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The Legend of Drizzt
One-Eyed Jax
Conflicts will be decided with fisticuffs, card games will be played for the highest of stakes, and swords will be flashed in this rollicking Dungeons & Dragons adventure from New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore.
Maintaining stability in a city full of pirates is a delicate balancing act, particularly when one is motivated by making sure the common folk are taken care of instead of simple personal greed. Jarlaxle and his band of rogues known as Bregan D'aerthe are doing their best, stabilizing the city after warding off a terrible attack by demonic and gnoll forces.
But now three merchant ships have been destroyed and sent to the ocean floor - obliterated in such a quick and brutal manner that it makes little sense it’s pirates seeking plunder. Something is out there on or under the cold dark waters of the Sword Coast, and it threatens the trade Jarlaxle will need to bring prosperity to Luskan.
Fortunately, Jarlaxle has powerful and clever allies he can call upon to help him solve the riddle. But will they do it in time? And even if it's solved, can the perpetrator be defeated?
Maintaining stability in a city full of pirates is a delicate balancing act, particularly when one is motivated by making sure the common folk are taken care of instead of simple personal greed. Jarlaxle and his band of rogues known as Bregan D'aerthe are doing their best, stabilizing the city after warding off a terrible attack by demonic and gnoll forces.
But now three merchant ships have been destroyed and sent to the ocean floor - obliterated in such a quick and brutal manner that it makes little sense it’s pirates seeking plunder. Something is out there on or under the cold dark waters of the Sword Coast, and it threatens the trade Jarlaxle will need to bring prosperity to Luskan.
Fortunately, Jarlaxle has powerful and clever allies he can call upon to help him solve the riddle. But will they do it in time? And even if it's solved, can the perpetrator be defeated?
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 3, 2021
13 people are currently reading
455 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...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 6, 2022
Great little short.
June 29, 2021
Fun & short listen! It won't make much sense if you're not up to date with RA Salvatore's Drizzt novels, there is no character development so you'll probably end up with a long list of names and no background.
June 7, 2021
A wonderful short story to hold Drizzt fans until "Starlight Enclave" is released in August. Completely free for Audible subscribers.
January 16, 2022
Pros:
- It was free
- It's a quick listen (about 2 hours total)
- It was a fun romp with pirates, gambling, and intrigue
Cons:
- This was the first work by R.A. Salvatore that I've consumed. I'm familiar with the Forgotten Realms by way of D&D, but not really with any of the specific characters or their relationships in this work. As such, while I was able to put together the broad strokes of various characters I felt like I was missing a lot by being unfamiliar with other Forgotten Realms tales.
- There were a LOT of named characters for such a short work. This probably wouldn't have been an issue if I was more familiar with the rest of Salvatore's catalogue, but it was still a barrier.
Conclusion:
Diehard R.A. Salvatore fans will likely gobble this up. For everyone else, though, I'd describe this work as serviceable popcorn entertainment. If you're a fan of D&D or fantasy in general, this is worth at least passing consideration, due in no small part to its price tag ("free" ... with membership).
Read more reviews at: https://quinnscurios.com/
- It was free
- It's a quick listen (about 2 hours total)
- It was a fun romp with pirates, gambling, and intrigue
Cons:
- This was the first work by R.A. Salvatore that I've consumed. I'm familiar with the Forgotten Realms by way of D&D, but not really with any of the specific characters or their relationships in this work. As such, while I was able to put together the broad strokes of various characters I felt like I was missing a lot by being unfamiliar with other Forgotten Realms tales.
- There were a LOT of named characters for such a short work. This probably wouldn't have been an issue if I was more familiar with the rest of Salvatore's catalogue, but it was still a barrier.
Conclusion:
Diehard R.A. Salvatore fans will likely gobble this up. For everyone else, though, I'd describe this work as serviceable popcorn entertainment. If you're a fan of D&D or fantasy in general, this is worth at least passing consideration, due in no small part to its price tag ("free" ... with membership).
Read more reviews at: https://quinnscurios.com/
April 30, 2024
Not bad if you like DnD.
December 8, 2022
I really couldn’t get into the story. For me it started off really slow and found that I didn’t connect with any of the characters. The narration was not bad at all, the story just didn’t pull me in. The story has everything I like when it comes to characters, but I don’t know why I didn’t connect with them or the story.
July 29, 2021
This is a short, confusing book that I had a really hard time following. The story was not captivating enough for me to put any effort into trying to understand.
August 8, 2023
It was interesting, fast paced with humor thrown in, definitely intrigued for the whole series.
July 28, 2021
While it was nice to see all the companions doing a small thing; the cover and title made it seem like it was going to be about Jarlaxle and he was hardly in it. What i envisioned in my head because of the cover was way cooler than the card game and pirate hunting adventure we got. I still enjoyed it. But was still slightly disappointed at the trickery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2021
Short story. Did not disappoint.
December 6, 2021
This should be read in the order of publication, I was not up to date so it was disjointed.
August 10, 2021
I'm familiar with Forgotten Realms as a world and this capture glimmers of it, but not enough to really engage me. The characters were too stereotypical to be interesting and the story was meh.
August 28, 2023
Thought this novella might be a good entry point to R.A. Salvatore's D&D stories but it was the opposite. You need to already know the characters to enjoy this story, much knowledge is assumed, and it's not for newcomers. The story isn't particularly riveting without that base knowledge either.
June 18, 2021
Hard to follow the story. Assume that one is familiar with the characters? Storyline and dialog challenging
June 26, 2021
To be honest, this story just went in one ear and out the other. I know its a short, but I got so little out of it. I didn't care about this story at all.
November 23, 2021
I wouldn't normally give a book such a low rating, but man, this was a drudgery to push through... I'm really not sure if this was a first book from the author or what, but it wasn't well written at all. The author needed to give it to a developmental and a line editor, and it's obvious that either he didn't or he handed it off to editors who didn't know what they were doing. It reads like it's supposed to be a D&D story but didn't have the benefit of other writers reviewing the story line.
Now, to be perfectly fair, I do think the author had a good idea. The story would've been a perfect one for a short story adventure if the author hadn't done so much telling! Instead of unfolding characters' backstories and identities, he gives us the run down every time we meet them (ie: Draco, the dragon lord and son of the king Emerius, waved them off. Yes, I kid you not... That's the sort of writing on display here...), and it bogs the entire thing down. What started out interesting totally lost my attention as I tried to sift through what I'd just heard (I had this on audio with Audible). As an editor myself, this drove me crazy, but even were I a reader with no editing or writing know-how, I would've found this sub par. The writing was cringy and worse than some things I've edited from relatively new writers. Definitely not one I'd recommend! The only parts that were passable were the fight scenes in the last little bit of the story, and that's only because he quit telling us everything long enough to give a play-by-play of the fight. It wasn't good, but at least it was a break from the overt telling, mostly.
Now, to be perfectly fair, I do think the author had a good idea. The story would've been a perfect one for a short story adventure if the author hadn't done so much telling! Instead of unfolding characters' backstories and identities, he gives us the run down every time we meet them (ie: Draco, the dragon lord and son of the king Emerius, waved them off. Yes, I kid you not... That's the sort of writing on display here...), and it bogs the entire thing down. What started out interesting totally lost my attention as I tried to sift through what I'd just heard (I had this on audio with Audible). As an editor myself, this drove me crazy, but even were I a reader with no editing or writing know-how, I would've found this sub par. The writing was cringy and worse than some things I've edited from relatively new writers. Definitely not one I'd recommend! The only parts that were passable were the fight scenes in the last little bit of the story, and that's only because he quit telling us everything long enough to give a play-by-play of the fight. It wasn't good, but at least it was a break from the overt telling, mostly.
March 23, 2023
A short story set in the enormous Forgotten Realms Universe and the equally as massive The Legend of Drizzt series. Follows a cast of characters who are trying to get to the bottom of a mystery that involves the quick and brutal sinking of trade ships.
This has just popped up a lot on audible about, about every time I look for something new, and I figured it was time to give not only a Forgotten Realms book a try but a R.A. Salvatore as well. I will say this story was interesting and had alot going on despite how short it was, however I feel this probably wasn’t the best place to start. You really don’t have all the details to get the most out of the story if this is your starting point. Reading it though I can say I am definitely interested in jumping into the universe some more now.
This has just popped up a lot on audible about, about every time I look for something new, and I figured it was time to give not only a Forgotten Realms book a try but a R.A. Salvatore as well. I will say this story was interesting and had alot going on despite how short it was, however I feel this probably wasn’t the best place to start. You really don’t have all the details to get the most out of the story if this is your starting point. Reading it though I can say I am definitely interested in jumping into the universe some more now.
February 9, 2024
This isn't a must-read short story. At least, I didn't think so.
Firstly, it's a little misleading being titled "One-Eyed Jax," then having the main POV for most of the story be Regis. Yes, Jarlaxle appears, but he's in the background for most of the story.
Secondly, it had an odd focus on gambling and heisting. It felt like seeing the characters transported to Casino Royale or Oceans Eleven. Other readers might love it, but I found it odd. (I know it fits Jarlaxle's lifestyle, which I probably would have been more onboard with if he had been the main POV.)
Thirdly, Regis goes through another gotta-prove-himself-to-the-other-Companions arc. I feel like this is the third time I've seen him go through this arc, and it just feels weak and repetitive.
Fourthly, idk I just didn't get into the story.
I love the series, but this one didn't work for me.
Firstly, it's a little misleading being titled "One-Eyed Jax," then having the main POV for most of the story be Regis. Yes, Jarlaxle appears, but he's in the background for most of the story.
Secondly, it had an odd focus on gambling and heisting. It felt like seeing the characters transported to Casino Royale or Oceans Eleven. Other readers might love it, but I found it odd. (I know it fits Jarlaxle's lifestyle, which I probably would have been more onboard with if he had been the main POV.)
Thirdly, Regis goes through another gotta-prove-himself-to-the-other-Companions arc. I feel like this is the third time I've seen him go through this arc, and it just feels weak and repetitive.
Fourthly, idk I just didn't get into the story.
I love the series, but this one didn't work for me.
March 11, 2024
Nothing like being thrown headfirst into the middle of a story with a bazillion proper nouns flying around. I've played D&D for years and have some familiarity with the classic world and mechanics...but that didn't help me a whole lot. I felt like there was content I should have read before reading this story to better understand the context and who the characters were. Yet, I'm pretty sure this is a standalone story.
The second half was somewhat easier to follow than the first, but still...we were told very little about the characters to make us actually care about them and their quest.
Disappointing.
*correction: I now see there are 39 novels before this short! No wonder it didn't make sense to me.
The second half was somewhat easier to follow than the first, but still...we were told very little about the characters to make us actually care about them and their quest.
Disappointing.
*correction: I now see there are 39 novels before this short! No wonder it didn't make sense to me.
June 17, 2021
This story is so short it accomplished nothing, least of all telling a complete story. So no, I didn't know any of the characters in advance, and no I really still don't know many of them. Ships are being sunk under mysterious circumstances, and the owner of the bar / casino called One-Eyed Jax wants to know why and how as he is basically running the local scene. He puts together a scheme and recruits the players and they set about detecting. There are some action scenes, described in detail, as well as a card game (also described in detail - too much detail). Not to spoil too much, but they succeed yet it seems as if we still don't know anything as a result.
June 21, 2021
This was free from Audible, but was an enjoyable Salvatore story featuring Regis and Jarlaxle, and being a little bit outside of the framework of a normal Companions of the Hall story, since it focuses on a gambling match, and has a kind of a heist vibe. It was a nice change of pace, and made the return to form at the end that tied into other Forgotten Realms elements enjoyable. It does feature some action sequences at the end, with Regis and Drizzt, and plants some potential seeds for some development of stories in the future, so it's not just a side story where nothing changes, but not so substantial a change that it would come completely out of the blue. If you are interested in these stories, it is very much worth the listen, and maintains the quality of writing and narration that exists in the main novels. This might be one of the best free Audible books I have ever gotten.
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July 1, 2021Review by Dani (they/them) for Olympics readathon (no prompt):
I’ve wanted to try R. A. Salvatore’s books and especially his Drizzt series and thus decided to listen to this as a quick read during the last day of the readathon. Wasn’t the best idea since I have yet to read any of the books in the series. I liked the action and will definitely try this book out again after I’ve started the series. Right now it was challenging to listen to, seems fun enough though if you just know the characters. At the moment though was hard to follow and know much nothing about the characters.
I’ve wanted to try R. A. Salvatore’s books and especially his Drizzt series and thus decided to listen to this as a quick read during the last day of the readathon. Wasn’t the best idea since I have yet to read any of the books in the series. I liked the action and will definitely try this book out again after I’ve started the series. Right now it was challenging to listen to, seems fun enough though if you just know the characters. At the moment though was hard to follow and know much nothing about the characters.
June 5, 2021
Quick read.
In all honesty, I haven't perused A Forgotten Realms story in ages. Decided to try out One-Eyed Jax because of its length. Another fine story by R.A. Salvatore. Nice, concise story, with old familiar characters. Since I haven't kept up with some of the many novels, a few things here and there were not familiar but it did not diminished what R.A. Salvatore put together.
In all honesty, I haven't perused A Forgotten Realms story in ages. Decided to try out One-Eyed Jax because of its length. Another fine story by R.A. Salvatore. Nice, concise story, with old familiar characters. Since I haven't kept up with some of the many novels, a few things here and there were not familiar but it did not diminished what R.A. Salvatore put together.
June 26, 2023
Another fun tale from Salvatore, with our beloved cast of heroes. This one focuses on Jarlaxle and Regis, who are the primary two trying to discover what ship or beast is attacking ships in Luskan waters.
Victor Bevine is a solid narrator but I felt he could’ve had more fun with some of the different characters’ voices. Excellent tale, regardless.
Victor Bevine is a solid narrator but I felt he could’ve had more fun with some of the different characters’ voices. Excellent tale, regardless.
June 20, 2024
Maybe the people who have read all the Drizzt novels get more out of One-Eyed Jax, but I certainly got very little out of it. The story was short and simple, without much happening, the banter was plentyful but easily forgettable, there were characters for every finger and toe, but none of them felt deep or interesting, etc.
Score 1,5 rounded up for decent writing.
Score 1,5 rounded up for decent writing.
June 5, 2021
Can’t believe I’m the first reviewer. Bob Salvatore is my hero. This was just a bit of frosting on an already delicious cupcake we’ve all been devouring for years. It’s not groundbreaking but I don’t need it to be. It was great.
June 13, 2021
Ehh. It’s my first D&D book in a long time, so maybe I just don’t like the action and style, but I didn’t care for it at all. There is some magic and action, but the casino scene was like half the book and just didn’t have any payoff.
June 15, 2021
A fun (free) listen feat Drizzt and co.
After a series of merchant ships are mysteriouly sank jaraxle begins to investigate. He soon recruits a few friends to stage a card game in an attempt to track the stolen gold.
I was never super big on the series but I don't dislike it either.
After a series of merchant ships are mysteriouly sank jaraxle begins to investigate. He soon recruits a few friends to stage a card game in an attempt to track the stolen gold.
I was never super big on the series but I don't dislike it either.
August 4, 2021
I debated if I wanted to read this short story. By the look of it you would think it's a story about Jarlayle only, I was pleasantly surprised to find the companions had a very large role, more so than Jarlayle. Overall it was a nice adventure and I enjoyed it. I'm glad I took the time to read it.
August 9, 2021
Nice short story in the world of Drizzt. Not having read any of Drizzt’s books I was a little confused at the beginning but I was able to figure things out as the story went along. The narration was really well done and adds extra value to the audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews