Book I, The Companions: The Sundering

So for anyone stupid enough to have thought Drizzt actually died at the end of the last book, big surprise he didn't. Not only that but all the other Companions of the Hall have been reincarnated, show up 21 years later looking pretty much the same and with most of their equipment (or better), in order to look out for Drizzt during the latest Forgotten Realms Cataclysm (i.e. Edition of D&D). I guess that is Drizzt's reward for a century of moaning and mourning.

Look, I know not to expect the same level of reality in Fantasy Novels based off of D&D as there is in the Song of Ice and Fire. But one of the things I always liked about the Legend of Drizzt aside from the great characters was that it wasnt always predictable. Sometimes the Villians won or turned out to be far more complicated than at first glance. And sometimes the heroes actually died, some in a blaze of glory some not. This was a good thing. The Companions should have remained dead and the Legend of Drizzt continued with new companions as would be expected of a long lived Drow. That was afterall the Cycle of Life they muse over so much. Nope. Instead Salvatore has to reboot the Companions of the Hall in order to continue their adventures ad infinitum and that is a shame.

So for anyone stupid enough to have thought Drizzt actually died at the end of the last book, big surprise he didn't. Not only that but all the other Companions of the Hall have been reincarnated, show up 21 years later looking pretty much the same and with most of their equipment (or better), in order to look out for Drizzt during the latest Forgotten Realms Cataclysm (i.e. Edition of D&D). I guess that is Drizzt's reward for a century of moaning and mourning.

Look, I know not to expect the same level of reality in Fantasy Novels based off of D&D as there is in the Song of Ice and Fire. But one of the things I always liked about the Legend of Drizzt aside from the great characters was that it wasnt always predictable. Sometimes the Villians won or turned out to be far more complicated than at first glance. And sometimes the heroes actually died, some in a blaze of glory some not. This was a good thing. The Companions should have remained dead and the Legend of Drizzt continued with new companions as would be expected of a long lived Drow. That was afterall the Cycle of Life they muse over so much. Nope. Instead Salvatore has to reboot the Companions of the Hall in order to continue their adventures ad infinitum and that is a shame.

I loved this book. Salvatore outdid himself in the book.
(spoiler of previews books ahead)
I was quite shocked and angry with the death of Cattie-Brie and Reggis. I was deeply saddened by the passing of Bruenor. But I almost cried with the last pages of "The Last Threshold", right until the epilogue.
[SPOILER OF THE BOOK]
I saw Salvatore's solution for the problem miles away, and I love it. For me reincarnation is a fact and I loved the way Salvatore put it to work in the world of Drizzt. Read this book with an open mind because Toril is changing, and everyone that "lives" in this world must change with it.

*NON-SPOILER-REVIEW*

As a long time fan of Drizzt and R.A. Salvatore, (who owns the entire series) this entry in Salvatore's long list of novels is better than most of what he's written in the last several years, but certainly not as interesting or great as many of the reviews have made it out to be. For me, the previous quadrilogy of the Neverwinter series was uninteresting, with many missed opportunities within it. But if you're invested into this series and it's characters, by all means you absolutely must read this book. Anything beyond this point will leave you with a very serious "Wait, what?" feeling. Either you'll enjoy the book quite a bit, it'll leave a bitter taste in your mouth, or you'll be wondering if Salvatore simply couldn't come up with any more interesting characters for Drizzt to go spelunking with.

*SPOILER-HEAVY-REVIEW*

(You've been warned)

This novel isn't really about Drizzt at all, but about his former friends. It does finally answer the nagging question regarding Drizzt being a chosen of a particular Deity however. Anyway, besides Artemis Entreri, all of Drizzt original companions are dead or have been for a very long time. Though some very literal divine intervention, they (Breunor, Wulfgar, Catti-Bri, and Regis) are given a second chance at life. They will retain all of there old memories and given there same bodies (born to appropriate families). But only on the condition that they help Drizzts' chosen deity (Melikki) in her time of need, meeting at a specified place (Kelvin's Cairn) on there 21st birthday. Wulfar declines (in his typical block-head manner) only to show up in the final page(es) of the book. Meanwhile the novel follows the other three in there re-birth, growth through there unnatural child-hood, and there attempts to better themselves. Catti-Bri & Regis' goals are one in the same; Be better prepared/skilled than they were in there past lives, so that they may help Drizzt in the times ahead. Breunor remains stubborn and gruff as he always was.

Catti-Bri is born into a roaming tribal'ish family, with two spells cars on her wrists. She learns to use magic and through a turn of events is trained in both Shade Enclave and with the Harpells, becoming a reasonably competent mage by the end. Breunor is born to a family of drawves in Citadel Felbar, taking up the role of the uber-child prodigy beyond his years. Mainly due to his mis-placed frustration with his dwarven gods. Regis actually ends up being the real star of this novel, born to an impoverished family in a less than ideal city, he overcomes his fears of battle, overwhelming odds, and manages to get the attention of the local leader of an assasin's guild. Who takes Regis in as a protege' and trains him both in fighting skill, subtlety, and more. Not to mention having an array of magical equipment & items that probably rival what Drizzt has managed to acquire in the last several hundred years.

As I said, Regis is easily the highlight of this novel, with plenty of character growth, interesting events, and finally seeing him come into his own. As compared to a grumpy Breunor and just plain flat "I will help Drizzt and hope he still loves me" Catti-Bri. Wulfgar again is completely absent besides the beginning and final page or two of the novel. In the end all four friends show up to help Drizzt and keep him from dying in the end, his "reward" for all of his hard work over the years, and keeping true to his heart and ideals.

So yes, worth the read, but only if you've already continued reading to this point. I do hope that Catti-Bri is more interesting in the future than she is now. Back in the early novels she had a genuine character to her. Now she's just plain flat and a literal bore to read about. This also brings about another potential problem I have; there's nothing interesting about the threats that these characters face anymore. They've been around for so long and been through soo much, it's obvious that Salvatore isn't going to kill them off for good. So all the perceived threat that a group of soldiers or 1,000 year old dragon poses to them is null & void. At this point you literally KNOW that everyone will make it out alive. So unless Salvatore really ups the anti in his subsequent novels, I really think he should have stopped with the final end to the Crystal Shard.

I've been reading Bob's books for thirteen years, since I was in the fifth grade. He sets a high bar, and one way or another, he always meets it. Others may disagree, but I challenge them to look past their love of the characters and try to look at the storyline from his point of view.

That means that you have to understand that these characters write their own stories; he simply tells the tale. If you've studied his works you'll understand what I mean. The point I'm meandering towards is that there is no light if there is no darkness, and vice versa. Events in the last set of the series were a necessary evil.

That said, thank the Light, Mielikki, or whoever you may choose, that this tale has come full circle. (Spoiler alert below)

The Companions are back! I cannot convey in words what this means to someone like me, who has followed and loved these characters for so long. I read this book in one sitting, like I do every new RAS book. The best part; I've never been so excited. Excited for the characters, the author, the realms, and my fellow readers.

Auto-Biography aside, here's my review.
Pros-
Fluid transition of the character point of view
Excellent description of fight scenes(duh)
Masterful connection of story lines
No Dahlia.(heh)
Helps to paint a picture for the realms.
Generally awesome.

Cons-
Difficulty with some names, such as the new reincarnation of Catti-brie(Raquia). Big whoop.
You don't get to "see" Drizzt slice and dice anyone.

Thank you for the past two minutes of your life. No refunds.

I always felt that Salvatore killed off the Cattie-Brie and Regis in the most horrible and uncreative way. It disappointed me so much, that I almost stopped reading his new books. But this book redeems all of the wrongs of the books that followed "The Ghost King" the companions are back and can now no longer play second fiddle to Drizzt. New abilities and experience will make the companions a powerful force in the events to come. Salvatore is once again at the top of the fantasy genre, as he should be.

I really hate the word epic, and how today it is over used. That being said there's no better way to describe this book. That is if you've been following the story from the very first book, on through. You will really enjoy this installation in the series. You have my personal guarantee on!

As a long time reader and fan of Mr Salvatore's work, I was blown away at the tapestry woven with this book. New and old alliances, enemies, and friends set the stage for new adventures in this new realm. The writing and plot advances in interesting ways and is told from many different character perspectives. I am excited for the future of this series and characters as only Mr Salvatore can tell. Bravo!

I always felt that Salvatore killed off the Cattie-Brie and Regis in the most horrible and uncreative way. It disappointed me so much, that I almost stopped reading his new books. But this book redeems all of the wrongs of the books that followed "The Ghost King" the companions are back and can now no longer play second fiddle to Drizzt. New abilities and experience will make the companions a powerful force in the events to come. Salvatore is once again at the top of the fantasy genre, as he should be.

I really hate the word epic, and how today it is over used. That being said there's no better way to describe this book. That is if you've been following the story from the very first book, on through. You will really enjoy this installation in the series. You have my personal guarantee on!

As a long time reader and fan of Mr Salvatore's work, I was blown away at the tapestry woven with this book. New and old alliances, enemies, and friends set the stage for new adventures in this new realm. The writing and plot advances in interesting ways and is told from many different character perspectives. I am excited for the future of this series and characters as only Mr Salvatore can tell. Bravo!

What a book to come back to the forgoten realms with!
I must admit, when the spell plague came and the weav disappeared I stopped reading the books, it's just wasn't the FR I came to know and love but boy oh boy does this book deliver, I admit that in the beginning I was very skeptical and though that it might turn out to be a weak book but I got quickly swept up in this wonderful tale Salvatore weaved and couldn't stop reading, More I say!

I've been reading about the Companions of the Hall since the late 90s and I actually cried at the end of the Last Threshold. Without giving anything away, I'll say that this revamp showcases all your favorite characters even bigger and better than their former glory. It is nice to see the inner struggles of former "side" characters. Very excited to see what happens next.

I enjoyed this novel quite a lot. Its a creative re-origin story of the Companions of the Hall. Salvatore takes the confusing/non eventful final book (as some believed), ties up the loose ends of the story while simultaneously setting the characters on a new and meaningful journey that fans are sure to enjoy.

Salvatore has always written amazing books. I've been reading the stories of his heroes since I was ten. Hell, I finished the Last Threshold roughly a half hour before getting into a three hour firefight in afghanistan and the whole time, the only things going through my mind were keeping my 240 operational, and if Drizzt Do' Urden were dead now.

The Companions of the Hall are back!!!! R.A. Salvatore has brought four of the most iconic Forgotten Realms heroes back with a vengeance.
The Sundering has begun and the Realms are about to change. Again. A change for the better if The Companions is any indication. The Spell Plague, over. The Netherese, on the way out.
Check it out.

Holy cow I can't wait for Salvatore's next book. He stayed true to form and elevated his Drizzt series to another level. This book was captivating and full of wonderful surprises. A must read if you are a fan of The Companions of the Hall.

I started Reading this book after finishing up Hurricane Dan (A Zombie Novel) (recommended), I like all of Salvatore's books but the last few have been lacking, this is a huge improvement and quite possibly my new favorite.

I no longer play D&D so I am unfamaliar with the changes coming to the game world but it is an interesting twist. Some of it is very new and exciting while one story line does seem to be a rehash

I can't rant about how awesome this book is without mentioning the plot, but it is seriously awesome. I love the books in this series, but they usually take me a week or two to read. This on I got done reading the day after I got it. I couldn't put it down!

I enjoyed this book a lot. The companions are all strong enough characters that they should all have spin off books of there own. Looking forward to their further adventures. Looks like we are getting the "Band back together".

One of his best books. What a great way to bring the companions back together. Really enjoyed the separate paths each took over the 21 years. I only wish that the reunion was longer at the end before ending the book.

Salvatore is such an amazing writer and he captured me once again. After such a long series there are still so many stories to tell and I cannot wait to begin this next journey with these characters I consider friends.

Meh... author is either getting tired of the series or D&D is pushing him around too much, making him write his books not as well. Regardless the past 7 books or so have been bad. I've now moved on to other books and would recommend others do the same.

More than just dealing with the Companions, this is the single best novel Salvatore has written in a long while. I won't spoil a single bit of the book, other than to tell you that, much like Jackie Chan movies and Marvel Movies, waiting until after the "credits" is worth the wait.

Read. This. Book.

That was the first thought I had upon completing R.A. Salvatore's latest entry into The Legend of Drizzt, and the first book in the Realms-wide event, The Sundering. Throughout my initial reading, I was constantly going back and forth as to whether or not I could accept the revival of The Companions of the Hall, and indeed, there was a period of time where I didn't think I was going to be able to. But the reason I love Salvatore so much is because he is such a master storyteller. As much as it is a shame that he was forced into a position where he had to revive these characters, he earns it in this book, one of the best he's written. Salvatore takes the hand that he was dealt with the arrival of 4th Edition, and weaves for all of us readers a truly touching novel that reminds me of why I fell in love with his books in the first place. This is a love-letter to us fans, and as divided as I was, Bob, with this book, has assured me that it's going to be okay.

We are almost immediately introduced to the conceit that the titular companions are indeed those of The Hall. The prologue, after briefly touching base with Drizzt as we left him at the end of The Last Threshold, cuts back a number of years to a small girl in Netheril being hunted by Shadovar. Within just a few pages, she reveals herself to be none other than a reborn Catti-Brie, as she magically fends off her would-be kidnappers. From there we are taken back to Iruladoon where we finally learn Iruladoon's purpose, and just how the Companions will be reunited on the Prime Material Plane. In a masterful storytelling move, Salvatore does not simply eject them all back into the world, all in their prime and ready to take to the road again. Instead, they find out that they must be literally reborn into the world, where they will grow again into adults while waiting to meet together at an appointed date.

And, of course, Salvatore has found a way to make this all worthwhile. We spend the book tracing the brand-new origins of our favorite characters as they must grow and prepare for their appointed meeting, which is hinted to be only a prelude to a much larger conflict in which they must aid their beloved friend. Each chapter, for the greater majority of the book, is devoted to a single one of the companions, who are spread all across Faerun as they are reborn. It is a wonderful joy to watch each of them as they struggle to balance the demands of their new life with the knowledge of their old one and each of the stories has it's own unique and distinct feel.

Regis, here, is the blowout star of the book, with his newfound determination to be able to stand beside the more martially skilled Companions in battle when the time comes. Catti-Brie's story is easily the most plot-driven of the three, full of set-up for The Sundering and future Drizzt books, whereas Bruenor's is a more exisistential look at the psychological ramifications of revivification. Catti-Brie's thread suffers, especially once she seperates from her new parents (which provide rich emotional grounding for the former orphan), as she is privy to more of the mystery surrounding their rebirth and is in turn more focused on the ultimate goal. It makes sense, but it doesn't really allow for as much nuance as the others. Bruenor's angst may also grate at times, but it's a good stroke of characterization. For Wulfgar, well, let me just say that while I may have been initially unconvinced, Salvatore brought me round in the end. Trust him, he knows what he's doing. Clues to what The Sundering will entail are few, but undeniably tantalizing. It's shaping up to be a truly epic event.

It is Salvatore's obvious and infectious love and respect for these characters that make this book such a joy to read. Any concerns I developed early in the book about the integrity of this move, were all deftly and expertly handled by the end of it. He takes what could have been a simple retcon, and instead turns it into a fantastic character study of characters that we had long thought we knew completely, revitalizing all of them, and allowing us a chance to see them truly grow. There may be some readers who are unable to swallow this revival, and that is understandable. But it is important to remember, before you dismiss this book, that he wasn't given a chance to finish the stories that he wanted to tell with these characters before the arrival of 4th edition. I strongly recommend giving The Companions a chance, because Salvatore isn't cheapening what has come until now, he's merely giving us a chance at the full, untruncated story that we deserve, and not one that has been artificially limited by editorial mandate.

If you found my review helpful, please click through to it on Quazen:
[...]

love drizzt but this book wasnt the greatest.... this book shoulda been three and the ending was kinda a bummer pretty much knew wulfgar was gonna show up at the end....hope the next ones better glad the companions are back together tho and regis finally kicka a$$!

This book is an absolute slap in the face to all Salvadore fans. Take everything you've ever loved about the Companions and spit on it, because that is exactly what Bob did. Each character is reborn, so characters like Catti-Brie and Bruenor are now the same age. Catti-Brie is reborn as an overly-powerful Bedoiun mage, Bruenor loses his faith in the gods, and Regis breathes under water. What a mess!

'The Companions' by R.A. Salvatore led me to believe it might have been the start of a new series, but it turns out to be more of what is known in comic book timelines as a retcon.

Drizzt of many previous books is brought into a new era of the Forgotten Realms. He's remember the lives of companions he's had in the past. I believe most of these have passed on and are no more. But things are a happening, and now it seems these companions have found themselves with the choice of being reborn. They are a variety of types of companions with a variety of backgrounds. There is a battle dwarf and a halfling who is good at thieving. If they are reborn, they give up rest with loved ones for the unknown. How deep is their friendship?

Even though he's been on my "to read" list for a while, this is my first R.A. Salvatore book, and I really liked it. It's definitely a story with a lot of previous history, and there were times when I felt a little lost and I wished I were more familiar with the characters, but it's a well written book. The characters all have distinct personalities. I liked the journeys each character takes in the alternating chapters. I've read a fair amount of fantasy, and I love the worlds created here and inhabited by these characters. I realize they are also built on a D&D gaming system, but I love the way they are fleshed out.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Wizards of the Coast and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

I feel like this book is going to get a lot of negative feedback from long time Salvatore fans. What a lot of fans have to realize is that since The Two Swords Salvatore has known he was going to have to deal with this 100 jump and the switch to 4th edition.

You could see in his writing that he was upset by the jump and the fact that WotC didn't talk to any of their popular authors when they made the jump. Every book since The Two Swords has had a melancholy feel to it. The Pirate King and The Ghost King were extremely depressing.

The four Neverwinter book were just there to set up the return of the companions and for Drizzt to realize that he doesn't want to forget them. I think most of his fans, including myself, didn't see that series for what it was. Just from the writing you can see that Bob really feels like he has more control of the Drizzt series again.

SPOILERS BELOW

One thing that a lot fans dislike about his book is that by bringing the Companions back to life it diminishes their previous sacrifices, especially Breunor's in Gauntlgrym . What's funny is that is one of the reasons why i liked this book so much. Breunor is just as mad about that fact as the readers are. That is why he is so angry in the beginning of the book when they are talking in Iruladoon. He has lived a good life and made his final stand, he shouldn't feel obligated to go back, he should be rewarded with Dwarven paradise.

I felt the same way at first. but in the end it still doesn't diminish he previous sacrifices. He still stopped the fire elemental from being completely released and saved countless lives along the Sword Coast. But by the end of the book Breunor has realized that he can go back and right the wrongs he think he committed in his lifetime, and who hasn't thought about doing that?

I'm happy to see the companions back and are finally over the events that were started with Passage to Dawn. I have been waiting for Wulfgar to get over all his misfortunes of his earlier life and now he has. The end of the book made me smile when he came walking up to kelvin's cairn. I figured he would, but there was some part of me that thought he wouldn't.

It might be advertised as a good jumping on point for new fans, but this is a book that really hits home for longtime fans of the series. The only part i'm not crazy about is Cattie Brie's story but i still enjoyed it, just not as much as seeing Regis finally overcome his faults.

I'm guilty of reading most of the Forgotten Realms books I've read completely out of order. I try to read the specific series in order, but often I've already one series before I stumble upon an earlier series and read that one.

Thus, when I read one of R.A. Salvatore's books, I'm often not sure if I've read the previous books or ones that take place later in the timeline. Reading "The Companions," the first book in the 6-part "The Sundering" series, really brought that feeling to the forefront.

For somebody who comes into story in the middle like this, I have to say that Salvatore does a great job of making sure readers are kept up to speed without providing the massive infodumps that sometimes mar various Star Trek books. I had no trouble following along as Salvatore laid out the story before him, that of three of the original four companions of the heralded Dark Elf, Drizzt. Reborn after dying a century ago, reincarnated by a goddess in order to be at the right place at the right time for Drizzt, and to reform the party of heroes for the future cataclysmic events.

As we watched these three heroes live the 21 years before they are supposed to meet up again, I almost felt like I was watching John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, wandering the Forgotten Realms saying that they were going to get the band back together again.

It's a very good novel, with prose typical of the genre: kind of clunky, lots of exclamation marks in the narration (which I really can't stand, actually, since I don't want the author to be telling me when something exciting happens instead of actually writing something exciting) but flowing well and making the reader want to find out what happens next.

I had to laugh at the rebirth scenes, with these fully adult consciousnesses going through childbirth again. That must have been a hoot to write.

Overall, I'd recommend this novel for any fan of the Dungeons & Dragons books. It's a reliable read. You know what you're going to get, and it's good to revisit old friends.

I don't dislike Salvatore. I just feel like I've read huge tracts of this book before. It's like there are about 20 general scenes that he writes, and any given novel might use 15 of them over in a different order, with maybe a new framing device at the beginning of the book to let you know why this set of tiles was assembled.

Yes, there is a radical departure from some of the earlier books at the beginning. But in the end, but book really feels as if, given a second chance, people become the exact same people they were before the choice. The exact same people. I'm not even sure that the one person that is suppose to have radically changed really feels all that different.

The saddest part of it all is that the big, momentous event that happened happened for the most simple, trite reason ever. It's like the equivalent of God coming down from Heaven and telling you that you are a supporting character in someone else's story, forever, and that's your purpose in life.

If you expect to find out anything about the Sundering, you get about a paragraph or two that you probably already know going into the series. If naming conventions bother you . . . well, Salavatore is Salvatore. Abandon any preconceived notions about what Netherese names should sound like, and remember that the proud warrior race of the dwarves name their children for maximum comedic effect.

When I read books by this author I’ve either bought them in paperback or on the Kindle. After I had spent some time away from this story line and only got this book to see if I would like listening to this series in audio form. I found it quite enjoyable and continue this series as it comes out in audio form. Hopefully it won’t end up like some Issac Asimov’s series where one book is missing from the middle of some of the series.

I like this story and the way the author weaved the return of the Companions of the Hall. If you think this answer is or this storyline is simple it’s not. The author continued the storyline flawlessly from the last book in the series. He also answers the question that if at the end of your life what would you change about you if you got another life to live. This is the first time I’ve read this in a book which is interesting. I also see in this book a lot of the teaching of the ages. Simply coming back isn’t just as simple as it sounds and the author really goes into this. We do see the ‘Companions of the Hall’ each change as they grow in their new lives and how they change as they grow. In many ways this is like our spiritual journey.

If you read this book you will meet new enemies that came along as the companions grew up in their new lives. You will see old friends return and once more right in line with the already existing story line. In the end I really enjoyed the story including the very big surprise at the end. Don’t worry you’ll like it!

I loved reading the Forgotten Realms books by R.A. Salvatore as a young adult and for a long time considered him my favorite author. So when I heard that he was bring back my favorite characters and putting them into an adventure together I must admit I had high expectations. Over the years the characters I knew and loved from several book series got old, questioned their lives, and then even died. Much like in comic books their deaths were only temporary and they were brought back to life if this book via reincarnation by the gods. Read on but I warn you I have spoilers, my rating, and some very strong opinions.

The book starts with Bruenor, Catti-brie, Regis, and Wolfgar needing to decide if they will be reincarnated to help Drizzt or earn their just rewards and basically go off to heaven. All but Wolfgar decide to be reincarnated. There is a lot of potential stories that can be written about a person being reincarnated as a newborn but keeping all the memories of who they were in their previous lifetime. Mr. Salvatore decided to have the characters focus on their mission and therefore I felt they never really got to enjoy being children. Bruenor was a bitter, young dwarf who focused on combat training and never created any friendships or even much of a relationship with his birth mother. Catti-brie focused on learning magic from three different groups and Regis learned skills from two halflings. Only Regis seemed to enjoy his childhood experience and grew as a character by conquering his fears about combat and even finding a love interest.

Overall I feel this book was incomplete. The only ending you get to read about in this book is that the companions finally meet at the end of the book. Was this really a surprise to anyone? Basically you read 441 pages to get to what is basically the beginning of what looks to be a long series. I was expecting either a more significant challenge for the characters or more meaningful origins for the characters. In the end much of the childhood for the characters was skipped over such as when Regis teams with the other halflings in the Grinning Ponies. I finished the book feeling that the pacing of the story was off with some parts too long and others too short and very little having any significant impact on the development of the characters.

I therefore give the book 3 out of 5 stars. I wonder if I have outgrown The Companions over the last 20 years and it is time for me to pass on their stories to a younger generation. I just didn't fee this book was up to the standards of the Icewind Dale Trilogy which was a fantastic fantasy series by Mr. Salvatore.

For more of my book reviews along with upcoming fantasy and scifi movies check out my website at www.fantasyworldwriter.com

I must confess, after reading Mr. Salvatore's last book in Drizzt Do'Urden's ongoing saga, "The Last Threshold", I was afraid there might never be another even though I was well aware that "The Companions" had already been written and was awaiting release. I had become steadily more apprehensive as I worked my way through first the "Transitions Trilogy" and then the "Neverwinter Saga" quartet as the face of the Realms gradually changed and the characters I had so come to love so dearly fell one by one.

I should have had more faith. In an incredibly bold move, Mr. Salvatore has used the upheaval of the Sundering to essentially reboot Drizzt's story and reunite him with his dearest friends once again. Once past the opening chapters I found it incredibly hard to put this book down, understanding that a reunion was at hand but knowing I had to follow the individual stories of Bruenor, Catte-brie and Regis to their conclusion in order to see the finished tapestry at the end. The ending was heart-wrenching at times but ultimately very satisfying and I am once again eagerly looking forward to many more Drizzt stories to come.

Note to Mr. Salvatore: I'm sorry that I ever doubted you, Bob. After the criticism you endured after "The Last Threshold" you said that "The Companions" was the book you were most excited about and proud of and now I can see why. Kudos and thanks.

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Controllers
Reviewer: AimeeKay

The Companions tells the story of Catti-brie, Bruenor, and Regis, and their effort to reunite with their companion Drizzt Do'Urden. The first three who we get to know through their own experiences as they are reborn to rejoin their companion and the last through excerpts of his thoughts on his life so far.

While all three decided to be reborn out of loyalty to their friend, not all of them reacted to being reborn the same way. Catti-brie knew to some extent what was to come. That she would be reborn a child and was okay with that. Regis also understood this to some degree. However Bruenor, while he knew it, found it hard to accept his new place. He also was emotionally torn between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalty to his god. Also he has to deal with the consequences of actions that he made in his previous life.

I think my favorite of the three though was Regis. He came into his new life determined to make himself into the warrior that he wasn't in his previous life. But in doing so he found a life that he didn't want to leave. Plus for some reason I've just always liked Halflings.

Based in the world of Forgotten Realms (Baulder's Gate/Wizards of the Coast) the story is well detailed. The world is huge, and with each companion being born in a different area the reader is exposed to the many different lands and cultures.

As for the story itself, it bounced back and forth telling the stories of how the three grew up in their new lives. I thought at first that it would be confusing. For some reason we are introduced to Catti in her second life, before going back to find out how she got there. But once the story got going it was better. Yes there are titles telling whose life you are in and what the time frame is, but they still all seem to flow back and forth with ease.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the characters. Both were interesting and held my attention throughout the book. I definitely give it 5 out of 5 controllers.

I’ve long been a fan of Drizzt Do’Urden, and R.A. Salvatore’s multiple trilogies with him and Bruenor, Catti-brie, Regis, and Wulfgar are some of my favorites in the Realms. Sometimes I like a good drow just as much as I like an evil one. Also, the War of the Spider Queen series is one of my all-time favorite series in the Realms, so I was happy to see another series on its scale.

THE COMPANIONS is the first in the new six book Sundering series. Each book is a standalone, and they explain the impact and effects of the Sundering event, the separation of Abeir and Toril.

Bruenor, Catti-brie, Regis, and Wulfgar are given the chance to be re-born by the goddess Mielikki, so that they can help Drizzt and the goddess. Bruenor, Catti-brie, and Regis accept, eager to aid Drizzt. THE COMPANIONS is mostly the story of their new lives as they struggle to adapt, as all regained the memories of the previous life, and have to adjust to being a fully functional human in a child’s body. They also have to survive to age twenty-one; there is no guarantee they will outlive the dangers of their world so that they’re alive to help Drizzt.

The tales of their new lives were my favorite part of the book. I think the author did a fantastic job of staying true to his characters, yet allowing their new circumstances to realistically change them. For example, Regis becomes a lot braver, as he’s determined to be a help to his friends rather than a hinderance this time around. Catti-brie gets to experience having biological parents. And Bruenor questions his faith, wondering if he made the right decision.

At the beginning and end of the book, Drizzt is in serious danger of dying, and it’s this death the Companions were brought back to prevent. If possible. As I haven’t read the more recent Drizzt books, such as the Neverwinter Saga, I didn’t know if his injuries were related to events in those books, or from something else. A little more information on the dangers Drizzt’s in would have helped out there.

The beginning of THE COMPANIONS was hard for me to get into. I had to read the first couple chapters a few times, but once I got past those, it was smooth sailing. I think I had trouble because there’s some time hopping, and as I read this in e-book format, it was hard to flip back and forth to figure out what year I was in. I also wasn’t sure of what was going on, But once I stopped worrying about that, the book was a lot easier. And after the book gets going, it’s much easier to figure out what year the characters are in.

Overall, I think THE COMPANIONS is one of the best books R.A. Salvatore has written, and that it’s a great kick-off for what will become a new favorite series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

*No Spoilers*

After turning the final page of "The Last Threshold" I launched immediately into "The Companions" -- I don't think R.A. Salvatore could have possibly created a bigger cliffhanger!

I already knew the premise going into "Companions." (It seems obvious, of course, given the name of the book.) In some way shape or form, Drizzt's dearest friends--the original gang Cattie-Brie, Regis, Bruenor and Wulfgar-- would be returned to Faerun and to Drizzt's side. There were about a thousand ways Salvatore could have made a complete mess of this. Even being a die-hard fan, I found the whole idea difficult to digest. Indeed, the opening chapters seemed to confirm my fears. But as the pages went on something happened: these
characters truly came alive once more in a new, unique and wonderful way. I found myself completely entranced with the way he weaved together their stories, slowly building anticipation to arrive at a fantastic conclusion. Truly, a masterful work and one of (if not *the*) best books in the Drizzt saga.

Looking ahead into the series, I can count on two hands the number of exciting and interesting strands and plotlines that are left to develop and explore. I'm thrilled that one of my most cherished fantasy series has become exciting and fresh once more. Can't wait to see where it goes from here!

I would suggest not reading this book or reading the rest of the review if you haven't read the Drizzt books to this point.

If you've been keeping up, you know that all of the Companions of the Hall except Drizzt are dead, and that the Drizzt series has more or less been going down the toilet ever since the end of the Legacy of the Drow series. "the Last Threshold" was an absolute debacle and made me very wary of actually reading "The Companions." I almost didn't bother, but I'm glad I did.

Its really hard to review the book without spoilers. I will say this however: What happens in this book makes it clear that RA Salvatore is getting rid of Dhalia, Entreri, and the rest of that pathetic group. "The Companions" makes it clear that RA Salvatore is returning to the old way, the way of "The Dark Elf Trilogy" and "The Icewind Dale Trilogy". I think he is trying to redeem himself.

The book on its own is pretty interesting, and there isn't much to say that won't be a spoiler. Suffice it to say, RA has broken his bad writing streak, at least for now.

If you don't care about light spoilers, keep reading for a more comprehensive review.

At the very beginning of the book (so it really isn't a big spoiler, or anything) Bruenor, Wulfgar, Regis, and Catti-Brie meet in Iruladoon. If you recall, its a pocket plane created by Meliiki for Drizzt's friends to go to after they die. Anyway, Catti-Brie comes out of her stupor and reveals that she had been dancing to the song of Mielikki, during which time the goddess filled her with the knowledge required for her to now be a cleric of Mielikki. It should be pretty obvious that she is a chosen of Mielikki, which means Drizzt likely is as well. Catti-Brie reveals that she was told by the goddess that she and her companions can choose to either be reborn in new bodies as babies somewhere in Faerun, but with all of their memories, skills, powers, and intellect intact. The other option is to move on to the afterlife they were supposed to have gone to (Moradin for Bruenor, Warrior's Rest for Wulfgar, etc.) The catch is that the goddess told Catti that Drizzt will need their aid soon.

The companions choose to be reborn, and will each have to survive and find their way to the others when they are old enough.

Is this a cop-out? Sure. Its a bit cheesey, but I think RA Salvatore is trying to fix what he did wrong in the past. The Companions is going to give each side character a better backstory. Its also a chance for them to gain character development without taking away from or competing with Drizzt.

Each companion has a unique story, fraught with danger and its own subtleties. I especially liked that Catti-Brie is a now a mage/cleric, which is really refreshing and adds diversity to the group.

I know some people are burnt out and upset with Salvatore, but give him another chance. The Companions is clearly an attempt by him to wipe the slate clean, so to speak, and start over.

I checked this novel this novel out due to the cover and the premise seeming interesting. At times it was ,but other times it wasn't interesting. I really like Lady Avelyere. While she can be cruel, she can also be nice to.
The battle scenes are really detailed and well written. I learned a new word ,but it sounds silly.
There were times when I didn't mind Drizzt Do'Urden's words before a chapter. However, there were times when I felt that R.A. Salvatore's using a character to shove opinions down the reader's throat. Cattie-brie irritated me when she defended her goddess. Otherwise, I didn't mind her.
With the way this novel is written, the prologue is a bit pointless. Some of the terminology for this universe seems silly. I didn't mind Regis until he felt like a hero for murdering a few men. A character's not a hero after losing the moral ground. However, I'm glad that R.A Salvatore used the word vigilante instead of insisting that Regis's a hero. Guenhwyvar should have recognized Wulfgar's scent instead of growling.
Overall, I recommend reading something else.

First published on Tales to Tide You Over

When I got offered this title for review through NetGalley, I was intrigued mostly because my son has been recommending this author and the Forgotten Realms novels for a while. I can see what drew my son to R.A. Salvatore. He's a very talented author.

The Companions is an interesting book for a variety of reasons, especially coming into it new to the characters. If you're coming into the book as I did, the first couple chapters might be a bit of a struggle focusing as they do on characters we don't really know yet but in such a way as though we do-too little information to inform but just enough to remind. They are for those who are already know this group and want to reconnect with them. For the rest of us, those chapters do little to prepare for the complicated, fascinating narrative to follow.

The title tells exactly what this novel is about. The group who were Drizzt's favored companions are offered the chance (in the very beginning) to return to mortal life after their respective deaths some time ago. Their assistance may be critical in helping Drizzt defeat his greatest foe. Though this occurs in the book itself, it's more like the premise for the story to come. The Companions follows each of those who take the offer from Catti-brie's goddess, Mielikki, to be reborn, and this is meant literally for they must each be placed in a newborn infant, fully aware but with the physical abilities of their current forms.

That's what makes this book fascinating. It manages to tell their separate journeys from moment of birth, or rebirth, though with some skipping over the uneventful years. The companions are fully aware of who they were, but they have some ability to drive who they will grow into in this lifespan. They make new bonds and feel the weight of choices from their first lifetime. Concerns of faith, purpose, and determination abound. The novel is a play on the question of how would you live your life if you had it to live all over again knowing what you know now. They have only a vague understanding of what is to come, but they know their weaknesses and strengths in their first life so can choose to dwell/lean on those, or to make the changes necessary to become something more.

In some ways this book could be seen as backstory for the coming event, the sundering. The convergence of their lives occurs for one purpose only in the chance to help Drizzt. But that would be missing the value of The Companions all together. Because of the conflicts of old and new, the awareness of both lifetimes, each of these characters is explored in a depth not commonly available in most novels.

A lot of the story is internal, growth coming in the choices made and reflection upon them, but don't let that make you think the story lacks conflict and external events. I'm keeping the names of the companions close to my chest for a reason you'll understand once you start reading, but there are attacks by mages, orcs, street gangs, and others. There are great journeys and adventures as well. The companions do not find their path to be either easy or straight. Catti-brie's goddess gave them a chance, nothing more. And the chance therefore comes with no guarantees that they'll arrive in one piece, arrive at all, or even find Drizzt at the end of the trial.

The characters captured my attention with each of their journeys, and overall, the book was very enjoyable. I found a few artistic choices, though, made me stumble. Each chapter has a header that is important to notice. The timeline is not linear, and it can get a bit confusing when going from one character to the next because you might be two years before where you were the previous chapter. The header includes a year, though, that allows you to know where you are in the progress of this particular thread, and I don't remember any times where I didn't know which companion's tale I'd joined. I found the point of view a little more flexible than I'd expected, sometimes narrowing close to the characters and sometimes sitting back and narrating them. And on occasion, the description seemed a bit much. Not a single one of these subjective issues took me beyond a moment of confusion or annoyance, and once I pushed past the first few chapters, there was never any question about continuing on. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series to see how these characters who I've watched grow into their new maturity handle the upcoming battles, both of spirit and body.

To start things off, I read many of the Drizzt saga books back in my high school days. They vary in quality substantially. Which is likely due to a combination of character overuse, and creative changes dictated by Wizards of the Coast. Many of the changes to The Forgotten Realms setting have been unpopular and this is the beginning of a sort of an in-universe "reset," while respecting the continuity.

I admit, I gave up on the Drizzt character during The Thousand Orcs. Why? Ridiculously overpowered characters fighting Orcs? Yawn. What was that followed with? More Orcs. More Orcs. A couple trips to the underdark. Yawn. I was tired of Salvatore re-treading ideas.

This book, instead of focusing on the popular Drow (dark elf) character, is mostly concerned with his companions. By the way, they're all dead. As any reader of scifi/fantasy knows, this is rarely a reason for them not to appear. The characters are given a chance to return to life. However, they must live out their lives from birth again. An interesting premise that leads to adventure, humor, and a deeper understanding of their character. In all cases, the characters are significantly changed by the experience. I was even happy that my least favorite companion elected to stay dead. He was a rather uninteresting one anyway. Following their rebirth they are all to meet their Drow friend in a time of need. Truly, the premise is well executed and does not disappoint.

This book completely sucked me in, despite my misgivings about a cliched character in a world that has been overly explored. Completely different than his previous stories of the characters. It is well written as and makes you care about them. It reminds me of why I read Salvatore's earlier works. When he's on his game, he's probably the best high fantasy writer around these days.

Forgotten Realms novels get a bad rep as being cliched and juvenile. Many deserve this reputation. However, a good author can weave a fun tale within the universe. That's what this is, a good, fun read. It does reference earlier stories, but not overly so. This is a good fantasy read, whether or not you're familiar with the universe. If something seems overly confusing, just google it. It's worth your time, as someone who gave up on the series long ago, trust me.

This is the first book in a proposed series of five, each written by a different author. They are based on a previous series by author RA Salvatore.

The book begins with Drizzt Do'urden (there are times when I wish fantasy writers would just use names like Bruce or even B'ruce) on the top of a mountain with a head injury and no memory of how he got there. The story then switches to his companions from one hundred years previous, all dead. They are given a choice by the goddess Mieliki to return to life so they can aid their friend.

They are reborn as babies but with all their memories and consciousness intact. I will admit i found that kind of creepy but then I find those commercials with that talking etrade baby creepy so, anyway...they are told they are to meet again in 21 years on the mount to try to save their friend. However, there are no guarantees that they will succeed.

I won't recount any more of the story as it is almost impossible to do so without spoilers. Suffice it to say that, as the companions grow, they experience many adventures and develop many new attachments but they never lose sight of why they have been given this second life.

I am a big fan of fantasy but I never got around to reading one of the previous books in the series. Although there are references to these earlier books, I didn't feel this interfered much with my enjoyment of the story. At times, I found it a bit slow going and I preferred some characters much more than others. However, I really appreciated their sense of loyalty and friendships throughout.

I am sure that anyone who is a fan of RA Salvatore will appreciate this book. But I would also recommend it to most anyone who likes fantasy. There's plenty of adventure, enough to make me want to read the next in the series; the world is large and interesting; and the characters are more than just cardboard cutouts. I wasn't as enamoured of the magic system and it is here having read the previous books might have come in handy but that's on me and probably not a fair criticism. Anyway, if you like your fantasy high or if you are curious to see how different authors will handle different parts of a series, this one is shaping up to be a pretty decent adventure.

My Rating: 4.5
I am not familiar with Salvatore's previous works so I do not know the hero, Drizzt. I gather he is an elf or drow. Over the years before a plague hit their land he had developed an unlikely band of allies. Catti-brie is his beloved, a good type of witch, learning healing and other spells. Bruenor is a Dwarf warrior and twice king of Mithral Hall. He also adopted Catti-brie as a daughter. Regis is a halfling who was never the brave one or warrior of the group but was always present to help after the battle was over.

These three, and Bruenor's son, Wulfgar, find themselves dead and ready to step into the waters of peaceful rest until Catti-brie offers an alternative. She has developed a relationship with a Goddess who tells of a time of danger in the future that could use the skills of this brave band. The trick is that they will have to be born again. They must thrive and find their ways separately until 21 years later when they will meet at an appointed spot where they will try to find Drizzt so they can all battle evil together once again.

This book 1 follows the lives of the three that choose to return, Catti-brie, Bruenor and Regis. Each has a childhood and teen years of growth, learning and danger that threaten to keep them from making the appointed reunion. Catti-brie seeks to strengthen her magical skills. Bruenor thinks to recreate his greatness as a former king and struggles each day with his anger and frustrations. Regis is determined to train in skills so that he can be prepared to jump into the fray and overcome his previous reputation.

The story is full of adventure and action that keeps it moving forward. I enjoyed reading the adventures of each character and getting to know each of their personalities through their emotions, memories and determined training for the future. I was rooting for their reunion and worried each time it looked like one or the other might be thwarted. Danger and powerful spies continue to follow them and I am anxious to read on to the next book to find out what happens!
I received this title through NetGalley for review.

I received a free copy of The Companions to review from Netgalley. The premise of the story is that several of the characters from the Forgotten Realms series, Bruenor Battlehammer, Wulfgar and Regis the halfling, choose to be reborn and meet again in twenty years in order to protect Drizzt Do'Urden from an unspecified threat. It is a tale of love and friendship rather than good vs evil.

At first, I felt at a distinct disadvantage not being familiar with R.A. Salvatore's work. The most noticeable example of that was near the beginning when the character Ruqiah suddenly declared her name was "Catti-brie." From the context it was clear that this was supposed to be a shocking revelation, but my reaction was more along the lines of "oh, OK. Who the heck is Catti-brie, and why should I care about her?" Fortunately, Salvatore made a point of answering those questions clearly and effectively. It took me a little longer to get my head around the various races who live in this world, and their relations to each other, but that didn't impact on my enjoyment of the book.

What I liked

Salvatore's writing style. His writing style is noticeably more "epic" than that of many writers I've read recently and I particularly enjoyed it. It made me regret not having read more of his work sooner. There were some amusing moments of levity too. I'm thinking of when newly reborn Bruenor is distracted by the physical needs of his newborn body!

Character relationships. As I mentioned, I was not familiar with the characters or their previous histories, but I soon found myself liking them and rooting for them. I also appreciated the fact that the characters were subject to self doubt and at various points became unsure of and regretted the decision they made to go back to protect Drizzt.

Despite not being familiar with the characters, Salvatore did a fantastic job of showing the depths of the relationships that bind the main characters. Although Drizzt Do'Urden has a fairly minor role in the book, I found myself wanting to read more about him given that he was able to inspire such love and devotion from our main characters. Indeed, I purchased Homeland in order to learn more about him.

Some interesting themes. Some of the questions raised in the book were, I thought, very interesting. For example, the question of if you would sacrifice your own personal idea of heaven/the afterlife in order to protect a friend, and how to remain focussed on a goal which seems irrelevant to your current life.

What I didn't like

Personally, I found the ending rather rushed. After all the Companions have struggled for and sacrificed to save Drizzt, the actual saving seemed rather low key.

All in all though, I thoroughly enjoyed The Companions and gave it four stars out of five.

From the beginning, RA Salvatore's latest Drizzt novel faced a few very high hurdles. On a plot level, Salvatore had killed most of his characters from the series with a brutality that made RR Martin look like Jane Austen - the dwarf king Bruenor? Dead. Wulfgar the mighty barbarian? Dead. Regis, the sybarite Halfling thief? Drizzt's beloved Cattie-brie? Well you get the idea. On top of that graveyard, I worried that in the decade I'd been out of touch with the forgotten realms, I might find myself a stranger in a strange land, unable to catch up to current events. Beginning the novel only heightened these concerns. Salvatore's device -- the dead companions choosing to accept a divine offer of return to aid Drizzt -- felt a little too much like Bobby walking out if the shower. Furthermore, the perspective of these adult characters in children's bodies would surely grow thin.

Then I remembered something I'd forgotten -- RA Salvatore can really write.

Salvatore quickly moves past the amusing introduction of dead hero adults in infant bodies and moves to the meat of the story - the "It's a Wonderful Life" question of a second chance. These very different characters arrive at very different answers. Of all, my favorite is Regis who so often served as comic relief. Painfully aware of that role in his last life, Regis sets out on the conscious path of becoming a - and I write this fully aware of the implied irony - a Halfling to be reckoned with. To that end, he becomes a dangerous man, which he quickly realizes isn't all it is cracked up to be.

If Regis embraces his second chance, the warrior-Dwarf king Bruennor instead confronts vexing ethical and religious conundrums. Hadn't he lived a goodly and heroic life to earn a place in dwarven heaven? What should he learn from his return to the world? Indeed, not to get too philosophical, he must answer the ancient question: what is the good life? Bruennor also proves a surprise as an often comic element in the novel, the grumpy gnarled old hero trapped in the body of an unaccomplished boy. As with Regis's pursuit of battle skill, Salvatore here demonstrates the depth of his plotting skills.

Cattie Brie's second chance proves the most disappointing. Not to give too much away, I suspect this results less from the actual story and more from my distance from the rich complex world of The Forgotten Realms. Her story runs deep into what has gone before in some of these novels, and I fond myself having to depend on Google to catch me up.

Salvatore again demonstrates his understanding of the importance of secondary characters, heroes, villains, and those grey folk who fall somewhere between. We revisit some old favorites - no spoilers - and he introduces a range of new characters who will no doubt continue into later books.

Despite years away from the Forgotten Realms, Salvatore's "The Companions" quickly transported me to that intriguing land. Not wanting to leave, I'll surely eagerly await the next book in this interesting new series.

I'm new to R. A. Salvatore's books, and to the D & D storyline in general, so I'll start by saying that I've probably missed a lot of important connections in The Companions. At the same time, the story intrigued me, and made me curious to learn more about these characters and their past.

As The Companions opens, the worlds are about to change, and someone (the goddess Mielikki) needs certain people to put her plan into motion. So, a group of old friends--the Companions of the Hall--get to decide whether to go back and help their friend Drizzt, or go on to their final rewards. Going back, though, means being reborn into the Forgotten Realms, and surviving through a second childhood to arrive at their meeting on an appointed night.

From this decision point, the story breaks out into multiple narratives as it follows the characters who choose to go back. Salvatore plays with a number of ideas here, including the sense of loneliness for someone born outside of their time, the struggle of appearing a normal infant or child in spite of years of memories and adventures to hide. He also explores the differences between the divine magic bestowed by the gods and the arcane magic wizards have invented out of spells and potions. Small sections, at the beginning of each part, philosophize on life in general. For me, these didn't add much to the story, while some of the characterizations felt flat but didn't take much away from getting to know the heroes and their worlds.

Each of the characters reacts differently to the difficulties of growing up a second time. Bruenor, the dwarf, struggles with pride and injury at the idea that he, a renowned king, has become nobody dwarfling without the fame he once won. Regis, the halfling, wants to change his past and become the hero, not the little guy to be rescued in a fight. Catti-brie, Mielikki's servant, has to hide not only her past, but also the special abilities the goddess has given her. It's a new version of living in disguise, with all the complication of identity and secrecy to complicate things.

And, of course, along the way, all three have to escape orcs, monsters, wizards, appeals to their pride and loyalty, and even a budding romance--if they want to fulfilled their promised reunion.

In my opinion, Mr. Salvatore has accomplished the impossible with this book. He has revived/reset a series that had--at least for this former avid fan--run too long, and restored my faith not only in him as an author but in the entire world of the Forgotten Realms.

I discovered Salvatore late, which meant I could (and did) read the first 10 books in what is now styled as "The Legend of Drizzt" series over a single Christmas vacation. Suffice it to say, I was hooked.

However, as the series progressed from there, it seemed to me the author was beginning to tire of his central quintet of characters, i.e. the companions referenced by the title of this book. New characters were wonderfully crafted to join the cast, but older characters became damaged or even broken beyond repair.

Now, with this new book the four mortal Companions of the Hall who had fallen by the wayside throughout previous books in the series are given the opportunity to be reborn--literally--into a new world with the sole purpose of reforming their fellowship at the locus of its initial inception, Icewind Dale.

These reborn heros are also now vulnerable battling as much with their wits as their weapons, something I absolutely love. I would sing the books praises in more detail, but hesitate for fear of giving away spoilers.

My one gripe with the book is at the very end there was an allusion to (presumably) the conclusion of Salvatore's previous series: "The Last Threshold." Having not read that particular book, this left me with unresolved questions. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the original Drizzt stories, to lovers of high fantasy, and to sword-and-sorcery fans.

**Note: I read an digital galley proof of the book, which may vary slightly from the final published book.

If you have read a Salvatore before you will know the old and polished characters. The most prominent of those being Drizzt. He is mentioned a few times and the whole quest is about him, however he doesn't star in this story. The Companions of the Hall, the friends and family of Drizzt are the centerpiece, with the main focus being on Catte-brie, Regis and Breunor.
They just happen to be a wee bit dead. Luckily for the them and the storyline they have been given a second chance at life. Unfortunately they have to start at the very beginning again. Breunor somehow manages to get lost on the way to dwarf Valhalla and also ends up reborn.
I thought this was the interesting part of the concept.
Giving someone the ability to do over but with all previous memories, emotions and characteristics in place. Thereby having the chance to perhaps change some element of your life or self that was previously a worry or burden.
Regis takes the opportunity for reflection and uses his insight to become something more than he was before. Catte-brie finally confronts and admits the fact that the lack of connection to her birth parents in a previous life has been a silent torment.
What can I say about Bruenor?
Once a grumpy old dwarf always a grumpy old dwarf.
The part that didn't gel well for me was the Pwent. The race or type of character he has now become seemed a bit like someone inserting a contemporary type in the midst of a Middle Earth type saga.
The lives of the three enfold slowly with all of them facing various dangers and life challenges. The plot builds up to the meeting of the three at the end, which I thought was a bit flat after all that building.
Overall it was a very intricate fantasy read and a series I shall be be keeping an eye on.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

The Companions is a rebirth, in more ways than one, of my favorite characters from Salvatore's Forgotten Realms novels involving the Companions of the Hall. This novel was a rich tapestry of all the things I love about Salvatore's writing, details that breathe life into the world, a grand cause, and grander schemes. You will come to love the Companions of the Hall all over again in completely new ways. It is told from mutliple points of view and covers many years. I particularly enjoyed Bruenor's journey, but then I've always been a swooner for the warrior types (yes, even if they're dwarves).

If you haven't read Salvatore's earlier Forgotten Realms novels that involve the companions, then I highly recommend you read those first. Much of the wonder and richness of this novel will be lost on you if you aren't already in love with these long, lost characters. That said, it is still an excellent novel that can stand on its own. One word of warning to prior fans, Drizzt is not the main character, despite the fact this he graces the cover. But don't let that deter you. He makes appearances in clever ways and is the entire thing the novel centers upon.

For the complete review go to: [...]

I rarely review books, but after reading this one, I knew I had to put my thoughts to paper so to speak.

I will start by saying that the last two Drizzt series have been strained, directionless, and depressing. At first when I read the last two series, I thought the author was depressed, burnt out, or just writing for the money as often happens with long running fantasy/sci-fi series. However, if you read the interviews RA Salvatore has given the last year or so, you can understand the real reason why these series were the way they were. Wizards of the Coast forced major changes to the Forgotten Realms campaign setting with the advent of D&D 4th Edition and forced authors working in that setting to change their stories to go along with it. Rather than stop writing Drizzt, the author did what he could to advance Drizzt through these changes. This choice completely compromised the saga and Drizzt's character (and ruined the Cleric Quintet to boot).

With the spectacular failure that was the 4th edition rules and campaign settings and the lukewarm reception the various accompanying novels received, for the 5th Edition of D&D WotC worked with authors such as Salvatore and others to undo the damage. The first result of this collaborative effort is "The Companions."

This book is, quite frankly, one of the best books I have read in several years and the best Drizzt book since The Halfling's Gem (1990). It is a wonderful tapestry of stories and you can feel the enthusiasm and joy with which the author wrote this novel. The concepts and ideas explored in this book are creative and amazing. The fantastic way the author reset the Drizzt saga while carefully paying homage to its history is rare to see in any medium attempting a similar feat. Just as the 5th edition of D&D attempts to correct the damage done to the world of D&D, this book begins the process of fixing the damage done to the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. I can only hope the subsequent "Sundering" books by the other authors are similarly successful in their efforts.

Is this book perfect? Certainly not, many of the characters are written "out of character" compared to the last few series. However, when this book is read against the 25 year history of Drizzt novels, these characters are actually written perfectly "in character" with their origins. Also, although this book is part of the "Sundering" series, it actually takes place towards the end of the Spellplague era, so the actual Sundering has no part of this book. In addition, while advertised on the cover as a good "starting off point" for the Drizzt series, it really isn't. This book is written as if the reader has read the previous books even if it is a different tale, a la the link between the new Star Wars movies and the old ones.

Bottom line, if you love the Drizzt saga, read this book.

R.A. Salvatore is a great writing in my opinion. His Drizzt novels are fun and exciting, especially within the universe of Forgotten Realms when you can get so many campy, cheesy novels that literally sound like a bunch of nerds writing down their Dungeons and Dragons campaign into book format. Nothing against nerds. I play D&D. Just saying that some of the quality of writing in the Forgotten Realms universe can be somewhat lacking.

Anyways, Salvatore does a great job with characterization in his Drizzt novels. Characters like Drizzt and Wulfgar are believable to me. He also writes action really well. I was entertained throughout the whole book and in reality, that’s why I read a Forgotten Realms novel, to be entertained.

Don’t look for any earth shaking themes and don’t look for any moving discoveries to life’s many questions. Pick up this book and look to have fun, have your imagination invigorated, and be entertained. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action & adventure and loves good science fiction & fantasy.

If you do like good action and adventure and you are a fan of good science fiction and fantasy, then pick up a copy of the newly released novel

I will admit that I am not a full-time epic fantasy reader, but I had heard of Salvatore's previous works and was curious about his style. This was my first introduction into his world and characters, and I found the premise and the story quite engaging,

This follows a unique storyline, where the characters of Catti-Brie, Regis, and Bruener, three of Drizzit's companions are given a second chance: relive their lives and make different choices. On premise alone, this is a stunning option for a fantasy - as each choice could lead them to a new destiny that can help or hinder their ultimate quest.

Salvatore creates a clever world and mythology that surrounds and informs it, and provides enough action, adventure and challenges to keep a reader engaged and excited for the next plot twist. Additionally, the characters are well developed and defined, with enough background information to help the reader in knowing of them, without feeling like they are being overwhelmed with information. While we aren't given huge chunks of their previous interactions, we are provided with enough mystery to know that more will come: and that is wholly satisfying for those who enjoy sequential fantasies.

For my first foray into a work penned by Salvatore, it was a satisfyingly clever read that moved quickly and provided a nice insight into his skills and the story to come. Sure to be a favored read for YA fantasy readers, this is an easy book to enjoy and thoroughly entertaining.

I received an eArc copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility

This is a great addition to the mythology and I can't wait for the next. Received free copy for review.

Spoilers?

Let me first admit my long-standing crush on Drizzt. That said, this story follows Catti-Brie, Regis and Bruenor, but not so much Drizzt. Yes, they used to be dead, which might be a problematic plot point but a goddess intervenes, which is kind of a hand wave around the problem. Since I love these characters so much, it's hard to care about the hand wave. These three and Wulfgar are offered a choice - to be reborn and return to mortal realms to help Drizzt in a great coming trial or to pass through Iruladoon's pool and on to their rewards. Wulfgar steps into the pool. The other three choose to be reborn, with their memories intact, again kind of a hand wave, and agree to meet on the Spring equinox in 21 years. The tale told in this book, with dark shadows accumulating, is how these three make it through those years, what they learn, how they change. Bruenor's path is perhaps the hardest since he is no longer a king and must suffer the trials of any dwarfling, but they all have adventures. Finish the book and it's hard to leave that world. At least my copy had a publication schedule for the rest of the story, the next book to follow in October and the last next June, so not too long to wait, but still ....

I am a Drizzt fan. I have read everything written about him. Since 96' I have followed his adventures and those of his associates. Cadderly, Jarlaxle, Artemis and The Companions. I have been with them all this time. At first I wasn't really enjoying this book but as I continued to read it it reminded me why I loved these characters. Catti-Brie who always has been a pure hearted has been gone for like 7 or 8 years of real life time and I forgot who she was. This book reminded me of her, of how she and Drizzt are special. Of how cool Regis is even though he still makes bad choices. That is what we love about him. I don't have to speak about Bruenor.
This book is special. It is a gift to people like me who love hero's and people who are friends. Real friends bound by love who would die for each other without hesitation. This book is part of an epic saga, yet at the same time it is a saga reborn. I am so happy and proud for staying with these characters, even through tough times where I didn't know where the story was going. I stood by this series because these characters are like my best friends and I wish I could walk by them every day. Sorry for the random thoughts it's really a effect of this book. This is a special book that was meant for people who have been the through it all. Anyone who has been with The Companions since The Crystal Shard should love this book. Thank you Bob Salvatore I know that we have never met but you truly are my friend for writing such a great book for me!
Friendship is immortal and the relationships we make in life are the true treasures that can never be taken away. This is what this book is about to me. I hope everyone can read this book and understand that.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Received as an ARC through Netgalley from the publisher Wizards of the Coast.

The Companions by R.A Salvatore, the first book of the new series The Sundering, is excellent in almost all areas of measuring a book including action, writing, plot, and character building. The writing was top of the line! Having read several R.A. Salvatore books in the past, this shows extreme maturity as a writer, not saying at all his other works were not good (they were very good) but I was extremely impressed with his writing here. This book took about 75-100 pages to really pull me in but once it did I couldn't put it down. I read it almost straight through in a few hours finishing the last 40 pages the next morning. The different plots were woven together expertly. The Drizzt monologues were beautifully written and my favorite parts to read. The pacing was great throughout the book and the action and dialog scenes mixed and flowed perfectly. The characters were all highly developed, even though we know a lot about them from the previous books. The ending was shocking in a way but it makes me crave more books about the Companions of the Hall. Also, the cover is amazing!

The Companions is a must read for all fans of The Forgotten Realms [...] especially of R.A Salvatore's Drizzt series Homeland. I believe all followers of Drizzt would love this book! For those not familiar with Drizzt, this is a great jumping off place to spark interest in other Realms books. All fantasy readers should try this book. I can't wait to read the next book in The Sundering series called Godborn by Paul S. Kemp Godborn

Part of the 'Forgotten Realms' series by various authors. THE COMPANIONS are Catti-brie and others from previous books; Regis, Bruenor and Wulfgar, who fell in battle or died of age and are now mystically brought together outside the world. They agree to try for reincarnation and they bring their own memories along to new baby bodies in scattered lands. Before too long young Bruenor, a dwarf, is battling a horde of orcs, while halfling Regis dives for deepwater oysters. Catti-brie has magical powers. The friends have agreed in advance to meet up on Spring Equinox of a certain year. The lure of adventure means some of them encounter dark elven vampires, liches and enchanted weapons. Regis and Catti-brie manage to meet up, but Icewind Dale is still in the grip of a hard winter near the equinox.

This is a scattered story and we don't get a sense of a strong quest or battle to be fought. The new reader won't recognise the placenames and battle references but might be inspired to read some earlier tales set in this world. This is not such a dark fantasy as The Godborn, another instalment. However there is plenty of blood spilt in battle and other violence.

R.A. Salvatore is my Dad's favorite fantasy author. So I have to admit I was a little biased going into the book, and I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. (But then again, I knew I could count on my Dad since he's basically world's most awesome guy and has read every bit of Tolkien, Salvatore, and Goodkind and he's seen every Star Trek and Doctor Who show ever made... he's dedicated, people!)

I love when the foreword written by the author hooks me... and in the case of The Companions, it really hooked me: This book is dedicated to anyone who believes that the hero isn't the one with the biggest sword but the one with the biggest heart, Who believes that doing the right thing is its own reward, simply because it's the right thing to do... This book is for Drizzt Do'Urden.

Right away I could tell...
1. This writer has a huge imagination.
2. This book has a huge story.
3. Drizzt Do'Urden is the man.
4. This writer has built a world around his character that is very real and intimate to him (very Tolkien-esque... Yes. I do compare all books about elves, dwarves, and orcs to Tolkien. Can't help it.)

The Companions is about "The Companions of the Hall", a group of friends so loyal that they would all give their lives for each other/come back to life for each other. Catti-Brie, Bruenor, and Regis are reborn as a gift from the goddess Mielikki, in order to one day save Drizzt in a time of need. They are re-born in separate races in separate places across the world. All they know is that they have to meet at a special place called Bruenor's Climb when they are 21. The entire story is about their adventures throughout their second life, their inner battle with their purpose, and finding their way back to each other.

The plot is so rich, so full of adventure and never boring. Salvatore has made an entire world, and it is beautiful. There are intriguing names for each of the places that the characters encounter, each of the people they encounter, and even the months. R.A. Salvatore is serious. The battles are told in so much depth that you find yourself racing through with the pace that the characters are probably fighting at. I love it when a book makes you do that.

The only negative thing I have to say (if you can even call it negative) is that I would have liked more desciption in describing the setting and landscapes. I think most of the areas I had to picture in my head and I realized that I was doing that on my own and not out of guidance from the writing. However, there are 23 other books about Drizzt Do'Urden, so I may take that back after I read some of those. Also, the dates at the beginning of the sections are very important. The time jumps back and forth and can be confusing if you don't make it a point to remember them.

All in all, I love this book and will definitely read the rest in the series as they are released. My dad also gave me the first 3 books in the series about Drizzt. While I don't think it's necessary to have read anything by Salvatore previously to enjoy The Companions, I do think it would be beneficial to have the backstory. So I will try to read those before the next book to this series comes out.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Its been about 12 years since I've read any books by RA Salvatore, but I remember devouring the entire Drizzt series in the span of a few weeks. R.A. Salvatore is such an incredible world builder, and I've loved immersing myself in his books. His characters are unforgettable. Drizzt, Wulfgar, Cattie-Brie, Bruenor, Regis...they are all there.
The plot twist that the author had to come up with to bring these characters back years after their death seemed a little contrived to me, but its fantasy and more importantly, its Dungeons and Dragons fantasy, so anything goes.
The fans of The Companions of the Hall will love this book, but if you're looking for a lot of Drizzt, you won't find it in this book. The author devotes perhaps 8 pages in total to Drizzt in this book. That's not a bad thing however. After all, RA Salvatore is bringing back 4 people back from the dead, one book as the groundwork is fine. And a very fine groundwork it is!

I am going to admit that I have not been pleased with the Forgotten Realms in several years. I all but stopped reading the novels and only read the Drizzt books and Elminster's couple of novels. I did not not like the feel of the Realms and hated what it was doing to some of my favorite characters (some of course had to die because humans generally cannot like 100+ years). I was absolutely crushed at the end of The Last Threshold, but supposed it fit with how things had been going.
And then the rumblings of The Sundering began. Change was again on the winds for Toril. And those winds first brought us The Companions.
The book has been out for a little while now, so I don't mind risking a smidge of a spoiler. I truly enjoyed getting to "grow up" with some old friends. We have had a change to read about Drizzt's life in Menzo, but never really his friends. That has changed. While it might not be the life they lived before they met our hero, it is definetly a life that will shape who they are becoming.

The Sundering is just begining to churn in the Realms, things are starting to set into motion. Salvatore laid the scene, and laid before us fans the glimer of hope we have been dying for these past several years.

There is a symbology with Drizzt's actions in The Last Threshold to reject just getting by and existing and not doing everything he can to be a hero with the Points of Light theme that has invaded the Realms.
There is symbology in his being "saved" but his oldest friend and truest companions.

I have hope that Toril will be set to move forward into a new era of fun romps and adventures, and The Companions is the first step. :)

In R. A. Salvatore's latest novel The Companions, he once again returns to the world of Dungeons & Dragons' Forgotten Realms. This latest story launches a new event called "The Sundering" which spans not only the fictional universe told in the novel but also across the Dungeons & Dragons games.

Wizards of the Coast Description of The Sundering:
What is the Sundering?
The Sundering will reshape the Forgotten Realms, involving the whole pantheon of gods, many nations, countless individuals, and the fabric of the cosmos itself. Powerful forces both mortal and divine are set in motion, and will bring an end to the Era of Upheaval. Over the course of this huge story event, players will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Faerûn and make their story legend.
Discover the ways you can experience the Sundering, including through tabletop roleplaying game adventures, store-based play programs, novels, accessories, and the first free-to-play D&D mobile game.
The end of the Era of Upheaval is nigh!
The world of the Forgotten Realms has endured one catastrophe after another for the past century or so, from the Time of Troubles through the Spellplague. Time after time, upheaval has reshaped the pantheon, overthrown nations and rulers, and even altered the geography of the world. Now, the world is being shaken and reshaped once again--for the last time.
The gods are thrown into chaos at the promise of a new reckoning of the pantheon, and they scramble and grasp at power in hopes of cementing their positions of authority. Their mortal agents in the world, the Chosen, are charged with carrying out their will in every aspect of life.
The Spellplague, the magical catastrophe that reshaped the world so dramatically, has come to an end. The Weave of magic is rewoven, and many lingering effects of twisted magic fade. The intermingling of worlds brought about by the Spellplague also comes to an end, as what belongs to Abeir returns to Abeir, leaving the Forgotten Realms looking much as it did before.
Partly driven by the activity of the gods' Chosen and partly arising from the turbulent political situation at the end of the Era of Upheaval, the nations and factions of Faerûn engage in their own maneuvers, manipulations, and acts of aggression. In particular, the empire of Netheril attempts to conquer the Dalelands, Cormyr, and Myth Drannor, setting off a war that engulfs the eastern Heartlands. The Harpers and the Zhentarim respond to the growing threats in the world by regrouping and refocusing their energies, slowly returning to their former prominence.
Nations, geography, magic, and even the gods are changing forever, in the birth-pangs that herald a new creation. The world needs heroes to ensure that the new age dawns bright and full of hope, where good still shines as a beacon against the darkness.
The Sundering series is a six book event, in order they are The Companions, by R.A. Salvatore, The Godborn, by Paul S. Kemp, The Adversary, by Erin M. Evans, The Reaver, by Richard Lee Byers, The Sentinel, by Troy Denning, and The Herald, by Ed Greenwood. For more information on The Sundering you may want to read interviews with R.A. Salvatore, Erin M. Evans and Troy Denning and a post form Paul S. Kemp.

Review of The Companions:

Pardon the pun, but I always appreciate it when an author takes a novel approach to a novel. In The Companions R.A. Salvatore doesn't tell another adventure of Drizzt Do'Urden, even though Drizzt is the subject of the novel's cover. While Drizzt isn't the star of the novel he is the essential heart of the story,The Companions focuses on the story of three of Drizzt's closest friends and allies, Regis the halfling, Bruenor the dwarf King, and Catti-brie, Drizzt's human wife and adopted daughter of King Bruenor. Together these friends along with Wulfgar and Drizzt formed a fellowship known as "The Companions of the Hall."

The Sundering fast forwards the world of the Forgotten Realms approximately 100 years in the future. Many of the heroes and villains that have populated the novel world are dead and The Companions of the Hall are no exception. While Drizzt has survived this leap forward in time his closest friends are all dead, but they don't have to be. Catti-brie presents her fellow companions with an opportunity presented to her by patron goddess Mielikki, Catti-brie, Bruenor, Regis, and Wulfgar if the so choose can be reborn, to return to Icewind Dale to come to the aid of their dear friend Drizzt. But this rebirth is not without price, they will be reborn as infants and have to live a new life until their appointed meeting some 22 years later.

The novel tells the story of Regis, Bruenor and Catti-brie as they are reborn, arriving in to new parents in new locations and meeting a host of new characters. I loved the concept of having these mature heroes be forced to experience childhood and adolescence anew. Salvatore's story features these character retaining their memories from their previous life and it was particularly fascinating to see the adult consciousnesses wrestle with the physical desires and emotions of their early childhood bodies.

Each character faces different challenges and takes different paths in their re-birth, though I would say Regis had the easiest time adapting to his new circumstances, Catti-brie was in between and Bruenor had the most trouble adapting. I was particularly drawn to Bruenor's story as the humors story telling of little infant Arr Arr gives way to the story of an angry adolescent dwarf. Bruenor suffers a crisis of faith and regrets greatly his decision to return for a good portion of the story.

Each character develops new relationships or faces new situations that pull on them emotionally, for Regis it is the chance at a new life and a new love, for Bruenor it is the chance to reclaim his thrown and protect his realm from the imminent threat of Orc invasion and fix what he views as a mistake from his past life, and for Catti-brie it is a new familial bond with new parents. Catti-brie's love for Drizzt seems to be her singular focus in life and provides her with more clarity of purpose than Regis or Bruenor who are much more conflicted in their reborn lives. I think that this spectrum of experiences paints a very nice picture and while the heroes of this novel all take different paths to fulfill their promise, they all do so.

The Companions is really all about loyalty, friendship and love. There is no overarching villain that needs to be conquered, their are no grand battles, this is the story of three journeys, about three lives lived and the varied victories and defeats that occur along the way until these friends can reunite as companions.

Salvatore has a number of cliffhanger chapter breaks throughout the novel in which our heroes are left seemingly on the verge of death, this technique is used with each character and serves to heighten the dramatic tension. While there is a number of fun action scenes in the novel particularly featuring Regis, there are also times where some of the potentially more interesting action happens offstage, particularly on Bruenor's final climb through the north to meet his friends and what occurred to Drizzt just before his appearance in the novel.

As a relatively new reader to the Forgotten Realms universe, my only previous experience being Paul S. Kemp's two Erevis Cale trilogies, there are some references I am sure I missed in this novel. I didn't have the benefit of knowing the back story of Drizzt and his friends or knowledge of some of the other regions and history of the worlds. All that being said, The Companions worked for me as a stand-alone novel, though I think my enjoyment was greatly enhanced by my previous reading that gave me at least a feel for the rules and realities of this universe. By telling the story of the heroes being reborn Salvatore is able to use the perspective of each character through memories, internal and external dialogue and occasionally the discussions of third parties to give us a window into the shared history of these characters.

All that being said, I really enjoyed The Companions, though it definitely is a story that begs for a follow up, what will the Companions do now that they are reunited?

For more on The Companions, visit Wizards of the Coast and to read a sample of the book visit R.A. Salvatore's website.

Author's Note: A digital review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for this review.

[...]

A book worthy of the Companions and of Drizzt. Finally, a book about the Companions that I could barely put down and couldn't wait until I was able to pick it up and read more! I will admit that I had lost faith in Salvatore with the last several books, but finally gives us a story that was sort waiting for (even if we did have to drudge through The Last Threshold to get here.)

I liked this book. No really, I did!

It has everything anyone could want of a great fantasy book. It has a great story, great dialogue, great characters and I loved Salvatore's take on reincarnation. It was a fun read but I missed something while reading. I don't know what it is or why I have this feeling with this book. Maybe it was because at times the dialogue and general writing came off as too formal. Or maybe because I had to grind my teeth with some characters during certain periodes in the book.

Other then that, I don't have much to say. I gave it 3 stars because it IS a good read and a good fantasy novel, but I just couldn't get into it, like I do with other fantasy novels I've read before. All in all it deserves the stars I gave it and eventhough I wasn't the biggest fan, I would still recommend this book to fellow readers who love fantasy.

The author pens "The Companions" the first book in the 'The Sundering Series' in a plot that just gripped me right from the beginning. I was totally taken back of the author's way with words, just really outstanding. Each of his characters have their own unique personalities and battles to fight which made the story line so much more interesting. A brilliant piece of work which makes one want the next book in the series right on hand. Highly recommended for all fantasy readers. NOTE: if you are new to the writer and his books, I suggest reading his earlier books as "The Companions" does make references to them.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

As a long time reader of the Drizzt series of books I began to lose a bit of faith in Salvatore during the Neverwinter series. It just seemed like he was phoning it in at that point with the several unfinished plot lines and enemies seemingly forgotten and discarded. However Salvatore comes back with force with The Companions which doesn't focus on Drizzt in the slightest, but instead on the companions of the hall and their struggles with battling their own personal demons and in their attempts to rejoin each other. The only reason this book is not five stars for me is because it is obviously a series re-boot and a way for Salvatore to bring back his most well know characters, even though he has obviously been setting this up for awhile with previous books in the Drizzt series. I would have liked to see Drizzt move on with new allies and enemies seeing as the main theme of most of the Drizzt series is about the struggles of life, the choices that are made, accepting and finding peace, and then moving on to discover new roads. So, to me at least, a reboot seems to cheapen that a bit. All that being said Salvatore has, overall, done a very good job with this book and fans of the series who missed the old champions from his earlier works will certainly like the possibilities that bringing back these familiar characters will bring.

The dedication for this book just about says it all...it is dedicated to those who believe that the hero is the one with the biggest heart, not the biggest sword...to those who believe that doing the right thing is its own reward...to those who believe that the greatest reward of all is being able to go to sleep with a clear conscience. The book is dedicated to Drizzt Do'Urden, and (by insinuation) to all the fans of this heroic Drow and his one-time companions - his beloved Cattie, and his friends Bruenor, Regis and Wulfgar.

If you have never read any of the tales of Drizzt and his friends, you may not be able to understand or appreciate this book. If you have followed the dark elf on his long journey, prepare to be blown away!

As with all his writing, Salvatore paces the action perfectly. The climax is emotional, and the final chapters set the scene for many more adventures.

I highly recommend this book for any fan of R.A. Salvatore and Drizzt Do'Urden.

I was excited when I was approached by Wizards of the Coast to read and review The Companions by R.A. Salvatore. I haven't read one of his books since college in the early 90s. I fondly remembered the stories of Drizzt Do'Urden and looked forward to being taken down memory lane by his adventures with his four friends. I wasn't disappointed.

Salvatore's gift of characterization has only grown over the decades. Using the unique approach of this particular book to develop characters, he takes the time to slowly build the characters independently. In a genre where too many characters all act and sound alike, Salvatore is able to create characters with distinctive values, motivations, skills, and even language traits. This makes the diverse characters in the numerous settings seem both realistic and interesting.

This particular book has a unique structure that lends greatly to its readability. The main characters are each discussed in their own chapters allowing them to develop independently. Where a less dynamic character might normally blend into the background, this format allows all of the characters equal time to be rounded out in a setting that places them in their best light. This clever technique not only allows readers to have a greater appreciation for each character, but also makes the book a quick and energetic read.

Finally, the action in this book is everything I remember a Salvatore writing being. Not only does the plot move along at a rapid pace, but the spell-casting and fighting sequences are filled with imagery that allows the reader to easily visualize the scene. This tableaux vivant effect draws readers in creating something similar to a movie playing in their heads. This sense of action is balanced nicely against the character's relationships allowing both positive and negative conflicts to form between characters without weighing down the prose with long, unneeded romantic sequences. Across-the-board, this is a well-written, well thought-out book by R.A. Salvatore.

Dr. Nicholson reviews academic, Christian living, and fiction books for a variety of publishers in an array of formats. He is never paid for any of his reviews. For more reviews or information, visit Dr. Nicholson's blog at drtnicholson.wordpress.com.

The book for this review was provided free of charge by Wizards of the Coast through NetGalley.com. This book was provided without the expectation or requirement of a positive response. Thank you to both the publisher and NetGalley.com for the opportunity to both read your advanced copy and to provide this unpaid evaluation. All opinions in this review reflect the views of the author and not NetGalley.com or the publisher.

The Companions, by R.A. Salvatore, is the first book in a new series from Forgotten Realms called The Sundering. Each book is penned by a different author and will explore the events of the Sundering from various points of view. Salvatore's entry continues the story of Drizzt Do'Urden and the title is a call to hearts, or to be slightly more (or less) dramatic, an answer to prayers.

The book opens with a glimpse of Drizzt, whose fate at the end of The Last Threshold (Book XXIII, Neverwinter Saga, Book IV) was uncertain. He is at Bruenor's Climb, a lone mountain in the middle of Icewind Dale that is meaningful to the Companions. The peak has marked many beginnings. We continue to hear from Drizzt throughout the novel, in the usual series of thought-provoking journal entries. I've come to think of them as letters to the reader, and those included in The Companions are amongst the most stirring. He reflects on his life and the choices he has made, his friends and companions, the meaning of love, honour and loyalty. There is a sense Drizzt is preparing himself for the inevitable and that urgency underscores the journeys of the Companions as they embark on a quest unlike any other.

Yes, I said the Companions.

R.A. Salvatore and Wizards of the Coast have been tight-lipped when it comes revealing the actual plot of The Companions. Considering the title, it's not hard to understand why.

Bruenor, Catti-brie, Regis, Wulfgar and Drizzt are known as the Companions of the Hall. Firm friends, the dwarf king and his adopted daughter, the halfling and the barbarian, the dark elf and his astral panther, Guenhwyvar, adventured together (for over twenty books) until fate teased them apart, one by one. Wulfgar fell away first, but not forever. He returned a changed man and his journey for peace rivaled Drizzt's own. Catti-brie and Regis were victims of the Spellplague and Bruenor fell sealing the Great Primordial in Gauntlgrym. The long-lived dark elf, Drizzt, was left to mourn his companions, and to make sense of the world they departed.

While Drizzt, one of the most enduring fictional characters of our time, is compelling on his own, it is (or was) his companionship with Bruenor, Catti-brie, Regis and Wulfgar that gave each adventure such emotional depth. Representatives of different races, philosophies and fighting styles, these five formed a bond that was tested and tested again. Together, they proved that friendship, honour, loyalty and love could win out over all. Sounds trite, doesn't it? It's not. Such values are the core of any novel about companions who defeat the odds and Salvatore writes them very, very well.

I'm not going to give away much about the plot. I think the book deserves as little preparation from the reader as possible, even if the title is full of promise. Briefly, the Companions meet again, in Iruldoon, a `heaven' created just for them by Meilikki, and they are given a quest. Drizzt needs them and they can choose to help him. Such is Meilikki's gift to the drow she favours.

The Companions is utterly absorbing, surprising and wonderful. I have never read anything like it, and I've been reading R.A. Salvatore's books for years. There are stories within the story, threads of past and future. The book can be taken as both a beginning and an ending. It's an ode to Drizzt and the bond of friendship, honour and loyalty. It's about choices and interpretation.

I loved this book, really loved it. I had a difficult time putting it aside to deal with life. I shed a tear at the dedication and more than a few toward the end. The Companions is everything a fan of Salvatore and the Legend of Drizzt could hope for, and more.

Written for and originally posted at SFCrowsnest.

Here's my disclaimer: While I haven't read any of the previous books in the Forgotten Realms/Drizzt series (which is massive and makes my inner fangirl cheer like mad), I have played a few D&D board games in the past. So, I am somewhat familiar with some of the characters, although not necessarily the specific adventures that they refer to. That said, this book is self-contained enough that you can step into it with little to no knowledge of what's come before and still follow along. That rocks.

So, with a little divine intervention and a whole lot of luck, we get to see the former Companions of the Hall (previously deceased, now not) make their rather incredible journey to join Drizzt to lend him strength to fight the coming badness. Born into new bodies but with all the knowledge of their previous lives, they have the chance to learn and grow before going up against the badness that's barreling down the on them like a freight train.

Frankly, I liked that.

Drizzt's friends sacrifice for him. They have their moments of doubt about what they're doing. There's no guarantee that any of them will make it to the meeting place to help Drizzt since they're reborn as babies and they have to grow up and find their way in the world. Honestly, this world is big and dangerous and twenty years can be a darn long time.

But they push on. Even when doubt eats holes in their plans and they fear the worst. Even when bad things rise up from the depths to stop them. Loyalty. All the cool heroes are doing it.

I'm excited for book 2 because BAD THINGS ARE COMING. I'm excited that I have this WEALTH of untapped books that came before. I'm ... well, I'm just excited. Go, Team Companions of the Hall (previously deceased)!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

The worse thing about this book (as I write this review), is there isn't a book 2 to buy and begin!

I can't think of a superlative that hasn't already been used in describing Salvatori and his body of work. He must have a platoon of Elves hammering away on keyboards at night, because I can't see how he maintains the pace of his output and the quality of the story lines. How he brought back to life the "Companions" is genius. But, just about anything is possible in fantasy land.

RA give your elves a raise and get the next issue on the shelf. Your fans are impatient!

JEC
Fort Collins, Colorado

*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

I have to start off by saying that I do not read a ton of fantasy, actually almost none, but I found myself wondering why. I hate to read books that are predictable or have the feeling like I read it before from a different author. "The Companions" made me re-evaluate reminding me that there are no limits to what can happen since there are no boundaries in the worlds that are created.

With that being said I totally enjoyed "The Companions". I'm not familiar with the previous stories involving Drizzt or his friends but that was not an issue. It was easy to fall into the characters and their plights regardless. Each of the characters is lively and vivid possessing a uniqueness that makes you want to root for them. While there is no need to have read the previous books to get into this one it would have rounded out the story to have done so. I would love to know more about the spider queen and why Drizzt is being plagued by her. Hopefully it will be recapped in the next book so as to avoid back tracking into the previous novels.

The whole basis of this saga is intriguing, being reborn as if reincarnated but remembering your entire past which helps to shape your future. Initially I thought no problem that will make life really easy but the author had a knack for leading you down this road of thought only to remove the rug from under your feet. Nothing is as simple as they thought it was going to be.

All in all it's fun and well written and I for one will pick up the next book in the saga.

Ive read and enjoyed most of Salvatores books and this one isnt much different. Its a good book well written like all of his other books. The problem I have with it is he brings back all the old characters. I dont know if he wanted to do it or was forced to do it but for me it was a bad move. Drizzt was advancing in his character and was changing his thoughts and rather then continue along that thread. He should have either stopped writing books with him or found a new group of friends to team him with. Rather than do that he brings back dead friends through reincarnation. They even look the same but are stronger because they have their memory from the past life. This just bothered me and seemed to show a weakness with someone either Salvatore or who ever is pushing this new sundering idea.

It makes me wonder if the writers of forgotten realms are worried this new change wont work unless they bring back old characters. What does that say about what is going to happen? I guess next they are going to have to bring back all the other big characters who have died or drifted away to boost sales.

The Companions: The Sundering, Book I by R. A. Salvatore is such a wonderfully told fantasy story. Even though this is the first book by R. A. Salvator that I have read, it won’t be the last. I’m wondering where he has been all my life. I certainly haven’t read much fantasy in the past few years but I’m sorry that I have missed this master storyteller’s tales. The characters seem to come alive in a vivid rich world. Loved it! Now it is off to buy his other books.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review. I’m really grateful for being introduced to this writer’s stories.

The Companions, The Sundering Book 1, was everything you could hope for in a Salvatore novel titled Companions, the core characters are back with journal entries just about every chapter to remind the reader that Drizzt is still out there. The book is a little slow at the start, but like a train, it has plenty of momentum to keep the audience going once it comes up to speed. I disliked not having Drizzt in the story until the end, but as I mentioned before, there are nice entries to feed the drow fix. I laughed out loud, and cried tears of joy often while reading this.

To fully appreciate this novel you really need to read the previous novels in the series. Without understanding the character's history I don't think you'll fully "get" just how emotional this book is. The distraught that Drizzt endures over the last few novels since the Companions of the Hall's "demise" is rewarded in this book. I personally think the way Bob handled this rebirth was executed perfectly without being "contrived" or forced in anyway. It's perfect and easily the most emotional and happiest I've been while reading a novel. Well done, Bob!

I have read, a lot of authors and series but this book, my first of D&D..reminds me of Tolkien but different. It's not like WOW, I like Drittz (probably mangled that) ? but I get why his character is popular. I am hoping to read more and maybe even try out the actual game. I also could read this as a standalone, as the author gave enough hints of how these characters met before. Awesome I LOVED it! Yea for Fantasy! a new series for sure!

The companions should be thought mostly of as a set-up book for future adventures that are (hopefully) quite epic. It's not great, it's not bad. It is R.A. Salvatore writing a single book that contains essentially 5 storylines (Drizzt, Regis, Bruenor, Catti-brie, and then Avelyere and Parise Ulfbinder) (in fact, there is like 3 times more Avelyere and Parise than there is Drizzt) that weave together over two decades (plus Wulfgar on the last 2 or 3 pages). So, there are a lot of time skips, sudden boosts in power for characters, and years of adventure that pass by with barely a mention. That's why I view this book as a set-up book. Each of the 3 main characters gets about 5-6 chapters. It is okay as an individual book(by the way, this is the first book I think I've ever read without noticing a single typo, please correct me if I'm wrong.) but it is combined with The Legacy of Drizzt that it becomes worthy of being read over and over. Definitely worth the purchase if you're a fan of The Forgotten Realms/ R.A. Salvatore/ Drizzt Do'Urden. There are some very satisfying parts to the books (like Bruenor headbutting and drop kicking dwarves his own age (9-10) and Regis becoming an accomplished fighter to witnessing Jarlaxle's(my favorite character behind Drizzt and Artemis) first appearance in a few years during a few of the last chapters), but I would advice anyone to try to read this book in a few days at the most. It took me about 8 days total to read it and it did begin to drag on a bit, whereas the last 100 pages or so read rather easily. (I was reading this while reading The House Of Hades for the second time and while re-reading Bleach for like the 6th time and working a job at an accountant/tax office) Overall, It is another chronicle in the story of The Companions Of The Hall and is worth being read immediately and purchased soon. Don't overestimate nor underestimate this book. It is a part of a chronicle. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Really enjoyable.
I sensed something more was going on in the prior three books. The prior three felt like meandering.
Salvatore does a great job rebuilding these characters from infancy to adulthood. And then he neatly ties it into the current storyline.
Regis gets the greatest of upgrades. I would have preferred wulfgar make a different choice and rejoin the companions on an alternate path.

"The Companions", the first book in the proposed Sundering Series, by R.A. Salvatore stands out from the High fantasy novellas of current period. The recreation of the flavours of the iconic heroes from Salvatore's previous novels will leave you with the lingering feeling of old wine repacked in a new bottle for the contemporary audience.

Drizzt, the dark elf hero on the verge of death, is reminiscing about his past, his long dead friends and the events that led him to Bruenor's peak in a broken near death state. The Goddesses, Mielikki, the goddesses of life and death, and Lady Lolth, are butting heads, fighting to take Drizzt into their respective fold. Catastrophes and uncertainties unfold threatening to upset the delicate balance between Toril, the prime material plane, and Shadowfell, the dark parallel realm. Mielikki hopes to gain an upper hand; she calls on the dead "The Companions of the Hall", Drizzt's trusted and loyal friends. Bruenor, the proud dwarf king, Regis the skilled Halfling thief, Wulfgar the barbarian and Catti-brie the mage are given a gift to return to Faerûn, to help Drizzt in the time of his need. In exchange for this vow to Mielikki they will get a chance to live a whole life anew with all the memories and mind of the old life intact.

Catti , Regis and Bruenor take the offer while Wulfar chooses to move on to afterlife. With a promise to reunite on spring equinox on Bruenor's peak the three companions are reborn as babies into new places, families, hardships and adventures. With the mind of an adult, memories of a different life and a goal to pursue the re-born heroes must adapt, forget and relearn all they know. Their new lives shaped by new bonds, responsibilities and adversaries keep driving them farther from their purpose. Each of the heroes takes it upon him to grow past his weakness from the previous life, learn skills they lacked in hopes being a better companion to Drizzt. To reach Drizzt they must take difficult decisions to leave things and people they love to answer a higher calling. Their journey to Bruenor's peak not made easy with the ever pursuing shadows from the past and present.

Every chapter opens with a monologue by Drizzt which didn't fit well with the flow of the story. The book gives you all the information you need to connect with the central characters but not enough to make you feel like you know them all too well. The various interactions our heroes have on the road to Bruenor's peak teach you intricacies of life. About how a hero of times past considered great and wise may need to learn about virtue and vice, form a different perspective of life, only due to his new life. From unexpected sources which otherwise would consider themselves beneath him and never be willing to teach him.

For the novices in the Forgotten realm but with a favour for the High Fantasy genre the book is a must read. I would rate it a 4 out of 5, it is a good way to being a new series. I would like to clear my stand point here that I have not crossed paths with the prior Arcs in the forgotten realms universe; my perspective may stand true only for the new arrivals into this fantastic universe. The veteran followers may agree or disagree with my stand on the book, plot, characters or its content. The view from the window amazed me enough to eagerly wait in anticipation of the next book in the series. The book ends on a note where the reader is left with more questions than answers and knowing the next book in the series is due every 2 months helps.

The Companions: The Sundering, Book I
You can follow my blog on https://www.tri-arch-chronicles.blogspot.in

This is easily one of the best books Salvatore has written in a long time and I found it very hard to put down. Seeing some of my favorite characters I've ever read again was good but the story was very engaging and entertaining making this a five star book all the way. I've read Salvatore for 20 years and I always pick his latest up soon after it's released but it's been a long time since I was this eager to see his next book. There's no way Drizzt fans won't enjoy this.

This latest installment from Salvatore sees him return to his roots - literally, as the original quartet of heroes from way back from very first book, The Crystal Shard, are brought back together by virtue of reincarnation, which conveniently allows the characters to keep their memory and by and large also their physical appearances. If this sounds Dallas-esque, you are rightt. For the first few chapters I had to wonder if Salvatore's book sales have dropped so much that he has had to resort something like this.

However, as I read deeper into the novel I started to grow fond of it. The story is split into three parts, on each following the growth of Regis, Bruenor and Catti-Brie from newborns to their twenties. Of the three, the Regis story is by far the best, giving a feeling of what one might do if you could start all over again while still keeping all the knowledge and skills you already possess. The Bruenor part is definitely the worst, with most of it spent in descriptions of battle and moping hardly worthy of the character, and the Cattie-Brie section unmemorable. While there is no surprise waiting once the three lines are connected (including the twist every reader will see coming a mile away), I did find myself waiting for the conclusion with anticipation, and at the end of the book I had to admit I liked it.

This one is definitely one of the better Salvatore books - not up to par with the first six, but much better than the mediocre books we've been getting for the last ten years. If you can get by the cop-out, reset-button-pressing of the premise you'll find a nice read. And if movies can do a reboots left and right, why not a fantasy series?

Received as an ARC from the publisher.

I just read the uncorrected proof of The Companions by R.A. Salvatore. I am not a big reader in the fantasy genre so I have not read any of the Drizzt Do'Urden series. I was concerned that I would be lost but that was not the case.

What if you had the opportunity to start over? This story begins as some of the "companions of Mithral Hall" are given that opportunity. Three of Drizzt's old trusted friends, Cattie-brie the Human Sorceress, Bruenor the Dwarf and Regis the Halfling all begin a journey to meet up on the 21st year of their reincarnation.

I found the characters to be fully formed and noble. Salvatore gave me enough backstory to help me understand the "Lost Realms" universe but did not beat me over the head with the mythology. The stories of the adventures of the three main characters were engaging and the interspersed writings of Drizzt gave me insight into the character.

Salvatore's style is comfortable, pulling you completely into the story. The Companions is a good read.

Read the book and had a hard time putting it down. Amazing plots and sub plots. The first book of R. A. Salvatore I have purchased. I am now reading : Night of the Hunter: Companions Codex, I. Plan on reading all " The Companions adventures." My favorite character is a halfling ( Hobbit) know as Regis aka "Spider." Have not enjoyed a book as much, since the Tolkien series.

I really wanted to like this but I couldn't get into it. There was so much promise of a proper reboot, but in the end our reincarnated Companions of the Hall just became the same as their old selves only in different meat suits. Here was a real opportunity to take some risks and drive these books in a new direction, but it wasn't taken and we are back to the same old boring stuff that has marred the past few books.

I have not read any of the series since 1000 Orcs and this book is by far R.A. Salvatore's best novel. Anyone suffering from series fatigue should read this book, it will fix all your fatigue. It kept me captured from beginning to end and felt fresh throughout. Its definitely a departure from the usual but that just makes it even better. BRING ON MORE OF THE SUNDERING!

Excellent story, well done by Mr. Salvatore. What could have been a simple getting-the-band-back-together tale was instead a more complex, wonderful weaving of threads into a beautiful tapestry.

I enjoyed it, in case anyone couldn't tell. :-)

I thought the last book was the end of the Companions. I'm so happy they have returned. Much fewer battle situations than most of the previous works, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the future Sundering books.

**2.5 stars**

This is the first "Forgotten Realms" book and it will be my last one too. Since "The Companions" also marks the beginning of a new series, I'd expected to have little to no trouble understanding the plot. Unfortunately, I was very wrong. Especially the beginning was very confusing to me. I simply didn't have the previous knowledge required to really understand this book. I understood more of the plot as I read on, but I still find myself missing some answers. I still have absolutely no idea what the "spell plague" was, for example. That's a real shame, especially because the author could have easily explained a few of these things with just a few sentences.

Other than that, "The Companions" is typical high fantasy, that seems to use every single trope out there. There are hairy dwarves that like to fight with hammer and axe, there are elves, there are halflings, there are evil orcs that want to destroy the dwarves and then there's the humans. Then there's of course the "Chosen Ones". At the beginning of the book the protagonists are dead and in a world between that of the living and those of the dead. There, the goddess Mielikki offers them the opportunity of rebirth, in order to help save her favourite elf Drizzt. The protagonists are of course truly noble, even if one of them is a thief and a murderer. They're truly good people through and through, and only ever have the best of interests.

They spend their second childhoods seperated from each other. The protagonists still remember everything that happened in their previous lives and why they've been reborn, which makes them very unusual children. While growing up, they encounter quite a few difficulties, which could have offered lots of suspence. Unfortunately these situations were easily solved on a few pages and everything was perfectly fine afterwards. Those solutions were awfully smooth for me.

The world building was disappointing and very shallow. There's some talk about the different "races" and their lives, but the author never really gives an in-depth description of anything. Religion seems to be a vital part of every one of these cultures, but the author failed to explain the differences between those many gods. That might have happened in the previous books, but I found it sorely lacking here. Proper fantasy needs proper world building!

The plot pretty much consists of waiting. We wait for the protagonists to finally turn 21, so they can all meet again. That's the ultimate goal. Everything depends on that final meeting. But when the reunion finally came, it was pretty disappointing. Too short, too shallow, too smooth, not really all that exciting. And that's what the author made us read 350 pages for. Great. As a whole, there was little suspense in this book. I pretty much felt like all this book did was prepare us for the other books of the series.

There's several parts in this book, with several chapters each. At the beginning of every new chapter, Drizz writes a lengthy explanation about all sorts of things that have absolutely nothing to do with the plot itself. He rambled about the meaning of friendship and the like, all the while never actually contributing anything to the plot. I skipped the last explanation completely because it was just too boring to bother anymore.

The style of writing seems typical for the genre as well. It's very fancy, but it felt stilted and forced. As if the author had to pay really close to attention to the way he was writing. And as if he always kept a dictionary handy to add a few clever foreign words.

To sum it up, this book didn't really do anything for me. I got lured in by the cover, expecting dark fantasy. Instead, I got typical high fantasy loaded with tropes and cliches. I'm definitely done with this author and this universe.
I suppose this might be a great read for somebody that enjoys reading classic high fantasy. You should definitely know a few other books of the universe, otherwise you'll end up just as confused as me!

This book was brilliant and so fast paced I couldn't put it down. It sets up the future with so many possibilities that long after the book is over you wonder which adventure will be next. The characters are new and fresh but have enough of their old selves to be recognizable to old fans. Absolutely brilliant how Salvatore has been setting this up for years. Awesome novel and I can't wait till March for the next one!

My son would never have taken up reading had not for Salvatore with Drizzt...and here again he delivers once more..Thanks so much and look forward to many more adventures!!! Brightest Nan

Ps for all you starting with this author don't sell yourself short start with his first book no doubt!

I have read all of the books about Drizz't DoUrden. He is a fabulous character and the supporting characters are no less. This book had a storyline I did not expect and Salvatore's imagination took on a cool adventure. It is helpful to know the character's prior story before reading this book. All of the series are page turners, but if you have connected with these characters previously, this book will have you on the edge of your seat! Great surprise at the end! I can't wait for the next one!!!!!

Loved it! I will try to avoid spoilers, but I thought it was a very well thought out plot, great character development including the struggles that the characters went through (physical, mental and emotional). Very believable and completely drew me into the story.

Excellent story, well done by Mr. Salvatore. What could have been a simple getting-the-band-back-together tale was instead a more complex, wonderful weaving of threads into a beautiful tapestry.

I enjoyed it, in case anyone couldn't tell. :-)

I thought the last book was the end of the Companions. I'm so happy they have returned. Much fewer battle situations than most of the previous works, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the future Sundering books.

**2.5 stars**

This is the first "Forgotten Realms" book and it will be my last one too. Since "The Companions" also marks the beginning of a new series, I'd expected to have little to no trouble understanding the plot. Unfortunately, I was very wrong. Especially the beginning was very confusing to me. I simply didn't have the previous knowledge required to really understand this book. I understood more of the plot as I read on, but I still find myself missing some answers. I still have absolutely no idea what the "spell plague" was, for example. That's a real shame, especially because the author could have easily explained a few of these things with just a few sentences.

Other than that, "The Companions" is typical high fantasy, that seems to use every single trope out there. There are hairy dwarves that like to fight with hammer and axe, there are elves, there are halflings, there are evil orcs that want to destroy the dwarves and then there's the humans. Then there's of course the "Chosen Ones". At the beginning of the book the protagonists are dead and in a world between that of the living and those of the dead. There, the goddess Mielikki offers them the opportunity of rebirth, in order to help save her favourite elf Drizzt. The protagonists are of course truly noble, even if one of them is a thief and a murderer. They're truly good people through and through, and only ever have the best of interests.

They spend their second childhoods seperated from each other. The protagonists still remember everything that happened in their previous lives and why they've been reborn, which makes them very unusual children. While growing up, they encounter quite a few difficulties, which could have offered lots of suspence. Unfortunately these situations were easily solved on a few pages and everything was perfectly fine afterwards. Those solutions were awfully smooth for me.

The world building was disappointing and very shallow. There's some talk about the different "races" and their lives, but the author never really gives an in-depth description of anything. Religion seems to be a vital part of every one of these cultures, but the author failed to explain the differences between those many gods. That might have happened in the previous books, but I found it sorely lacking here. Proper fantasy needs proper world building!

The plot pretty much consists of waiting. We wait for the protagonists to finally turn 21, so they can all meet again. That's the ultimate goal. Everything depends on that final meeting. But when the reunion finally came, it was pretty disappointing. Too short, too shallow, too smooth, not really all that exciting. And that's what the author made us read 350 pages for. Great. As a whole, there was little suspense in this book. I pretty much felt like all this book did was prepare us for the other books of the series.

There's several parts in this book, with several chapters each. At the beginning of every new chapter, Drizz writes a lengthy explanation about all sorts of things that have absolutely nothing to do with the plot itself. He rambled about the meaning of friendship and the like, all the while never actually contributing anything to the plot. I skipped the last explanation completely because it was just too boring to bother anymore.

The style of writing seems typical for the genre as well. It's very fancy, but it felt stilted and forced. As if the author had to pay really close to attention to the way he was writing. And as if he always kept a dictionary handy to add a few clever foreign words.

To sum it up, this book didn't really do anything for me. I got lured in by the cover, expecting dark fantasy. Instead, I got typical high fantasy loaded with tropes and cliches. I'm definitely done with this author and this universe.
I suppose this might be a great read for somebody that enjoys reading classic high fantasy. You should definitely know a few other books of the universe, otherwise you'll end up just as confused as me!

This book was brilliant and so fast paced I couldn't put it down. It sets up the future with so many possibilities that long after the book is over you wonder which adventure will be next. The characters are new and fresh but have enough of their old selves to be recognizable to old fans. Absolutely brilliant how Salvatore has been setting this up for years. Awesome novel and I can't wait till March for the next one!

My son would never have taken up reading had not for Salvatore with Drizzt...and here again he delivers once more..Thanks so much and look forward to many more adventures!!! Brightest Nan

Ps for all you starting with this author don't sell yourself short start with his first book no doubt!

I have read all of the books about Drizz't DoUrden. He is a fabulous character and the supporting characters are no less. This book had a storyline I did not expect and Salvatore's imagination took on a cool adventure. It is helpful to know the character's prior story before reading this book. All of the series are page turners, but if you have connected with these characters previously, this book will have you on the edge of your seat! Great surprise at the end! I can't wait for the next one!!!!!

Loved it! I will try to avoid spoilers, but I thought it was a very well thought out plot, great character development including the struggles that the characters went through (physical, mental and emotional). Very believable and completely drew me into the story.

New Release! I received an electronic copy of this book via Netgalley for review.

Premise: Dungeons and Dragons is coming out with a new edition next year. This series of books (each focused on a different set of characters) takes place during the in-world adjustments necessary so that the abilities of the characters in the novels will match the adjustments to the rules of the game. Yes, really.

Have you ever read a book starring Drizzt Do'Urden? If the answer is no, then stop right here. Do not pass go. Do not read this book. This is a terrible, horrible jumping on point. It made next to no sense to me for large chunks of the story, and I've read and enjoyed books with these characters, in this world. There are some small spoilers in this review, because superfans have already pre-ordered their copy, and people with no knowledge have already clicked to something else. So a few more details for those of you on the fence:

The premise is completely inane. Until I realized what the plot of the book was going to be, I was actually intrigued, but upon the reveal, I almost quit reading right there. Now, I only read a few of the early Forgotten Realms books, so I missed all the plot that came between then and now, but apparently most of the characters died variously, and Drizzt was either killed or left for dead or something at the end of the last book. I'm just extrapolating from context here, though, that last part was unclear. However, in this book, all the main (read: popular) characters are reborn! Yay? Except Drizzt, he's just still around.

Despite being on the cover, Drizzt is in very, very little of the book, and that's for the best. In truth, once I got past the idiocy of the premise, the book wasn't bad. Each character has a subplot. They're reborn as infants, but with all the memories of their previous life. They have to walk a careful line to learn about what's happened in the world, regain the strength or knowledge they need, and just survive when forces on the lookout for godstouched heroes or just damn bad luck could take them back out of the game.

Each storyline had aspects that I enjoyed and aspects that fell flat. As I read I remembered a little more about the characters, but Forgotten Realms was never a passion of mine, so most references to past happenings were just backstory to me.

The climax is a non-starter: nothing really happens, but the melodrama works. For a workaday fantasy novel, something light to read during my commute, it wasn't that bad in the end.

(Feel free to add a star for every 3 Forgotten Realms books you've read and loved that were published after 1991, so not counting The Icewind Dale Trilogy or the Dark Elf Trilogy.)

R.A. Salvatore has captured the magic of D&D and the Forgotten Realms. This story is a fresh take on the Drizzt Legend and really sets up huge potential for future books in the series.
Where the last few books had forgettable allies, he has managed to bring back the one thing that made the early books great...a group of adventures that you actually cared about! My only complaint was that one of the companions narrative I found a little too predictable...but that is being very nitpicky on my part and I won't say which one.(no spoilers). I highly recommend picking this up and reading ASAP! I cannot wait for the other books in "The Sundering" Series and the further books in the "Legend of Drizzt" series".

I have read all the others in the multiple series of books. I enjoyed this one very much and can't wait to read the next one. Being a fan my review may be skewed. But if you follow the series: This was an excellent beginning to new adventures with the characters that have missed. Definitely worth reading.