The Companions by R.A. Salvatore [Review]

The Companions (The Sundering #1) by R.A. Salvatore
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 5, 2013

The Sundering
1. The Companions - Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
2. The Godborn
3. The Adversary
4. The Reaver
5. The Sentinel
6. The Herald

R.A. Salvatore
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

This latest installment in New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore's beloved fantasy saga, The Companions moves Salvatore's signature hero Drizzt into a new era of the Forgotten Realms. As Drizzt's fate hangs in the balance, he reflects on the lives of the trusted allies who stood by his side throughout his early life--the friends now known as the Companions of the Hall. Meanwhile, the first stirrings of the Sundering begin.

My Thoughts: Here's my disclaimer: While I haven't read any of the previous books in the Forgotten Realms/Drizzt series (which is massive and makes my inner fangirl cheer like mad), I have played a few D&D board games in the past. So, I am somewhat familiar with some of the characters, although not necessarily the specific adventures that they refer to. That said, this book is self-contained enough that you can step into it with little to no knowledge of what's come before and still follow along. That rocks.

So, with a little divine intervention and a whole lot of luck, we get to see the former Companions of the Hall (previously deceased, now not) make their rather incredible journey to join Drizzt to lend him strength to fight the coming badness. Born into new bodies but with all the knowledge of their  previous lives, they have the chance to learn and grow before going up against the badness that's barreling down the on them like a freight train.

Frankly, I liked that.

Drizzt's friends sacrifice for him. They have their moments of doubt about what they're doing. There's no guarantee that any of them will make it to the meeting place to help Drizzt since they're reborn as babies and they have to grow up and find their way in the world. Honestly, this world is big and dangerous and twenty years can be a darn long time.

But they push on. Even when doubt eats holes in their plans and they fear the worst. Even when bad things rise up from the depths to stop them. Loyalty. All the cool heroes are doing it.

I'm excited for book 2 because BAD THINGS ARE COMING. I'm excited that I have this WEALTH of untapped books that came before. I'm ... well, I'm just excited. Go, Team Companions of the Hall (previously deceased)!