The Ghost King

And so ends the Transitions trilogy with the 20th (?) Forgotten Realms novel featuring Drizzt Do'Urden as a major character. The Ghost King starts with Hephasteus (a red wyrm) transforming into a dracolich as the collapsing Weave touches him and the not-so-destroyed crystal shard, Crenshinibon. The mind of Yharaskrik, a deceased illithid (who I've forgotten), is also infused together with the new being, giving Drizzt Do'Urden & Co. a rather powerful villain to defeat.

I didn't get far into the book before I had to frown. I can't recall since which book there has been Drizzt pondering life and death and everything in between before each part of the novel, might've even been since the very beginning, but I've never given them much value - they always feel like superficial attempts to give the stories more depth. This time, Salvatore might've gone too far, though, when Drizzt Do'Urden states:"I do not know if Mielikki exists." What the hell?

How can one question if a god exists or not when they are so very real in Forgotten Realms? They affect the everyday life of Toril's people, there's no doubt. Well, of course new gods emerge once in a while and some die, but Mielikki? Oh, come on. For me, Salvatore's FR seems to differ slightly from the general consensus; his novels are often on the brink of what can be called canon. However, he is the most read FR author, so I guess not much can be done. But back to the actual subject...

The Ghost King features the whole array of Salvatore's famous characters, who need no introductions - Thibbledorf Pwent's reaction to Athrogate (and his hellboar) is amusing, and Jarlaxle acts more unselfish than ever. However, three new characters appear, the children of Cadderly and Danica, and they get way too much space and yet are left quite thin. I dare to say not many readers care about their adventures in Carradoon and the caves they are chased to with the village folk.

The fighting in the book is mostly just hacking and slashing Shadowfell creatures to pieces; there are no intelligent opponents for Drizzt's scimitars, which is too bad.

The trilogy ends in a quite sad tone - final farewells are said to many. The transition is now complete and Drizzt is ready for new adventures in the new Neverwinter trilogy; the first book, Gauntlgrym, is due to release on 5th of October. (I hope I don't have to wait for the paperback too long this time!)

The Ghost King is alright read to pass time but it is far from the best Salvatore (Servant of the Shard). For those, who find interest in following Drizzt's escapades, the novel is, obviously, a must read.