Avg. Review:

“It is good to be home.  It is good to hear the wind of Icewind Dale, to feel it’s invigorating bite, like some reminder that I am alive.”  Drizzt Do’Urden 

After much anticipation, R.A. Salvatore’s new book, Sea of Swords, continues the adventures of Drizzt and his friends as they search for their long lost companion, Wulfgar,  and aid him in his search for his missing warhammer, Aegis-Fang.  Although the author performs remarkably in tying together the events from two of the previous novels in the Paths of Darkness series, the story was missing one of the elements that Salvatore is usually known for – a strong villain. 

The story unfolds as several subplots that eventually meld into one.  In one instance, you have Wulfgar who is still dealing with the pain and anguish of the torture that received from the demon Errtu, but starts the slow climb out of his gloom to resume his search for his missing warhammer.  At the same time, his friends run across circumstances that lead them to believe that Wulfgar is in trouble and desperately search to find their missing friend and aid him in his quest to retrieve his gift from Bruenor.  Additionally, the readers are introduced to Sheila Kree, the pirate who gained Aegis-Fang from one of the previous stories and Le’lorinel, a young moon elf who’s racial hatred has marked Drizzt for retribution.  The unlikely villains in this story are slowly introduced to each other and become, at best, cautious allies when dealing with the Companions of the Hall (nickname of Drizzt and company). 

Salvatore does a remarkable job in bring the companions together throughout the course of the novel.  He reintroduces the problems and concerns from the previous books, and adds depth to the characters by describing how they individually react to their situation.  In the story, the friends are reunited and they are torn between the joy of meeting each other again but cautiously gauge each other due to the events that split them up in the first place.  The detail of the emotions felt and the reactions between the characters make the story more interesting to read. 

Yet, at the same time, the villains in this story are not as strong in character as some of the ones introduced in the past.  Instead of dealing with the intricate assassins, Entari or Jarlaxle, we are presented with Sheila and Le’lorinel who come off as two-dimensional.  Beyond the hatred of men felt by Sheila Kree or the intense revulsion of all drow by Le’lorinel, the villians really don’t add much to the development of the story.  Although the ramifications will be felt for some time by the characters from the dramatic ending, they are little more than stepping-stones by Salvatore to get the friends back together.  

Beyond the lack of a memorable villain, Salvatore’s new book accomplished what the readers have been waiting for – a strong story and the return of The Companions of the Hall.

--Gary, Wizard's Keep staff