Forgotten Realms: Homeland

R.A. Salvatore. Script by Andrew Dabb. Illustrations by Tim Seeley, Amdrew Pepoy, Marco Galli. Devils Due Publishing, 2006. ISBN: 978-1932796582.

Plot Summary: This is the first in a series of comic book adaptions of the work of R.A. Salvatore. Drizzt has grown up Menzoberranzan, a dark and terrible underground city in the Forgotten Realm. While Drizzt is honorable, brave and courageous, many of the others in his society are dishonest and cruel, and without morals. Drizzt is lucky to be alive after being marked for sacrifice as a baby. He has grown up as a part of the royal house and has received expert training in combat but has grown disillusioned with his society. When taking part in a violent raid of a village, he spares the life of a young girl. This act of mercy gains him the wrath of the Demon Queen of Spiders, which may bring about the fall of his family.

Critical Evaluation: This book certainly has a lot to offer. While it is a dark story full of violence and somewhat graphic scenes, it is also the story of the struggle of good against evil. The illustrations add a great deal of depth to the story. The illustrators and colorist really brought the dark and sinister nature of the city and many of it's inhabitants to life in the graphics. The characters are multi dimensional and the reader is quickly drawn into the story. Overall, the book almost gives the sense of bringing to the page a mythology or even a time in history. Even though it is fantasy, it has a realistic edge to it.

Reader's Annotation: Drizzt lives in a terrible place where other are cruel, dishonest and violent. Can the royal Drizzt bring principles to the lawless society? Or will his act of kindness bring about the fall of his family?

About the Author: Robert Salvatore has written a great deal of fantasy fiction. He is best known for his "Forgotten Realms" Series. He has also overseen the completion of many projects in the genre such as the "War of the Spider Queen" series. He is known for dark tales full of ethical decisions and intense battle scenes.

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Interest Level: 12-18
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on difference between Drizzt and the others in his society.
What do you do if you disagree with everyone around you?
Curriculum Ties: None

Challenge Issues: There are several issues that are likely to be challenged in this work: Many of the women wear slightly revealing and sexual outfits, there are depictions of violence and death, and the dark illustrations may make this book scary for some readers.
If a challenge does arise, it could be recommend that they read reviews of the book or the author. They could also research the genre of literature.

Selection Process: Recommended on a blog