Book Review: Homeland-The Legend of Drizzt by R. A. Salvatore
Published April 25, 2006
Salvatore chooses to create a more simplistic caricature for her, which is unfortunate (as are most of the depictions of his female characters). I understand that they are evil and that by using women that creates an immediate contrast, as women tend to be the nurturers and not destroyers, but especially with Vierna, this was a waste of an excellent character.
Warning: Spoiler
Further, Salvatore has her have incestuous designs on her brother at one point and then almost has him killed. She does actually participate in the killing of her own father at the end of the book, which is simply horrific. I wish Salvatore had been clearer with her character but I believe he just considers her a plot point or window dressing.
Spoiler End
Drizzt comes through the terror of his upbringing, discovers the lies of his people, and is utterly shattered by them. He has nowhere to go and no earthly idea of how he will survive, just that he must and will make his way alone in the Underdark as a rogue Drow, a dark elf hunted by his family and those who would seek to use him in some fashion.
Drizzt has been taught well by his father and he is a fighter without equal. I found the fight scenes to be some of the finest I've ever read. They were pure magic in their description.
Drizzt is a brilliant fighter but he is fallible, which makes his feats even more breathtaking. There is always a chance that he could be defeated. I like that Salvatore keeps that level of excitement throughout these scenes and that he rarely goes for the gross-out. It is much more poignant not to describe every grotesque detail (as George R. R. Martin would), but to really let your imagination depict the horror for you. It also keeps the writing tight and from seeming immature.
Drizzt Do'Urden is so compelling that you might as well order the entire trilogy when you pick up the first book. The second book, Exile is absolutely stunning and the final book in the trilogy, Sojurn was one of the best fantasy novels I have ever read.
For a unique, original, and a brilliantly created main character Bob Salvatore has my great thanks as a reader and now fan.
- Book Review: Homeland-The Legend of Drizzt by R. A. Salvatore
- Published: April 25, 2006
- Type: Review
- Section: Books
- Filed Under: Books: Fantasy
- Writer: Amita
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I just started "The Crystal Shard" which actually was Bob Salvatore's first book and the first where Drizzt appears. "Homeland" was not his first book and so far, although interesting, "The Crystal Shard" is not shaping up to be anywhere near as well-done as the Legend of Drizzt books.
Still I greatly value such a strong character - does anyone have any recommendations for other strongly developed fantasy fiction characters?
I read this one a while ago and agree that the female characters were not well developed. I would not have continued with Salvatore's books if I hadn't read your review of Book II. Salvatore obviously improved his characterizations in Book II and I hope he continued that approach in Sojourn. I have a copy of Sojourn waiting in the wings...I wonder if I'll read it before you do! I do hope to see more reviews from you.
I see that you are a working witch and wonder if you read metaphysical books as well as fantasy fiction.
these books are really good they get me into the story really fast but i wish i could mail or email bob salvatore to tell him he does a great job with hid books
I found this book to be absolutely amazing. This was a great experience and I am currently on the 7th book. Amita I would reccomend the Dragonlance series particularly the ones by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.
I thought that Drizzt was the best character in any book that i've ever read
This book has a great story-line, creative, original Characters, and it was concise and well-edited. I'm currently on the 10th book, but i read the last 3 books first.
If you like sci-fi books or evolution theories, then read some of Steven Baxter's Books.
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I'm not fond of most of the fantasy genre - Tolkien and a handful of others aside - as it rarely beings forth strong, inspired characterization and tends to rely on hackneyed, cliche-ridden plots and unrealistic or inconsistent worlds. Few of the books go beyond the "look at me, I'm an elf/dwarf/ranger/imitation hobbit".
Drizzt Do'Urdan is one of the very few fantasy characters that have an exceptional amount of life breathed into them and transcend the common shortcomings of the genre.