The Crystal Shard

by R. A. Salvatore
First Pubished in March 1988
Part of the Icewind Dale Trilogy
Takes place in 1351 DR - 1356 DR

"The crystal shard was not content with an existence in a desolate mountain range... It wanted more. It wanted power."

Akar Kessell has set in motion events that will lead to the rediscovery of the crystal shard, a magical device that may be powerful enough to bring about the destruction of Ten-Towns.

Meanwhile, the barbarians are also planning to attack Ten-Towns, and their brutal assault on the villages seals their fate and that of Wulfgar. Wulfgar, a young barbarian, proves himself to be a mighty warrior among his race - one with the power to reshape this harsh region of the Forgotten Realms. But, even with the help of the dark elf Drizzt and Bruenor the dwarf, is he strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? and will the people of Ten-Towns put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the mysterious forces of the crystal shard?

Review

This is easily one of the best of the Forgotten Realms novels. This was the novel that introduced Drizzt Do'Urden, one of the most popular characters in the Forgotten Realms. This series is so good that mainstream fantasy fans (who would normally abhor D&D series novels) even admit that it is one of the best fantasy trilogies out there. Indeed, a reader not familiar with D&D or the Forgotten Realms would have no problem following this novel. In fact, the novel takes place in an area that is really quite blank on the main FR map, giving Salvatore a great deal of liberty in his story telling.

Aside from Drizzt, the main characters are a bit Tolkienish stereotypical. However, they are still well developed and don’t come off as too wooden. The antagonist is actually quite original and well developed, too. Rather than the standard old evil ruler or ancient evil reawakened, the villain is an awkward neophyte wizard who uncovers a source of tremendous power (the titular shard).

The plot is not particularly complex, but on the other hand it is not too predictable either. Plus, it is full of monsters and action (think high quality summer adventure movie). The heroes aren’t portrayed as too powerful either (a common failing in FR novels). As a result, there is actual tension in the action sequences and the feeling that the protagonists may actually be overmatched in some fights.

All in all, this series is the single best read of the entire Forgotten Realms novel collection.

Effects on Toril

With the Icewind Dale being such an isolated part of the FR map, the events of this book really have no impact to the wider world or Toril. Even in the dale, pretty much status-quo is restored by the end with the exception of a few leadership changes in the barbarian tribes.

Characters

Major

Akar Kessel - An apprentice to Morkai the Red, a mage of Luskan's Host Tower.
Bruenor Battlehammer - The leader of the dwarves in the Icewind Dale. The adoptive father of Catti-brie
Catti-brie - The adopted daughter of Bruenor Battlehammer.
Drizzt Do'Urden - Drizzt is a Drow (dark elf) ranger who has turned from his heritage and lives upon the surface of Toril.
Errtu - A powerful balor demon obsessed with finding the crystal shard, Crenshinibon
Guenhwyvar - A magical panther and companion to Drizzt Do'Urden.
Regis - A halfling and former member of Pasha Pook's theives guild in Calimport. He stole a magic pendent from Pook that allows him to hypnotically influence others. In order to avoid Pook's wrath, Regis moved to the Icewind Dale where he spends his days fishing and making scrimshaw with fish bones. He also representeds the town of Lonelywood to the council of the Ten Towns.
Wulfgar - A young barbarian. Flag bearer for Heafstaag, King of the Elk tribe.

Minor

Agorwal - Representative of Termalaine in the council of the Ten Towns.
Artemis Entreri - An assassin sent by Pasha Pook to recover his magical gem from Regis.
Beorg - A barbarian king.
Biggrin - A frost giant and general for Akar Kessel
Cassius - Leader of and spokesman for the town of Bryn Shander.
DeBernezan - A traitor to the Ten Towns who facilitates the united barbarian tribes invasion of the Ten Towns.
Dendybar the Mottled - A wizard of Luskan's Host Tower.
Dorim Lugar - Representative of Caer-Konig to the council of the Ten Towns.
Glensather - Representative of Easthaven in the council of the Ten Towns.
Heafstaag - King of the Elk Tribe.
Jensin Brent - Representative of Caer-Dineval to the council of the Ten Towns.
Kemp - Representative of Targos in the council of the Ten Towns.
Morkai the Red - A wizard of the Host Tower of Luskan. Master of Akar Kessel.
Telshazz - A demon and servant of Errtu.

Monsters

Yeti - Encountered by Drizzt at the beginning of the book.
White Dragon - Wulfgar slays the white dragon Ingeloakastimizilian or Icingdeath to claim leadership of the Barbarian tribes.
Orc - Akar Kessel employs orcs in his armies.
Frost Giant - The frost giant, Biggrin is one of Akar Kessel's generals
Verbeeg - Akar Kessel uses verbeeg for his advance force.
Balor - The balor Errtu sides with Akar Kessel
Troll - Akar Kessel uses trolls for his personal body guard.