Harbourboy
Thu, 17th Mar '05, 11:19pm
The Halfling’s Gem – by R. A. Salvatore
Book 3 of the Icewind Dale trilogy
Star rating (for the illiterate): * * * (3 stars out of 5)
Short review (for the impatient):
Lightweight fare. Main interest is that Forgotten Realms setting is the same as that used for many D&D computer games.
Longer review (for the bored):
I’m probably not the best qualified person to be reviewing Dungeons and Dragons based novels as most of you have far more knowledge of this area than me. But as this the most recent book I completed, a review is timely.
To outline too much of the plot would be a spoiler to anybody who has not yet read the first two books in the Icewind Dale series, as the events of this book follow directly on from those books. Having said that, it is not giving away a great deal to say that book stars the drow ranger Drizz’t Do’urden and covers some adventures he has along with some of his friends, battling evil and injustice along the way.
The style of writing is similar to that adopted by R. A. Salvatore in his other books. That is to say, that much of the focus is on the set piece fights that Drizz’t and pals seems to always find themselves in. Eaxh of these fights follows a similar tried and tested format to that adopted by professional wrestlers whereby the enemy sometimes gains the upper hand but the protagonist always comes back to win comprehensively. The various heroes always use the same powers and magic weapons in each fight (for example, Drizz’t always seems to bring a globe of darkness down on his enemy).
The characters are clearly defined but simplistic in nature. Drizz’t is the most complex character due to the various challenges and inner turmoils that come from his rejection of his dark heritage and the ongoing prejudice he suffers from just about everyone he meets. The other characters have their set roles and don’t really deviate much from them.
The flow of the story is fairly linear and not much happens that is terribly unpredictable. This, however, has the advantage of making it a fairly easy read, and not too challenging if you don’t feel like concentrating.
Of most interest to me is the background information that this book provides on certain aspects of the Forgotten Realms world. In the book, we learn about the cities of Waterdeep, Calimport, and Baldur’s Gate, and reinforce some of our knowledge of drow elves, dwarves, halflings, rogues, barbarians, and assassins. We also get to see some interesting magical items in action.
Overall, I would liken this book to a TV soap opera episode. In itself, it is not much to get excited about. But if become familiar with the characters, you want to find out more about what happens to them, so you sit through things you wouldn’t otherwise bother with. The Halfling’s Gem is OK, but it’s no classic. No need for me to wheel out the word ‘epic’ in this review.
Book 3 of the Icewind Dale trilogy
Star rating (for the illiterate): * * * (3 stars out of 5)
Short review (for the impatient):
Lightweight fare. Main interest is that Forgotten Realms setting is the same as that used for many D&D computer games.
Longer review (for the bored):
I’m probably not the best qualified person to be reviewing Dungeons and Dragons based novels as most of you have far more knowledge of this area than me. But as this the most recent book I completed, a review is timely.
To outline too much of the plot would be a spoiler to anybody who has not yet read the first two books in the Icewind Dale series, as the events of this book follow directly on from those books. Having said that, it is not giving away a great deal to say that book stars the drow ranger Drizz’t Do’urden and covers some adventures he has along with some of his friends, battling evil and injustice along the way.
The style of writing is similar to that adopted by R. A. Salvatore in his other books. That is to say, that much of the focus is on the set piece fights that Drizz’t and pals seems to always find themselves in. Eaxh of these fights follows a similar tried and tested format to that adopted by professional wrestlers whereby the enemy sometimes gains the upper hand but the protagonist always comes back to win comprehensively. The various heroes always use the same powers and magic weapons in each fight (for example, Drizz’t always seems to bring a globe of darkness down on his enemy).
The characters are clearly defined but simplistic in nature. Drizz’t is the most complex character due to the various challenges and inner turmoils that come from his rejection of his dark heritage and the ongoing prejudice he suffers from just about everyone he meets. The other characters have their set roles and don’t really deviate much from them.
The flow of the story is fairly linear and not much happens that is terribly unpredictable. This, however, has the advantage of making it a fairly easy read, and not too challenging if you don’t feel like concentrating.
Of most interest to me is the background information that this book provides on certain aspects of the Forgotten Realms world. In the book, we learn about the cities of Waterdeep, Calimport, and Baldur’s Gate, and reinforce some of our knowledge of drow elves, dwarves, halflings, rogues, barbarians, and assassins. We also get to see some interesting magical items in action.
Overall, I would liken this book to a TV soap opera episode. In itself, it is not much to get excited about. But if become familiar with the characters, you want to find out more about what happens to them, so you sit through things you wouldn’t otherwise bother with. The Halfling’s Gem is OK, but it’s no classic. No need for me to wheel out the word ‘epic’ in this review.