How would you rate the Icewind Dale Trilogy?

[Green Knight]

I've had that book sitting on my shelf for a while, now, but I haven't actually read it, yet. I don't know. Just a bit hesitant. So I thought I'd get some opinions on it. What do you all think of it? Is it any good? And if so, does your enjoyment of the book over-ride your dislike of the legions of Drizzt wannabees that've appeared since those three books were published (I've personally born witness to two Drizzt wannabees, who'd play nothing but permutations of Drizzt. Ugh!)? So how would you rate the trilogy (1 being the lowest, 5 being the best)? Appreciate any and all opinions.

 

[Gnome Berzerker]

Eh, it was ok. This trilogy is some of Salvatore's early work.

The Dark Elf trilogy is a prelude to the Icewind Dale trilody, and is Drizzt's backstory. Much better writing, and I think it's a better story as well.

 

[LuYangShih]

I really enjoyed the Crystal Shard, so much so I ended up buying R.A. Salvatore novels long after I should have. The Crystal Shard is great for the fact that it does not focus so much on Drizzt, who is actually a likable character early on, rather than the uber ninja/evangelist he becomes later on. Streams Of Silver is also very good, but I think the series had an unsatisfactory conclusion in The Halflings Gem.

 

[madriel]

I found it about average. I don't regret the hours spent reading it, but I wouldn't reread it.

 

[Dark Jezter]

I voted "Pretty damned good."

It ain't deep, it ain't complex, but it's enjoyable to read, has fun characters, and is a good way to introduce a friend to the Forgotten Realms.

I wouldn't mind seeing a movie trilogy based on these books, if only so I could see the duel between Drizzt and Entreri in the sewers of Calimport.

 

[Wycen]

Oh, you mean the books. I thought this was about the CRPG's.

 

[Hand of Evil]

I was okay, good characters and flow, plot so-so, as was dialog.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

The Dark Elf trilogy is a prelude to the Icewind Dale trilody, and is Drizzt's backstory. Much better writing, and I think it's a better story as well.

I have the opposite reaction to the two trilogies. I really enjoyed the Icewind Dale trilogy (I voted "Pretty Damned Good"), but found the Dark Elf trilogy to be very disappointing. And the trilogy after that, I couldn't even get through the first book. I found Salvatore's writing to get worse with each series he put out. While the Icewind Dale books aren't going to be considered great literature, they have a fun story, decent plot, and a good, well rounded cast of characters. Once you get rid of the supporting cast in the later books, I found Drizzt to be to much to take.

 

[John Crichton]

I've re-read the trilogy at least 3 times. I'm also a HUGE RAS fan. That said, I voted #4 simply because while it was a good read with some fantastic action and characters, it wasn't what I consider a classic which equals greatness, to me. I thought the books got better as they went along. The Crystal Shard is a slighty above-average book, Streams of Silver introduces one of my favorite villains of all time in Entreri and The Halfings Gem tops it all off nicely with some truly great fights.

I assume you have read the Dark Elf Trilogy already?

 

[Pants]

It's okay.
I really liked The Crystal Shard. Very good way to start off the story.
I hated Streams of Silver. Even though Entreri was introduced, this felt like an overall lackluster book. I had to force myself to finish it, but I'm glad I did, because The Legacy books were great. Maybe I should reread it to get a different perspective.
The Halfling's Gem was pretty good. Slow moving in parts, but it features the best duel ever at the end (Drizzt vs Entreri).
Overall, not bad. Most of RAS other FR series are much better, but it wasn't a bad way to start off a series.