This is the third novel in the Icewind Dale Trilogy by R. A. Salvatore. In the previous book, Streams of Silver, Regis had been taken prisoner by the assassin Artemis Entreri. Bruenor had fallen to his death in Mithril Hall in battle with a dragon. We learn in the beginning of this book that Bruenor is not dead, but was saved from the dragon fire by the magic of Drizzt's sword Icingdeath. Drizzt and Wulfgar set out for Calimport on the trail of Regis and Entreri. Catti-Brie remains behind to gather a dwarven army to retake Mithril Hall from the deugar, a race of treacherous dwarven type creatures. Along the way Drizzt and Wulfgar meet Captain Deudermont, a character who will appear in many more of the novels. The search will bring the four companions together again. The only question is will they be in time to save Regis.
An ongoing theme in the Drizzt novels is the theme of prejudice. Many of the races and peoples of The Forgotten Realms dislike each other. Some races are more hated than others. Orcs, trolls, and goblins are universally loathed. The drow, the race of dark elves who live deep in the earth in the Underdark are among the most hated and feared of all races. Drizzt understands this of course. His race is known for their cruelty and treachery. Their entire culture is built on such ideas. Their evil goddess Loth, the Spider Queen, is nourished by treachery and chaos. Drizzt rejected his people's ways and set out on his own. Everywhere he goes he has to prove over and over that he is different. In this story he fears that the rejection of his race will hinder him in the search for Regis. A friend gives him a magical mask that will change his features to that of a light elf. He uses it, but it causes him great emotional pain. The need for the mask also pains and angers his loyal friend Wulfgar. Along the way though Drizzt will find that his deeds always make him welcome among good people.
All of the usual elements of a great Salvatore novel are here. Salvatore is rightly famous for his fight scenes. The battle between Drizzt and Entreri is legendary and long. Classic Sword and Sorcery fantasy at it's best.
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