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Dungeons and Dragons: The Legend Of Drizzt Visual Dictionary Book Review

“Dungeons And Dragons: The Legend Of Drizzt Visual Dictionary” will immerse you in the world of D&D.

In light of “Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” being released in theaters today (which is well worth seeing by the way), it feels all too appropriate to be reviewing this new book from DK Books. 

After a foreword by noted “Forgotten Realms” author R.A. Salvatore, author Michael Witwer gets right into business with this book that is divided into 7 sections that are as follows:

“The Legend Of Drizzt” is dedicated to the history of the titular Udadrow Elf hero Drizzt Do’Urden. This section covers his weapons of choice, his pal Guenhwyvar, and a timeline of adventures from 1297 DR to 1490 DR.

“The Companions Of The Hall” centers around Drizzt’s companions that include Bruenor Battlehammer, Catti-Brie Battlehamer, Wulfgar, and Regis. Expect pretty standard character profiles for this part such as quotes, wardrobe, weapons, personality traits, pictures, weapons and or jewelry, stats and birthplace. 

“Adventuring In The Forgotten Realms” touches base on the location Faerun, the Gods of the Realms, and the various species, cultures, and people present in the world ala Wizards, Bards, Dragonborn, Elves, Dwarves and so forth

“Drizzt’s Allies” focuses on the characters of Jarlaxle Baenre, Zaknafein Do’Urden, Dahlia Sin’Felle, The Harpells, and Captain Deudermont.

“Drizzt’s Foes”- Too many to mention here, but readers can expect profiles on Lolth, Driders, The Crystal Shard, The Ghost King, Obould Many-Arrows, Errtu, Liches, Ellifain Tuuserail, Icingdeath,  and many more. 

What would a D&D book be without a section devoted to “Monsters.” Of course, Chromatic Dragons, and Metallic Dragons are mentioned here (along with the classifications of them) alongside Giants, Goblinoids, Illithids, Underdark creatures, Demons, Dungeon Crawlers, and assorted other monsters like Owlbears and Trolls. 

Last, but not least is “Key Locations” which contains places Drizzt traveled to such as the Icewind Dale, Ten-Towns, The Underdark, Menzoberranzan, Blingdenstone, Oryndoll, The Silver Marches, Neverwinter, Waterdeep, and Baldur’s Gate. The numerous Planes of Existence is also touched upon. Each location contains key spots, characteristics of said town, a timeline of events that occurred at the location, monuments, maps, and inhabitants. 

For 49 years now, the world of “Dungeons and Dragons” has captivated people in various mediums whether it be the iconic roleplaying game, the animated series, the movies, or the many, many books. Admittedly, D&D is one of my blind spots in the world of geekdom. It’s not for a lack of interest mind you, but it’s all rather daunting to get into (especially as someone that isn’t an RPG gamer). Thankfully, this book provides an insightful overview of the expansive fantasy world complete with wonderful artwork. It also acts as a handy companion piece to the new movie in case you feel a bit lost by things upon watching it. There’s so much to learn about here whether it be the title character’s grand adventures (and romances), rundowns of the type of dragons (including the multi-head Tiamat), Lolth’s transformation into a Spider Queen, detailed maps of cities like Neverwinter (as featured in the movie), the shapeshifting Mimics, and, yes, even characters that went on to influence “Stranger Things” ala the Mind Flayer Illithids and the Demogorgons. Basically, if you have a question about someone, something or some place in this vast universe, this book has you covered. It’s certainly a great and informative way to familiarize yourself with this fantastical franchise. 

March 31, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Baldur's Gate, D&D, Demogorgons, Dragons, Drizzt, Dungeons And Dragons, Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Dungeons And Dragons: The Legend Of Drizzt Book Review, Elf, fantasy, Forgotten Realms, Mind Flayer, Neverwinter, Owlbear, Roleplaying Game, RPG, Waterdeep