Customer Reviews

Neverwinter: Neverwinter Saga, Book II

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Disclaimer-If you read the review and feel there is a spoiler in it, please let me know and I will remove that section. Also, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.

Neverwinter is the second book in the Neverwinter saga. The first book is Gauntlgrym. The third book untitled at this time will no doubt be released October 2012.

Neverwinter continues from where Gauntlgrym left off with Drizzt and his new partner getting ready to check on an old "friend". There is still much unrest in Neverwinter and things are about to get more dire for the citizens there. Some subplots involve Drizzt's perspective on this new life and how he feels about his new companion, the seeking of freedom of an old acquaintance, and others that would lead to spoilers.

This novel is not as deep as previous books and is more of a hack and slash type with a plethora of action throughout. So much so that it almost became a bit boring to me, however, once the book gets to the final action sequence, I was deeply involved and not so much for the action itself but the characters involved. The main plot seems more to be just a continuation of that in Gauntlgrym with Sylora trying to create a catastrophe so immense as to feed the dread ring. The characters for the most part do not develop much, but what there is feels right. The pacing is fast, mostly due to all the action taking place and this really sums up mostly what this book is about.

Some criticisms:

1. With all that is going on, I was hoping for more character development. I will say that at least now we don't have Drizzt constantly whining over the loss of his companions and making strives to move on.

2. I really would have liked some rehashing of past events to remind me how certain characters got into the predicament they currently are in, namely Barrabus.

Some positives:

1. As always, Mr. Salvatore brings his excellent descriptions of battles to the forefront that really draws the reader into the action.

2. The detailing of the land around is never overdone and gives the reader just enough to get a picture and leaves plenty to the imagination for the reader to make it their own.

3. For me, this one had the feeling more of the old adventures at the beginning and then the feeling of the newer epic world spanning events in even parts making it more enjoyable. Not only does this book invoke feelings of nostalgia, but also gives the reader the current events of the Forgotten Realms.

I really enjoyed this one and I can see where others may not enjoy it as much. I would actually rate this one with a 4.5 stars and feel for me that it is good enough to bump it up to 5. Though it is not as good as the older books in the series, I do feel it holds a flame to them. For those wanting to tryout the realms, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series and the same goes for those wanting to try reading fantasy as well.

Happy reading

-Dimndbangr

If you're interested in a Monte Hall DnD story brought to life, you've found the right book. The writing is Salvatore through and through with vicious battle descriptions are pleasing and fun. The story devolves into a bit of repetitious glory seeking by the main characters, the only twist wasn't much of a twist, and over all I became somewhat annoyed at some of what felt like overuse of the same literary formula.

This book is meant to coincide with some products that Salvatore is working on, namely a Neverwinter RPG based on Dungeons and Dragons, and there were several times that it felt like some game mechanics had crept into the descriptions of the action scenes. Things I never noticed before when reading Drizzt books.

I'd recommend reading this, for the story of Drizzt and his new companions is worth reading, but you may not need to read more than once.

I have to say that Neverwinter was a better book than Gauntlgrym, and, in fact, the last several Drizzt books. For awhile there, it seemed like Salvatore was tired of writing about the dark elf, and just kept at if for the sake of his fans. In the Transitions trilogy, he went on a killing spree, and it seemed like he was struggling to incorporate the Spellplague into the Drizzt legacy and was like 'hmm, how to do this? I know!' *zaps Catti-bree*. And let's not forget the prologue in The Orc King in which Drizzt scolded the elf for attacking the orcs, and he was talking to Hralien (who has not been in any of the following books). As someone who has read plenty of Forgotten Realms books outside of the Drizzt series, I understand some of the references, and I knew about Szass Tam from The Haunted Lands, but it seems as though the Drizzt books have been...separate from all the other FR books, and I know there are people who have only read the dark elf legacy novels.

This also applies to the short stories featuring Drizzt, such as Comrades at Arms (I think that's what it's called), in which Ellifain's spirit is freed, and To'sun has his enlightening moment. Um...not everyone has read that story! I'm sure plenty who didn't know about it were disappointed that all Drizzt said in was "she is free". And then we have the gods, who Salvatore doesn't mention much, except for a few. Maybe it's just because I like hearing about the gods and am a Corellon fan (who has only been mentioned in the afore mentioned short story), but he really doesn't address them, and The Orc King is the first and only time he has thus far mentioned Eilistraee. Again, this might leave some who have only read the Drizzt books going "wha...?" I love Drizzt, don't get me wrong. He is what started me on my Forgotten Realms craze. But I encourage people who haven't to step outside the Drizzt novels and explore of FR series. There are some good ones!

Just a couple more complaints and then I'll get to the positive, promise. This is only a minor detail, I guess, and probably not important in the larger scheme of things, but it is another inconsistency. I like that "to be an elf", is to treasure each moment and enjoy the time we have with friends and not dread the future. But in Neverwinter, Drizzt mentions in one of his "entries" that elves rarely partner for life, when, according to some other stories I've read, this is not entirely true. Some elves likely do change partners after a hundred years or so, but love is important to the elves, and I don't think they just go "oh, it's been over a hundred years, think I'll find someone else. I'll always remember you though". Uh huh. According to Races of the Wild, which is a D&D book that elves often have dalliances before they marry, because a partner is quite a commitment for a people who live so long. In the The Last Mythal trilogy, which I recommend to any elf lover, it states that when engaged, elves have a twenty year betrothal period to make sure their partner is "the one". This does not mean that after a hundred or two hundred years they go "hmm, think I should marry someone else!" I think further research is needed on this topic. Tis different obviously when elves partner with humans, because we have a tendancy to keel over after so many years.

All right, last bit of negativity. It concerns the beloved Jarlaxle. He did not die in Gauntlgrym, and in fact was planning to return to Luskan with Arthogate, but the stubborn dwarf is like, "no, leave me". I am complaining here not only because I love Jarlaxle, but also because of events that were set in motion in the book and not addressed at all in Neverwinter. If I remember correctly, Kimmuriel has gained too much control over Bregon D'earthe because Jarlaxle has been absent, and some, such as Valas Hune--who I also love! I thought he deserved more spotlight in War of the Spider Queen, but yeah--hinted that he looked forward to the day Jarlaxle returned. Basically, things were set in motion, or hinted at in any case, but like the prologue of The Orc King, they have not been addressed.

Perhaps it is too early to complain, because Jarlaxle has a tendency to reappear, and maybe he will in the next book, or Salvatore will go on to write a separate series, like he did with Jarlaxle and Entreri. And speaking of Entreri (spoiler coming!), he's back!), he's back! Drizzt's opposite has returned. When I read Gauntlgrym, Barrabus the Gray indeed reminded me of Entreri--or Arteries and Entrails, as my friend Treasa and I affectionately call him--but I forgot about it until this latest book. And ta da! I used to hate Entreri, but after reading the Sellswords trilogy, I came to like him, and now he has returned. I'm sure Drizzt and Entreri slash fans will love some of the scenes in Neverwinter. And, much to my relief, the angry Drizzt is gone, replaced with the dark elf we know and love. There are some differences, for instance the "wee, I'm invincible, let's fight!" attitude, but then again, he IS drow after all, and there is a part of him that truly likes fighting. He also seems a bit more...lustful than he used to. He truly loved Catti-brie, but he isn't sure of Dahlia (I'm not too sure what to think of her either, to be honest), and I think the earlier Drizzt would not sleep with someone he is uncertain of his feelings for. Again, though, I guess it is a drow trait, and a minor detail. At least he isn't so angry anymore! He's my lovely Drizzt once more.

On a final note, Valindra makes me laugh. She's a bitch and schemer to be sure, but she's also amusing, thanks to her insanity. I just chuckle every time she blurts out "Ark-lem Greeth!" So all in all, a good read, and a much needed installment in the legacy of our dearest dark elf.

So yeah, it's obvious Salvatore needs to stop playing World of Warcraft because the game mechanics are starting to seep into his novels. Really, that necromancer Red Wizard chick uses a spell that creates a circle of darkness and starts burning away their flesh... yeah, my Mage in WoW went through the same thing in Drak in Northrend when the necromancers would lay down those black pancakes and healers would yell at people to get out.

Also, I am tired of reading about how hot Drizzt's new friend is. I frankly do not care if she has muscular thighs, a pretty face, and impeccable breasts. Grow up (or rather, tone down the boner), Salvatore, I want to read about fantastical creatures in fantastical adventures not the random adventures of a team of super models. That is why I liked Catti-brie, she was a redheaded freckle-faced dwarven step child. Now I have some shallow, superficial black-widow Elven chick with big boobs who really isn't even a likable character, [spoiler] especially after her failed retroactive abortion [/spoiler]. In fact, the more Drizzt engages with her the more I dislike him, because he is cheating on his wife, who he now knows is out there somewhere, with some unlikeable tart who eats the heads of her lovers.

I gave it three stars because the relationship between the assassin and tiefling lord is entertaining, especially the bridge drama.

I don't know if Salvatore is becoming more juvenile, or if I've just grown up.

I was really looking forward to this one but when it ended I felt let down. In the three hundred and sixty-something pages of this book he manages to put in half the story that he used to in the older books. This one just felt lazy and forced. I miss the old RA. I will for sure read #3, but I am not really looking forward to it like I used to.

Like most who will review Salvatore's works, I'm a long time reader. Maybe I'm a little jaded after reading all of George RR Martin's 'fire and ice' series since the conclusion to HBO's 'Game of Thrones' and anything I picked up after that would pale in comparison. But to have a book about Drizzt pale so noticeably is a true let down. Salvatore seems to be phoning it in with this one.

between the lame antagonists in The lich of Thay and his minions and the Netherese and their shadovar and my growing disinterest in Dahlia as a companion to our uber protagonist Drizzt I find myself losing interest in this continuing story line entirely. Which stinks as I've been with it since "The Crystal Shard" was first published. Let me include my voice in requesting Mr. Salvatore once and for all get to the prequel/back-story of Zaknafien and Jarlaxle.

I'd like to say the continuing setting of Luskan really deters from everything. 'The Pirate King' was awful and 'Neverwinter' is lessened considerably by returning to that 'scene of the crime' so to speak and continuing to brood about Duedermont 100 years after his demise. This whole time jump business imposed by the wizards of the coast continues to detract from further novels.

If not for two events in "Neverwinter" I'd have given this book a 2 star review, probably the lowest rating I could ever imagine giving a book featuring Drizzt Do'Urden; 1. the introduction of a mix breed Tiefling and a reunion between two old foes/allies. These two events make me hope that the 3rd book in the Neverwinter Saga will wrap this all up nicely and let Mr. Salvatore get to the aformentioned Zak and Jarlaxle story.

And if not, at least I know Neverwinter III will be out long before Martin wraps up "The Winds of Winter."

I am a longtime reader of the Drizzt series, and Drizzt is probably one of the finest fantasy characters ever created, in my opinion. Because of this, virtually every book in the series is a worthwhile read. However, this book is only average by the standards set by salvatore's earlier work.

As always, there were plenty of fantastic fight sequences, with salvatore making great use of his gift for implanting the image of every swing of drizzt's scimitars in the mind of the reader. I was also delighted by the return to prominence of a certain character (not to be named here). Crqfting compelling characters is salvatore's greatest talent, and that continues to shine through.

The true negative of the story lay in the plotting. Many of the events in the book, though action-packed, did little to advance the main plot. Also, the decisions made by drizzt and company seemed to make little sense at times, and felt like they were made just to push the characters into position for how to author wanted to story to climax. Also, the conclusion left me wondering where this triloy was heading, with it now 2/3 over and no earth-shattering final confrontation in sight. Who is the main villain, even?

In conclusion, i would say not to expect salvatores best from this book. However, it is certainly worth reading if you have enjoyed the rest of the series, or simply enjoy a fast-faced, action packed story.

First and foremost I would like to say, I miss the companions of the hall! Yes, I know Salvatore has been writing the Drizzt books for over 10 years and yes I know that new directions must be made but.. why Bruenor? Why?!

Ahem. Back to the review.

Neverwinter starts off a bit after Gauntlgrym. The town of Neverwinter has been demolished and is in the midst of rebuilding, the ashen zombies brought forth by the Lich Valindra are however hindering that notion. Herzgo Alegni is still plotting his schemes and Barrabus is still his slave. Sylora still is trying to complete her dread ring while harboring hatred for Dahlia who is now traveling with Drizzt in order to stop Sylora once and for all.

Enough plots for you? Indeed, the twists and turns in this book are many and can become cumbersome, however not to the point of making you want to stop reading, truly Salvatore shines in his action packed battles and there are plenty abound! I love the usage of swordplay and sorcery in this series and Neverwinter delivers on both while still making you think.

The characters themselves are complex and you know who you should and should not like. However, I still feel distanced from Dahlia. She is still much an enigma and the way she makes Drizzt question his `goodly' nature is not endearing. I like my lavender eyed drow to be good, not undecided. We are also introduced to a few more new characters that add spice and intrigue into the story.

Do NOT think you will find romance in this story, there is none. The few encounters that could possibly be romantic are few, short and only hinted at. That's how I like it though, I do not enjoy a book that focuses on lovey dovey drama, give me blood and gore and fighting any day and you have a happy fangirl.

While the companions are not in tow anymore and while the series is taking new directions, I like where it is going. There is still fighting, mystery and of course Drizzt and that is what I always keep coming back to Salvatore for.

I didn't care very much for the 1st book in the series, specifically the Tiefling rape nonsense. I cant imagine a 10 year old reading that book. This one doesnt have anything so tasteless, but overall its just aweful. I almost stopped reading the book in the first 100 pages, because of the Drama between Drizzt and Dahlia. I don't like the Dahlia character, the whole thing feels contrived. I also don't care for the whole 4th Edition feel of the setting now. Neverwinter doesnt feel like a story made from RA, it feels like something a BAD game creator made.

Artemis is the only thing that made this book good. I will purchase book 3, but that may be the last Drizzt book I ever buy.

A flurry of blades and a pile of dead thieves means that it is time for the next book in a Dungeons and Dragons series. Neverwinter is the second book in the Neverwinter series and continues on the tradition of being a typical hack and slash story. The book takes place right after the events in Gauntlgrym. Drizzt, and his new partner Dahlia, continue to right wrongs. Most of the plot centers around Drizzt braking the law in order to bring criminals to justice. The implicit feel of the book is one of just being a placeholder until the next book comes out. There is not much resolve in the overall plot scheme.

One problem I am having with this series, and the character of Drizzt as a whole, is that it looks like R. A. Salvatore has become complacent. I am not a big fan of the hack and slash approach to D&D, but at least Salvatore wrote decent storylines. Not this time. The book is mostly fights and Drizzt's internal struggles with morality. Dahlia really hits a stride and even becomes a much more interesting character than Drizzt. I would put much of the blame for the faults in the book on the bland story. It never became interesting or engaging. The only thing that kept me reading was the beautiful imagery that Salvatore attaches to everything. If anything, this is just an average D&D book.

*Originally published for San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review*