📖 Overview
Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle, two notorious mercenaries, venture to the harsh northern lands of Damara and Vaasa on a mission from dragon sisters. Their task involves investigating artifacts left by Zhengyi the Witch-King, a defeated lich whose dark influence still lingers in the region.
The pair encounters new allies in the village of Palishchuk, where ancient magic begins to manifest through a mysterious tome. Their mission grows more complex as they join forces with Commander Ellery, Mariabronne the Rover, and others to investigate a supernatural fortress that has appeared.
The story follows multiple character arcs as alliances form and tensions rise between the diverse group of adventurers. Personal vendettas, magical mysteries, and dangerous creatures create obstacles for the unlikely team as they pursue their objectives.
This second installment in The Sellswords trilogy explores themes of redemption, power, and the consequences of awakening dormant magic. The novel builds on established Forgotten Realms lore while standing as its own dark fantasy adventure.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this book has faster pacing and more action than others in the Sellswords series. Many praise the development of Artemis Entreri's character and his complex relationship with Jarlaxle.
Likes:
- Combat scenes and magical battles
- Growth of Entreri beyond a one-dimensional assassin
- Chemistry between the two main characters
- Dark atmosphere and gothic elements
Dislikes:
- Plot seen as predictable by some readers
- Too much focus on fight sequences over story
- Supporting characters feel underdeveloped
- Middle section drags according to multiple reviews
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (8,900+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ reviews)
Common reader comment: "The fight scenes are great but I wanted more depth to the story and side characters."
Notable review: "Entreri and Jarlaxle's odd-couple dynamic carries what would otherwise be a standard fantasy adventure." - Goodreads user review
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The Black Company by Glen Cook This military fantasy chronicles mercenaries who serve a powerful sorceress while confronting their own changing loyalties and moral boundaries.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch A master thief leads his band through complex heists in a dark fantasy world filled with magic and organized crime.
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence A young prince leads a brutal band of outlaws through a post-apocalyptic world where magic and science intersect.
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson Military campaigns, sorcery, and political intrigue combine in a complex fantasy world where gods meddle in mortal affairs.
🤔 Interesting facts
🗡️ The character Artemis Entreri, featured in this book, is one of R.A. Salvatore's most popular creations and has appeared in over 20 novels spanning three decades
🐉 The Forgotten Realms setting, where this story takes place, was originally created by Ed Greenwood as a setting for his personal Dungeons & Dragons games in 1967
👑 The Witch-King referenced in the title is Zhengyi, a powerful lich whose reign of terror over Vaasa lasted for nearly a decade before his defeat
📚 R.A. Salvatore has written over 40 books set in the Forgotten Realms universe, selling more than 15 million copies worldwide
🎲 This book is part of "The Sellswords Trilogy," which focuses on anti-heroes rather than traditional protagonists - a departure from Salvatore's earlier works