The Crystal Shard: Legend of Drizzt: Icewind Dale Trilogy, Book 1. AudioBook Review

Written by: R. A. Salvatore
Narrated by: Victor Bevine
Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins 
Publisher: Audible Studios

So after three books I finally find myself at the beginning of the story of Drizzt as I know it. For those who are playing attention you can see where the discrepancies lie especially in regards to tales of the Drow in his Homeland. There is something in the story that betrays the character of the Ranger. It describes the action of how he came to claim to Guenhwyvar in a more devious way than the high principled Drow would ever commit. Thankfully this oversight was altered in the first book but this highlights the difficulties of creating prequels as you either have to stick to the story you created or in this case bend the narrative to your will.

This however is a great book to start the series due to the way you are introduced to the myriad of races that dwell on or near the stone of the world. From giants to dwarves, humans to orcs every race has a part to play in the coming events of this face paced story and central to it all is Drizzt Do'Urden. The Drow is the central axis point that joins the cast together due to his various and rather strange friendships. After the original trilogy it's nice to be able to talk about the Drows "friends" as there was a time a time where we thought he would be destined to walk the earth alone but thankfully he happened upon ten towns and the rest is history. Within his circle you do get to know more about the dwarves, halflings, barbarians and humans.

As in the rest of Salvatore's books there is are a myriad of lessons with into the narrative, for me both growing up and now the key idea of the story is that actions define a person's worth not their heritage. It's a very simple but important lesson and is one that is just important now as it was in the early nineties. This is one of the key reasons why this series struck a chord with me as it made it's lessons front and centre instead of using complex metaphors. To stone this may devalue the narrative but I am on the other side of that fever as the study had enough complexity without having to big for the social commentary.

As I have said this is the story where my obsession began and going to the beginning I have not been disappointed. There are a few issues like the prequel storylines as well as the repeated storytelling from earlier stories that I would prefer were not present but no book is perfect. I do though think this is a study worthy of your time especially in the company of Victor Bevine.

The book ends with the first two chapters of Streams of Silver been read after the credits. Its a nice entry to wet the appetite for the next book which we will review soon.

Other reviews from the tales of Drizzt Do'Urden by R.A.Salvatore