The Halfling's Gem: Legend of Drizzt: Icewind Dale Trilogy, Book 3Review by Paul Fiander
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Published by Audible Studios
Written by: R. A. Salvatore Narrated by: Victor Bevine Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins |
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With Bruenor fallen into Garum’s Gorge and Entreri making off with Regis this is the most negative book opening of the series so far. Although Drizzt was up against it in the earlier books like Exile and Sojourn the loss of his friends is more of a hit to the Drow then his personal struggles. Although the loss of Zak hit him pretty hard in the Homeland by the time we met up with him in Exile the Hunter had virtually taken over his psyche.
Overall though this story is about finding that which completes you, whether it be another person, a weapon or even finding that which is within you that makes you whole. The multiple situations where this idea comes up are numerous but varied, principles of love, friendship and self acceptance are woven together in the usual Salvatore Skilled manner. One of the highlights for the future though is the discovery of Twinkle one of the most striking weapons in all of fantasy writing. Drizzt’s weapons of choice are Scimitars, these curved blades were prevalent the middle east around the time of the Ottoman empire and before. The dual wielding style of the Drow make the descriptions of the sword play something unique and in this book we get more than our fair share of fighting tales. The singular combat is the principle among those moments but as always the interwoven ballet of the fight is masterfully described by the almost breathless at times Bevine. There are of course other weapons described in the book and Twinkles partner the unnamed but amazingly powerful sword he liberated from the cavern of Icingdeath is a suitable partner for the blue rimmed sword. |
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The locations in the Halfling's Gem are the most varied in any of the books so far, from Mountains to the Sea, from the frozen Mountains to the Desert each play a part in testing our heroes. The sea though is perhaps the most captivating arena within the pages, as the newcomers to the oceans learning what it is to battle on a surface they can not really fathom (sorry for the nautical pun). It is only brief but nonetheless it's is a stand out moment among many standout moments in the series to date. This book concludes the second Trilogy in the Drizzt series (although it was the first put to paper). The twists and turns of the story are plain for all to see but this story sounds out on the principles it bestows on its characters. The social commentary is as relevant today as it was was it first came to being in around 20 years ago. I feel I know these characters now and as the next phase begins the question will be can they maintain their hold over me? I suspect they can. Other reviews from the tales of Drizzt Do'Urden by R.A.Salvatore |
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Review copy and images courtesy of publisher
