These stories probably deserve a higher rating as I found they drew me in even though I have no background in the Drizzt series. However, coming to them as I did, I found each story started with me floundering to figure out what was going on.

This audiobook is not actually a "full cast performance" -- each story had a sole narrator but a different one each time. I liked this approach to audio short stories, which I haven't encountered before. ( )

The stories---and their individual reviews—in The Collected Stories of the Legend of Drizzt are as follows. In writing this review I have tried, as much as possible, to not cause any spoilers—there is some (a great deal of, really) ambiguity in my descriptions, and this is intentional.

The First Notch: This story stars a young Bruenor—so young that his beard hasn’t even come in yet. It was written shortly after Streams of Silver, and tells a tale that Bruenor mentions whilst in Mithral Halls—that of his first real expedition. 4 stars

Dark Mirror: Chronologically, this first person tale (from the viewpoint of Drizzt) takes place during his first journal to Silvermoon, during the wedding preparations of Wulfgar and Catti-brie. This story as well has been alluded to in the main books…an experience which made Drizzt think again about the exceptions to racial traits. Such as himself and a goblin he met one day…

While I enjoyed the plot of this story—it was something I had been curious about—I did not like the first person perspective; it felt somewhat forced and oddly over discriptive. However, that being said, I don’t believe it could have been told another way (maybe omniscient). 3 stars--barely

The Third Level: Artemis Entreri as a “young” adult, a mere 14 years in age. The Third Level follows Entreri as he is recruited into the Basadoni Guild, making his first couple kills…

On the whole, enjoyable—but nothing special. 3.5 stars, leaning towards 4


Guenhwyvar: Written to play with a new class in AD&D2, this story tells of the creation (not quite the right word, but it’ll have to do) of Guen.

I loved it—it was charming, showcased the action sequences Salvatore is known for, and shows that he wrote it more out of excitement than anything. 5 stars.

That Curious Sword: This episode in the time of Jarlaxle and Entreri has been heavily alluded to and takes place between Servant of the Shard, and Promise of the Witchking. This is the story of how Entreri was exposed to the life essence of a shade.

I don’t really have anything much to say in review of this story—like the previous piece, it is up to Salvatore’s usual standards. 5 stars, because I have been wondering about this for a long time.


Wickless in the Nether: Another crucial episode in the story of Jarlaxle and Entreri. This particular story introduces the dragon sisters, Tazmikella and Ilnezhara,--and the beginnings of the roguish pair’s employment by them--as well as Idalia’s flute.

Is it wrong that this story had me laughing out loud, more than once? Perhaps, but it was still a good piece, and another story I have been wondering about. As an aside, the author originally intended for these two pieces to be published in the trilogy, as bonus short stories—but the editor’s had different plans. 4.5 stars. And a bit…

The Dowery: Taking place between The Halfling’s Gem and Legacy, this is a simple, short, story is concerned with Catti-brie and Drizzt signing back on with Captain Deudermonts crew. 3.5 stars

Comrades at Odds: This story, starring both Drizzt and Tos’un, belongs chronologically somewhere in the Hunter’s Blades Trilogy—I’m not sure exactly which book. It lies Ellifain to peace…

Not bad, although I didn’t find it to tie up loose ends, exactly. 3.5 stars

If they Ever Happen upon my Lair: This particular story does not feature any of the usual characters of the author’s stories. Instead it takes you back, to the rise of the Witch-King, as he is gathering his forces—and recruiting a certain black dragon…
4.5 stars

Bones and Stones: Pwent and an orc. Out among the dead following the ridge explosion.

I don’t want to say much about this story, but it shows that there is more to Thibbledorf Pwent than just the maniacal battlerager. 5 stars.

Iruladoon: This is another story that does not have any of the usual characters in it. In the times following The Ghost King, you are taken back to Icewind Dale, to a grove where time does not exist.

Odd. It is not Salvatore’s usual work/theme or anything—but is still worth reading I think. 3.5-4 stars.

To Legend He Goes: One last story, one last fight.

Another touching story, not enjoyable—not by a long shot—not neither was it bad or wrong. 4 stars

I purchased this book with great expectations, and, with only a couple of exceptions I was not disappointed. The Collected stories is a must read for any fan of the saga written by R.A. Salvatore, they fill a few plot gaps, tell stories alluded to in the full novels, and towards the end, address important issues—not just with the stories but philosophical ones. Before each of the stories, Salvatore has written an introduction, covering when and Why it was written, as well as what his goal in writing it was.

A wonderful piece of work, and one which I expect to be revisiting for years to come. I suspect that each time I read this anthology I will discover something new, new meanings, new details, new thoughts. 4.5 stars, and pushing 5. ( )