this story is taking Drizzt. So should you pick it up? Yes. Definitely. Even if you're not a fan of Drizzt, it's well worth a read. However, you should have a little prior knowledge before jumping in.
May 16, 2018
The last few books have broken my heart and made me happy here and there. I don't like change 🙁
June 10, 2012
This is my first 1 star review. It is also the first book ever that I felt utterly compelled to skim pages and skip sections to finish. Once upon a time I really liked Salvatore's writing and was completely in love with the Drizzt story. But something has happened after the first few trilogies with Salvatore's style that has caused me to lose interest. And it isn't the character, as I still love Drizzt to pieces.
At any rate the single star is for Jarlaxle's presence. Without him, I probably couldn't of been arsed to even finish this thing. I try to keep my reviews spoiler free so I'll try to be as vague as I can. As always, YMMV.
I found the tale was utterly predictable from the get go, and for such a short book, it was far too full of choppy sounding combat. This is what I ended up skipping after the first few battles. Page after page of the book felt more like filler than plot. In fact, I'd wager the entire story could have been told in one well-written chapter. Instead, it is dragged across 300 pages without the substance to make it interesting. And its not that interesting things didn't happen, its just that they weren't written about. There was plenty of material to be expanded on, but Salvatore chose not to do so. Drizzt himself feels like little more than a cameo, and the ending made sure I wouldn't be bothering to pick up the next in the series. I just don't like the 'new Cattie-brie' - which is who this book was truly about.
And I hate to say it, with as much as I love a good redemption: Sometimes, its better for the bad guys to stay that way.
At any rate the single star is for Jarlaxle's presence. Without him, I probably couldn't of been arsed to even finish this thing. I try to keep my reviews spoiler free so I'll try to be as vague as I can. As always, YMMV.
I found the tale was utterly predictable from the get go, and for such a short book, it was far too full of choppy sounding combat. This is what I ended up skipping after the first few battles. Page after page of the book felt more like filler than plot. In fact, I'd wager the entire story could have been told in one well-written chapter. Instead, it is dragged across 300 pages without the substance to make it interesting. And its not that interesting things didn't happen, its just that they weren't written about. There was plenty of material to be expanded on, but Salvatore chose not to do so. Drizzt himself feels like little more than a cameo, and the ending made sure I wouldn't be bothering to pick up the next in the series. I just don't like the 'new Cattie-brie' - which is who this book was truly about.
And I hate to say it, with as much as I love a good redemption: Sometimes, its better for the bad guys to stay that way.
February 9, 2016
An epic quest.
Memorable characters.
Great fight scenes.
Friendship.
Duty.
Laughs.
Epicness.
Hero's journey ends.
New roads opening.
New life starts.
Tears.
Lots of tears.
Long live to the King.
Long live to King Bruenor.
Previous book of Drizzt saga made me cry like a baby, at the end of this one I was crying again.
This is high fantasy at its best.
Thank you, mr Salvatore.
Memorable characters.
Great fight scenes.
Friendship.
Duty.
Laughs.
Epicness.
Hero's journey ends.
New roads opening.
New life starts.
Tears.
Lots of tears.
Long live to the King.
Long live to King Bruenor.
Previous book of Drizzt saga made me cry like a baby, at the end of this one I was crying again.
This is high fantasy at its best.
Thank you, mr Salvatore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
Gauntlgrym is the first of the NEVERWINTER trilogy and post-Spellplague books where 100 years have passed since the original novels as well as the death of most of Drizzt's friends. This has left Drizzt with only Bruenor Battlehammer as companionship plus the prospect of finding yet another lost dwarven city. Sort of the Moria to Mirthil Hall's Lonely Mountain. Things are darker, meaner, and less clear cut than they used to be during Drizzt's heyday, though. Barrabus the Gray, former Artemis Entreri is enslaved to the Shadovar via his magical blade.
Instead of good vs evil, the conflicts are evil versus evil. The Shadovar are unappose except by the Red Wizards of Thay. A choice of evils that everyone will lose from. New character Dahlia is an interesting contrast to Cattie Brie as a love interest and a character I like a great deal even if her origins are unnecessarily grimdark.
Instead of good vs evil, the conflicts are evil versus evil. The Shadovar are unappose except by the Red Wizards of Thay. A choice of evils that everyone will lose from. New character Dahlia is an interesting contrast to Cattie Brie as a love interest and a character I like a great deal even if her origins are unnecessarily grimdark.
December 21, 2012
My first Salvatore and legend of drizzt book. I gave up about half way through. Mostly boring. Dull characters, boring battle writing, minimal plot. I'm usually pretty stubborn about finishing books I start reading, but this was such as waste of time and easy to put down, that I saw no reason to continue.
July 3, 2011
good god. this series needs to end.
December 15, 2020
After many years of following Drizzt Do'Urden, the most recent book by RA Salvatore finds Bruenor and Drizzt on their own searching for Gauntlgrym. New characters are introduced as well as some older friends coming back for me (Jarlaxle specifically). Not sure exactly why, but I almost feel as if I'm losing interest the series. The writing is still spectacular, and I know that things could never remain the same as they were with the older books, but with so manyu changes happening and suddenly years and decades being lost between books and strangely, even within this book, I find that enjoying the Drizzt character may not be enough anymore. Especially considering the wild changes the character himself has gone through since the end of the third book in the Transitions trilogy. I will pick up the next book, as it seems that previous characters have been hinted at returning, and others may not have run their full course. Also, the introduction of one of the newer characters may breathe some life back into Drizzt and perhaps bring him back from the road he's begun to walk down (or could continue his descent down).
August 7, 2012
The only reason I gave the book four stars instead of three is because the book ties up the past nicely enough for Drizzt to move on.
November 4, 2023
THE END. T_T
July 11, 2021
Salah satu novel dari universe Forgotten Realms (juga siri game Dungeons & Dragons), antara siri novel fantasi yg terkenal dan banyak peminatnya. Merupakan buku pertama dalam quadrilogy 'The Neverwinter Saga' - menyambung kisah pengembaraan Drizzt Do'Urden dan rakan-rakannya. Juga merupakan buku ke-20 (dari 34) dalam siri 'The legend of Drizzt'. Buku kali ni memulakan era baru dalam siri 'The legend of Drizzt'. Plotline-nya banyak lompat2 latar masa (dari 50 tahun, pastu 10 tahun lagi). Banyak watak2 utama baru juga mula diperkenalkan. Scene2 aksi dan fantasi pula macam biasa, masih mantap.
Plot novel kali ni mengisahkan tentang pengembaraan Drizzt dan Bruenor mencari Gauntlgrym, sebuah bandar purba dwarves yg telah hilang ditelan zaman. Tetapi Jarlaxle, Athrogate, Dahlia, dan beberapa individu lain telah menemuinya terlebih dahulu, dan telah membebaskan sesuatu yg dahsyat secara tidak sengaja. Akhirnya, Jarlaxle terpaksa meminta bantuan Drizzt dan Bruenor untuk membetulkan kembali kesilapan itu...
Plot novel kali ni mengisahkan tentang pengembaraan Drizzt dan Bruenor mencari Gauntlgrym, sebuah bandar purba dwarves yg telah hilang ditelan zaman. Tetapi Jarlaxle, Athrogate, Dahlia, dan beberapa individu lain telah menemuinya terlebih dahulu, dan telah membebaskan sesuatu yg dahsyat secara tidak sengaja. Akhirnya, Jarlaxle terpaksa meminta bantuan Drizzt dan Bruenor untuk membetulkan kembali kesilapan itu...
January 1, 2023
An excellent read for which I truly enjoyed. Not only did Bruenor and Drizzt find the Famed Gauntlgrym But it was at great cost which that Drizzt were to lose more of his life long friends. Drizzt has lost so much over the years no telling what is left for the poor drow or what the future might hold for him. Only Mr. Salvatore knows and I will be looking forward to reading the rest of his books. He is one of the if not the best Fantasy fiction authors ever.
April 16, 2017
Nyt kyllä voisi jonkun lapsuus olla pilalla.
September 17, 2018
Salvatore no flaquea. Acción bien narrada, personajes con la profundidad suficiente como para no ser meras maquetas y una trama entretenida.
September 3, 2018
Definitely one of my favourites by Salvatore. Excellent ending, extraordinary character progression. In all honesty pretty tearful at the very end.
August 16, 2011
Drizzt fighting? check. World run amok? check. Another story plot where lots of changes are going to happen? check. Yet another book that will please the majority of Drizzt fans all over the world. The last trilogy (Transitions) was one that took me a while to get used to. It could have been because of the drastic changes happening to Drizzt, or it could have been the writing style (I found some parts to be extremely slow) but Gauntlgrym calmed my fears and woes. I could not put down this book while I was reading it.
The plot was most definitely a good read and as exciting as I thought it would be. The action is consistent with all of Salvatore’s novels and I’m glad that has not changed. Drizzt has changed, whether for better or for worse we’re still not sure. His development as a character is still wonderful to read and it’s always amazing to see him develop - especially when you think he’s already reached his limit (or maybe he has?) The pace was definitely faster than most of Salvatore’s novels - yet that could be because I was just so engrossed with the overall plot and how the story was going.
Again, as usual it’s always nice to see other beloved characters from Salvatore’s other works to make an appearance. I’ve always enjoyed (and squeed) when Valas Hune came along as he’s one of my favorite characters outside of Drizzt and his circle of friends also to note, Gromph also appears as well (another squee came from me when I read this part). So seeing a cameo appearance from him was nice to see in this book. There are new characters to add, and Dahlia of course, is the most fascinating one of all. I liked her personality and she was a strong character that could possibly be a potential fighting companion to fight alongside Drizzt, they did seem to fight along really well together. I am really looking forward to reading more about her, as she seems to be a great idea for yet another plot for Drizzt to deal with.
Drizzt fans will be happy with this book. It opens up quite a few possibilities for Drizzt to explore, and with a new set of characters there’s a lot more in store for him. There are also quite a few changes, and although it was sad to see some of the other characters go, I am hoping the new ones will keep Drizzt adventures going for yet another fantastic round. Fans will love this one, and newbies should read the entire Drizzt saga from the beginning in order to fully appreciate it. I can’t wait for the next book!
The plot was most definitely a good read and as exciting as I thought it would be. The action is consistent with all of Salvatore’s novels and I’m glad that has not changed. Drizzt has changed, whether for better or for worse we’re still not sure. His development as a character is still wonderful to read and it’s always amazing to see him develop - especially when you think he’s already reached his limit (or maybe he has?) The pace was definitely faster than most of Salvatore’s novels - yet that could be because I was just so engrossed with the overall plot and how the story was going.
Again, as usual it’s always nice to see other beloved characters from Salvatore’s other works to make an appearance. I’ve always enjoyed (and squeed) when Valas Hune came along as he’s one of my favorite characters outside of Drizzt and his circle of friends also to note, Gromph also appears as well (another squee came from me when I read this part). So seeing a cameo appearance from him was nice to see in this book. There are new characters to add, and Dahlia of course, is the most fascinating one of all. I liked her personality and she was a strong character that could possibly be a potential fighting companion to fight alongside Drizzt, they did seem to fight along really well together. I am really looking forward to reading more about her, as she seems to be a great idea for yet another plot for Drizzt to deal with.
Drizzt fans will be happy with this book. It opens up quite a few possibilities for Drizzt to explore, and with a new set of characters there’s a lot more in store for him. There are also quite a few changes, and although it was sad to see some of the other characters go, I am hoping the new ones will keep Drizzt adventures going for yet another fantastic round. Fans will love this one, and newbies should read the entire Drizzt saga from the beginning in order to fully appreciate it. I can’t wait for the next book!
February 18, 2011
Not only did I grow up with the Drizzt novels but I can say that they got me through some hard times spent in hospital as a teenager going through back surgery. So I feel a strong kinship with the twin scimitar wielding drow ranger. The tales have got a little repetitive since the Silent Blade with all the characters seeming nothing more than high level player characters from a game of D&D. But that is what it is and long live Drizzt Do'Urden! Gauntlgrym continues taking Drizzt into a darker place as he outlives friends and family and must find a purpose in a changing world. The book brings together many of Salvatore's most beloved Realms characters including a subtle return of one who is sure to stir things up in the forthcoming novels. As usual with Salvatore the action scenes are vivid in their detail and hard hitting in their delivery. Unsure about the cover however as the promised scene portrayed never occured...
An impossible chapter in the story of Drizzt for any fan to pass up.
An impossible chapter in the story of Drizzt for any fan to pass up.
October 11, 2010
A book written with joy and love for the characters protrayed: old friends, indeed, spanning 20-plus years of the author's life; a philosophical musing on Life, Purpose, and Fulfillment clothed in rich and fine garments of Good vs Evil, High Adventure, Heritage and Tradition, Friendship and Love. RA Salvatore's Gauntlgrym will move you, I unabahedly assert, and will bring tears to your eye - tears of joy, of just reward - by the time you finish the epilogue.
I will only add, then say no more - for you should experience this read as a well-earned, joyous discovery much like a certain Dwarf King does when arriving, after a lifetime's faith and questing, at a particular throne room - that you will find humor, comfort, satisfaction, and pleasure in Mr. Salvatore's latest be you a long-time fantasy afficionado or newly come to the genre.
May we all be so blessed, after a long life well-lived, to have the opportunity to say,"I found it, Elf."
I will only add, then say no more - for you should experience this read as a well-earned, joyous discovery much like a certain Dwarf King does when arriving, after a lifetime's faith and questing, at a particular throne room - that you will find humor, comfort, satisfaction, and pleasure in Mr. Salvatore's latest be you a long-time fantasy afficionado or newly come to the genre.
May we all be so blessed, after a long life well-lived, to have the opportunity to say,"I found it, Elf."
January 1, 2018
A decent attempt at honouring the ever growing legacy of Drizzt Do'Urden. Unfortunately the mere presence of the legendary drow does not make any tale a sure win. Constant leaps through time and between characters drowns the story, seemingly rushed and underwhelming. Salvatore has used this technique in the past but it is usually done with more flair and careful consideration. The discovery of the fable city of Gauntlgrym does not meet expectations at all, given the city has been mentioned time and time again throughout Salvatore's epics. Overall the story is well written and some characters can be genuinely loved or hated. The exploration of Drizzt through his dealings with loss and death are exceptional. His emotions appear more genuine than ever before. The death of Bruenor Battlehammer is a cruel way to end the first book in a trilogy, but has been a long time coming.
Overall an average read. Yet loyalty to Drizzt and friends can make transgressions bearable.
Overall an average read. Yet loyalty to Drizzt and friends can make transgressions bearable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2017
This book seemingly closed the door to some characters who I thought could have ended up being written back into the series. In that respect I am happy to have some closure and good deaths. I felt like the semi-main character that was introduced lacked significant back-story. But Jarlaxle and Athrogate in the book helps to offset an otherwise muddy and somewhat unnecessarily plot. But then again, perhaps it was muddy because I am a poor listener and chose to listen to this on audiobook?
June 5, 2019
I had a hard time with this one.
Background: this book is the aftermath of D&D next edition moving the world forward 100 years which means any series with humans in it is screwed because humans don't live 100 years or more. So how do you deal with a continuing series when all your human characters are screwed?
This felt like the book Salvatore had to write instead of the book he wanted to write.
No spoilers here but we've pretty much got Drizzt and Bruenor looking for Gauntlgrym (the legendary homeland of the Delzoun dwarves). We've got some new interesting characters (Dahlia) and old ones ones (Jarlaxle and Athrogate).
It was literally page 233 when I finally started enjoying the book (yes I made a note of the page). Up until that point this was a one star book - uninteresting story, multiple POV's for no reason, rambling plot. On page 234 I started to care. The plot took off. The characters I started to care about. The rest of the book is the Salvatore I know and love.
So I averaged it out to three stars.
Normally I pound these books out in less than a week and this one took me three weeks to finish.
Not his best, not his worst.
I'm hoping this was just a blip on the radar as he got his sea legs again after being forced by D&D to move the story forward 100 years.
Background: this book is the aftermath of D&D next edition moving the world forward 100 years which means any series with humans in it is screwed because humans don't live 100 years or more. So how do you deal with a continuing series when all your human characters are screwed?
This felt like the book Salvatore had to write instead of the book he wanted to write.
No spoilers here but we've pretty much got Drizzt and Bruenor looking for Gauntlgrym (the legendary homeland of the Delzoun dwarves). We've got some new interesting characters (Dahlia) and old ones ones (Jarlaxle and Athrogate).
It was literally page 233 when I finally started enjoying the book (yes I made a note of the page). Up until that point this was a one star book - uninteresting story, multiple POV's for no reason, rambling plot. On page 234 I started to care. The plot took off. The characters I started to care about. The rest of the book is the Salvatore I know and love.
So I averaged it out to three stars.
Normally I pound these books out in less than a week and this one took me three weeks to finish.
Not his best, not his worst.
I'm hoping this was just a blip on the radar as he got his sea legs again after being forced by D&D to move the story forward 100 years.
September 12, 2025
8,5/10 En aquesta nova entrega de la llegenda de Drizzt, Salvatore ens ofereix una visió més complexa i fosca del protagonista, aprofundint en les seves capes emocionals i en els dilemes morals que l’envolten. La seva prosa, àgil i plena d’acció, combina descripcions vívides amb diàlegs punyents, aconseguint un ritme narratiu intens i absorbent.
Un dels grans encerts és la seva estructura coral: la història no es concentra únicament en Drizzt, sinó que atorga un espai generós a un ampli ventall de personatges fascinants. Això dota la trama d’una major amplitud i dinamisme, mantenint l’interès en tot moment. La fantasia èpica hi resplendeix amb tota la seva força: elfs, drows, nans, lichs i vampirs conflueixen en un món ricament construït.
Cal subratllar la mestria amb què Salvatore caracteritza els seus personatges. Jarlaxle destaca amb la seva astúcia i carisma irresistibles, mentre que la introducció de Dahlia —una elfa marcada per un passat turmentós— aporta una intensitat emocional captivadora. Les relacions entre ells, fetes de conflictes i aliances, teixeixen una xarxa d’interaccions que eleva la novel·la molt més enllà de la simple aventura.
Un dels grans encerts és la seva estructura coral: la història no es concentra únicament en Drizzt, sinó que atorga un espai generós a un ampli ventall de personatges fascinants. Això dota la trama d’una major amplitud i dinamisme, mantenint l’interès en tot moment. La fantasia èpica hi resplendeix amb tota la seva força: elfs, drows, nans, lichs i vampirs conflueixen en un món ricament construït.
Cal subratllar la mestria amb què Salvatore caracteritza els seus personatges. Jarlaxle destaca amb la seva astúcia i carisma irresistibles, mentre que la introducció de Dahlia —una elfa marcada per un passat turmentós— aporta una intensitat emocional captivadora. Les relacions entre ells, fetes de conflictes i aliances, teixeixen una xarxa d’interaccions que eleva la novel·la molt més enllà de la simple aventura.
July 2, 2022
Good book. A little slow at times due to the extensive descriptions of the battles and such.
For my clean readers: violence, murder, rape, some language(mostly damn), and romance(a sex scene that is not graphic, but not really necessary). One of the characters tosses their baby over a cliff at her rapist. She is angry and grieved and young, but realizes as soon as she does it that it was wrong. It helps shape her character, but is horrifying none the less.
For my clean readers: violence, murder, rape, some language(mostly damn), and romance(a sex scene that is not graphic, but not really necessary). One of the characters tosses their baby over a cliff at her rapist. She is angry and grieved and young, but realizes as soon as she does it that it was wrong. It helps shape her character, but is horrifying none the less.
March 18, 2025
Hi,
Mr. Salvatore writes solid fight scenes, and one can learn alot from his writing, but joining into book one of a trilogy in a world that was already well crafted (see the rest of Mr. Salvatore's works before this book), felt as if I was missing a lot of information that was to be expected from me. I think more time could have been put into some of the lore expanding the world for a new reader. Overall pacing was ok, but I expected more and it did not delivery what I wanted.
Mr. Salvatore writes solid fight scenes, and one can learn alot from his writing, but joining into book one of a trilogy in a world that was already well crafted (see the rest of Mr. Salvatore's works before this book), felt as if I was missing a lot of information that was to be expected from me. I think more time could have been put into some of the lore expanding the world for a new reader. Overall pacing was ok, but I expected more and it did not delivery what I wanted.
March 12, 2018
milujem ten svet, hned sa pustím do ďalšieho dielu ❤
August 21, 2023
Relecture
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