Review of R.A. Salvatore’s book Homeland. It was published in December 1990. This book, is over 32 years old. Would it still be an enjoyable read? It’s such a classic. Going back over the nostalgia of my early years as a reader, I asked myself if the books in this series would still be enjoyable today?
The Innocence is refreshing.
Salvatore’s writing in this earlier book fleshes out the back story and origin of Drizzt Do’Urden. But he does it in such a refreshing way in my opinion because it’s not coming from the grittiest “Grim Dark” or “Dark Fantasy” themes that we are used to but it is dealing with a protagonist that is surrounded by evil but instead chooses good.
The Background of the Legends Drizzt Saga.
As I wrote in my earlier blog review of: “The Crystal Shard,” R.A. Salvatore’s first published novel, and Drizzt Do’Urden was supposed to be a last-minute addition to the story as a sidekick to Wulfgar the Barbarian. But consequently, Drizzt ended up stealing the show and becoming larger than any of the other characters.
The Background of the Legends Drizzt Saga.
Like the Star Wars franchise, episodes 4,5, and 6 were written first. And then, unlike Star Wars his books 1,2, and 3 are arguably better. Homeland was book 1, and then Exile and Sojourn were book 2, and 3 of the original Dark Elf Trilogy. For more on book 4 in the Legend of Drizzt Series “the Crystal Shard” read my full blogpost here.
The World of Menzoberranzan.
I couldn’t write a review of R. A. Salvatore’s book Homeland without mentioning the world he created. He created this dark underworld called Menzoberranzan. This is a place of the Drow. They are not your friendly garden variety Elves. The Dark elves are not friends of the fairies and gnomes; they worship Lolth, the Goddess of the Drow. Their God Lolth is the Spider Queen, the center of their religion. Lolth honors cruelty and deceit and those deprived enough to do anything for power. This is a place that Zuckerberg would thoroughly enjoy and thrive.
A Fendominated Society.
Menzoberranzan is a uniquely Matriarchal Society. The mothers of the political houses rule. Matron Malice is Drizzt Do’Urden’s mother but is never called that she is Matron Malice Do’Urden. Drizzt, unknowingly, was almost killed immediately after his birth. Because he as the third son, was supposed to be sacrificed to Lolth but because his older brother Dinin Do’Urden murdered their eldest brother on a raid of another Drow house on the night of his birth, Drizzt was allowed to live.
Evil really does rule in Menzoberranzan.
Consequently, the rules are basically this: do what thou wilt but do not get caught. Because if you are stupid enough to get caught you dishonor Lolth. Assassinations and overthrowing other houses are perfectly fine in drow culture as long as one is not caught. Cruel punishments for the smallest infractions of decorum or speech are constant. Not showing cruelty to your enemies is a punishable slight against Lolth.
Who is Lolth?
Lolth was formerly Araushnee, the lesser elven goddess of destiny and artisans. She was Corellon Larethian’s consort, and the main goddess of the dark elves.
Forgotten Realms Wiki
How does Drizzt not become pure evil?
Primarily it’s because of mentorship! It’s because of his mentor that is secretly his father. Zaknafein Do’Urden, weapons master of the House Do’Urden. Zaknafein is sickened by the cruelty of Drow culture and sees the good in Drizzt and fortunately is allowed to train him in the art of fighting. The weapons master protects and insulates Drizzt during his formative years because of his intense isolated training.
How does one get out of the Mafia?
Basically, this is what this story comes down to, Drizzt is basically born into a powerful crime family and realizes that it is not who he is. Firstly, how does he survive? Secondly, how does he escape? This story is delightful and full of heartfelt sentiment and some tragedy and payoffs.
Review of R.A. Salvatore’s book Homeland. I highly recommend this book and series.
My review of R.A. Salvatore for Homeland, is Five Stars! And I am rereading the rest of the saga now. Yes I know it’s ancient history. But if you haven’t read it, you should. I consider The Legend of Drizzt required reading.
PS. This Series was created for the Dungeons and Dragons Board Game.
An interesting note if you are not familiar with the Forgotten Realm books. They were written by multiple authors. Some of the books in the series are better than others but this makes for a large and more fleshed out world which I think is fun.
Review of R.A. Salvatore’s Homeland, by Merick. N.H. Ulrik
Want another great book series to read? How about Joe Abercrombie’s Grim Dark Fantasy Series: “The First Law’. Click here to read my full review here.
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