Rating: 
Summary: An OK ending to an OK trilogy.
Review: 3.5 starsI'd say this book is slightly worse than the other two. The reason is because this book isn't interesting throughout, where the other books were. The first two portions of this book really didn't amount to much. There's still too many RPG elements for my liking and in this book Salvatore still hasn't worked out his characterization elements yet. Sometimes the characters can act rather immature, with the exception of Drittz. Another thing I didn't like (and this was in Streams of Silver, too) was the fact that the characters' journey was already laid out on the map. There was no suspense about "Will they go to the forest or will they go to the plains or will they take to the sea?" because you already know they will take to sea. Bad form, and pointless, too, for that matter. There's not much action until the heroes get to Calimport. Then all hell breaks loose, and it gets entertaining. It seems to me that there were two authors writing this book. Everything revolving around Drittz seems to be of a higher caliber writing than things concerning Wulfgar, or Cattie-brie, or anyone else in the novel besides Drittz. Drittz and Artemis Entreri. It's as if a part of him lies dormant while writing other characters and only surfaces when he is in Drittz mode. The high point of the novel was Drittz's battle with Artemis Entreri, which gave the book its redemption. The title can be misleading: you really don't learn anything new about the gem or how it relates to the other eleven. This set seems to be of some importance. Hopefully we will learn more in a later book, yes?
Overall, the series is OK. Had I not read the Dark Elf Trilogy before I read this one, I might have doubts as to whether or not to continue reading Salvatore. But since I have, I know what he is capable of. DO NOT give up until you have read the Dark Elf Trilogy. If you still don't like him after that, than I'd say you have just cause for quitting. I'd also say you're crazy.
Rating:
Summary: An OK ending to an OK trilogy.
Review: 3.5 stars I'd say this book is slightly worse than the other two. The reason is because this book isn't interesting throughout, where the other books were. The first two portions of this book really didn't amount to much. There's still too many RPG elements for my liking and in this book Salvatore still hasn't worked out his characterization elements yet. Sometimes the characters can act rather immature, with the exception of Drittz. Another thing I didn't like (and this was in Streams of Silver, too) was the fact that the characters' journey was already laid out on the map. There was no suspense about "Will they go to the forest or will they go to the plains or will they take to the sea?" because you already know they will take to sea. Bad form, and pointless, too, for that matter. There's not much action until the heroes get to Calimport. Then all hell breaks loose, and it gets entertaining. It seems to me that there were two authors writing this book. Everything revolving around Drittz seems to be of a higher caliber writing than things concerning Wulfgar, or Cattie-brie, or anyone else in the novel besides Drittz. Drittz and Artemis Entreri. It's as if a part of him lies dormant while writing other characters and only surfaces when he is in Drittz mode. The high point of the novel was Drittz's battle with Artemis Entreri, which gave the book its redemption. The title can be misleading: you really don't learn anything new about the gem or how it relates to the other eleven. This set seems to be of some importance. Hopefully we will learn more in a later book, yes?
Overall, the series is OK. Had I not read the Dark Elf Trilogy before I read this one, I might have doubts as to whether or not to continue reading Salvatore. But since I have, I know what he is capable of. DO NOT give up until you have read the Dark Elf Trilogy. If you still don't like him after that, than I'd say you have just cause for quitting. I'd also say you're crazy.
Rating: 
Summary: Lackluster finish
Review: A disappointing finish to an otherwise fine trilogy, 'The Halflings Gem' attempts to wrap up some plotlines that began in 'The Crustal Shard,' but it fails due to a terribly anti-climatic ending. All would still be well if the meat of the book was up to par, but sadly, that is not either. Gone is the fast paced, non-stop action of 'The Crystal Shard,' or the roving adventure and excitement of 'Streams of Silver.' There is no suspence or anticipation as in the other novels - you know where the story is headed at all times, and you know how it will turn out. It's just a matter of trudging through the pages to get there. A stale ending to an otherwise fun and enjoyable fantasy adventure series...still the best of the TSR line of books, but the poor ending keeps it from getting on any other "best" lists.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, fast paced action
Review: A nice D&D style adventure here, where the companions go to rescue their endangered friend Regis, the halfling. Nice duel between Drizzt and Artemis Entreri towards the end of the book and some interesting ideas in the book. Overall, a nice solid fantasy effort filled with action and adventure. If I was 10-15 years younger, I would have given this 5 stars no doubt.
Rating: 
Summary: The best of the batch.
Review: As the book starts out, Drizzit and Wulfgar start their pursuit of Artemis Entreri, who has captured Regis and Guenhwyvar's statue. Drizzit, as if he didn't have enough incentive to pursue Entreri as it is, also wishes to finish his battle with Entreri. Along the way Drizzit must disguise himself with the help of a magical mask. While most people would do this without hesitation, Drizzit is highly reluctant to hide his heritage, fearing that he will lose his identity and would prefer that people accept him for who he really is instead of who he pretends to be. Eventually, during their journey, Drizzit finally starts finding acceptance among some people, despite his race. It's rare when the last book in a series outshines all the others but this one sure seems too, and by a good bit. The main improvement in this book over the two others in the series is that it manages to eliminate the tediousness from the middle part of the book that plauged its predicessors. Instead we have action spread evenly through the entire book, and not only that, but some of the best presented in the series so for.
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!!!
Review: Definitely a great fantasy epic and one of my personal favorites, The Icewind Dale Trilogy- The Crystal Shard, Streams of Silver, and The Halfling's Gem, brings to life the story of a good hearted dark elf ranger named Drizzt Do'Urden and his adventures in the northwestern reaches of the World of Faerun. The books are so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to another universe and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. RA Salvatore has truly outdone himself and has presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work and in authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends trilogies. Duty, honor, bravery, magic, dragons and heroes are all about. A great trilogy indeed and a "must read" along with RA Salvatore's Dark Elf Trilogy!
Rating:
Summary: A Good Finish To A Good Trilogy
Review: Drizzt Do'Urden the dark elf, Bruenor the dwarf, Wulfgar the mighty young barbarian, and Catti-brie go on a trek into foreign lands to rescue their halfling friend, Regis, and to recover the statue of Gwenhyvar, which can call a magical panther from another plane of existence. Regis and the panther were stolen by Artemis Entreri, the master assassin. There were an unusually large number of typographical errors in this book (e.g., misspellings, extra commas, missing periods). Otherwise, this is a fast-paced, rousing adventure tale populated by interesting characters. I did not get a clear picture of the setting, as I can get in most books; the emphasis is clearly on the characters and their actions. Each section has an epilogue, which is like an essay "written" by the main character, Drizzt. Drizzt is a dark elf, whose people live underground and are known as cruel, ruthless, manipulative, deceptive, and dangerous. Drizzt is clever and dangerous, but has otherwise left his people and their ways. His essays are almost poetic in style, and are rich in morality and philosophy. The first book of the trilogy, "The Crystal Shard", was good, light adventure. "Streams of Silver" was the best of the three. "The Halfling's Gem" was a continuation of "Streams of Silver" (whereas "The Crystal Shard" could stand alone), and provided a good end to the trilogy, although it left one very loose end - Artemis Entreri is left unaccounted for. I'm sure that was intentional.
Rating:
Summary: Go, Entreri, GO!
Review: Entreri is one of my favorite character in the Forgotten Realms, with Elaith Craulnober and Arilyn Moonblade. He's cunning and brilliant, and whenever he shows up I can't help but be drawn more into the story. His role is most important in that book, so that's why I chose this one. Although, he better be fine in Silent Blade... o.O Anyhow, I think he is much better than Drizzt >:) and the Icewind Dale trilogy was possibly the best. Now only Silent Blade remains for me to read...
Rating:
Summary: This book is what reading is all about.
Review: First let me say that each book in this trilogy is great but that this is the one that makes the whole trilogy very special. Drizzt struggles with what he might have become and continually searches for what he is. I love the Drizzt monologues at the beginning of each book and that's just one detail that all adds up to make this book one to read over and over. Sure, some of the stuff is predictable but the characters and ideals they struggle for are what bring magic to this one. As you get older you get very cynical. This book may not change that but it reminds you of the things you used to very strongly believe in. Not in a campy way either but through the trials the characters go through and the theme of the book. In this sense, The Halfling's Gem reminds us of what is important like friends and respecting people. It also constantly entertains like few others. Don't miss!
Rating:
Summary: The Most Entertaining Novel in the Icewind Dale Trilogy
Review: First off, this is the conclusion of the Icewind Dale Trilogy. I would strongly recommend reading the first two novels in the series, The Crystal Shard and Streams of Silver, to truly enjoy this book. This story picks up with Artemis Entreri, running off with Regis from Mithral Hall, the halfling, to return him to Pasha Pook the leader of the largest thieves' guild in Calimport. Drizzt and friends chase after Entreri to save Regis from the almost certain death that awaits him in Calimport. The plot is pretty straight forward, but there are definitely enough complications to keep it interesting. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was the best book in the trilogy. The Halfling's Gem regains the continuous fast paced adventure that was lost in part of Streams of Silver. I found the supporting characters in this book much better conceived and interesting. The battle scenes in the boat and at Pasha Pook's palace were at least as good as any of the battle scenes in the other two books. Also Drizzt's attempt to find himself and what he stands for really progresses in this book. This continues in the Dark Elf Trilogy, which occurred before he reached Icewind Dale, but was written after the Icewind Dale Trilogy. All in all the writing in this novel has really improved from the first two books. This same quality continues through the rest of the Drizzt series. I whole-heartedly recommend this novel for the entertaining fast paced read that it is.
|
