Every Drizzt Do’Urden Book Series, Ranked

This article contains spoilers for The Legend of Drizzt.With Dungeons and Dragons recurring character, Drizzt Do’Urden, appearing continually in books since 1988, he has starred in some excellent stories and some average ones. Regardless of the varying quality of the books in which it appears, it has transformed the landscape of D&D and carved out a place for the drow in the global high fantasy formula. Dark Elf Drizzt Do’Urden is the product of American writer RA Salvatore. It first appeared on Icewind Valley books, but after proving his popularity, he appeared in 38 other novels.

Drizzt Do’Urden’s two scimitars and the Companions of the Hall accompany Drizzt on his travels through the Forgotten Realms in RA Salvatore’s books. The campaign setting is explored in 13 book series published by Wizards of the Coast, which also publishes the legendary D&D table game. Drizzt experiences many adventures and battles, with romance and character development slowly but surely. So while the ranking of these books is a bit subjective, there are certainly highlights, underlining the marked progress in Drizzt’s stoic yet legendary character.

13

The Separation

The Companions (2013)

The companions is actually very interesting in a lot of ways, but it falls victim to the franchise element of the Drizzt books. It depends a lot on prior knowledge of other eventsand about the existence of other novels. The Separation is a rather unique book series in the Forgotten Realms world of RA Salvatore, with only one novel of the six constituting a Drizzt Do’Urden book. The companions is included in both The Separation and The Legend of Drizztbut the other Separation the books focus on other characters.

The Separation The books are interconnected through their focus on the Sundering, a cataclysmic event dominated by Mielikki, the new goddess of Catt-brie. Every book feels a little stiltedand The companions is a good example of how the series gets lost in worldbuilding, having to somehow connect to several other arcs while standing alone. Drizzt’s philosophical diary entries are a delight, but the narrative itself goes nowhere.

12

Companion Codex

Night of the Hunter (2014), Rise of the King (2014), Revenge of the Iron Dwarf (2015)

Companion Codex It’s fun and quick to read, but it feels a little repetitive and complicated. Hunter’s Night has a valuable focus on Drizzt and Artemis Entrari. It’s refreshing to read the Companions of the Hall at its best and Entrari’s plot offers an arguably even more engaging arc. The brilliant writing that is often present in Salvatore’s books occasionally gives way to rote fight scenes, but the battles are exciting Rise of the King and Revenge of the Iron Dwarf.

Fight scenes are the bread and butter of The Legend of Drizztand if that puts readers off, they would probably do well to investigate other fantasy series. However, there are so many conflicting stories in this novel that can be difficult to follow, draining the emotional relevance of some of the fights. The problem with The Legend of Drizzt They are often complicated missions, and all three books suffer a little in this regard.

11

Way of the Drow

Starlight Enclave (2021), Glacier’s Edge (2022), Lolth’s Warrior (2023)

Starlight Enclave It has the strength of being incredibly written, but the weakness of hardly featuring Drizzt. Drizzt provides the compulsion to consume many of the books in RA Salvatore’s work. In the grand scheme of things, This series lacks a bit of focuswithout Drizzt to piece together the narratives. But Way of the Drow It only compares unfavorably to all the books featuring Drizzt Do’Urden in a very broad comparison, with lots of unmissable action.

Jarlaxle is a highlight of Way of the Drow. He’s a grayscale character who complicates black and white morality and has some intriguing moments in this trilogy. The often heroic Ice Drow gets a lot of attention in Starlight Enclavemoving away from the idea that most drow are bad. This idea was developed quite a bit in the early Drizzt books. In many ways, this series begins to complicate the moral axioms of its world in contemporary, eye-opening twists.

10

Neverwinter Saga

Gauntlgrym (2010), Neverwinter (2011), Charon’s Claw (2012)

This series presents a slight difference from Drizzt Do’Urden’s previous books, allowing for a slightly more adult tone. Drizzt interacts significantly with Dahlia, creating a carnal moment for the beloved character in a series where he was mostly celibate. This tonal shift represents a cultural dynamic by which fantasy has gradually become darker over the years. The results are an adult set of novels that suit Drizzt and his depth.

However, some readers may prefer the bright innocence of some of Drizzt’s previous books. The tone of high fantasy can vary greatly. In The Dark Elves trilogythe Tolkienian influence of RA Salvatore shines much brighter than in Never winter. George RR Martin fans may enjoy this trilogywith its political elements and quest for relationships more varied than Drizzt’s previous books.

9

Return home

Archmage (2015), Maestro (2016), Hero (2016)

Far from being a bad series, Return home is simply not RA Salvatore’s best attempt at The Legend of Drizzt. The stories in all three books are fast-paced, which is part of the appeal of Drizzt’s books. However, narratives often seem thin on detailssacrificing character development to the plot. And while the plots are quite absorbing, their complexities can make them confusing.

The fantasy warrior Drizzt gets a pretty typical treatment in Archmagecreating a fun fantasy adventure. None Archmage, Conductornor Hero break any limits within the Forgotten Realms or fantasy in general, which positions Return home as a safe read for those who enjoy writing formulaic genres. However, there is a lack of creativity Return homecompared to The Dark Elves trilogy or Sellers.

8

Legacy of the Drow

Legacy (1992), Starless Night (1993), Siege of Darkness (1994), Passage to Dawn (1996)

Legacy of the Drow is a classic set of Drizzt books from the 90s and maintains that starry high fantasy feel that RA Salvatore mastered in Icewind Valleybut it has some major flaws. This long series feels a little empty compared to their previous counterparts. Starless night may sum up this series’ flaws the most, with Salvatore’s signature fight scenes dragging out over their welcome.

Despite this, ranger Drizzt Do’Urden returns to Menzoberranzan in this quartet of books, making a nostalgic return to one of the D&D more seductive environments. Passage to the dawn meanders a little and perhaps doesn’t have a very interesting direction to go in, making this book series feel a bit stuck overall. Fortunately, Salvatore certainly returned to form in later novels.

7

Generations

Timeless (2018), Limitless (2019), Relentless (2020)

Generations It’s a great entry The Legend of Drizztperhaps it lacks a little of the magic that the first books captured, comparatively. Timeless dives into Drizzt’s fatherwhich is actually one of the best ways to explore the drow Drizzt Do’Urden. As such, those who are motivated by Drizzt’s psychology should definitely delve into Generations. Zaknafein is a fascinating character in his own right. No limits it also features some emotional moments that make sense of Zaknafein’s fatherhood.

The action in this series remains strong, but the intrigue of the drow goddess Lolth is the real connection to the wider world, which makes the series feel relevant to the other books. The pacing of the novels is a bit jarringwith a lot of slow storytelling and then a sudden burst of events that occur quickly. For those who enjoy the slower, more psychological elements of these books, Generations could be a highlight. Otherwise, there may be a lack of interest.

6

The Expendables

Servant of the Shard (2000), Witch King’s Promise (2005), Road of the Patriarch (2006)

In fact, this series does not focus on Drizzt Do’Urdenbut it focuses on the brilliant Artemis Entrari, who is often villainized in Drizzt’s books. However, he provides a powerful counterpoint to Drizzt in the books, often proving that he may be much better suited to be Drizzt’s soulmate than his nemesis. This complex relationship makes Artemis’ focus in these books a big standout.

The Expendables the books also explore Jarlaxle, another big selling point in The Legend of Drizzt. Furthermore, the last book The Expendables trilogy is foundational to future novels, so for those committed to pursuing the entire series, jumping Sellers is not recommended. However, for those looking to get into Drizzt’s books or a brief, crisp history of his history – this series is not the one.

5

Paths of Darkness

The Silent Blade (1998), The Spine of the World (1999), Sea of ​​Swords (2001)

Paths of Darkness it’s not bad in terms of narrative, but it disappoints in that book two strays from Drizzt’s perspective. While Drizzt isn’t the only reason to keep reading RA Salvatore’s books, he attracts many readers, and for good reason. Drizzt is deeply missed reading The backbone of the worldwith other characters seeming a little shallow in comparison. When the violence is anchored in Drizzt’s personal drama, it’s much more engaging. However, Artemis Entrari’s redemption arc is in Paths of Darkness makes reading these three books worth it.

Entrari is a key character in Drizzt’s books, and Salvatore finally makes good use of him here. It’s a relief to read these books and feel that in the future, Entrari and Drizzt could finally begin to see the connection they always deserved. In many ways, Entrari has more chemistry with Drizzt than Catti-brie, Moriarty with his Sherlock or Vegeta with his Goku. This book series works on this yin and yang duology, building on a charming element of Drizzt’s books.

4

Transitions

The Orc King (2007), The Pirate King (2008), The Ghost King (2009)

Transitions It really is one of the best trilogies The Legend of Drizztdemonstrating some of RA Salvatore’s most daring moments. Drizzt and Catt-brie get married at some point between The Pirate King and The Orc Kingdefining a victory for the will-they-won’t-they couple. While this appears to take place outside of the trilogy’s main narrative, it marks a solidification of The Legend of Drizzt key romance.

The Ghost King offers some important character deathsmarking an absolutely huge turning point in the Drizzt books and helping to give weight to the title of this series. They also do not feel undeserved, with The Orc King and The Pirate King allowing the characters a proper swan song. And even so, they are still shocking, proving that Salvatore is capable of creating impact through character deaths, which is sometimes dubious in his work.

3

The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy

The Thousand Orcs (2002), The Two Swords (2003), The Lone Drow (2004)

The Hunter’s Blades The trilogy shows RA Salvatore at his best, emerging from the early stages of Drizzt’s development into a confident new era. Drizzt Do’Urden needs as much of an on-screen presence as he does. Honor among thieves needs a sequel, and novels like The Lone Drow prove why. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable journey of thrilling actionwithout feeling completely driven by the world-building.

Where Salvatore’s Drizzt books may fall short is the character-driven momentum, with some trilogies forgetting what makes Drizzt so interesting. The nature of the drow is where much of the interest lies.and Drizzt’s uniqueness as a drow creates a lot of heroic tension in this trilogy. Catti-brie and Drizzt have a memorable moment at the end of The Hunter’s Blades books worth waiting for.

2

The Icewind Dale trilogy

The Crystal Shard (1988), Silver Streams (1989), The Halfling’s Gem (1990)

The crystal shard may be as iconic as the Drizzt books get, featuring Icingdeath, a terrifying dragon. This novel lays the foundation for Drizzt Do’Urden as a character from the epic universe of Dungeons and Dragonsfighting with friends for the good of others, just like players do in the tabletop game. This novel also contains a big fight with Errtu, who remains one of the best villains in Drizzt Do’Urden’s books.

The halfling’s jewel is another classic that is one of the best books in the entire Drizzt series. Drizzt kisses Catti-brie while she’s unconscious in a decidedly ’90s move that seemed adorable at the time but certainly reflects a dated element of the novels. However, this marks the beginning of a lovely relationship. Regardless of your glacial courtship, Drizzt and Catti-brie’s strong dynamic begins to blossom in this novel.

1

The Dark Elves trilogy

Homeland (1990), Exile (1990), Stay (1991)

Dark Elf contains the three best Drizzt books, easily. The Dark Elves trilogy is the first series of books in The Legend of Drizztif readers wish to approach it chronologically. As such, it’s probably the best starting point for most readers. It is a prequel series to Icewind Valleybut it focuses on Drizzt in a way that Icewind Valley I never did. Exile Contains some excellent Underdark arcsincluding the Companions’ epic confrontation with the mind flayers.

Stay may be the best Drizzt book of all timeconfirming Drizzt as a misunderstood hero fit to lead a franchise. It’s a remarkable read, marking Drizzt’s first glimpse above the surface of the Underdark. If only he knew how many years of adventures awaited him. A defining moment of the trilogy involves Drizzt ending up in a drow ritual orgy where none other than his older sister takes him away, marking Salvatore’s death. Dungeons and Dragons history as a story full of surprises.