fantasy
Homeland is the origin story of Drizzt Do’Urden. In the
cutthroat underground world of the dark elves, the story focused on how
Drizzt’s family indoctrinated him into the oppressive and deadly religion by
which their society lived. Yet Drizzt was destined for more.
This novel opened up with a dump of information about dark elf society. It was an emotionless introduction to Drizzt’s world and I would have
quit reading before the third chapter if my son (who suggested I read this novel) hadn’t specifically told me that it would soon become
about the characters. Thankfully, it did
become more engaging after the first two chapters.
In their female-centric society, the women held the power
but they had to brainwash their citizens in order to have that powerful hold
over them. Magic was critical to power. The elves worshipped the Spider Queen who
rewarded diabolical, backstabbing behavior. Yet Drizzt managed to develop a
moral code separate from nearly everyone in the community. He grew to be an impressive warrior under private tutelage by his unrecognized
father. And by the time he completed the warrior academy, Drizzt had matured
into someone with different ideals than everyone around him.
I liked some aspects of this good vs. evil fantasy story but
the best part, by far, is Drizzt himself. Who doesn’t love a hero with a strong
sense of right and wrong? I might read the next one in the very long series by R.A. Salvatore if
I need another audiobook at some point but I won’t rush out to read it. Mostly,
I enjoyed reading something my son likes so I can talk with him about it.
The audiobook was narrated by Victor Bevine. I understand he narrates the entire series. My son thinks he’s awesome. I think he’s a competent narrator but he doesn’t have a huge variety of voices and his smooth vocal quality didn’t quite fit the rugged, brutal story, IMO. I’ll give him a B+.
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