The Silent Blade (Forgotten Realms: Paths of Darkness, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: Adore Drizzt-- but PLEASE get some decent cover art!
Review: Like almost all the Drizzt books I've read, I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Silent Blade'... But before I go into that, I have to say: I am sick to death of the lousy cover pictures of Drizzt that abound (esp on The Legacy et al) When I read the books I have to studiously avoid looking at the covers, in order that the Drizzt in my head jumping round with his scimitars is the Drizzt Mr Salvatore describes, rather than a dodgy looking, wizened ugly old guy. PLEASE, if you have any creative control at all, Mr S, get some decent cover art? Please? I adore the written descriptions of Drizzt, and would love to see a faithful visual portrayal of him, for once. Anyway...this book really turned me back on to R A Salvatore's work-- I'd been disappointed and alienated by the abysmal 'Passage to Dawn'. With 'the Silent Blade' however, I am well and truly hooked again, and loving the more introspective, deeper looks at the characters (esp the 'villains' like Entreri) the continuation of the love triangle (I was tearing my hair out when Wulfgar returned in PtD-- screaming 'No!' But Salvatore has redeemed the barbarians return here in my eyes, by making him less of a 'golden boy' and giving him psychological trauma after his time in the abyss.) and the wonderful action scenes! My only complaint would be that after making Entreri a more three-dimensional character, the same 'humanising' (so to speak) treatment needs to be given to Drizzt and co. They come across as a little too invincible and perfect. Complete invulnerability does not make for a great character IMHO. But of course, I still enjoyed the book, rated it highly, and am biting my nails till the next one comes out!

Rating:
Summary: A Excellent Book
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read. R. A. Salvatore is the best author. The only question I have is when the next one is comming out?

Rating:
Summary: Very good. The kind of story Salvatore fans begged for!
Review: Salvatore really put together a complete story in this book. Readers should enjoy the amount of exposure Drizzt gets, but they will particularly like the other character interaction with Artemis and Jarlaxle. Salvatore brings a good finality to the long struggle between the Dark elf and the Assassin. There is also some realism to Wulfgars attitude and the plot that happens with him. Definitley one of his better stories, fans of Drizzt will love it as well as fans of Jarlaxle and Entreri. Well done Bob.--Jeff Stephens

Rating:
Summary: Not up to par, but with interesting changes.
Review: I must say, Mr. Salvatore, I am glad to see you back writing with TSR/WotC. I was distraught when you left. Anyway, about TSB. The thing I like most about your writing is more the style than anything else, and that was excellent as always. The way you describe things and the fluidity with which you write makes it very easy to finish your books in merely one day. TSB's plot was great in some aspects but lacking in others. The emphasis and intrigue with Entreri and Jarlaxle in Calimport was incredible. They are the two most interestingg and astounding characters I have ever read about. (No offense meant to Drizzt) I would love more to be written about them and there expansion of Bregan Daerthe to the surface. Having Wulfgar back is nice, but IMHO, not necessary. He will create some new storylines, but really isn't part of the group anymore. If you insist on writing about him, don't leave out the others completely. The plot for the companions in this book was very linear with no twists and turns whatsoever. It was a letdown. I expected something to happen by them carrying Crenshinibon, but there was nothing. Not even a struggle with Drizzt!! Though the good writing was continued as always, the savior of this book was the action in Calimport.

Rating:
Summary: One of Mr. Salvatore's best yet!
Review: Drizzt is back, and better than ever! In The Silent Blade (TSB) we are taken into another magical adventure that is split three ways. Salvatore masterfully weaves three main plots all together into a wonderful story with tremendous character development of some of our favorite characters. Wulfgar, Drizzt, Jarlaxle, and Entreri all become fuller characters in this book. And for all of Salvatore's action fans, there is no lack in TSB. This is the best Drizzt book yet.

Rating:
Summary: Quite a nice story
Review: Very good Salvatore book YET AGAIN! It was nice to read as much about Entreri, again, as Drizzt. I really hope Entreri can get his own title, with Drizzt involved someway in the plot. I like Artemis Entreri, because he's not just a maddog killer, but has atleast a somekind of code of honor. My first thought about Wulfgar was that, really, is he necessary, but towards the end the story evolved quite nicely (although I really liked Wulfgar better in the abyss). One star drop was 'coz of Wulfgar, and Entreris obssesion about proving himself, yet again... ..and Drizzt & Co's seeming Demi-Godhood (MAN, they are a powerful lot). Jarlaxle was a BIG plus, also with a code of honor. Very good book indeed!

Rating:
Summary: Unbeatable Characters? Why!
Review: After reviewing the book twice to absorb the whole setting. I realise that the addition of new characters added to the excitement of the story. Characters like Merle Pariso the battle-mage, which showed Entreri wasn't unstoppable despite his skills. The addition of Kimmuriel and Rai'gy, I believe gave R.A. the easies solution to linking many of the plots involving Entreri's survival, Drizzt's uneventful quest, leading eventually to the finale. The exploration of of wizard/priest and psionicist was intriguing and good. Jarlaxle was crafty indeed, however i would like to see more action from this character as he seem to possess too much power and control for what is deserving. Maybe seeing him fend off an organise attempted assasination within his band to show that "to war with Jarlaxle was REALLY to lose." Morik the rogue, although did little, however maybe the source of many problems in future books. Morik's character seem to be a cut down version of Entreri. Now comes the negatives of the book. Wulfgar's sad story is slowing the pace, good as it maybe, however is boring. Also Wulfgar should face more life threatening situation as it seem that he whips all challengers despite his condition. I thought that Tree Block's contest would provide an interesting read, however i was disappointed with the result. In the story Wulfgar was never in any real danger. Catti-brie and Bruenor? why invincible? And stop it with Taulmaril it gets boring when she kills half the enermies with it. I'm disappointed with Regis's character, he does nothing when i think should be helping in setting ambushes and taking initiutive to trick enermies into traps. Regis didn't survive all those years in Calimport to become a burden. Regis's character should involve great levels of deception and development into a trickster with good trapping skills. Drizzt is the only one who should be unbeatable, although it would be good if there were enermies which require more wisdom to defend. Drizzt's sword skills shouldn't be the only thing that defends enermies. Drizzt is a drow and is very intelligent, please let him use it. It's interesting when the competent level of enermies is high and Drizzt is unable to win with blades. Please explore this avenue more. But i admit the swordplay is fantastic!!. I was disppointed about the omission of Cadderly. Jarlaxle had great respects for the Priest. It would have been interest to see how Jarlaxle would get around Cadderly the idealist. Finally the ending was tied too neatly to my displeasure, and yet there were things yet to resolve. ARGH! well another long year wait for the next book. R.A. please take these idea to improve future adventures of Drizzt and the heros of the Hall. Plus if Drizzt was to die I have a great idea, hehehe.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Turn of Events
Review: I really liked this book. I thought many of the things I thought were sure to happen would, but I discovered that there was a certain twist to things, but I don't wish to spoil the book for anybody who has not read it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Novel that has the door left open for more!
Review: I'll Keep this review short and sweet. An excellent return this time ("Passage to Dawn" was good, but the ending seemed rushed to me). The 3 characters with 3 different paths (Wulfgar, Drizzt, and Artemis) Drizzt and Artemis being opposites and Wulfgar at a crossroad to decide his destiny? Excellent story telling! There has to be another novel and Salvatore HAS to write it! I look forward to the Forgotten Realms AD&D module due out soon. The Adventure's of Drizzt and his friends are becoming as dear to me, if not more dear, then the character's of The Lord of the Ring.

Rating:
Summary: The Silent Blade is OUTSTANDING
Review: R.A. Salvatore scored a direct hit with this book. Not enough good words to say about this book. I am just sad that I finished reading it. Please hurry back with more Dritz!!!