Maestro: Legend of Drizzt: Homecoming, Book II

Review by Paul Fiander

Written by: R. A. Salvatore
Narrated by: Victor Bevine
Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins 
Series: Legend of Drizzt, Book 32
Publisher: Audible Studios

Maestro is an intriguing title for one of the best books in the Drizzt series. I don't say this lightly but thanks to the interweaving of past and present Salvatore has raised his already high bar. The trouble is lots of the main plot points which lead to this will be classed as spoilers so I'll sidestep those, but thankfully there is enough in the story to show why this book is one you should listen to.

Firstly is the title, for me as soon as I saw the title my excitement levels rose as I thought well this had to be a Jarlaxle heavy book. The mercenary leader goes about his business with a combination of skill, strength and a huge dose of panache. This is all evident in the story but we also see things from Jarlaxle that we have never seen before, though thankfully we still have are left with some of his mystique left intact. The real trick though is who really is the Maestro?

​I think there are four contenders for the title and as the story grows to its crescendo each has to tread a seemingly fine line between success and failure. The web that Salvatore weaves could go either way all the way to the end and you are kept on a knife edge right to the final sentence of the epilogue. Admittedly when it comes to the Maestro title some are more worthy and some think they are worthy and I'll let you decide which is which. One thing is for certain that the next book can not come quick enough.

Now for the more open content, Catti-Brie’s quest to repair the Hoshe Tower of the Arcane acts as a focus away from a rather wonderful road trip which leads Drizzt back to the Underdark. His mission as we have to expect is perilous but in an odd twist he is seemingly better armoured for the journey than usual. The road trip he goes on is full of conflicts both physical and mental as Salvatore strips away a century of growth and understanding from the Drow ranger. For a seemingly invincible character (yes he did die but he is still alive after all) this kind of deconstruction bodes well for the future.

The pace of the book is kept up with a number of breathless battles which Victor Bevine narrates with his usual style. The balance between intrigue, action and discussion are handled brilliantly although his Gromph is still not the voice I hear in my head. This though is a personal thing and his performance gives a very distinct voice to every character. Which is very important to a book that jumps around throughout the chapters.

​For the 32nd book in the series (according to Audible’s numbering) Salvatore has created a tale that manages to feel both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. The future looks bright for the series though the same can not be said for those who are in the web of the Maestro.