Canticle

Going into Canticle, I had incredibly low expectations. I had been happily going along reading Salvatore's books about Drizzt, and occasionally checking online to see what book was next, when suddenly, there, between Siege of Darkness and Passage to Dawn I see the Cleric Quintet listed. So I was like "Oh great. Now I have to read five books about some stupid cleric. Yay." How very wrong I was. Canticle was actually quite good. It certainly rivals many of the Drizzt books, and surpasses fair amount of them as well. Cadderly (the Quintet's hero) is a nice change from Drizzt. Cadderly comes across as a legitimately good guy (without the hypocrisy that acompanies many fantasy heroes), and his relationship with Danica is refreshing. Unlike most romances in fantasy, there's no angsting over whether or not they love each other, they just do. Period. The villains are somewhat stereotypical, with the whole "Let us release chaos on the world because our goddess Talona (who we don't even really seem to worship) says so", but they're still amusing, and there's a nice twist at the end. I imagine that most of the people reading this will have read some of the Drizzt books, and are now questioning whether or not they want to read the Cleric Quintet. My suggestion is to do so. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

I really regret that I didn't read this sooner... I was a big fan of the Forgotten Realms and of RA Salvatore but I wasn't sure I should read this book. I wasted too much time worrying that I would be disappointed by the absence of Drizzt and Salvatore's other characters. But when I read this I kicked myself... it was awesomeInventive Cadderly, Dangerous Danica, and the amazing Bouldershoulder brothers are so lifelike (or as lifelike as fantasy beings can seem) They act like real people. They have desires and buried dreams like everyone. And the best part is that the villian and his chaos curse depend on such hidden wants.Though this book isn't all about sword swinging and killing the action is set at a good pace, just so that you'll keep reading but not so that you feel overwhealmed.Please read this book, above everything else it is fun, that same element that draws you to Drizzt is ever present. In the Cleric Quintet Salvatore proves that he can and will bust out new characters that are just as amazing and loveable as the old ones. Don't pass this by now, you'll regret not reading it later

I picked up this book while on a basketball trip looking for something to entertain me on the bus ride home. I didn't have any idea what it would be like. It did not entertain me, it amazed me. I was spellbound from start to finish. A wonderful fantasy book, and one any fan of fantasy should not be without. Salvatore really knows how to bring his characters alive. The story was extremely well crafted. I enjoyed the book so much I bought the last four while on another basketball trip and they also have been quite a joy to read.

This book is the start to one of the best series that Salvatore has ever written. Memorable characters great story line and great laughs. A must read for Bob Salvatore fans and those who havn't started reading him yet.

ever since I read "Homeland" I have been hooked to Salvtore's unique sense of writing. He is, in my opinion, among, if not the best, fantasy writer ever. I have been extremely pleased with his Dark Elf series (Although Passage To Dawn was a bit of a letdown, which was not his fault, as he was forced to write it in six months!). Canticle is another masterpiece of fantasy, and should not be overlooked. I first learned about Cadderly from "Passage To Dawn" and I bought and read the book in as quick as possible. This is a must-read. I have also been told by Salvatore that there will be another Drizzt novel, and he will have no time limit to write it in. I am extremely excited about this, and look forward to seeing an excerpt from it in his sequel to "The demon Awakens."