Rating: 
Summary: (Drizzt-Free) Servant of the Shard
Review: I read this book in about two days, but only because it didn't have Drizzt Do' Urden in it. If it did, I would have finished it in a day. Actually, it was suprisingly good, probably because Entreri is intriguing like Drizzt. Add in Jarlaxle, and you've got a good book! I really want ot know when Drizzt supposedly died!! I was very upset when I learned that, but very pleased when Jarlaxle was thinking that he shouldn't tell Entreri that Drizzt was still alive. All the books I have read by R.A. Salvatore have been fabulous. I've read Homeland, Sojourn, Exile, The CRystal Shard, Streams of Silver, The Halfling's Gem, Passage to Dawn, The Silent Blade, The Spine of the World, The Servant of the Shard, and Vector Prime. I don't know who is my favorite author, Tolkien or Salvatore! Of course, I was listenig to beautiful Japanese music(Himekami Snow Goddess CD) when I read Tolkien's book. The music made the song better, so without music,Salvatore might even be better than Tolkien. Actually, let me say that again, Salvatore is better than Tolkien. (Except for the Demon Wars Saga and Mortalis. They stunk so bad that I couldn't continue to read them after the first few chapters)
Rating: 
Summary: Salvatore's books do not get old.
Review: I am, once again, amazed by the intricacy and detail of R.A. Salvatore's books. Some may like them because they provide fast paced action and intrigue. Others because they provide a mirror with which we can view the world, not the forgotten realms world but the world in which we live. I love his books because they have both, and in reading them I get [stuck] into a world where limits are set by the character, not the world, and the character realizes this. Although many may complain that this book does not have Drizzt, or may compliment it because Bob does such a good job without Drizzt, I believe that the character should accent the story, not the other way around. And the message that Bob sends us with this story is that his writing genious is not propped up by Drizzt, Drizzt is a window to his genious. Entreri and Jarlaxle provide perspective into the forgotten realms world that Drizzt could not, for Drizzt was never evil, and he never got pulled into the maelstrom of that kind of life. I think that Bob could make a smashing sucess out of another book with Entreri and Jarlaxle as the focus, and will probably finally involve Drizzt and the other companions too.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book...but lets get back to Drizzt
Review: This was a great book where we saw some real character developement in Jarlaxle and Entreri, but it was missing something...oh yeah...DRIZZT! Spine of the World was a nice break from the famous drow elf, no offense meant Mr. Salvatore, but Servant of the Shard was pushing it. By the end of it I really missed the presence of Drizzt Do'Urden. The interlude was a needed break, and it gave us all a chance to explore other characters but now it is time to get back to what you do best.
Rating:
Summary: Salvatore regains his form
Review: Finally, a new book with a real refreshing and new feel by R.A. Salvatore that is based on his previously created characters in Forgotten Realms. His previous works in the realms, apart from the Cleric Quintet, focused too much on Drizzt Do'Urden. Even Spine of the World, considered a radical departure by fans, dealt with Wulfgar, a character which many readers are already familiar.In comparison, Servant of the Shard continued where Silent Blade left off, and finally, two very interesting but under-developed characters, human assassin Enteris Artemis and drow mercenary company Bregan D'aerthe' enigmatic yet brilliant and astute leader Jarlaxle, took the centre stage. Readers would already be familiar some of Enteri's philosophy through earlier novels, but that had at most been a sideshow and a less significant contemplation to act as a comparison to Drizzt's own private reflections. In this book, Salvatore presented a new yet old Enteri - a man who walks carrying his past, his past life, his old motivations and thoughts, along with new ones which came from his experiences in Menzoberanzan and from finally surviving his duel-to-death against Drizzt. The fact that Enteri had been forced to work for the Bregan D'aerthe in the latter's foray into the surface world served as a catalyst to Enteri decide what kind of an existence he really would want. Readers did not really get to see the inside of Jarlaxle because he was clearly, though not definitively, influenced by the Crystal Shard. As the Shard urged to expand its influence, the inevitable conflict leads to more-than-cursory role-playing of secondary characters who were often under-utilised in other novels. Jarlaxle's top lieutenants from the Underdark, along with Enteri's subordinates running the guild which Enteri took over in Silent Blade, had their work cut out for them. It is refreshing to see such supporting cast do more than come, go, obey, betray, kill and die, these characters actually affected the development of the events. The plot of the book is a little of a typical gangland turf-war, with more devious plottings and intricate intrigue rather than outright brute force (compared to less flattering depiction of sterotype gangsters in most novels), motivated by the possession of an ultimate weapon (isn't it nice that such a weapon is used in turf wars instead of the run-of-the-mill take over the world, it is so less damaging). Jarlaxle, having completed his goal of establishing indirect but definite influence and network on the surface, brought danger to his mercenary group when goaded by the Shard, sought to expand that dominance aggressively, threatening to expose the drows' presence on the surface. His lieutenants, justifiably worried, and none-too-kind on Enteri, had to decide the steps to take to protect themselves. Thus set the background stage for one of the best books on underworld intrigues in a fantasy setting where in the foreground really was the internal conflict within Enteri as he fought to keep alive. This is one book where any loopholes are not really discernable nor distracting, worth keeping if you have the money. The actions are fast and furious, but not too detailed with swashbuckling details as Salvatore's previous books. Salvatore finally came up with something fresh, thankfully. For sometime, he had been exhausting the potential of Drizzt until his novels became weak. Consider this a new beginning, returning to the excitement generated for the original drow trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: BOOK LIVES UP TO THE REST
Review: This was a great story. Artemis lives up to expectaions, and even sheds light on a side you never thought. Then just when you think you know Jarlaxle he throws in a grand new surprise that keeps you bitting your nails until the next release. I can only hope that the sea of swords takes off where this one leaves. Servant of the shard is a must for any fantasy colletor, not to mention any fan of Jarlaxle, and his Bregan D'aerthe.
Rating:
Summary: "Now one-third less sanctimony!"
Review: One of the things I'd really like to see is a knock-down, drag-out fight between Jarlaxle and Drizzt. The contest of skill versus flexibility would be an amazing thing to see. And, with the way Salvatore's writing Drizzt these days, I'd root for Jarlaxle. He's much more fun. This novel is about three characters...Jarlaxle, Entreri, and Crenshinibon, the artifact also known as the Crystal Shard. I don't think I've ever read such a good treatment of how D&D artifacts can really act, as it slowly turns Jarlaxle towards its point of view, and as Entreri fights its encroaching influence off. Eventually, they decide to destroy the artifact, and get the (grudging) assistance of Cadderly, late of the Cleric Quintet. So, why do I like this book? Salvatore's writing isn't that great; I didn't get a good picture of the fighting in my head, and the dialogue seemed forced in some cases. The secondary characters are kind of sparse, too; the picture I get of Cadderly and Danica is much different than that from the Cleric Quintet. Somehow, though, it all flows together. We get to see inside Artemis' head, as well as Jarlaxle's. We get more of both of their motivations, and, frankly, they're the most interesting characters Salvatore's come up with that I've read. There's even the begining of another rivalry, between Artemis and Danica...though mostly on her end. If this weren't a D&D novel, it would stink. But, as a D&D novel, it's great. Even Drizzt's journal entries aren't as bad as before. Yes, he's irritating, and I'm glad he's not in the book. I wonder, though...what'll happen when Entreri finds out Drizzt's alive? Which, I'm sure, will be next book, next year.
Rating:
Summary: Once again Salvatore writes a Masterpiece
Review: I considered this book one of the most enjoyable that has been written by Salvatore of late. One of Salvatore's many strong points, is the ability to really draw you into the innerworkings of the character's psyche, and you really feel like you are getting to know them on an intense personal level. The ability to further explore Artemis' and Jarlaxle's personalities and inner conflicts really makes this book worthwhile. Jarlaxe especially was mysterious and just downright hillarious at time to read. That little tidbit in the last line of the book(I won't give it away!) made me hope that maybe Salvatore will write a novel on Jarlaxle's past, or carry this novel forward. Jarlaxle is such a humorous and flamboyant character. Add in Salvatore's masterful technique at writing fighting scenes(they really come to life!), intrigue, danger, and the oh so lovable characters from the cleric Quintet(Pikel makes me laugh every time), and you have the makings of a masterpiece. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Rating:
Summary: Servant of the Shard has what Spine of the World lacked
Review: In my opinion this is the true compliment to "The Silent Blade" This book picks up where we last encountered Artemis Entreri and Drizzt' deul. If you felt wronged with "Spine of the World's" story, this is what will bring you back into the fold. Salvatore proves to me that he still has the greatness to keep one enraptured in his tales. While Spine of the World followed some couple nobody cares about and Wulfgar in a drunken stupor, Servant of the Shard provides Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle as its two focal points. Once i picked this book up, I hadn't the willpower to put it down. Salvatore's intriguing story overwhelmed me. Being put into the dealings of Calimport and its seedy underbelly, I could almost feel the eyes of theives upon me.
Rating:
Summary: Oh Yeah!!
Review: A new FR novel by R.A. Salavtore about Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle, the bad guys of the series.....need I say anymore? Well ok, first of all if you are not familiar with this series that includes about 17 previous novels (now that the cleric Quintet has been incorporated) it may be quite confusing to read and it would definately take away from the story as a whole if you do not know what has come before. But I'm still sure it would be enjoyable just not as enjoyable. many people have been complaining about Drizzt's absence in the new RAS FR books and thus marking the reviews lower than they really deserve. Just because your favorite character wasn't in it doesn't mean that the story that is presented and the writing is horrible. I personally am quite happy that RAS has decided to flesh out the other characters. I could go on and on about how great this book is (In fact the whole series) but I won't, you should just BUY this book and read IT!
Rating:
Summary: The fall and rise of Salvatore
Review: After the high point of his masterful Dark Elf trilogy, the quality of Salvatore's Drizzt series had been in decline. The plots became increasingly disjointed, the characters remained static, and Salvatore seemed to be running out of ideas. Worst of all was the way he couldn't let anyone stay dead, bringing back Entreri, Wulfgar, Errtu, and even the Crystal Shard. After bizzarely rehashing the same "Dark Elves must kill Drizzt" plot in the Legacy, Starless Night, and Siege, Salvatore hit a low point in Passage to Dawn with the idiotic plot device of the "Fog of Fate." By the Silent Blade I was ready to give up. But I'm overjoyed to say that Salvatore has made a startling comeback! I was bored recently so I picked up the Spine of the World and it was quite good, and with this book the comeback is complete. It is interesting that Salvatore's best books in years have no Drizzt or the rest of the main characters. I suppose they had become too powerful so there was no suspense in battles, and they were all classic fantasy stereotypes (stoic barbarian, happy-go-lucky halfling, surly dwarf, one good apple of an evil race) so it was hard to keep them interesting. These last two books are much more mature works, with Salvatore attempting to create more complex characters. He did okay with Wulfgar in Spine but he's done even better with Entreri in Servant of the Shard. Entreri is so much more interesting now that we know that he's not pure evil. The return of Jarlaxle is great - he was always my favorite character after Drizzt. As usual the action scenes are outstanding, and the plot is actually quite servicible. For the first time in Salvatore's work, some of the minor characters actually transcend stereotypes, especially the complex Kimmuriel and the enigmatic mind flayer. Overall this book is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone who has been dissappointed with Salvatore lately. He's getting better now. If you felt all the books were perfect, then I don't have to tell you to buy this one because you obviously already own it.
|
