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The Way of the Drow #2
Glacier's Edge: A Novel
From New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore comes the follow-up to Starlight Enclave and thrilling second novel in his newest trilogy, The Way of the Drow, expanding the Forgotten Realms through the adventures of Drizzt, Catti-brie, Jarlaxle, Artemis Entreri, and Zaknefein...and a society of drow unlike one any elf from Menzoberranzan could possibly imagine.
There's a lot that Jarlaxle doesn't know: is he the lone survivor of the raid on the slaad fortress, can he even find a way to get out, and beyond his immediate predicament, could he possibly escape the ice caverns and get help for his friends?
However, what Jarlaxle does know is that if he plans to come back--if Catti-brie, Entreri, and Zaknafein are to have any hope of surviving--he's going to have to bring back far more firepower. An army of aevendrow seems unlikely, so he must go home and pull together a team with great skill and unimaginable power.
But how will he get home? Will such a collection of warriors and mages come to his aid? And even if he manages all that, will it be enough? For Jarlaxle has seen the slaadi's power and their god in a most personal and terrifying way.
Trapped in the ice while the world is on fire, Jarlaxle is in a race against time--and burdened with a magical secret--to save a peaceful city and his companions.
And he's running out of tricks in his bag of holding...
There's a lot that Jarlaxle doesn't know: is he the lone survivor of the raid on the slaad fortress, can he even find a way to get out, and beyond his immediate predicament, could he possibly escape the ice caverns and get help for his friends?
However, what Jarlaxle does know is that if he plans to come back--if Catti-brie, Entreri, and Zaknafein are to have any hope of surviving--he's going to have to bring back far more firepower. An army of aevendrow seems unlikely, so he must go home and pull together a team with great skill and unimaginable power.
But how will he get home? Will such a collection of warriors and mages come to his aid? And even if he manages all that, will it be enough? For Jarlaxle has seen the slaadi's power and their god in a most personal and terrifying way.
Trapped in the ice while the world is on fire, Jarlaxle is in a race against time--and burdened with a magical secret--to save a peaceful city and his companions.
And he's running out of tricks in his bag of holding...
422 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2023
226 people are currently reading
3706 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 99 reviews
September 16, 2022
It’s Bob Salvatore. It’s Drizzt. It’s a gosh-darned joy.
October 26, 2022
I'm officially caught up (for now) on this 39 (+ side stories) book series, but I found this one to be underwhelming compared to the last, which I gave 5 stars.
The author has the formula for a good action novel down to a fine art, but the story lacked emotional impact for me and felt like recycled plots.
The author has the formula for a good action novel down to a fine art, but the story lacked emotional impact for me and felt like recycled plots.
August 3, 2022
With 40 something books in the Drittz series I can't even tell you who the characters are in this book without spoiling something. Assuming you're caught up: This story has multiple prospectives following multiple groups of people across Faerun. A unknown drow is teleported to Catti-Brie's rooms in the Hosttower but refuses to speak about any of the companions, Drizzt is with the grandmaster of flowers trying to learn to combine his monk and ranger fighting techniques, and the Drow in Menzoberranzan are preparing for a civil war as many houses have turned against the worship of Loth.
I dont usually like the 2nd book in a trilogy more than the first but in this case I do. There is less of Drizzt's inner feelings and more actions and political intrigue. The drow story is setting up mostly for the end of the series and possibly another redemption arc within Drizzt's family. I'm very interested to see where the story in Callidae is going and how the city will be saved. Pikel is still one of my favorite character's from as far back as the Cleric Quintet and I'd recommend this book on his appearance alone.
Book one in the Way of the Drow trilogy ended with some of our heroes in deep trouble. I was worried that that plot wouldn't be resolved in this second book but it is if that is holding you back from reading this until the 3rd book comes out.
Overall I highly recommend this and all of the Drizzt books.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to leave this review.
I dont usually like the 2nd book in a trilogy more than the first but in this case I do. There is less of Drizzt's inner feelings and more actions and political intrigue. The drow story is setting up mostly for the end of the series and possibly another redemption arc within Drizzt's family. I'm very interested to see where the story in Callidae is going and how the city will be saved. Pikel is still one of my favorite character's from as far back as the Cleric Quintet and I'd recommend this book on his appearance alone.
Book one in the Way of the Drow trilogy ended with some of our heroes in deep trouble. I was worried that that plot wouldn't be resolved in this second book but it is if that is holding you back from reading this until the 3rd book comes out.
Overall I highly recommend this and all of the Drizzt books.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to leave this review.
September 1, 2022
Salvatore continues to impress me with his last 2 trilogies.
The first quarter of the book takes place exclusively in the Underdark.
Initially I was worried spending so much time solely with Yvonnel and "friends" would bother me.
However, in the end nothing could be further from the truth, I was disappointed the perspective shifted back above ground to our main cast.
Luckily the other parts of the book were equally satisfying.
Salvatore has definitely improved when it comes to writing the middle book in trilogies.
This one ties up several story threads in a very satisfying manner while keeping some open for the final book (and most importantly, not opening up too many new plot points that would have to be hastily resolved).
At the start of the previous trilogy I was a bit apprehensive about the direction Salvatore was taking. However, by now I'm glad he went for it, it opened up so many exciting possibilities!
I stand by my point that these last 2 trilogies are some of the best works he's done in the Drizzt series, period.
Can't wait for the final book.
The first quarter of the book takes place exclusively in the Underdark.
Initially I was worried spending so much time solely with Yvonnel and "friends" would bother me.
However, in the end nothing could be further from the truth, I was disappointed the perspective shifted back above ground to our main cast.
Luckily the other parts of the book were equally satisfying.
Salvatore has definitely improved when it comes to writing the middle book in trilogies.
This one ties up several story threads in a very satisfying manner while keeping some open for the final book (and most importantly, not opening up too many new plot points that would have to be hastily resolved).
At the start of the previous trilogy I was a bit apprehensive about the direction Salvatore was taking. However, by now I'm glad he went for it, it opened up so many exciting possibilities!
I stand by my point that these last 2 trilogies are some of the best works he's done in the Drizzt series, period.
Can't wait for the final book.
November 11, 2023
Being the middle of a three part series, this book essentially focuses on Jarlaxle’s escape from te imprisonment he found himself in at the end of the prior novel and his journey back to retrieve reinforcements so he can free his other three companions whereas the B story is the machinations going on in the Drow city between House Baenre and the former driver army now back in elf form and loyal to them versus the houses siding with Lolth.
The best part of the novel was an epic battle with the companions fighting against a Slaad lord and his minions way up in the cold northern wastes.
A long part of the book was focused early on trying to crack the memories/thoughts of Aevendrow, Azzudonna which bogged down the narrative for me.
The best part of the novel was an epic battle with the companions fighting against a Slaad lord and his minions way up in the cold northern wastes.
A long part of the book was focused early on trying to crack the memories/thoughts of Aevendrow, Azzudonna which bogged down the narrative for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2022
This book was really, really good. More to the point, it was really satisfying.
As a middle book, especially one that ended on a cliffhanger, it had a delicate needle to thread in resolving enough of the outstanding issues of the first book that it wouldn't feel like it hadn't 'done' anything, while leaving enough issues open (or opening enough new issues) that it would still feel like you had to wait for the next book to truly resolve things. And it did this admirably well. The major issues outstanding in the cliffhanger were all satisfactorily and cleanly resolved, with an exciting climax and enough time given to the aftermath to really pay it off. The largest issue of the trilogy (which is, the war brewing in Menzoberranzan to try to change society entirely vs the old guard who think that things must remain as terrible as they are) was pushed along until it was clear there needed to be a breaking point. And Dinin, poor Dinin, is left as our newly raised issue that needs to be resolved next book -- along with several issues about the REAL threats to Callidae.
In addition, I really liked the way Menzoberranzan and Callidae are being not just reflected as foils but paralleled. Not in how they're behaving, but in their isolation, and what the dangers and hopes would be from opening themselves up to the world. Menzoberranzan is a broken city BECAUSE it has been taunt to fear the outside world as a threat, after all.
Finally, the emotional core of this book was really well done. I was surprised at how much there was a parallel between Drizzt and Catti-Brie, Azzudonna and Zak, and Jarlaxle and Kimmuriel in terms of the grief and fear and need to be reunited, and the way that played out. It was just really solid, really emotional, really moving, and it served really well to pull things together.
Because, basically, we're seeing how the story of Menzoberranzan is a story of families (as it ought to be, given the whole ruling system of 'houses'). This book takes the time to really talk about how the parent-child bonds are destroyed in the current society, with 'Mother-daughter-granddaughter' being used only as a way to establish a leading matrilineal line, rather than any affection. But it's about reclaiming it and using it as a way to help people. It's about how these hurt children and parents *want* to reclaim this, how they give up on love because they don't think they'll be allowed to have it, but how they can choose to rebuild this when they both want and choose to, and reflected back with Zak, with Drizzt and Catti-Brie, with their baby Brie. . I'm excited and interested to see how these thematic parallels will all pay off in the third book, and I have my theory as to an element I suspect will be brought back in... but we will see if I'm right.
As you can see, this book excited me. It was fun to read, and it genuinely has got me theorizing and examining themes and engaging with it. I can't wait for the finale!
Thank you to Harper-Collins and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a middle book, especially one that ended on a cliffhanger, it had a delicate needle to thread in resolving enough of the outstanding issues of the first book that it wouldn't feel like it hadn't 'done' anything, while leaving enough issues open (or opening enough new issues) that it would still feel like you had to wait for the next book to truly resolve things. And it did this admirably well. The major issues outstanding in the cliffhanger were all satisfactorily and cleanly resolved, with an exciting climax and enough time given to the aftermath to really pay it off. The largest issue of the trilogy (which is, the war brewing in Menzoberranzan to try to change society entirely vs the old guard who think that things must remain as terrible as they are) was pushed along until it was clear there needed to be a breaking point. And Dinin, poor Dinin, is left as our newly raised issue that needs to be resolved next book -- along with several issues about the REAL threats to Callidae.
In addition, I really liked the way Menzoberranzan and Callidae are being not just reflected as foils but paralleled. Not in how they're behaving, but in their isolation, and what the dangers and hopes would be from opening themselves up to the world. Menzoberranzan is a broken city BECAUSE it has been taunt to fear the outside world as a threat, after all.
Finally, the emotional core of this book was really well done. I was surprised at how much there was a parallel between Drizzt and Catti-Brie, Azzudonna and Zak, and Jarlaxle and Kimmuriel in terms of the grief and fear and need to be reunited, and the way that played out. It was just really solid, really emotional, really moving, and it served really well to pull things together.
Because, basically, we're seeing how the story of Menzoberranzan is a story of families (as it ought to be, given the whole ruling system of 'houses'). This book takes the time to really talk about how the parent-child bonds are destroyed in the current society, with 'Mother-daughter-granddaughter' being used only as a way to establish a leading matrilineal line, rather than any affection. But it's about reclaiming it and using it as a way to help people. It's about how these hurt children and parents *want* to reclaim this, how they give up on love because they don't think they'll be allowed to have it, but how they can choose to rebuild this when they both want and choose to, and reflected back with Zak, with Drizzt and Catti-Brie, with their baby Brie. . I'm excited and interested to see how these thematic parallels will all pay off in the third book, and I have my theory as to an element I suspect will be brought back in... but we will see if I'm right.
As you can see, this book excited me. It was fun to read, and it genuinely has got me theorizing and examining themes and engaging with it. I can't wait for the finale!
Thank you to Harper-Collins and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2023
This is book two in the Way of the Drow sub-series, and book 38 in the Legend of Drizzt series. I gave book one Starlight Enclave 5 stars as well.
I have loved the Drizzt series since high school, and this one is no different. My only critique would be that there were a few sub-plots in this book that felt somewhat recycled from some of the other books in the series. But after 38 books, maybe that is unavoidable?
For more reviews find me on Bookstagram: @jay.rae.reads
August 26, 2022
I can see why they need a list of characters for reading at the beginning of this book. There are sooo many characters to keep track of. I still love reading about the core characters, but you need a score card for everybody else. This book at least showed quite a bit of Drizzt & Wulfgar had a speaking part in this book. Since the rebirth of Catti-Brie, Bruenor, Regis & Wulfgar, Wulfgar has been the least used character of the core group. I never realised how much of a badass Pikel is as a Doo-dad.
Again I love these characters & will keep reading them as long as books keep getting published.
Again I love these characters & will keep reading them as long as books keep getting published.
September 7, 2022
I'm normally not a huge fan of the Menzoberranzan Drow, but the first half of the book is mainly about them, and it really pulled me in. However, the whole time I'm thinking about what happened to Azzudonna, Jarlaxle, and the others, and when is Drizzt going to go rescue them.
After that, though it does finally switch over to them, and it really explodes with great detailed battle scenes that we are used to Bob Salvatore writing.
I really loved that Grand Master Kane and Kimmuriel were in this story a bit more than they previously had.
I can't wait to find out what happens in Callidae and how it ends up relating to the Menzoberranzan story.
After that, though it does finally switch over to them, and it really explodes with great detailed battle scenes that we are used to Bob Salvatore writing.
I really loved that Grand Master Kane and Kimmuriel were in this story a bit more than they previously had.
I can't wait to find out what happens in Callidae and how it ends up relating to the Menzoberranzan story.
June 2, 2022
Glacier's Edge is another awesome installment in the Legend of Drizzt series. This is 2nd in the Way of the Drow trilogy, and continues the split narratives between Jarlaxle and his group in the wilds of glacial tundra, those still at the Hosttower and the Harpell household, and Drizzt who is visiting Grandmaster Kane. Oh yes, and the drow in Menzoberranzan.
Usually, I have one person or group whose story I prefer to follow. Here, I was equally invested in all of them. Of course, it doesn't hurt that each group had favourite people in it. Drizzt for one. Jarlaxle and Entreri. Gromph. Quenthel.
The story, and its greater implications for the drow themselves, drew me along, calling to the cultural anthropologist in me. I'd love the chance to immerse myself in Callidae and its culture. For the most part, the drow have been portrayed as 'evil', and *no* culture is purely good or evil. Not the least because those are moral concepts. 'There is nothing that is good nor bad but that thinking makes it so.' I'm so glad we are seeing more and more drow not under Lolth's influence.
And clearly I need to catch back up with the series!! When my lucky black cat Drizzt passed, I stopped reading for a time. I missed 6 books, and just jumped right back in without reading the missing ones. I missed the start of Gromph and Jarlaxle's new circumstances.
I loved getting to see old friends again too. One was a big surprise that tickled me. Now that the secret of Callidae is known by more than Jarlaxle's group, it opens up so many more possibilities. I don't know the logistics of establishing trade connections with Bregan D'aerthe, but I can see that happening.
Highly recommended for any D&D or Legend of Drizzt fans, or if you just want fun fantasy.
*******Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Usually, I have one person or group whose story I prefer to follow. Here, I was equally invested in all of them. Of course, it doesn't hurt that each group had favourite people in it. Drizzt for one. Jarlaxle and Entreri. Gromph. Quenthel.
The story, and its greater implications for the drow themselves, drew me along, calling to the cultural anthropologist in me. I'd love the chance to immerse myself in Callidae and its culture. For the most part, the drow have been portrayed as 'evil', and *no* culture is purely good or evil. Not the least because those are moral concepts. 'There is nothing that is good nor bad but that thinking makes it so.' I'm so glad we are seeing more and more drow not under Lolth's influence.
And clearly I need to catch back up with the series!! When my lucky black cat Drizzt passed, I stopped reading for a time. I missed 6 books, and just jumped right back in without reading the missing ones. I missed the start of Gromph and Jarlaxle's new circumstances.
I loved getting to see old friends again too. One was a big surprise that tickled me. Now that the secret of Callidae is known by more than Jarlaxle's group, it opens up so many more possibilities. I don't know the logistics of establishing trade connections with Bregan D'aerthe, but I can see that happening.
Highly recommended for any D&D or Legend of Drizzt fans, or if you just want fun fantasy.
*******Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 26, 2022
When I am reading an R.A. Salvatore novel, and see that I am getting 75% of the way through it, I become saddened.
For people like me who have read all of his books you know what I mean by saying such a thing. I become so wrapped up in his story telling that I don't want it to ever end. But, sadly, I know it soon will, and that I will have to wait for the story to resume in his next novel.
I envy those who have just started to discover his books, and have a lot of reading ahead of them. The first read of discovery is the best.
My review of Glacier's Edge is this: I love it, and I want to thank Mr. Salvatore for his stories. I started reading his written words way back in 1988. Others will give details in the story and the characters, and there is not much I can provide to elaborate on those reviews, so therefor will no try.
TD
For people like me who have read all of his books you know what I mean by saying such a thing. I become so wrapped up in his story telling that I don't want it to ever end. But, sadly, I know it soon will, and that I will have to wait for the story to resume in his next novel.
I envy those who have just started to discover his books, and have a lot of reading ahead of them. The first read of discovery is the best.
My review of Glacier's Edge is this: I love it, and I want to thank Mr. Salvatore for his stories. I started reading his written words way back in 1988. Others will give details in the story and the characters, and there is not much I can provide to elaborate on those reviews, so therefor will no try.
TD
December 18, 2023
*slaps cover of book* "This bad boy can fit so much drow politicking in it!"
Do you read D&D novels and think, "Man, I wish it had more middling politics!" Then do I have a novel for you. The previous volume, "Starlight Enclave," had the characters discovering a hidden city in the far north where not-evil drow lived peacefully with other races. The novel ended with Cattie-Brie, Jarlaxle, Zaknafein, and Entreri being trapped in tombs of ice. A decent ending to a decent new element in the D&D cosmology (races aren't inherently evil--see? Here are some nice drow).
Salvatore's "Glacier's Edge" purports to be about the attempts to rescue the crew as Jarlaxle escapes but has his memory wiped by the "nice" people of the hidden city (so they won't be discovered). So much of the novel is a plot-contrivance of Jarlaxle trying to "discover" where he came from and where his companions are (info the reader has known for hundreds of pages).
But really, the underlying thread here is the internal (and interminable) strife amongst the major houses of the major drow city Menzoberranzon as they **maybe** start to come out from under the oppressive control of Spider Queen Lolth. Maybe the aevendrow (the nice ones) are planning a war against Menzo... maybe not. Maybe they're going to sit and talk about it A LOT. On both sides.
Drizzt finally gets involved in this hunt when he's not learning to be a monk under the tutelage of Grandmaster Kane. Meh.
I feel with each successive Salvatore book, he is less and less invested in his main characters, having taken them as far as he can as **characters** capable of growth (you can only reach true ascendance so many times) -- so he fills out the rest of the novel with SEVERAL new-ish characters (side and otherwise) that never quite get the level of attention or "depth" that the original crew of Drizzt, Bruenor, Wulfgar, Regis, and Cattie-Brie did because well, he still has to devote time to his "stars." What we're left with is a lot of generally pointeless drow politicking punctuated by purposeless action scenes by our now vastly overpowered characters.
Do you read D&D novels and think, "Man, I wish it had more middling politics!" Then do I have a novel for you. The previous volume, "Starlight Enclave," had the characters discovering a hidden city in the far north where not-evil drow lived peacefully with other races. The novel ended with Cattie-Brie, Jarlaxle, Zaknafein, and Entreri being trapped in tombs of ice. A decent ending to a decent new element in the D&D cosmology (races aren't inherently evil--see? Here are some nice drow).
Salvatore's "Glacier's Edge" purports to be about the attempts to rescue the crew as Jarlaxle escapes but has his memory wiped by the "nice" people of the hidden city (so they won't be discovered). So much of the novel is a plot-contrivance of Jarlaxle trying to "discover" where he came from and where his companions are (info the reader has known for hundreds of pages).
But really, the underlying thread here is the internal (and interminable) strife amongst the major houses of the major drow city Menzoberranzon as they **maybe** start to come out from under the oppressive control of Spider Queen Lolth. Maybe the aevendrow (the nice ones) are planning a war against Menzo... maybe not. Maybe they're going to sit and talk about it A LOT. On both sides.
Drizzt finally gets involved in this hunt when he's not learning to be a monk under the tutelage of Grandmaster Kane. Meh.
I feel with each successive Salvatore book, he is less and less invested in his main characters, having taken them as far as he can as **characters** capable of growth (you can only reach true ascendance so many times) -- so he fills out the rest of the novel with SEVERAL new-ish characters (side and otherwise) that never quite get the level of attention or "depth" that the original crew of Drizzt, Bruenor, Wulfgar, Regis, and Cattie-Brie did because well, he still has to devote time to his "stars." What we're left with is a lot of generally pointeless drow politicking punctuated by purposeless action scenes by our now vastly overpowered characters.
June 16, 2025
This novel consisted of two parts, unconnected with each other.
It is a time of civil war in Menzobarrazan, between the followers of the Spider Goddess, Lolth, and the heretical factions. This section had a very Italian Renaissance to it.
Then we had our heroes from the first novel in this series, trapped in the Arctic, and the attempts to locate them and rescue them. Connected to this are further training of Drizzt, and various technical issues.
All will be revealed, hopefully, in the 3rd book!
It is a time of civil war in Menzobarrazan, between the followers of the Spider Goddess, Lolth, and the heretical factions. This section had a very Italian Renaissance to it.
Then we had our heroes from the first novel in this series, trapped in the Arctic, and the attempts to locate them and rescue them. Connected to this are further training of Drizzt, and various technical issues.
All will be revealed, hopefully, in the 3rd book!
January 24, 2023
Quite the epic tale. One of the better large-scale high-level battles that I've seen. Love for the dark elves. The two combined to be greater than the whole. Remorhaz are frightening.
July 21, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. This was a fantastic book, got to see all my friends, and I am really curious how the shenanigans in Menzoberranzan are going to play out. Excited for book 3!
October 23, 2025
Did not disappoint!
Loved the continuation of Drizzt series to land at this spot. Well done. Excited to read the final book!
Let's go comapnions.
Loved the continuation of Drizzt series to land at this spot. Well done. Excited to read the final book!
Let's go comapnions.
September 30, 2022
Like the good old days. After the Starlight Enclave's fiasco, Salvatore redeems himself with a narrative full of intrigue, fights, epic battle royalles, humor and everything we like in the Realms.
No political agendas. No woke narratives. No tedious descriptions.
And now I'm looking forward to read the next book which the author spoiled to be the Menzobenranzan's civil war.
There are some boring parts (like all scenes starring Azzudona) and because of it I'll put a 3, not 4.
No political agendas. No woke narratives. No tedious descriptions.
And now I'm looking forward to read the next book which the author spoiled to be the Menzobenranzan's civil war.
There are some boring parts (like all scenes starring Azzudona) and because of it I'll put a 3, not 4.
November 27, 2022
Great Addition
Another awesome addition to the Drizzt saga. There were a couple of spots in the book that felt rushed (especially towards the end), but it amazes me how Salvatore keeps pulling new ideas into these books. They never get old for me.
Another awesome addition to the Drizzt saga. There were a couple of spots in the book that felt rushed (especially towards the end), but it amazes me how Salvatore keeps pulling new ideas into these books. They never get old for me.
January 29, 2025
Solid showing, but honestly, pretty clear that this is the connecting tissue between the cliffhanger at the end of Starlight Enclave and whatever is set up to happen in Lolth's Warrior, at least in the A plot.
The B plot was your standard Menzoberranzyr politics books and I was actually really invested in Dininae's arc, here, plus some of the back and forth power struggle between the houses was fairly compelling. It's also worth noting that this has the most all out combat I've yet read in one of these books, and combat writing is undeniably one of Salvatore's biggest strengths.
I just kind of wish more had happened.
The B plot was your standard Menzoberranzyr politics books and I was actually really invested in Dininae's arc, here, plus some of the back and forth power struggle between the houses was fairly compelling. It's also worth noting that this has the most all out combat I've yet read in one of these books, and combat writing is undeniably one of Salvatore's biggest strengths.
I just kind of wish more had happened.
August 16, 2022
Solid second book.
The story is engrossing, easy to follow and lead the reader along, without giving away the ending. The scope continues to grow.
The story is engrossing, easy to follow and lead the reader along, without giving away the ending. The scope continues to grow.
September 9, 2022
Great adventurous yet feel good story
A little too much Menzoberranzan political drama and complicated infighting between houses for my taste, but an excellent read all the same.
A little too much Menzoberranzan political drama and complicated infighting between houses for my taste, but an excellent read all the same.
September 5, 2022
Met my expectations for what a Drizzt book should be. Heroes, battles, magic, and now monks. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It does still require some knowledge of the story at large since it’s a huge collection of characters who come together.
February 3, 2023
There were so many things going on in this book, but I really enjoyed the adventure. These books keep me so fully immersed in the world, and I swear Jarlaxle and his shenanigans continue to get better. Only our dear Jarlaxle could manage to rattle the hive mind of the Illithids! It's such a delightful mix of danger, adventure, comedy, and drama. I can't wait for the next one.
September 13, 2022
Good read
Always amazed at the plot lines Salvatore can weave. A lot like tv cop shows where the main character's mom, dad, lost sibling, childhood friend, et. al. comes back to make that episode seem different. I get a little tired of the self reflection and morality preaching of the main character to the chorus. Always triumph through friendship and good conscience gets a little tiring. I wouldn't be surprised if the monk comes back to.life somehow after all every main character has been resurrected. I'd like to see Brie get taken by the spider queen which leads to a nasty divorce and Drizzt drinking himself to death.
Always amazed at the plot lines Salvatore can weave. A lot like tv cop shows where the main character's mom, dad, lost sibling, childhood friend, et. al. comes back to make that episode seem different. I get a little tired of the self reflection and morality preaching of the main character to the chorus. Always triumph through friendship and good conscience gets a little tiring. I wouldn't be surprised if the monk comes back to.life somehow after all every main character has been resurrected. I'd like to see Brie get taken by the spider queen which leads to a nasty divorce and Drizzt drinking himself to death.
August 22, 2022
Always great to be back with my friends of this series! I love them all and this book definitely made me happy! Action, drama, excitement, fear, concern, happiness, and everything in between!
August 21, 2022
As usual R.A. Salvatore draws you into the world of Drizzt and his companions right away. There is action as well as introversion as Drizzt finds balance and dark elves become kinder. Epic battles as well as thoughtful journeys both physical and mental can be found in these pages. My only qualm is that I forgot some of the events that occurred in the first book of this series upon starting this second book as there was a substantial time gap between the books. I still very much enjoyed it however.
January 4, 2023
The book doesn't quite work. Middle books in a trilogy are often weak, but this one particularly so. After leaving us with a huge cliffhanger in the last book, Salvatore then drops the suspense by beginning this one with a random 120 pages from his overarching metastory about Menzobarrazaen, which makes very little progress across 38 books and has nothing to do with where we left the companions at the end of the the last novel. Those 120 pages just don't belong here - and none of the characters in the first 120 pages reappear anywhere in the rest of the novel. He has become increasingly erratic in this regard -- mixing 200 pages of prequel in another recent trilogy beside current events, for instance. It's clear his metastory doesn't always jive with the book he's writing, but the pages have no other home so they get arbitrarily put in.
The ending action sequence is great, but otherwise, this is a dull text. The premise for the middle section regarding the revealing of a secret just isn't enough to drive it. The first book in the series was awesome though, so I have hope for the next one.
The ending action sequence is great, but otherwise, this is a dull text. The premise for the middle section regarding the revealing of a secret just isn't enough to drive it. The first book in the series was awesome though, so I have hope for the next one.
July 31, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the good folks at Harper Voyager for an advance e copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. R. A. Salvatore continues to wow in the second installment of his latest series. The book begins and ends with tremendous action sequences, for which fans of Salvatore will be both familiar and excited. I say this to make sure that readers know there is a tremendous payoff to the setup that occupies the interior of the book. This part I also loved, because it deals with psychological growth as a theme. The author accomplishes this in multiple ways, which I will elucidate in a way that minimized spoiling: there is a character struggling with a magic induced mental block, there are characters struggling against their inner instincts in favor of a better outcome, and there is a character achieving growth, even after 30 years of character development, by continuing to master and balance emotions. This drive towards character growth keeps this world fresh for me. Salvatore in various series has redeemed races, like the orcs, showing how they can evolve, From inception, he has been interested in characters like Drizzt that buck the trends of their race, and that study continues here too. The redemption of Entreri is a huge example of this as well. I realize these books are meant mainly for escapism and entertainment, and they definitely accomplish that, but there is always a meditation on what it means to be good, or to be an individual...and often a combination of this. So this book will be great for a casual fan of the genre, or someone dipping their toe in after catching a D & D bug from watching Stranger Things, though I'd recommend starting with at least the first book in this series. But more than that, people who may think they are jaded about the genre or the author can rest assured that even though there are a lot of familiar characters, they are constantly growing, and that change can catalyze interest on a higher level. It will amaze you how much philosophy gets mixed in with the story, while not ever getting preachy or messing with the plot. Pick up this book!
August 13, 2022
4.5/5 stars
Highly recommended, enjoyable, and a satisfying follow-up - honestly, as with Starlight Enclave, I have very few complaints about this book and am super looking forward to the final book in the trilogy! If you're a D&D fan who's never read any Drizzt books or fell off the Drizzt bandwagon years ago, it's totally fine to just pick up Starlight Enclave and jump right in (maybe with a quick bit of wiki searching or talking to a fan to understand who some of the characters are if you're TOTALLY unfamiliar).
This book picks up where the previous one left off, with Jarlaxle continues to be great fun as a point of view character, and I love seeing his continued development in exploring the wild world of being a good person who has feelings and who does good things for no reward. Look at you go, buddy!
The drow politics sections weren't really my favourite (cw for some non-consensual stuff and some highly unpleasant torture, though much of it is just referred to and offscreen) but I love that is being brought back into things and very curious about how that's all going to fall out. And everything with Yvonnel was SUPER interesting. Even though she's got the "born sexy yesterday" trope going on, Salvatore is doing enough to make her an interesting and well-rounded character and frankly unsettling and unique enough that I'm into it, I'm a big Yvonnel fan.
There's a lot being played with in terms of setting up parallels, deconstructing narratives, and examining things through the lens of generational trauma and trying to break free of it to build something new and better, which I think resonates really well with the current times and a lot of readers.
And Kimmuriel is getting some time to shine and see some character development! Love that for him. Next book when!!
Highly recommended, enjoyable, and a satisfying follow-up - honestly, as with Starlight Enclave, I have very few complaints about this book and am super looking forward to the final book in the trilogy! If you're a D&D fan who's never read any Drizzt books or fell off the Drizzt bandwagon years ago, it's totally fine to just pick up Starlight Enclave and jump right in (maybe with a quick bit of wiki searching or talking to a fan to understand who some of the characters are if you're TOTALLY unfamiliar).
This book picks up where the previous one left off, with Jarlaxle continues to be great fun as a point of view character, and I love seeing his continued development in exploring the wild world of being a good person who has feelings and who does good things for no reward. Look at you go, buddy!
The drow politics sections weren't really my favourite (cw for some non-consensual stuff and some highly unpleasant torture, though much of it is just referred to and offscreen) but I love that is being brought back into things and very curious about how that's all going to fall out. And everything with Yvonnel was SUPER interesting. Even though she's got the "born sexy yesterday" trope going on, Salvatore is doing enough to make her an interesting and well-rounded character and frankly unsettling and unique enough that I'm into it, I'm a big Yvonnel fan.
There's a lot being played with in terms of setting up parallels, deconstructing narratives, and examining things through the lens of generational trauma and trying to break free of it to build something new and better, which I think resonates really well with the current times and a lot of readers.
And Kimmuriel is getting some time to shine and see some character development! Love that for him. Next book when!!
August 1, 2022
Coming off of one of the most epic cliffhangers this long series has had, Glacier's Edge jumps right in with Jarlaxle, stuck at the bottom of his portable hole, wondering how long he'll have to wait to be able to get out. The threat is still very real and the cold is creeping in...
At the Monastery of the Yellow Rose, Drizzt (with daughter Brie-Zara in tow) continues his monk training with Grandmaster Kane, only with an added level. Drizzt needs to learn to control "The Hunter", the pure instinct fighter, grown out of necessity in times where Drizzt needs speed and rage. However now, he must merge his monk training with "The Hunter"... becoming unstoppable...
Menzoberranzan, city of Lolth-worshipping Drow, is under stress and chaos. With the Blaspheme army of driders converted back to drow recently, Lolth's hold on the city is cracking. House Baenre has chosen to go against the horrible Spider Queen and some houses have sided with her, while some have not. Will the drow learn to live without the influence of chaos?
Callidae, the polar ice buried city of the aevendrow, lives in relative peace. But invading creatures threaten their borders... perhaps the Companions of the Hall can help them AFTER saving their frozen friends?
Salvatore has another masterpiece here. Can't wait to meet the Lorendrow in the third book of this trilogy, but I really love how the author has yet again set a new status quo for fantasy and it's ever evolving landscape.
High recommend.
At the Monastery of the Yellow Rose, Drizzt (with daughter Brie-Zara in tow) continues his monk training with Grandmaster Kane, only with an added level. Drizzt needs to learn to control "The Hunter", the pure instinct fighter, grown out of necessity in times where Drizzt needs speed and rage. However now, he must merge his monk training with "The Hunter"... becoming unstoppable...
Menzoberranzan, city of Lolth-worshipping Drow, is under stress and chaos. With the Blaspheme army of driders converted back to drow recently, Lolth's hold on the city is cracking. House Baenre has chosen to go against the horrible Spider Queen and some houses have sided with her, while some have not. Will the drow learn to live without the influence of chaos?
Callidae, the polar ice buried city of the aevendrow, lives in relative peace. But invading creatures threaten their borders... perhaps the Companions of the Hall can help them AFTER saving their frozen friends?
Salvatore has another masterpiece here. Can't wait to meet the Lorendrow in the third book of this trilogy, but I really love how the author has yet again set a new status quo for fantasy and it's ever evolving landscape.
High recommend.
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