Book Summary and Review

Homeland by R.A. Salvatore is the first book of the Dark Elf trilogy set in the city of Menzoberranzan. This book follows the story of Drizzt Do'Urden from his birth to young adulthood among the drow (dark elves). Drizzt was an unusual drow with purple eyes and a conscience. He was born to the 10th House of Daermon Na'Shezbaeron, more commonly known as House Do'Urden. His mother was Malice, the matron mother, and his father was Zaknafein, the weapon master. Drizzt was the third male of the house, traditionally the third male would be sacrificed to their goddess Lolth, but by some miracle the first born was killed in battle at the time of Drizzt's birth. This is just the first time Drizzt would escape death. His first 10 years were spent in the care of his sister Vierna. Overtime they discovered Drizzt had amazing reflexes and coordination. His father decided he wouldn't be the replacement for the House wizard, instead he began weapons training at 16. At 20 he went to a warrior academy and excelled. At his graduation ceremony he shamed himself by refusing to participate in the traditional ritual and dammed Lolth. After he saved a child the House fell out of the Queen's favor. Matron Malice and her daughters planned to sacrifice Drizzt but Matron Malice warned Zaknafein. He decided to take Drizzt's place and be sacrificed. This was Matron Malice's plan all along, she thought that this would make Drizzt act normally. After Zaknafein's death Matron Malice told Drizzt he was to be the next weapons master but he refused. Using one of the weapons, he escaped to the Under-dark.

This book was loosely based on a pre-existing D&D theological matriarchal society that Salvatore developed. The story talks about the struggle of survival in a ruthless society that the main character stands out in. While some characters aren't well developed they still fit their role in the story. Salvatore developed the setting in more depth to make up for this. Overall the story fits together very well and it holds your attention throughout the whole book. The end doesn't leave it on a cliff hanger but it leaves you wondering what the next step in the character's story is.