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.

©2010 Euro bookblog. All Rights Reserved.

The Silent Blade is old-school Drizzt, in a great adventure that brings together the whole gang of Salvatore-heroes. Here are the lovely Cattie-brie, the plump, big-bellied and mischievous Regis, the dark, grumpy, extremely tough dwarf Bruenor, and the amazing barbarian hammer-hurler Wulfgar. Also, in The Silent Blade, we meet yet again Drizzt’s nemesis, the ruthless, cunning and skillful master assassin Artemis Entreri.

The plot is complicated. It has three major components. Drizzt seeks to destroy an artifact, Crenshinibon. And Wulfgar fights to overcome the deep scars of his imprisonment at the claws of the demon Errtu, and Artemis Entreri’s return to the seamy streets of Calimport.

As always, the action is fast and furious. The group of friends face off with giants, goblins and thieves. As well, Drizzt continues to try to come to grip with the meaning of life. And in the end, once more Do’Urden and Entreri cross paths again. Finally, as always with Salvatore, it is all told in The Silent Blade with charm and warmth, as well as with an excellent eye for action scenes that astonish.

Links to The Silent Blade: Amazon US – The Silent Blade: The Legend of Drizzt, Book XI, and Amazon UK: The Silent Blade (Forgotten Realms).

©2010 Euro bookblog. All Rights Reserved.