The Dao of Drizzt

By: R. A. Salvatore

Narrated by: Victor Bevine

Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

For over thirty years, Drizzt Do'Urden has been one of the most important characters in fantasy literature. Throughout his novels, Drizzt has written down his thoughts about life and love, the nature of good and evil, the joys (and frustrations) of family, and so much more. Together for the first time, the collected wisdom and philosophy of Drizzt comes complete with an introduction by bestselling fantasy author Evan Winter—for his biggest fans and readers/listeners wanting to learn about this iconic figure.

Growing up in the chaos of Menzoberranzan, one young drow elf tries to make sense of the conflict between the traditions he must serve and the protestations of his own conscience. To lay bare the injustices he sees and to strengthen his own resolve to follow the ethical call of his heart, Drizzt Do'Urden is both an agent of action and self-reflection.

These, his writings, become critical to his salvation, the way in which he makes sense of a world that to him makes little sense at all. The impact of his words, of his meditation, of his inward determination will carry him forward, forcing upon him decisions that others would consider noble, perhaps, but surely foolhardy…impossible even.

But to Drizzt, the only choice is to do what is true and right.

These journal entries, then, show the struggle between what has always been and what should be, where the courage to transcend the many obstacles of societal expectations and entrenched power—if nowhere else, then in the soul of an idealist. They were written to help Drizzt understand himself. But the universal truths will resonate with readers throughout the Realms.

©2022 R. A. Salvatore (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Exactly what the synopsis promises

I was fortunate to find the story of Drizzt in high school, and found that he shared a lot of my way of thinking about the things I saw in humanity. I took his philosophy along with me into the infantry when the Global War on Terrorism kicked off. I can’t imagine how much my experiences might have been different without his idealism and fictionalized example to reflect on as I found myself having violent adventures of my own. Specifically those dealing with understanding the humanity in your enemy and choosing when and how to apply lethality when appropriate.

This book extracts the philosophical musings of Drizzt chronologically from the novels, and presents them as you would expect a book with “Dao” in the title would. I find myself being transported back in time to what i was experiencing and processing at the time in my life when i read them, as well as reflecting on the similarities in my life that Drizzt also experienced with his friends.

If you enjoy philosophy, this vibes with Aurelius’ Meditations, at least in the style of a first person journal entry style.

If you enjoyed Drizzt’s story, this is a beautiful book for your shelf (I purchased the hardcover as well as the audiobook). It’s crafted well and made to last.

If you are unfamiliar with Drizzt, I’m not sure how you landed here, but if you aren’t curious to start his novels after the first trilogy entries, there’s probably no future for your relationship with the Companions of the Hall.

Ripped Pages for Ages

For so many years I ripped pages from Drizzt books, the monologues, and collected them as the treasures they are, similar to my Pokemon and Magic cards. My friends hated me. I needed to read his words as I grew up and became a man, this compendium of every monologue and thought Drizzt has had over the many many years is sorely overdue. Since the story of Drizzt and the companions of the Hall near their end, this collection will be as valuable as the Bible itself to all generations of future nerds and extinct bookworms that grow up and face adulthood. Victor, your performance has thousands of hours in my head, and soon my children too, I aspire to leave my kids my own renditions of these books performed by myself, not for money, but for legacy. I don't remember my father's voice...but my kids will never forget mine thanks to you and Bob, and of course, Drizzt, Cattie-Brie, Bruenor, Wulfgar, Regis, Jarlaxle, Entreri, Pikel, Kimmuriuel, Gromph, Kane, Dragon Sisters Taz and Ilna and finally Brienelle. My deepest heartfelt friends who rest side by side with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

the uniquely assembled journal of this amazing character and 'his dad', stood out.

loved it. always thought these should be assembled and separated from the story in some way. and now... we do! brilliant! thank you, so much, for more content!

bravo!

great book! it amazes me, these stories. thank you! keep up the grand work! until next time!

a great listen

I can never get bored of this comprising of all the books I've read and listened to under the legend of drizzt. I do hope Salvatore creates a similar read or listen for the monks of the yellow rose...

Spoiler alert. This book is a spoiler

I absolutely love all Legend of Drizt series. And with that, I have to say I was quite upset with the last chapter. Being a covers things From the 3rd book of the glaciers edge series which has yet to be released, or at least in that time line.

Another nerd said it best

For so many years I ripped pages from Drizzt books, the monologues, and collected them as the treasures they are, similar to my Pokemon and Magic cards. My friends hated me. I needed to read his words as I grew up and became a man, this compendium of every monologue and thought Drizzt has had over the many many years is sorely overdue. Since the story of Drizzt and the companions of the Hall near their end, this collection will be as valuable as the Bible itself to all generations of future nerds and extinct bookworms that grow up and face adulthood.
Victor, your performance has thousands of hours in my head, and soon my children too, aspire to leave my kids my own renditions of these books performed by myself, not for money, but for legacy. I don't remember my father's voice...but my kids will never forget mine thanks to you and Bob, and of course, Drizzt, Cattie-Brie, Bruenor, Wulfgar, Regis, Jarlaxle, Entreri, Pikel, Kimmuriuel, Gromph, Kane, Dragon Sisters Taz and lIna and finally Brienelle.

Worth the Long Wait

I've been waiting a long time for a compilation of these journal entries. Was such a different experience to have them all back to back.

A great collection wisdom

Here the author went through all the books through the Drizzt series and wrote out all the times Drizzt reflected on something. Here we get to read all that philosophy and wisdom in one place. It shows us how deep the author created this character we’ve all come to love and enjoy because some of these are very deep wisdom and philosophy.

PREVIOUSLY ON DRIZZT!

A recap to a most excellent journey! I have read all the books through the years and I have to say it was nice getting a recap of Drizzt's journey.