Since I stumbled into C.S. Lewis’ Narnia in fifth grade, I have been a fan of reading fantasy novels. The more magical the place and characters, the more enthralled I am to enter their domain.
Fortunately, I have a nephew who is more of a fantasy buff than I am. This keeps me supplied with reading material (although I’ve been known to purchase an ebook or 50 of my own). Currently, my nightly reading is a chapter in a book from R.A. Salvatore’s Forgotten Realms series.
After finishing Legacy, I felt impressed by the author’s ability to “up the stakes.” Salvatore is a master of plot, character, world building and suspense. The books start off tamely enough; I can put them aside after only reading a chapter each night before bed.
Somewhere around the time the “point of no return” happens, the book attaches itself to my hands.
In Legacy, this point came during an epic fight scene where it became crystal clear that one of the main characters wasn’t going to make it out alive. I can hear the swords clashing when I read these scenes. Salvatore brings the reader into the fight.
This is the 7th book in this series and I have seen similar plot constructions in every book. It goes something like this:
- Peaceful ruminations are broken by intruders or a needful quest
- The dark elf and his friends answer the summons
- Minor complications crop up but Salvatore lets us glimpse what the antagonists are plotting, so we can worry about the big surprise waiting for the heroes
- Battles, bantering and introduction of interesting magical creatures or places unfold
- The trap is sprung and the friends are separated
- Fighting against impossible odds ensues
- Then the final turning point, where it seems all is lost, occurs (my heart races every time and I know there are 13 books in this series so the main character must not perish!)
Each book can stand alone but the continuity between the books I’ve read thus far is seamless. Characters remain true to their persona, even though they change and grow a little more in every book.
If you’re looking for good fantasy and a character to adore, pick up something from this series. The world of the dark elves will chill you to the bone, but you will eagerly champion the cause of one drow – Drizzt Do’Urden.