Reviews

Daughter of the Drow by Elaine Cunningham

zskies92's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

foughtcleric's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

runehallow's review against another edition

4.0

I haven't read the last volume in this series yet, but I liked the first two quite a bit. Stylistically, these books are above-average, and I think the female protagonist in particular is well-rounded and developed. Plus, there's lots of neatly woven-in information about the drow, everyone's favorite race of decadent dark elfs.

ladyfives's review against another edition

The archmage of Menzoberranzan had forgotten how to dream.

Finally finally finished one of my many drow novels, after just sitting around and admiring them like they were symbols of my nerd cred or something for ages.

Beautiful still, the music retained all of the mystery of the elven race, and none of the joy. The drow had forgotten that emotion. But they understood pleasure, and they would pursue it wildly in an attempt to fill the unrecognized void in their elven souls.

rogueleader's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ovidusnaso's review against another edition

4.0

Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss

madladchad's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Excellent fantasy novel that explores the forgotten realms. The main character is female, headstrong, and clever. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of exploring the world and how the world impacts the progression of the plot.

glittergoblin13's review against another edition

3.0

Entertaining and enjoyable. The main character is delightful in her own way and just as engaging as Drizzt in Salvatore's books. It is quite similar to Drizzt's own story, but different enough to hold the attention.

nwhyte's review against another edition

http://nhw.livejournal.com/652616.html[return][return]Sorry, got a hundred pages into it and just can't be bothered. Unattractive characters and derivative world. If I was still roleplaying it would probably grab me a bit more effectively. But I'm not, so it doesn't.

isnt_it_pretty's review

The protagonist is Liriel Baenre, a 40-year-old drow described as looking just under 16. She is innately magically talented, and stunning. Her father is the most powerful man in Menzoberranzan, and she bares the last name of the most powerful house. In general, Liriel is as privileged as a drow can get. Personality wise, Liriel reminds me of girls who bully people in high school. She does bully other characters in the drow academy, and she peer pressures people into joining her to do dangerous things for her enjoyment. Every male she encounters wants to sleep with her, despite how old they are portrayed, including her magic teacher.

The villains are a heavyset, unattractive, nearsighted women (in a society that values physical appearance and perfect), and a male fighting against the tyranny of a female-dominated society. It's as if the author couldn't let go of real-life power dynamics, and decided all men are evil. The villain says he wants to keep Liriel as a sex slave to bare children, albeit not in as overt language. He also keeps a 'harem' of surface elves, described as desperate women who had nowhere else to go. 

The story is about a privileged girl who gets thinks rules (however wrong they are) don't apply to her because she's special, and deserves better than those around her. It makes minorities and those without power out to be villains.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Rape

Minor: Ableism

Quotes alluding the sexual assault.

"Nisstyre assured himself complacently. A push, a nudge, and she would be his. And, by extension, Vhaeraun’s. In some matters, even the God of Thieves had to take second place."

"Nisstyre took his god’s instructions one step further: he kept a small harem of surface elves in the settlement."

"There are more ways than one to humble the little princess,” Nisstyre said softly. “I want this female for Vhaeraun, and for my own pleasure, but I am not averse to sharing. In time, you shall have your revenge."