A review by will_cherico
The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore

adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced

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

4.0

R.A. Salvatore's debut novel hits on all of the best parts of a Dungeons & Dragons story. Each of the four main characters are loveable in their own ways, and while Drizzt was the runaway hit I found myself absolutely charmed by Bruenor and Regis and really interested in Wulfgar's role as the young human we learn about Icewind Dale and the barbarian tribes through. Akar Kessell is a bit of a weak villain in terms of motive and method, but it was a neat little twist to read about the drow squaring off against someone who's more of a giggling loser than a clever wizard. This book is a LOT of action, and while that would normally bore me Salvatore is one of the best in the genre when it comes to battles. Even during the low-level skirmishes, he manages to blend the grandiosity of Tolkien with the strategy of Martin so that it all becomes super vivid in the imagination. This was wildly enjoyable to read and it's a big recommend for anyone interested in the lore of the Forgotten Realms.