Another review that ought to be posted a long time ago, though not as long as Eragon. I think I read this in 2013. Let's get this started!
Once again, I've proven that even when I'm displaying pictures of trilogies. They have to be from the same publisher. That's why the third book does not look as sharp as the first two... I went to other websites to find the third book cover. Yes, have you forgotten my idiosyncrasies?
The Legend of Drizzt (The Dark Elf Trilogy)
R.A. Salvatore
Sypnosis (in my own words): Dark elves are considered the race of the most evil. In the midst of them, a dark elf was born... with a different conscience. Watch how he struggles between what he feels is the right thing and what his society and culture wants him to believe is the right thing.
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In case you don't know, this whole series is based on the game Dungeons and Dragons. Well, one part of it. I find that pretty fascinating. It's as close to getting fanfiction officially published as you can get. Well, I shouldn't be surprised anymore. More fanfiction are getting published as we know it. I may say it this way, but I only know of two. The famous one being Fifty Shades of Grey and the other one being "My Disjointed Life", which I've not read but will leave the link here so that you can have a look.
Apparently, if I'm not wrong, the original series is Book 4, 5 and 6. (Star Wars, anybody?) The trilogy that I've read was Book 1, 2 and 3. After Book 6, there are approximately another 20 books. I kid you not. Ask Wikipedia.
Well now, that's seriously - too many books.
Let's get on with the positives and negatives.
1. Firstly, setting.
The beginning of the book kind of confused me, but not in the way that is confusing to the story. It took me a while to understand how the world was like. Basically... I give a rough image of the place and I continued.
R.A. Salvatore took time to explain the concept of dark elves and the world around them. Basically, dark elves are in a system of morals and values completely different from us. I appreciate that the explaination was done in detail. Yet, he explained it so simply that I did not need to do a double take to think again.
2. That moral story again.
The story describes Drizzt's struggle to find balance in his morals. When I was reading this, I found the moral struggles that it described very apt because that was the struggle that Meia felt in "I Want To Be A Turk!" This grey area of morality is a very common and highly sought after theme in young adult books, I guess?
Do I like that? Yeah, I do! But I had my reservations in the middle of the story.
3.Character
Drizzt was a wonderful character. He was handsome. He was talented. He fights beautifully. He had a conscience that a drow/dark elf would never have. He was caring (which is not desired in his world). And many, many, many more.
That was the problem. He's too philosophical. Too perfect, if I dare say. There were basically no flaws about him. *gasp* Gary Stu alert! Yeah, I admit. That was a littttttle annoying. If I can pinpoint a flaw in Drizzt, probably that he's too emo. That man... er... elf... needs to lighten up!
How about the other characters? Umm... I can't remember. Sorry.
4. Action..
Yup, this story has good action and a fair bit of fighting. I'm a bit on the fence for this. It's all about whether you like it fast-paced or complicated. I like the description and pace of the fights. I could imagine how the moves were executed, which is something I usually gloss over in other books. Just to be fair, I started glossing over in the second and third books eventually.
If you are looking for battle flair and beauty, none. Fights in this book are straightforward, melee actions. That is, you hit until the enemy falls. If there's something that I would like to learn from, however, it would be the description of the fights.
5. Pace of the story
I read other reviews which said that the author wastes no time with his story. I agree with that. The pace of the story was just right. It gives enough information for context, yet moves fast enough to see action and plot. It's something I appreciate
6. Way too many books.
I've said it too many times, but I must say it again. There are too many books. Twenty? No way.
*insert "Ain't nobody got time for that" meme, because I'm too tired to find one for you*
I stopped after the third book, which is Soujourn. It's kinda sad because the real story is Book 4 to 6, the Icewind Dale Trilogy. However, I think I'm pretty done. The prequel was good enough and I'm satisfied already.
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Rating: Love it.Pictures are taken from:
Homeland Cover
Exile Cover
Sojourn Cover
The lineup of books
Disclaimer: Despite the official term, the above book review is not a wholesome and fully critical one. The book is merely reviewed and reflected on based on story writing skills and other literary elements.
