Book review: Legend of Drizzt - Dark Elf Trilogy

Where do I start? You see, Drizzt, has a very special place in my heart. I suppose I could start by saying this is the beginning of a series of book reviews, long overdue. I am intending to review 13 Drizzt novels on my bookshelf.

Looking back, Dark Elf trilogy, is the set of books that helped me to discover the fun and joy in reading. There are many reasons why I love the story of Drizzt. It is mainly because I feel connected with the character, and these stories often remind me of virtues that people no longer believe in our culture, which is full of cynicism.

This will be the first of many book reviews to come. This is because I really love this series, and I would like to introduce Drizzt to those who have not read it yet. So here it goes. Today, I will review the first 3 books in the Legend of Drizzt, collectively known as "Dark Elf Trilogy".

Synopsis:

There are 3 books in Dark Elf Trilogy:

Homeland:

Homeland, is the first book in the Drizzt saga. The story recounts the birth of Drizzt at the city of Menzoberranzan. In the world of where the story of Drizzt took place, Drizzt's people, are the Drows (Dark Elves). Drows/dark elves are known as a race of evil beings, selfish and cruel. They are distantly related to elves, but have dark skin and live in underground caverns, known as the "Underdark". Drizzt, is born a Drow, and at very young age, he was selected to be trained as a warrior. He was trained by the best weaponmaster in the Drow city. The normal upbringing of the Drow children, consists of education in the selfish and merciless ways of the Drow culture and moral code. However, Drizzt's weaponmaster taught him a set of different values which are counter to the Drow culture. Because of this, Drizzt grew up to be a very different Drow compared to his peers. Drizzt's values and belief, ultimately forced him to flee from his birthplace, but this is only the beginning.







Exile:

In book 2, following Drizzt's escapade from his birthplace. He lived a life as an exile in the Underdark, a place full of dangerous and hostile creatures. Devoid of companionship, Drizzt constantly craved for friendships. His only friend in his life as an exile, is a she-panther whom can be summoned from another dimension for a limited time per day.

After an extended period of wandering in the cold and dangerous Underdark, Drizzt finally met someone who he can trust, someone who Drizzt can call a friend. But the Drow priestess will not let Drizzt escape that easily, they view Drizzt's escape from the Drow city as a betrayal, and they want to hunt him down. It seems for Drizzt, his only chance is to escape the Underdark into the surface world.






Sojourn:

In book 3, Drizzt escaped into the surface world. He saw sunshine for the first time in his life. The surface world is new to Drizzt, the surface dwellers, such as human and elves are meant to be "good" folks. As Drizzt step into the sun, emerging from the Underdark, he had many hopes for his future. Including finding a place where he can belong to.

Unfortunately, very soon Drizzt came to the painful realization that, the reputation of his people's evil way is renowned to the surface dwellers. Not only did he meet rejection from people, but he was always attacked on sight by human and elves alike. It seemed to Drizzt, in the mind of these so called "good" people, stereotypes and racial origin is the standard for judging one's character and soul.

With this revelation, Drizzt was driven into sojourn, travelling from one place to another. Always avoiding the surface dwellers and steering away from the eyes of others. Eventually, Drizzt arrived at the frozen wasteland of Icewindale, a tundra where the outlaws and exiles dwell. It is here, when Drizzt will meet four people who will become very dear to him. Hence a resting place for his heart.


Some thoughts on Dark Elf Trilogy:

Dark Elf Trilogy, is the beginning of the Drizzt saga. This is a wonderful trilogy, the characters in these books are memorable and likable.  Drizzt, is an introspective character who constantly reflects on his own actions, and grows from them, this enables readers to connect with the character. Actions scenes are well written, stories are full of excitements. The story of Drizzt is refreshing, it uses a fantasy story, and a fantasy character to challenge its readers about topics such as racial stereotypes and moral codes without being preachy.

It is no wonder why all 18 Drizzt novels are listed on New York Times Bestsellers list. If you have not read Legend of Drizzt, do no hesitate, pick up Dark Elf Trilogy (or Book 1) and start reading it. I am sure you will fall in love with series just as I did.

Stay tuned for the next review, I will talk about Icewindale Trilogy, which is the next installment following Dark Elf Trilogy.