Ah, Drizzt Do'Urden, the dark-elven ranger of Icewind Dale. If you've read fantasy, you've probably come across Drizzt. With his ebony skin and shock of white hair, and his twin scimitars Icing-death and Twinkle, Drizzt has adventured with fantasy readers in nineteen books since The Crystal Shard was published in 1988. Ironically, Drizzt was meant to be a support character to Wulfgar the barbarian, but readers clamored for more Drizzt adventures, and eventually he took over as the main character of his books.

Drizzt's adventures are set in the Forgotten Realms, a setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. He is, in fact, the most well known character in said setting. The books don't however, require a knowledge of D&D to be enjoyed, so don't let that stop you from picking them up.

In chronological order:

The Dark Elf trilogy, featuring Drizzt as a young drow in the underground city of Mezzoberranzan and his eventual journey to the world above. Consist of:
Homeland (1990)
Exile (1990)
Sojourn (1991)

The Icewind Dale trilogy, actually the first series published, with Drizzt adventuring in the frozen land of Icewind Dale. Consist of:
The Crystal Shard (1988)
Streams of Silver (1989)
The Halfling's Gem (1990)

The Legacy of the Drow quartet, telling the tale of the drow's invasion of Mithral Hall, home to Drizzt and friends, with Drizzt having to deal with his pass. Consist of:
The Legacy (1992)
Starless Night (1993)
Siege of Darkness (1994)
Passage to Dawn (1996)

Path of Darkness quartet, with Drizzt dealing with the aftermath of the attempted drow invasion, and his adventuring along the Sword Coast of the Forgotten Realms. Consist of:
The Silent Blade (1998)
The Spine of the World (1999)
Servant of the Shard (2000)
Sea of Swords (2001)

The Hunter's Blade trilogy, which tells the tale of yet another invasion on Mithral Hall, this time by orcs led by King Obould Many Arrows. Consist of:
The Thousand Orcs (2002)
The Lone Drow (2003)
The Two Swords (2004)

The Transitions Trilogy, mainly a story to bring Drizzt from the old D&D universe to the new one. Currently two books have been published, with the third expected in October. Consist of:
The Orc King 2007
The Pirate King 2008
The Ghost King October 2009

Writing wise, these books are nothing to shout about. Salvatore is good at describing sword fights, but is otherwise a simple writer. He does attempt to write about morality and such, especially in the 'Drizzt journal excerpts' that begins every chapter, but it can sometimes come across as overly dramatic. Still, Drizzt racing across the tundra, cutting orcs and goblins to shreds with his scimitars whirling around him, is reason enough to read these books.

With the introduction written, lets talk about events in the latest books. I've read up to The Orc King (hardcover is too expensive for me so no Pirate King yet) and



This post has been edited by dishwasher: Jan 20 2009, 02:10 AM

I've only read the Icewind Dale one. Really good. I really like his way of writing, very descriptive. Borrowed a friend's copy.

I think I have one of his books about Drizzt in Audiobook but I cant rmbr which one.

where did u buy your books dishwasher

I got most of them from Borders or MPH. The old books I got in the single volume versions - entire series in one book. Its cheaper by far then buying the books separately. These are easily available in most book stores of the above chains, under D&D section.

If anyone here is also a fan of MMOG besides a fan of Drizzt Do'Urden, there will be a MMOG based on Drizzt himself soon!
--> http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/51997

This post has been edited by firedauz: Jan 21 2009, 12:14 PM

I killed and gang robbed him in Baldur's Gate. ;-)

I loved the Hunter's Blade trilogy even though it ruined my Silver Marches campaign, still want to know if Obould is confirmed to be a Chosen. Although in the novel he seems like it (with his superpowers and all) but no official stats has been given.

Personally, I'm really disappointed with what they did to the Realms by advancing the timeline and destroying most of the world with the Spellplague. This new trilogy is suppose to explain these changes and how it has affected the Realms (which is why it is called the Transistion) and we might also see a change in Drizzt's character.

Artemis is confirmed to be immortal because of the Shard of Shadow (IIRC, didn't read the novels but it was confirmed on the D&D boards/forums) so maybe we can see another moral showdown somewhere along the line.

AFAIK, in the Pirate King, Drizzt is off to Luskan where he would probably meet the Pirate Lords and the wizards of the Arcane Tower.

None of these books can be found in east Malaysia so far I've looked (except for a hardcover Orc King which was too expensive to buy) but I'm not so sure if I really want to follow this trilogy. I'm almost done with the Realms and not that much interested with it's future.

Btw, there is another book in between Halfling's Gem and Streams of Silver that was written by Salvatore's son, Geno, 'The Stowaway' (IIRC). It's a different hero but Drizzt makes a cameo appearance in there.

Also, there's already an official Drizzt magic card revealed by Wizards early this month.



This post has been edited by Questing GM: Apr 6 2009, 09:54 AM

love drizzt...i like 'homeworld' the most..the plotting between dark elves..how they scheme against each other..lol..

the legacy of the drow is truly epic..the battle between dark elves and the dwarf reminds me of LOTR's battle..truly amazing..

it is strange that it is so hard to find this series even in kl..i had to hunt the gift pack of the hunter's blade trilogy until singapore..

This post has been edited by nimloth32: Apr 22 2009, 10:45 PM

I've only really liked The Dark Elf Trilogy. After that, Salvatore just makes Drizzt incredibly overpowered and things start getting out of control, plus I find his emo reflective monologues between sections rather annoying.

OH NOES!!1 I'LL OUTLIVE CATTIE-BRIE!11 WUT TEW DO?!?!!1

Jst continue back The Legacy of the Drow quartet after i have stopped halfway 10 yrs ago..and amazingly, i still like this fella....~

My favourite.

Make it a movie pls.