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Homecoming #1
Archmage
DRIZZT RETURNS TO THE UNDERDARK!
“After a quarter of a century, R.A. Salvatore just keeps getting better and better, and The Companions is another masterful leap forward for one of the greatest fantasy epics of all time.”
—Philip Athans, best-selling author of Annihilation and Writing Monsters
R.A. Salvatore
Archmage
The pall that had descended over the North is gone, and a new day has dawned on a victorious Mithral Hall, but no matter how bright things seem on the surface, Drizzt and his companions know that what lurks just under their feet remains steeped in evil and charged with unimaginable power.
The dark elves of Menzoberranzan, including the powerful Archmage Gromph, aren’t done with Drizzt yet. And consumed by their own power struggles, feeling backed into a corner, the drow may just be desperate enough to call on demonic forces from the deepest reaches of the Abyss, and unleash a disaster even the Underdark could never have prepared for.
Archmage has everything Drizzt’s fans action, adventure, characters that resonate with equal measures of warrior spirit and deep compassion, and no shortage of wicked dark elves!
“After a quarter of a century, R.A. Salvatore just keeps getting better and better, and The Companions is another masterful leap forward for one of the greatest fantasy epics of all time.”
—Philip Athans, best-selling author of Annihilation and Writing Monsters
R.A. Salvatore
Archmage
The pall that had descended over the North is gone, and a new day has dawned on a victorious Mithral Hall, but no matter how bright things seem on the surface, Drizzt and his companions know that what lurks just under their feet remains steeped in evil and charged with unimaginable power.
The dark elves of Menzoberranzan, including the powerful Archmage Gromph, aren’t done with Drizzt yet. And consumed by their own power struggles, feeling backed into a corner, the drow may just be desperate enough to call on demonic forces from the deepest reaches of the Abyss, and unleash a disaster even the Underdark could never have prepared for.
Archmage has everything Drizzt’s fans action, adventure, characters that resonate with equal measures of warrior spirit and deep compassion, and no shortage of wicked dark elves!
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
449 people are currently reading
5403 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Salvatore
607 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 213 reviews
September 23, 2015
Standard R.A. Salvatore Biased Review Caveat: Bob Salvatore is one of my favorite authors and has been for 20 years; he’s also, amongst the writers I’ve had the good fortune to meet and/or interview, one of the nicest and most generous with his time. So, any book that has his name on the cover gets an extra bump up the review scale compared to if the same book had been written by someone not named Bob Salvatore.
With that said…3.5 Stars
(Note: this review assumes you’ve read previous books in the series…if you haven’t, none of this will make any sense; if you have, it might make some semblance of sense, but probably not much, because that’s just how I do. It also has SPOILERS.)
And so begins yet another saga featuring the Companions of the Hall, and it’s got a lot going for it:
• The first book in quite some time where our beloved Companions begin the story healthy, happy, and together
• Lots of Jarlaxle and Kimmuriel
• Gromph—loads and loads o’ Gromph
• Dwarves EVERYWHERE
• Minimal Dahlia appearances
Huzzah for all that promise! So, Sean, why “only” 3.5 stars? And why do birds suddenly appear EVERY SINGLE TIME you are near? Well, the answer to the former question is much easier, so let’s tackle that one first:
• The reunited-and-it-feels-so-good status lasts for about 10 seconds before Regis and Wulfgar ride off for lusty adventures of their own, presumably to be detailed in coming books (I do kind of like that, in his reincarnated form, Wulfgar’s pretty much down to clown with anything that moves…you go, you formerly repressed barbarian sulk monster; in this life, yetis are your playground).
• Remember how Jarlaxle was essentially deus ex machina in sexy drow form in Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf? More of the same here. Only with less dragon sister kasnorking (I feel like “kasnorking” is a classier word than “fornicating,” though I’ve been known to be wrong on rare occasions).
• Turns out watching Gromph sit around and think and cast spells is less interesting than you’d think…though he does unleash one dilly of a pickle at the end of the book (time to dust off those Fiend Folios, Gygaxians).
• There might be such a thing as too many dwarves. Especially when Bruenor starts going all Big Love.
• Minimal Dahlia, yes, but she’s still there.
Two other points against Archmage being a stellar start to a new series:
• I think Cattie-brie is a divinely sanctioned racist now. I don’t like that.
• Drizzt gets his ass handed to him, lingers near death, and may be permanently disabled…and then is up and around like nothing happened, and not only proceeds to pummel a marilith, he pummels THE Marilith. I mean, Drizzt is amazing, but this seems to defy even his exceptional ability to…wait, what’s that? Jarlaxle had something to do with his miraculous recovery? Right. See note on Jarlaxle above.
It probably sounds like I’m being overly critical, and I probably am, because this story is still delightful good fun. I mean, come on—it’s Drizzt, Cattie-brie, and a bunch of dwarves running around fighting demons underground. How can it NOT be awesome?
The rest of the series promises to be very interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. Needless to say, your intrepid reporter will keep you posted.
(Oh, and as for that bird thing…as near as I can tell, it’s probably just because I carry a lot of birdseed in my pockets. I like how it feels betwixt my fingers. So what? That just makes me awesomer.)
With that said…3.5 Stars
(Note: this review assumes you’ve read previous books in the series…if you haven’t, none of this will make any sense; if you have, it might make some semblance of sense, but probably not much, because that’s just how I do. It also has SPOILERS.)
And so begins yet another saga featuring the Companions of the Hall, and it’s got a lot going for it:
• The first book in quite some time where our beloved Companions begin the story healthy, happy, and together
• Lots of Jarlaxle and Kimmuriel
• Gromph—loads and loads o’ Gromph
• Dwarves EVERYWHERE
• Minimal Dahlia appearances
Huzzah for all that promise! So, Sean, why “only” 3.5 stars? And why do birds suddenly appear EVERY SINGLE TIME you are near? Well, the answer to the former question is much easier, so let’s tackle that one first:
• The reunited-and-it-feels-so-good status lasts for about 10 seconds before Regis and Wulfgar ride off for lusty adventures of their own, presumably to be detailed in coming books (I do kind of like that, in his reincarnated form, Wulfgar’s pretty much down to clown with anything that moves…you go, you formerly repressed barbarian sulk monster; in this life, yetis are your playground).
• Remember how Jarlaxle was essentially deus ex machina in sexy drow form in Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf? More of the same here. Only with less dragon sister kasnorking (I feel like “kasnorking” is a classier word than “fornicating,” though I’ve been known to be wrong on rare occasions).
• Turns out watching Gromph sit around and think and cast spells is less interesting than you’d think…though he does unleash one dilly of a pickle at the end of the book (time to dust off those Fiend Folios, Gygaxians).
• There might be such a thing as too many dwarves. Especially when Bruenor starts going all Big Love.
• Minimal Dahlia, yes, but she’s still there.
Two other points against Archmage being a stellar start to a new series:
• I think Cattie-brie is a divinely sanctioned racist now. I don’t like that.
• Drizzt gets his ass handed to him, lingers near death, and may be permanently disabled…and then is up and around like nothing happened, and not only proceeds to pummel a marilith, he pummels THE Marilith. I mean, Drizzt is amazing, but this seems to defy even his exceptional ability to…wait, what’s that? Jarlaxle had something to do with his miraculous recovery? Right. See note on Jarlaxle above.
It probably sounds like I’m being overly critical, and I probably am, because this story is still delightful good fun. I mean, come on—it’s Drizzt, Cattie-brie, and a bunch of dwarves running around fighting demons underground. How can it NOT be awesome?
The rest of the series promises to be very interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. Needless to say, your intrepid reporter will keep you posted.
(Oh, and as for that bird thing…as near as I can tell, it’s probably just because I carry a lot of birdseed in my pockets. I like how it feels betwixt my fingers. So what? That just makes me awesomer.)
December 7, 2024
Here be dwarves! This novel reads smoothly enough, though little of note occurs in the first 40% or so. The plot is straightforward, steadily building toward an outcome that feels inevitable from the outset.
There are frequent reminders of the current state of affairs, which are quite handy if you’ve not read the more recent books for a while—or at all. Similarly, the narrative goes to great lengths to ensure there’s no risk of taxing one’s intellectual reserves.
That said, there is an unexpected twist involving Drizzt, who remains a superb character throughout. Fortunately, there’s only a touch of Dahlia (though it seems she’s not faring particularly well, nor has Salvatore quite decided what to do with her). Doum’wielle makes a brief appearance, and I find her tolerable enough. We also get glimpses of the roguish Wulfgar and solemn Regis, (the latter held largely in reserve). Then, of course, there are plenty of dwarves, demons, and drow elves—Kimmuriel remains a favourite, the assured titular character takes the spotlight, and Jarlaxle is as ever the ultimate trump card, appearing everywhere and anywhere!
The story also features Catti-brie acquiring dubious pets, a few Bleeding-Heart moments, a perplexing ending, and a tantalising Last-Line promise.
Altogether, it’s a standard *first book in a trilogy of this new Drizzt era*—cleverly crafted, as always. My previous thoughts on the latest instalments are reaffirmed: nothing particularly original here, but...
Who cares? Dwarves!! Demons!! Matron mothers!! Battles!! Fireballs!!
“Bwahaha!”
There are frequent reminders of the current state of affairs, which are quite handy if you’ve not read the more recent books for a while—or at all. Similarly, the narrative goes to great lengths to ensure there’s no risk of taxing one’s intellectual reserves.
That said, there is an unexpected twist involving Drizzt, who remains a superb character throughout. Fortunately, there’s only a touch of Dahlia (though it seems she’s not faring particularly well, nor has Salvatore quite decided what to do with her). Doum’wielle makes a brief appearance, and I find her tolerable enough. We also get glimpses of the roguish Wulfgar and solemn Regis, (the latter held largely in reserve). Then, of course, there are plenty of dwarves, demons, and drow elves—Kimmuriel remains a favourite, the assured titular character takes the spotlight, and Jarlaxle is as ever the ultimate trump card, appearing everywhere and anywhere!
The story also features Catti-brie acquiring dubious pets, a few Bleeding-Heart moments, a perplexing ending, and a tantalising Last-Line promise.
Altogether, it’s a standard *first book in a trilogy of this new Drizzt era*—cleverly crafted, as always. My previous thoughts on the latest instalments are reaffirmed: nothing particularly original here, but...
Who cares? Dwarves!! Demons!! Matron mothers!! Battles!! Fireballs!!
“Bwahaha!”
July 5, 2015
ARC from Netgalley. Obvious Spoilers ahead...
In the fall of 1992, me being 12 at the time, a friend of mine gave me Homeland, Exile, and Sojourn, the first three novels in what is now known as The Legend of Drizzt. In it, I met Drizzt himself, and started upon a journey that I am still taking, 23 years later and finishing Book 28: Homecoming Vol 1: Archmage.
Over time, the books have come to include a large cast of characters, all intersecting portions of Drizzt's life. Some of these characters we see clearly and relate to deeply, finding ourselves running through the full range of emotions, from the highest of joys at victory or renewal, to the lows of mourning and loss. This novel is no different, yet focuses more heavily on the Companions and enemies than on Drizzt himself.
After the end of the War of the Silver Marches (see Companions Codex Vol 3: Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf), a tentative peace is arranged with the orcs and rebuilding begins. 4 Dwarven kings (Connerad of Mithril Hall, Emerus of Citadel Felbarr, Harnoth of Citadel Adbar, and our friend Bruenor) come together and decide that it is time to reclaim Gauntlgrym, the original dwarven kingdom of the Delzoun clan, now held by drow elves as the city of Q'Xorlarrin. The other Companions of the Hall follow, but begin to see their lives going in possibly different directions, some towards love (Regis), others adventure (Wulfgar), and some to establish "home" (Drizzt and Catti-Brie).
The drow of Menzoberranzan continue to scheme, and in an effort to regain the upper hand, Matron Mother Quenthel Baenre begins to allow demons to enter the city once again, renewing the chaos that ruled in the time of its' origins. Combine that with Gromph Baenre having his own aspirations of power, Kimmuriel furthering his plans for the revenge of House Oblodra, the typical self-serving machinations of Jarlaxle, and the unending search for revenge filling the heart of Tiago Baenre, and you have the typical stew of evil that Salvatore has come to serve his readers so well... and that's not even including story lines involving Lolth and Errtu, as well as the return of the Harpell Family.
I'll not say more, as to not spoiler the emotional roller coaster for you readers who have yet to experience this excellent novel, but the ride is a chaotic one this time. Characters develop even more depth than before and the foreshadowing is thick for future installments. Hang on for a trip that can only be experienced in a Drizzt book. Not all will make it out alive, and the last 100 pages alone will make you consume it in one sitting, but the "Legend" continues on. Mr. Salvatore, I continue to salute you, and follow my friend Drizzt wherever his journey may take him.
In the fall of 1992, me being 12 at the time, a friend of mine gave me Homeland, Exile, and Sojourn, the first three novels in what is now known as The Legend of Drizzt. In it, I met Drizzt himself, and started upon a journey that I am still taking, 23 years later and finishing Book 28: Homecoming Vol 1: Archmage.
Over time, the books have come to include a large cast of characters, all intersecting portions of Drizzt's life. Some of these characters we see clearly and relate to deeply, finding ourselves running through the full range of emotions, from the highest of joys at victory or renewal, to the lows of mourning and loss. This novel is no different, yet focuses more heavily on the Companions and enemies than on Drizzt himself.
After the end of the War of the Silver Marches (see Companions Codex Vol 3: Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf), a tentative peace is arranged with the orcs and rebuilding begins. 4 Dwarven kings (Connerad of Mithril Hall, Emerus of Citadel Felbarr, Harnoth of Citadel Adbar, and our friend Bruenor) come together and decide that it is time to reclaim Gauntlgrym, the original dwarven kingdom of the Delzoun clan, now held by drow elves as the city of Q'Xorlarrin. The other Companions of the Hall follow, but begin to see their lives going in possibly different directions, some towards love (Regis), others adventure (Wulfgar), and some to establish "home" (Drizzt and Catti-Brie).
The drow of Menzoberranzan continue to scheme, and in an effort to regain the upper hand, Matron Mother Quenthel Baenre begins to allow demons to enter the city once again, renewing the chaos that ruled in the time of its' origins. Combine that with Gromph Baenre having his own aspirations of power, Kimmuriel furthering his plans for the revenge of House Oblodra, the typical self-serving machinations of Jarlaxle, and the unending search for revenge filling the heart of Tiago Baenre, and you have the typical stew of evil that Salvatore has come to serve his readers so well... and that's not even including story lines involving Lolth and Errtu, as well as the return of the Harpell Family.
I'll not say more, as to not spoiler the emotional roller coaster for you readers who have yet to experience this excellent novel, but the ride is a chaotic one this time. Characters develop even more depth than before and the foreshadowing is thick for future installments. Hang on for a trip that can only be experienced in a Drizzt book. Not all will make it out alive, and the last 100 pages alone will make you consume it in one sitting, but the "Legend" continues on. Mr. Salvatore, I continue to salute you, and follow my friend Drizzt wherever his journey may take him.
August 1, 2015
Every year I find myself looking forward to the newest Drizzt book by R.A. Salvatore, and every year I finally get to read the book and I always find myself wondering why I was so excited. After the events that transpired in the Companions Codex I had high hopes that Salvatore would surprise me with his next series. Sadly going by how I felt after reading Archmage that is not going to be the case. I really need to stop getting my hopes so high for these books and maybe I will enjoy them more.
The war of the Silver Marches is over, the Orcs and Drow have been defeated, and the slow process of rebuilding has begun. Now that they are no longer needed defending the people of the Silver Marches the dwarf kings have decided that it is now time to retake the ancient dwarven city of Gauntlgrym . There is one problem however, it has been turned into the Drow city Q’Xorlarrin and they have no plans to let it go easily.
My main problem with the Drizzt books these days is that nothing ever seems to change. The Companions of the Hall have returned from the dead and they have a new chance at life, but do they make any drastic changes? No, they make the same choices and mistakes they have made before, do the exact same things they did in the early books. Drizzt, Bruenor and Cattie-brie fight some Drow and try to retake a long lost dwarven city. Regis and Wulgar have left the group to go do their own thing and left the rest of the Companions to once again fend for themselves. Salvatore can be such a good writer that it makes me a bit sad it feels like I’m reading a story I have read multiple times already.
Every new book in the series seems different on the surface, but when you really get into the story it is just a retelling of things that happened in the early books of the series. I pick up every book hoping to be shocked and amazed by the story and am disappointed every time. Yet I still pick up every new book in the series. Salvatore and WotC are obviously doing something right, even if I can’t find what it is.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest exchange.
Originally posted at www.archeddoorway.com
The war of the Silver Marches is over, the Orcs and Drow have been defeated, and the slow process of rebuilding has begun. Now that they are no longer needed defending the people of the Silver Marches the dwarf kings have decided that it is now time to retake the ancient dwarven city of Gauntlgrym . There is one problem however, it has been turned into the Drow city Q’Xorlarrin and they have no plans to let it go easily.
My main problem with the Drizzt books these days is that nothing ever seems to change. The Companions of the Hall have returned from the dead and they have a new chance at life, but do they make any drastic changes? No, they make the same choices and mistakes they have made before, do the exact same things they did in the early books. Drizzt, Bruenor and Cattie-brie fight some Drow and try to retake a long lost dwarven city. Regis and Wulgar have left the group to go do their own thing and left the rest of the Companions to once again fend for themselves. Salvatore can be such a good writer that it makes me a bit sad it feels like I’m reading a story I have read multiple times already.
Every new book in the series seems different on the surface, but when you really get into the story it is just a retelling of things that happened in the early books of the series. I pick up every book hoping to be shocked and amazed by the story and am disappointed every time. Yet I still pick up every new book in the series. Salvatore and WotC are obviously doing something right, even if I can’t find what it is.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest exchange.
Originally posted at www.archeddoorway.com
December 30, 2017
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This is the first book in a (yet-another) trilogy (Homecoming) in the seemingly endless Dark Elf series of books. It continues without pause from where we left off in the previous trilogy: Bruenor's quest to reclaim Gauntlgrym.Story: Bruenor marches with an army of dwarves to reclaim Gauntlgrym from the dark elves that hold it. Wulfgar and Regis bow out toward their own adventures in the very early part of the book but the rest of the principal cast is all present - no new characters are introduced and the minor characters trudge along. There is a secondary plot of Lolth trying to fool the Archmage of Menzoberranzan to allow demons free access to the Realms, and the usual bickering among the drow noble houses.
The main plot is fairly enjoyable if nothing new - again I feel like I've read this same book before. I do enjoy the large scale battles, especially as this time both sides are smart about it. But other subplots do not fare nearly as well. The evil goddess loses all her allure when portrayed as just an extension of a dark elf noble with similarly lame schemes. The whole drow noble house squabbles I've lost interest ten books past - the whole bickering feels more and more like a daytime soap. The Doum'wielle seems to complete without any real payout, leaving me wondering why the whole plot has been carried through multiple books. Even the titular character of the Archmage himself loses his luster as we 'learn' more about him. Unfortunately as the cover text alludes to the new few books concentrating on Drizzt returning to Menzoberranzan, these weak side plots are to become the main plot.
Interestingly perhaps the most promising feature of the book may lay outside of it - where Wulfgar and Regis go off on their own. With any luck their book at least will go to whole new places and gives us entirely new plot lines. I have seen enough of Neverwinter, Luskan, the dwarf kingdoms and near regions and they no longer hold anything interesting. Way back when in Stream of Silver the world felt new and large - in fact, travelling took up the whole book. These days characters hop from place to place in a manner not unlike just getting on a plane.
September 1, 2021
A very good book. There were parts where this book was a bit slow especially the scheming and mechanisms of Menzoberranza, but then Salvatore goes back to where he excels battles!!!! If you are a fan of Drizzt like me he is more of a side character in the book Bruenor Battlehammer takes centre stage. The thing that tipped this to a five star for me was the last 3 chapters. Keep reading trust me that book this ending is worth the price of the book alone.
Since the last book the Orc and Drow alliance has been defeated. Even the Darkening has been undone. Now Bruenor Battlehammer asks for volunteers of the all the dwarf strongholds for another march and another war, to reclaim the ancient dwarf homeland Gauntlgrym from the Drow. Back in Menzoberranza, House Baenre has its own problems. Have they squeezed too hard for control of Menzoberranza, where the Drow within her own house have their own agenda (as always with the Drow), and who could cause more trouble or be more ambitious than the Archmage of Menzoberranza.
The book is not just about the battles but the tactics to winning battles and wars. Preparing the battlefield, fortifying the land you take to secure it to be defendable so you don't lose it. The political motives, establishing a chain of command all these do slow the book down but they are important aspects and considerations for the coming war. This book is a slow build to the main event; in this case the main event is worth it. I can't wait for the next book.
Since the last book the Orc and Drow alliance has been defeated. Even the Darkening has been undone. Now Bruenor Battlehammer asks for volunteers of the all the dwarf strongholds for another march and another war, to reclaim the ancient dwarf homeland Gauntlgrym from the Drow. Back in Menzoberranza, House Baenre has its own problems. Have they squeezed too hard for control of Menzoberranza, where the Drow within her own house have their own agenda (as always with the Drow), and who could cause more trouble or be more ambitious than the Archmage of Menzoberranza.
The book is not just about the battles but the tactics to winning battles and wars. Preparing the battlefield, fortifying the land you take to secure it to be defendable so you don't lose it. The political motives, establishing a chain of command all these do slow the book down but they are important aspects and considerations for the coming war. This book is a slow build to the main event; in this case the main event is worth it. I can't wait for the next book.
August 20, 2021
Spoilers because I’m going to fangirl.
This is the most fun I’ve had with a Drizzt novel in a while!
I screamed when Jarlaxle got Khazid’hea and jumped up and down a bit when he sculpted the hilt into a displacer beast. The timeline when posessed the Crystal Shard and the aftermath was absolutely spectacular so I’m looking forward to more of him battling (and hopefully failing to master) this sword. That scene alone was worth reading this book.
Dahlia’s consciousness is stirring and I am so excited to see her hopefully rip shit up when she’s back. I know she’s a bit extra, but she’s infinitely more interesting than Cattie Brie.
Athrogate has a girlfriend and I’m extremely happy for him. The scene where he called Bruenor his king made me tear up a bit.
Dwarves and war and stuff, all great.
The Gromph and Kimmuriel power struggle is fantastic. I love and hate it.
This is the most fun I’ve had with a Drizzt novel in a while!
I screamed when Jarlaxle got Khazid’hea and jumped up and down a bit when he sculpted the hilt into a displacer beast. The timeline when posessed the Crystal Shard and the aftermath was absolutely spectacular so I’m looking forward to more of him battling (and hopefully failing to master) this sword. That scene alone was worth reading this book.
Dahlia’s consciousness is stirring and I am so excited to see her hopefully rip shit up when she’s back. I know she’s a bit extra, but she’s infinitely more interesting than Cattie Brie.
Athrogate has a girlfriend and I’m extremely happy for him. The scene where he called Bruenor his king made me tear up a bit.
Dwarves and war and stuff, all great.
The Gromph and Kimmuriel power struggle is fantastic. I love and hate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2016
6/10
First book in the Homecoming trilogy but I must say that I am disappointed by Salvatore as I expected something more after the weak conclusion of the Companions Codex trilogy.
I’ve been a long time fan of Drizzt and Salvatore’s style in general but after Gauntlgrym I’ve been struggling in this series and, although I kinda liked the new version of the Companions, I feel that it should all have ended right there, at the end of Gauntlgrym. It was a somewhat perfect ending for me even if it was force by Wizards.
Now, after eight books Salvatore seems to have lost his spark and making Drizzt more like a guest-star I could say, focusing more on other characters that even though some are interesting enough for a few chapters they can’t really hold an entire story. And that happens with Archmage as more than 2/3 of the story doesn’t have anything big or important but rather just talk and talk, making the book not only not interesting enough but rather boring and tiring with the chapters flying very quickly.
The only things that I can say that “saves” the book are the last few chapters, which have all the fighting, and Jarlaxle's parts as Salvatore leaves us with a taste of what’s to come in the next book.
Overall, it is a mediocre book with only a few scenes really worth the time and I would consider it one of Salvatore’s worst if I didn’t love Drizzt and his Companions so much. I hope for something better in the rest of the trilogy, although my expectations now have fallen pretty low.
First book in the Homecoming trilogy but I must say that I am disappointed by Salvatore as I expected something more after the weak conclusion of the Companions Codex trilogy.
I’ve been a long time fan of Drizzt and Salvatore’s style in general but after Gauntlgrym I’ve been struggling in this series and, although I kinda liked the new version of the Companions, I feel that it should all have ended right there, at the end of Gauntlgrym. It was a somewhat perfect ending for me even if it was force by Wizards.
Now, after eight books Salvatore seems to have lost his spark and making Drizzt more like a guest-star I could say, focusing more on other characters that even though some are interesting enough for a few chapters they can’t really hold an entire story. And that happens with Archmage as more than 2/3 of the story doesn’t have anything big or important but rather just talk and talk, making the book not only not interesting enough but rather boring and tiring with the chapters flying very quickly.
The only things that I can say that “saves” the book are the last few chapters, which have all the fighting, and Jarlaxle's parts as Salvatore leaves us with a taste of what’s to come in the next book.
Overall, it is a mediocre book with only a few scenes really worth the time and I would consider it one of Salvatore’s worst if I didn’t love Drizzt and his Companions so much. I hope for something better in the rest of the trilogy, although my expectations now have fallen pretty low.
Want to read
November 11, 2016My beautiful work of art! Signed, hardcover, everything.
June 29, 2015
The title is Archmage the series is thought of as Drizzt's but this book belongs to Bruenor and the Dwarves. This isn't a book where you can complain that the plot isn't moving. Things of consequence happen and the status quo of the series has changed. A great installment of a long running series.
October 31, 2021
Bir arkadaşım ile birlikte gençlik kahramanımız olan Drizzt'in son kitaplarından olan Archmage'i okuduk. İkimiz de 15 küsür yıl kadar önce okumuştuk son kitabını. Merak ediyordum şahsen eski tadı alabilecek miyim diye çünkü eskiden kitaplar çıktıkça okurdum ve zaman içerisinde artık Salvatore'un sihrini kaybettiğini düşünmeye başlamıştım. Çok uzun bir süre ara verdiğim için mi yoksa bu süreçte Salvatore kendini geliştirdiği için mi bilmiyorum ama Archmage'i okurken çok keyif aldım.
Kitap tek karakter üstünden değil, 3 farklı hikayenin örülüp birleşmesi şeklinde anlatılıyor. Bir tarafta Drizzt ve Bruenor, bir tarafta Menzoberranzan ve Drowlar, bir tarafta da Abyys ve Lolth yer alıyor. Drowların kötücül oyunları, Abyss'in kana susamış demonları ve girdap gibi dönen palaları ile Drizzt'i okumak çok eğlenceli idi. Gerçi Bruenor kısmı başta biraz bana sıkıcı geldi ama sonra aksiyon başlayınca kendini net şekilde affettirdi. Son dövüşlerin adrenalini hala içimde hissediyorum. :)
Kitap güzel bir cliffhanger ile bitti. Seriye de ufak bir ara verdikten sonra hızlıca devam edeceğiz.
Kitap tek karakter üstünden değil, 3 farklı hikayenin örülüp birleşmesi şeklinde anlatılıyor. Bir tarafta Drizzt ve Bruenor, bir tarafta Menzoberranzan ve Drowlar, bir tarafta da Abyys ve Lolth yer alıyor. Drowların kötücül oyunları, Abyss'in kana susamış demonları ve girdap gibi dönen palaları ile Drizzt'i okumak çok eğlenceli idi. Gerçi Bruenor kısmı başta biraz bana sıkıcı geldi ama sonra aksiyon başlayınca kendini net şekilde affettirdi. Son dövüşlerin adrenalini hala içimde hissediyorum. :)
Kitap güzel bir cliffhanger ile bitti. Seriye de ufak bir ara verdikten sonra hızlıca devam edeceğiz.
October 22, 2015
Another Drizzt book, with all that implies (more on that in a second), but one that is redeemed by some genuinely cool moments.
Let's start with the "another Drizzt book" pieces. We're on another quest to reclaim a lost dwarven homeland (again). In fact, we've already been on a few quests to reclaim this dwarven homeland, because it's Gauntlgrym. But this time there's a dwarven army! So that's different. The dwarves continue to have intensely silly names to the point of distraction and I swear, it induced actual teeth gnashing that the narration itself (NOT THE CHARACTER) mentioned that she was "Amber Gristle O'Maul 'O the Adbar O'Mauls." Seriously. Stop doing that.
Cattie-brie continues to be the embodiment of the player character who wants to keep rerolling her class without just coming up with a new character. At this point, she's a wizard/cleric multiclass? Or does she have cleric powers because she has spellscars? But weren't those removed in fifth edition? Who knows?
The book is described as Drizzt returns to the Underdark, but that's... generous. Gauntlgrym doesn't really feel "Underdarky" so much as "dwarfy." The Rage of Demons storyline that WotC is pushing right now describes Drizzt returning to Menzoberrazan to fight the demonic horde, but that doesn't happen here. Maybe it's in the next book?
The focus on reincarnation is getting absurd. I can tell that Salvatore was really pleased with how well the reincarnation of the Companions went over a few books ago, but what was a novel idea there has been played out to the extreme. We have TWO reincarnations of Matron Yvonnel Baenre (the old Matron Baenre who got killed in Siege of Darkness), including the memories Quenthel carries with her which explain why she's suddenly so dangerous and an EVIL BABY also with those memories who despite being a baby is magically powerful and can talk and such. Seriously; evil baby. Sigh. That was a low point for me.
There's also a drow warrior who fashions himself as the reincarnation of Uthegental, a drow weapons master from Siege of Darkness who has the notable achievement of, as far as I can remember, never actually facing Drizzt in battle and was actually killed by a werewolf. But he's important enough that someone a century later wants to wear his armor and carry his weapon and try to be him! Sigh.
So, despite all that, why did I give this book a higher rating than the previous couple of Drizzt novels? Well, there were some genuinely great moments here and some surprising character development for Gromph Baenre, a background character who's been sadly underemployed since his role in the early 2000s with the War of the Spider Queen series. In particular...
Thus, while the core of the book is still more of the same scimitars, more of the same questing, more of the same formula, this book sets up what could be a really interesting plot. Here's hoping the next book develops this potential in a satisfying way. The book did manage to recapture some of that 'can't-put-it-down' quality that used to make Drizzt books so endearing and I finished it in a single night, so I think there's still hope and life. Fingers crossed.
Let's start with the "another Drizzt book" pieces. We're on another quest to reclaim a lost dwarven homeland (again). In fact, we've already been on a few quests to reclaim this dwarven homeland, because it's Gauntlgrym. But this time there's a dwarven army! So that's different. The dwarves continue to have intensely silly names to the point of distraction and I swear, it induced actual teeth gnashing that the narration itself (NOT THE CHARACTER) mentioned that she was "Amber Gristle O'Maul 'O the Adbar O'Mauls." Seriously. Stop doing that.
Cattie-brie continues to be the embodiment of the player character who wants to keep rerolling her class without just coming up with a new character. At this point, she's a wizard/cleric multiclass? Or does she have cleric powers because she has spellscars? But weren't those removed in fifth edition? Who knows?
The book is described as Drizzt returns to the Underdark, but that's... generous. Gauntlgrym doesn't really feel "Underdarky" so much as "dwarfy." The Rage of Demons storyline that WotC is pushing right now describes Drizzt returning to Menzoberrazan to fight the demonic horde, but that doesn't happen here. Maybe it's in the next book?
The focus on reincarnation is getting absurd. I can tell that Salvatore was really pleased with how well the reincarnation of the Companions went over a few books ago, but what was a novel idea there has been played out to the extreme. We have TWO reincarnations of Matron Yvonnel Baenre (the old Matron Baenre who got killed in Siege of Darkness), including the memories Quenthel carries with her which explain why she's suddenly so dangerous and an EVIL BABY also with those memories who despite being a baby is magically powerful and can talk and such. Seriously; evil baby. Sigh. That was a low point for me.
There's also a drow warrior who fashions himself as the reincarnation of Uthegental, a drow weapons master from Siege of Darkness who has the notable achievement of, as far as I can remember, never actually facing Drizzt in battle and was actually killed by a werewolf. But he's important enough that someone a century later wants to wear his armor and carry his weapon and try to be him! Sigh.
So, despite all that, why did I give this book a higher rating than the previous couple of Drizzt novels? Well, there were some genuinely great moments here and some surprising character development for Gromph Baenre, a background character who's been sadly underemployed since his role in the early 2000s with the War of the Spider Queen series. In particular...
Thus, while the core of the book is still more of the same scimitars, more of the same questing, more of the same formula, this book sets up what could be a really interesting plot. Here's hoping the next book develops this potential in a satisfying way. The book did manage to recapture some of that 'can't-put-it-down' quality that used to make Drizzt books so endearing and I finished it in a single night, so I think there's still hope and life. Fingers crossed.
January 17, 2016
I have been a R.A. Salvatore fan for a long time. I loved his Dark Elf trilogy- the creation of Drizzt's birthplace of Menzoberranzan was superb. Sadly, no matter how original and how wonderful a world may be- sometimes an series can become boring and stale. Now with his second decade of writing about Drizzit encompassing over 30 novels Mr. Salvatore is hard-pressed for certain ideas. Please don't think I hated this book, I did not. That is why I gave it three stars..but the reason it did not get 4 or 5 stars is because of certain tropes I find irritating. (SPOILERS AHEAD-mild ones). The first I shall call "comic book deaths"- in this trope..no one important really ever dies. From characters like Wulfgar, Cattie-Brie, Drizzit himself, Bruenor, etc....they have all died and then using the deus ex machina (DEM) of a goddess resurrecting them or some other DEM was ok the first few times (Wulfgar's death, Regis death, Artermis Entreri's death, etc)..but after 30 novels it's trite. Whenever I read of someone important dying, now I assume they will be back soon enough in the future and that takes away any tension or even caring. The last book I read The Last Threshold had Drizzt dying and seemed like the last of his stories. Nope. He's back. Cattie-Bries death? Nah the Goddess Mikelli has her back. Bruenor Battlehammer dying? Nah he's reborn as a young dwarf thanks to dwarven gods..kinda makes you wonder what the evil gods are doing. Why not bring back some of the truly epic evil characters and then show them what they did wrong and let them win? I guess it must not occur to them to do so.
This directly leads to the second trope that I shall name "Star Trek red-shirt security guy" trope. What this means is that in order to create a false sense of drama/tension some unknown, nameless, unimportant character is sacrificed to show how "dangerous" it was. This happens here are well..while important characters like the two Harpell wizards end up "dying" but then being found to be alive at the end...a boatload (over three hundred) of random dwarves die in combat...and two "important" characters- King Emerus Warcrown and King Brawnanvil do manage to die- I can only think some Dwarven god will bring them back..or maybe not since no one really cares about those two characters..hence the Star Trek red-shirt trope.
Finally is the trope I shall call "Stormtrooper effect"- what that means is there are these "terrifying" and supremely "powerful" evil beings but they never really win. Ever. Not once. Ever. They also are terrible fighters, lack strategy, intelligence, skills, etc. In this book we have Drow, Abyssyal demons and even demon lords all attacking-and yet they lose to the dwarven army. Makes you wonder how these damn things were so powerful after all. Think of the Drow-the dark elves are described as the terror of the Underdark realms. Yet in combat they always lose. Always. No matter the enemy. Dwarves? The Drow will lose. Humans? The Drow will lose. I mean seriously, how did these guys get the rep of having powerful fighters, mages and clerics?
Tropes like these really take away from the story and makes it just formulaic.
So if I hated this book why three stars? As confusing as this may sound- I did not hate the book. There are certain parts I enjoyed. I liked the interplay between the Spider Queen and the demons, I liked Archmage Gromphs story, the politics of the Menzoberrazan and Gauntylgrym drow was well done. In a strange way I found 65-70 % of the book to be interesting....but the remainder was formulaic, or just boring because there are no consequences for actions thanks to the tropes I mentioned. If you love Drizzt go for it..like me you'll enjoy it but not gush over it since you've seen this before. If you are new to this story then you may enjoy it far more since it will feel original.
This directly leads to the second trope that I shall name "Star Trek red-shirt security guy" trope. What this means is that in order to create a false sense of drama/tension some unknown, nameless, unimportant character is sacrificed to show how "dangerous" it was. This happens here are well..while important characters like the two Harpell wizards end up "dying" but then being found to be alive at the end...a boatload (over three hundred) of random dwarves die in combat...and two "important" characters- King Emerus Warcrown and King Brawnanvil do manage to die- I can only think some Dwarven god will bring them back..or maybe not since no one really cares about those two characters..hence the Star Trek red-shirt trope.
Finally is the trope I shall call "Stormtrooper effect"- what that means is there are these "terrifying" and supremely "powerful" evil beings but they never really win. Ever. Not once. Ever. They also are terrible fighters, lack strategy, intelligence, skills, etc. In this book we have Drow, Abyssyal demons and even demon lords all attacking-and yet they lose to the dwarven army. Makes you wonder how these damn things were so powerful after all. Think of the Drow-the dark elves are described as the terror of the Underdark realms. Yet in combat they always lose. Always. No matter the enemy. Dwarves? The Drow will lose. Humans? The Drow will lose. I mean seriously, how did these guys get the rep of having powerful fighters, mages and clerics?
Tropes like these really take away from the story and makes it just formulaic.
So if I hated this book why three stars? As confusing as this may sound- I did not hate the book. There are certain parts I enjoyed. I liked the interplay between the Spider Queen and the demons, I liked Archmage Gromphs story, the politics of the Menzoberrazan and Gauntylgrym drow was well done. In a strange way I found 65-70 % of the book to be interesting....but the remainder was formulaic, or just boring because there are no consequences for actions thanks to the tropes I mentioned. If you love Drizzt go for it..like me you'll enjoy it but not gush over it since you've seen this before. If you are new to this story then you may enjoy it far more since it will feel original.
July 30, 2015
I received this ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't read the book myself, my husband has been a fan of RA Salvatore's since long before we ever met and I was happy to give him the chance to review one of his favorite authors.
The pall that had descended over the North is gone, and a new day has dawned on a victorious Mithral Hall, but no matter how bright things seem on the surface, Drizzt and his companions know that what lurks just under their feet remains steeped in evil and charged with unimaginable power.
First, I must start by saying that I've been fan of RA Salvatore books since my friend loaned me his copy of Homeland in 1990. I've read just about anything I could from this author from that point on so this review is taking into mind my experience with this newest entry; Archmage.
I've been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I finished Vengeance of Iron Dwarf at the end of March 2015. After war, what comes next? So much had to be done now that it was over & this book delivers that. With the immediate threat gone, it occurs to Drizzt & his companions to finally retake the most ancient Dwarven kingdom Gauntlgyrm back from the dark elves that had taken part of the underground complex, desecrated and bent the ancient forges to their will. It might be easy to think the already amassed armies could easily accomplish this task, but many also long to return to their homes to rebuild.
Probably the best thing about this book that I liked was that characters that normally wouldn't interact so directly, became more central and even actually added another dimension you don't normally see from them; fear. Archmage Gromph being at the top of this list for me, he isn't alone as Kimmuriel Oblodra also shows cracks in his normally cool exterior.
Reading a long running series of books like this, seeing growth of characters throughout the years has always kept me coming back. The Companions of the Hall reunited & newly triumphet now make decisions regarding their future and not all of it is together, at least not here. Regis makes a choice to leave his friends & it may surprise you to find out who it is that decides to go with him.
Meanwhile not everything is running smoothly in the drow city of Menzoberranzan (I suppose things NEVER run smoothly in that place!) in the wake of the Darkening spell failing and many losses many of the houses turn a hateful eye towards Matron Baenre, thinking finally the great house might be toppled by this recent failure on the surface. It was bad enough installing a surface elf to head as Matron of a newly reconstituted House Do'urden and now demons from the abyss start to fill the streets of the drow city, making any combined attempt to depose House Baenre all but impossible. In fact, there is a cleverness to the whole thing, that might not seem evident but ultimately in line with other rogue elements such as Kimmuriel & Gromph.
Without spoiling anything about the last parts there was just one question that was on my mind; what is Lolth playing at? Well it was something big enough to force certain characters to consider something they never would have done. It had me both horrified for what might be to come but at the same time had me laughing at the characters that overexposed themselves; it was not something I expected but well done I say!
I didn't read the book myself, my husband has been a fan of RA Salvatore's since long before we ever met and I was happy to give him the chance to review one of his favorite authors.
The pall that had descended over the North is gone, and a new day has dawned on a victorious Mithral Hall, but no matter how bright things seem on the surface, Drizzt and his companions know that what lurks just under their feet remains steeped in evil and charged with unimaginable power.
First, I must start by saying that I've been fan of RA Salvatore books since my friend loaned me his copy of Homeland in 1990. I've read just about anything I could from this author from that point on so this review is taking into mind my experience with this newest entry; Archmage.
I've been eagerly anticipating this book ever since I finished Vengeance of Iron Dwarf at the end of March 2015. After war, what comes next? So much had to be done now that it was over & this book delivers that. With the immediate threat gone, it occurs to Drizzt & his companions to finally retake the most ancient Dwarven kingdom Gauntlgyrm back from the dark elves that had taken part of the underground complex, desecrated and bent the ancient forges to their will. It might be easy to think the already amassed armies could easily accomplish this task, but many also long to return to their homes to rebuild.
Probably the best thing about this book that I liked was that characters that normally wouldn't interact so directly, became more central and even actually added another dimension you don't normally see from them; fear. Archmage Gromph being at the top of this list for me, he isn't alone as Kimmuriel Oblodra also shows cracks in his normally cool exterior.
Reading a long running series of books like this, seeing growth of characters throughout the years has always kept me coming back. The Companions of the Hall reunited & newly triumphet now make decisions regarding their future and not all of it is together, at least not here. Regis makes a choice to leave his friends & it may surprise you to find out who it is that decides to go with him.
Meanwhile not everything is running smoothly in the drow city of Menzoberranzan (I suppose things NEVER run smoothly in that place!) in the wake of the Darkening spell failing and many losses many of the houses turn a hateful eye towards Matron Baenre, thinking finally the great house might be toppled by this recent failure on the surface. It was bad enough installing a surface elf to head as Matron of a newly reconstituted House Do'urden and now demons from the abyss start to fill the streets of the drow city, making any combined attempt to depose House Baenre all but impossible. In fact, there is a cleverness to the whole thing, that might not seem evident but ultimately in line with other rogue elements such as Kimmuriel & Gromph.
Without spoiling anything about the last parts there was just one question that was on my mind; what is Lolth playing at? Well it was something big enough to force certain characters to consider something they never would have done. It had me both horrified for what might be to come but at the same time had me laughing at the characters that overexposed themselves; it was not something I expected but well done I say!
October 4, 2015
Salvatore's latest entry in the Legacy of Drizzt anthology is 100% pure plot-driven, 90% predictable fun.
The pacing is quick and even for the most part, entangled (appropriately) only when outlining all the machinations of House Baenre vs. the other houses.
The great weakness of this novel is that Salvatore continuously puts the audience in a superior position. He pretty much flat-out tells the reader several chapters in advance - A sentence that was not necessary in any way. The entire Kimmurriel storyline is overexplained and your head is repeatedly beaten with it. Can you tell I'm annoyed?
There's also the small matter (and it could potentially be explained in Book 2...but after the resolution of "death by kinetic death punch" in 'The Silent Blade,' I do not hold out hope) of how a certain character who could barely move at the beginning of the books third act is able to confront the greatest baddie in this book in the span of, say 30 pages.
If you are like me and enjoy Drizzt adventures as brain candy, but end up being at least partially disappointed by every subsequent tome, I can only recommend this book if you are a library card holder. You can donate your $30 that might have been reserved for a hardcover purchase to your local library and enjoy all the benefits that come therewith, like getting to read this one for "free."
The pacing is quick and even for the most part, entangled (appropriately) only when outlining all the machinations of House Baenre vs. the other houses.
The great weakness of this novel is that Salvatore continuously puts the audience in a superior position. He pretty much flat-out tells the reader several chapters in advance - A sentence that was not necessary in any way. The entire Kimmurriel storyline is overexplained and your head is repeatedly beaten with it. Can you tell I'm annoyed?
There's also the small matter (and it could potentially be explained in Book 2...but after the resolution of "death by kinetic death punch" in 'The Silent Blade,' I do not hold out hope) of how a certain character who could barely move at the beginning of the books third act is able to confront the greatest baddie in this book in the span of, say 30 pages.
If you are like me and enjoy Drizzt adventures as brain candy, but end up being at least partially disappointed by every subsequent tome, I can only recommend this book if you are a library card holder. You can donate your $30 that might have been reserved for a hardcover purchase to your local library and enjoy all the benefits that come therewith, like getting to read this one for "free."
September 7, 2015
Archmage, like many of Salvatore's books, is the beginning of yet another series kicking off what is promising to be a grand adventure. While I'd taken a break from these books over the last few years, picking this one up was almost seamless. I've missed the last series and frankly, thought I'd have a harder time figuring out what was going on, where Drizzt had been, and where in the timeline of Farun we were. Establishing what's been happening in the world, not to mention Drizzt's life was surprisingly easy to figure out. Salvatore helped the way with that style he's always had. Giving enough of a back story while telling the now, without feeling like I was getting a lesson in Forgotten Realms 101. Anything I was unclear about, I hit the interwebz for info. All of this makes me want to go back and read everything I've skipped over.
This, like many of the books in The Legend of Drizzt, sets us up for something major. With the Drow ever interested in chaos, plots within plots happening in the Underdark, Demons conspiring with Gods, those on the surface are in for a major bit of battle. The Dwarves are not going to be able to just walk into Gauntlgrym without the Drow getting pretty pissed off. I've always loved Drow politics. They're an interesting bunch of elves, never trusting anyone, always looking out for themselves. What will happen, I can only guess.
I throughly enjoyed this book. The story is rich, the characters wonderful. Those we tend to love, and those we tend to hate, to those who are in the middle, they're all here and make this book what it is. I'm excited for the books that will follow. This promises to be epic in scope, and none but Salvatore would be able to do this. He's a master in this world and I'm signed on for the ride.
This, like many of the books in The Legend of Drizzt, sets us up for something major. With the Drow ever interested in chaos, plots within plots happening in the Underdark, Demons conspiring with Gods, those on the surface are in for a major bit of battle. The Dwarves are not going to be able to just walk into Gauntlgrym without the Drow getting pretty pissed off. I've always loved Drow politics. They're an interesting bunch of elves, never trusting anyone, always looking out for themselves. What will happen, I can only guess.
I throughly enjoyed this book. The story is rich, the characters wonderful. Those we tend to love, and those we tend to hate, to those who are in the middle, they're all here and make this book what it is. I'm excited for the books that will follow. This promises to be epic in scope, and none but Salvatore would be able to do this. He's a master in this world and I'm signed on for the ride.
July 22, 2015
I received a free kindle edition of the book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
WOW!
Salvatore is consistently good but this is something else!
The war in the Silver Marches is finally over and Bruenor has convened his fellow dwarf kings to convince them to re-take Gauntlgrym.
Along with the Companions of the Hall, or at least those who choose to remain, and some worthy replacements the dwarf army marches for the ancient Delzoun homeland and it's Fire Primordial powered forge.
But driving out the hated Drow will not be easy, especially when they summon an army of demons as backup and the evil spider goddess Lolth schemes...
This book absolutely flies by! Salvatore has really increased the pace of the tale and I had an overwhelming urge to read it in one sitting. As usual with Salvatore the battle scenes are written with graphic detail, one scene in particular had my heart in my mouth but I won't give any spoilers.
Truly one of my favourite of the many Drizzt tales, particularly for its blistering pace and inclusion of some favourite side characters (and when have we ever seen so much of Kimmuriel's personality?).
I'm dreading the wait for the next chapter - I want it NOW!
5/5
WOW!
Salvatore is consistently good but this is something else!
The war in the Silver Marches is finally over and Bruenor has convened his fellow dwarf kings to convince them to re-take Gauntlgrym.
Along with the Companions of the Hall, or at least those who choose to remain, and some worthy replacements the dwarf army marches for the ancient Delzoun homeland and it's Fire Primordial powered forge.
But driving out the hated Drow will not be easy, especially when they summon an army of demons as backup and the evil spider goddess Lolth schemes...
This book absolutely flies by! Salvatore has really increased the pace of the tale and I had an overwhelming urge to read it in one sitting. As usual with Salvatore the battle scenes are written with graphic detail, one scene in particular had my heart in my mouth but I won't give any spoilers.
Truly one of my favourite of the many Drizzt tales, particularly for its blistering pace and inclusion of some favourite side characters (and when have we ever seen so much of Kimmuriel's personality?).
I'm dreading the wait for the next chapter - I want it NOW!
5/5
October 19, 2015
Here I am again! When's the next book going to be released? Oy!
If I could be reading it right now, I wouldn't be typing this review. At this point - after having read the last eight books - I'm completely in! That being said, this book was nicely crafted. The story rolled right along and before I knew it, I was caught in its torrent.
I have several D&D source books once again stacked on my night table! I enjoyed looking up the monsters and places as I read this. Anyone fancy a quick campaign? Paper, pencils, and dice...
If I could be reading it right now, I wouldn't be typing this review. At this point - after having read the last eight books - I'm completely in! That being said, this book was nicely crafted. The story rolled right along and before I knew it, I was caught in its torrent.
I have several D&D source books once again stacked on my night table! I enjoyed looking up the monsters and places as I read this. Anyone fancy a quick campaign? Paper, pencils, and dice...
August 17, 2023
Como siempre me quedo con ganas locas de leer los siguientes.
Eso si, editorial Minotauro del Grupo Planeta: es la PEOR edición de libro que he visto en mi vida. Párrafos cortados y frases incompletas, traducciones raras, puntos y mayúsculas aleatorios... Muy lamentable.
Eso si, editorial Minotauro del Grupo Planeta: es la PEOR edición de libro que he visto en mi vida. Párrafos cortados y frases incompletas, traducciones raras, puntos y mayúsculas aleatorios... Muy lamentable.
August 18, 2025
Listened with husband for his 2nd time through it! It’s one of his favorites! Still deciding on my rating
March 26, 2018
Another amazing read with quite a finish from Salvatore in the ongoing sage of Drzzt and his pals. The focus this time out seems to be two-fold. One is Bruenor's quest to reclaim Gauntlgrym from the drow by uniting all the dwarf clans along with the Harpell's and the second revolves around the drow in Menzoberranzan having demons on their door step along with Gromph getting psionic training from Kimmuriel Oblodra who in turn has his own plans involving this training.
In between, Salvatore weaves various plans and plots for all the characters involved including Drzzt himself. The number of characters from dwarves, elves, humans and even demons is extraordinary, but everything is kept together enough and leaving this reader wanting more.
I was surprised that no major drow character was killed in the novel, but some major dwarf players were though I think going forward there will be some major losses on the drow end of things.
In between, Salvatore weaves various plans and plots for all the characters involved including Drzzt himself. The number of characters from dwarves, elves, humans and even demons is extraordinary, but everything is kept together enough and leaving this reader wanting more.
I was surprised that no major drow character was killed in the novel, but some major dwarf players were though I think going forward there will be some major losses on the drow end of things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
"What a silly adventure."
Thus an evil dark elf describes his compatriots plan to defeat three dwarven clans as the latter attempt to reclaim their ancient and abandoned home of Gauntlgrym. To aid in their plan, the dark elves enlist the help of demons (which usually turns out well).
A better paced and plotted start of a new Drizzt trilogy shows a bit more narrative focus and eliminates much (though not all) of the meandering drow politicking. In its place we get dwarf politicking as several dwarven leaders ask the reincarnated Bruenor what his real motives are in seeking out Gauntlgrym (again). It's a somewhat more realistic/ interesting portrayal of the necessary "Wait, why are we doing this again?"
The hints of tension between Drizzt and his wife Cattie-Brie over her racist belief that all goblinkin should be put to the death simply for existing gets teased but doesn't get tested... yet.
Also, Drizzt gets his butt kicked. Badly. It's enjoyable, at least because it's different.
Thus an evil dark elf describes his compatriots plan to defeat three dwarven clans as the latter attempt to reclaim their ancient and abandoned home of Gauntlgrym. To aid in their plan, the dark elves enlist the help of demons (which usually turns out well).
A better paced and plotted start of a new Drizzt trilogy shows a bit more narrative focus and eliminates much (though not all) of the meandering drow politicking. In its place we get dwarf politicking as several dwarven leaders ask the reincarnated Bruenor what his real motives are in seeking out Gauntlgrym (again). It's a somewhat more realistic/ interesting portrayal of the necessary "Wait, why are we doing this again?"
The hints of tension between Drizzt and his wife Cattie-Brie over her racist belief that all goblinkin should be put to the death simply for existing gets teased but doesn't get tested... yet.
Also, Drizzt gets his butt kicked. Badly. It's enjoyable, at least because it's different.
August 4, 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 trilogi 'Homecoming' - menyambung kisah pengembaraan Drizzt Do'Urden dan rakan-rakannya. Juga merupakan buku ke-28 (dari 34) dalam siri 'The legend of Drizzt'. Seperti buku2 sebelumnya, buku kali ni banyak menumpukan pada scene2 aksi pertarungan dan peperangan. Plotnya laju jugaklah dan sekejap jer habis baca.
Novel kali ni mengisahkan tentang bala tentera dwarf di bawah pimpinan Bruenor yg cuba merampas kembali kota purba mereka, Gauntlgrym yg kini diduduki oleh dark elf. Sementara itu, Menzoberranzan kini semakin kucar kacir selepas kota itu dipenuhi oleh makhluk dari Abyss...
Novel kali ni mengisahkan tentang bala tentera dwarf di bawah pimpinan Bruenor yg cuba merampas kembali kota purba mereka, Gauntlgrym yg kini diduduki oleh dark elf. Sementara itu, Menzoberranzan kini semakin kucar kacir selepas kota itu dipenuhi oleh makhluk dari Abyss...
April 13, 2020
Though I've read quite a few of R.A. Salvatore's Drizz't series, but it's probably been a couple decades since I've read one. So, while I enjoyed this, even with it being the start of a trilogy, I found myself lost for much of the story, trying to place characters and storylines. I don't think that's necessarily the fault of the author or the series, but just that this isn't necessarily designed to pick up by a brand new reader to the series. I guess I took for granted how much I retained from the series. Still, as I said, I did enjoy this, and if anything has caused me to want to go back and start the series over again.
March 28, 2022
Where are we without too many spoilers?...The orcs have been defeated, all of the dwarven cities are back and whole again, all the main characters are back alive so the only thing left to do is to send thousands of dwarves to Gauntlgrym and kick out the drow who took it over a few books ago.
For about 2/3 of this book it was a solid three star novel with great characters, politics, maneuvering, with some action. A lot of time spent in Menzoberranzan, with Lloth, with the Archmage.
Then the last 1/3 kicked it up and we got more of everything, bunch of really important deaths, demons invading the prime material plane, battles, potential escaping primordials, the Demogorgan, political shakeups in the underdark.
This was a really good addition into the legend of Drizzt (I think this is the 31st book of his if my math is correct).
For about 2/3 of this book it was a solid three star novel with great characters, politics, maneuvering, with some action. A lot of time spent in Menzoberranzan, with Lloth, with the Archmage.
Then the last 1/3 kicked it up and we got more of everything, bunch of really important deaths, demons invading the prime material plane, battles, potential escaping primordials, the Demogorgan, political shakeups in the underdark.
This was a really good addition into the legend of Drizzt (I think this is the 31st book of his if my math is correct).
April 11, 2024
Better than the last novel by far, I finished this one because I liked it and not due to sunk cost fallacy like with the previous.
I can never really review these books. It's the 31st of the series. You either know all about these or are looking wide-eyed at the idea of reading a series about a dark elf for that long. It's my fantasy comfort food for the moment, and this one fit the bill.
I can never really review these books. It's the 31st of the series. You either know all about these or are looking wide-eyed at the idea of reading a series about a dark elf for that long. It's my fantasy comfort food for the moment, and this one fit the bill.
February 16, 2024
The first half was important set up, but it did feel like it took its time a bit too much. But man does Salvatore know how to write satisfying battles and finales. I'm still as hooked as when I started on this series 5 books ago. Let's keep going!
September 8, 2024
The political landscape of Menzoberranzan is more exciting than the battles and that 'baby' is a walking nightmare.
May 28, 2025
La historia bien, no innova pero te da lo que buscas.
La edición penosa.
La edición penosa.
Read
April 14, 2021Archmage numbers twenty-eighth in ‘The Legend of Drizzt’. As always, I’ll preface my review with the caveat that you will get more out of these later books if you’ve read those that came before. At this point in the saga, a lot of foreknowledge of the world and the characters has to assumed, or R.A. Salvatore would spend half the novel catching everyone up.
The war for the Silver Marches is over, a tentative truce declared between the orcs and the combined forces of the dwarves, elves and humans. The Darkening – a drow dweomer that darkened same region – has been dispelled. With the orcs banished to the Spine of the World and the stronghold of Many Arrows disassembled, efforts to rebuild Nesmé and refortify the rest of the Silver Marches are underway. Old alliances are reformed and strengthened. Peace is restored (for now), and Bruenor Battlehammer has turned his eye back to legendary dwarven city of Gauntlgrym.
For the drow, this should be a time of consolidation. Their plans were thrown into disarray with the orcs’ defeat. The dark elves are among Salvatore’s most inscrutable races, however. The only predictable thing about them is the fact they will do the unexpected. They thrive on chaos. So the many divisions in drow society feed beautifully in this, making their losses akin to a bad day on the stock market. Investors immediately alter their strategy, and key characters begin padding their retirement plans.
All of Menzoberranzan (the drow city, and Drizzt’s birthplace) will be affected by the dwarves’ resolve to reclaim their own slice of the underdark. Gauntlgrym is currently operating as a satellite to Menzoberranzan. For Archmage Gromph and Jarlaxle’s band of mercenaries, however, the dwarf intrusion presents the perfect opportunity to meddle with the status quo. When would Jarlaxle not take advantage of that?
Far below the Prime Material Plane, we have the true seeds of chaos. Lolth, Demon Queen of Spiders, has plans of her own concerning…well, everyone and everything.
There isn’t a lot of Drizzt in this book. If I had a complaint about the last trilogy (The Companion Codex), it would have been that. The story has been growing wider for a while now, however, and many of the bit players have become important enough to have their own agendas which in turn affect the plot of the world – and every book. This latest trilogy, while perhaps a part of the Legend of Drizzt, feels less a part of his legend than part of the entire history of Toril. Drizzt is an important component of this story; we just don’t get a lot of time with him. I suspect that will change as this story arc continues, however.
We also lose touch with a couple of other key characters here. My guess is that with such a huge cast, Salvatore obviously had to send some folks off on their own quests in order to stay focused. I’ve always appreciated the fact these books rarely stray over the 400 page mark. Longer books can be intimidating.
Now that I’ve covered my quibbles, I’ll move on to what I liked about Archmage. Honestly – and I’ve said this before – I don’t think Salvatore could write a story I didn’t like. I’ve been reading his books for seventeen years with good reason. So the short answer is: I liked this one. I really liked it. Archmage is an emotional book, which shouldn’t have surprised me. There are a couple of touchpoints here that will tug the heartstrings of devoted fans. Usually books that delve deep into Menzoberranzan and drow politics lose me a little, but I found myself quite invested this time ‘round and that would be because of Gromph’s weightier story arc. The Archmage has always been an interesting and conflicted character, if harder to like than Jarlaxle. Probably because he has no sense of humour. Very few drow do.
The rest of the book is concerned with the effort to reclaim Gauntlgrym. One of my favourite aspects of Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf was the coming together of the dwarven armies under one banner, for one purpose. This continued alliance in the name of retaking the Delzoun birthright makes a great story. As expected, they will not be able to walk in and set up camp. There will be blood, from skirmishes to epic battles, and the cost of Gauntlgrym may be more than any of us suspect.
Written for SFCrowsnest.
The war for the Silver Marches is over, a tentative truce declared between the orcs and the combined forces of the dwarves, elves and humans. The Darkening – a drow dweomer that darkened same region – has been dispelled. With the orcs banished to the Spine of the World and the stronghold of Many Arrows disassembled, efforts to rebuild Nesmé and refortify the rest of the Silver Marches are underway. Old alliances are reformed and strengthened. Peace is restored (for now), and Bruenor Battlehammer has turned his eye back to legendary dwarven city of Gauntlgrym.
For the drow, this should be a time of consolidation. Their plans were thrown into disarray with the orcs’ defeat. The dark elves are among Salvatore’s most inscrutable races, however. The only predictable thing about them is the fact they will do the unexpected. They thrive on chaos. So the many divisions in drow society feed beautifully in this, making their losses akin to a bad day on the stock market. Investors immediately alter their strategy, and key characters begin padding their retirement plans.
All of Menzoberranzan (the drow city, and Drizzt’s birthplace) will be affected by the dwarves’ resolve to reclaim their own slice of the underdark. Gauntlgrym is currently operating as a satellite to Menzoberranzan. For Archmage Gromph and Jarlaxle’s band of mercenaries, however, the dwarf intrusion presents the perfect opportunity to meddle with the status quo. When would Jarlaxle not take advantage of that?
Far below the Prime Material Plane, we have the true seeds of chaos. Lolth, Demon Queen of Spiders, has plans of her own concerning…well, everyone and everything.
There isn’t a lot of Drizzt in this book. If I had a complaint about the last trilogy (The Companion Codex), it would have been that. The story has been growing wider for a while now, however, and many of the bit players have become important enough to have their own agendas which in turn affect the plot of the world – and every book. This latest trilogy, while perhaps a part of the Legend of Drizzt, feels less a part of his legend than part of the entire history of Toril. Drizzt is an important component of this story; we just don’t get a lot of time with him. I suspect that will change as this story arc continues, however.
We also lose touch with a couple of other key characters here. My guess is that with such a huge cast, Salvatore obviously had to send some folks off on their own quests in order to stay focused. I’ve always appreciated the fact these books rarely stray over the 400 page mark. Longer books can be intimidating.
Now that I’ve covered my quibbles, I’ll move on to what I liked about Archmage. Honestly – and I’ve said this before – I don’t think Salvatore could write a story I didn’t like. I’ve been reading his books for seventeen years with good reason. So the short answer is: I liked this one. I really liked it. Archmage is an emotional book, which shouldn’t have surprised me. There are a couple of touchpoints here that will tug the heartstrings of devoted fans. Usually books that delve deep into Menzoberranzan and drow politics lose me a little, but I found myself quite invested this time ‘round and that would be because of Gromph’s weightier story arc. The Archmage has always been an interesting and conflicted character, if harder to like than Jarlaxle. Probably because he has no sense of humour. Very few drow do.
The rest of the book is concerned with the effort to reclaim Gauntlgrym. One of my favourite aspects of Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf was the coming together of the dwarven armies under one banner, for one purpose. This continued alliance in the name of retaking the Delzoun birthright makes a great story. As expected, they will not be able to walk in and set up camp. There will be blood, from skirmishes to epic battles, and the cost of Gauntlgrym may be more than any of us suspect.
Written for SFCrowsnest.
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