The two main characters in this story are the human assassin, Artemis Entreri – the best human assassin who has ever lived – and the dark elf assassin, Jarlaxle. In a previous novel, they stole the legendary artifact called Crenshinibon from Drizzt, and in this book they are trying to find a way to destroy it. This artifact, also known as The Crystal Shard, is an evil object that influences its owners negatively. Artemis and Jarlaxle recognize that the artifact is too powerful and must be destroyed. Unfortunately, others disagree and want to get it back.

The Crystal Shard was the subject of the very first book involving Drizzt. The Shard can be compared to the ring in Lord of the Rings: It grants the wielder power, it takes them over and is a burden to any who carry it. But many desire to have it, and, once you have it, it’s nearly impossible to destroy.

Servant of the Shard has very descriptive action scenes, lots of swordplay in novels, and is quite bloody at times. It is full of classic battles between elf, dark elf, human, dwarf, halfling, and dragon. And while Artemis and Jarlaxle are villains, a book about them makes for an entertaining read and makes it possible to understand a little more about what makes them tick. A good book, but at the same time clearly not one of Salvatore’s best.

Links to books by R.A. Salvatore. Amazon US: R. A. Salvatore, amazon UK: books by R.A. Salvatore, and amazon CAN: R. A. Salvatore.

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