A review by cyrille6k
Daughter of the Drow by Elaine Cunningham

3.0

Daughter of the Drow presents an intriguing premise with Liriel, a strong and compelling female protagonist. Her journey offers a fresh perspective on the drow race, a typically villainous group in the Forgotten Realms.

However, the novel's exploration of drow diversity feels inconsistent with established lore. While the idea of individual drow breaking free from the oppressive society of Menzoberranzan is compelling, the introduction of entire communities of good-aligned drow, such as Nisstyre's Vaehrun and Elistraee's followers, undermines the inherent darkness and intrigue of the drow race. This shift dilutes the uniqueness of Drizzt Do'Urden and alters the overall tone of the drow storyline.

The narrative's strength lies in its portrayal of the harsh realities of Menzoberranzan. The interactions between Liriel and Fyodor provide a poignant and well-developed subplot. Unfortunately, the later sections, set on the surface world, lack the same level of engagement and depth.

While Daughter of the Drow offers an interesting twist on the drow mythos, its execution is uneven. The novel's attempt to broaden the scope of drow society, while well-intentioned, ultimately weakens the overall impact of the story.