DISCLAIMER: All artwork, characters, stories, and books are Copyright their respective owners. They are NOT of my making.

Last Updated: 07/04/11: added books Gauntlgrym, Neverwinter, The Sentinels, Collected Stories.

 

Drizzt Do'Urden's Corner
WARNING: RAMPANT SPOILERS AHEAD!!

This is my tribute to Drizzt Do'Urden, the kind, angsty drow trying to live his life on the surface. He was created by R. A. Salvatore, and no page about Drizzt would be complete without reverence to this great man.

 

The "Drizzt Books" Guide

Tribute to R. A. Salvatore - King of Action



 
Drizzt and Guenhwyvar

Drizzt Do'Urden's D&D 3rd Edition Statistics
Level: 16 ranger of Mielikki
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Age: ~140 years young
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 130 lbs.
Race: Drow (dark elf)
Eyes: Lavender
Hair: White
Strength: 13 (+1)
Dexterity: 21 (+5)
Constitution: 15 (+2)
Intelligence: 17 (+3)
Wisdom: 17 (+3)
Charisma: 14 (+2)
Speed: 30 ft.
Size: M
Initiative: +9 (Improved Initiative)
Armor Class: 24 (+5 Dex, +9 armor)
Hit Points: 92
Attack Bonus: +16/+11/+6/+1 (primary weapon), +17/+12 (secondary weapon).

Feats: Ambidexterity (ranger bonus feat), Blind-Fight, Dodge, Expertise, Improved Initiative, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Lightning Reflexes, Two-Weapon Fighting (ranger bonus feat).
Equipment: mithral dwarven chain mail +4, scimitar named Icingdeath (frostbrand +4) that can quench flames, scimitar named Twinkle (defender +5) that warns of approaching enemies, an onyx figurine that summons an other-planar panther named Guenhwyvar.
Skills: Animal Empathy +6, Bluff +3, Climb +5, Handle Animal +5, Heal +4, Hide +12, Intuit Direction +9, Jump +5, Listen +6, Move Silently +12, Ride +8, Rope Use +4, Search +8, Spot +9, Track +12, Wilderness Lore +10

 

 

Tribute to R. A. Salvatore - King of Action
R. A. Salvatore I typically read about science/culture/mythology and stay away from reading fiction. It's rather disheartening to invest large amounts of time into reading fiction books - which are often plodding, overly descriptive, and take too long to get going - only to realize that you don't like the plot and don't care about the characters. It's really not worth the effort for me and instead I prefer to write my own stories and create my own worlds/people which I am guaranteed to enjoy. But back in the day I had given up even on that, believing it was impossible to make written work as exciting as it is in my head or in a movie.

One day while playing EverQuest and obsessing over their pretty dark elves, somebody recommended The Dark Elf Trilogy to me, saying how the main character is a pretty dark elf, dual wields swords, and fights a lot. Sold! I went to a book store, read a bit of the Introduction, skimmed a few pages, and liked what I saw. I'm used to fantasy books being filled with muscle-bound barbarians, stocky dwarves, insipidly righteous adventurers, with elves appearing very rarely and only as mystical side characters. But here were elves! All elves! Dark elves! Creepy, sadistic dark elves! Needless to say, I bought the book.

As I kept reading, I was enthralled by the ruthlessness of drow society, the depictions of the characters, and the engaging, fast pace of the writing that didn't dwell on unnecessary descriptions. But perhaps most of all I was blown away by the intensity, detail, and enthusiasm of the fight scenes - as exhilarating as the best Hong Kong movie! Here was a book that wasn't boring, filled with interesting characters who were worth my attention.

It gave me hope! Hope in the written medium, hope for my own stories. Inspired by this man's brilliance I started writing again and finished my novel. I even started reading more fiction. That's right, this man got me to read! An impressive feat by any measure. I kept coming back to his work, however, because it was the most fun for me. I have since personally bought The Dark Elf Trilogy for seven people (and counting) for no reasons other than to spread the obsession and pay tribute to his greatness.

Related Links: The "Drizzt Books" Guide, Drizzt & Co. Fan Art, Me & Salvatore 1, Me & Salvatore 2, Me & Salvatore 3

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The "Drizzt Books" Guide


Though R. A. Salvatore's epic series has technically been renamed "The Legend of Drizzt," I still call it the "Drizzt Books" because I include into the mix the spinoff series starring Jarlaxle and Artemis ("The Sellswords"). Here are the books organized semi-chronologically (*cough*13*cough*) by their sub-series:

The Dark Elf Trilogy
The Icewind Dale Trilogy
Legacy of the Drow
Paths of Darkness
The Hunter's Blades Trilogy
The Sellswords
Transitions Trilogy
Neverwinter Saga

It is no secret that the series is plagued by a long line of frighteningly horrid cover art that paints Drizzt as an ugly old (and sometimes pink) man with a gold plate on his head. This atrocity is now being remedied by the re-release of the earlier books featuring the beautiful artwork of Todd Lockwood, and whenever possible I include his covers as the primary picture with the old cover art as a mouse-over picture.

I am also ever so grateful that the comic book versions of the books are also adorned with a fittingly pretty Drizzt:

The Legend of Drizzt Graphic Novels

Then there is the mishmash of short stories by R. A. Salvatore featuring characters from the "Drizzt Books" that are scattered throughout his various books and Forgotten Realms anthologies:

Short Stories

In addition to the Drizzt-related stories written, by R. A. Salvatore, there is also a series he co-wrote with his son, Geno Salvatore, that also includes Drizzt:

Stone of Tymora

And then there is stuff, such as artbooks and guides, that don't fit anywhere else:

Miscellaneous

The Dark Elf Trilogy

The Dark Elf Trilogy Collector's Edition

After the unexpected popularity of Drizzt in The Icewind Dale Trilogy, this prequel trilogy elaborating on his past, journey to the surface, and initiation into the ways of a ranger came out. It is arguably the best in the series, primarily due to its focus on Drizzt, the sinister world of drow intrigue, and utter lack of pesky dwarves. Now that all the books are being re-released under the blanket title The Legend of Drizzt, these three novels have been renumbered to fit the proper chronological order (instead of -3, -2, -1).

1 Homeland HOMELAND

This fast-paced, action-packed classic not only chronicles the childhood of this peculiar drow with lavender eyes but is also the definitive primer on the twisted brilliance of drow society. Innocence is realized and lost, a lasting friendship with a magical black panther is forged, one of the best characters in the series is introduced and swiftly killed off. Possibly my favorite book in the whole thing.

2 Exile EXILE

Oh no, illithids! Illithids are bad, m'kay? Drizzt develops a wilder, darker aspect of himself here geared towards sheer survival. Dinin gets the crap beat out of him again for no apparent reason and Zaknafein is back with a vengeance.

3 Sojourn SOJOURN

Drizzt journeys to the surface to be feared, hunted, and shunned by all except his trustworthy feline companion and a blind ranger. His hapless attempts to make friends are absolutely adorable! It is here Drizzt is first called a "drizzit," a cute elf is strangled, and a very mean quickling meets a suitably grisly death.

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The Icewind Dale Trilogy

The Icewind Dale Trilogy Collector's Edition

Dwarves and snow *shudder*. Though this was the original few books featuring Drizzt ever released, it is chronologically the second trilogy in the series. Wulfgar was actually supposed to be the star of the story, but Drizzt somehow got a life of his own and stole every scene hands down. Though the drow now traveled with a band of loyal friends, he was still hated by the rest of the world. The first hardcover release of the Collector's Edition was riddled with typos before it was pulled from the shelves. This was amazing not just in the sheer number of typos (at least one per page), but in the fact that the original individual paperbacks did not have them. Hmmm. I am very happy I have it and can read all I want about the adventures of "Drizzi" and "Wi;fgur."

4 The Crystal Shard THE CRYSTAL SHARD

Giants and dragons and demons, oh my! One Ring Crystal to rule them all, one Crystal to find them, one Crystal to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. When a powerful magical artifact threatens the countryside, Drizzt comes to the rescue and tries to earn the friendship of Ten-Towns. Wulfgar is annoying and should stop hogging Drizzt's scenes.

5 Streams of Silver STREAMS OF SILVER

More gratuitous persecution and the first appearance by Artemis Entreri (one of the coolest names ever, might I add)!! The only casters I could ever enjoy, the Harpells, are introduced. Oh, and something about ancient dwarven legacies, mines of Moria Mithral Hall, and a rather large fire-breathing balrog dragon. Wulfgar still annoying.

6 The Halfling's Gem THE HALFLING'S GEM

As Drizzt found out, there was at least one man in the world that judged others not by the color of their skin, but by their skill with the blade(s). That man was Artemis Entreri, and this was not altogether a good thing. The gang goes all the way to Calimport and Drizzt braves an other-planar abyss. Wulfgar being especially annoying in this one.

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Legacy of the Drow

Legacy of the Drow Collector's Edition

Less dwarves, more drow! These books go back to the politics and brutality of the Underdark to tie up some loose ends regarding Menzoberranzen's purple-eyed misfit problem. Lolth wants Drizzt dead and her zealous followers are practically tripping over each other to grant their goddess' wish. Friends become enemies, enemies become friends, people die, anything goes!! Drizzt is faced with the dilemma of breaking his vow to never kill drow as he ventures alone into his homeland, more vulnerable than he has ever been. I have no idea what Passage to Dawn is doing in here.

7 The Legacy THE LEGACY

I have no idea what the original cover (hover cursor over the picture to the left to see) was supposed to mean. Watch out, Drizzt, there's a huge glowing spider coming at you!! Here the rivalry between Artemis and Drizzt takes on Wile E. Coyote & Roadrunner proportions, complete with a futile attempt to sail off a cliff on a hang glider. My sweet darling Dinin dies... twice..... T_T Also, somebody else dies, but for the life of me I can't remember their name. I think it started with a W... Wu... Oh well, couldn't have been all that important.

8 Starless Night STARLESS NIGHT

I hate the original cover (hover cursor over the picture to the to see). Why does Drizzt look like Spock? Why does he look like he's 1000 years old? Why is he pink? What's with The Rock raised eyebrow? Can you smell what The Drizzt is cooking?? And for the love of god what is with the damn gold plate on his head??? Aside from that, with the unicorn scene, freaky drow ladies hitting on Drizzt, overt torture, Drizzt and Entreri teaming up, Jarlaxle's involvement, and Drizzt fighting Dantrag, this book is all that and a bag of chips! Without a doubt one of my favorites.

9 Siege of Darkness SIEGE OF DARKNESS

House Baenre falls! Did I mention how much I love Thibbledorf Pwent's battleragers? The only dwarf I actually enjoy. Sorry, this book is a blur to me, I really need to re-read it. ^_^;;

10 Passage to Dawn PASSAGE TO DAWN

What was the point of this book? After dangling Zaknafein in front of our noses we get Wulfgar?? You know, I bet that was Drizzt's reaction, too: "DAD?!? ............... oh..... it's just you." Only worth reading for Harkle Harpell and Drizzt getting electrocuted.

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Paths of Darkness

Paths of Darkness Collector's Edition

Artemis Entreri forms a promising alliance with Jarlaxle as he struggles with his obsession to defeat Drizzt before human aging erodes his skill. Wulfgar drudges about whining like a little b*tch. Drizzt is confronted by a blast from the past just as he starts to feel at home in the world and relapses into self-loathing. This sub-series used to include Servant of the Shard (and the Collector's Edition still does), Jarlaxle's own foray into darkness, but that book has since been reclassified to The Sellswords sub-series.

11 The Silent Blade THE SILENT BLADE

Ugh... Wulfgar should have stayed dead. He was bad enough before, but now his pathetic angst and incessant whining has made me want to fling this book into the wall on several occasions. Oh look, a whole chapter about Wulfgar wandering around aimlessly. Oh look, another one! ARRGHH!! I gave up and skipped to the final duel between Drizzt and Artemis. I swear Salvatore wanted to kill Drizzt off for good but the Forgotten Realms editors made him write the Epilogue with a gun at his head.

12 Spine of the World THE SPINE OF THE WORLD

Move along, nothing to see here, just a whole book about Wulfgar sulking and feeling sorry for himself. He meets some chick named Delly, that's all you need to know.

14 Sea of Swords SEA OF SWORDS

Lesbian pirates, mysterious warriors, and Wulfgar's reunion with his friends. This book is light and fun for the most part, hearkening back to the wistful tone of The Icewind Dale Trilogy, but takes a dramatic nosedive into the abysmal pits of depression in the last few pages. No good deed goes unpunished when Drizzt is involved. Why can't people just be grateful for once?

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The Hunter's Blades Trilogy

Hunter's Blades Trilogy

Lots of dwarves, very little drow... indeed, very little Drizzt. Even when Drizzt does get screentime, he's often in angsty paladin mode, still recovering from the tragedy of Sea of Swords. There has been a trend for him to grow progressively flatter and more perfect as a character, and this sub-series was meant to remedy that. By the end of the first book Drizzt believes his friends to be dead and reverts to the Hunter survival mode he developed in Exile. It is refreshing to see Drizzt acting alone, waging a war of reckless abandon against orcish hordes.

15 The Thousand Orcs THE THOUSAND ORCS

What's with all the damn dwarves?? I hate dwarves! I hate dwarven politics! I hate snow! GRR!! (BRR?) Dwarves bickering, dwarves revolting, dwarves getting imprisoned, dwarves leaving... May the orcs and giants massacre them all!! Thankfully, the pacing picks up towards the end with a Helms Deep style assault on the town Shallows. I have this book signed by R. A. Salvatore himself! Signed, I say!!

16 The Lone Drow THE LONE DROW

Drizzt embraces his primal Hunter side, forsaking civilized comforts to live barefoot in a cave,  wallowing in angst before an altar he made from Bruenor's helmet that he scavenged from the ruins of Shallows. The carnage he leaves in his wake is awe-inspiringly brutal! I really enjoyed this book - anything that's anything happens here! Obould becoming chosen of Gruumsh, Nanfoodle blowing up a mountainside, Tarathiel getting killed, Drizzt facing off with local drow, Drizzt hanging out with elves, Bruenor getting resurrected, the list goes on...

17 The Two Swords THE TWO SWORDS

Bruenor is defending Mithral Hall from scores of orcs! Galen is defending Nesme from scores of trolls! Dagna's dead! Delly's dead! Catti-brie's dead! Catti-brie's not dead (damn)! I really don't give a crap. I'm reading this book for one reason and one reason only: to see Drizzt and Obould go at it. And wow was the the most anticlimactic battle of the century or what? I demand a rematch!!

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The Sellswords

I've had my doubts about this spinoff starring the antiheroes Jarlaxle and Artemis, but the first book alone dispelled all of them entirely. Salvatore has been growing tired of writing about Drizzt non-stop based more on popular demand than genuine inspiration and I believe the fresh plot, dialogue, and ideas in this sub-series show it is a welcome change for him. I certainly love the chemistry between Jarlaxle and Artemis, so you won't see me complaining. Now if we could only have him write a trilogy on Jarlaxle's past. 

13 Servant of the Shard SERVANT OF THE SHARD

This was reclassified from the Paths of Darkness sub-series. Jarlaxle's shrewd wit, intelligence, and charm is more than enough to carry a story, and it is fascinating to learn more about him (although it brings more questions than answers). His inner dialogue with Crenshinibon was one of the funniest things I ever read and his idea to travel the world pretending to be Drizzt is sheer genius! Artemis is the perfect contrast to Jarlaxle's obnoxious flair, and it is interesting to see his more human side be developed.

18 Promise of the Witch King PROMISE OF THE WITCH-KING

Each chapter in this installment reads like an episode of Survivor: Dracolich Fortress as party members drop dead one by one. As always, the not-so-subtle tension in Jarlaxle and Artemis' relationship provides a refreshing element of humor... well, that and the rhyming dwarf. I never cease to marvel at Jarlaxle's endless arsenal of tricks, items, and tide-turning resourcefulness. I pity the poor halfling that was nearly blinded after attempting to scan Jarlaxle for magic. Meanwhile, Artemis runs around scowling with adolescent angst and generally hating life.

19 Road of the Patriarch ROAD OF THE PATRIARCH

This final book in The Sellswords trilogy is all about exposition. The circumstances behind Jarlaxle's failed sacrifice to Lolth are revealed, as well as his relationship with House Baenre. Athrogate remembers his family's massacre at Felbarr. Artemis confronts his own past and settles some old scores with the folks of Memnon - but not before becoming apprentice knight of a Paladin order! You meet some memorable characters from the Bloodstone Lands, such as the powerful, disciplined Master Kane, and the hateful, spiteful, stuck-up bitch Lady Christine. The last two pages make me very worried for future Jarlaxle books.

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Transitions Trilogy

20

The Orc King

THE ORC KING

Haven't read it yet, but it looks great!!

21 The Pirate King THE PIRATE KING

Haven't read it yet, but popular consensus says it's better than its predecessor!!

22 The Ghost King THE GHOST KING

Haven't read it yet, but popular consensus says it's not bad, but a little disappointing.

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Neverwinter Saga
  23 Neverwinter Saga, Book 1 GAUNTLGRYM

Haven't read it yet...

24 Neverwinter Saga, Book 2 NEVERWINTER

Haven't read it yet...

     

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Stone of Tymora
A series co-written by R.A. Salvatore with his son, Geno Salvatore.

1

The Stowaway

THE STOWAWAY

Haven't read it yet....

2 Shadowmask THE SHADOWMASK

Haven't read it yet....

3

The Sentinels

THE SENTINELS

Haven't read it yet....

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The Legend of Drizzt Graphic Novels

Dark Elf Trilogy Omnibus

The "Drizzt Books," now with bold letters emphasizing key words! In my humble opinion, Western comics are far behind the immersive storytelling of Japanese manga, but these are a very welcome companion to those who read the books. I will drool over anything involving Drizzt and pretty pictures.

1 Homeland

HOMELAND

Awkward pacing, missing/changed scenes, and corny dialogue aside, this is a godsend to anyone who loves the books. Though it can't compare to the emotion, complexity, and detail of the latter, it brings its own flavor of humor and symbolism to the story. Everyone looks better than I could have hoped, and though Dinin, and particularly Zaknafein, could have looked a lot prettier, Drizzt lives up to an almost anime bishounen standard of beauty that does his book description justice.

2 Exile EXILE

See above.

3 Sojourn SOJOURN

See above.

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4 The Crystal Shard THE CRYSTAL SHARD

See above, except Drizzt looks older and uglier. ~_~

5 Streams of Silver STREAMS OF SILVER

See above.

Okay, I don't care enough about the comics to keep updating them. :P

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Short Stories
Various short stories sprinkled throughout novels and anthologies featuring characters from the Drizzt books. I read none of these, mind you, but I include them for future reference. 0  Collected Stories COLLECTED STORIES

Featuring the short stories:
"The First Notch" (Bruenor)
"Dark Mirror" (Drizzt)
"The Third Level" (Artemis)
"Guenhwyvar" (Guen)
"That Curious Sword" (Jarlaxle & Artemis)
"Wickless in the Nether" (Jarlaxle & Artemis)
"The Doorway" (Drizzt & Catti-brie)
"Comrades at Odds" (Drizzt)
"If Ever They Happened Upon My Lair" (Zhengyi)
"Bones & Stones" (Pwent)
"Iruladoon" (Icewind Dale people)
"To Legend He Goes" (Wulfgar)

1 Realms of Valor REALMS OF VALOR
(Drizzt)

Featuring the short story "Dark Mirror."

2 The Highwayman

THE HIGHWAYMAN
(Drizzt)

Featuring the short story "The Dowry."

3 Realms of the Elves REALMS OF THE ELVES
(Drizzt)

Featuring the short story "Comrades at Odds."

4 Realms of Infamy REALMS OF INFAMY
(Artemis)

Featuring the short story "The Third Level."

5 Best of the Realms BEST OF THE REALMS
(Jarlaxle & Artemis)

Featuring the short story "Empty Joys."

6 Realms of Shadow REALMS OF SHADOW
(Artemis)

Featuring the short story "That Curious Sword," in which Artemis drains the soul of a shade, thereby expanding his own lifespan.

7 Realms of the Dragons REALMS OF THE DRAGONS
(Jarlaxle & Artemis)

Featuring the short story "Wickless in the Nether."

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Miscellaneous

Stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else.

A Reader's Guide to the Legend of DrizztA Reader's Guide to R. A. Salvatore's
the Legend of Drizzt

Beautiful, colorful, detailed book about the characters, lands, weapons, gods, and monsters of the Drizzt series. Tons and tons of illustrations and maps!

 
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DISCLAIMER: All artwork, characters, stories, and books are Copyright their respective owners. They are NOT of my making.