Review: The Two Swords
R.A. Salvatore’s The Two Swords concludes the Hunter’s Blades Trilogy with all the fierce battles, emotional turmoil, and rich character development that we as fans of the dark elf ranger have come to expect. Yet as the dust settles on the battlegrounds and Drizzt and his companions face the consequences of all those hard-fought victories and crushing losses, I found myself both satisfied and wanting even more. Here’s my painfully honest take on Salvatore’s closing chapter, which I read upon release after picking it up at an airport bookstore all those years ago.
Salvatore has always been a master of crafting complex and emotionally-layered characters, and The Two Swords is no exception. Drizzt Do’Urden faces one of his darkest personal journeys yet, struggling with isolation, grief, and the challenge of staying true to himself in a world that grows more hostile with each passing season. His friendships, especially with Bruenor Battlehammer and Catti-brie, shine as a testament to loyalty and resilience; their friendships were forged through fire and ice. Mr. Salvatore doesn’t shy away from showing how bonds can deepen through shared trauma, and in that way, The Two Swords truly shines.
The action sequences are another highlight, and something I expected. Salvatore’s talent for visceral, well-paced combat scenes makes the battles exhilarating, and I still find myself inspired for my own writing by the way he makes it seem so simple (hint: it’s not. That takes some serious talent.) He balances high-stakes skirmishes with character introspection, creating a blend of emotional and physical conflict that’s as engaging as it is heart-wrenching. The book’s pacing also helps by keeping the reader on edge without skimping on important character moments. You’ve got a great mixture of epic battles, exploration of the vibrant Forgotten Realms, proper doses of lore, and excellent exposition.
Where it Could Have Reached a Little Higher:
Despite these strengths, The Two Swords occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. The storyline, while exciting, sometimes feels a little repetitive, with conflicts that don’t always drive the plot forward in meaningful ways. Certain battles, though pretty darn thrilling, seem to rehash earlier confrontations, which can dilute the emotional impact. This probably shouldn’t be surprising to me as a reader, since Drizzt’s been swinging his twin scimitars around for decades and I’ve been here faithfully for each book. It should also be mentioned that Salvatore’s tendency to linger on Drizzt’s inner turmoil sometimes slows the pace and makes it feel like we’re revisiting old struggles without any new insights.
Another point of critique I should make lies in the lack of closure for some of the characters. While Drizzt’s journey is nuanced and heartfelt, a few supporting characters, like Regis and Wulfgar, feel slightly shunted to the sideline. This is a shame since they bring unique perspectives and depth to the story, and it would have been rewarding to see their arcs fleshed out even a bit more fully.
Final Thoughts:
The Two Swords is a worthy, if imperfect, conclusion to a deeply beloved series. Salvatore’s love for his characters and the Forgotten Realms shines through the way he writes, and longtime fans will find plenty to enjoy. While the story may not resolve every plot point or satisfy every reader’s expectations, it leaves an impact that lingers with you; it’s been years since I devoured the novel, and it remains one of my faves. For all its flaws, I would describe The Two Swords as a bittersweet end to a journey that celebrates heroism, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of its characters.
If you’re a fan of Drizzt, this book will give you the feels even as you work through (or ignore) its imperfections. Salvatore may not have delivered a flawless finale, but he gives us something more precious: an honest, heartfelt goodbye to characters who have become like old friends. They still walk in the forests and icy dales of my mind, which is really saying something.
