Drizzt Returns in Timeless, a Fast and Furious Fantasy
For 30 years, R.A. Salvatore has crafted a rich and wondrous history for the setting of the Forgotten Realms, a Dungeons & Dragons setting rich in gods, monsters, heroes, and rogues, all revolving around the life and adventures of the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden, Drow heretic and hero of the North. Though Drizzt’s story has been well-chronicled over the course of many years and almost as many books, and for a time it looked like 2016’s Hero would be the last of them, there are still shadowy corners of Menzoberranzan to be explored, and secrets in the dark elf’s past to be discovered.
Timeless (Signed B&N Exclusive Book) (Legend of Drizzt: Generations #1)
Hardcover $27.99
Timeless (Signed B&N Exclusive Book) (Legend of Drizzt: Generations #1)
Hardcover $27.99
Timeless marks Salvatore’s return the the character and world after a two-year absence, and with a different publisher. As a prequel of sorts, it’s also a good starting point for new readers. It follows the tumultuous life of Drizzt’s father, mentor figure, and idol Zaknafein, both in the past, when his friendship with the infamous mercenary captain Jarlaxle opened the door for his heresy, and in the present, after he is resurrected and reunited with his son. While Salvatore’s trademark chaotic action and intricate worldbuilding are omnipresent, what truly makes Timeless a worthy continuation of the story is the depiction of the foundational friendship between Zaknafein and Jarlaxle, coupled with the quick wit that infuses every page.
Timeless marks Salvatore’s return the the character and world after a two-year absence, and with a different publisher. As a prequel of sorts, it’s also a good starting point for new readers. It follows the tumultuous life of Drizzt’s father, mentor figure, and idol Zaknafein, both in the past, when his friendship with the infamous mercenary captain Jarlaxle opened the door for his heresy, and in the present, after he is resurrected and reunited with his son. While Salvatore’s trademark chaotic action and intricate worldbuilding are omnipresent, what truly makes Timeless a worthy continuation of the story is the depiction of the foundational friendship between Zaknafein and Jarlaxle, coupled with the quick wit that infuses every page.
Years ago in the city of Menzobarranzan, home to the ruthless, duplicitous race known as the Drow, flamboyant upstart Jarlaxle is contracted by several prominent houses to kidnap a renowned weapons-master by the name of Zaknafein Do’Urden. The job pays well, and will give Jarlaxle’s fledgling band of mercenaries a decent position in Drow society. That Lowly House Do’Urden is locked in a destructive war with another of little significance makes it a simple enough matter to kidnap one single-minded warrior while looting everything not nailed down. Nut no one foresees the friendship that will bloom between Zaknafein and Jarlaxle, nor the heretical effects it will have on the weapons-master and, eventually, his son, future Drow hero Drizzt Do’Urden. Nor could they imagine the impact of actions would linger centuries in the future, when Zaknafein is inexplicably resurrected into a dangerous world he no longer understands.
The Legend of Drizzt 25th Anniversary Edition, Book I
Paperback $19.95
The Legend of Drizzt 25th Anniversary Edition, Book I
Paperback $19.95
We should all have a friendship like Jarlaxle and Zaknafein’s. (Maybe not the parts involving the slaughter of two families, or one flinging the other into a portable hole until he agrees to behave.) But the friendship between the two Drow forms a major part of Timeless‘ plot, and it’s one of the best things about the book. In spite of their politics and positions, the two are content to get drunk at a bar called The Oozing Myconid, go on mercenary raids for fun, and make fun of Jarlaxle’s (admittedly flamboyant) fashion sense. There’s something genuine about the way Salvatore writes their relationship, and it’s great fun to see the single-minded warrior and the flashy, talkative rogue bounce off one another while knocking back terrible beers and good-naturedly teasing each other about Zaknafein’s life of privilege and Jarlaxle’s horrible taste. Their relationship turbo-charges the narrative with energy and bright, sardonic humor.
We should all have a friendship like Jarlaxle and Zaknafein’s. (Maybe not the parts involving the slaughter of two families, or one flinging the other into a portable hole until he agrees to behave.) But the friendship between the two Drow forms a major part of Timeless‘ plot, and it’s one of the best things about the book. In spite of their politics and positions, the two are content to get drunk at a bar called The Oozing Myconid, go on mercenary raids for fun, and make fun of Jarlaxle’s (admittedly flamboyant) fashion sense. There’s something genuine about the way Salvatore writes their relationship, and it’s great fun to see the single-minded warrior and the flashy, talkative rogue bounce off one another while knocking back terrible beers and good-naturedly teasing each other about Zaknafein’s life of privilege and Jarlaxle’s horrible taste. Their relationship turbo-charges the narrative with energy and bright, sardonic humor.
It’s that energy that makes Timeless so enjoyable. While the narrative is as dark as any in the series to date (natural, given that its central figure is a ruthless dark elf weapons master who prefers to settle every problem with the liberal application of violence), Salvatore is creates a welcome contrast between the grim setting and the bright wit of his characters. From the running gag about Jarlaxle continually ruining his haircut in a variety of accidents, to the spy who habitually mutters “please don’t be a trap” as he picks locks, to the way the cast banters during fight scenes… they even snark at each other in sign language. Someone, a world rife with murderous spider-goddesses and carnivorous demons retains its danger while still feeling like a place you might like to visit.
Anchored by that bright energy, satisfying action, and a truly entertaining friendship, Timeless is a welcome addition to the long and storied history of Drizzt Do’Urden—a fun, fast, and furious fantasy.
Timeless is available September 4. The Barnes & Noble edition features an exclusive short story, and is also available signed (while supplies last).