"There's a lot that Jarlaxle doesn't know: is he the lone survivor of the raid on the slaad fortress, can he even find a way to get out, and beyond his immediate predicament, could he possibly escape the ice caverns and get help for his friends? However, what Jarlaxle does know is that if he plans to come back--if Catti-brie, Entreri, and Zaknafein are to have any hope of surviving--he's going to have to bring back far more firepower. An army of aevendrow...

Continues the adventures of the dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden and his companions, Wulfgar the barbarian, Bruenor the dwarf, and Regis the halfling, as they encounter the wizard Akar Kessell and the assassin Artemis Entreri, and navigate the Underdark.

When Crenshinibon threatens the world again, Drizzt and company seek the help of the legendary cleric Cadderly to destroy the Crystal Shard once and for all.

"Split between time and two worlds, Zaknafein had always been conflicted. That inner turmoil was magnified by his inferior position as a male dark elf in the matriarchal drow society. Only his status as one of the greatest warriors - as well as his friendship with the mercenary Jarlaxle - kept him sane. When he finally perished, he was content knowing he left behind a legacy as substantial as his son, Drizzt. Except ... someone isn't ready for Zaknafein...

"Wily elf Drizzt Do'Urden has been around for 35 years, and he's a legend in the drow city Menzoberranzan for having escaped its evils. Here, the city is on the edge as the drow begin questioning rampant corruption and the very story of the city's founding, with Drizzt along for the ride to examine his role as father, friend, and quester."