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.
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.
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.
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’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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 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 TH-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.
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 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.
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.
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'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.
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 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!
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! 😂
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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😂
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
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.
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 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
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!
Cool glad youre reading these. Im a Drizzt fan myself. If you think the Drizzt collection is big the forgotten realms as a whole has over 300 novels in it and that of course doesnt include the other D&D worlds. Its Nice that you can break them up into trilogies and read as much or little as you like. Hope you enjoy them.
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’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 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.
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.
Enjoy your read of Drizzt, Mike. Loved it back in the day, but not sure I'd appreciate it as much now. I'd suggest sticking with the Dark Elf trilogy and the Icewind Dale trilogy. Everything beyond that became predictable and trope-y. p.s My pick from that poll of what to read to next would have been the Book of the Ancestor trilogy by Mark Lawrence. It's superb .... his best work to date and don't let any mixed feelings about his first trilogy ( The Broken Empire ) put you off.
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🙂
I think I'm close to your age and I like hearing about the older series. One of the things I find a little frustrating about booktube is that it seems like veryone is reading the same new releases. I like to see some variety. The Dark Elf trilogy was one of the first fantasy series I read when I first discovered a love of fantasy over 20 years ago. I read them, not knowing that they had anything to do with D&D or even what D&D really was. Now, in my 40s, I've become a huge D&D fan and appreciate the books even more. I recently did a reread of The Dark Elf & Icewind Dale trilogies and am hoping to continue on with the rest of the series soon. Hope you enjoy!
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.
I read these in junior high and high school in the 90's and i have such nostalgia for them so i will be glad to see what you think of them. While Drizzt can at times be OP in combat he still loses things that make his character very grounded. I stopped in like 2005 with the trilogy with the thousand orcs it was still good up to that at least. Of the books up to that point the first 2 in Dark Elf are my personal favorite(i love an origin story) and the second book Exile being my favorite. They are lightning fast reads. Hope you enjoy them as much as i did as a kid.
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 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 man, great decision - you have to start with the DE trilogy, i'm a gonna pick this up alongside ya now i reckon, has been a hot minute since I read these! Drizzt is number 1 male protagonist in all the literature I have read, over my 40 odd years on the planet mate. Nothing sticks out anywhere near him, he is simply an incredible character. Enjoy dude, I know you like characters - this guy, man this guy.
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!
I love the Drizzt books because they made me not feel so alone in thinking there are kind udadrow (drow who are from the Underdark) and I could connect with Drizzt about having views on spirituality that are like the traditional organized religions found in both our world and his. And it doesn't hurt that even though Drizzt is a tough warrior and amazing ethical/religious philosoper, he's a soft spoken cinnomin roll. Also, I absolutely adore Guenhwyvar. Black cats, big or small, are the best! If you're a D&D player, these books are a good way to "see" some awesome spells in action. Being centered around an udadrow, you get a really extensive view of how to properly exicute the spells *Faerie Fire* and *Darkness*. Those two spells are so fragging awazing to have in your back pocket to give you advantage in combat. (You'll need to pick up the warlock invocation Devil's Sight either via the normal warlock route or via the feat Eldritch Adept So you can see through the *Darkness* spell) Side Note: I've heard Guenhwyvar's name pronounced as both [Gwen-ah-var] & [Gwen-ih-var]. She's also nicknamed Guen [Gwen] in some of the later books.
@@mikesbookreviews You're in for a storytelling treat! I will say that are some things in *Homeland* and *Exile* that um... They'll make you go "WTF?!?"
Forgotten Realms was my start to reading fantasy (Azure Bonds, and then the rest of the Finder’s Stone trilogy, being the first series I ever picked up). Drizzt came shortly after and has been a longtime favorite of mine ever since. I just don’t understand the fantasy fans who look down on these classic sword n’ sorcery fantasy tales. They still hold up on re-reads til this day!
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.
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.
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 read the Icewind Dale books several years ago and enjoyed it. I still have the omnibus edition, and will hopefully reread it someday. I need to read the Dark Elf trilogy as well. Hope you enjoy these books. Drizzt is such a cool character.
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
This series is great, there are some moments from it that have stuck with me ever since I read it in middleschool.
Encouraging!
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.
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.
Awesome intro Mike, I just read Homeland and liked it a lot, I'm continuing with Exile as well
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!
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
cant wait to hear your thoughts on this series!!!
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
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 TH-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.
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.
Holy shit that intro is 🔥
Thanks! I was particularly proud of this one.
I agree, blew me away!
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.
Excited to start reading this with you!
Awesome to have you here!
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
I love your intro...I will definitely give forgotten realm a chance now.
Glad you liked it!
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'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!
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 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.
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.
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!
Great video. I recently put the first trilogy near the top of my to read pile for the reasons you mentioned.
Outstanding!
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.
So excited you’re diving in to this series and can’t wait for the reviews!
Looking forward to it!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These books are great for a relatively quick read/listen. Fantastic stories and characters you will love!
Looking forward to it!
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!
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.
Such a beautiful character.. the author is so consistent, making the series such a treat.
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!!!
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!
Man this was awesome! Love your intros, so epic! I need to get back into reading this series again.
Thanks!
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.
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 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.
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......
Can’t wait til you read it. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Grew up with these. Still maintain R.A. Salvatore has some of the best fight sequences. You’re in for a treat
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.
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.
Cool glad youre reading these. Im a Drizzt fan myself. If you think the Drizzt collection is big the forgotten realms as a whole has over 300 novels in it and that of course doesnt include the other D&D worlds. Its Nice that you can break them up into trilogies and read as much or little as you like. Hope you enjoy them.
Feeling pretty optimistic I'll be a big fan.
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
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.
Man your intros are freaking awesome!
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!
i'm excited to start this series with you
Let's get it!
Oh I would love to see you talk about these books I love them a lot
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 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.
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.
Drizzt is one of my favorite characters in fantasy. I hope you love them.
Yeah, he seems quite popular.
Enjoy your read of Drizzt, Mike. Loved it back in the day, but not sure I'd appreciate it as much now. I'd suggest sticking with the Dark Elf trilogy and the Icewind Dale trilogy. Everything beyond that became predictable and trope-y.
p.s My pick from that poll of what to read to next would have been the Book of the Ancestor trilogy by Mark Lawrence. It's superb .... his best work to date and don't let any mixed feelings about his first trilogy ( The Broken Empire ) put you off.
I keep thinking I'd feel this way about Narnia on a re-read but I found it incredibly charming.
@@mikesbookreviews You could be right, but I'm almost scared to try ... and then there's lack of time and too many new books to read !
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.
Stoked!! This is a great series
I think I'm close to your age and I like hearing about the older series. One of the things I find a little frustrating about booktube is that it seems like veryone is reading the same new releases. I like to see some variety. The Dark Elf trilogy was one of the first fantasy series I read when I first discovered a love of fantasy over 20 years ago. I read them, not knowing that they had anything to do with D&D or even what D&D really was. Now, in my 40s, I've become a huge D&D fan and appreciate the books even more. I recently did a reread of The Dark Elf & Icewind Dale trilogies and am hoping to continue on with the rest of the series soon. Hope you enjoy!
Whole reason I’m doing Drizzt. Seems like Booktube is stuck on the same 5-6 series and nothing older than Wheel of Time.
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.
I read these in junior high and high school in the 90's and i have such nostalgia for them so i will be glad to see what you think of them. While Drizzt can at times be OP in combat he still loses things that make his character very grounded. I stopped in like 2005 with the trilogy with the thousand orcs it was still good up to that at least. Of the books up to that point the first 2 in Dark Elf are my personal favorite(i love an origin story) and the second book Exile being my favorite. They are lightning fast reads. Hope you enjoy them as much as i did as a kid.
I am all about beginnings. So I'm sure I'll be better off starting with Dark Elf.
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 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.
Yeah man, great decision - you have to start with the DE trilogy, i'm a gonna pick this up alongside ya now i reckon, has been a hot minute since I read these! Drizzt is number 1 male protagonist in all the literature I have read, over my 40 odd years on the planet mate. Nothing sticks out anywhere near him, he is simply an incredible character. Enjoy dude, I know you like characters - this guy, man this guy.
He seems a super popular character. That's why I was stunned at the lack of content on Booktube.
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!
I love the Drizzt books because they made me not feel so alone in thinking there are kind udadrow (drow who are from the Underdark) and I could connect with Drizzt about having views on spirituality that are like the traditional organized religions found in both our world and his. And it doesn't hurt that even though Drizzt is a tough warrior and amazing ethical/religious philosoper, he's a soft spoken cinnomin roll. Also, I absolutely adore Guenhwyvar. Black cats, big or small, are the best!
If you're a D&D player, these books are a good way to "see" some awesome spells in action. Being centered around an udadrow, you get a really extensive view of how to properly exicute the spells *Faerie Fire* and *Darkness*. Those two spells are so fragging awazing to have in your back pocket to give you advantage in combat. (You'll need to pick up the warlock invocation Devil's Sight either via the normal warlock route or via the feat Eldritch Adept So you can see through the *Darkness* spell)
Side Note: I've heard Guenhwyvar's name pronounced as both [Gwen-ah-var] & [Gwen-ih-var]. She's also nicknamed Guen [Gwen] in some of the later books.
I think all Fantasy readers have that one series like that for them. Mine, obviously, was Tolkien, but I can't wait to get started on this.
@@mikesbookreviews You're in for a storytelling treat! I will say that are some things in *Homeland* and *Exile* that um... They'll make you go "WTF?!?"
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.
Forgotten Realms was my start to reading fantasy (Azure Bonds, and then the rest of the Finder’s Stone trilogy, being the first series I ever picked up). Drizzt came shortly after and has been a longtime favorite of mine ever since. I just don’t understand the fantasy fans who look down on these classic sword n’ sorcery fantasy tales. They still hold up on re-reads til this day!
Sounds similar to how I feel about Conan. When fantasy lovers won't try anything older than 25 years it drives me wild.
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.
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 love these books. I think you will enjoy them. The fight scenes are very well done. It is fast paced as well. You won’t be bored with this series!
Can't wait!
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.
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 read the Icewind Dale books several years ago and enjoyed it. I still have the omnibus edition, and will hopefully reread it someday. I need to read the Dark Elf trilogy as well. Hope you enjoy these books. Drizzt is such a cool character.
I hope so too!
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!
Nightwish! Lets go!!!