Timeless

This highly anticipated trilogy launch from Salvatore, a prequel to his Forgotten Realms epic fantasy novels starring dark elf Drizzt do’Urden, is a deeply immersive tale of politics and war. In 1018 by the Dalereckoning calendar, Jarlaxle, a mercenary, is sent to save a great warrior, Zaknafein, from a house that is about to lose a war, and to deliver him to another house. He soon finds out there’s more to this fighter, and they become friends. The narrative then skips to the year 1488, when Zaknafein returns to life after many years in the grave. Jarlaxle must reintroduce Zaknafein to his son, Drizzt, who had long ago come to terms with his father’s self-sacrifice and death, and is not ready to accept that he’s returned. The alternation between the two time periods helps new readers understand the action and returning ones refresh their memories. Familiarity with the Forgotten Realms will add nuance to the experience of this installment, but all readers will find pure, often heart-racing enjoyment as they are drawn into Salvatore’s beautifully crafted world. Agent: Paul Lucas, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Sept.)