The Orc King

I must say that even though I love this series, the past few trilogies have been repetitive, very repetitive and somewhat bland. The Orc King is different than those others: it reshapes virtually everything we have come to know in Salvatore's world. For example (without spoiling): -Boundaries are shaped. -Revelations are made -A character's plot is finished or at least halted -A character comes to look at battle in a whole new light (and I must say I love this little turn and have been wondering why a character didn't turn this way previously) Read this book! It will not disappoint.

The orc king Obould, has been slowed, but now he seems to have adopted other tactics. Is he waiting, hoping to lull the dwarves, humans and elves to complacency, or does he really envision a world where orcs can live as other sentient beings, existing in their own kingdom, ruled by members of their own race, and trading with, rather than raiding their traditional enemies? Of course, even if Obould does want peace, that doesn't mean he'll get it. Many within the elf, and especially dwarf kingdoms steam for revenge. And more and more orcs, emerging from dark caves where they've long hidden, want war no matter what their king may claim. Dark Elf Drizzt Do'Urden sees the potential for peace, but he sees its costs as well. With both orc and dwarf crying for war, and with virtually nobody trusting a drow, it doesn't seem likely he'll have any say over the future--especially when his own wife is one of the loudest in calling for revenge. Author R. A. Salvatore (see more BooksForABuck.com reviews of novels by Salvatore) spins his continuing fantasy series in a direction that's been foreshadowed in the past few novels, but that nevertheless offers an exciting change in pace. Rather than seeing orcs as convenient fodder for more beautiful heroes, Salvatore conceives them as sapient entities, driven by the same motives that drive all other sapients. Obould represents a possible new direction, but Salvatore is careful to give us hints that there was a time before, in the forgotten past, where orcs and dwarves worked together. Was that time undone by treason, or could it come again? Those of us who have been calling for something a bit more thoughtful than the usual mindless killing will certainly welcome this direction. Although THE ORC KING is about the potential for peace, Salvatore gives us plenty of violence and individual heroics to keep us turning the pages. Epic battles between Drizzt and fellow Drow Tos'un, between Drizzt and Jack the Gnome, between the dwarf-king and the orc chieftain, and many others are intricately choreographed and exciting. Although Salvatore is writing epic fantasy, it's hard not to see how his story is influenced by the destructive forces of war in our own world. The hope for peace, not with those we love but those we itch to battle with, is the great challenge of the day. Salvatore suggests that easy answers may not exist, but that there is room to hope. I certainly hope he's right.

The latest from R.A.Salvadore, and one long awaited by all us Drizzt fans. A great addition to your Drizzt collection.

Excellent book which picks up where The Two Swords left off. Salvatore writes in his usual action packed style here, and the flow is good. What I especially liked about this book was that we see each of the companion's inner struggles as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. Truly, there are transitions occurring, at many levels. The prelude and epilogue are glimpses of the future, which really leaves me wondering what the second book of this series will be about, and how this will affect each character's continued journey. Fans of Forgotten Realms will be intrigued by the changes occurring in the world, while fans of the stories will be excited by the changes in the characters. As a side note, this is really the 4th book of the Hunter's Blades Trilogy, which neatly sews up that series. It really should have been a quartet, with this being the final book. Highly recommended for all fans of fantasy.

I just finished this book. Salvatore has written another winner. The choices the characters have to make, the emotion that is in the book, the life struggles are simply awesome. The love story between Drizzt and Cattie are shown and talked about but it doesnt turn the book into a seedy romance novel, its just enough to know its there and plays in the back of your mind. Salvatore didnt let me down in his description of the battle scenes in the book, again I felt like I was right there watching the flashing metal, the sound of sword on sword. I cant wait to get my hands on the next one. I only wish Salvatore could write as fast as I read, but it keeps me coming back for more.