Book Review: Hero

Warning: there are spoilers in my review.

I finished this book in about 2 days. It was an engaging read, though I felt the events could have been divided into two books, or at least in a thicker one, for a lot was crammed into this last volume. A part of me is glad this is the last (or at least, rumored to be last) Drizzt novel. The series has been going on for 20-some years, and has to conclude at some point. I was worried about how it would end, and hoped that it would be a happy ending, for something tragic after such a long journey would leave a foul taste in my mouth.

Fortunately for my sappy tendencies, it was a good ending. It felt a bit rushed, but again, a lot needed to be done in this last volume. The epilogue made me fangirl squeal in joy, even as it raised questions. We have been told that Zaknafein’s soul is in a good place (it has been mentioned in previous novels, and was mentioned in this one, too), but where that good place is, we have been left to speculate. Towards the end of Hero, Lolth taunts Drizzt, saying she could return Zak to life, and Drizzt points out that she has no claim to him, that he isn’t with him. Lolth doesn’t deny this, but says it doesn’t matter. In the epilogue, Jarlaxle and Yvonnel are speculating about Lolth, and how she could be “changing”. While I doubt Drizzt has that much influence over her—though she clearly has an interest in him—and then Zak is there. Jarlaxle is thrilled, and so am I, but it raises questions. Who did restore him? Was it Lolth, or perhaps Yvonnel herself had a hand in it? Zak didn’t belong to Lolth, so, if it was her, it makes me wonder which deity she appealed to—something I can’t see her doing—or if another deity was watching and decided to do it her/himself. We’re left to speculate, I suppose, but I am happy to see Zak.

I am glad Drizzt isn’t the only one to find peace in the end. Entreri does, too, though the relationship between him and Dahlia seemed a bit forced. He and Jarlaxle speak of Calihye, and then, in the same scene, he goes to Dahlia and realizes he loves her. Kimmurial had helped to heal her mind, but still…I don’t know. While I feel sorry for Dahlia, I have never been fond of her, though she deserved peace, too. Entreri just seemed to fall into the relationship so easily, but perhaps they will be good to each other.

Drizzt’s descent into despair was hard to read. The greatest foe he ever faced are his own demons, and it was a necessary road, perhaps, but those scenes were tough—as they were probably meant to be. I felt it was a bit negated by the fact it was a curse, but oh well. The point was made, and, thankfully, Drizzt is healed in the end and surrounded by those he loved. I thought it sweet his last journey entry was addressed to Guen. He has a promising life ahead of him.

Wulfgar is the same as ever. I’ve never been overly fond of him, and his womanizing ways annoy me, though he fully admits he takes precautions. Jarlaxle is a womanizer too, but he is a far more witty and engaging character, in my opinion. I didn’t like Wulfgar in his first life, and my feelings didn’t change in his second one. He’s not terrible, I just don’t prefer him.

While the rumors of the ending FR novel line greatly sadden me, I hope this is indeed is the last Drizzt novel (though I would have liked to have seen the reunion between him and his father). We have been on this journey for a long time, and I feel this is a good place for it to end, even though there are unanswered questions. If Bob is contracted to write FR novels again, I hope he writes about other characters in the novel, or completely new characters. I dearly hope the FR novel line is eventually picked up again.

While I have had my issues with the Drizzt books (especially the latest ones) about the inconsistencies of lore and lack of mention of the other drow deities (Eilistraee and Vhaeraun have returned, after all), I have always loved Drizzt as a character. And I am happy to see him happy. I am glad I was able to hug the book at the end instead of throw it across the room. All around, a good ending to a long journey.