The Pirate King (Forgotten Realms: Transitions, Book 2)

For the most part, it's what you'll have come to expect from Salvatore's Drizzt novels. Just plain fun to read. Probably one of the darker tales in the series, Drizzt is also a bit more of a side character than you'd expect. The main character of this book is Luskan itself.

This review will have spoilers, so don't read further if you don't want to have anything revealed.

*********************** Possible Spoilers Below **************************

First, this book finally helped me pinpoint why most of the books following the Icewind Dale and Dark Elf trilogies have been disappointing. The reason is I believe that Drizzt does not make for a good MAIN character (with the exception of the Dark Elf trilogy). The reason being is he has nowhere to grow. He is already a weapons master and his precious principles are already set in stone (quite frankly, he is getting quite self-rightous). In the first trilogy, he is great as a mentor of Wulfgar, with the skill to teach the barbarian to fight, the wisdom to show him a better way, and enough wildness to lead him into trouble.

Second, why is the message suddenly: "Tolerate evil if it is too costly to confront it"? In the last book, we have Drizzt convincing Breunor that they should let Obould have his kingdom, not because the two forces have fought each other to a standstill, but because "maybe he is different, and is looking for something better for the orcs". Yeah, a kingdom built on slaughter, but hey, that was last year.
Now, when his friend Deudermont decides to take on the corrupt power in Luskan that is aiding the pirates he fights, the message is, "it's going ot be a hard fight - maybe we should just leave the EVIL MURDERING LICHE in charge."
The whole book (all of Transitions actually) seems to be about tolerating evil. First, we question the decision to remove an evil liche from power that readly resorts to murder.
Next, once the liche is removed, we see tolerance of the pirate captains. These four captains are committing murder, inciting riots, and none of the "good guys" feel the need to stand up against them.
The Crow then kills his friend and Drizzt just walks away. The same Drizzt that took out Pasha Pook for hunting Reagis. (Don't you think that would cause a similar amount of strife in Calimport as would be caused in Luskan should these captains be "removed"?) The same Drizzt that journeyed back to the Underdark to take on the Drow that attacked Breunor's kingdom. This same "hero" just walks away now? Evil wins? (I just can't wait to see what vile villain gets to win the day in "The Ghost King".)
But at least Drizzt does show at least some moral outrage.
Is it at the liche that unleashes hordes of undead upon the city? Not really, though he at least gets angry after Reagis is hurt.
Is it at the pirate captains' murder and mayhem? Not really.
Then what is it at? His moral outrage is directed towards the Harpels for turning a man who murdered a family by burning them in their house into a rabit (though they admitted Breunor would have had the man executed for the same crime)!?!?

At least Cattie-Brea was not in this one, or at least only breifly. I have not liked her character since Legacy, when she made the dramatic shift from being in love with Wulfgar to showing nothing but resentment for him. (Her relationship with Drizzt always seemed forced to me, as if Salvatore believed that since the focus was to shift from Wulgar to Drizzt, Cattie-Brie should as well.)

That, and the skill in writing give this two stars instead of one. Given that evil wins out in the end, and the "heroes" just shrug it off, forbits me from rating it higher.

I bought this book as a gift for my son who is in his senior year at college in New Jersey. He wrote to tell me he finished it in two days!

Well, its great. The previous trilogy I wasn't knocked out by, but this..

A very good book. In a very good series (Transitions)

Yes, it has the introductory bits by Drizzt directly addressing the reader

The only quibble is that there are no maps. Luskan features prominently in the book, and a map would really be useful just for understanding where the action is in the city

I believe this is book 20 of Drizzts tales, which began way back when (the early 90s!) with the Crystal Shard

You do have to wonder though, when will the series come to a stop. Characters here reflect on where they'll end up. Regis even addresses Drizzt on the issue of aging here (Elves are long lived compared with the other races - this was touched on in the earlier Hunters Blade Trilogy when Drizzt was talking with another Elf about being involved with humans)

The series is blowing on all cylinders. As other reviewers have noted, you don't get a sole focus on Drizzt here; indeed, much of the book concerns the Pirate King, and to reveal who that is would be a sin. A lot of the story is told through the perspective of Regis, and how he feels, and touching on his bond with Drizzt, and Ten Towns.

Deudermont also features strongly, and although events from the Stowaway book are touched on, you don't really need to read that I feel

The Orc King does need to be read before, as there is no synopsis and the reader may be puzzled by alliances between races that are supposed to hate one another!

But then Drizzt is a drow, and hes the hero of the book, for, despite the reputation of his kin, hes a very noble spirit

Salvatore is NEVER going to stop writing stories about Drizzt. He may take a break and write of other Companions of the Hall from time to time (all of whom feature in The Pirate King) but theres no question his heart is with Drizzt

I do feel that Regis is the hero of the story however, as hes the emotional core. Again, try to find a map of Luskan while you're reading this, cos you might get lost where certain islands are in relation to the Hosttower

Excellent book regardless. The Ghost King to complete the Transitions trilogy in October 2009. Thankfully there is no cliffhanger (a la Streams of Silver!)

Another great addition to an addicting saga of Drizzt and Co. I think having the changes in the company of heroes happen is a great evolution of Salvatore's writing. Standard type of story here but neat changes in the character's lives. Great read!