Book I (The Legend of Drizzt 14) - The Hunter's Blades Trilogy

I am of two minds on this book. On the one hand, Drizzt Do'Urden, my favorite character ever, is back; alive and well. His perils and trials are as potent as ever, and his scimitars as keen. With his companions by his side, all seems right with the world.
But deep in the mountains the orcs have formed an alliance with the frost giants, spurred on by the wicked minds of several drow, and disaster awaits for those who stumble upon them unknowingly.
As Drizzt and his friends fall deeper into shadows, it looks as though this time they may not all make it out alive.
I loved the characters, as always, and I'm glad that we have a chance to revisit the bouldershoulder brothers.
I was a little surprised at the fact that Drizzt was still agonizing over Ellifain. I understand why he feels a bit responsilbe, even though he's not, but it seems like he's taking it just a little to far to me.
The time spent in Mirabar was a little tedious, and could have been shortened, but on the whole, I think this book was fairly well balanced.
But back at the beginning, I said I was of two minds. Well, I liked this book, but I'm not sure that all of my feelings for it came from this book itself. I think a lot of the reason I liked this book so much was because I had read the books before it. If this was my first meeting with Drizzt and the others.... I'm not sure that I would have really cared as much.
This book was definitely not as strong as the Icewind Dale trilogy, or the Dark Elf trilogy, or the Legacy of the Drow either. But, it was much better than the last four books, so I am hopeful for the next 2.
So, all in all, this book was pretty good, and I'm hoping Salvatore can pick up where he left off here, take the story, and run with it.
Welcome back Drizzt!

First off I must say that Salvatores masterpiece is the Icewind Dale Trilogy. That is hands down his finest work with Drizzt. The Dark Elf Trilogy is, in my humble opinion not worth the paper it is printed on. This, book, 'The Thousand Orcs' (which by the way is a bit of an underestimate and misleading) seems to be a return to his winning ways. The characters have grown, they have had trials and been changed by them. This sets up really mature interaction among our adventurers. Salvatore is at least a writer who keeps continuity at the forefront. He doesn't just introduce a new development in one novel only to forget about it in the next. So it is neat to see the conflicts that the characters new entanglements produce. What is also nice about this book and Salvatore in general, is the fact that he does like to surprise the reader. And that is a hard thing to do when the themes fantasy novels have been pretty much done to death. I probably need not say that Salvatore handles the action superbly. Or need I mention that the books are action packed and fun? No...good.
My only complaint really is the title. It is more than a thousand orcs, more by a lot. And it isn't just orcs. I don't quite understand that.

This story is the best book I've ever read in my life! The story just keeps you wanting to know more about the characters, their past, and what is to come. R.A. Salvatore does a great job of describing the details. It makes an image that, no matter how hard you try you will never forget. The characters are awkwardly realistic. Though I am not done with the book, I am on page 257, and I hope to finish it in the next week or so. This is the first book I've read in this line of books, but I will definitely read the sequel, and after that, the sequel to the sequel. And then I will start reading more of this great man's work. This great novel will have you not just on the edge of your seat, but falling off your seat. Like when Catti-brie's had a near-death experience, I was scared that she might die. But, I read and read never moving, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. This is a very very compelling book. So compelling that I never let the book out of my sight, always waiting for a time I could read. This is a great book and I can't force you to buy it, but it's a novel that you might want to think twice about before forgetting about this review

Whenever an author has written an extended series of books about the same characters, there is always inclusion of a period of introduction (or reminders) of significant events. This is mainly for new readers of the series. For those who have read the previous works, this can be tedious. Such is the case for this book. However, without being cumbersome, Salvatore managed to hit the major events in the characters' lives to illuminate some of their motivations. The problem is that there are a good many characters that require this, so it seems to take a while.
As with all of the books in this series, there are great combat action sequences. The gist of the story is that there are numerous orcs and giants uniting in the north to menace the goodly races (human, dwarf, elf). This happens as the companions are returning to Mithral Hall for Bruenor to reclaim his crown. They are diverted from this course to avenge the deaths of those early victims of the orc/giant alliance. This diversion leads the companions into significant danger, with Wulfgar acting as counselor to Catti-Brie at one point. This and the event that precipitated it give some conflict and depth to her character which persists the rest of the novel. Regis continues acting contrary to his early ways, and his inner reasons for this are discussed. Drizzt, meanwhile, is Drizzt, narrating the book through section introductions. He does not play any larger a part than the other characters, though he does shine as per his usual.
There is significant inclusion of previous Salvatore characters, not only those originally from this series, as the Dwarven brothers from the Cleric Quintet appear. New characters are also introduced, on both sides of the conflict. Salvatore manages to weave political intrigue into the mix, again on both sides, to great effect.
The climactic battle of this novel occurs in the defense of a remote village against the evil hordes. This takes a good portion of the end of the novel, but it flies past. Facing insurmountable odds, the companions battle on. Humor even finds its way into the mix before all is done.
As the title of this review indicates, I thought that the book started slow, but this was mostly due to the introductory process I noted earlier. The several segregated storylines are united in the end to a satisfying conclusion. I truly think that this book will appeal to both new and established readers of the series. And trust me, you, like me, will be dismayed that another year will pass before the next book in the series is released.

This book marked my first excursion into R.A. Salvatore's literature, and I must say that I liked what I saw. While I am only passingly familiar with the Drizzt stories, Salvatore provided enough backstory in certain places for me to at least get the picture.
For those of you expecting an epic battle between Drizzt and an army of humanoids, you'll be a little disappointed. Although the thousand orcs do appear, for the most part Drizzt has the benefit of his companions and doesn't really face a whole army until very late in the book.
However, this book stands on its own very well despite not giving the action that the title and cover art promised. This is a story about change, and how each of Drizzt's company deals with it. Each of the characters are going through their own trials: Bruenor is returning to Mithral Hall as king and is desperately searching for one last adventure, Wulfgar must balance his warrior spirit with a newfound family, Regis is striving to become a more useful and essential part of the company after a brush with death, and Cattie-Brie and Drizzt are encountering several snares in their relationship. Salvatore's characters are very well done and come across as very human, with their own strengths and failings.
As an added bonus, I discovered that Salvatore was a superb writer when it comes to non-human races. His story features orcs, drow, giants, dwarves, halflings, and elves, and they all come off as a part of their own race. A typical fantasy novel usually treats dwarves as small bearded humans, elves as pointy-eared and arrogant but woodsy people, and so on. The differences between the various Forgotten Realms races really come out here.
The writing occasionally stumbles and the plot becomes a bit predictable near the end of the story, but overall R.A. Salvatore did a wonderful job here in detailing very interesting characters and putting them into a very good starting story for this trilogy.

The Thousand Orcs is another book in the neverending saga of Drizzt Do'Urden and his companions. While at times Salvatore has seemed to be on autopilot with these characters this latest book feels fresh and continues the evolution of these people we have come to know and love.
For those that enjoy AD&D, Salvatore has always been the best writer to translate that world into prose. This time around the companions are faced with the challenge of defending areas of the Savage Frontier from attack by a large force of Orcs (if that wasn't obvious from the title).
The pacing of the book is quick. Events never seem forced, instead evolving logically from one to another. Salvatore juggles the story between his cast of familiar characters and does it well. The novel doesn't have the dark tone of his recent books. The companions have passed through hard times and are reunited to face this new threat.
The ending seems to be a bit of a stretch, but it does send the characters in a new direction that will make for interesting reading in upcoming books.

Having read the first three series in the tales of Drizzt, some of which were published 16 years ago when I was just starting college and still playing AD&D, I find it hard to believe Salvatore has published sooo many books on the Dark Elf, and I find it hard to believe it's been so long since the Crystal Shard came out. While Salvatore is no Tolkien, Salvatore is a writer who does come up with some decent plot lines and some fun characters. Having said that, let's look at some of the elements of this novel.

Plot: Not bad. Overall solid, as the things the characters are doing make logical sense. A band of Orcs, allied with Frost Giants and advised by some renegade Drow elves, are attacking outposts throughout the North. Drizzt and his friends become involved and the story takes off from there. The book is full of action and realistic violence (battles are violent by nature) and this is an area where Salvatore excels.

Character development: Salvatore doesn't develop characters like Charles Dickens, but if you expect that sort of thing you shouldn't be reading Salvatore! The characters may be somewhat thin, but they are fun to read about. Personally I love Drizzt and his friends, and you will too (if you are reading this review you probably have read some of the books in the series).

Overall this book is a good 3.5 Stars. Salvatore knows how to get the action going, and he does so almost immediately in this novel, the first of the series. Like I said earlier, it's not Tolkien, it's not Dickens, but that doesn't mean it's not good in it's own right, which it certainly is. If you like action, adventure and fantasy, they you can't really go wrong with this novel.

Perhaps I have grown to expect more from my favorite characters. This book is not very engrossing. Its a fair introduction to the next book maybe. I am simply not compelled by it.
Perhaps if this is your first RAS book, you will enjoy it. But for me it was just another story in a different setting with new characters, that did not compare in character or plot depth to stories RAS already wrote about the lead characters.
I get the impression he tries to do some things in this book which the editors prohibited, and so he hastily changed the plot in places. He has fixated on the ends, and so much less detail on the means. As if he had a skeleton outline, but needs to put another layer of flesh on it.
Maybe its because I'm not scared of a pack of orcs. Simply not worthy enemies for the Companions of the Hall.
Take notice, this is not RAS best work.
If you have never read about these characters, its still a good introduction. If you have and want to see them again, still a good read. But stick with a used paperback copy :)

This, like all of RA Salvatores books, it well written. It is a bit tedious at the start, mostly for the benefit of new readers with paragraphs of explanation of previous events but once you're past all that it is a great book that pulls you along. In this book the charachters, Drizzt, Cati-Brie, Wulfgar, Burenor, and Regis are all facing things. Drizzt is being Drizzt and fighting to protect others, he is again and again reminded of why he left his birthplace. Cati-Brie is faced with the fact that she is mortal, and it terrifies her. Wulfgar is dealing with life, wife and kid. Bruenor is heading home, to Mithril Hall to again be King and is searching for a last Hurrah. And Regis is trying to make himself useful, he's always reminded that if he didnt have such powerful friends he would be dead and he's trying to pay them back in his own little ways.
And ontop of each's inner battles is the threat of a thousand Orcs (hint hint the title) and a clan of Giants are running wild in the Spine of the World just as Bruenor (looking for an adventure) is going home. There is some political intrigue, a few guest appearances, and plenty of fighting to sate your appetite.
I recomend this book, its exciting and just continuing Salvatores long list of good reads.

The Thousand Orcs picks up where the Paths of Darkness trilogy left off with the fabulous five searching for the lost great mining city of Bruenors elders when trouble arises in the form of orc and giant raiding parties. The five friends soon change course and start to investigate along the way warning all those in the area of the danger. A few small skirmishes and one rather large one leads them to the town of Shallows. This is where the book climaxes into a very intense epic size battle that will keep you flipping pages way into the night.

While this is a solid main plot the two subplots are lacking to the point of boredom. One is the dwarves of Mirabar wanting to join Mithril Hall with their own kin. Second is the downfall of Salvatore and that is the story of Ivan and Pikel Bouldershoulder. The chapters that include the dwarven brothers can be completely skipped because they do not advance the storyline at all until they meet up with Regis and Pwent. This crossing of novels although in the Forgotten Realms is annoying at best. Please Bob in the future leave the hyper green dwarf and his cold shouldered brother with Cadderly and have them live happily ever after.

The heroes although fascinating and fun need some help from Salvatore to advance the storyline of the five heroes, 20 years of writing and not too much has changed. There is still the tiresome love story between Drizzt and Catti-Brie with no advancement in sight because they still act like teenagers instead of adults. Then there is Wulfar who died (Icewind Dale Trilogy) when really he was only captured by a demon (Paths of Darkness Trilogy) to becoming a father and getting married (Paths of Darkness Trilogy), however still remains on the road of adventure with his friends upon his "wifes" request to do so and leave her behind. That is one huge stretch in character building so although we love Wulgar I think the man that has developed the most in these novels needs to put down his hammer and become settled in the normal life he chose in The Sea of Swords. Bruenor should also just accept being a king and lay down his ax as well. I know hard to swallow, but instead of talking about all of this in every novel including this one please Bob write it and make it happen so we can all move on with the storyline.

All and all a great book to read when you need a break from the more intelligent reads like Wolfe, Martin, Baker and Erikson. Still the same old Salvatore great description and characterization with action scenes so intense you feel you are there. If you need a hack and slash novel with characters you will fall in love with Salvatore is the best for this type of genre.

The initial entry in R.A. Salvatore's Hunter's Blades Trilogy, "The Thousand Orcs" is a pretty much run of the mill fantasy novel featuring one of his recurring characters in Drizzi Do'Urden. The story follows a more or less predictable story line that essentially follows the Spine of the World & is divided into 4 easy to follow parts & keeping the story moving along. The introductions to each of the parts actually add a bit to the story, but otherwise this is pretty much standard fantasy fare with every type of character imaginable.

I disagree with the notion that books must have intellectual value--that smacks of snobbish elitism, no more and no less. At the same time, I have to agree that this isn't a must-have book unless you're a diehard fan. This reminds me more of a serial pulp fiction story that's stretched out a tad too far. It also seems that the book could've provided more value for the money. (Do the margins seem a little too broad, the text not as packed? Sheese.) I also agree in that Salvatore has a problem: he always has to spell everything out, what each character thinks and what each character plans on doing, as if he thinks his core readership have all suffered severe head trauma. This isn't a good thing, it makes things too predictable. The advantage for the reader is that it makes for light reading (I can finish a Salvatore book these days in under 3 or 4 hours), the disadvantage is that it isn't as gripping as previous books. It's my hope that Salvatore flexes his writing 'muscles' more in future books, otherwise you may as well wait for the softcover versions of his novels and spare your pocketbook the pain.

This book should be called "the thousand orcs...plus 250 pages of nonsense."

Drizzt & his friends go wandering around in the wilderness for a long time without much happening. There are a few fights, but they are very short and unsatisfying. There is a whole sub-plot going on in Mirabar, a dwarf mine that competes with Mithril Hall for trade. It's boring, tedious, and way to long. It has no relevance to the plot at all. Basically, the book introduces Obould, the villian, and then nothing happens. We cut to Mirabar until the last fifth of the book, and then the thousand orcs (for which the book is NAMED) finally show up.

After a bit of a lull with Paths of Darkness--a series only true Drizzt fans would enjoy--Salvatore does a much better job with the first book of The Hunter's Blade triology. Everything that's grand about Salvatore's writing is present: fantastic battles, great characters, and converging plots. Like many of the other reviewers I felt the Drizzt/Catti-Brie romance is dragging out incessantly. My other minor gripe is that the main characters--being the Companions of the Hall--were often less interesting than the ancillary ones. I found myself more entertained with Torgar and Pikel than I was with Catti-Brie, Wulfgar, and Drizzt. Still, the Salvatore does a great job adding depth and new twists to Bruenor and Regis.
Minor aside: this is the nicest a Drizzt book has ever looked. The borders, segment breaks, and logos are of a higher production value than previous Salvatore tomes. Great cover too!
If you've enjoyed Salvatore's previous work, but felt Paths of Darkness was under par, this book should bring him back into your favor.

If your a longtime reader of R. A. Salvatore and you've followed the life of Drizzt then this is the next step in your existance.
I'd have to agree with Salvatore, though, that its time to give Drizzt and his group a rest. They've lived life, they've run through adventures that would kill any other person (and has even brought people back from the Abyss!). Come on, stop telling Salvatore to make Drizzt work harder. He deserves to retire.
But...
The book is not nearly as great as The Dark Elf Trilogy, but starts a great tale that can lead to more great adventures. Your old friends are back, along with some doo dads. Oi oi!
Salvatore spends some time with the Orcish perspective, and follows the story of many different races with all their own preceived notions of the world.
I'll let you read it for yourself and decide, but I believe its a great addition to my library. I'd give this book 4 stars, except for that fact that I want to read the next book now. :) If it can draw me back into Drizzt world then that's worth another star.

R.A. has definitely laid the groundwork for a fantastic trilogy. I have read this series since I was 16 and now ten years later I keep coming back. His last few were okay, and he pushed aside the companions of the hall for other interesting story lines and they were good.
But now I feel he has finally managed to leave out some of the day to day drama of the companions and make them work as a cohesive team. The character development of everyone else in the book was well done. I also give him credit for not giving three chapters worth of back story constantly and just accepting that most people know the story like an old blanket and just want the next step, not a refresher course.
Also Bob, thank god it isn't another revenge against the traitor so that Lloth will retain me to her favor. PLEASE don't go that route one more time or i'll jump off a bridge somewhere across the Surbrin.
Keep em coming.

I picked up this book with a bit of trepidation along with my excitement after the slight letdown that I experienced with the conclusion to the previous novel, "Sea of Swords." This time, I was not disappointed in the slightest. "The Thousand Orcs" drops you in the middle of the action, not long after where "Sea of Sword" left off. I say in the middle of the action because, even though it doesn't appear to be so, serious trouble is brewing in the midst of the mountains.
Another thing to be noted about this book is that it breaks away from the Companions of the Hall at times and introduces new, though equally welcome, characters--and a bit of politics. But fear not, readers! This isn't just politics--it's dwarven politics, complete with rioting and tavern fights. At first I found the political aspect and the break away from the Companions irritating and time-consuming, but by the time I was a third of the way through the book that plot, too, had drawn me in, and I anticipated the latest developments.
Many near miracles happen towards the end of the book (all of which earned a welcome sigh of relief after a daunting climax!) and there are characters from other FR novels popping in and out from time to time. I feel that the best part of the novel was the subtle character growth occurring in several of the characters, and I at one point found myself cheering on Wulfgar, a character I have never before even remotely liked. And, of course, there are the pitched battles and heroic moments for which Salvatore is so famous, all present and out in force in the latter half of the novel, especially. Next October (and the release of the next novel in the trilogy) can't come soon enough.

I bought this book second hand in a small town while on vacation. This book seemed better than the alternatives (romance novels), so I bought it. I must admit that the book has been a really good read for someone who had never really considered themselves to be a reader of fantasy books. This was a true surprise for me, as the writing was vivid, clear, and fast paced. Almost as soon as I picked up the book, I was able to place myself in the lands where the book was set. The characters were clear and the action never ceased once it got started. It was just so well done, it almost felt like I had been reading similar novels for years. The only complaint, it was the start of a trilogy. Get it and enjoy!!!!

Not the most interesting in the series, this book was not a page turner, but still decent. It would have been much appreciated to have some character developement. Say, Drizzt saying "Cattie-brie, I love you, Wulgar, go to hell, you stupid idiot" (wahahaha). I also think that Artemis should come back, but not as the evil Kill-Drizzt maniac, but rather as a character with some real personality.
Considering Salvatore has managed to write so many books about one character and still keep his readers entertained is amazing. Even more amazing, is no matter how much I tell myself, Drizzt is one of those "perfect" characters I usually don't like (never makes a mistake fighting, too honorable to admit his love, and most important, he is brought up in an evil environment, and is somehow kind??) he still manages to be one of my favorite fantasy ever characters ever!! The book is still worth the read, and if I could, I'd give it 3.5 stars, rather than just 3 or 4.

This story was good. The problem with the Drizzt books is that the same 'Companions' seem to survive all obstacles. I would much recommend this to those who are new to the whole Drizzt, Bruenor, Wulfgar group since this story seems to be able to pick up directly after "The Halflings Gem" as if all the other books in between never happened.

I just wonder how many more stories will go by before any of then actually die. Granted, I read every book up to this one but it still follows the same formulaic plot lines.

If you don't mind the battle action but knowing that the main characters won't die (either because the fans like all of them too much or the author is afraid to kill any of them off), then this is for you. I mean, if a thousand orcs don't kill any of them, what will?

I bought this book second hand in a small town while on vacation. This book seemed better than the alternatives (romance novels), so I bought it. I must admit that the book has been a really good read for someone who had never really considered themselves to be a reader of fantasy books. This was a true surprise for me, as the writing was vivid, clear, and fast paced. Almost as soon as I picked up the book, I was able to place myself in the lands where the book was set. The characters were clear and the action never ceased once it got started. It was just so well done, it almost felt like I had been reading similar novels for years. The only complaint, it was the start of a trilogy. Get it and enjoy!!!!

Not the most interesting in the series, this book was not a page turner, but still decent. It would have been much appreciated to have some character developement. Say, Drizzt saying "Cattie-brie, I love you, Wulgar, go to hell, you stupid idiot" (wahahaha). I also think that Artemis should come back, but not as the evil Kill-Drizzt maniac, but rather as a character with some real personality.
Considering Salvatore has managed to write so many books about one character and still keep his readers entertained is amazing. Even more amazing, is no matter how much I tell myself, Drizzt is one of those "perfect" characters I usually don't like (never makes a mistake fighting, too honorable to admit his love, and most important, he is brought up in an evil environment, and is somehow kind??) he still manages to be one of my favorite fantasy ever characters ever!! The book is still worth the read, and if I could, I'd give it 3.5 stars, rather than just 3 or 4.

This story was good. The problem with the Drizzt books is that the same 'Companions' seem to survive all obstacles. I would much recommend this to those who are new to the whole Drizzt, Bruenor, Wulfgar group since this story seems to be able to pick up directly after "The Halflings Gem" as if all the other books in between never happened.

I just wonder how many more stories will go by before any of then actually die. Granted, I read every book up to this one but it still follows the same formulaic plot lines.

If you don't mind the battle action but knowing that the main characters won't die (either because the fans like all of them too much or the author is afraid to kill any of them off), then this is for you. I mean, if a thousand orcs don't kill any of them, what will?

Dwarf King Bruenor is on his way back to Mithral Hall for his ceremonial crowning when he gets word of an orc raid. Together with a small group of fellow dwarves, with his drow elf friend Drizzt Do'Urden, and with a pair of humans, Bruenor heads to the battle. He has been reluctant to seize his crown at any rate from fear that his advisors will keep him from adventure, and this may be his last chance. Bruenor doesn't count on an alliance between the orcs and the frost giants of the north. Drow renegades have forged this unlikely alliance in hopes of creating chaos--chaos that they can exploit for their own advantage. And the death of King Bruenor sounds like the most profitable kind of chaos possible.
Author R. A. Salvatore continues his story of Drizzt and his friends as they adventure across a violent world of magic and conflict. Drizzt is in love with a human woman, but wonders whether he dares bring a half-drow into the world, and whether he would be doing a kindness to marry a woman who will be old while he is still a young warrior. Meanwhile, dwarf relations between Mithral Hall and Mirabar have reached a critical point--leading to a near civil war in the mixed human/dwarf town of Mirabar (this conflict is barely integrated into the main plot line--presumably it will become more significant in later volumes in the series).
Early on in the novel, it appeared that orc King Obould would break out of the traditional orc stupidity mode and actually develop intelligent plans to do serious damage to the orcs and humans that oppose him. Quickly, however, he reverts, failing to take advantage of his giant allies, falling into obvious traps, and generally behaving like the traditional stupid orc. While he can't be faulted for this, it was a bit of a disappointment to me, at least. It is difficult to see any number of orcs as a real threat to an organized force of dwarves, especially one backed by the formidable blades of Drizzt. The enemy drow never really unveil themselves and never lend much intelligence to their allies' plans.
Like many Wizards of the Coast novels, THE THOUSAND ORCS has something of the feel of a role-playing adventure--a small party of adventurers is thrust into an escalating adventure where more and more enemies are gradually introduced. Although Drizzt is a fan favorite, there isn't a lot of character development in this novel, at least. Salvatore's fine writing makes this one worth reading--but if you happen to miss it, you'll be able to pick up the characters without any problem.

"Drizzt . . . fighting alone!" I read the words on the back of the book jacket and trembled. Finally, after the Dark Elf trilogy, a new book was out where Drizzit was on his own again . . . a chance for some serious character development . . . with more substance than whistful pinning away after a blissful future. Imagine my dissappointment at discovering that over half the storyline and scenes dealt with characters other than our dark friend. Imagine my dissappoint to find that most of the scenes containing Drizzt were extremely diluted with other characters. Imagine my chagrin to find he doesn't fight alone. Sigh!
Don't get me wrong, I like Wulfgar, Catti-brie, and the others--I'm just tired of them stealing the show . . . almost to the point of making Drizzt a secondary character. If you loved the last two books, buy this one hard-back. If, however, you want something with the flavor of the Dark Elf Trilogy, save your money. You won't find such until Bob takes the time to craft a yarn with some true character development. Until then, I'll continue to look for an honest dust jacket. Until then, I won't make the mistake of buying hard-back until first, I've checked it out at the local library. Sigh!

I got this book the day it came out and began reading it later that night. About a week or so later, I was finished (I would have had it done sooner, except for work and such). Anyway, I must say that this is a very worthy addition to the series! This has all the Companions of the Hall back together again, with some brand new characters that are introduced and seem quite interesting, although we only learn a little about them. Hopefully we will be learning far more of them in the future!!! Suffice it to say, you should definitely read this novel if you are a fan of the Drizzt series and if you are a fan of very good fantasy novels. In my opinion, R.A. Salvatore is one of the best fantasy writers of this age, so you should definitely read this series and any of his others that are out there. The DemonWars is an exceptional series too!

I have been a loyal fan and reader of the Drizzt novels since the beginning. Salvatore is a great writer and to read one of his novels is a real treat compared to some of the fantasy dribble out there now. The story is good and the action intense at times. My complaints are few, but stop this from being a great novel.
First, the Companions of the Hall. While I love all of them, this book makes it feel like its finally the time for Drizzt to move on. They have had there run, let's retire the gang before this gets really monotonous. Drizzt needs to go off on truly new excursions. This book pretty much plays like the old novels of the series but does include a situation the Companions have not faced before in the finale.
The Drizzt/Catti Brie love situation has been drawn out too long now. Several novels have gone by and neither has even truly said what they feel. All I am saying is that Salvatore had better finalize this situation by the end of this trilogy. Enough is enough.
My final complaint is the biggest. It seems that with the latest novels Salvatore seems to not have enough material to fill a book about the main plot. Thus he involves side stories which seem to have no bearing on the story. He does tie them together at the end, but very weakly. Making much of the material seem unnecessary and a waste of pages. Like in the Spine of the World which was more about a girl named Marelda than Wulfgar, he does it again. This time we are given a story of Ivan and Pikel of the Cleric Quintet dealing with some moon elves who are interested in finding out if Pikel is a druid!? And the other story is about the political situation between dwarves and humans in the town of Mirabar! The people of the town are concerned with loosing profits, when we as the reader know that the book should be centering more on this massive invasion of orcs and frost giants. When these two side plots connect with the main story at the end of the novel, it just seems pointless.
Despite my complaints, this is a good book. Hopefully the next two novels in the series will deal with the story at hand, instead of going off into something else which has no bearings. I don't recommend new readers of the series to start with this one, especially since there are lots of references to Ellifain, a character who died in the last novel. Start from the beginning with The Crystal Shard.

This book is an example of what sets apart great authors from the mediocre melange. Salvatore does not regurgitate old themes and circumstance, but instead embarks on a monumental foundation building process for the rest of the series. He draws on political intrigue, new villains and locations, and a dazzling array of wonderfully crafted characters. I was delighted when I discovered Ivan and Pikel in the story since they were two of my favorites from the Cleric Quintet. Some fans might be dissapointed in the fact that the story does not involve many Drizzt battles, but there is plenty of excitement to replace them. I was amazed at how much ground he covered in 345 pgs. and found myself immediately ready for the 2nd installment. Again, this book is refreshing in that it's a much different flavor from Salvatore's previous novels. The story does not revolve around Drizzt or Wulfgar, balances a greater number of parallel, tangential stories, and brings together a fascinating collage of themes that no doubt will be used in the coming novels. Another enjoyment I had was that Salvatore took some time in building Regis' character to be somewhat different than his typical role in the previous books.
My only complaints would be the eternal unresolution of Drizzt and Cattie-Brie's relationship. Yes, it makes progress, but it's measured with baby steps. This romantic and sexual tension between these two characters has been going on for too many novels to count, and I for one would like to see it go somewhere. I almost get the feeling that Salvatore doesn't even know what he wants to do with these two yet. Maybe in the second book;)
All in all, I think it's exciting to see the dynamics of change that has affected the group of characters. They have all changed so very much from The Crystal Shard, and very few authors can pull off such a large continuance of stories involving the same characters, without falling prey to the usual plot rehashes, theme regurgitations, and stagnant character development. Salvatore proves that he does not suffer from the usual failings of other authors. Great job!

I cut my fantasy fiction teeth on the Dragonlance novels and the other D&D novels back in the day as a teenager in the late 80's/early 90's. That's what Mr. Salvatore's novels were good for then as now. Thousand Orcs is no exception. But I think some people who are new to the books need to be told up front in some way that "Hey, this book is probably best enjoyed if you are a teenaged boy!" I pick up these books by Salvatore, Weis & Hickman, and the rest now and then and I just can't get through them anymore, because I've grown past the reading level required, and also because I've read the mature fantasy of George RR Martin and David Gemmell and their ilk. So maybe we need to start publishing this stuff and marketing it as Young Adult fiction or something. Just so we won't have all these people clamoring about the quality of the writing. This stuff is great for teens, but adults should look elsewhere.

There is so little one can say about this book without ruining it. Just know that Drizzt and the gang are back into the orc bashing bussiness (and for a whole series too!) and this time they aren't coming out with a few bumps and bruises. Drizzt is not immortal, neither is his friends. This books shows how easily that is applied. Wonderful as it is though, I have a beef with it. It is CALLED The Thousand Orcs. But no one actually FIGHTS the thousand orcs. A lot of them, yes, but not a thousand. (and giants don't count). Regardless of the somewhat fudged title, it's still a good book. If you get the chance, check out the advertisements for the book. The one with the numbered outlines of the orcs on the cover picture of the book is priceless.

After reading all the previous Drizzt novels his work on the Hunter's Blades Trilogy is almost unbearable to read, in fact I could not bring myself to finish reading the final book in the series, it just seemed like the same old stuff repeated over and over and over and over again. The "plot" just seemed to get worse and worse..... very disappointed in his work in this series, oh well gives me time to explore other works such as Dragon Age: The Calling, which was surprisingly a pretty good read. No more R.A.S. books for me as his work has seemingly degraded into complete garbage....though I will say I did enjoy his earlier work. A pity that his work on these terrific characters has become awful in my opinion. Agree or disagree, it just my opinion and everyone is free to their own.

Salvatore returns to his action origins and shows just how much he has grown as a writer since the first set of books (The Icewind Dale Trilogy) came out. The action is just as vivid as ever, refined and filled with movement. But Salvatore continues to raise the stakes, both on a personal and a universal level. Obould is a smart orc and he has come to power and wants the Northlands for himself. What's new about this? Orcs usually have only wanted to kill kill kill, but this Obould has a vision. The adventures begin right off and the companions battle fiercely for the cause of right. Excellent storytelling and easily read introspection engage the reader fully. This is a fine beginning to an exciting new trilogy by our favorite fantasy writer.

It is nice to see that Salvatore is coming up with new ideas for this Drizzt novels. There always seems to be some new problem or inner demon that one of the companions have to face. This book, the start of a new trillogy does not let fans down.

Action and suspense is littered throughout the pages of this book. The plus about this book is that it seems that Drizzt and the gang have finally met their match. This is the first book in the whole Drizzt collection where, there isnt exactly a happy ending, or even just a little bit of a happy ending. This novel really leaves you waiting for the next book in the trillogy.

One of the things most people don't realize about the Hunter's Blades Trilogy is that it's written according to the Third Edition D&D rules, whereas the previous ones were all 2nd Edition.
The author's transition is pretty smooth. But don't expect it to be as exciting as his previous works.
I definitely liked his writing style in the old 2nd edition better. Although 3rd edition captures a lot more stuff and is a lot more realistic and detailed, I could tell that when writing this book, Salvatore was suffering from inexperience with the new ruleset.
The story is not THAT interesting. Don't expect to be turning pages in great anticipation.
But, it's Drizzt, the best-woven character in Forgotten Realms after Elminster. I think the second and third books in this trilogy have the potential to be much much better than many of his previous books, and the first one only opened the door for this.

This book is an excellent continuation of the storyline developed by R.A. Salvatore, an improvement over some of the most recent books preceding it.

The first half or so of the book overuses the device of foreshadowing, giving an exaggerated impression of impending doom that is hard to believe.

The second half of the book really picks up though, and the desperate fight in Shallows is gripping and keeps you involved and turning pages to see what happens.

If you have already been reading the exploits of the Companions of the Hall, you will not regret continuing with this volume.

I have been on one hell of a hot streak with fantasy novels lately, but I can't take credit for finding this one. To be perfectly honest, I probably wouldn't have even bothered with the Thousand Orcs, just based on the universe it takes place in (I'm a little opposed to reading the D&D books - or at least I was). My aunt gifted this book to me, and I'm glad she did.

When you purchase this book, you're introduced to some of the most elaborate, drawn out and interesting characters that you'll ever read about. You can tell that Drizzt, Bruenor, Wulfgar and all the rest of the ensemble cast have a good deal of history, and enough mystique for where Salvatore can take them that you remain intrigued.

This is obviously not the first book in Salvatore's long series (I've since read his original trilogy - also spectacular), but it serves a decent enough purpose of drawing the reader in. You aren't ostracized for not being a longtime fan of the series. Rather, it's as if this book (and every other one, for that matter) is competent enough to make you want to read the others.

The Thousand Orcs isn't just a story either. Advancing the plot would be one thing, but the book was intelligently crafted, and there are a lot of intricate designs woven through the author's craft. There was never one point in the book where I wanted to put it down and take a rest. I needed to find out what happened next. It's a wonder that I was able to convince myself to go back instead of forward, to read the rest of the Hunter's Blades Trilogy. I'm sure I'll get there though. This is one series you don't turn back on.

This story was pretty good there is a lot of description and has a good story line. There is a lot of action so I would recommend it to a person that likes action books. This book is fiction and I like how the story is about some dwarfs. The enemy is orcs and ice giants who I like to read about. If you like to read about mythical creatures that kill stuff then I recommend it. I think this is about four stars to me because when I read it I got kind of side tracked and not as interested in it. Nikilwig is a pretty interesting character that is heading to Mithral hall. On the way there they encounter lots of monsters then get into lots of fights which I like to read about. This is my review of The Thousand orcs.

This is the best in long while for the Icewind Dale crew. If you are a true fan of the series you can appreciate the excellent read this book will provide. It is quick to the action, fast with the plot and all around a page turner. If you enjoyed the Icewind Dale trilogy you will enjoy this book. All of the gang are back together and in full force and of course your favorite Drow is leading the charge.
Many people say that the characters lack depth and Believability but to them I say.....uh why read fantasy if you want real life. Too many authors today feel that in order to represent their characters in a "real" way they have to kill off a few of the major characters, Salvatore realizes that it is these unbelievable characters that keep us coming back for more. I for one will only stop reading the Drizzt books when he stops writing them.
I am drooling for the next book. If he can suck me back in to the story with his patented fight scenes and plot twists he can bring in the newest of fans. The only thing that I feel was missing in this book was an enemy worthy of our Hero's skill. Really since Artiemis there have been few who demand the attention and scorn of the readers. I give it a thumbs up and will continue to wait impatiently for the next installment.
To those of you who want reality........watch the news!!

I purchased this book because I read all the previous books in the Drizzt series. It did not disappoint! The characters are wonderful -- you can't help but grow to love the main characters (and despise the bad ones) as you get to know them. All of the books are well written; gripping and total page turners, and this book is no exception. Drizzt's journal entries at the beginning of each section (four sections to a book, typically) are awesome! Reflective and wise. There is a lot of action in these books, and if you like fight scenes (with swords, war hammers, etc.,), you will find many in this book (as well as all of the others). I love that there are a lot of magical creatures (and monsters) in the book; dwarves, elves (moon, or good elves, as well as drow (dark, or bad elves), gnomes, goblins, orcs, and giants. There are magical objects as well, including magical weapons, and magical spells as well. The main group is comprised of a dwarf, a drow elf (the main character, Drizzt Do'Urden, who has a magical panther), a barbarian, a halfling, and a human girl. A delightful mix! This is a highly entertaining book for anyone who likes the fantasy genre. I highly recommend it!

I admit I can't help but enjoy R. A. Salvatore's stories, and this is an excellent beginning to what promises to be a wonderful trilogy.

In truth, however, it's the introspection of Drizzt and his slow development that I enjoy folowing the most. Slow because he has centuries to live as opposed to the vast majority of his friends and companions, who don't. His thoughts and observations break up the story and give a unique perspective that allows us for that moment to step back and take our own view of things.

Of course, there are all the "usual suspects", some old friends, as well as new friends-and of course some we would not call friends-all very original characters. Some very humorous, some not. Some unusual heroes, and some very promising villians. In common, they all have their own different points of reference and background, and that makes it easier to see their different perspectives.

Book 1 of The Hunter's Trilogy sets the stage very well for Book 2. I will say no more than that. If you are a follower of Drizzt, this is a must read. If not, it should make you want to go back to read earlier works to fill in his past history.

I have to say I have waited a long time for another of RA Salvatore's works from the fantasy realm of the dark elf and he hasn't let me down. I am trying to read this one slowly so I can move right into the sequel without having to wait too long. Drizzt is back in action and kicking some a$$ the way we've all come to love him. The other characters help keep the story interesting and we see a number of characters from other RA tales come into the mix. I always find it intriguing when different stories tie into each other. For example, the Bouldershoulder brothers play a big part in the Cleric Quintet. Amazing quality and a book that will wet your whistle for a while (if you can put it down:-)

I was somewhat disapointed after reading Sea of Swords (the books predocessor). Yet The 1000 Orcs returned my faith in Drizzt Do'Urden books. The book did well in setting the stage for the upcomming trilogy, and made me want to read the approaching books even more. My one comment is that I would have liked to see Drizzt in a little more combat with his blades, the book set me up for far more combat then it delivered. Salvatore keeps one very special quality in mind with his characters, they are mortal and it is possible for them to die! Catti-brie wrestles with her own mortality throughout a good portion of the book (yet it isn't a dominating theme). All in all this was a great book, and once I started it I didn't put it down (read it in just about 2 days).

Drizzt is the reason I buy these books. Breunor, Wolfgar, Cattie-Brie and Regis have never been more than background characters for me (and other than Breunor, I find them pretty bland.) Drizzt is not the main character here. I know R.A. Salvatore is setting up the rest of the trilogy (at least I hope he is), but I'm dying for the Dark Elf to start doing his thing.
I found it hard to get into this story. A lot of this has been said before in all the other books (Drizzt's soliloquy like diary notes in-between sections are particularly uninspired.) R.A. Salvatore still writes action well, but that's not enough to sustain the novel.
The back cover says: One Dark Elf. Two Enchanted Blades. One Unknown Enemy. And a Horde of Invaders.
A bit misleading.
This is actually a story about Breunor Battlehammer faced with being King of Mithral Hall once again, the economic/political issues between Mithral Hall and Mirabar and lastly a horde of Orcs banding together with Frost Giants to conquer more land. With special guest star Drizzt Do'Urden to lend a helping hand.
Not what I signed on for.

Really liked this one - lots of hack and slash and moving characters around - LOVED that IVAN & Pickel Bouldershoulder made their reapperance - those guys crack me up.

Best of all, NO DROW "Intrigues"
All that jazz gets old fast...

I listened to this rather than reading it, and I got SICK of the moron who read it promouncing Cattie Brie as KAT EYE BRI EH....
Figure it out dude...

R.A. Salvatore's newest Dark Elf book is a fantastic read that leaves fans everywhere waiting anxiously for the next book in the series! An awesome ending wraps a great book that won't leave anyone starved for action.
Now I have to get this off my chest...the book kicks butt! That's not an exaggeration. If you are a fan of Dwarves (and who isn't heheh) then you are in for a real treat! I even sensed a little Demon Wars creeping into the story in the form of politics/tension between different cities (which I loved).
Like I said there are dwarves, heheh, tons of them. Everyone's favorite Bouldershoulder brothers make an appearance along with some other familiar faces and some new ones. There are some parts in the book that make you pump your fist in the air and get those goosebumps you get, accompanied by a big grin (at least I do anyway).
There are some awesome fights, vintage RAS, so you'll get your action fix big time. Some new behind the scene enemies are introduced, although not expanded on too much yet. I bet they play a bigger part in the rest of the series.
One thing I have to say is the book has a pretty awesome ending (well, like I said, the whole book was awesome)! I won't give anything away, but it pumped me up big time. Who would think a few sentences could leave you wanting more sooo bad.

Another installment of the immortal Drizzt series, The Thousand Orcs ascends to a philosophical level not normally seen in most fantasy novels. As always, it includes Drizzt's essays, and many complain about his confession of love for adventure. However, that has been a theme running through the entire series, and only those unfamiliar with the series lack the appreciation for Bruener's yearning to continue their adventure.
Unlike most installments of this series, the only way to truly love the antics of the main characters is to understand the character development from the previous novels. One series of particular significance is the outstanding Cleric Quintet (also by Salvatore), in which the Bouldershoulder brothers, Cadderly, and Danica have their story. I'm interested to learn the backstory of the other renegade drow vaguely alluded to. If you begin your experience with Salvatore with this novel, you will not get the whole experience. It would be like watching Return of the King without seeing the previous two. The characters mean nothing to you.
Read the books, know the author, and love the characters. I've read the whole series twice, and even quote them in my AP writing courses. You'll never find a more intellectual series of fantasy novels.

Salvatore is back with a double bladed vengeance!
For those of you who are fans of the series, The Thousand Orcs marks Salvatore's return to the basics...and if you ask me what he is best at. Without giving away the books story this book brings us back to the five companions facing tall odds and delivering with heroic deeds.
Salvatore once again proves that he is that master of action. The book is full of dramatic battle descriptions filled with amazing detail. The grand battles of the Icewind Dale Trilogy and Legacy series continue without some of the slower, and somewhat depressing, psychoanalysis of the last few books. Don't get me wrong, as always, we still get to toil with issues of morality and hard choices but in a venue that is more exciting and action packed than recent works.
What more can I say other than I will be waiting to buy the next two in the series. If you are new to Salvatore's Forgotten Realms novels start at the beginning with the Dale Trilogy. You will not regret the time spent.
Happy Reading

Salvatore's previous FR novel, "Sea of Swords" seemed a bit lackluster to me, so I was not as jazzed as I apparently should have been for the release of this book. Easily the best novel he has written about Drizzt or his companion, "The Thousand Orcs" is thrilling and fast-paced, with a lot of character development and an intriguing storyline.
If you have enjoyed previous installments of Drizzt and his friends from R. A. Salvatore, then you will most definitely love this newest novel.

"The Thousand Orcs" once again features the most popular character in fantasy, Drizzt Do'Urden. It is a book that will not dissapoint.
Drizzt and his friends are all on their way to Mithral Hall in which Bruenor Battlehammer is to be named king. Along their way they find that Orcs, Giants, Goblins, and all other evil races are swarming together to enact war upon the "good" races. Eventually Drizzt Do'Urden finds himself alone while his friends battle for their lives.
There are some negative aspects in this book. The battles that involve Drizzt are not the ones we as fans specifically want to see. Drizzt is caught up battling Giants and Orcs during huge mass warfare rather than the far more entertaining one on one battles we enjoy so much. Also Drizzt as a character should be featured much more than he is in the book. Drizzt should be the entire focal point of the books. Not Cattie-Brie, Wulfgar, Regis, Bruenor, etc., but jut Drizzt himself. Seeing the other characters play an equal role is not very good at all.
However with the small negatives aside, this is a great read that still deserves 4.5 stars(rounded to 5). It has a great side story in which political action and intrigue play a large part that will no doubt lead into future books. The mass war battles although not as good as Drizzt battling toe-to-toe with another character, are superbly done. There is plenty of action and a emotional sort of love plot set in between.
With this book Salvatore solidifies the fact that he is the best author Fantasy has to offer today. I am eager for the next book.

I purchased the Thousand Orcs when it first came out with the notion of reading it one day because the cover was so cool. That's how I pictured Drizzt. Spoiler alert: That scene was not in the book - 1 star. I've read just about all Salvatore's dark elf series and I'm a fan, but I found the book wanting. The entire book appeared to be nothing but several short stories about characters I don't really care about, other than Drizzt's core group. At the end it comes together, but it seemed forced. The jumping around to the various other groups was jarring and didn't add anything to the story. I feel that the author missed a golden opportunity to make this a mystery. Why are the orcs rampaging, why are the giants helping them, are the drow involved? I was expecting a lot more from the story and the author. But hey...the cover was cool.

I read a lot of d&d novels back in the 1990s when I was a teenager and didn't know any better. I remember Salvatore being one of my favorites. Before reading The Thousand Orcs, I hadn't read anything of his in probably 10 years or more. When I picked it up, I knew I would be getting a trashy fantasy novel. I just didn't realize HOW trashy a fantasy novel it would turn out to be.

To sum up my reaction: Salvatore's prose in this book is incredibly heavy-handed, repeatedly bombarding us with explicitly-spelled out details that we, as the reader, should already know because he's already told us, as if we were three years old, many times before.

This book also drags along incredibly slowly. Most of its 300+ pages is spent assuring us that Drizzt and co are old friends and yet, despite supposedly knowing each other better than they know the backs of their own hands, they still stumble awkwardly through their dialogue as if they had only just met moments before.

Nothing very exciting really happens in this book. It comes across as more of a disgustingly bloated prologue than a novel in its own right.

The worst parts of the book involve the bumbling and annoying Bouldershoulder brothers, originally from Salvatore's other FR series. He appears to be attempting to mesh his two series together but it fails miserably. And enough with the awful stereotypical "old-timey/country bumpkin" dwarf accents already!

In closing, it is quite clear that Salvatore, like JK Rowling, no longer has an editor. The Thousand Orcs could very easily have been edited down to a short story, if not a handful of chapters. Perhaps the entire trilogy could have been shortened to just one book. I haven't read the other two in the series, and I'm not sure I want to ...

That's all from me.

I have been reading other reviews of this book recently, and I am slightly at a loss. I have read this and the The Lone Drow, as well as every other Drizzt novel. I will focus mainly on the negative reviews I've seen, as well as a few of my own thoughts. I noticed that many of the more negative reviews seems directed toward the "lack of dazzling swordplay." Perhaps these people are correct, in that Drizzt doesn't have a highly skilled opponent in this first installment. But should that take away from the excitement of the read? No, and it doesn't. There is still action aplenty for those who enjoy a good battle. Just because we don't see the skills of an Artemis Entreri or Dantrag, doesn't mean the book is not a wonderful read. In fact, many of the dark elf books don't feature this type of battle, two highly skilled opponents in a duel to the death. The action is still fast paced and fans of the genre as well as newcomers will find something special.

I would also like to comment on some peoples thoughts that the intermitent personal thoughts of Drizzt somehow slow the story or take away from it. From the first time I read this book, I thought of R.A. Salvatore as a philosipher, with a deep understanding of the human spirit. I have been told by many friends that Drizzts feelings mirrored their own, and Mr Salvatore has not fallen off his game with this book. His feelings of isolation, even among friends can mirror our own. When we were deployed for nine months to Afhganistan with the US army, some of us carried Drizzts words with us. Salvatore gave us hope and strength when it was hard to come by.

I think that some reviewers of this book need to look deeper that the words before them and search themselves for the story here. This is an excellent read and I would recommend this and any other book by one of the masters of the genre

The first review on this page is a little harsh...but for good reason. There have been and continue to be some elements missing from this VERY long series. I was hooked by the first three trilogies, but since then, I've been waiting. I'm not sure I know exactly what I am waiting for from the Dark Elf series, but I'm sure I'll know it when I read it...and I didn't read it in this book --> BUT...this is the first book in a TRILOGY. To me, it read like a three hundred page prologue.
It is definately leading up to something.
There are some story elements that lead characters toward out of character behavior (I think...) and some parts of the book seem rather hastily thrown together -- but there are also some very real moments for the characters.
When I finished the book, I was wondering if I have just outgrown this type of fiction...so I went back and reread the Dark Elf Trilogy. Nope. Still awesome. So...I know Salvatore has it in him...I just haven't seen it in a while.
Anyway...just dont forget that this is numero uno in a three book set.

I am a very big fan of both R.A. Salvatore and his dark elf. I have read both the Icewind Dale trilogy and the Dark elf trilogy and to me, this is better even than those. It is true (as I have read in other reviews) that this story does start out rather slowly, but it quickly turns into a compelling page-turner that will leave you groveling for more. Salvatore weaves this tale with 3 major plotlines seamlessly into one climactic ending (somewhat of a to be continued) that ties up most loose ends and answers many questions. There is plenty of comedy, suspense, tradgey and horror to satisfy all of the readers needs. I give "The Thousand Orcs" by R.A. Salvatore 5 stars for writing a book so good I layed on the couch all day reading the novel, ignoring hungar and thirst altogether, What a wonderful feeling !!

I need to qualify this review with the fact that I've been a fan of this series for quite some time. However, 1k Orcs was sub-par for Salvatore. I wasn't invested, and after being so bored with secondary characters, I actually put this book down for a few months before picking it up again this week to finish it on a long flight. Really, the best thing that I can say about this book is that it appears to set up a nice second book in the series (I must say that I've been waiting for the return of the Hunter since I finished the Dark Elf Trilogy). As a stand alone, not his best. To those who are reading this as their first book in this series, I STRONGLY suggest starting with the Dark Elf Trilogy or Icewind Dale Trilogy Collector's Editions. This was just not a good sample of Salvatore's usually excellent work.
Oh, almost forgot to mention...outstanding cover art!

It was evident from the start, with all the talk of death in Drizzt's musings between sections that Salvatore was dwelling upon and drawing from the terrorist attacks in the US last year. It became more apparent as the story reached its climax and the decription of mutilated bodies, loss of friends and ultimately the collapse of a wizard tower that 9/11 was exactly what Salvatore was using as his inpiration for this novel.
I didn't dislike the book, it though I wonder why all the these characters have such a hard time coming to terms with their own feelings. Drizzt speaks about living in the present yet he is too frightened to even speak his thoughts to the woman he loves. Build a bridge; get over it. Either kill her or let them get married.
I believe that Salvatore is trying to breath life into Drizzt the same way the death of Chewbacca reanimated Han Solo. Lets hope it works, though unless a certain mortally wounded character ends up dying, this probably won't happen.

Once agains R.A. Salvatore has proved that he is truly a literary Legend. The Thousand Orcs, His latest book offers a very personal look into each of His core characters lifes, as a group, but more importantly, as individual. The Troupe is on their way back to Mithral Hall when they come across the battered remains of a dwarven caravan with quite the grim tale to tale. From Bruneor's internal conflict, knowing his place as the rightfull king of Mithral Hall and giving up His life among his freinds traveling the roads and facing the dangers of the wilds in a fashion that only He can, to Wulfgars own struggle, feeling that He must give up his warriors heart and path to see to his responisblities to His new family. From the emergance of rumblebelly(who has come into his own-*I am so proud) to stand and fight beside his fellow troupe members, to the budding relationship of Catti-brie. It is a non-stop adventure, I personally went through the book in one day........But then when it comes to Drizz't and company how can you not find it difficult, if not impossible( for me it was the latter) to put the book down, Definatly a Salvatore Classic ........Nuff said ya heard.

The story starts off in the spine of the world. Drizzt and his friends are after the killers of tred mcnuckles'cousins and brother. 1000 orcs seem easy enough don't it think again in the battle between orcs and Drizzt,friends will they survive well of course they do,because they have a trilogy, well Drizzt does anyway, but the battle is furious and it will make your heart race like you ran 100 miles!!! YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK IT IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!! MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP THE OTHER TWO BOOKS TO COMPLETE YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST!!!

I enjoyed the book, but the Drizzt character has gone pass the point of even moderate believability. I realize it's a fantasy story, but to really care for and appreciate the characters one must be able to associate with them on some level. Drizzt has passed that point. You don't feel any sense of mortal danger for him any longer, or for any of the characters for that matter. They always do the impossible without the slightest chance of failure. The thing that makes great heroes is the their ability to overcome great adversity through rigorous and often painful experience. Even when Catti-brie is almost killed, you never truly feel that she is in mortal danger. The calvalry ALWAYS comes on time, and the only people killed are minor characters that you barely remember their names, if they are even introduced. It makes the supporting cast a little unbelievable and extraneous at best. Don't get me wrong it was an entertaining read. Salvatore has great driscriptive ability and the the fights in this are truly wonderful, but that's all that the book is - fight after fight. All the plot is, is filler between the fight scenes. I love a good drow plot as much as the next person, but does everything have to have the drow behind it? The Forgotten Realms is rich in other species and factions that could easily make for a far more interesting plot than the drow.

Salvatore comes back with another book about Drizzt, but fails to create a story as entertaining as The Icewind Dale and Dark Elf Trilogies. There are many good things, and many things that just don't seem right in this book.
The thing that is right, is that Salvatore tries to make the group of protagonists like they were in the two previous trilogies that I mentioned. He succeeds.
The action and fight sequences are as good as ever, and there is a fair amount of humor, too.
But, that is about it. Now comes the bad stuff.
First off, there doesn't seem to be a real plot to the book. It starts off with a concrete plot, then something else just comes up, and the book just seems to go from random event to random event is some instances.
Secondly, Salvatore mars this book by bringing in characters from other books and he also creates a whole side story that doesn't really matter at all until he just throws it in at the end to make it seem like it mattered. And this side story takes up at LEAST 50 pages of this fairly slim, 345 page book.
Lastly, there are some times in the book, very similar to Drizzt's "diary" entries (which are outside of the main text, and are a good addition), that just don't seem to belong. He is a little too wordy in these cases when a simple paragraph might have done better to get his point across, rather than 2 pages.
It seems that I am a little harsh, but I was hoping to get a Crystal Shard, or Homeland, or Starless Night, and I got something that didn't quite make it. Overall, this book deserves your time, but don't get your hopes up too high. And, even though it is called "The Hunter's Blades Trilogy," Drizzt is at best featured equally, when compared to all of the rest of the crew.

= Yes, We DO Need Another Trilogy...
Reviewer: K Gallagher from Honolulu, Hi United States
Rarely has any author, in any genre, created a series of such consistent quality as the Dark Elf books of R. A. Salvatore.
Even so, that The Thousand Orcs (the fifteenth full-length novel in roughly as many years to feature characters introduced in the Icewind Dale trilogy!) stands as one of the finest installments in the series is nothing short of breathtaking.
I write this review for the purpose of assuring any follower of the series who doubts that it can possibly go on for much longer that not only is this tale not showing its wear and tear, but, incredibly, taking full advantage of the ground gained (and, more importantly,loose ends tied up!) in Sea of Swords to
begin weaving something very new... at a truly remarkable pace.
This is the tightest, fastest presentation since Starless Night, yet its attempt to cover a broad scope of intrigue, action, and personal relationships is the most ambitious since Siege of Darkness.
The result is a nearly flawless creation that should set the heart of any true fan beating at life-threatening speeds.
What do you know?
We did need another trilogy after all.

I've been a big fan of the entire series since I read the dark elf trilogy. It was so good that I even showed the book to some friends who also share the same enthusiasm about the series. Since then, I have read all of the Drizzit books (even the ones without him). I've found that only the first 7 (and the Entreri book) are fantastic. The rest much like this one are 50% garbage. I dont like Catterbrie, despite the fact that she has all of the great weapons she stinks. She is extremely annoying and I hope they kill her off. I also find her relationship with Drizzit ludicrous. Wulfgar was only cool when he was a bad ... barbarian instead of a loser with emotional problems, he should have stayed in the abyss. Regis was funny, now he's just annoying. Drizzit should go back to being a loner, its what he good at. He's become to soft hanging around the rest of the crew, they hold back his true potential.

I'm an avid (or rabid, some say) Salvatore fan. I've read all of his work and have been waiting for another dark elf book, so I was very excited to find this at my bookstore. As far as I'm concerned, no book can rival the original Dark Elf trilogy - the 1st three are masterpieces - FAR better than Lord of the Rings. Unfortunately, Salvatore seems to have lost some of his uniqueness and originality in this book. It is so much like The Two Towers that I couldn't help but think that this was a quick, make money while LotR is big again book. It is worth the money and the time spent reading it but it is far below his usual standards. Of course I'll buy the next 2, due for release this Oct and Oct 2004 respectively, and hope to see the old Salvatore reemerge.

In this book, Salvatore gets back to what made him my favorite author. This book is fast paced, keeps you guessing, and makes readers want to come back for the next book in the series. Previous books in the series started to get a little slow. Its always a bad sign when a character is brought back from the dead. But now things are back to normal. Give Salvatore another chance.

This review is simply a continuation, and verification, of my other review on the store for Salvatore's "Sea of Swords". Mr. Salvatore's older books like Homeland and The Crystal Shard are fabulous on every level, but the Drizzt character and storyline have slowly been dying over the past several years. The Thousand Orcs is simply the nail in the coffin I saw building in Sea of Swords. This book is even more jumbled, pointless, and at times, even boring. Established and building plot lines (like Drizzt's and Cattie-Brie's budding romance) go no where and are eliminated. Old characters are re-introduced for literally no reason other than to fill space. The plot is schizophrenic and shoots all over the place. The villains are boring (more drow? Again???). The action is well-done, but simplistic and absolutely nothing new whatsoever if you are a Salvatore reader. Compare *any* action sequence in this book to, say, the Drizzt/Entreri battle in Legacy or battles at the end of The Halfling's Gem, for example. The fire is long, long gone.
I was so depressed in reading this book. The Drizzt storyline is dead, but not buried, and it needs to be. It looks like Salvatore is trying to revitalize Drizzt in future novels by having him operate alone once again. That's fine, but I would much rather he focus his energies as an author on bringing new life to new characters than trying to resurrect old ones. Don't buy this book. If you want some good Salvatore reading, instead go out and by the new Realms of Shadow and read the Entreri/Jarlaxle short story he has in there. I guarantee you, that short story will bet ten times the entertainment of the entire book of The Thousand Orcs.

While the story starts a little slow, I may attribute that to the fact I haven't read this type of book in awhile (although I remain always faithful to Drizzt's band and Salvatore's wonderful writing). The book really flows and you eventually find yourself not wanting to put it down.
I really like the detail with which Salvatore describes the actions (you can almost see the orcs piling up around the adventurer's!). I like also that he did do a lot more with the other characters. Regis and Cattiebrie are much more in the forefront this time (Wulfgar already had his moment in the spotlight). And Bruenor ends up being the main character of this book, which I find delightful.
I really enjoyed this one and will be purchasing book two shortly).

Salvatore has done it again! The Thousand Orcs is a wonderfully written fantasy book that could have only been done by a master. We have followed Salvatore's standard core of characters down a multiplicity of roads and are now seeing a maturity and insight in the lives of each one.
The Thousand Orcs starts in somewhat the way most good books must start, at the beginning of the tale. Drizzt and company are off to Mithral Hall and stumble upon the survivors of a neighboring dwarf contingent that have a bleak tale to tell. The hero's change course and take off on what they expect to be a grand adventure, unbeknownst to them the foe is quite formidable. We get to enjoy their triumphs as well as their failures.
It's about time that a writer, a popular writer, realizes the level of intellect his readers have. When I first bought this book, I was afraid that Salvatore had perhaps fallen into the Louis L'Amour syndrome, that is that he writes one book fifty times. There are so many series on the market today and most of them are the same story over and over, with no growth in the characters from one story to the next. The main principles of the stories usually end up being flat and unbelievable.

I found that the best part of the storyline was the surprise ending. Salvatore takes a good story and with the surprise ending, a great story rises from the ashes. He has definitely left the door open for the remaining books in this series. Salvatore has set himself up of the ruler of Tolkien's world and seems to enjoy the perch from above.

This new installment by R.A. Salvator brings everything you would expect from a book by a master writer. We have an intrictly writen plot invovlong many sub-groups. We have the return of Wolfgar to the fold. Emerging from the black bile of his past and becoming a more mature and thoughtfull pillar of the group. Tension runs high especially concerning the pending decisions about exactly how far Drizzit and Cattie-brie are going to take their love for each other. And the question that arise from that contemplation brings about some serious racial and longevity issues to their lives. Bruenoer is back in beautiful form stomppin around and killing orcs while he tries to deal with his feelins concerning his pending coronation and future life as King of Mithril Hall and subsequent lack of adventuring. oops gotta go butyou get the gist. Its a wonderful read trust me.

Salvatore is killing us! This book is a wonderful lead to so many different roads of possibilities. As with any trilogy you have to expect the author to set up the scene and this book does just that. If you have no experience with the characters or story lines do not start with this one. You have to understand the depth of each character to understand the enormity of the situation in their eyes. Drizzt- his worst fear, he's alone. Cattie Brie- her adoptive father out of action, facing the reality of mortality. Bruenor- ?? Anticipate the possibilities!

This book was a good book standing on its own. The Drizzt saga has had twists and turns, and if you've read them all as I have, you are familiar with some of the "filler" books such as Spine of the World, where nothing really happens except story filler. This book is not a filler book , but does set things up for the next two or more books. Parts of it are very reminicent of the Battle of Helms Deep from the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and the cover art is misleading, but overall, the book was worth reading!

Yesterday I locked myself in my office forwarded my phone to voice mail and began reading. I continued today until I finished. Some people compare these books to the DemonWars books and find the Drizzt books wanting. To me that's like comparing apples to oranges.
That said, The Thousand Orcs was one of the most outstanding pieces of fantasy written. Battle scenes galore, emotional turmoil, exploration of the antagonists' psyches. There are cliffhangers, subtle and overt changes to the hearts and minds of the characters. There is also a bit of political intrigue that I think filtered over from some of Salvatore's other works.
You can see Drizzt taking a whole new direction with this series.
Plus, a couple of past favorite characters are in the thick of the action, as well as some new characters.
All in all, great book. And at least he's regular about releasing them.

Wow. It is safe to say that this book has the most action I have ever read in a book. I read a couple chapters the first night I bought the book. I was so into the action packed story that I read the rest of the novel the next night! That is around 300 pages. It had the perfect mix of action, romance, and comedy.
I've known about R.A. Salvatore's fantasy novels for some time but I never really took the time to pick one up and read it. This was the first novel by Salvatore that I read and it was amazing. I dont really like to read and therefore I dont read often but after reading this novel, I am definately going to buy the second and final books of the trilogy. Three thumbs up from me... if it was possible.

When I picked up this book I knew that I wasn't in for anything that could be called sophisticated. I have been a fan of Salvatore's for many years now and can easily look past the pulp that Mr. Salvatore's writing has become. This stuff is written for teenaged boys! (That's where I started) The thing that really kills these books is the predictability. Everything you think is going to happen eventually happens! I'll tell you what, everything you think is going to happen in the following two book probably will too! Two other points: #1) How many times can Cattie-Brie fire an arrow "just in time" to save Wulfgar's "hide" #2) What is up with the names?!!! Can you believe some of these names: General Dagnabbit, Shingles McRuff and there was a guy in the last book Sharky or something! OH MY GOD! These are by far the worst ficticious names ever in the history of literature! Do yourself a favor and read Robert Jordan's books. Or read Salvatore up to Sea of Swords, this one isn't worth it....unless you like to figure out the whole book by page 12. Just say it after me "NO MORE DROW, NO MORE DROW"! Can't Drizzt and co go on an "Adventure"?

The book that started up the Hunter's Blades Trilogy! A perfectly good RA Salvatore novel for any Fantasy Fan. Drizzt Do'Urden shows what he really has in this book, by battling Orcs and Frost Giants alike. A great Prologue of the brandnew series that still isn't finished. If you liked this book, get The Lone Drow and see how the story continues.

From the opening chapter, I was drawn in and hooked on this great book. I just love the cleric dwarf RAS has created here. There are so many vivid characters and a pretty engrossing storyline to boot. My only complaint is when your nearing the end of the book (with only a handfull of pages left) and you just want to keep readin on and on...that has to say something!
Good job RAS. Definatly one of my favourites from this author !
Justice Delivered

Well well well, Salvatore does it again. The book is an all round awesome one. He shows more character then in any books written before. It shows Wulfgar and his inner turmoil with his new found family, Bruenor with the tasks of a new King, Regis with trying to prove himself, is there finally a chink in the armor of Cattie-brie? And what of Drizzt, maybe love drills a hole in his heart?
I found The THousand Orcs to be just another of Salvatores awesome books. It keeps readers on edge and keeps pages flying. I normally find it difficult to read books twice or even three times, yet Ive read this one 4 times since it came out.
If your looking to burn a little money out of your pocket this is definetly a good choice.

From beginning to end this book had me hooked. Now this is the first R.A. Salvatore book ive read that pertains to Drizzt. This is an amazing book. R.A. Salvatore is truly the master of battle. He can paint a vivid picture in your mind. Its a great buy and I encourage any one to read this book.

...doesn't do battle in this book. There are some views and opinions that he is reflecting on his relationship with Catti-Brie, death, and spirituality. The plot is ongoing and more entertaining at times because in the second book he still thinks that his friends were killed in the battle at Shallows. This book is worth adding to my shelf and I felt that my money was worth it!

From the opening chapter, I was drawn in and hooked on this great book. I just love the cleric dwarf RAS has created here. There are so many vivid characters and a pretty engrossing storyline to boot. My only complaint is when your nearing the end of the book (with only a handfull of pages left) and you just want to keep readin on and on...that has to say something!
Good job RAS. Definatly one of my favourites from this author !
Justice Delivered

Well well well, Salvatore does it again. The book is an all round awesome one. He shows more character then in any books written before. It shows Wulfgar and his inner turmoil with his new found family, Bruenor with the tasks of a new King, Regis with trying to prove himself, is there finally a chink in the armor of Cattie-brie? And what of Drizzt, maybe love drills a hole in his heart?
I found The THousand Orcs to be just another of Salvatores awesome books. It keeps readers on edge and keeps pages flying. I normally find it difficult to read books twice or even three times, yet Ive read this one 4 times since it came out.
If your looking to burn a little money out of your pocket this is definetly a good choice.

From beginning to end this book had me hooked. Now this is the first R.A. Salvatore book ive read that pertains to Drizzt. This is an amazing book. R.A. Salvatore is truly the master of battle. He can paint a vivid picture in your mind. Its a great buy and I encourage any one to read this book.

The master of Fantasy Sci-Fi has written a wonderful book that brings old an new characters together. moreover, it's a completely new threat and story that hasn't been explroed and tied to the past adventures of the heroes. It semmed that the last two series, it was about someone trying to avenge a wrong or something on those lines. Glad to have you back RA

...doesn't do battle in this book. There are some views and opinions that he is reflecting on his relationship with Catti-Brie, death, and spirituality. The plot is ongoing and more entertaining at times because in the second book he still thinks that his friends were killed in the battle at Shallows. This book is worth adding to my shelf and I felt that my money was worth it!

This book is an excellent example of the skill of author R. A. Salvatore. Not only this book, but all his books which I've read have several things in common. Given that, here's what a Salvatore novel entails:
He is known for being a great author, especially of fantasy. He's especially well-known for the many novels centering around Drizzt and company, and for the novels set in his world of Corona. The Thousand Orcs falls into the former category, dealing with the latest from Drizzt and his companions.
His battle scenes are vivid, but not so weighty as to take away from the story. The characters are realistic and intrigueing, and the "action" in any given part of one of Salvatore's books might be a battle, political subterfuge, a character's emotional conflicts--in short, Salvatore isn't limited to skillful portrayel of battle. He can, and does, include a variety of gripping situations in his works. The Thousand Orcs is no exception, boasting all three of those things and more.
If you're a Salvatore fan, I shouldn't need to tell you to buy this, because you've probably already got it on your wish list. If you aren't, this book is as good a place as any to get started!

(3.5 stars) This is the first Salvatore novel I've read, coming to it cautiously thanks to his reputation, and I have to admit to it being better than I expected. Considering it's the first book of a new trilogy from an ongoing series, it was a fun read with a reasonable amount of character development and just enough action to get me looking forward to the next one without feeling like I'd read an extended prologue.
I loved the dwarves, especially Pikel the "Doo-dad," and Salvatore writes them quite well, giving each of them a distinct personality.
On the other hand, the biggest disappointment was the infamous lead, Drizzt, whose intermittent letters and incessant navel-gazing made him a rather annoying presence in the story. The parallels to racism and interracial relationships are rather heavy-handed and do nothing to really define the character beyond its archetype. Salvatore seems to be leaning on past stories a bit too much to carry that particular storyline.
Overall, though, this book was a lot of fun and I am intrigued enough to check out some of his other books while awaiting the sequel.

I do recommend this for advanced readers in Salvatores line. That said, it is magical, but not for first timers. It has too many references to previous occasions for someone to really grasp into the big picture. Now, i have gone back and started reading from the dark elf trilogy ,and so many more things start to make sense. All in all, this is an excellent read, but start with Homeland and work your way up the ladder, you get a lot more out of it.

After the somewhat disappointing Sea Of Swords, R.A. Salvatore completely redeems himself with The Thousand Orcs. This book had everything you could want from a great Fantasy novel. It had Drizzt Do'Urden, without a doubt the most famous Fantasy character of all time, it had inner thinking plots, political intrigue, and great action! Any person who loves Fantasy at all should go buy this book. It is so great you'll want to read it over and over again. So don't rent it, buy it!
I'm very eager for the next book in the series approximately one year from now.

Well. It seems that fates and lady luck has finally caught up to several of the heroes of the halls. Unlike many of the other Drizzt books, tradagey abounds for our fabled fivesom. And the ending is sure to leave you near to heart break for one of them (find out who by reading it).
With the inclusion of several others, brought in from previous books, and some well wrote out bad guys (and girls), this promises to be a well worth start, to what i hope will be one of Salvatore's best trilogies yet!
My only regret, is i will have to wait a full year (from what i know) for the second installment.

I could read all these books twice really. The whole series is by far the best adventure series ever! I read his first book 15 years ago the crystal shard. I looked that book up Last year to read it again 3/05 since then I have been addicted I have read every book he has wrote since all this year. the cleric Quintet That was also a must read if just for the dwarfs. Bob if you read this Thank you for all the great work!

Thanks again for the Very best adventure's

Magnanimous

ech. Im not sure what to say. The book was alright. Salvatore has written better than this. The first few pages of the dark elf trilogy were better than the whole book! Not to mention i felt as if most of the story was pointless and filler.

After waiting a long time to read another book with everyone's favorite Drow Elf, Drizzt Do'Urden, RA Salvatore brings us The Thousand Orcs, Book 1 of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy. This book was OUTSTANDING. I read it in a day, I couldn't put it down. I like this book not only because it is written by a great author but because the way in which he makes you feel when you read it (or any of his works for that matter). I had the feeling that I was actually in the story as another character sensing everything that they did, following them along their journey. I would give this book 10 stars if I could.

Salvatore has done it again. I am itchin' to get the next novel in this series. It has all the Drizzt action as the others, and more. From the first page to the last, you won't be able to put it down. I had to read it all in one night.
This book carries the back stories of Cattie-brie and Drizzt, and Wulfgar and whats-her-name :D
It really is a must read for all the Salvatore fans out there.

RA Salvatore's writing is very pedestrian in style and seems more like a play by play commentary of some D&D game than anything resembling a novel. This book is only recommended for 14 year old fanboys who judge a book's quality by the numbers of magic items carried by the heroes.

Your books are too good to be true. Ive always wanted to be a good writer but im a bit too young, but all im gonna say is this book should go on DVD Ill give it a 100 out of 100, well thats all, good writing R. A. SALVATORE and good drawings Tood Lockwood, bye.

I have read every book in the series of The Legend Of Drizzt up until The Lone Drow. The Thousand Orc's in my opinion has the same outstanding qualities of every book in this series. Out of the many books i have read i hold these as the best of them all. THe Thousand Orcs pulls you into the pages and has you seeing the trama and battles unfold before your eyes, and at the end, your left with a picture of those glowing... purple flames. Staring back out at you from the hell Icingdeath and Twinkle will send anyone who callenges those eyes to.

Books like this are the reason my teachers sneer when I bring fantasy into study hall, and it annoys me to see such glowing reviews about such mindless drivel. This is pure escapism reading with no intellectual value. I'm a musician and I know what an insult it is to be called a hack or a sellout but I sure was thinking that about the author while I was reading this. There are two things that I look for when I read: quality of writing and storytelling enjoyment. This book didn't work on either level.
Quality of writing: Where is the pretty prose? The breathtaking descriptions? The scenes that make me believe I'm in this world? They're not there. I can't believe this author has been writing longer than I've been alive. There's zero improvement in writing skills since the Dark Elf trilogy. If anything it's worse. Is it just me or was this book aimed at the lowest common denominator? I'm 14 and I felt like I was being talked down to. Kids are smart Mr Salvatore. We really are. Especially the ones that are into reading. You either write specifically for kids and tone down the violence and sexual inneundo aka harry potter or trust us to get it. Don't bludgeon us over the head with a club. Tickle our senses with a paint brush.
Storytelling: Did this book start off slow or what? Why would you even start the book with people other than the heroes? The prologue is one thing but chapter 1 too? Once it got started there were too many plot lines going on here and it gave the whole story a jerky feel not to mention that some of them were just boring or pointless. I'm not one of the drooling Drizzt fans and even I felt short-changed at how little he and his friends were in this book. Every time we did see them it seemed like they were having some deep conversation that I guess was supposed to pass for character development. These scenes just felt clumsy and overdone as if the author assumes the reader can't read between the lines so everything needs to be spelled out.
That pretty much sums up my feelings about the book. Author was insulting the intelligence of the reader. Everything from the stupid dwarven accents to the slapstick humor of the two brothers (why were they even in this book?) to the clumsy prose to the lack of any literary value. Writing is art and all art should say something. If you're just telling the story for the story's sake or the rent it pays, then you're cheating yourself and your readers.

When I started to read this book for a report in High school, I thought I would read it and get it over with. Exept when I started it I got so compelled to read it I read the straight for a week and couldn't put it down. R.A.Salvitore puts you right in the struggle for survival.when you start to read this book you will be compelled to keep reading.The night that I finished The Thousand Orcs I bought the sequel the very same night.Any one looking for a fantasy novel pick this one up.'10 out of 10'.

Though I've played DnD for many years, this is the first Salvatore I've ever read (I picked the book up because he was in town for a book signing). While I think there's far better fantasy out there, this story was sort of light, cotton candy fantasy. Not that this is a bad thing.
My only real complaint with the book is that the jacket is incrediby misleading. Don't expect Drizz't to solo 1000 orcs.

Although I enjoyed The Dark Elf trilogy (In my humble opinion it was the best trilogy of Drizzt), I think the story (well, what story?) it's getting more a fight, let's find another excuse for a fight.
well, to tell the truth, it's an OK book, but the characters are getting stale, too predictible. If you like Drizzt, you'll like this book, but don't expect too much out of it.

This book has ACTION!!! in the first couple of paragraphs, its extremly interesting, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are AWESOME!!!. This was my very first Forgotten Realms title and now Im hooked. The Author didn't bore me with exstensive descriptions of a person, place, or thing. It got straight to the point and kept me reading. I can hardly wait to read the sequel. #1 Author....R.A. Salvatore.

The was a great read with Drizzt and his friends, but seemed to miss a plot. The books starts off one way, then heads another and adds different characters and leaders but doesn't tie them all together. Maybe it will be tied together in one of the other 2 books but we will have to wait and see. I highly recommend the book but it is not his best of the Drizzt series.

I have just completed this book last night, and it is one of the best R.A. Salvatore books I have ever read. The book is basically non stop action, starting from one orc raid on some dwarven traders, leading up to a great battle in the secluded town of Shallows. I think I speak for everybody when I say that R.A. Salvatore should make a movie of the entire saga!

R.A. Salvatore is without a doubt the best author to grace the Forgotten Realms, and this IS a good book, BUT... I do get tired of nothing but Drizzt Do'Urden. Enough already! Write about someone else in the Forgotten Realms Mr.Salvatore, there's a whole realm of interesting characters out there.

This book was fast action the whole way. The best part about it is Orc king Obould who is becoming one of R.A. Salvators most deadly villians. I recomend this book greatly. However for new readers it would be a good idea to read some back books to catch up to the story.

This is the second book by R.A. Salvatore that I've read and this one is probably even less impressive than the previous which was likewise unimpressive. My main issue with his writing is that he seems to have a very sadistic bent. In the previous book I read Drizzt and his group methodically chopped down several Hill Giants in such a brutal fashion that I felt rather sorry for the giants. The Thousand Orcs ups the ante by having Drizzt's crew rip apart a trio of Frost Giants. For those who don't know, in the world of D&D Frost Giants are the largest, most intelligent and most refined of the giants. For Salvatore, giants seem to be a means to create scenes of carnage on a embiggoned scale featuring a brutal dissection of these enormous humanoids. To add to the mix Orcs are offered up like pigs to a slaughter with most of the main characters taking extreme delight in hammering them mercilessly.

So this leads me back to then whole concept of Dungeons and Dragons. Although the point of the game is role playing and characters can gain experience by performing actions `in character' it eventually all leads back to killing beasties. When a D&D party comes across an Orc camp how often do players think about the morality of attacking a group not currently engaged in battle or the dubious morality of wiping out sentient humanoids? Salvatore creates Orcs that are so weak and inept that it feels cruel when they are ripped to shreds. Are we to assume that goblinoids are wholly evil and only fitting for genocide? It really says something that the writer was able to cause me to reassess that whole concept of Dungeons and Dragons.

Great writers are able to paint a visual picture with words and put the reader into their world. Tolkien wrote like an artist carefully and meticulously crafting Middle Earth, immersing readers in his vision. By contrast Salvatore only writes two things; action and dialogue. As ethically dubious as the action is the dialogue is even worse. The author is clearly trying to build some deep relationship between the main characters but their interactions are nauseating and I truly don't care about any of them. The characters are constantly self analyzing with Drizzt being the worst with his incessant introspective musings.

With R.A. Salvatore you get quantity over quality and for some people that's a fair tradeoff. The author might be talented but when you shovel out this much material something has to give. A writer like George Martin only delivers a new book every four years or so and I have to wonder whether he'll ever finish his Song of Fire and Ice series but the quality is much higher. For me there are way too many books available to be reading assembly line writers like R.A. Salvatore and Margaret Wies. I would love to read a quality D&D novel but I have to wonder if any exist. This book is just a mess with dozens and dozens of characters and a plot that is both overly bare and excessively confusing at the same time. I still don't know what the motivation behind the orc/frost giant team-up is. Salvatore seems to be considered a superior D&D writer but it may come down to him being the best of a very weak talent pool.

I didn't care for this story at all. The story moved very slowly and the characters were very shallow. I kept waiting for the story to pick up, and was sorely disappointed when the predictable end came. The only reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1 is that Salvatore introduced a Dwarf cleric and I was impressed with this new character. Drizz't fans all over will be disappointed.

As most Drizzt novels, this book was well written, but there were several flaws. This book seemed to have just too much fighting and not enough intrigue. The entire book is frost giant after orc, and not enough depth. However, I still recommend the book even though I think it is not as well done as his previous for Drizzt series.

Salvatore's storytelling keeps getting better and better. In this new book, his mastery of intrigue and intertwining plot lines is akin to Clancy's. Aside from being a great story featuring the Icewind Dale characters, it's engaging and difficult to put down.

Salvatore has lost it.

RAS used to be one of the most enthralling authors in the Fantasy genre. Now he's stale, rehashes old plots, has no substance to his characters, and nobody can die.

It's really quite tragic.

This book is excellent, it is just what I have come to expect from Salvatore. I could not put it down! The only thing about it that dissapointed me was that Drizzt and Catti-Brie's relationship was not worked out. I can't wait for the next book because this book really leads up to it nicely and leaves you wanting more. I would definetely recommend it to any fantasy fans out there.

This is the second book by R.A. Salvatore that I've read and this one is probably even less impressive than the previous which was likewise unimpressive. My main issue with his writing is that he seems to have a very sadistic bent. In the previous book I read Drizzt and his group methodically chopped down several Hill Giants in such a brutal fashion that I felt rather sorry for the giants. The Thousand Orcs ups the ante by having Drizzt's crew rip apart a trio of Frost Giants. For those who don't know, in the world of D&D Frost Giants are the largest, most intelligent and most refined of the giants. For Salvatore, giants seem to be a means to create scenes of carnage on a embiggoned scale featuring a brutal dissection of these enormous humanoids. To add to the mix Orcs are offered up like pigs to a slaughter with most of the main characters taking extreme delight in hammering them mercilessly.

So this leads me back to then whole concept of Dungeons and Dragons. Although the point of the game is role playing and characters can gain experience by performing actions `in character' it eventually all leads back to killing beasties. When a D&D party comes across an Orc camp how often do players think about the morality of attacking a group not currently engaged in battle or the dubious morality of wiping out sentient humanoids? Salvatore creates Orcs that are so weak and inept that it feels cruel when they are ripped to shreds. Are we to assume that goblinoids are wholly evil and only fitting for genocide? It really says something that the writer was able to cause me to reassess that whole concept of Dungeons and Dragons.

Great writers are able to paint a visual picture with words and put the reader into their world. Tolkien wrote like an artist carefully and meticulously crafting Middle Earth, immersing readers in his vision. By contrast Salvatore only writes two things; action and dialogue. As ethically dubious as the action is the dialogue is even worse. The author is clearly trying to build some deep relationship between the main characters but their interactions are nauseating and I truly don't care about any of them. The characters are constantly self analyzing with Drizzt being the worst with his incessant introspective musings.

With R.A. Salvatore you get quantity over quality and for some people that's a fair tradeoff. The author might be talented but when you shovel out this much material something has to give. A writer like George Martin only delivers a new book every four years or so and I have to wonder whether he'll ever finish his Song of Fire and Ice series but the quality is much higher. For me there are way too many books available to be reading assembly line writers like R.A. Salvatore and Margaret Wies. I would love to read a quality D&D novel but I have to wonder if any exist. This book is just a mess with dozens and dozens of characters and a plot that is both overly bare and excessively confusing at the same time. I still don't know what the motivation behind the orc/frost giant team-up is. Salvatore seems to be considered a superior D&D writer but it may come down to him being the best of a very weak talent pool.

I didn't care for this story at all. The story moved very slowly and the characters were very shallow. I kept waiting for the story to pick up, and was sorely disappointed when the predictable end came. The only reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1 is that Salvatore introduced a Dwarf cleric and I was impressed with this new character. Drizz't fans all over will be disappointed.

As most Drizzt novels, this book was well written, but there were several flaws. This book seemed to have just too much fighting and not enough intrigue. The entire book is frost giant after orc, and not enough depth. However, I still recommend the book even though I think it is not as well done as his previous for Drizzt series.

Salvatore's storytelling keeps getting better and better. In this new book, his mastery of intrigue and intertwining plot lines is akin to Clancy's. Aside from being a great story featuring the Icewind Dale characters, it's engaging and difficult to put down.

Salvatore has lost it.

RAS used to be one of the most enthralling authors in the Fantasy genre. Now he's stale, rehashes old plots, has no substance to his characters, and nobody can die.

It's really quite tragic.

This book is excellent, it is just what I have come to expect from Salvatore. I could not put it down! The only thing about it that dissapointed me was that Drizzt and Catti-Brie's relationship was not worked out. I can't wait for the next book because this book really leads up to it nicely and leaves you wanting more. I would definetely recommend it to any fantasy fans out there.

This book is great. I recommend any and all fantasy lovers to get this book and read it. Everytime he releases another book in this series I buy it, and he has never let me down... This one lives up to the oters with action and rich characters. In the continuing saga Drizzt and the companions get a deep look inside and with breathtaking action scenes this one will never let you down.

This book is one of his finest. It most definitely captures your attention. Once you pick it up, you can't put it down. The problem with this trilogy was you had to wait every October from 2002 to 2004 to read all three. The books lacks nothing and is a very entertaining and excellent read.

I love Salvatore's work and The Thousand Orcs is up to his usual standard. He seems to know his main character intimately. I have

not had time to read the other two books in the trilogy but I

did purchase them at the same time. Will review later

Great read... only "Servants of the Shard" comes close to being as good as this installment of the Dark Elf Series. Don't let the Dust jacket mislead you this book is about all the companions, and not just Drizzit. Even a couple of favorite characters from the Cleric Quintet show up.

This book is awesome.I laughed, I cried,I just could not put the book down.Cant wait for the next book to come out.In fact i have allready pre-ordered it.If you are a fan of Drizzt this book is a must have.The next 2 books will take Drizzt to a new level.Are you ready?

R.A.Salvator does it again in this book. Like the ealier Drizzit books he adds plot twists throw in characters from his other series and linkng them together in the Forgotten Realms.

A quick ut suspensful read...I'd recomend it to anyone.

Salvatore does it again. I love how he can make you see, feel, and literally be the characters. You'll find yourself crying at the sad parts and cheering with them during the good. This is a must read.

This book is absolutely amazing. Enchanting. Many action inside. Wonderful magic. Salvatore is one of my preferred authors in this genre.
I strongly recommend this book.
I have already started reading the second title of this trilogy. I can't wait...

As always I was captivated by R. A. Salvatore's excellent writing. He did a great job at bringing into play new characters and merged them well into the lives of the already well-known characters I love.

(3.5 stars) This is the first Salvatore novel I've read, coming to it cautiously thanks to his reputation, and I have to admit to it being better than I expected. Considering it's the first book of a new trilogy from an ongoing series, it was a fun read with a reasonable amount of character development and just enough action to get me looking forward to the next one without feeling like I'd read an extended prologue.
I loved the dwarves, especially Pikel the "Doo-dad," and Salvatore writes them quite well, giving each of them a distinct personality.
On the other hand, the biggest disappointment was the infamous lead, Drizzt, whose intermittent letters and incessant navel-gazing made him a rather annoying presence in the story. The parallels to racism and interracial relationships are rather heavy-handed and do nothing to really define the character beyond its archetype. Salvatore seems to be leaning on past stories a bit too much to carry that particular storyline.
Overall, though, this book was a lot of fun and I am intrigued enough to check out some of his other books while awaiting the sequel.

I hate to say it, but the tales of grief and woe faced by these companions is getting old. I think that Salvatore is beating a dead horse in continuing this saga. His writing in this book lacks the spark and imagination of previous works and its storyline is at times dull and predictable. While the reuniting of the band is an important event, the fact that many of the difficulties brought about in the books between the Legacy of the Drow and this book continue to plague the adventurers. I fear that these stories will end up at the bottom of the scrap heap unless some absolutely new and fresh character development occurs. Until then, I suggest continuing to buy these, but don't be surprised when they stop being interesting.

This book was Salvatore at his worst. Do not buy it. It was really boring until the end and then all Drizzt does is fight a few frost giants. After this Drizzt goes into a berserk rage that lasts for another whole book because he thought that Bruenor died. This attempt to build up tension turns Drizzt into a bloodthirsty instinctive monster for another whole book. All he thinks about is kill orcs, kill orcs, kill orcs.

The master of Fantasy Sci-Fi has written a wonderful book that brings old an new characters together. moreover, it's a completely new threat and story that hasn't been explroed and tied to the past adventures of the heroes. It semmed that the last two series, it was about someone trying to avenge a wrong or something on those lines. Glad to have you back RA