The Dark Elf Trilogy Collector's Edition

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Summary: The Greatest Forgotten Realms Books Ever!
Review: R.A. Salvatore has struck gold with the creation of the dark elf ranger, Drizzt. I have read every book Salvatore has made about Drizzt, and they all rocked, anyone that loves fantasy, or anyone who doesn't love it should read these books...

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Summary: Classic Salvatore
Review: The Dark Elf Trilogy presents the ingenious fantasy author at his best. If you're a fantasy buff, than you've doubtless heard of Drizzt Do'Urden, the legendary hero created by RAS. However, if you are new to the genre, consider this you safest bet to start with-- you're sure to get addicted to Salvatore's awesome imagery and infamous battle scenes. I've read this trilogy numerous times since I first bought it 6 years ago. It's worth the hype-- it is captivating and orginial writing at its best.

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Summary: The Best Forgotten Realms Trilogy Yet!
Review: I read at least 75 novels per year, at least 20 of them in the fantasy genre. I have read most of Salvatore's works already, including the Icewind Dales trilogy. This trilogy is simply the best. It follows the life and times of Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf (drow) through his first years in the underdark to ultimately finding a "home" in the Icewind Dales. Drizzt has become one of the most enduring fantasy characters ever written, and with this volume, it is easy to see why. Salvatore masterfully tells the story, creating an entire world, rich with detail and amazing interconnectivity. The characters, whether good or evil, are complete, and multi-dimensional. It is not predictable, yet is incredibly satisfying. My hat is off to Mr. Salvatore, TSR, and to Drizzt!

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Summary: The Greatest story so far
Review: In the beginning I was a little sceptic, because the drow race didn't apply to me, but already after a couple of chapters, I was entangled in the glorious novel about Drizzt Do'Urden, described by R.A. Salvatore. This is the greatest novel I have read so far, and I'm looking forward to be reading the Icewind Dale Trilogy.

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Summary: Only The Besy
Review: This is possibly the best fantasy publication I have ever read

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Summary: Somewhat fun trilogy lacking in many areas
Review: This omnibus edition brings together the three books of the Dark Elf Trilogy - Homeland, Exile and Sojourn. It's a good collection that's more affordable and convenient than owning the stand alone books. The overall story is targeted mainly at teens or fans of the Forgotten Realms world. If you're neither of the above then you might have the same opinion as me. If you're both or even one then you'll probably think I'm completely in the wrong here. It's fine, take this review as one from a casual Forgotten Realms reader.

Homeland(3 stars): Even though the book had numerous faults, it was still a worthwhile read and I enjoyed quite a lot. There was a lot of originality in the beautifully crafted world and interesting creatures. The characters and storyline weren't particularly deep but moved along at a good pace with well written battles and action sequences. I'll most likely continue with the trilogy because this book shows promise. If you're looking for a fun, fast read with well written action sequences then this book is for you. However, if you're looking for deep political intrigue and a good cast of well developed characters then look elsewhere.

Exile(2 stars): If you enjoyed the first book then you're sure to enjoy this one as well because it provides the reader with more of the same. If you didn't think much of the first then avoid this one because you'll probably dislike this one even more. It does the same things the first book did well but does more things worse. The new characters don't really add much to the story nor is there an emotional attachment to either of them. The story itself is very predictable. It moves from point A to point B in a very straightforward manner without a lot of surprises. It's still a pretty fun, quick read but there just isn't much to it. I'll still read the third book just to finish the trilogy but I don't know if I'll continue with the Drizzt Do'Urden story arc.

Sojourn(2 stars): The poor writing, weak and boring characters, and overly long battles are the main downfalls of the book. The world still remains rather interesting with interesting creatures and a lush, although not fully developed world. The story is rather weak too as it just continues on the course exile took. The story is uninspired and nothing much really happens throughout; Drizzt just moves from one place to another with a few small stops and adventures. It's probably the worst part of the Dark Elf Trilogy although the ending does introduce some new characters that may bode well for the Icewind Dale trilogy.

Overall, the three stories flow into one another. If you want to start reeading the trilogy then the omnibus edition is perfect for you. The 2 star rating might seem low but I did enjoy myself while reading the book. However, besides Drizzt the characters are dull and seem unimportant in the grand scope, the writing is somewhat amateur especially in the third book, and the battle sequences tend to be far too overused. If you're a fan of the Forgotten Realms world or just looking for something easy and enjoyable to read then you are sure to enjoy this series. If you're just a casual fantasy reader looking for something deep, well written or creative then look elsewhere.

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Summary: Quite good, but overly dramatic
Review: First off, let me say that I really enjoyed these books. As a big fan of the Baldur's Gate computer games, I was already familiar with the world of Faerun before I started these books, so it was very pleasant to mentally wander about through the world that I've been seeing on my computer screen. Being 15, I wasn't exactly around for the whole D&D thing, so this is as close as I can get.

Salvatore's writing style can be very entertaining, and the character of Drizzt was written fairly well, with interesting supporting characters as well, particularly Zak. The story seems to be well thought-out, and quite engrossing. However, I felt like the attempts at landscaping the books were just tossed in to keep the reader from wandering aimlessly, and when reading the books I couldn't "see" things in my mind the way I have come to expect from the DrangonLance series (the standard to which all fantasy books are measured for me). And Salvatore seems to be saying "dude, look at how eeeeeeevil these drow are! Oh, here, let me tell you again about their nastiness... ah what the heck, here, I'll tell you about their whips for the 87th time..." as well as "Drizzt is just the greatest little drow ever! Here, let me go over how graceful and wise and kind and great and wonderful and mistreated and melancholy he is!", which can truly get annoying. Yes, okay, we get the fact that the guy had a hard life, now get over it and stop whining! The brooding dark elf thing gets a little old after we've been hearing him complain about how dreadful his relatives are, and how everything's his fault, and how unfair life in general is. Grrr.

And then there's the fight scenes. Good lord, how much do we really need to know about every tiny little detail of Drizzt's every movement? The whole flashing-scimitar-wonderously-graceful-oh-so-perfectly-trained-drow thing gets old after a while. A little more time on the story and less on the fighting would be nice.

Also, the cover-art for this book was very annoying. They make Drizzt look like a troll. I know that this isn't exactly a very important issue, but it really irritated me.

So, overall, if you would like to read a book that is interesting and packed with all the usual fantasy/D&D monsters and characters with a rather good "evil evil evil evil EVIL!!!" thing going for it, then you'll probably like this trilogy. I found it to be quite entertaining, but it doesn't really delve into anything that'll leave you with some great, life-changing experiences. Try the DragonLance books if you want that.

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Summary: The begining of a Legend
Review: This is actually the second set of books based on the character Drizzt Do'Urden. However, they are the first you should read. They give you the entire history of one of the most loved Forgotton Realms Icons. They story draws you in from the start and doesn't let go. Salvatore has created a fresh new saga in fanatsy without trying to emulate Tolkien as some FR authors tend to do. (example: ED Greenwood and ELMINSTER)

Upon reading this you will come to love this dark elf as much as I have and find yourself yearning for more. Salvatore is the Master of fantasy action scenes, they bring to life every cut and thrust. The addition of a loyal magic panther gives the story a great push towards a moral and personal victory for Drizzt.

Each book in the trilogy is well thought out and worded so the above 30 crowd who still love their fanatsy and FR can enjoy without feeling like they are reading a rehash of the Narnia series.

Buy it, read it, love it. Thanks for your time.

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Summary: Very Enjoyable
Review: I recently picked this trilogy up at the local bookstore, and it was a great read. I had never read any Forgotten Realms books before, and felt a little odd about reading something based on Dungeons & Dragons, but I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard that R.A Salvatore was known for writing good fight scenes, and that is definately true. I could see the action unfolding before my eyes.
Drizzt Do'Urden was a likeable and realistic character, and I enjoyed reading about his journey from living in the evil, matron-ruled underground city of the drow to finding independance in the world. Not only is he a great warrior, he is also three dimensional. The Underdark was vividly detailed, and well explained.
Although you might blanch at some of the sadism, cruelty, and torment going on in Drizzt's world, if you really like fantasy, you will be sure to enjoy the Dark Elf trilogy.

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Summary: drizzt's beginings
Review: wonderful book and unlike other reviewers i will not give you the story here. Finally an original elven character (besides tolkien) the drow, elves with dark skin and even darker minds. A race where murder and human(elven)sacrafice is a part of everyday life. Salvatore does a great job. creating a world much differant than most other fantasies.read it yourself i'm sure you'll enjoy it This is not the original books about drizzt salvatore began his story in the icewind dale trilogy. this book is about how drizzts wound up there and why his is torture by the memories of his past life and the heritage of his family and race.