Streams of Silver: Legend of Drizzt: Icewind Dale Trilogy, Book 2Review by Paul Fiander
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Publisher: Audible Studios
Written by: R. A. Salvatore Narrated by: Victor Bevine Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins |
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In this book we get introduced to one of the best villains in fantasy in the shape of Artemis Entreri. He makes a silent entry into the book and spends his time threatening the people he meets by actions along with words. He is the dark reflection of Drizzt and their battles will be one of the main features of this series. The way Salvatore describes the twists and feints, strikes and blocks of confrontations allows the dance of the two players to come alive and this helps to build the duo’s relationship as a main facet of the series.
The title of the book refers to Mithril Hall a lost to legend Dwarven stronghold that Bruenor lived in as a youngster. We join the Companions of the Hall (as they are named) literally as the Crystal Shard ended on their way to find the Hall and begin the stages of reclaiming the lost mines. This is a quest in its purest form and the roads that lead the unlikely foursome of Drizzt, Bruenor, Wulfgar and Regis are savage and filled with tales that make this a compelling listen. We do get to meet some other quite creative characters in the shape of the Harpell’s who give a large dose of comedy to proceedings. The light hearted manner of the wizards is one of the many new experiences the young barbarian Wulfgar has once out of the hostile northern tundra. His growth on the road is given quite a lot of coverage as this book shows it is not just concerned with its principal character. |
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The continuing growth of the world has the issue that performer Victor Bevine has more voices to cover. These come across as distinct and mostly on point. His Harkle Harpell does though remind me of Merlin from the Sword in the Stone. As we have come to expect though his narration of the combat is breathless and you can almost feel every strike as he lays out the narrative blow by blow.
This is very much a middle story as the end leaves us with a direct lead into the next book. As before we get a nice free first chapter of the Halfling Gem (the next title in line) and this should more than whet your appetite for the coming tale of the companions. Be prepared for twists and turns in the story as well as the combat as things do not play out in the way you expect, though if you pay enough attention nothing should be truly shocking. |
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Other reviews from the tales of Drizzt Do'Urden by R.A.Salvatore
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