Forgotten Realms - The Legend Of Drizzt Volume 2: Exile [Paperback]

The Devil's Due graphic NOVEL adaptation of R.A. Salvatore's legendary Dark Elf Trilogy continues in the second volume, "Exile". It has probably been some fifteen years since I've read the trilogy and I had forgotten just how good a story it is. Salvatore's trilogy deserves to be counted among the finest epic works of fantasy. The most unique part of the trilogy is the setting; the Underdark and the Drow city of Menzoberranzan provide a far different venue than most fantasy epics. The dark, claustrophobic depths of this vast underground setting, with its horrific creatures is magnificently rendered by a team of artists led by penciller Tim Seeley. The art gets a major boost from Blond who handles the colors which greatly add to the atmosphere of the book.

The story picks up ten years after the events in the first volume as the dark elf Drizz't Do'Urden has escaped Menzoberranzan and his mother, Matron Malice, who wants him dead. He was wandered the Underdark for ten years with only the magical black panther Guenhwyvar for companionship. He has managed to stay a couple of steps ahead of the Drow search parties who are looking for him and relied on his skills with his dual swords to stay alive in the harsh world of the Underdark. Weary of staying on the run he arrives at the vast fortress of the Deep Gnomes known as Blingdenstone where he allows himself to be captured. Thought a spy, the Deep Gnomes plan on putting Drizz't to death until he received aid from the Gnome Belwar Dissengulp whose life he helped save from a Drow hunting party years yearlier. Dissengulp vouches for Drizz't and soon the elf finds peace and even becomes accepted by the Deep Gnomes.

But Matron Mailce refuses to give up the search for her son. The Demon Queen Lloth demands that Drizz't be killed so House Do'Urden can once again be in the favor of the Queen of the Demon Web Pits. She invokes the ritual of Zin-Carla, a powerful spell which raises the deceased sword-master Zaknafein (who is also Drizz'ts father) from the dead and under her power, to seek out and kill Drizz't. Not wishing to risk war with Menzoberranzan for harboring a fugitive, Drizz't is forced to leave the Gnome fortress but is accompanied by his friend Belwar. Along the way they meet a strange creature called a Pech, similar to a gnome who has been turned into a monstrous Hook Horror by a human wizard who lives in a great Adamantite tower. Later, the three companions are captured by a group of Mind Flayers, and taken as thralls to the great city of the Illithids, while the undead Zaknafein continues his destructive march towards the final meeting with Drizz't.

Drizz't Do'Urden has become one of the most popular characters in fantasy over the past fifteen years and deservedly so. He is a powerful, yet sensitive and tragic character, exiled from his home where only death awaits and scorned by all others he meets because of his race. Devil's Due continues to give fans of the series a flawless, faith adaptation of the trilogy that stays remarkably true not only to the characters, but the tone of Salvatore's story. The art is beautiful without being over-powering. A great cover and pin-up gallery follows the story. My highest recommendation as I look forward to the final part of the trilogy!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

this book ( or graphic novel--i should say) rocks!! the plot is very well portrayed through Tim Seeley's artwork. Anyone a fan of Drizzt and Salvatore should definetly get this!

Drizzt Do'Urden has left Menzoberranzan, the Drow Elf city of his birth, hoping to find some place where he can feel at home. But, nightmare creatures stalk the Underdark, and to survive Drizzt is becoming what he never wanted to be. And so, this Drow exile must move on. But, there are forces behind him which have no intention of simply letting him walk away. Drizzt will have to fight with all of his strength, and with all of his heart if he is going to survive.

R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urden stories have been a perennial favorite with fantasy story readers, well known for their action and for their gripping storylines. Now, Devil's Due Publishing has brought out this, the second Drizzt Do'Urden story in graphic novel format, and I must say that it is every bit as fantastic as the first! They did a terrific job of capturing Mr. Salvatore's characters, and I thought that the illustration work was excellent.

So, if you are a fan of R.A. Salvatore, or are just a fan of great fantasy, then get this book. You will not be disappointed!

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