Book III (The Legend of Drizzt 16) - The Hunter's Blades Trilogy

Although the Companions are separated from one another again in the story, it allows us to meet and fall in love with some new characters that add a different dynamic to the story, and keep our favorite heroes feeling new and fresh again. Salvatore just keeps getting better and better as this seemingly never ending tale of the Companions of the Hall continues!

There was so very much to like about this series. The action was well realized, fast paced, and imaginatively told. These are like adventure war novels set in the forgotton realms. The characters are, for the most part interesting- replete with interestingly rendered orcs. There is even a hint that in the numerous-perhaps unending-skirmishes between orcs and the dwarves, that maybe the orcs weren't always at fault. There is character development-though not much. So I have to admit that I read each of these books in about two days after I got them and I thought they were, on the whole, a fun read.

That being said, there were times, way too many times, that I would want to throw the books across the room in disgust at the timidity and cowardice Salvatore demonstrates.

There are several moments where key characters appear to be killed only to have it turn out that they survive at the beginning of the next chapter, or a few chapters later. I must stress these passages aren't ambiguous. THere is nothing like, "it appeared, though he couldn't be sure," or "it looked as if blah, blah, but then they disappeared from view." Salvatore describes, completely unsurvivable situations,only to rather cheaply let his babies (Cattie-brie, Wulfgar, Drizzt and REgis) off the hook. Listen, when a mountain giant hurls a boulder at you, and it hits and lands on you, you can not appear in the next chapter with nought but a limp. You can appear battered, bloody, flattened and dead. I suddenly understood the anger felt by a certain number 1 fan from a certain Stephen King book. So if Mr. Salvatore wants to write scenes that make it appear his core characters are going to get killed, fine. I would just appreciated it if he had the respect not to try to cheat them back on to the pages.

Also by constantly deus ex machinaing the fan favs from the jaws of death, he subsequentially robs his narrative of any power it might possibly have.

The experience has left me a bit reluctant read his next series.

I can't believe the number of people that are actually COMPLAINING that some of the main characters haven't died off! I for one, cannot imagine enjoying these books nearly as much with Bruenor, Regis, Wulfar, Drizzt, or Cattie Brie dying. This is, after all a fantasy book, and I believe that RA Salvatore has been able to create enough suspense regarding the fate of the characters without having to resort to killing them off for the sake of killing them off simply because they have "been around so long." That is really what it comes down to for those that have called for the deaths of these characters: It has been a long time, so they MUST die.

I found this series to be absolutely compelling. In fact, I read the whole trilogy in less than a week. The only real problem that I had with this trilogy was the fact that the Obould situation was not resolved. I thought it would be much better had Obould died, but maybe the storyline could have turned to the succession of Obould and how the orc nation may have had a series of orc's vying for ultimate supremacy and the effect that it has on the area surrounding the northland. Tribes could be in fighting as well as attacking nearby lands in order to achieve ultimate supremacy over the lands and the orc tribes.

I thought Wulfgar's wife brought little to the story line, and although I did not like the genesis of her character from supporting wife to one that ultimately betrays wulfgar in such a short time to be a bit stretched, I believe that she brought little to the narrative line.

All in all, this was a fantastic series, with many twists and turns and some real suspense. The more I read it, the more interested I became in dwarves and dwarven culture. I actually find dwarves to be the most interesting of all the races that populate the forgotten realms.

Again, I repeat, these are fantasy books, and I read them because I care about the main characters. If even one of them dies, I think it brings the whole series down with it.

Kudos to RA Smith, the best ADD fantasy writer in the world.

a review?

The Two Swords by R.A. Salvatore is the final book in the Hunter's Blades Trilogy. It is a well written examination of the Hunter (Drizz't) and his relationship with his blades... or in other words, of how Drizz't has chosen to deal with the world around him. Readers know that Obould, the orc king, is a powerful new enemy, so we will not go there in this review.

However, it is possible that Salvatore has created his best villain ever here. Obould has almost transcended base evil and is practically living on a higher plane of existence. The question is not "How do we kill him?" but is rather "Can and should he be killed?"

Salvatore leads us to interesting questions and answers throughout this book. However, the action is still strong and vivid, the characters continue as believable and beloved, and the reader is sucked in quickly. The stakes are high, both on the kingdom level and the personal level, for all those involved.

A good, swift read that will leave you breathless and thinking.

I just finished a goal I had, to read the entire series of these Dungeons and Dragons novels that are clogging up the shelves at my favorite bookstores. I wanted to convince myself that if everyone was doing something then it must be good (right?). It's been about 2 1/2 weeks and I've finally drilled through the (supposedly) last book in the series. I think I want to die.

These books are so contrite and horribly written that I can't believe they'd be allowed to pass an editor. All I needed was to read a sentence that went "he briskly walked from the hall." Um...don't you mean "walked briskly" Salvatore? Or is it in the same vein as "to boldly go..." -____-

It's like shoving yourself through a hundred 6th grade English essays, with petty moralism and evil-for-the-sake-of-being-evil scattered all over my mental image. It's like these books are written for people with no abstract thought, or worse, like Salvatore was just playing a game of D&D and novelizing his adventure as he went.

Looking for a coherent storyline? Forget it, might as well call these novels "Drizzt and the Neverending Sidequest." We're going here, then we're going there, then we run out of places to go so we're going back there again, then remember this baddie from like book 2? He's back in book 5, and 8, and oh my god stop! How many times can the same character "vow revenge...again!" Oh no watch out for that plot device Drizzt! Damn, that character I really hated died, so sorry for your loss companions, looks like we're just going to have to continue the story without him (yay)...wait...not dead? Lovely. Characters live, then die, then live again, then die again, and again, and I can't do this anymore.

Why does he have a pet PANTHER!? Are we in the the store rainforest? Also, his sword names were cringe-worthy, like watching Barney the Dinosaur. They made me think of cake, so everytime a fight scene came up I just pictured a huge cake in front of him that he was slicing up with feral fury and by the end of the battle everyone had a slice of cake, that made it somewhat chuckle-worthy.

I'll admit, to my avail, I trudged on through these books for the romance element. I don't usually go after that in books but seeing as it was the only thread of coherency in the entire series I needed something to grab onto to help me finish my goal. I find Cattie-Brie to be a complete and utter slut, stringing two guys along just because the author loves one character and the readers love the other, and he hopes our opinion will sway. The romance is handled like high school, let's mess around but never talk about it. Let's hold hands but not say I love you, let's muse to ourselves about our feelings and then go be intimate with other people. Here's an even better idea, let's talk about having kids before we're even dating!! Yay!!! When you get to the last book and hope to at least find a catharsis and an emotional release, you get...MOAR BOOKS!!

I'm so frustrated because this is a concept that could have been so cool. We all loved Legolas back in the day, so Dark Legolas is just plain irresistible...only this isn't Dark Legolas, this is Babycakes McDrizzle and the Random Adventures of What.

The Forgotten Realms should have stayed forgotten.

This group of Salvatore books was a fun read, as always, but I couldn't justify 4 or 5 stars. This 'trilogy' really didn't do much for me. The biggest problem I had with it was this book. It took care of some mildy interesting side plots which did keep me reading, but when I noticed I had only 50 pages left, I began to worry. The one thing I did not want from this trilogy was a quick and sloppy end to this war. I didn't get it, and for that I am glad. But that is the biggest flaw of this book. While some things get accomplished, it did nothing but set up an inevitable follow up. Don't get me wrong, I cannot wait for the conclusion to the orc conflict, and I will undoubtabley read the next set of books. However, this group was mediocre overall, with some good spots, and one of the most irritating endings I have ever read. Good trilogy with an incredibley disappointing ending.

Great concept to start the trilogy an orc king rallying all the orc tribes together to claim land for themselves so that they can be looked at as a real race and society of the realm. The novels progress and not much develops, in fact the second novel really doesn't even need to be read, just read the last couple chapters. This third novel is more of the same to the point it is like nothing I have ever read by Salvatore, minus the Wulfgar novel. He writes at such a slow pace you feel like he is preparing a 10 book series of 6,000 pages and by the end it is what you fear there was no end.

Fans of these books, like I am, will be disappointed because there is not much to love. The typical one on one fight scenes Salvatore is known for putting you in the action have been traded for clumsy mass combat with little description. The once love you had for one of the group will not continue because most of the story revolves around others and the heroes are the supporting cast, with only glimpses of the old Icewind Dale group for mere moments.

Twenty years of writing has not done well with this band of heroes because Salvatore is stuck in a time capsule and never lets the story evolve.

The Hunter's Blade Trilogy is one I would not recommend, however a must read for fans because the new Transitions trilogy is a continuation of these events. Lets all hope by "Transitions" Salvatore has a new idea and ventures far from this one.

Not recommended.

---Spoilers---

I was upset at the end when things were just left hanging. I know Bob is slowing down in his writing and won't be publishing a new Companions of the Hall (COTH) book anytime soon. I also knew this was the end of a trilogy and I expected things to be all neat and tidy at the end. Instead he surprised me. Blind-sided me, but in a good way. I now have to wait for the next book to find out what happens to the three groups. Drizzt and Innovindil, Catti-Brie and Wulfgar, Bruenor and Regis. All three groups are planning an adventure and are likely to fall into hard times. How will they get out and will they ever meet again are just two of the many questions now brewing in my head. Thanks Bob for catching me off-guard. I'm looking forward to the next COTH novel with an even bigger puddle of drool.

The development of Drizzt and his emotional rollercoaster has made me more interested in him. Over the years I had become somewhat bored with Drizzt. He fought, he won, end of story. But now he has feelings. Stronger feelings than I've read before. He's been fleshed out, along with the other COTH characters, to the point where I'm more interested in reading about him.

Wulfgar, Catti-Brie, Bruenor, and Regis also grew as characters. Regis I felt was getting older. Showing the hardships of war a little more than he'd like. He's nothing like the fat Halfling that dozed on the lakeshore fishing. Bruenor has seen death and survived. It wasn't really addressed, but I feel he may be taking a bit of a conservative stance at times, now that he sees he is mortal. Wulfgar and Catti-Brie are on the road again, together. There may be some tension between them, but I doubt it will amount to much. Catti-Brie is committed to Drizzt and Wulfgar is/was committed to his adopted daughter and Delly. I think he's in for another emotional road-trip in looking for another wife. Meanwhile Catti-Brie will be thinking of Drizzt and wondering how things will work out in the future. Is there a chance for a half drow-half human child?

In conclusion, I see The Two Swords not as the end of the Hunter's Blade Trilogy but as the beginning of a new era for Bob. His writing style has changed dramatically since his first story, Echoes of the Fourth Magic. He moved up in skill with his Demon Wars series and moves up again with The Two Swords. And I think that has brought about the negative reviews. Fans expected to read the classic Drizzt fighting evil in the Underdark. Instead they read a story about the COTH as people fighting an evil that may win. Hopefully, like it did with Vector Prime, the negativity will eventually be washed away. Only time will tell with this newly defining moment in Bob's career.

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©2004 TK42ONE.com Productions

Well, as indicated by the other reviewers, despite this being book three of the trilogy, the end is very free of resolutions. Rather, more avenues are opened up and not addressed.

Drizzt and Innovindil continue their efforts to fight the orc legions, with Drizzt and Obould the orc-king finally meeting in combat. However, Salvatore changes gears slightly and makes this enemy beyond Drizzt's normal abilities. Salvatore does, however, make no secret of getting to Drizzt the tools needed for the job. While the battles show some of Salvatore's old flair, the inability of Drizzt the Invincible to defeat this blessed orc grates against me, especially given the inner rage Drizzt feels for this orc having killed (so Drizzt believes) his closest companions.

The nonexistent love quadrangle between Catti-Brie, Wulfgar, Drizzt and Delly Curtie is played too far, as well as some cliched use of a newly-childless mother in her grief, to move this story along. It almost seemed like the cast might have been too large, and some of the chaff needed to be separated from the grain. Suffice to say that a number of consistent supporting characters do not survive this book intact, though the primary players of the Drizzt series come through for the most part. There is also still some notable lack of appreciation from the Nesmeans despite the efforts of those from Mithral Hall to aid them, selflessly.

The end of this novel, though, leaves nothing finished. A new quest is planned, Wulfgar must travel down the river to seek a lost child, Catti-brie and Drizzt finally get to business, the orcs are still holding sway over the northland and the surface region of Mithral Hall, the humans are surprisingly willing to let the orcs stay put and dig in, there is new cooperation among Dwarven nations, and there is still strife between the frost giants and the orcs. But most of that was true at the end of the second book. While the writing of this story was fine, and perhaps the best in this trilogy, the necessity of flipping back and forth between so many disparate storylines seemed to give short shrift to them all. Yes there are clever and well-written fight scenes. Yes, there is sword and sorcery goodness. Yes there is stupidity and sacrifice. But there is no resolution. I think that loyal readers would not have minded wrapping up some of the many loose ends before starting a new series, we still would be willing to buy it. But leaving so much hanging, for a year at least, is really beneath a good author, in my opinion.

I have been a long time fan of the Companions of the Hall, and a growing fan on all of Salvatore's work. I believe this was a great end to a great trilogy full of action and memorable moments. It's not easy keeping long time reader amused with the ongoing adventures of the same five main characters for so long. I commend Mr. Salvatore greatly. Yes, this doesn't have the same feeling that the companions of the hall had in the old days, but times change, and people grow.

We can't always say that 'the other books were better' or that 'oh come on, that's so cheap, an orc in uber-armor and a massive army! I could come up with something better than that!' Well, maybe you can, but in a reasonably created fantasy world, not every bad guy is going to be Artemis Entreri or Jarlaxle, and not every adventure is going to be daring the underdark or reclaiming Mithral Hall.

I believe what Salvatore is trying to do is to give us all a deeper view into the workings of the five best friends, especially Drizzt. He has done, by far, something that can be considered something marvelous by any author - creating and molding several characters so that they are imperfect, but exceptional by fantasy standards, then lets them grow into these wonderful beings of fiction that we all so love.

Bottom line is that the Companions of the Hall are some of the greatest fantasy characters to ever grace the pages of the world.

If you are a long time fan like myself, this book will prove greatly satisfying to you, bringing to fruit somethings that we have waited a long time to see. I promise that you will like it.

"Hee hee hee!" ~Pikel

Hmmm where to start. I just finished this book and am happy I read it. However, I have a small feeling of being given only 3/4 of a hamburger when I ordered a full burger. What I mean is this... the book was supposed to (not sure if Salvatore said it or not) tie up some loose ends and bring closure to a few storylines. In my line of thinking only one of the storylines was really moved forward in any substantial way. I won't post spoilers here, but there a few things that may have been written a little differently. But, I don't know the larger scope of storylines that Salvatore has planned so maybe this is for the best.

With that being said, the books itself is a great read. Full of action and drama. There are a few twists int he book as well as a couple points where one holds out hope for a single hero... there are a couple memorable deaths in the book. Salvatore is one of the few authors who gets inside the head of the 'bad guy'. If you read the first two books int he trilogy you are sure to want to read this one as well.

I'm a huge fan of Drizzt. The problem that I am having is that I want to continue reading about this drow elf but the author is ever increasingly making him a weak character. Drizzt has never really defeated any large bosses, it always comes at the hands of his companions. Drizzt never finds real love... I suppose because he is always conflicted. Drizzt is never the real hero in any of the stories, it always turns out to be a side kick.Another thing about Salvatore's writings that is starting to wear on me is that none of the main characters ever die, when you think that they do he finds a way to bring them back. Wulfgar should have remained dead, Catti-Brie and Bruenor should both died somewhere along the way as well.

It appears to me that this book was comprised of 380 pages of fluff and no real substance and that is unfortunate. Yes, I will buy the Orc King and continue reading, however, I'm going in assuming to be disappointed once again since this has been the pattern since the Dark Legacy Trilogy.

Come on Mr. Salvatore don't write a book just for a buck put a little passion into it. Kill off a main character once in a while or at the very least but some mystery and unsuspecting turns in the plot for once. Stop writing as if you are trying to create a play guide for a dungeon master somewhere. I see the potential of your characters and the brilliance of your writing style but what I am not finding is a quality story. This one has left me the most disappointed so far. Here's hoping the Orc King breaks this pattern.

This is definitely not the best work that Salvatore has ever done. But this was the best book out of the Hunter's Blade Trilogy and shows more maturity than most of his Forgotten Realms books. Which are enjoyable for the most part and create some interesting characters, but tends to make them too powerful and lacking any vulnerabilities. That is why I lost interest in the almost invulnerable Drizzit. The ideas may be interesting, but there is rarely any question on weather or not he will survive.

This one was a little different. This time the bad guy wasn't an ambitious individual, a group from the Underdark, or some artifact, it was someone touched by a god and a possible avatar. True there were people in the shadows, but they have less control over events than they think.

In the first Two books it showed how an ambitious Orc decided to make a deal with the Frost Giants, a few renegade Drow, and a pack of Trolls. This pleased me for a few reasons. The Orcs and Goblins were named as a nemesis, but they never seemed like more than dirty brutes that die by the thousands against Elves and Dwarves. A good nemesis has to be an actual threat. This is an Orc that got feuding tribes to join under his banner and negotiates successfully with other races. More like the Tolkien Orcs and Goblins that weren't refined or compared to other races, but clever,strong, and apt at fighting.

In this final book everyone is worried. The Orc armies are still growing and taking ground despite losses. Some say it is the tens of thousands and they are staying together and keeping fights minimal. Obould has formed a near cult around himself, even the cynical Drow think he might be touched by Grumpsh. The near immortal Drizzit starts showing concern for the sheer power and influence that the Orc chieftan displays, as well as constraint in battle. The dwarves are worried because he has his armies set on the Doorstep of Mithral Hall. Though they are not as effective as the disciplined Dwarves, they outnumber them more than 20 to one.

This book isn't as good as the books he writes out of the Forgotten Realms universe, but it is one of his better works. The ending is a bit of a dissppointment, but it opens it up for another trilogy. But it finally gave the Orcs a much needed day in the sun and show themselves as more than lackies for evil geniuses or nuisances for Drizzit and the good reaces to practice their swordwork on.

As the conclusion to the Hunter's Blades Trilogy, the Two Swords falls a bit short of being a five star book. While still a very good Salvatore novel it just seemed to be lacking some things.

First, Drizzt is barely in this book. While the final act is all Drizzt, for the most part he is non-existant throughout. An odd thing to do since the trilogy is called The Hunter's Blades and the last novel "The Lone Drow" was all Drizzt. So we went from him being the focus, to kind of dropping out of site.

The second problem was that the cast was way to big. There are too many dwarf characters to follow. Did we really need to hear the story of Nikwillig coming down the mountain, following the Felbarr army and then meeting the elves of Moonwood? Or Fendes who seemed to die three times in the book just to come out fine in another chapter? Dwarf characters that we know were disregarded in the same way as Drizzt. Why is the battlerager Thippledorf Pwent in no major scene? In fact he is only mentioned twice I think. And consider Torgar and the Mirabar dwarfs who were such a prominent role in "Thousand orcs" have no more than a cameo in the middle of the book.

The last problem is the biggest. There really is no conclusion to this storyline. The book could have left things open for more books, but there has to be some sort of conclusion, otherwise this really can't be called a trilogy. It is written more like a continuous series.

Finally, this is still a very good read. Great battles, good characters, amazing action. I still think that "The Lone Drow" was the best in the trilogy because of its focus on Drizzt and its very dark tone. But this is certainly better than "Thousand Orcs" if you were disappointed in that like I was. May Drizzt never stop fighting!

This is the final installment in the Hunter's Blades trilogy, and it is a very good effort to close this one out. This installment was very exciting and well written. The dialogue was fantastic and the plot was great. All in all, it did a great job of wrapping up the whole Hunter's Blades trilogy, and made reading all three books worthwhile. It was just a well executed book, and was really worth reading. Plus, you will also see some development in the characters as well, which is an added bonus to the story itself. Get it and enjoy.

I hate to say it, because I have been a fan of Salvatore's work from the very beginning, but it just may be that he's losing interest in this long-running series -- or at least, that's how it seems.

The battle sequences in this volume are top-knotch -- vintage Salvatore. I'm not sure there's a writer out there who choreographs better fights, be they between a pair of individuals or armies on a grand scale. Unfortunately, the battles in this book do not resolve themselves. Despite building toward what seems a perfect climax, we are left with an open-ended storyline -- not what you expect from the third volume in a trilogy.

Instead, I was left feeling as if I were watching a soap opera -- an interminable saga with no end in sight. And while I am NOT looking forward to the day when I can no longer read about Drizzt and the gang, I would like each of their occasional adventures to bring with them a sense of closure, so that next time, it feels like I'm starting off on a fresh journey, rather than just dragging along the same old storylines from 10 books ago.

The love triangle, for instance, between three of the major characters, is definitely bordering on melodrama. Can someone make up their mind about how they feel, already? Hearts may be fickle, but this is getting ridiculous. Whomever CB is going to end up with, I wish she'd just hurry up and do so.

Even better, of course, would be for Salvatore to throw in some kind of surprise. I'm not anxious to see any of these principle characters -- for which this series is so beloved -- die. But I feel something major has to take place to shake things up and make them interesting again. In my opinion, it's getting tiresome, watching these superhuman characters receive a near-fatal wound, only to bounce up and carry on their way again. I'd rather see them simply kick the snot out of someone without first receiving a grievous wound, or else succumb, once and for all.

In retrospect, I'm not sure that the premise of this series was strong enough to carry three books. Without giving away any of the plot, suffice it to say that the bulk of the story -- particularly Book 2 -- centers around one character's dilemma, a dilemma which is created out of a false assumption. Interesting enough, I suppose, but a question that could have been answered quite easily should the character have decided to verify the truth. Instead, he goes around assuming the worst, making those assumptions real. I'd liken it to the idea of: Well, I'm going to die anyway, so I might as well jump off a bridge now.

In any case, I'm certainly not suggesting that fans of the series stop here. On the contrary, the author makes certain you will want to return -- whenever he himself decides to do so -- to this ongoing saga. Just don't expect a tidy resolution to any of the major plot threads, or you'll be disappointed.

Let me start by saying that I have been a fan of the Dark Elf books since day 1, which only serves to magnify my disappointment with this book and this trilogy as a whole.

I can appreciate Salvatore's efforts to further develop these already familiar characters, however, the overdone introspection and self analysis quickly went from the "development" stage to irritating diatribes of whining and self pity. While the story did offer a few (far too few) unique elements, it was ultimately the secondary characters that kept me interested. The main characters were simply put back into old plot lines under new book titles--- Mithril Hall being invaded, Drizzt's self-analysis and fear of having lost a best friend(s), Cattie Brie & Wulfgar romantic tension. Again, some different twists, but ultimately more of what we've already seen.

Finally, and most importantly, from a pure reading enjoyment standpoint, the ending was terrible. Absolutely terrible. Salvatore did an excellent job building to what you thought would be a glorious climax and conclusion, then allows the momentum to fizzle horribly. Anti-climactic is a kind description. There was simply no sense of reward or resolution. You will turn the last page then quickly check the cover to confirm that this was indeed book three of a trilogy, because it is not evident in the ending. The only upside is we can be certain more books are to come.

**There are spoilers in this review**

First, I find it odd that a lot of folks are outright begging Salvatore to kill main characters. Yes, the whole "did they die or not" thing is getting tedious, but I can honestly say there's no way I would enjoy this series more without Cattie-Brie, Regis, or Bruenor. Wulfgar might be the only one that I could have accepted dying because it was pretty well done when he did, and RAS gave us enough reason to hate him at the time to not mind it so much. But c'mon, kill Cattie-Brie?? Yeah, let's kill off Drizzt's main love interest thats been developing from book one and start over. Sorry, but at this point, that would just be dumb. If your going to kill anyone off, let it be the ultra-annoying Galen Firth. Which brings me to my next point.

Why on earth did RAS make us hate Nesme SOOO bad just to have Silverymoon pretty much choose it over Mithral Hall? He's given us a reason to hate that town with a passion at every turn, yet he frustrates us with the events in this book. I don't think I'm alone in saying that the minute I get to read that Nesme and everyone in it has been burnt to a cinder by a horde of Red Dragons, I will literally stand up and cheer. And the more detailed the demise of Firth, the better. Hell I hated him worse then any of the main antagonists in this series by far, or pretty much anything he's written (ok maybe not Kessel, but close!).

Overall though, I think this was a mediocre close to this trilogy. The ending made some things I was waiting for pretty dry. I was waiting for Drizzt and Cat's reunion and they run to each other, finally kiss, and....we read that they are going to be going back out separately pretty much immediately (with their other semi-love interests no less). Wulfgar finally get's a girl that will keep him out of Drizzt and Cat's way and...splat. You have to think that the end of the third book in a trilogy should have one hell of an ending, and this one just didn't cut it. This book wasn't bad enough to make me not read the next trilogy, but it was pretty disappointing overall.

The Two Swords, like RAS other works, is a captivating tale with much of its focus directed toward the emotional struggles of the characters as well as how the army of Obould will change the realms. While the battles are still great (you have to admire Salvatore's dwarves and the ingenius devices of war they use)the strength of this novel relies on the how the characters come to terms with what happens around them. Filled with intricate plot twists and deception within the ranks, The Two Swords kept my attention through till the very end. Without giving much away, I would say that this novel finally defines Drizzt's character, and in those defining moments,the fabled drow ranger will forever be changed. It will be exciting to see how the surprises, turmoil, treachery and choices made in this book will effect the characters and the realms in the future. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this book!

To me this story, and the other two editions in the trilogy, are more about the dwarves and their defense of their lands than it is about Drizzt Do'Urden...which is fine by me. Don't get me wrong, Drizzt is a great character, but Salvatore imbues his dwarvish characters with so much personality that Drizzt becomes a secondary player for the most part. While most of the dwarven characters share many stereotypical dwarven traits, Salavatore brings them all to life on the page - from the stalwart courage and gruffness of Dagna, Banak, Tred, and Torgar to the most unconventional dwarf Pikel and the amamzing Thibbeldorf Pwent and his Gutbusters. From my standpoint it was a very good book and I look forward to reading the next installment/trilogy. Mr Salvatore, there is no need to hide behind the popularity of Drizzt, however, so name the next one Bruenor's Axe to Grind or just Hee...Hee...Hee...My Brudder!

I've read a bunch of RAS. The only time I was unhappy was when Wulfgar was killed. I've read the reviews. Complaints about Drizzt, Cattie-brie, Wulfgar, Bruenor, and Regis being invincible. Another wanting RAS to "kill someone already". You people are sick. I want heroes that are invincible and live thru everything. If I didn't, I'd watch "reality crap" on TV. This triliogy, as in all other books RAS has written (with the exception noted above, which he remedied) about these characters, is solidly in the must read category.

So many people are complaining about the loose ends and the invincibility of Drizzt....WHOOOPPEE!!!

The loose ends are there for a reason. How can an author continue on a story if all the ambiguities have been closed up? He can't! So to all the people who want a close ended story....its not gonna happen.

And contrary to some of the people who reviewed this book I like Drizzt being the unstoppable character that he is. For crying out loud he survived the wilds of the underdark, various dragons, and even greater demons.....hes supposed to be tough. When i imagine Drizzt in battle it isnt him losing....its him dominating the battlefield.

Now given characters like Artemis Entreri also have been through similar if not just as rich experiences as the famed drow and should be able to stand toe to toe with Drizzt, but the idea of a barbarian orc lord in invincible armor was ridiculous. I saw that as the only fault in RAS book. For one thing....glass steel was a technique only known to the sun elves and the avariel. How did a stupid orc ever find a way to make some.

Still with this major fault i felt that Bob relayed an excellent story filled with action, and ultimately a story that shown into the heart of Drizzt. As for the loose endings ....I cant wait for his next novel.

Salvatore is one of my favorite authors. And this series was making up for the previous few books that were written basically so he could write these characters again and set them up to be in better situations. Now any book is written to put people in situations and watch them go through it, but usually this happens in the book you are reading. The ending wasn't the great climax it usually is, it REALLY felt like it was all setting it up for future books. I like a novel that stands on it's own and leaves room OPEN for something to happen in the future (in your imagination or in a future book) BUT I don't like being set up for a future novel that he wants to write.

So I just finished The Twin Blades, the third book in the Hunter's Blades Trilogy. Very good trilogy. I can't recommend it unless you have read all the other books containing Drizzt and Wulgar, because if you haven't read them then about half of this book won't make sense to you at ALL! There are about 14 books you would have to read (you could skip one and be ok) to understand this one. And since two characters from a different series of characters comes into it, I would recommend reading those 5 as well. Now most of these books are definately worth reading, so I recommend them all ;) And the Hunter's Blade trilogy was definately worth reading, but the first two books were better than this one. Since it was a trilogy, I was okay with the way the first two ended, leaving room for everything to be explained in the 3rd. BUT this was the last book in the trilogy, some of the MAJOR things should have been addressed. Instead it was left where we see things will be just as bad in a few months as they were now.

Also I have a problem with the way Delly was treated. When she was introduced, she pushed Wulfgar to be a figher cuz that's true to his heart, blah blah blah. She was very understanding (TOO understanding ;)) and all that. Somewhere between her being introduced and this book, aparently the author decided to totally change her. Instead of this being gradual because of circumstances she was put under, we are given NO explanation, he ignores how she behaved earlier and she just suddenly turns into a twit with no explanation. Also he kills off someone who was so obviously a 'plot twist that didn't go over as well as he thought it would', so get rid of the character. I don't have a problem with people dying, just don't kill someone only because you don't want them around anymore cuz people don't like them :p It should feel right or help the story somehow. AND one other major issue I have... in a previous story he messed up. He added an element he thought would make it interesting (which lots of tv shows have done as well). (I don't want to say what it was and spoil it for people) Well it didn't make it interesting, it was okay, but would definately get in the way of future adventuring stories. So he got rid of it in this book, very stupidly too. Also very in a way to set it up for a future adventure :p I don't like being so OBVIOUSLY set up! One of the things I've always loved about this author is that he is NOT obvious. Yes sometimes you can guess where the twist is going to go, but more because you are paying attention and are smart, not because it's all laid out in such a straight line. That's cheap and anyone can write a book like that. Be interesting! I still liked the book, for the most part it was great. But having the two major plot things at the end that were SO done to fix a previous mistake, kinda put a bad taste in my mouth.

Oh yeah, I also don't like the love story. In an earlier series we were told Just Friends Just Friends Just Friends, so much so you couldn't think of anything else. Over the years certain fans have whined nooooo they looove each other! So fine aparently the author gave in. I don't like it, Drizzt deserves someone else, like ME! But the author decides to hook them up. In the meantime we meet someone else PERFECT for my boy! But no, he's stuck with her. BLECH! It didn't feel natural for me, although I am sure some fans are very excited about Drizzt's current love life.

Anyway I'd recommend his earlier books, and if you like them keep going. But don't start with this one, you'd ruin all the earlier ones.

I see everyone complaining that there was no resolutioin, King Obould sucked as a antagonist...blah, blah, blah. Everyone missed the point of the book. It was to wrap up a trilogy that is a fraction of what the series is. This story, (The whole complete Drizzt story) has span more than a decade in writing with like twnety something books in the whole series. This is just another stepping stone to the next part, that's all it is. If you read it without reading the other books before it, you will get frustrated. If you read the first two books in the series and not read this one, you will get frustrated. If you've never read one of these books before,, you are allready frustrated because you haven't found one of the most engaging and elaborate stories ever written.

And everyone forgets that this story is also developing Drizzt's character in a whole new light. Yes he's still the invincible drow that left Menzoberranzan decades ago, but now he's lost some of the vulnerability that made him such a dynamic character. This late in the series, Drizzt has been accepted by most of the people on the surface. Now that that has happened, there really is no story. Most people think that the whole orc army coming to the north and taking over towns is the story, but the story really is the emotional journey of this one dark elf who suddenly seems emotionally vulnerable again.

Basically, what everyone needs to focus on is the change in Drizzt's character, and not the unimportant loose ends. That's what suspending disbelief is all about. If you over analyze the story it becomes like star-trek, all technical. I give it a four because it is still a good story, but not worth me reading 20-30 times like some of his other books.

Oh yeah, you have to read it if you want any resolutioin to Drizzt's love life problems.

I have to admit to being somewhat strange, in that I love the Dark Elf books, but find Drizzt himself to be a completely unentertaining character. It is the people around him that I find intriguing. Perhaps that is the reason this book is one that I have mixed emotions about. For most of the book, it seemed that R.A. was going to 'right the wrongs' that have plagued the series up to this point - Delly and Colson out of the picture, Wulfgar and Catti-brie together (as they should be), Drizzt and perhaps Innovindil together, etc. At the very rushed feeling end of the book, however, Drizzt and Catti-brie are together and Wulfgar is left all alone following Delly's death and Colson's disappearance. Also, the Orc storyline is completely left up in the air - dramatic changes to the Northern part of the Realms have been made. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on them. Lastly, for Drizzt to be the nigh-invincible fighting machine he has been portrayed as for so long (along the lines of Snake-Eyes in GI Joe, honestly!), to see him struggle against and ultimately fail against the orc Obould was laughable. The redeeming parts of this book? The almost-renewed relationship between Wulfgar and Catti-brie, the excellent characterizations of some occasionally badly named Dwarves, and the fact that the next set of books (which are clearly set up at the end) seem to take the entire group out on the road again - perhaps a return to the great, rollicking adventure feel that the original Icewind Dale trilogy had, but that has been lacking and overshadowed by Drizzt's 'poor pitiful me' routine of the last 6-10 books or so. If you're a fan of the series, it's worth keeping up with the exploits of the crew - otherwise, you may be better served to stick with the current well-written War of the Spider Queen series for your drow 'fix'.

This book was a fitting conclusion to an awesome series.

This trilogy began with an incredibly dark and foreboding book, and that sense continues with the final book. Mithral Hall, Nesme, and the other dwarven citadels are fortifying to contain the orcs, while King Obould solidifies his gains. The tension will remain for some time. It is exciting to see such a powerful villain in the Realms. Obould matured from a ravaging leader to a calculating king over the series, forcing other leaders to change their strategy in dealing with him.

The Two Swords perhaps had the least amount of action of the three books, but still has enough to satisfy.

I think the ending will provide interesting new story ideas. And while some interesting turns leave some relationships changed forever, the door is opened for future strife between Bruenor, Regis, Catti-Brie, Wulfgar, and Drizzt.

This is a trilogy I will be re-reading time after time.

Unlike some of the reviewers seen here I will not post spoilers here. Most people read the books to find out what happens. Upon reading this book one thing strikes me most. I never wanted to put it down once I got started. I have read a lot of books where that wasn't the case. I've picked up some 6 months later before finishing. If you are looking for a book focusing only upon Drizzt, then you will surely be disapointed. But Drizzt on his own gets dull really. Its how he reacts to the world around him that matters. Exile was good, but didn't really turn into something great until Drizzt found his way to Blingenstone. And when you see and here people complaining that the book didn't resolve enough, remember, if the story isn't compelling, why do they care if it continues? It may be a few years before we find out what happens next. I for one, will be awaiting that time.

Although I understand why some people are disappointed by this latest installment from Salvatore, I'd have to say I enjoyed this novel more than any of his FR stories since Servant of the Shard. However, if you enjoy this book, it will be because Salvatore is trying something new, i.e.- Drizzt is using his intellect more and his swords less.

That, I think, is why other reviewers have either loved the book or hated it- none of those really intense, beautifully written one-on-one fight scenes that made Salvatore so famous. A fair point, I think, is that the end of the book is paced too fast, especially the final chapter. Additionally, I agree, that little is resolved at the end of the story- other than some real movement in Drizzt's and Cattie-Brie's relationship. Obould is still out there, but that's OK, because he is a worthwhile villain because of his ability to plan ahead and inspire his hordes, not because of any fighting prowess he might have had.

So, I do think this is a must read Salvatore novel, but existing fans should be prepared for something new, and they'll have to decide whether they like this style from Salvatore, or the old one better. I personally didn't miss the one-on-one combat so much, because, I think (spoiler), Salvatore makes it very clear that, despite the fact that their battle is interrupted, Obould can't stand up to Drizzt in single combat without his impregnable armour. So for now, less sword play and more character development; without Drizzt's foil (Entreri), I don't miss the combat-oriented writing that much.

The Two Swords if the conclusion of the The Hunter Blades Trilogy depicts the war in the Silver Marshes between the forces of the orcs, giants, trolls, and bugbears led by King Obould Many-Arrows against the alliance of dwarven citadels and humans cities.

The story itself excellent. Unlike The Dark Elf Trilogy and the Legacy of the Drow series, The Hunters Blades Trilogy focuses on a larger scale of events rather than just a group of characters. Obould's orcs are tearing through the Silver Marshes, and the leaders of the dwarven citadels human cities must unite to stop him. It's a classic story of good vs. evil.

What I also liked about this book is that you see each character equally throughout the book. What kind of dissapointed me for a little bit, was the build up of Obould vs. Drizzt. In the end of the Lone Drow, and throughout the Two Swords, you feel the hype build up as Drizzt proclaims that he wants to fight the orc king. "Maybe I just want to kill him." Though the fight itself was fast paced, the end result.

Whenever I hear someone complaining about the ending of this book, it reminds me of when Lord of the Rings came out. I thought the ending itself was really good. It left it open for three seperate story lines, in which anything could happen.

This isn't the best Salvatore novel, but for the end of a trilogy, I thought it was good. I probably won't be rereading it again for a while, but it's going to stay on my favorite's shelf next to the Dragonlance Chronicles.

I tend to agree with the many negative reviews here and have nothing earth-shattering to add, except to say 'here, here' to those that have recommended a much-needed hiatus from Drizzt for Salvatore. I've read every Drizzt novel in addition to just about everything RAS has written and overall, I love him. Hovever, this was the most disappointing travesty of a third novel in a trilogy I have ever read. (The 2 stars is for sentimental reasons only) I kept hoping and praying that SOMETHING would happen to redeem the book, but as each page turned it became less and less likely until finally, it was over- and pathetically so. RAS simply has too many 'beloved-characters' going and not enough of stuff HAPPENING to those characters.

For those reviewers that read this and thought it was worthy of 4 or 5 (or even 3) stars, you obviously haven't read any of RAS' good stuff (Dark Elf Trilogy then Icewind Dale Trilogy is a good way to start)--go do that, then you will undoubtedly come back here and reduce that rating you posted for Two Swords.

As others have mentioned RAS needs to switch gears to the long-awaited/ anticipated continuation of Jarlaxle and Entreri's adventures--'cause that will be something truly to look forward to. RAS' strentghs lie in his mastery of the drow and the choreographing of memorable swordplay battles--both of which would be central to any series involving J&E.

Switch gears RAS!! PLEASE!!! Then, after a few years, Drizzt can come whirling back into our lives and we'll all be happy to read that he did.

To summarize my review before I get into it: R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt-books have evolved into Saturday morning cartoons rather than staying as the Tolkein-esque stories they first started out to be.

I have been a Salvatore-Drizzt-book reader ever since 1990 when I read The Crystal Shard. I have read every Drizzt-book since then, but with this last book I have decided to give up the series until some drastic changes are made. Instead of an exhaustive review of this book, I'll just point to 6 ways as to how this entire series is on its death-bed. Salvatore can cure these maladies by listening to the following:

1.) DRIZZT AND HIS FRIENDS HAVE BECOME SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON CHARACTERS - In cartoons the main characters never die, they are invincible, they are unflawed. In The Drizzt books, no main character can ever die. They fight hundreds and hundreds of "bad guys," only to score perfect victories each time. If it seems that one of the main character has died, or will, it's only a red herring that sets you up for that character to inevitably "save the day."

2.) DRIZZT'S ENEMIES HAVE TURNED INTO THE "VILLAIN OF THE WEEK VARIETIES" - In cartoons, the heros are usually pitted by a different villian each week. The villians are rarely fleshed-out, and they're just around for the purpose of getting killed by Drizzt and Co. If a villian is fleshed-out, Salvatore becomes attached and cannot kill him, only send him away (Artemis Entreri, Jarlaxle, etc).

3.) SUPPORTING CHARACTERS ARE LIKE THE "YOMAN" CHARACTER FROM STAR TREK - Remember in Star Trek how Captain Kirk would beam down to a planet with some unnamed officer, and inevitably, the unnamed officer would die while Kirk would be unharmed? Okay, now substitute "Captain Kirk" with "Drizzt" and you have Salvatore's new books. A seasoned reader knows that when a character is introduced, he's not likely to be a permanent fixture.

4.) YOU CAN'T GO 2 PAGES WITHOUT BEING REMINDED THAT DRIZZT & CO. ARE THE TOUGHEST, BADDEST CHARACTERS IN THE WORLD - It's not that you see this through their actions, but Salvatore spells it out for you before every fight. Hypothetical example: "The orcs were heavily armed and outnumbered the weakened drow twenty five to one. But this was Drizzt Do-Urden, and he was no ordinary drow!" Please ...

5.) SALVATORE'S EDITORS NEED TO BACK OFF OF HIM AND LET HIM WRITE - if you've noticed in the past several books, Salvatore paces the story nicely, then has to suddenly end the story because the editors limit the number of pages he can have. When you get 4/5s the way through it, you think "wow, I'm almost finished, and there's so much left! Hell, (enter character's name) isn't even within a 10-day ride from the others?!" ANSWER: Robillard the mage shows up and magically teleports the character wherever they need to go.

6.) THE FIGHT SCENES ARE A BIT TOO DETAILED - Everyone knows Drizzt is a bad mutha-sucka, but when Salvatore gets carried away and writes, "Drizzt then shifted his balance to the right and pivoted low with a perfect center of gravity, slicing his left scimitar right, then feinting back, swinging his left scimitar in a downward arc, pulling back, then upward pivoting to his right, bringing his swords at a downward V-angle, parrying each blow, then rolling to his left, followed by an inverted cone flip to the front, slicing diagnally with his left right-ended scimitar...." I just find myself skimming paragraphs.

MY SUGGESTION FOR SALVATORE & DRIZZT:

-------------------------------------

Set the next series some 100 years into the future. Drizzt, as an elf, will continue to live for several more centuries. Cattie-Brie, Wulfgar, Regis and Bruenor will not. Go ahead and jump forward and write the novel that you wanted to with THE LONE DROW. It's time for Drizzt to move on.

I think Salvatore knows that. He toys with the ideas of Drizzt and Cattie-brie's grim future, but I don't think he has the nerve to actually kill anyone off. So just jump to the future and make it happen.

And get rid of those annoying dwarf brothers! They are the Jar Jar Binks of the Drizzt world. I would welcome any feedback from Salvatore fans. I still am one, but I feel like I'm watching a good thing go down the tubes.

Be critical, people. Don't just throw praise at a book because teh main character is cool and has potential. I can tell by the writing style of the majority of these reviewers that they are somewhere between 10-16 years old. That's how old I was when I read The Crystal Shard. I want to feel the same way about these new books as I did when I was that age reading the early adventures. I've matured, so now must the Drizzt storyline.

I do not leave reviews per se but am doing so now because of all the whining and crying from everyone. Bottom line is that Bob Salvatore is an exceptional writer and the characters he has created are monumental pieces of work. I think this book was another exceptional read without a doubt. Granted as with all writers, some books are better then others and Bob has written some that are better and some that may not be quite as good. Bottom line is that all this writers books are very entertaining to a high degree. I look forward to his next piece of work with anticipation and just wanted to warn all the spoiled readers out there that reviews should be written with a broader use of thought instead of focusing on first reactions which is known as tunnel vision. Take in the whole before being to judgemental because you may be putting a knife into Drizzt's heart yourselves.

Unlike some other reviewers, I'll say the first 2 books in this trilogy were much better than the previous series, so I was very excited about this book.

Big let down. I hope you didn't expect anything big to happen or anything. I hope you didn't become interested in any of the new characters like Nanfoodle or the dwarves who basically vanish from this book. I hope you didn't see into any of the foreshadowing about the good Drow goddess that's in FR 3.5 (Elliastrae sp?).

It's just pretty bad. Everything seems rushed, characters aren't fleshed out at all. The only interesting part comes TOTALLY out of nowhere and has nothing to do with the previous 2 books. (Khazad'hea's adventure).

I kind of wonder if Salvatore wishes he could just let Drizzt go.

The epilouge lays the groundwork for the next series though. Let's all hope Salvatore finds some inspiration between now and then.

I looked over some of the reviews here and I was truly shocked. I understand that everyone has his or her own tastes and opinions, but R. A. Salvatore is a truly talented writer. So many times, while reading "The Two Swords", I caught myself reacting verbally as the story unfolded. From ooos and ahs to mimicking Pikel's "uh oh" or "hee hee hee". The story did take on a different edge that I found very refreshing, but not so drastic as to alter the storyline. I think that perhaps some are overlooking the message. The ending to the book couldn't have been more perfect! The companions know who they are and where they belong. The road to adventure lies before them... always. They each learned more about themselves and each other. King Obould is a villain with a vision. In some ways, I thought he was similar to Drizzt when he first wandered out of the Underdark. I was thrilled with the way in which R. A. Salvatore handled the end of his story as well. It was a solution to an impossible battle that everyone (for now) has to live with. Would you rather that Drizzt settle every problem at the end of his blades? Even when it isn't something that's even feasible? I feel that I have grown with the characters over the years and I have come to know them as I would know a friend. So seeing the changes and growth and reading about the near death experiences keep me spellbound, NOT disappointed! Through the years we saw Wulfgar escape the bonds of hell and we walked with him during his turmoil till he found himself once more. Catti-Brie is no longer the confused teen, caught between her emotions and the same could be said for Drizzt. We learned and grew through their experiences and Drizzt's reflections and, in many ways, perhaps became better people ourselves. R. A. Salvatore has been a mentor, a guide, an entertainer, and a cherished friend all through his tales. I personally anxiously await a movie on the silver screen!

"The Two Swords" is a perfect blend of emotions. It had me on the edge of my seat one moment, instilling me with compassion and empathy the next, only to follow by inciting joy or causing me to laugh out loud over some of the antics carried out by one character or another. I am purposely avoiding mentioning names and scenarios because I feel, if you haven't already, it is most certainly a must read for any who enjoy fantasy fiction. R. A. Salvatore has taken me through the growth and development of his beloved characters through his words and captivating stories. His exceptional skill in writing has painted a picture in my mind that enticed me, drawing me into the story so fully, that I found his book impossible to put down. I feel Mr. Salvatore has orchestrated the perfect ending (though I do hope to read more!) to a long road as each character found their place and worth in the world. In the end, while still leaving tales for the imagination, I came to understand that adventure, in many forms, will always await the 'Companions of the Hall'. "The Two Swords", in my opinion, is a masterwork, worthy of appreciation.

SPOILERS:

This trilogy has developed the characters even more, mostly Drizzt. I belive R.A left out a few obvious things for obvious reasons. Obould. Orcs still roaming. Baby gone. The new strange love triangle between Drizzt/Cattibrie/Wulfgar.

Some people say these things make it a bad book. He did not want to make things happen to fast. Why try squeeze more in that book when you can fully explain the details in a new series?

Why was Delly killed with so little mourning over her? Was she in the end just a Luskan Bar Wench never to have had a good life? At least she could have been kidnapped by orcs and rescued in daring raid by her beloved husband.

However, it still left me wondering. I did not expect it to end the way it did. But I guess that is a good thing! Anticipation has increased because of it!(For future books)

All I know is if he does not come out with a new series, I would rate this disappointing, because then the ending would be in my opinion horrible. It would leave you wondering, not really an end at all. I dont think he would do that, though.

im very torn in regards to this book. looking at it strictly as a novel, i enjoyed it like i have enjoyed all other salvatore works, despite the fact that drizzt is very scarce in the book. BUT, looking at the book in regards to what it was supposed to do, i was disapointed. nothing is resolved in the book. i dont see the point of having made it a trilogy. if anything, the hunters blade trilogy seems like one long book leading up to something. im glad to see that the drizzt and co storyline will continue, but i got no closure from this book. little was contributed to the overall story. this is made even worse considering that salvatore is taking a possible 2 yr withdraw from the drizzt storyline to work on jarlaxle and artemis books. as a book it was an exciting read, but it dint deliver what it was supposed to. i am a huge fan of salvatore and it pains me to give this such a low score

*I will try to avoid giving any spoilers, as this book is worth the read simply for the sake of knowing the end of the Drizzt saga first hand. However, since I'll inevitably give a ton away anyway, dont read this until you've read the novel and formed your own opinions on the events which transpire within.

To be fair to The Two swords, the first half of the book "lived" right (4.5 to five stars) up to my expectations, with all the customary wit, intreuge, and flashing swords we have come to expect from Salvatore. I felt that this portion of the book carried on the series nicely, and set us all up for either a glorious defeat of the orc hordes and an alliance of the goodly folk of the Marches, or atleast a darring assasination of Oblould or Greti, setting back Grummsh's plans of conquest. I'm sorry to say we dont get either, or even an unlooked for way out (I was half expecting Kaer'lic's fears to turn out ture and Drizzt to be guided to vicotry by Lolth herself.). What we do get is an indesicive conclusion to what was otherwise a very strong series, and a disapointingly rushed one at that. While there where still some noteworthy moments in the later portion of the novel (with Drizzt's deafeat and Kazid'Hea's possesion of Delly Curtie), I found much of it to be simply page filling meteral and not very well thought out. Before I go on, let me explain my rationel for seeing Drizzt's defeat as a good thing. Quite simply, we've all seen him win enough time's to half convince us and the rest of Fearun that he is invincible. That is not so, nor should it be. In the FR, we have far to many perfect heros, undefeatable and righeous (cough cough, ELMINSTER!). By proving Drizzt not to be one of these, Salvatore demonstrates a noble goal, even if it wasn't brought to fruition as well as I'd have liked (If Dirzzt has to be beat, I'm sure you could have thought up a better way to bring it about then encasing the villian in perfect armor, and then making Drizzt drop his sword, I mean, the elfs been training with weapons for decades, he is not going to make a clumsy mistake like that, even if Obould has the strength of a god.) Back to my original rantings, I found the ending protion of the book to have the same rushed feeling about it as the end of the fith Harry Potter. If Salvatore had just taken 100 more pages to fill out Drizzt's reuniting with his old companions, maybe found a better way to reinterduce Obould after his apparent death, and given Inovinndil a better departure (all those elfie smiles for Dirzzt's happiness where a little much, even for one of the elder races.) So, for the end portion of the book, I award 2.5 to 3 stars. Averaged out, the total marks should be around 4 stars, but I thing that a books faults can override its strengths, so I'll give the Two Swords a 3.5, and since the store doesn't allow for half stars (ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD!!!!!), I must resign myself to awarding a three.

im very torn in regards to this book. looking at it strictly as a novel, i enjoyed it like i have enjoyed all other salvatore works, despite the fact that drizzt is very scarce in the book. BUT, looking at the book in regards to what it was supposed to do, i was disapointed. nothing is resolved in the book. i dont see the point of having made it a trilogy. if anything, the hunters blade trilogy seems like one long book leading up to something. im glad to see that the drizzt and co storyline will continue, but i got no closure from this book. little was contributed to the overall story. this is made even worse considering that salvatore is taking a possible 2 yr withdraw from the drizzt storyline to work on jarlaxle and artemis books. as a book it was an exciting read, but it dint deliver what it was supposed to. i am a huge fan of salvatore and it pains me to give this such a low score

*I will try to avoid giving any spoilers, as this book is worth the read simply for the sake of knowing the end of the Drizzt saga first hand. However, since I'll inevitably give a ton away anyway, dont read this until you've read the novel and formed your own opinions on the events which transpire within.

To be fair to The Two swords, the first half of the book "lived" right (4.5 to five stars) up to my expectations, with all the customary wit, intreuge, and flashing swords we have come to expect from Salvatore. I felt that this portion of the book carried on the series nicely, and set us all up for either a glorious defeat of the orc hordes and an alliance of the goodly folk of the Marches, or atleast a darring assasination of Oblould or Greti, setting back Grummsh's plans of conquest. I'm sorry to say we dont get either, or even an unlooked for way out (I was half expecting Kaer'lic's fears to turn out ture and Drizzt to be guided to vicotry by Lolth herself.). What we do get is an indesicive conclusion to what was otherwise a very strong series, and a disapointingly rushed one at that. While there where still some noteworthy moments in the later portion of the novel (with Drizzt's deafeat and Kazid'Hea's possesion of Delly Curtie), I found much of it to be simply page filling meteral and not very well thought out. Before I go on, let me explain my rationel for seeing Drizzt's defeat as a good thing. Quite simply, we've all seen him win enough time's to half convince us and the rest of Fearun that he is invincible. That is not so, nor should it be. In the FR, we have far to many perfect heros, undefeatable and righeous (cough cough, ELMINSTER!). By proving Drizzt not to be one of these, Salvatore demonstrates a noble goal, even if it wasn't brought to fruition as well as I'd have liked (If Dirzzt has to be beat, I'm sure you could have thought up a better way to bring it about then encasing the villian in perfect armor, and then making Drizzt drop his sword, I mean, the elfs been training with weapons for decades, he is not going to make a clumsy mistake like that, even if Obould has the strength of a god.) Back to my original rantings, I found the ending protion of the book to have the same rushed feeling about it as the end of the fith Harry Potter. If Salvatore had just taken 100 more pages to fill out Drizzt's reuniting with his old companions, maybe found a better way to reinterduce Obould after his apparent death, and given Inovinndil a better departure (all those elfie smiles for Dirzzt's happiness where a little much, even for one of the elder races.) So, for the end portion of the book, I award 2.5 to 3 stars. Averaged out, the total marks should be around 4 stars, but I thing that a books faults can override its strengths, so I'll give the Two Swords a 3.5, and since the store doesn't allow for half stars (ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD!!!!!), I must resign myself to awarding a three.

As a collective, I enjoyed the entire Hunters Blades Trilogy quite a bit, mostly due to the fact that this body of works has a slightly darker feel to it than Salvatores' past Realms novels. The battle scenes were described in excellent detail (as always), the introspectives with established characters was good (if a bit stale), and the introduction of new characters gave Salvatores corner of the Realms a bit more dimension. However, in The Two Swords, everything just seemed to end far too abruptly. As usual, the story was (obviously) left open for future novels, but it's just not like Bob to leave so many loose ends lying around. It felt to me that, ultimately, NOTHING was really resolved.

A good book that ended in a good way if this series wasn't a trilogy, but being the last of the three novels, I was a bit disappointed.

One more thing: for the love of all the gods that ever were, PLEASE kill Wulgar . . .again . . .for good this time.

This book had everything I look for in a Drizzt book- fast paced action, intrigue, suspense, and great fight scenes. It's great to see some of the characters together again and some cliffhangers with some of the characters. I was surprised to see a single negative review until I clicked on the reviewers "wish list". "Thirteen" is not on my wish list, and if that is your reading level, this book may be too sophisticated for you. Drizzt has some tough internal reflection to live through here as he battles with his Hunter self and his more surface elf-like personna. Obould has become a nemesis as significant as Entreri. You will love this book.

I have always been a huge RAS fan. But when this series ended and Breunor was on his deathbed, NAY was dead with absolutely NO WAY of coming back. Viola, he's back and he is alive! Wha-? Huh?? He was d e a d. DEAD. There should be no reason for him to miraculously survive. It made no sense other than RAS is afraid to kill/ maim his characters. Maybe he should read Paul S. Kemp or GRR Martin for a glimpse of good authors who are not afraid to kill their characters. What a collosal letdown.

As an individual character, Drizzt Do'Urden is as complicated as they come. The other main characters of this multi-trilogical series have all been well developed. What has always been lacking is the big picture.

On a small scale the characters are lovable, for both their faults as well as their strengths, which has been the cornerstone of the series. What has not been developed adequately is the inner workings of the global political system. The Hunter's Blade Trilogy nicely, and finally, paints the picture of the complex politcal system of the region, and sets the stage for a "New Age".

Although, at the tip of the sword was Mithral Hall, we see clearly how each city or citadel in the region reacts in a politcal way to the threat. It is a parallel, perhaps, to the real-world theater. The act of leaders taking different positions on the issue, and doing what each feels is in the best interest of their people or themselves is clearly defined. One such character is Lady Allustrial of Silvery Moon, whose beauty, grace, fairness, and good-nature have been crammed down our throats so much that we readers want her phone number. However when put to the test of doing what is right for her lands, or doing what is right for the region (which would include her lands) she takes choses her lands. It is not anything against her neighbors, but she certainly did not come to their aid until she had no choice.

I liken that choice to the choice of King Thayoden of Rohan in Lord Of The Rings, when he chooses to send his people to Helm's Deep instead of turning and facing the invaders head on. He was only doing what he felt was right for his people. In the end, he had no choice but to meet them head on.

The Fantasy Fiction Genre is always setting stages for new frontiers. Series like Star Trek and Star Wars, or Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms have always set major era changes, which welcome new characters, and new ways of thinking, often to the delight of the current reading generation. The Hunter'S Blade Series wraps up on kind of a anti-climax, but I think sets the stage for one of these "New Ages". In the near-future Salvatore novels, I think we will see exactly where this leaves-us-hanging trilogy is meant to take us.

To place Salvatore in perspective with another fantasy writer who loves to leave you hanging, J K Rowling's Harry Potter: And The Half-Blood Prince leaves you hanging with more questions than answers, setting the stage for the final novel. This is exactly why I love Bob Salvatore's work, and look forward to the next trilogy of Drizzt and his friends.

When I read my first Salvatore novel(s) a couple of years ago I was, honestly, less than impressed. I was never a big fantasy fiction fan outside of Tolkien's works and my forays into Dungeons and Dragons as a student. But a friend had insisted I read the Icewind Dale trilogy so to please him (shut him up, really), I consented and dug in. The books were O.K. Then I read the next trilogy, much to my surprise and again at the insistence of the aforementioned friend. I found these next three works to be quite an improvement over the first three and yes, you guessed it, I went on to read the next trilogy and all subsequent Drizzt books after that. I must admit, I was hooked. I suppose I was lucky in that I became a fan recently and was able to read many of the books back-to-back without having to await a publish date; up until the Hunter's Blade trilogy, that is. Now I must wait like the rest of Mr. Salvatore's readers for each and every opus. So naturally, my expectations were higher than most folk's for "The Two Swords", since I actually was forced to sit for the year between it and "The Lone Drow". And I must say, the author did not disappoint this go around. "The Two Swords " was fun-filled and action-packed. Mr. Salvatore's writing and style have improved much throughout the years. His talent for character development and obvious love of "casting against type" (drow rangers; dwarf druids) make this final chapter in the Hunter's Blade trilogy a very enjoyable read. Drizzt's "internalizations" at the beginning of each book part are tremendously well-done and offer unique insights into the mind of a unique, albeit unlikely, hero. I found this book to be a fitting and fascinating end to another great trilogy from a writer for whom I've grown very fond. And now the next long wait begins...

I have to say, I have loved almost all of the Drizzt books, and even the spin-off novels. Some are better than others, true, as is the case with all authors. This series, which focuses around Drizzt's and friends' dealings with an unusually powerful orc king (who is actually an old nemesis of the dwarves), is a very good addition to the series. Packed with action, cliff-hangers, and a couple very good villains, this series has it all, and the final book is no exception.

The characterizations are nop-notch, as usual, with some frighteningly savage outcomes for some secondary characters. Concluding the series with his usual flair, R.A.S. brings dark elf Drizzt (again) from the brink of self-loathing and hopelessness back into the light...pun intended, on a few levels. Much of the North gets pulled along with the waxing and waning of the dark elf's mood.

Though I can see how some would tire of Drizzt's see-saw bipolar outlook, Salvatore's flare for writing about these nuances never cease to amaze me - he manages to keep them fresh, despite their obvious reoccurences. That said, I think it's getting time to let the poor elf have a NICE time with his buds for a change!

I look forward to the next series, which is hinted at throughout this series - the hunt for the lost dwarven kingdom that daddy Bruenor thinks will save the Northlands once and for all, while also lending one more adventure to the old dwarf's ledger.

I also own and have read and reread all of the dark elf books and love this character. This book was a real let down as far as an ending, and the character was really dull at the end. You expected so much more from Drizzt and from Rob that i wish he had put more time into this. Hopefully he can put the zap back into his character before the next book. SPOILER>>>>> also upset that the book flap review hinting that Drizzt would have to choice between life and death when the scene never got that much energy. this was a big let down!!

Ok, same old story I'm a big fan sense Icwind Dale Trilogy yada yada yada...Loved the first two books, couldn't wait for this one. What a let down! Nothing was accomplished, no loose ends tied up. The only reason it got a three star rating was the fact it did surprise me. The surprise was I really wasn't expecting NOTHING to happen in this book. The fight scenes were ok. They felt kind of rushed through, especially the big end fight scene, only one page long. Maybe RAS was tired of the good guys always winning at the end of the books. Personally I don't care if the bad guys would have won, but nobody winning c'mon.

Who says that they are tired of a story and that they plan on walking away from the books for a while, and leave two armies ready to fight right next to each other. A person trying to cash in on the next book of drizzt, when he decides we have waited long enough. Now don't get me wrong. I love RAS, I have all his books in Hard Back, but I think he let us down in this book.

Let me preface this review by saying that several of RA Salvatore's works have been some of the best books I've ever read. So it's hard to see him produce such an uninspired work that could have been written for a freshman creative writing course. The beautiful imagery and rich character development that are such a trademark of his novels and makes them so entertaining is completely absent in the Two Swords. Even his beautifully narrated fight scenes have regressed into mind numbing hack-and-slash. It seems like it was written simply to fulfill a contractual obligation. Frankly I'd rather send him $25 and not have him write something like this.

I'm giving this book 3 stars because it is average. It is better than a lot of crap coming out but still not as good as Salvatores past work.

Most of the negative reviews have been pretty close to the way I feel.

When the series first began most readers were close to the main characters. I actually cared what happened to them, however it's hard to really get into a story when no matter what happens you know that the main characters won't be hurt.

I think others have pointed out that the main characters are invincible. Right now I cared more about secondary characters more than the main ones.

I think it's too late for Salvatore to do anything about it. So many readers and reviewers feel this way and have pointed it out that if he did kill off a main character I think most of us would just say he did it to appease us (the readers). It's a darned if you do darned if you don't at this point.

I read in another review of his books that said he should do a book based in the future and following Drizzt. Say 100 or 200 years when many of the main characters would be dead.

I personally think that is a great idea or that he should take a page from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman and do a Next Generation series. That would be worth reading.

I have to agree with most every one....this was terribly lame.

R.A. Salvatore is an excellent writer and this was just not on par.

Its great to read about the gang from the spine of the world.

I can hardley wait till the next book comes out. But after this one..... well i hope he takes a much needed break. mabey write about the guys from the Servant of tha shard again?

Any how if another book comes out on Drizzt, heh ill buy it, but not with the anticipation I used to have.

in this book, nothing realy happens...i dont the there is even a decent part involving one of the main charaters. the supporting secondary charaters stories are good though.

well hope to see more from R.A. Salvatore just hope he gets the break he needs before it comes out.

Absolutely horrible ending to this series which wasn't very good to begin with.

There was a time when RAS used to be one of the most enthralling writers in the Fantasy genre. Now he's become stale, he rehashes old plots, and all of the main characters are invincible.

One can only hope that RAS can revert back to his older style. And let's hope that happens sometime soon.

Compared to the Grisham, Patterson et al books I read this was a great book. It blows away Ludlum and so many other authors. So why whine because he didn't pick YOUR anticipated ending? By the way, I don't play D&D but I think Obould is in it and therefore cannot be killed yet in a Forgotten realms book.

This was an awesome book even by RAS standards. I mean you get DEEP into his character (Drizzt) and emotions. And there is a lot going on here in many sub plots. Some characters die, some find themselves, there are huge battle scenes. I loved it.

If you want a new RAS book with new characters read "the Highwayman". It was incredible. Or pick up the Demon Awakens series, but don't whine if a character that you love dies. RAS has no problem killing off characters, but we are reading about the life and adventures of Drizzt here. So I doubt Drizzt will die in this series.

Highly recommended.

The Two Swords is a grander scope than most of RA Salvatore's companions of the Hall books. It deals with both enormous external stuggles (The Orc Horde, sacking of Nesme, Prominent Dwarves deaths) as well as the internal ones (What it means to be an Elf, Love and Prejudice). There are many issues that are not resolved to this concluding book but it just sets us up for more in the future. No one brings forth a good villian the way that Bob can, and Obould fits the bill nicely. Gerti and her Frost Giants lend further credibility to the enemy. I was up till 2 in the morning finishing this one, and wanted to keep going, just to see that there were no more pages to turn.

Dennis Clark

this has been the most satisfying drizzt series i've read. why? because the big guy wins finally. you know who i mean. the most interesting character in FR...Obould Many-Arrows. he wins. the orcs finally win one. and its about damn time. why shouldn't the orcs have a nation of their own? why can't the progress as a people? finally those pompous dwarfs--and i love Bruenor as much as anyone--and those uppity elves get a kick in their teeth. Obould is doing something great and i'm excited to see it.

Once again Drizzt runs through impossible obstacles in invincibility mode. I've read many of Salvatores works and it's just more of the same. He keeps creating new stories for his bread and butter character which have grown so stale that were at one time creative nd suspenseful. Drizzt always comes out on top. Wulfgar is always torn between the same emotions that he only knows how to deal with in his barbarian rage. If this is your first venture into Salvatore's world you may enjoy it. But long time readers are likely to be bored with the same old same old. Read War of the spider queen book one instead. It's actually versatile, creative, and multidimensional; what a good fantasy book should be. Note: I am referring to the entire trilogy no just book 3.

Nothing happened in these three books other than me spending money. Something needs to change here and I hope the new ones bring on the change. Orcs? We are talking about a group of people that beat demons and a city of drow and dragons, etc. But they are at a stalemate with orcs? Not good. And NOTHING comes to a conclusion other than a few minor storylines. Could Salvatore be out of ideas with these group of adventurers? I hope not but this trilogy has left me with much doubt.

With this series, Salvatore has become incredibly stale. His storylines have become incredibly predictable. In order for me to maintain interest in Salvatore's currently very bland work, he NEEDS to kill off one or a few of the main characters. The near-death teases are ridiculous because you already know that the character isn't going to die.

Reading some of these reviews I find it hard to believe so many people have called this book predictable. Predictable would have been if Drizzt would have killed Obould. Predictable would have been Drizzt returning to Mithral Hall with Kazidhea instead of the surviving drow running off with it. I could go on but you get my point. I think people were more disapointed because the book spent and in fact this trilogy spent more time than it probably should in developing Drizztz's character. That is the only flaw I could see, but overall an excellent story and well worth the read.

Remember - there is no great hero without a great villain! Gone are the days of Matron Baenre, Llolth, Zak, the Underdark, dragons, the shard, Entreri, etc... We need more than an Orc with great armor! That was awful! I mean - give me Ellifain's superElf brother or something!

Salvatore is a great writer but has failed to come with a good idea to breathe new life into his stories about Drizzt and his company. Much like Jordan - the books seem to go nowhere. Whether it is writing a book a hundred years into the future, including Cadderly or maybe some other forgotten realms characters, or another trip to the underdark - he has to do something which will break the monotony of what we are becoming used to: one of the main characters thinks another is dead, he/she gets pissed and kills everyone, a reunion with the main characters....

Pathetic, heinous, despicable. These are just a few of the words that come to mind in describing this "concluding" book to the trilogy. A friend and I were discussing how it might end just after the second book in the trilogy came out and basically nailed it. The only part we missed was O'bould dying. I don't mind giving spoilers here because there is nothing to spoil. Why orcs anyway. The great invincible Drizzt loses to an orc of all things. He suddenly turns into a helpless novice simply to allow O'bould to live so Salvatore doesn't have to think up a new story whenever he gets back to Drizzt. How it is possible to write 300 words of nothing is beyond me. I own every book Salvatore has written on Drizzt and it is no longer his strong point. He needs to get back to his roots and write about evil Drow. If he never comes back to Drizzt, I could care less. I may be able to forgive him if he finally writes the series that Jarlaxle and Entreri so deserve. They are infinitely more interesting than Drizzt, Drizzta, Drizztb Drizztc etc. Hopefully he will ditch the Drizzt diaries also. How many times can you rewrite the same thing? Apparently quite a few.....

There are a few spoilers in this review but it is nothing that you would not have figured out from the other reviews of the Hardcover edition. However, I will mark any paragraph with spoilers if it has any.

Most of what has been written about the book in the Hardcover edition is pretty much true. On one hand, you do have some character growth in the form of Buenor actually acting somewhat like a king than in previous books. Regis, for the few times he actually appears, is a lot more calm and settled than he was when he first appeared.

However, most of it is the same old, same old. Drizzt is still engaged in a lot of navel gazing when he isn't chewing through the enemy as an unstoppable force. Catti Brie is moving back towards her usual "Which one do I love?" persona. Wulfgar....Well, he twirls a hammer a lot.

[Spoilers]

A few secondary characters die without much comment, chief among them is Dellie. Her death is long expected as, after playing her part in Wulfgar's redemption, it is as if R.A. Salvadore had no idea what to do with her. Wulfgar's almost complete lack of reaction to her death would be callous if it were not representative of how little she was actually developed.

[End spoilers.]

In the end, we are left with nothing much having changed from the end of the second book and that might be the most intriguing development of all. One of the reasons that I don't read much in the way of Forgotten Realms books is that they are always pretty much the same. A great evil arises, heroes band together, evil loses a god/kingdom/a whole mess of wizards (with the attendant loss of henchmen), and that's that. In fact, back in college, I commented that, given Evil's track record, how noone with a survival instinct would become evil in this world.

With this book, evil, for once, has not been neatly defeated. Obould's kingdom is still going strong at the end of the books. If the authors of the Forgotten Realms novels really wanted to write something new and different, they would incorporate this into their novels and not just as an excuse to have orcs to bash. Instead, have the leaders have to gradually deal with the kingdom. Perhaps have Obould become a civilizing influence (as he already has to a degree). Examples abound as to how this could be written ranging from the Zentraedi Control Zone from the Robotech Universe to the very real world example of Israel being surrounded by the various Arabic nations. Introduce some shades of grey into the situation (If Obould's orcs do stop and actually settle the land to build their own life, is it really "good" to slaughter them?).

While nothing new was really written in this trilogy, there is potential for a new and fresh perspective to be brought to the world of Forgotten Realms than the usual "same old..." that has plagued these books for years.

I don't write reviews that often, but this book compared to other RAS books was horrible at best. It took me over a year just to read it because I got bored so easily with it, and if it weren't for my overseas flights I probably would have never finished it. The fight scenes were a dull read, which typically are the most enthralling piece. I've read The Dark Elf Trilogy, Crystal Shard series, etc., so I have some ground to get a comparison off of his previous writings. It just seemed to me there was no excitement in this book that kept me from putting it down, instead I just wanted to read it, finish it, then drop it off at the used bookstore.

After reading all of Mr.Salvatore's books, and waiting eagerly for the next of drizzt's adventures, I was a little disappointed with the new book. The story started off fairly well with the first couple of chapters, but later nothing seemed to have happened in the book. I kind of felt bob was stretching the story to fill 300+ pages. Nevertheless, for loyal fans of salvatores work this is the kind of book which would make us wait for the next one. I would have given five stars had something more decisive had happened between drizzt,bree and wulfgar.

If you started out reading earlier volumes of R A's work featuring Drizzt and loved them then you may well be disappointed with his work on this trilogy and any future works. I myself will never pickup another book written by R.A. as his work has become horrible and a labor to read completely through.

I was very much let down by the conclusion of this book. Nothing becomes resolved except long, drawn out reunion of the companions. I think that Salvatore has to either return Drizzt to his roots of the greatest warrior in the realms or just let him fade away. How long can readers follow his exploits when he is constantly brought down by orcs and goblins after hearing how he defeated demons and dragons? I cannot begin to explain my sorrow at having bought this book in hardcover when it is hardly worth the paperback price. I own every book Rob has ever written but this is the first I have ever felt betrayed afterwards. Please let him learn the error of his ways soon before I move on and find more interesting tales to follow.

Bob has delivered an extremely good read, a solid, entertaining story, populated with familiar faces and brand new characters. Even in the midst of action and adventure, blood and gore, deception, intrigue, and monumental battles, there is a look into the emotions driving Drizzt and the companions, another level of the story.

The ending answers many questions, and presents many new ones. Bob expertly lays the groundwork for many novels to come. It is what his readers have come to expect from the master storyteller.

The Drizzt series has been a favorite of mine since i read the lone drow. I read all the others up to this point in about a year, and they were good reads. Now though, Salvatore just needs to get on with it and actually make something happen. This book, and the two before it, are incredibly slow and boring, as none of the villains have any depth and are basically there to annoy Drizzt and the gang. I also dislike the invincibility that all the main characters seem to possess. Just kill Bruenor or Catti-brie or someone please, it might accidentally spice things up a bit.

I preordered this autographed book from the RASalvatore.com site and I finally finished it last week. I can only say that I am deeply disappointed with this book. There is no conclusion to this trilogy. I feel like this book is just about Obould. There is no struggle for Drizzt other than trying to rescue a pegasus. The introduction of Innovodil was in part that Drizzt had another love interest. Anyways I just wanted to say the book could have been better. SHOULD have been better.

While I think its about time Drizzt was with a female, not Cattie-Brie! I have not ever liked her from The Crystal Shard! And besides, she's human and like what? 40 years old or so? Hey, she will be an old woman in another 30 years and Drizzt will just finally be an adult elf at about 100. Do us a favor R.A. and set Drizzt up somebody half-elven at least. Then they at least have a chance at some sort of relationship. You could play on the fact that half-elves have trouble being accepted in both human and elven worlds. I just say again, NOT Cattie-Brie!

Not one of R.A's best but a good read. The only disappointment was the lack of closure that you would expect form a final book in a trilogy, but he does a masterful job in setting up his next trilogy. Unless you are a diehard fan like me wait for the paperback and save some money

This book was awesome. It had great battle's, and suspense. It wasn't as good as some of R.A. Salvatore's other books but it was still better than the average fantasy book published. The ending left you with a cliff hanger not really knowing how the situation was going to end. That was really the only thing that bothered me. However, it just left the story open for future books and my faviorate characters.

Perhaps this was not the best Drizzt saga but it was far from disappointing. All the little side stories and subplots roll together into a fun, fun trilogy.

The ending was a little disappointing but certainly sets up a new set of books with several possible, entertaining enemies. Not to mention problems for Mithral Hall.

The plot of this book is basically the same as the previous six or seven books based on Drizzt and co, and while the first Drizzt books were great it's getting really old. Drizzt has angst, drizzt runs away, drizzt faces his enemy... sound familiar? I also cannot figure out the point of the trilogy, the situation at the end of the book is basically the same as the situation at the beginnng, nothing has been resolved. What was the point of all those hundreds of pages? I'm still guessing. Overall not worth reading.

This is a bland tale with no suspense or unpredictability whatsoever. It has become obvious with Drizzt books that RAS is only now writing them for money and not for actual content. and for god's sake, kill somebody already!

The Two Swords by R. A. Salvatore is the latest edition to the companions of the hall series. I have been a fan of the companions since the beginning. I devoured icewind dale, the dark elf series and so on. However I do not understand how anyone could give this book or for that matter the complete Hunters Blades trilogy more than one or two stars. In my opinion things started going south in passage to dawn with the return of wulfgar. He was dead, long dead and should have stayed dead. However I remained a loyal fan and eagerly anticipated the books that followed. That is, up until I read the thousand orcs, then on to the horrendous lone drow and now finally the dreadful two swords. I suppose I keep reading the series hoping that Salvatore will do something dramatic, like kill off a main character and keep him/her dead. I hope it's Bilbo, I mean Frodo, I mean Regis.

I don't even know where to begin with this atrocity. How many times is a main character going to survive a cave in or a tower falling on them or a huge giant thrown boulder taking them down? It's just silly. How many times is wulfgar going to jump out in the midst of a thousand enemies and make it back in descent shape? Once again silly and unbelievable. Wulfgar may be tougher than stone but he is human and without any real magic to support his attacks.

One of the main themes in this book, actually it seems to be the theme, is Drizzts belief that his companions are dead and how returning to mithril hall in the wake of their demise will make him feel. Throughout the novel Drizzt is hovering around the Hall but does not go in. Some may say that is just how Drizzt operates in situations like this. Hanging around on the outskirts looking for that target of opportunity---Obould in this case. But weren't all or most of the dwarves of the hall his friends, was it not his duty as a friend and ally to report to the dwarves. Perhaps seeing him alive and well would give them more hope. Also, with all the spying would he have not heard the mention of King Bruenor's return to the battlefield from at least one orc? In fact, Bruenor was the only companion of the hall whose death he had any real evidence of. He just assumed the rest were dead but that is silly as well. Why would he be so worried, even if they were dead couldn't he just go retrieve their souls like with wulfgar. Oh but that was different, wasn't it? Finally, drizzt comes two steps away from entering the hall but instead decides to follow a host of frost giants in the hopes of rescuing a pegasus for his new elf girlfriend. I think that could have waited five minutes. Oh but drizzt just wasn't ready to deal with the confirmation of his beliefs regarding his friends----whatever. So he tracks these giants all the way up to their wintry mountain abode and along the way does not find a single opportunity to free the pegasus, yet he arrives at their fortress and thinks he can waltz into the place and back out with a flying horse in tow----absolutely ridiculous.

I could go on and on about this tremendously awful novel but I will not so let me conclude with a review of other reviews. I read a number of the 4 and 5 star reviews of this book hoping that I would find one with some substance. There were none. I would just like to point out a couple that said something more than, "Another Gem" or "Fantastic book."

Reviewer:Jared Garrett

The Two Swords by R.A. Salvatore is the final book in the Hunter's Blades Trilogy. It is a well written examination of the Hunter (Drizz't) and his relationship with his blades... or in other words, of how Drizz't has chosen to deal with the world around him. Readers know that Obould, the orc king, is a powerful new enemy, so we will not go there in this review. However, it is possible that Salvatore has created his best villain ever here. Obould has almost transcended base evil and is practically living on a higher plane of existence. The question is not "How do we kill him?" but is rather "Can and should he be killed?" Salvatore leads us to interesting questions and answers throughout this book. However, the action is still strong and vivid, the characters continue as believable and beloved, and the reader is sucked in quickly. The stakes are high, both on the kingdom level and the personal level, for all those involved.

First of all, how is Obould anywhere near Salvatore's greatest villain ever? Obould is worthless and popped up out of nowhere. Have you read any of the other books? What about Jarlaxle and Artemis or any other villainous character? Obould is a joke. Second, "Can and should he be killed?" What? Everyone wanted to kill Obould even some of his supposed allies. This statement makes no sense. Third, please show me where there are interesting questions and answers in the book because I don't remember any. Finally, as I have already mentioned the characters are no longer believable. They can not die, nothing can kill them. Not even 50,000 orcs and a god-like orc king.

Reviewer:Mary A. Feinberg

This was an awesome book even by RAS standards. I mean you get DEEP into his character (Drizzt) and emotions. And there is a lot going on here in many sub plots. Some characters die, some find themselves, there are huge battle scenes. I loved it.

If you want a new RAS book with new characters read "the Highwayman". It was incredible. Or pick up the Demon Awakens series, but don't whine if a character that you love dies. RAS has no problem killing off characters, but we are reading about the life and adventures of Drizzt here. So I doubt Drizzt will die in this series.

Ok, there is nothing even remotely DEEP in this book. Drizzt just wanders around whining about his lost friends and wondering if he knows what it's really like to be an elf---how lame. Alright some minor characters do die, one of which should have never been created to begin with. Huge battle scenes---so what. They were great to begin with but now they have become to long and drawn out. They are more of a crutch for Salvatore than anything else. Finally, Salvatore did kill off some main characters in the Demon Wars series, but this is not the Demon Wars series. I don't want to see Drizzt die but someone has to go.

Salvatore has either lost his edge and is only out for financial gain or has lost interest in this particular series. I tend to believe the former especially when considering the second demon wars trilogy. The first trilogy was marvelous. Mortalis and Ascendance were even pretty good, however the final two installments were worthless and the conclusion was pure garbage. Mommy and Daddy saved their boy---man that was some crap.

I've come to the conclusion that all of Salvatore's creations leave as many questions unanswered as ends tied up. LOL! At least he keeps his details fairly straight. But I suspect it'll be another year before we hear anything else from Drizzt - his most recent release seems to be about our friends Entreri and Jarlaxle.

I've read every Drizzt book. Even though overall I enjoyed reading this book, I found that it lacked something. I grew tired of reading about how the dwarves killed countless orcs.

I thought it was disappointing that no resolution between Drizzt and King Obold took place. Out of all the Drizzt books, I think I least liked this book.

This is a bland tale with no suspense or unpredictability whatsoever. It has become obvious with Drizzt books that RAS is only now writing them for money and not for actual content. and for god's sake, kill somebody already!

Read this if you read the first two in the series, then you'll be done. More stories of Drizzt and all his friends. I find this to be some of the better of R.A. Salvatore's Forgotten Realms work. I finished it in 2 days.

Wow...

I am a great fan of all of Salvatore's work, but this by far is the best of the Hunter's Blade trilogy.

The book brings out the best in Salvatore's style: the suspence, the amazing battlefield description, andm what everyone loves in a book, the love story.

R.A. Salvatore has outdone himself. I couldn't put the book down. I continue now to read the new books coming out of the story of Drizzt, Artemis, and the rest. I almost hope that the story of Drizzt and the others does not end!

Reading some of these reviews I find it hard to believe so many people have called this book predictable. Predictable would have been if Drizzt would have killed Obould. Predictable would have been Drizzt returning to Mithral Hall with Kazidhea instead of the surviving drow running off with it. I could go on but you get my point. I think people were more disapointed because the book spent and in fact this trilogy spent more time than it probably should in developing Drizztz's character. That is the only flaw I could see, but overall an excellent story and well worth the read.

Bob has delivered an extremely good read, a solid, entertaining story, populated with familiar faces and brand new characters. Even in the midst of action and adventure, blood and gore, deception, intrigue, and monumental battles, there is a look into the emotions driving Drizzt and the companions, another level of the story.

The ending answers many questions, and presents many new ones. Bob expertly lays the groundwork for many novels to come. It is what his readers have come to expect from the master storyteller.