R. A. Salvatore, Road of the Patriarch

Road of the Patriarch

R. A. Salvatore

Wizards of the West Coast, October 2006, $27.95

ISBN: 0786940751

After disabling the Zhengyian Construct in the shape of Castle Perilus ruled by a drcoliche and inhabited by gargoyles and other dangerous creatures, the assassin Artemis Entreri is awarded by King Gareth of Bloodstone with the Knight of the Order; his companion Jarlaxle is named a Bloodstone hero. The drow dark elf and Artemis are the furthest thing from heroes imaginable, as the human does not have a heart and the drow lusts for power and adventure.

After receiving their rewards, Artemis has a run-in with the Assassins Guild. He and his companions run for their lives before reclaiming the castle and restoring it using magic. The elf claims the land of Vaasa renaming it D'Aerthe ruled by King Artemis I. King Gareth and his army march to defeat the usurper because he wants to make Vaasa a barony of his kingdom. The elf knows his side cannot win, so he retreats to his homeland, while Artemis is exiled with the drow coming to rescue him.

Although Jarlaxle is selfish, he finds himself genuinely fond of Artemis, which is why he used magic and an ensorcelled artifact to let him feel again. There is plenty of action, political intrigue, and battles in this spellbinding tale. The Sellswords Chronicles has a special feel to them, as the supernatural seem natural, whether they be dragons in human form or drows or gargoyles. R. A. Salvatore provides another strong sword and sorcery saga that demonstrates his exceptional world building skills.