The author pens "The Companions" the first book in the 'The Sundering Series' in a plot that just gripped me right from the beginning. I was totally taken back of the author's way with words, just really outstanding. Each of his characters have their own unique personalities and battles to fight which made the story line so much more interesting. A brilliant piece of work which makes one want the next book in the series right on hand. Highly recommended for all fantasy readers. NOTE: if you are new to the writer and his books, I suggest reading his earlier books as "The Companions" does make references to them.This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review. I read some of Salvatore's novels back in the day when I was in high school. I vaguely recall being fairly impressed, but I didn't like it as much as the Dragonlance novels that I had been reading at around the same time.However, The Companions made me want to go back and re-read those earlier novels.3 different POVs compete for your attention - they all know about each other and the knowledge that they are going to meet at the end adds a sense of anticipation to the novel that is very delicious. There is also an occasional outside viewpoint looking in and threatening the protagonists.I would have given it 5 stars but there were a couple of niggling points. The ending was abrupt, which as a potential start of a series is ok I suppose, but the ending was like getting to the edge of cliff, falling off it, and then hitting a ledge just 5 feet down. Nothing is resolved other than the fact that they all got together. The bad guys weren't really that bad - there wasn't any sense that the main characters were in danger. There was a lot of "and now I have this tool which I didn't know I needed until now", which could have been better handled.Which brings me to my last point - the book was all setup. Granted - nearly 400 pages of pretty good setup, but setup nonetheless.Given the fact that those three points were pretty jarring, you might wonder why it still received 4 stars. Salvatore has created (or continued to create as the Drizzt universe is many years old now) a world with many cultures and peoples. You know that there is a wonder around every corner, and Salvatore does an awesome job bringing each wonder into the light. I will pick up the next in the Sundering series because of this book. And I may even look up some of the older Drizzt now that I have been properly introduced once again.
What do You think about The Companions (2013)?
One of the best Drizz't books Salvatore has ever done and Drizz't is barely in it!
—Nicole
It was truly an awesome book. I love the way Salvatore writes. He's the man...
—tyty
One of the best books by Salvatore that I've read in quite awhile.
—luvnebraska
Amusing. Not great literature but good bathtub reading.
—Tabitha
