Summary
This second book in New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore's all-new Forgotten Realms trilogy--full of swordplay, danger, and imaginative thrills--features one of fantasy's most beloved and enduring characters, Drizzt Do'Urden.
Split between time and two worlds, Zaknafein had always been conflicted. That inner turmoil was magnified by his inferior position as a male dark elf in the matriarchal drow society. Only his status as one of the greatest warriors--as well as his friendship with the mercenary Jarlaxle--kept him sane. When he finally perished, he was content knowing he left behind a legacy as substantial as his son Drizzt.
Except . . . someone isn't ready for Zaknafein to be dead. And now he's back, hundreds of years later, in a world he doesn't recognize. His son's companions are not the prideful--and bigoted--males the drow warrior was accustomed to in his previous life. Drizzt's circle includes dwarves, elves, and, perhaps worst of all, a human wife.
Struggling to navigate this transformed new world, Zaknafein realizes that some things have not changed: the threat of demons and the machinations of a drow matron no longer content with her family's position in the ranks of Houses.
Though he has been displaced in time, Zaknafein is still a warrior. And no matter what prejudices he must overcome, he knows he will do his duty and fight by Drizzt's side to stem the tide of darkness that threatens the Realms.
Published Reviews
Booklist Review:
"Drizzt Do'Urden returns in Salvatore's latest, which picks up where the two time periods of Timeless (2018) left off: modern day, where Drizzt and his allies defend kingdoms against hordes of demons; and the early adventures of Drizzt's father, Zaknafein, and his friend Jarlaxle. The modern adventures address politics across the Forgotten Realms, as scattered allies join forces against unimaginable quantities of demons that are simultaneously attacking various strongholds. Some of the politics behind those attacks tie back to Jarlaxle and Zaknafein's younger days in the Underdark, as readers learn in the flashes of their past. In their youth, both Zaknafein and Jarlaxle were pawns and players in the intricate dynamics of drow culture, as families rose and fell from power led by their matrons. In the modern era, the two reflect upon the flaws of drow society, particularly Zaknafein as he learns to trust Drizzt's allies, who are unbound from the usual racial dividers. As powerful as these allies are, they face their worst enemies in this confrontation, including magical retrievers send the capture or kill two of these heroes.--Frances Moritz Copyright 2010 Booklist"
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Publisher's Weekly Review:
"Salvatore's rip-roaring sequel to Timeless turns away from politics in favor of battles among the clans of insular, underground-dwelling dark elves called drow. Beginning in 1118 of the Dalereckoning calendar, a rivalry involving warrior Zaknafein, the weapon master of House Do'Urden, gives leverage to matriarchs who are trying to elevate the status of their own houses. Zaknafein suspects treachery and must discover its source. Skipping to the year 1488, Zaknafein (who was dead for centuries) has been resurrected and joins his son, Drizzt, as another matriarch attempting to advance her house takes her battle to the surface. As Zaknafein struggles to adjust to Drizzt's group of friends including elves, dwarves, and humans as well as drow, it's clear that Salvatore is making a point about the benefits of interracial amity and acceptance, though he doesn't belabor it. Fans of Salvatore's earlier Forgotten Realms books may be disappointed that series hero Drizzt is less of a focus here, but will appreciate the faster pace and familiar faces. Magnificently detailed swordplay scenes and gruesome enemies continue to mark Salvatore as a top author of fantasy adventure. Agent: Paul Lucas, Janklow & Nesbit. (Sept.)"
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