Book Review: Legend of Drizzt - The Icewind Dale Trilogy

The Icewind Dale trilogy, is the second set of books in R.A Salvatore's Drizzt saga. The story continues from the end of Dark Elf trilogy, with Drizzt's arrival to Icewind Dale, a frozen tundra populated by outlaws and exiles from all corners of the world.

Unlike Dark Elf trilogy, focusing on the story of Drizzt. Icewind Dale trilogy tells the story of Drizzt and his four friends, which later became known as "Companions of the Hall". Let me provide a brief synopsis for each of the books in this trilogy:





Synopsis:

The Crystal Shard:

After Drizzt arrived at Icewind Dale, he befriended a leader of an dwarven clan in exile, Bruenor Battlehammer. The dwarf has an adopted human daughter, Catti Brie. Drizzt became a very close friend with the dwarf and his adopted daughter. However, the icy wasteland of Icewind Dale is a dangerous place. The barbarian horde invaded the town. During the invasion, a young barbarian boy, Wulfgar, was captured while attempting to attack Bruenor and Drizzt.

The dwarf and the dark elf decided to raise Wulfgar, and taught him the way of civilized manners, as well as training him in the skill of arms. Wulgar became an adopted son to Bruenor, and grew up to be a fine young man. Together with their halfling friend Regis, the 5 friends were living a happy life in Icewind Dale. One day, a mad wizard came to Icewind Dale with a strange, magical crystal. This wizard's mad ambition and twisted ploy threatens all who lives in Icewind Dale. Drizzt and his friends embarked a quest to unite the people of Icewind Dale against the mad scheme of the ill intent wizard..


Streams of Silver:

Following the events in The Crystal Shard, Drizzt and his friends were hailed as heroes of Icewind Dale. Drizzt also received some form of recognition from the people of Icewind Dale, somehow overcoming the stereotypes against him because of his racial origin. One day, Bruenor discovered traces, leading to the once mighty dwarven stronghold of Mithral Hall.

The companions set out to help Bruenor rediscover his dwarven ancestral home. Yet, dangers lurk in the dark corners unseen. Artemis Entrei, a deadly human assassin was hired by a infamous and powerful criminal overlord to hunt down Drizzt's friend, the halfling Regis, for a ruby pendant that was stolen from him.

With threats and dangers facing the companions,  Drizzt and his friends only have each other in their difficult quest, in the dark corners of the mythical dwarven ruin, the companions will face not only the deadly assassin Artemis, but also a more ancient, and terrible foe yet to be revealed.


The Halfling's Gem:

The dwarven ancestral home has been rediscovered in the previous book. In Halfling's gem, the deadly assassin Artemis Entrei finally got hold of Regis the halfling. The assassin took Regis to the city of Calimport, to collect the bounty.

Realizing their halfling friend's dire situation. The campanions set out once again, facing impossible odds and dangers to travel to Calimport, in attempt to rescue Regis the hafling from the clutch of the dangerous criminal overlord, Pasha Pook. It is here, where Drizzt will face the deadly assassin Artemis Entrei, whose skills rival Drizzt's own, yet with a polar opposite character to Drizzt.








What I think about these books:

Icewind Dale trilogy, contains the same charms found in Dark Elf trilogy. The introspective Drizzt has some very interesting things to say as he character grows and matures in these stories. The character developments in these stories are good. This trilogy also introduces a very fascinating antagonist, Artemis Entrei, whose skills and prowess are parallel to that of Drizzt's own. Yet, the character of Artemis is everything that Drizzt is not. This conflict makes a wonderful contrast between Drizzt and Artemis as the duo go toe to toe into their conflict. It seems Artemis, a human generally accepted by the society, whose soul and actions in fact are more akin to Drows. While Drizzt, a Drow generally shunned by the society because of racial stereotypes, in fact has a soul and character more akin the noble nature of humans. Through all the moments leading up their final confrontation, among the exchange of words, thoughts, sword thrusts, cut and parries, as well as Drizzt's insightful reflection, where Salvatore masterfully written these stories, challenging the readers about some thought provoking questions, such as self identity, true friendships, stereotypes and the dangers of judging people from their appearances.

With 2 thumbs up, I recommend The Icewind Dale trilogy. If you have read Dark Elf trilogy, then be sure to include this into your reading list. If you haven't read Dark Elf trilogy yet, go and pick up both trilogies. Inside these pages you will find heart warming adventures about friendships and loyalty, told through stories full of lovable, impressionable characters.