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

Rating:
Summary: Wasn't quite done yet....
Review: Well, as I join the rest of you among those that have read R.A.Salvatore's latest, I agree with what most of the one's who've said they didn't like it. First I rated this book a three with strong four tendencies but I do feel that the entire story was rushed. Wulfgar, although understandable, was a bit of a let down. We all wanted to see the same warrior who'd fallen with the prayer of Tempus on his lips. What we had to realize is that with all that'd happened to him, this was bound to change. When he needed Tempus most, his god abandoned him. Who wouldn't have a change of belief after spending what should have been a heroes death in hell? Entreri was as he always was. Interesting, very intersting. That whole situation was much more unpredictable than Drizzt's and co.'s straightforward "Off to destroy the Crystal Shard" quest and made much better reading. One person commented that it seemed like an unprepared DM's "destroy that goblin band!" type of adventure, but you have to understand that's what it was going to be like with an artifact that had no readily available means of liberating itself from its' owners (unlike the grey gem of Dragonlance). So all in all it's just left me kind of deflated, because like everyone else I wanted to see some resolution to the love triangle by now. Not to mention just like Drizzt, I to had grown tired of the same old "let us see who's best" scenario with Entreri. I continue to be entranced with Jarlaxle and I wonder what would happen if the cunning and ambitious mercenary was to ever meet his demise. Or seem to meet his demise, what turmoil would erupt within the ranks of his little empire. Something to ponder. Thanks for the ride R.A., I enjoyed it. Just don't make it our last. L. D. L. Cole....

Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: I have loved RA salvatore since i was 11 years old and he has only improved since then. He has always had great plots and lots of action to keep you interested while that plot develops, and he definitly accomplished that goal with this book. And while it was heart breaking what happened to Wulfgar without plot twist like that the book would be pointless. My only advice would be a book COMPLETELY centered on Artemis. He is a great character and hopefully he does not accept the fate laid out by jarlaxe because he would be extremely limited by that. Lastly a comment on the only real problem with any of the Drizzt books, why is regis there?! He does nothing interesting and does not fit into the group. I like regis as a character i just think his "antics" would have brought him a lot of scorn from his friends. Not the best Salvatore book ever but definitly sets up awsome possibilities for new books. I love RA Salvatore!

Rating:
Summary: not to bad, but not to good
Review: First of all, Calimport and people in it do not correspond with the Empire of The Shining Sea. For example, in it, there is no mention of Pasha Basadoni, people's names are different, there are other crime familes, etc. As to the book itself, where has the greeen glowing sword of Entreri's disappeared to, is a question that bothers me. The book left me, unfortunately, sort of empty. I liked the aspect of the book dealing with Entreri, but both Wulfgar and Drizzt & Co. aspects were , well disappointing. With Drizzt and Co. there was no anticipation to what will happen next. Wulfgar's return after year's of torture, in itself a bad thing, as it just adds to the feeling that they all have nothing to fear and will always prevail, was at least, thankfully treated intelligently. There needed to be some psychological consequences to his psyche. Entreri was explained to us and we are now able to understand him much better. Thankfully, hopefully, his introspection is now over and he can be restored to his former 'glory' and be once again what he was, a figure which is rightly feared. To me, it would have been better if this was a book about him. I suppose, however that he had to have a confrotation with Drizzt in order to be restored Hopefully, he will return in his ownbook. All in all, a necessary book and a reasonable one, but just a step to a next book and a resolution of some issues, while setting up others for the next one. Thank God that there will be a next one and hopefully a next one and on and on because R.A. Salvatore is my favorite writer and Forgotten Realms the favorite campaign. This book is still better than some other books set in Forgotten Realms.

Rating:
Summary: Good but not great
Review: As a long time Salvatore fan I feel I have an insight into the greatness the he is capable of. Homeland, Sojourn and the earier titles were in a word, AWESOME. Passage to Dawn however showed an almost hurry up and get the book out mentality. The silent Blade is definately one of the top 4 books in the series. The best and most interesting character continues to be Artimis Entreri. I mean this guy truly deserves his own title. I would love to read the story of his childhood, and rise to power on the streets of Calimport. Of course Drizzt is still the man however. His ongoing romantic triangle with Cattie-Brie and Wulfgar (why couldn't he stay dead...I mean until this book he was so cliche) remains an cornerstone in the series. NO MORE DRIZZT-ARTIMIS fights. Enough is enough. Now Drizzt-Jarlaxle, that would be worth the price of admission.

Rating:
Summary: Superb!!!
Review: This is a great book. As always R.A. Salvatore really take you into the very soul of the characters. I like how a large portion of the story centered on Artemis Entreri, even though Entreri lost some of the frightening in-contol attitude attitude that made him one of my favorite characters in the Realms. The situation with the Drizzt, Catti-brie, Wulfgar will probably be solved in the next novel since Wulfgar hasn't been true to Catti-brie with the barmaid. My only real disapointment in the book was Cadderly's absence. Oh well, he'll probably make an appearence in the next chapter. ( Rob if your reading this here's an idea. In the next story maybe Wulfgar could be cured if Cadderly acompanied the Companions of the Hall into the Abyss to slay Errtu once and for all)Hey just an idea!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Typical.
Review: While I did enjoy The Slient Blade, there was nothing new. Personally I believe this could have been a much better book had Salvatore spend more time on it and made it longer. I have always felt that Drizzt books were too short but this was by far the one book that should have been at least 100-200 pages longer. Bob should have spent more time on Wulfgar and his trouble, coming to some kind of conclusion. There should have been more plot also, involving Drizzt, Catti-brie, Brenour, and Regis. I was very disappointed in the lack of action and storyline involving Drizzt. He is after all the main hero. Reguardless as to how pleased I am or am not about this book, this is the only one of the 11 I have been less than satisfied. So believe me, I would keep on reading!

Rating:
Summary: Another triumph ... but a little short
Review: Thank G*D TSR managed to get R.A Salvatore back to continue writing about the Drizzt Do'Urden saga. It would have been a tragedy if they had gone ahead with their plans to let Mark Anthony take up the mantle (although waiting until Mark's book had been written before pulling it from the publishing line-up may have been a little harsh!) This book is excellent - once again the fight scenes are exquisite and well drawn and the chapter by chapter 'insights' into Drizzt's thoughts focus the story. I've loved this series ever since I picked up a little paperback in the corner shop called 'The Crystal Shard' back in 1987 - and unlike the 'Wheel of Time' series ... this one keeps on getting better!!! :-) I recommend it to all Fantasy readers (well ... ALL readers actually) and sincerely hope that Bob keeps writing at this level.

Rating:
Summary: at last more dritzit
Review: what a great start to anothe dritiz trilogy can't wait for more to com

Rating:
Summary: Character development at its finest!
Review: Salvatore focuses on his characters in this novel and bring many new facets to light. The development of the three cover characters is wonderful. I greatly enjoyed seeing into the lives of the three very different men. Excitement to the end, "The Silent Blade" is another great achievement in Salvatore's repetoire.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Yet!
Review: Wow - not your usual Salvatore book! Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of his Forgotten Realm Drizzt books. However, Mr. Salvatore tends to write books with a lot of flash on the outside and not much introspection inside (except for Drizzt, of course - boy, that guy could use some therapy). "The Silent Blade" is different, though, in that it takes into the minds and motivations of everyone involved, from Wulfgar and Entreri to even Jarlaxle. Every character is a person, has motivation and reasons for what he/she does, and behaves in a complex and thought-provoking way. Sure, the great fight scenes are there and I'm glad for that, but it's definitely time we get to know the characters' motivations. Drizzt is great at busting stereotypes, but his companions themselves have always remained stereotypes (except for Guen the wonder kitty). "The Silent Blade" explores the minds of several characters and lets us know what makes them tick. Also, Catti-brie and Drizzt start to address the attraction they have for each other - all I can say is it's about time! This is a good book - my favorite Drizzt novel to date. I highly recommend it.