These books were a treasure to me in high school. As an escape to a fantasy world which helped prevent me from getting caught up in the drama and stress of adolescents and also to inspire me to try and be better to those around me as well as not to allow my environment to dictate my behavoir. I hope you enjoy them Mike.
His monologs on many occasions have made me stop and really rethink not only my life but also the choices I make in life, and I found they turned me into a more aware person and to be more compassionate to everything around me.
Drizzt brings great memories with his name... I read the first 9 books in school, I met him while playing Baldurs Gate 1 and was stunned, was killed by him in Baldurs Gate 2: Shadows of Amn and fought with his scimitar "Icingdeath" in Icewind Dale... Forgotten Realms is a great world for sure.
These books are great. They're usually split into trilogies and they vary in quality but they're never bad. Drizzt is a great protagonist and this setting is about as high fantasy as it gets. Also they do have their dark moments, by no means is this fantasy for babies. Plus the Drow and their culture is so fascinating and Salvatore absolutely nails them. Happy to see you're giving it a go.
1 thing I've always wanted to do was run a D&D campaign in which Ched Nasad and Menzoberanzzan are in an all out war for the favor of Llolth, just so I can delve more into Drow culture and society. And of course to have my boy Jarlaxle have some fun and make some profit too.
I’m excited about this series. So many people have been telling me how good it is. When I went to pick the book up at my local Barnes and Noble the cashier was just raving about it. 😂
@@mikesbookreviews I think it goes back to what you mentioned that people sometimes assume that just because a book is “easy” fantasy, “entry level” fantasy or flat out older stuff that it’s not worth reading it. I read the the other D&D books the Dragonlance Chronicles and I actually loved it.
Great series! When I first became a serious reader in junior high it was because of Dragonlance and ForgottenRealms. You should get Brian Lee Durfee on the channel to talk about classic D&D novels.
Not just the trilogy! You gotta read the whole series, they get better and better! The stakes become higher, the stories more world encompassing, and the character development beyond what you'd see in other fantasy series
I love how these books feel like reading classic jrpgs. They’re action packed fun with some surprisingly deep and emotional moments every now and then. The creativity, battles and monster roster are great.
The Battle of Demogorgon between the Prince of Demons and Drizzt was truly EPIC!!!! How it all came to pass, and what happens afterword is one of my favorite parts.
Hey Mike, I'm excited to hear your take on these. I've been reading them since high school in the late 1900s and I think they still hold up! Truth and courage, sir!
I found a hardcover of Homeland in the thrift store back in 2019. It's been sitting on my shelf collecting dust since then, but you've just convinced me to read it.
I just bought The Crystal Shard the other day as my start into this series, so excited to see that you are reading soon. (Yes, I am one of those pub order types.) Looking forward to it.
Mike - I gave up UA-cam for Lent, so I have spent the last few days catching up on my favorite creators. I am thrilled to come back to your channel and see what you have been reading. I love the way you approach reading and how you dissect the stories. Your openings are stunning and your hard work shines through. Just wanted to show some appreciation for continuing to fuel our love of reading. I hope you and your family are well and wish you all the best.
After having read all books currently in this series, that initial monologue is even more impactful than it was at the start. Salvatore, to knows how to establish continuity in a character’s growth arc.
I used to play D&D with my younger brothers, a bunch of college and softball buddies from 1979 through 1985. It was pretty new still but was s ton of fun over pizzas and beers on Sunday afternoons and evenings. It led us all to read Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and then fantasy in general. Most of the popular RPG video games from the 80's through present day were based on the concepts developed in table top role playing and D&D specifically. I recently got back into collecting D&D 5E books as well as many other RPG systems, table top board and war games, and expanding my personal fantasy library over the last 10 years. George RR Martin and ASOIAF was the first big epic series I jumped into and then I did my first read of The Wheel of Time and followed that with reading a bunch of other authors and series since. It is the best thing in the world. Just turned 60 last year and have 2 young grand children now but look forward to being the fun grandpa with all his toys and books that the kids will love coming to visit. Building out a hobby and gaming area in my basement now. DRIZZT and all the rest of these early series based on the D&D worlds have all been added to my collection and I will be reading them all sometime this year as well. I may jump in with you on this one.
That is a great story! My brother is 6 years older than me and I remember him and his friends playing (they wouldn't let me join ha ha). Apparently he is still friends with those guys and they still go to conventions together.
The Forgotten Realms novels with Drizzt, Guenhwyvar, Bruenor, Catti-brie, etc. are classic fantasy. They were my first introduction to the fantasy genre, besides the books that were required reading in school. I fell in love. I haven’t picked up Mr. Salvatore’s last books in this series but I’ve read the others. I look forward to hearing what you think.
These were the first books I got ahold of after reading Lord of the Rings and honestly I liked them more when I was young (they weren’t as difficult for me to read). These books will always be special to me. “He was as tough as the mountain stone.”
Brian Lee Durphy is the best for this. I bought nearly every series on his top 40 fantasy series list and several from his top sci fi list. Some absolute gems in both!
I am so excited you are starting these. I read the first 2 trilogies a long time ago with my husband and had a blast. He's a long time D&D nerd 🤓. I look forward to your reaction on these and will definitely watch any video you put out about it. Sadly my library never recorded anything past this six books so I won't get a chance to read more any time soon. Enjoy the ride! 😀 The Drizzit is real! 😂
This was my introduction to adult fantasy, I was 15 and went to the library with a friend who picked it out for me without knowing anything about it because there was so many books in the series and wanted to give me a challenge. I ended up loving it so much and purchased my own copies now as an adult. I have the first 12 books in the series and would love to re-read them along with you since its been about 15 years since I've read them but I have so many fond memories of loving them. Very excited for you to read them and see what you think!
I'm so excited that you are reading these books! I reread Homeland just last year. As origin stories go, this one is so good. I think I will read along when you get to Exile.
The amount you reply to people is amazing. Ive been reading r.a. salvatore annndd raymond e feist for a very long time. Helped me get through some tough times during the war. Im sure you will enjoy them and i look forward to seeing your reviews.
Speaking of older books, I was just introduced to Mary Wells by The Library Ladder on book tube. I read The City of Bones and found it awesome. So, it’s true that older books are still worth our time, even if nobody talks about them anymore.
Oh absolutely. Been basically a walking talking door-to-door salesman for Robert E. Howard for a few years now. When folks realize how old it is they act as if it isn't worth their time and I just don't get that.
Excited that you're reading these and I'll definitely join you. I read The Dark Elf trilogy as a kid back in the 90s and then remember loving the Drow so much that I read the War of the Spider Queen series, too. That could be another Forgotten Realm series you might be interested in if the Drizzt books go well.
Super hyped for you to start a conversation on these. I started them in high school (20 years ago) and have gone back and forth. I think I'm like 9 behind but these books are absolutely great.
Thank you for diving into this! This is one of my favorite fantasy series. It's been probably three years, but I absolutely love this story and the world. A neon, underground, cavernous world governed by evil matriarchal great houses. Drizzt is an outcast because he's fundamentally good and doesn't have the Machiavellian impulses that his family does. There's some surprising philosophical depth in this story. Great characters, a wonderful animal companion, battle school (complete with melee tournaments), sorcerers, knives in the back, and... in book 2, you get to meet the svirfnebli. Just you wait! A truly great character arc with Drizzt as well. I predict that Zaknafein will be one of your favorite characters.
Nice shirt, was huge into Nightwish in Jr high/early highschool. At that time ironically I was also really into Drizzt books. I think you may really enjoy this journey.
This series has been on my radar for a few years, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Mike, but I’m not likely to be doing a read along as I’m currently about a third of the way through Words of Radiance & anticipate being stuck in Roshar for the foreseeable future. I’ll experience Drizzt vicariously through your channel, and maybe read it later.
That's good, because I'm no longer doing official read alongs. I'll join others (i.e. Codex Alera) but the days of hosting those things are over. I'm enjoying reading freedom too much. If you do read them eventually, I imagine those videos will always be there.
I think you'll like these books. You made a good point ... just because something is a quick read doesn't mean it's bad. I can't wait to hear your reviews of them!
My brother in law actually gave me a copy of Dark Elf (in Spanish) last Christmas and haven't given it much of a thought, it can be really fun going on a booktuber readalong for once, as I was late for RoW
When you get to the Claric Quentet, you need to read that too as it’s awesome tie ins later down the road. I was hesitant to read it at first but it turned out to be a fantastic story
I got to be honest with you Mike since I started my W.O.T. journey in 2019 and discovered your channel was at the same point it has been great. I have discovered so many books because of your channel. The faithful and fallen, The Dragon bone chair to name a few I have read because of you. This series Always intrigued me the covers would always catch me. This might be another on my radar now thanks bro.
I’m so glad you are reading these. I have had them on my shelf for a long time. I’m going to pick them up after I finally finish Wheel of Time. I just picked up book 11.
I've heard a ton of recommendations for this series, but my issue is the availability of the books in my country. My libraries don't have many books from R.A.Salvatore, and when they have it is like book 4 or 5... but i've just heard they might be reprinted pretty soon :) I will join You on this Drizzt journey as soon as I can :)
@@mikesbookreviews it is a common issue with those older series for me :) A couple years back, when i wanted to reread R.E.Feist it was no longer available at my libraries (too old, unattractive, not checked out for a long time, so they got rid of them), second hand the prices were crazy, like 50-100$ a book (printed in 1995 - 2008), and on top of that - I found out, that the series is 30 books total, and only 16 were translated... It took me a year to track the cheapest available copies of that series in English and now I am never going to get rid of them. Just in case want to read them again in 20+ years ;)
I was looking for another nice long series. My local used book store had all of the Legacy Of The Drow series in hard back. I'll be piecing all of the books together and have the on the tbr stack
I have been interested in these for a long time now will definitely read them with you guys. Need to finish green angel tower first and Excalibur but no plans after that🙂
Hi Mike! I started reading Forgotten Realms' novels some 20 years ago, and now being almost 40 I continue to do so, perhaps not so hungrily, but still have a soft spot for this world since it provided me with so much fun during my youth. Pertaining Drizzt collection, I've read his first 3 trilogies, and must say that I really love them, all 3 of them, yet perhaps I regard Icewind Dale a bit better than the others. The main character is awesome, so are his friends and the relationships between them (therein lies for me the best of these books), as well as some of his enemies (Artemis Entreri) and of course his unpronounceable loyal animal companion who I'm positive you'll love. Hope you enjoy the read, greetings from Argentina!
Hi Mike! It is really great that you go on a trip with us along the Faerûn👏Drizzt and Guenhwyvar have been Fantasia’s favorite duo for me for over 23 years. I believe you will like this rich and diverse world.There are a lot of great characters, plots and awesome weapons in the series🤩 PS. I have read the first 25 parts of the series at least five times😂
I can't wait. I only read the trilogy but love Drizzt. Even made a Skyrim build of him before! I have the next set too, just haven't had time to read them but will if the discord will start it after the 3! Might try to reread the trilogy too
I’ve read the entire series several times. The first 6. Probably closer to 10. I do a lot of reading but these are my go too for nostalgia reading. If it takes you 15 years to read the entirety. It’s well worth it. If a movie is made and done correctly. It must be done right!! It will be a instant epic classic. IT MUST BE DONE RIGHT.
I read a lot of fantasy in the '80's but somehow missed the Drizzt books. I got caught up in the DragonLance side of the TSR books (Forgotten Realms being the other), so I'm definitely intrigued. I won't get to these soon but they are going on the TBR. I look forward to hearing you talk about them!
I read through Legacy back in High School, which as much as there was at the time. It'd be interesting to go back and revisit them. I'd be a little scared as some of the writing in other D&D books really helps me appreciate the modern masters of the genre.
Dude this COULD NOT have been made at a better time (for me). I'm waiting for my copy of words of radiance to get here..it's taking its sweet time and didn't want to jump into a bigger book while waiting but thought what about drizzt? I stopped after the second but always have loved drizzt and have sojourn on my kindle. Well this video helped me choose to read sojourn while waiting for stormlight 2 to get here. Thanks for this video dude!
Yaaaas love Drizzt I’ve been reading these since high school excited to hear your thoughts on this series. You should definitely start with Dark Elf trilogy especially if you aren’t familiar with the world of Faerun from other series.
As long as I can remember, if I go into a bookstore it will have like 20 different RA Salvatore books on the shelves. I've been seeing this series for years and years and I've never considered picking it up. I don't know why. It sounds like something I would like.
When I was younger, after seeing the Lord Of The Rings trilogy in theaters, I went into Borders looking for something Fantasy to read and I was told to read The Icewind Dale Trilogy. At the time, it felt almost too similar to the movies and I kept comparing it to that and I stopped reading them. After watching this, I'm going to jump back in to this series, my only question is do I start with The Legend of Drizzt, first in the series or The Crystal Shard (Book 1 of the Icewind Dale Trilogy) because it was written first?
The only exposure I've had with Drizzt is in Baldur's Gate 2. You encounter him and his party at some point during the game and then have the opportunity to team up with him and his crew for the final fight of the game. I knew there were books about him but I only know him from the video game. Seemed pretty cool there though.
i hope you enjoy these series as much as i did/do , read them first in my teens (like feist and gemmel) and still reread them every year.o and just wanted to say awesome intro!
Hey Mike. How are you doing? Those R. A. Salvatore books sound great. I wanted to lgive you a reading and listening update too. I am now 32% into reading while listening to Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. I'm sorry that I am so late to the party, but after reading/listening to the first book 4 times, I am finally getting a few things and I have started laughing at a few of the characters. I am going to try and start on Deadhouse Gates next month.
One of my favorite popcorn fiction series. Reading these books is kind of like watching old 80s action flicks. Not a ton of depth, and a bit corny at times. But they are a ton of fun.
Warlord Chronicles is an outstanding series. In my top three. I have to admit, that after watching this video, I'm sold on this series, and will definitely dive into it later this year. My buddy has been bragging about this series for years, so it will also be cool to talk with him about it.
This series just got me into reading. I am on book 4 and now obsessed with Fantasy and looking for more. I like easy read and fast pased action after working all day. I am looking into R.A. Salvatoe's other books like child of a mad god.
My son gave me the first book in this series a couple of months ago. A while back, he asked if I started it yet so I’ll go ahead and start this month. I probably would have kept putting it off but this has encouraged me to begin…
The Dungeoncast has an interview with R.A Salvatore on their channel. They go into a great background about Drizzt and how Salvatore came up with the character. Read through The Halfings Gem, which is book 6, was really good. It was one of the best in the series.
I went crazy at my library today and picked up legend of the drizzt collectors edition book 1, elantris, gardens of the moon and the drawing of the three. Now to find time to read
I have the first three books in the series and haven't read them yet, my only real interactions with D&D are from reading the Dragonlance books as a kid, playing a few odd sessions with friends, and watching a bunch of Critical Role. Looking forward to getting into these!
I started the legend of drizzt recently and I read the first trilogy and it was amazing. Started the second trilogy immediately and it is shaping up to be very good as well!
These books were a treasure to me in high school. As an escape to a fantasy world which helped prevent me from getting caught up in the drama and stress of adolescents and also to inspire me to try and be better to those around me as well as not to allow my environment to dictate my behavoir. I hope you enjoy them Mike.
Whole reason I never got in much trouble in high school. I routinely declined Friday night hijinks to finish my book.
Drizzt! this was my first introduction to fantasy and at first it was a bit much but maaaan when i settled in, it was so rewarding
Great to hear!
Drist's monologues are one of the best things in this series and stories in general. Can't wait for you to experience this great story.
Judging from the quotes I pulled, I can see that.
His monologs on many occasions have made me stop and really rethink not only my life but also the choices I make in life, and I found they turned me into a more aware person and to be more compassionate to everything around me.
Drizzt
@@treweis1141 I know it is spelled Drizzt. I said Drist, so people know how it is pronounced to make it easier.
@@AzenHawke1995 drizzt not drist
Love the world that Drizzt lives within, love the characters ❤️
As popular as it still is, it sounds like quite the place
Drizzt brings great memories with his name... I read the first 9 books in school, I met him while playing Baldurs Gate 1 and was stunned, was killed by him in Baldurs Gate 2: Shadows of Amn and fought with his scimitar "Icingdeath" in Icewind Dale... Forgotten Realms is a great world for sure.
These books are great. They're usually split into trilogies and they vary in quality but they're never bad. Drizzt is a great protagonist and this setting is about as high fantasy as it gets. Also they do have their dark moments, by no means is this fantasy for babies. Plus the Drow and their culture is so fascinating and Salvatore absolutely nails them. Happy to see you're giving it a go.
I think it's a great way to do it. Keeps newcomers from feeling overwhelmed when a series has that many books in it.
1 thing I've always wanted to do was run a D&D campaign in which Ched Nasad and Menzoberanzzan are in an all out war for the favor of Llolth, just so I can delve more into Drow culture and society. And of course to have my boy Jarlaxle have some fun and make some profit too.
Mike, it’s the little things: Drizzt, and a Nightwish t-shirt. This is the book tube channel I connect with most!
Ha ha happy that it speaks to you.
@@mikesbookreviews Since you paired Nightwish with mentioning Berserk, you now have to bust out with a Beast in Black t-shirt lol.
I’m excited about this series. So many people have been telling me how good it is. When I went to pick the book up at my local Barnes and Noble the cashier was just raving about it. 😂
Yeah, that's why I was shocked at how little content there is on Booktube about them. Seems almost everyone has read or wants to read them.
@@mikesbookreviews I think it goes back to what you mentioned that people sometimes assume that just because a book is “easy” fantasy, “entry level” fantasy or flat out older stuff that it’s not worth reading it. I read the the other D&D books the Dragonlance Chronicles and I actually loved it.
Great series! When I first became a serious reader in junior high it was because of Dragonlance and ForgottenRealms. You should get Brian Lee Durfee on the channel to talk about classic D&D novels.
Always a possibility down the road!
Putting it on your TBR convinced me to get the trilogy. I’m very excited to start it after this video
Excellent!
Not just the trilogy! You gotta read the whole series, they get better and better! The stakes become higher, the stories more world encompassing, and the character development beyond what you'd see in other fantasy series
I love how these books feel like reading classic jrpgs. They’re action packed fun with some surprisingly deep and emotional moments every now and then. The creativity, battles and monster roster are great.
Sounds more to my liking than Cradle.
The Battle of Demogorgon between the Prince of Demons and Drizzt was truly EPIC!!!! How it all came to pass, and what happens afterword is one of my favorite parts.
This series is great, there are some moments from it that have stuck with me ever since I read it in middleschool.
Encouraging!
Awesome intro Mike, I just read Homeland and liked it a lot, I'm continuing with Exile as well
Love your Nightwish shirt! I’d like to read along, I’ve been playing D&D for almost a year and I’ve been meaning to read the Drizzt books.
Excellent! Would love to have you along.
I finally found time to watch this, and the epic intro did not disappoint! Looks like a lot of fun ahead for you, Mike!
Yeah I was very happy with this one. Great quotes and art to choose from.
Hey Mike, I'm excited to hear your take on these. I've been reading them since high school in the late 1900s and I think they still hold up! Truth and courage, sir!
Sounds great!
I found a hardcover of Homeland in the thrift store back in 2019. It's been sitting on my shelf collecting dust since then, but you've just convinced me to read it.
Always happy to help!
Holy shit that intro is 🔥
Thanks! I was particularly proud of this one.
I agree, blew me away!
I just bought The Crystal Shard the other day as my start into this series, so excited to see that you are reading soon. (Yes, I am one of those pub order types.) Looking forward to it.
Not a problem at all! I'm hoping I enjoy Dark Elf so much I can't wait to start Icewind.
Mike - I gave up UA-cam for Lent, so I have spent the last few days catching up on my favorite creators. I am thrilled to come back to your channel and see what you have been reading. I love the way you approach reading and how you dissect the stories. Your openings are stunning and your hard work shines through. Just wanted to show some appreciation for continuing to fuel our love of reading. I hope you and your family are well and wish you all the best.
cant wait to hear your thoughts on this series!!!
Here’s a blast from the past! It’s been over a decade since I read this book but this has me wanting to pick it up again.
I'll always welcome having some veteran readers along the way.
After having read all books currently in this series, that initial monologue is even more impactful than it was at the start. Salvatore, to knows how to establish continuity in a character’s growth arc.
I've heard they package just those "thoughts of Drizzt" from the beginning of each book in a collection now. Neat idea.
My D&D character is a widowed high elf that was married to a drow modeled after Drizzt. Got us through covid and we’re still playing.
Awesome! I hope we can resume one day.
I used to play D&D with my younger brothers, a bunch of college and softball buddies from 1979 through 1985. It was pretty new still but was s ton of fun over pizzas and beers on Sunday afternoons and evenings. It led us all to read Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and then fantasy in general. Most of the popular RPG video games from the 80's through present day were based on the concepts developed in table top role playing and D&D specifically. I recently got back into collecting D&D 5E books as well as many other RPG systems, table top board and war games, and expanding my personal fantasy library over the last 10 years. George RR Martin and ASOIAF was the first big epic series I jumped into and then I did my first read of The Wheel of Time and followed that with reading a bunch of other authors and series since. It is the best thing in the world. Just turned 60 last year and have 2 young grand children now but look forward to being the fun grandpa with all his toys and books that the kids will love coming to visit. Building out a hobby and gaming area in my basement now. DRIZZT and all the rest of these early series based on the D&D worlds have all been added to my collection and I will be reading them all sometime this year as well. I may jump in with you on this one.
That is a great story! My brother is 6 years older than me and I remember him and his friends playing (they wouldn't let me join ha ha). Apparently he is still friends with those guys and they still go to conventions together.
I stopped reading in high school because I just lost the magic in it. Homeland got me back into reading. You’ll have a great time reading it
The Forgotten Realms novels with Drizzt, Guenhwyvar, Bruenor, Catti-brie, etc. are classic fantasy. They were my first introduction to the fantasy genre, besides the books that were required reading in school. I fell in love. I haven’t picked up Mr. Salvatore’s last books in this series but I’ve read the others. I look forward to hearing what you think.
Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for.
These were the first books I got ahold of after reading Lord of the Rings and honestly I liked them more when I was young (they weren’t as difficult for me to read). These books will always be special to me. “He was as tough as the mountain stone.”
I'm looking forward to it!
I love when booktubers recommend older books or series, some gems I may have missed.
Brian Lee Durphy is the best for this. I bought nearly every series on his top 40 fantasy series list and several from his top sci fi list. Some absolute gems in both!
I try to find the occasional thing not every other booktuber is talking about. But it all depends if my audience is interested or not.
So excited you’re diving in to this series and can’t wait for the reviews!
Looking forward to it!
Given what Mike said in this video, he is going to very much enjoy Drizzt. Glad you were convinced to give this story a try!!
Hoping so!
I am so excited you are starting these. I read the first 2 trilogies a long time ago with my husband and had a blast. He's a long time D&D nerd 🤓.
I look forward to your reaction on these and will definitely watch any video you put out about it. Sadly my library never recorded anything past this six books so I won't get a chance to read more any time soon. Enjoy the ride! 😀
The Drizzit is real! 😂
Maybe I can sell them to my wife if I like them. She's still a full book behind me on Tad Williams.
This was my introduction to adult fantasy, I was 15 and went to the library with a friend who picked it out for me without knowing anything about it because there was so many books in the series and wanted to give me a challenge. I ended up loving it so much and purchased my own copies now as an adult. I have the first 12 books in the series and would love to re-read them along with you since its been about 15 years since I've read them but I have so many fond memories of loving them. Very excited for you to read them and see what you think!
Seems this series was the intro for a lot of fantasy readers.
I'm so excited that you are reading these books! I reread Homeland just last year. As origin stories go, this one is so good. I think I will read along when you get to Exile.
Great!
Amazing intro, Mike! Thank you for all of your time on that and for introducing us to another intriguing series 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it! Miss you.
Excited to start reading this with you!
Awesome to have you here!
I love this series! I have about half of his books yet to read. I can't wait to hear your reviews.
Personally I like the dark elves in Forgotten Realms more than just Drizzt as a character. The War of the Spider Queen series to me is fantastic.
The Epilogue of that was so good... "I believe the next move is mine"
Gotta start somewhere.
Dissolution, the first book in that series, is an outstanding portrayal of the Drow as a dramatically different society and psyche! I love that book.
The amount you reply to people is amazing. Ive been reading r.a. salvatore annndd raymond e feist for a very long time. Helped me get through some tough times during the war. Im sure you will enjoy them and i look forward to seeing your reviews.
Whole reason i started this channel was to have other folks to talk to about these books. Thrilled 3 years later folks are still talking to me.
Great video. I recently put the first trilogy near the top of my to read pile for the reasons you mentioned.
Outstanding!
Speaking of older books, I was just introduced to Mary Wells by The Library Ladder on book tube. I read The City of Bones and found it awesome. So, it’s true that older books are still worth our time, even if nobody talks about them anymore.
Oh absolutely. Been basically a walking talking door-to-door salesman for Robert E. Howard for a few years now. When folks realize how old it is they act as if it isn't worth their time and I just don't get that.
Excited that you're reading these and I'll definitely join you. I read The Dark Elf trilogy as a kid back in the 90s and then remember loving the Drow so much that I read the War of the Spider Queen series, too. That could be another Forgotten Realm series you might be interested in if the Drizzt books go well.
I've heard this a lot in the comments.
I am going to be starting Drizzt for the first time as well! Looking forward to it. Hope to see many videos for this one Mike!
Awesome!
Super hyped for you to start a conversation on these. I started them in high school (20 years ago) and have gone back and forth. I think I'm like 9 behind but these books are absolutely great.
Can't wait!
Thank you for diving into this! This is one of my favorite fantasy series. It's been probably three years, but I absolutely love this story and the world. A neon, underground, cavernous world governed by evil matriarchal great houses. Drizzt is an outcast because he's fundamentally good and doesn't have the Machiavellian impulses that his family does. There's some surprising philosophical depth in this story. Great characters, a wonderful animal companion, battle school (complete with melee tournaments), sorcerers, knives in the back, and... in book 2, you get to meet the svirfnebli. Just you wait! A truly great character arc with Drizzt as well. I predict that Zaknafein will be one of your favorite characters.
Also, I'm going to read along with you on this.
As always, I will enjoy your counsel as I read these.
I love your intro...I will definitely give forgotten realm a chance now.
Glad you liked it!
I will definitely do a read along. I've only listened to the audiobooks but recently picked up a signed copy of the first trilogy. Pumped!!!
Nice shirt, was huge into Nightwish in Jr high/early highschool. At that time ironically I was also really into Drizzt books. I think you may really enjoy this journey.
i have missed tha epic intros you do for so long amazing intro loved everybit of it
you should be given a award for most cinematic naration
I keep waiting for Book Trailers to become a thing.
These books are great for a relatively quick read/listen. Fantastic stories and characters you will love!
Looking forward to it!
This series has been on my radar for a few years, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Mike, but I’m not likely to be doing a read along as I’m currently about a third of the way through Words of Radiance & anticipate being stuck in Roshar for the foreseeable future. I’ll experience Drizzt vicariously through your channel, and maybe read it later.
That's good, because I'm no longer doing official read alongs. I'll join others (i.e. Codex Alera) but the days of hosting those things are over. I'm enjoying reading freedom too much. If you do read them eventually, I imagine those videos will always be there.
I can't wait for you to meet Artemis. He levels the playing field for Drizzt and is such a good foil.
Artemis and Jarlaxle are my favorites
I'll be sure to remember that name.
Okay, you got me, I think I'm in for joining a first time read of these. Now to work out how to shuffle the TBR......
I think you'll like these books. You made a good point ... just because something is a quick read doesn't mean it's bad. I can't wait to hear your reviews of them!
Sometimes "light" is mistaken for "childish." I hate that.
My brother in law actually gave me a copy of Dark Elf (in Spanish) last Christmas and haven't given it much of a thought, it can be really fun going on a booktuber readalong for once, as I was late for RoW
Could be fun!
Such a beautiful character.. the author is so consistent, making the series such a treat.
Seeing you see excited about this series made me wanna start it as well, hope we end up enjoying it :)
Yes, that would be great.
When you get to the Claric Quentet, you need to read that too as it’s awesome tie ins later down the road. I was hesitant to read it at first but it turned out to be a fantastic story
I second this. The cleric quintet is awesome
Noted!
I got to be honest with you Mike since I started my W.O.T. journey in 2019 and discovered your channel was at the same point it has been great. I have discovered so many books because of your channel. The faithful and fallen, The Dragon bone chair to name a few I have read because of you. This series Always intrigued me the covers would always catch me. This might be another on my radar now thanks bro.
Happy to help others spend their money, always :)
I’m so glad you are reading these. I have had them on my shelf for a long time. I’m going to pick them up after I finally finish Wheel of Time. I just picked up book 11.
You're in the stretch run now! It's all smooth sailing the rest of the way.
I've heard a ton of recommendations for this series, but my issue is the availability of the books in my country. My libraries don't have many books from R.A.Salvatore, and when they have it is like book 4 or 5... but i've just heard they might be reprinted pretty soon :) I will join You on this Drizzt journey as soon as I can :)
Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully they don't make you wait too long.
@@mikesbookreviews it is a common issue with those older series for me :) A couple years back, when i wanted to reread R.E.Feist it was no longer available at my libraries (too old, unattractive, not checked out for a long time, so they got rid of them), second hand the prices were crazy, like 50-100$ a book (printed in 1995 - 2008), and on top of that - I found out, that the series is 30 books total, and only 16 were translated... It took me a year to track the cheapest available copies of that series in English and now I am never going to get rid of them. Just in case want to read them again in 20+ years ;)
I had never heard about this series but from your description I think I'll love it
It would be awesome for it to be a readalong
Man this was awesome! Love your intros, so epic! I need to get back into reading this series again.
Thanks!
Grew up with these. Still maintain R.A. Salvatore has some of the best fight sequences. You’re in for a treat
I was looking for another nice long series. My local used book store had all of the Legacy Of The Drow series in hard back. I'll be piecing all of the books together and have the on the tbr stack
Nightwish! Lets go!!!
I have been interested in these for a long time now will definitely read them with you guys. Need to finish green angel tower first and Excalibur but no plans after that🙂
Would be happy to have you along.
I read the first book or two back in high school which was almost 15 years ago now. Might pull the first three off my shelf and read along with you!
Excellent!
Oh Yeah!!! Looking forward to hearing your feedback on the serie! Will read the serie again with you, second reading it will be for me! :-)
Welcome to the party!
Hi Mike! I started reading Forgotten Realms' novels some 20 years ago, and now being almost 40 I continue to do so, perhaps not so hungrily, but still have a soft spot for this world since it provided me with so much fun during my youth. Pertaining Drizzt collection, I've read his first 3 trilogies, and must say that I really love them, all 3 of them, yet perhaps I regard Icewind Dale a bit better than the others. The main character is awesome, so are his friends and the relationships between them (therein lies for me the best of these books), as well as some of his enemies (Artemis Entreri) and of course his unpronounceable loyal animal companion who I'm positive you'll love. Hope you enjoy the read, greetings from Argentina!
I'm looking forward to starting in about a week.
Hi Mike! It is really great that you go on a trip with us along the Faerûn👏Drizzt and Guenhwyvar have been Fantasia’s favorite duo for me for over 23 years. I believe you will like this rich and diverse world.There are a lot of great characters, plots and awesome weapons in the series🤩
PS. I have read the first 25 parts of the series at least five times😂
Wow, that's exciting.
I can't wait. I only read the trilogy but love Drizzt. Even made a Skyrim build of him before! I have the next set too, just haven't had time to read them but will if the discord will start it after the 3! Might try to reread the trilogy too
I saw some people made Drizzt on Elden Ring. Very cool.
I’ve read the entire series several times. The first 6. Probably closer to 10. I do a lot of reading but these are my go too for nostalgia reading.
If it takes you 15 years to read the entirety. It’s well worth it.
If a movie is made and done correctly. It must be done right!! It will be a instant epic classic. IT MUST BE DONE RIGHT.
My first real introduction to fantasy reading when i read the crystal shard at 14. Still reading this series. Hope you enjoy Mike!
Seems to be quite nostalgic for many. I’m excited.
Kudos on the Nightwish shirt! Saw them back in 2015, touring with Sabaton.
I read a lot of fantasy in the '80's but somehow missed the Drizzt books. I got caught up in the DragonLance side of the TSR books (Forgotten Realms being the other), so I'm definitely intrigued. I won't get to these soon but they are going on the TBR. I look forward to hearing you talk about them!
If only we could read everything at once, am I right?
@@mikesbookreviews I think you mentioned it once: I want that job where someone pays me to read!
I read through Legacy back in High School, which as much as there was at the time. It'd be interesting to go back and revisit them. I'd be a little scared as some of the writing in other D&D books really helps me appreciate the modern masters of the genre.
Always good to check those expectations before revisiting something we loved in our youth.
Can’t wait til you read it. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Drizzt is one of my favorite characters in fantasy. I hope you love them.
Yeah, he seems quite popular.
Dude this COULD NOT have been made at a better time (for me). I'm waiting for my copy of words of radiance to get here..it's taking its sweet time and didn't want to jump into a bigger book while waiting but thought what about drizzt? I stopped after the second but always have loved drizzt and have sojourn on my kindle. Well this video helped me choose to read sojourn while waiting for stormlight 2 to get here. Thanks for this video dude!
Excellent! Let's roll.
Yaaaas love Drizzt I’ve been reading these since high school excited to hear your thoughts on this series. You should definitely start with Dark Elf trilogy especially if you aren’t familiar with the world of Faerun from other series.
As long as I can remember, if I go into a bookstore it will have like 20 different RA Salvatore books on the shelves. I've been seeing this series for years and years and I've never considered picking it up. I don't know why. It sounds like something I would like.
Yeah, probably the most popular Fantasy author by name recognition that I've never tried, outside of his Star Wars books.
Oh I would love to see you talk about these books I love them a lot
This series was my gateway into fantasy
Hearing a lot of that here.
When I was younger, after seeing the Lord Of The Rings trilogy in theaters, I went into Borders looking for something Fantasy to read and I was told to read The Icewind Dale Trilogy. At the time, it felt almost too similar to the movies and I kept comparing it to that and I stopped reading them. After watching this, I'm going to jump back in to this series, my only question is do I start with The Legend of Drizzt, first in the series or The Crystal Shard (Book 1 of the Icewind Dale Trilogy) because it was written first?
This is a question I have gotten equal different answers on. So I think in the end it doesn't matter if you do Icewind first or Dark Elf.
The only exposure I've had with Drizzt is in Baldur's Gate 2. You encounter him and his party at some point during the game and then have the opportunity to team up with him and his crew for the final fight of the game. I knew there were books about him but I only know him from the video game.
Seemed pretty cool there though.
i hope you enjoy these series as much as i did/do , read them first in my teens (like feist and gemmel) and still reread them every year.o and just wanted to say awesome intro!
I appreciate that! Thanks.
Hey Mike. How are you doing? Those R. A. Salvatore books sound great. I wanted to lgive you a reading and listening update too. I am now 32% into reading while listening to Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. I'm sorry that I am so late to the party, but after reading/listening to the first book 4 times, I am finally getting a few things and I have started laughing at a few of the characters. I am going to try and start on Deadhouse Gates next month.
No criticism here. I still haven't finished Malazan myself.
Gonna have to re read these now thanks to you xD love Drizzt books. I only ready them a year ago but they are really good.
Great! Let's go.
Looking forward to it, Mike! I've never read any of them and would love to hear your thoughts.
Should be a good time!
I’d be interested in reading along. Not sure I’ll be able keep up, but I’ll give it a shot! You had me at animal companion :)
Ah, it's not a race. I won't be reading all of them back to back or anything. Just between bigger books.
i'm excited to start this series with you
Let's get it!
One of my favorite popcorn fiction series. Reading these books is kind of like watching old 80s action flicks.
Not a ton of depth, and a bit corny at times. But they are a ton of fun.
I appreciate a good popcorn flick from time to time.
Warlord Chronicles is an outstanding series. In my top three. I have to admit, that after watching this video, I'm sold on this series, and will definitely dive into it later this year. My buddy has been bragging about this series for years, so it will also be cool to talk with him about it.
Fantasy is always better with someone to talk to about it.
This series just got me into reading. I am on book 4 and now obsessed with Fantasy and looking for more. I like easy read and fast pased action after working all day. I am looking into R.A. Salvatoe's other books like child of a mad god.
My son gave me the first book in this series a couple of months ago. A while back, he asked if I started it yet so I’ll go ahead and start this month. I probably would have kept putting it off but this has encouraged me to begin…
Sounds like you raised them right!
The Dungeoncast has an interview with R.A Salvatore on their channel. They go into a great background about Drizzt and how Salvatore came up with the character. Read through The Halfings Gem, which is book 6, was really good. It was one of the best in the series.
Any spoilers?
@@mikesbookreviews Some spoilers but a lot of the interview is world building and the background of how Salvatore came up with Drizzt.
I went crazy at my library today and picked up legend of the drizzt collectors edition book 1, elantris, gardens of the moon and the drawing of the three. Now to find time to read
Those are the best kinda trips.
I have the first three books in the series and haven't read them yet, my only real interactions with D&D are from reading the Dragonlance books as a kid, playing a few odd sessions with friends, and watching a bunch of Critical Role. Looking forward to getting into these!
Yeah, should be a good time.
I started the legend of drizzt recently and I read the first trilogy and it was amazing. Started the second trilogy immediately and it is shaping up to be very good as well!
Awesome to hear!