Neverwinter (novel)
Second book in the Neverwinter Saga, continuing Drizzt's adventures.
R. A. Salvatore's *Neverwinter*, a fantasy novel released in October 2011, is the second installment of the Neverwinter Saga. Set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, the book continues the story of drow elf renegade Drizzt Do'Urden. The narrative picks up just after the events of *Gauntlgrym*, reintroducing both old and new characters.
After the Dread Ring is broken, Drizzt and Dahlia head toward Luskan to gather information, traveling via Drizzt's magical unicorn, Andahar. Unlike his familiar Guenhwyvar, Andahar can be killed and has no time limit in the Realms, making Drizzt more cautious with it. They encounter a caravan chased by bandits. Drizzt helps, but Dahlia questions his motives. The merchants claim to represent the High Captains of Luskan, who were involved in the death of Drizzt's friend Deudermont nearly a century ago. The bandits turn out to be starving farmers displaced by the High Captains' policies, forcing Drizzt to reconsider his ethics.
Meanwhile, Sylora Salm faces Szass Tam's displeasure over her failure. Szass Tam spares Sylora on his own, and Valindra later gives her a wand to channel the Dread Ring's power. Sylora is ordered to conquer Neverwinter. Herzgo Alegni questions Barrabus the Grey about his failure to kill Sylora; Barrabus suggests he could succeed if given his life-stealing dagger back.
Drizzt and Dahlia detour to farmlands, where Drizzt tries to give money to a struggling family, but Dahlia stops him, further challenging his morals. Sylora raises a fortress, while Valindra seeks help from a succubus named Arunika, who serves Szass Tam and interacts with Valindra. Barrabus offers to defend Neverwinter on behalf of the Shadovar. In Luskan, Dahlia alters her appearance with magic, and the pair visit Jarlaxle's apartment, hoping to find him or Athrogate. They are attacked by Ship Renthor but rescued by Beniago of Ship Kurth, who carries a familiar jewel-encrusted dagger.
Sylora gathers forces, including a devil named Hadencourt, and orders him to destroy Dahlia. Valindra prepares to attack Neverwinter. During the battle, Barrabus turns the tide, and Herzgo leads the Shadovar to victory. The townsfolk cheer for Barrabus, who suggests renaming a bridge after himself. The Shadovar reestablish power in Neverwinter. Drizzt and Dahlia accept an alliance with Ship Kurth. Back at Jarlaxle's apartment, Dahlia continues questio
- Author
- R. A. Salvatore
- Release
- October 2011
- Series
- Neverwinter Saga (book 2)
- Setting
- Forgotten Realms campaign world
- Protagonist
- Drizzt Do'Urden
- Genre
- Fantasy novel
Quick Facts
- Author
- R. A. Salvatore
- Cover Artist
- Todd Lockwood
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Series
- Neverwinter Saga
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Wizards of the Coast
- Release Date
- October 4, 2011
- Media Type
- Print (Hardback)
- Pages
- 352
- Isbn
- 978-0-7869-5842-9
- Preceded By
- Gauntlgrym
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Drizzt and Dahlia reach Luskan, where Dahlia alters her appearance and they visit Jarlaxle's apartment. They are attacked by Ship Renthor but rescued by Beniago of Ship Kurth. Sylora raises a fortress and Valindra reveals she possesses the soul of Korvin Dor'crae. Barrabus the Grey arrives in Neverwinter on behalf of the Shadovar, offering to help defend the town. The attack on Neverwinter occurs, and Barrabus turns the battle, leading to the bridge being renamed 'The Walk of Barrabus.' Drizzt and Dahlia become lovers, but Dahlia sneaks off to rob Ship Kurth, is poisoned, and is saved by Drizzt. They escape Luskan, and Drizzt trades with Beniago for an antidote. Later, they battle the devil Hadencourt, whom Drizzt impales with Andahar. In Neverwinter, Herzgo Alegni is visited by Draygo Quick, who leaves behind Effron the Twisted. Jestry is killed by the aboleth's minions, not transformed into a mindless slave.
Reader's Guide
Neverwinter serves as a pivotal entry in R. A. Salvatore's Neverwinter Saga, deepening the moral conflicts of Drizzt Do'Urden as he navigates a world of gray ethics. The novel introduces key elements such as the vulnerabilities of Andahar, the ongoing threat of the Dread Ring, and the complex alliances among Thayans, Shadovar, and the Aboleth Sovereignty. It expands the lore of Luskan and Neverwinter, highlighting the political machinations of the High Captains and the Shadovar's return to power. The book's significance lies in its exploration of Drizzt's character development, as Dahlia continually questions his black-and-white morality, and in setting up future conflicts involving Herzgo Alegni, Barrabus the Grey, and the enslaved Jestry. The novel also reinforces the theme that even magical beings like Andahar can be killed, adding stakes to Drizzt's adventures. For readers of the Forgotten Realms series, Neverwinter bridges events from Gauntlgrym and sets the stage for subsequent installments, making it a crucial chapter in the saga.
Did You Know?
- The magical unicorn Andahar can be killed and has no time limit in the Realms, unlike Guenhwyvar.
- Drizzt and Dahlia become lovers during the story.
- Barrabus the Grey is a slave to Herzgo's sword, the Claw, and cannot die even by suicide.
- The Aboleth Sovereignty allies with Valindra Shadowmantle to help with her mental state.
More in Novels by R. A. Salvatore 1-24
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