Gauntlgrym: Neverwinter Saga, Book I [Hardcover]

Reading material is 4 stars, not the book.
I have nothing bad to say about the author, or the material. I do have to comment on the rather cheap and yes, crappy publisher that was used. For an author of this reknown, I found it hard to believe that not only were the first half dozen pages not even separated, but the book was falling apart as I read it. Page coming apart from page, and the whole separating from the cover. For a book priced at the usual market value on the cover, it is so far below standard it isn't funny. I don't think I will ever be able to get a second read out of it. And, I take care of my books.

The action and battles are classic Salvatore. Well described and easily visualized. He also seems to be teasing Drizzt into a darker direction but it seems almost half hearted. He has taken his main character through so many books that a major change would rock the Forgotten Realms. It's still a very entertaining book that continues the transition of the Forgotten Realms after the Spellplague.

Drizzt fighting? check. World run amok? check. Another story plot where lots of changes are going to happen? check. Yet another book that will please the majority of Drizzt fans all over the world. The last trilogy (Transitions) was one that took me a while to get used to. It could have been because of the drastic changes happening to Drizzt, or it could have been the writing style (I found some parts to be extremely slow) but Gauntlgrym calmed my fears and woes. I could not put down this book while I was reading it.

The plot was most definitely a good read and as exciting as I thought it would be. The action is consistent with all of Salvatore's novels and I'm glad that has not changed. Drizzt has changed, whether for better or for worse we're still not sure. His development as a character is still wonderful to read and it's always amazing to see him develop - especially when you think he's already reached his limit (or maybe he has?) The pace was definitely faster than most of Salvatore's novels - yet that could be because I was just so engrossed with the overall plot and how the story was going.

Again, as usual it's always nice to see other beloved characters from Salvatore's other works to make an appearance. I've always enjoyed (and squeed) when Valas Hune came along as he's one of my favorite characters outside of Drizzt and his circle of friends also to note, Gromph also appears as well (another squee came from me when I read this part). So seeing a cameo appearance from him was nice to see in this book. There are new characters to add, and Dahlia of course, is the most fascinating one of all. I liked her personality and she was a strong character that could possibly be a potential fighting companion to fight alongside Drizzt, they did seem to fight along really well together. I am really looking forward to reading more about her, as she seems to be a great idea for yet another plot for Drizzt to deal with.

Drizzt fans will be happy with this book. It opens up quite a few possibilities for Drizzt to explore, and with a new set of characters there's a lot more in store for him. There are also quite a few changes, and although it was sad to see some of the other characters go, I am hoping the new ones will keep Drizzt adventures going for yet another fantastic round. Fans will love this one, and newbies should read the entire Drizzt saga from the beginning in order to fully appreciate it. I can't wait for the next book!