Really solid series debut

Narration 8/10
The narration is pretty solid. The voices do fit the characters, the speed is just right and overall it is well done. However I'd like a bit more "soul" to it, something extra to make it a bit more exciting and reaching to the listener, but overall it's really solid and well done.

Story 7/10
I did not really know what to expect from this. To be honest I just bought it on a 2 for 3 sale because of the overwhelmingly positive reviews and having seen it mentioned quite often on forums etc.
I'd say it's a pretty strong beginning for a series. Even though the introduction was not much to my liking and it served pretty much as world building, things got more interesting after Drizzt was born.
The story evolves around Drizzt, a Dark Elf, aka an evil race that serves the Spider Queen.
The best part of the story is following him while he grows up, realizing the wrongdoings of the society he lives in and trying to find out how to act and what to do with his life.
The character evolution is pretty great, but it's mostly focused on the protagonist who pretty much fills in the role of the "Messiah" hero, while the only other character that is adequately presented is the weapon master Zak, whose interactions with Drizzt were some of the best parts of the book.
The story is not anything impressive or amazing, but it's really well done.

Overall I'd recommend this to any fantasy fan, even though I'd say it is more suited for younger ages rather than adults. If you just want something to pleasantly spend your time not expecting anything special out of it, go for it.

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.

4/5

In my spare time, one of my hobbies bar reading is Dungeons & Dragons and running my own campaign. The Drizzt books have been on my radar for several years but I've never got round to them before. Thanks to a convenient audible sale thought, I decided to commence the first book to ring in the new year.

Following the drow elf Drizzt Do-Urden, Homeland details his beginnings from the night of his birth and the events of his early life.

- I love the detailed descriptions of the underdark and the drow society, how Lolth the spider queen influences much of what happens there. Also the house and city systems made sense and added to the way the culture is. The setting has given me ideas for my own campaign

- Drizzt is a fascinating character, though often overpowered and conveniently succeeds at most things. Despite this I look forward to seeing how he develops in later books, especially his relationship with Guenhwyvar.

- The book is steeped with characters from D&D lore and whilst someone unfamiliar with the game would likely be able to grasp the concepts, it has much more depth for those already familiar with the stereotypical dynamics and background of the game.

An enjoyable fantasy book within a D&D world. Recommended for fantasy RPG fans, fantasy fans and those who enjoy political fantasy.

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My favourite of the Drizzt books ...

Where does Homeland rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The author gives an unparalleled insight into the dystopian world of the Drow and is easily my favourite Fantasy audio book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Homeland?

So many ... the intrigue and outright war between the Drow houses, the Drow Academy, Maya Do'Urden (who seems to be a bit more of a character than I remember). So many!

Which character – as performed by Victor Bevine – was your favourite?

Drizzt. Obvious answer but true.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Only on HBO" ;-)

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A drow reborn!

Brilliant story that started off a little slow but had an incredibly good pace and conclusion can’t wait to listen to the next book!

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Brilliant

Would you listen to Homeland again? Why?

I would listen to this again because I love a story about the underdog.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Drizzt, I like an underdog, he has so much stacked against him and yet he pulls through it all.

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Great story, and the performance alike. Recommend!

Great story, and the performance alike.
Absolutely recommends.

The beginning can be a bit tough due to all new names, places etc, but as my understanding of the world increased so my enjoyment.

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Stick with it

At first I hated this story, I even dropped the book. Its very hard to like the drow, but Drizzt is different and his differences show more and more throughout the book. Once it picked up, I really enjoyed the book.

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Sublime

The story is great as well as the narrator. Went through the whole book in 3 days. Vividly recommend!

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Must be one of the best starts to a legend ever!

A must read for any d&d fan. This awesome book starts the journey for Drizzt do Urden and makes you want to read the rest! I already own the paperback version but just had to get the audiobook. Victor Bevine narrates it just perfectly!

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Drizzt Rules!!!

Loved it! Brilliant story and Characters. R. A. Salvatore is a brilliant and creative man who doesn't get the credit he deserves. Onto the next book!

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