Book title: The Halfling's Gem
Author: R.A. Salvatore
Status: Finished
Synopsis:
Regis has fallen into the hands of the assassin Artmis Entreri, who is taking him to Calimport to deliver him into the clutches of the vile Pasha Pook. But Drizzt and Wulfgar are close on their heels, determined to save Regis from his own folly as much as from his powerful enemies.
Review:
Less organized than the preceding two, probably due to the somewhat weaker, more random but less interrelated quests, but overall a worthy read, learning how Drizzt took on a breathless chase to free Regis from the clutches of Artemis Entreri, Drizzt's almost alter ego, would certainly satisfy readers' appetite for adventures and actions.
Great actions and intense battles, yes, I must give Salvatore that, yet the way The Companions of the Hall ran into seemingly inescapable predicaments but always managed to come out alive on top of all foes is getting rather predictable, if not old and boring. Besides, this book has too many subplots for my liking. A few going on simultaneously? fine, but too many at a time could be distracting and confusing, if not annoying.
Drizzt Do'Urden is one of my fave fiction heroes, glad to see that he finally found peace within himself and with the world around him, and that the struggle between his evil heritage and his principles no longer bothered him, thanks to Catti-brie. I couldn't hide a smile while Drizzt remarked "Let the wide world judge me for what it will." and that he "knew now that he
owed no apologies, or excuses, for his black skin, and to those who placed unfair judgment upon him, he offered none."
I'd love to read more of Guenhwyvar though, who played only a minor role in this book; and I'm dying to learn where Drizzt's heart lies -- there's definitely something brewing between Drizzt and Catti-brie (the kiss!), but it seems that Salvatore's also hinting at a subtle affection between Lady Alustriel and Drizzt?
Long for more of Drizzt's adventures, therefore, "Legacy of the Drow" has already been added to my reading list.
