The Lone Drow: Legend of Drizzt: Hunter's Blade Trilogy, Book 2

It’s such an attention-grabbing book. The plot is well-developed and makes you want to keep on reading to find out more. The only issue is perhaps Drizzt’s emotional turmoil. It’s a little unrealistic of him to be so affected when he has not found out the full situation of his friends. But other than that, I find it a wonderful read!

At first The Lone Drow was a tough read, by all means it certainly is throughout but by the end I have found a deeper perspective than I had throughout the beginning and even middle of the epic, and there can be no lesser descriptor, middle piece of this Trilogy. There are MANY depressing notes in this book, themes that seem to repeat themselves from older books and even themes and plot lines that are driven home to the point where I often found myself in anger or frustration screaming GET ON WITH IT. Then I took a step back and realized that these weren't simply repeated plot lines for the sake of filling pages but each served the necessary function of driving the contemplations of each of our beloved characters deeper into themselves. In the case of Wulfgar who required several books to get back to his "normal" self it felt more as if he was a slave to plot and that at any real time he could have been brought back easily with the stroke of a few keys, whereas, spoiler warning, the events of that lead into this book and the events of the book itself were necessary to drive the characters into a wall, forcing them to contemplate their existence and question the morals and beliefs they had always upheld but had never before been truly tested against the weight of reality. This book signifies a loss of innocence for Drizzt and even for Cattie Brie. Both are forced to face not only their mortality but the mortality of those they truly care about and are driven to the very edge of their morals and question the truth and strength of their convictions. In this realization I have come to consider this book the best yet by my favorite author and I eagerly await the next chapter that I shall commence the moment I finish this review.

"The Lone Drow," book two in R.A. Salvatore's "The Hunter's Blades" trilogy, is the fourteenth novel that prominently features renegade dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden, but despite the title it is a surprisingly ensemble tale in which Drizzt is not a clear focus. "The Lone Drow" picks up where its predecessor, "The Thousand Orcs," left off, leaving the Companions of the Hall and the whole of the northern realm in grave danger. An aggressive orc king is amassing an army of evil creatures to sweep across the land and subjugate its people. But this is no ordinary orc king, for he appears divinely inspired, even god-like.This somewhat pedestrian setup paves the way for the usual serving of Salvatore's trademark action setpieces, which, in general, offer nothing new to those familiar with the author's extensive body of work. In fact, only of a few of the battles in "The Lone Drow" are truly stirring, which is regrettable. The problem lies primarily in Salvatore's choice of opponents. Orcs have ceased to be an interesting threat at this point in Drizzt Do'Urden's career, and in fact never posed much of a threat in the first place. I suppose that is why Salvatore was content to up the number of opposing orcs, throw in a few giants and trolls (which make likewise predictable fodder for the Companions of the Hall and their valiant allies), and grant their leader a supernatural strength unrivaled by any of his fellows. At least the last part, continually unexplained in book two (and begging for explanation in book three), remains compelling. Even so, as exciting as I once found Salvatore's mighty duels and epic battles to be, they are growing increasingly repetitive and time-consuming. "The Lone Drow," just like "The Thousand Orcs," is fueled less by plot and more by incessant action.Still, "The Lone Drow" offers some fine surprises interspersed with its more mundane and unremarkable elements, which maintain its readability even when things are at their weakest. It's always a treat to reunite with the so-called Companions of the Hall and their colorful cast of allies. Better still, I have always felt that Drizzt Do'Urden is most fascinating when things are darkest for him, and "The Lone Drow" certainly fills the beleaguered hero with sorrow and rage, allowing him to once again assume the role of the dreaded Hunter. Drizzt's life has probably not been so ravaged by grief, confusion, or helpless anger since "The Dark Elf" trilogy. The character is at his lowest ebb when he is cool, collected, and proudly wearing a mantle of righteousness. This marks a return to the character I fell in love with so many years ago, and who, in many ways, has not reappeared in full since "Starless Night." My only complaint is that Drizzt just doesn't have enough to do in the book, especially when you consider the implications of the title.When it's all said and done, I enjoyed "The Lone Drow" considerably despite some reservations and regrets. It pales in contrast to earlier Drizzt novels (see any of the three "Dark Elf" or "Icewind Dale" trilogy efforts, as well as the glorious "Starless Night"), but shines in comparison to some of Salvatore's more recent and inferior volumes (see "Passage to Dawn" or "The Silent Blade," for example). Salvatore has managed to re-inject what makes Drizzt Do'Urden such an excellent protagonist into this series, and though the overall conflict itself is lacking, it's still a powerful story, and at its core it is deeply compelling despite some glaring flaws. I can't wait for the next installment, "The Two Swords," predictably slated for an October 2004 release.

Well I haven't written a review in some time as I haven't read a book that deserved the time. I read the dark elf trilogy and Ice Winddale back in high school and decided to pick up Salvatores works again. Needless to say, it has been a marathon to catch up! Luckly, Spine of the world was the really only low point as most would agree. I would have to say that picking up the Hunter's blade trilogy was the best! 1000 Orcs and TLD are both excellent books. They don't have alot of character development but rather thrive on an epic war, somewhat like the lord of the rings. Needless to say, I read TLD in very little time as you just want to keep going! It is truly an awesome Salvatore book. Of course, you will read it anyways because if you are looking you already read 1000 orcs. This is a perfect sequel and the only bad thing will be waiting for the 3rd book. But while you are waiting pick up the war of the spider queen series--it will keep you in the drow mode! Excellent Book!

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This is a awesome book. Reading anyone of the Drizzt series is kinda like having your own little private solo game session . Everything is described very very well so when you read it it's like being there.

Book 1 of the Legend of Drizzt series, Homeland, was a hard read at first with the long complicate names but once I got past that I really liked it and decided to keep reading. I've now read 25+ books from RA Salvatore and would recommend all Legend of Drizzt, Hunters Blade, Transitions, and Neverwinter books as great fantasy reads. Salvatore has such great character development and interesting new adventures that make you want to keep reading. There is a fair amount of fighting, if you're not into that I'd still recommend these books, just read through those parts fast.

The stakes are higher than ever as drizzt is forced to navigate his own pain while the world around him is being over run by Orcs!

Great book as usual by R.A. Salavatore!

Just love the stories of Drizzt, at times he seems to be heavily outnumbered, and the battle scenes are very good. Evil always seems to have the upper hand, and at times I feel unjustly so, but never the less, just lovete books

Venant à la suite de "The thousands orcs", la tension monte de plusieurs crans, tout au long de l'ouvrage, au fur et à mesureque l'intrigue se déroule. Nos héros séparés découvrent peu à peu la puissance des orcs et surtout, plus inquietant encore, la tactique brilliante et la coordination jusque là inconnue chez les Orcs. On ne peut s'empêcher d'être pris dans le récit et il m'a été impossible de reposer mon livre avant sa fin...

I had been waiting for this book to come out with baited breath, as I have been hooked as a Drizzt fan right from the first book I read of the adventures of the Dark Elf with a noble heart. Question that always comes to mind when I get a new book with this character is, “When am I going to get bored? Can Drizzt ever get stale?” The quick and simple answer is, not yet thankfully.In, “The Lone Drow”, we see Drizzt pick up where he left off, believing that all his friends have fallen and that all he has left are his faithful panther companion, his twin scimitars and his rage. With the fate of his companions sealed –or so he believes- Drizzt bounces between his rage driven alter ego “The Hunter” and that of a man full of sorrow and remorse at all those he has left dead behind him, be that friend or even the occasional foe. Which ever state Drizzt is in though it means death to any Orc that crosses his path, and he is certainly not at a loss for targets to choose from, as Orcs are pouring out of their dark mountain lairs, coming to the call of a new god-blessed Orc chieftain.While Drizzt carries out his own personal one Elf war against the Orcs the rest of his friends are themselves entrenched in a more bitter, blood drenched, if somewhat more conventional war with the Orcs, who are near to and hell bent on taking Mithral Hall itselfOkay, so that’s an idea of the plot, but what did I think of it overall. Well, I’d have to say that overall it was an excellent read that I went through quickly, which is always a good sign that I enjoyed a book. I did find that Drizzt’s introspection was a little overplayed for my taste at times, and I also found that Salvatore seemed to forget some pretty basics things about his characters at time. At one point Drizzt was creeping up on some Orcs in a dark cave with both weapons drawn, which he never does due to the fact twinkle gives off blue light when drawn. Still, these were small detractions from an overall great book. It won’t matter if you are a Drizzt fan or not, this is still a book you would do well to own, but make sure to read The Thousand Orcs first.

Another great one. Came in great condition. Very happy.