Drizzt Do’Urden, the legendary dark elf ranger created by R.A. Salvatore, has captivated fantasy readers for decades. His journey through the Forgotten Realms is chronicled across multiple book series. Below, you’ll find the books listed in both chronological order and order of publication.

Chronological Order of Drizzt Books

For readers who want to follow Drizzt’s story from his origins onward, here is the chronological order of the books:

The Dark Elf Trilogy

The Dark Elf Trilogy follows the journey of Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow elf who rejects the evil ways of his people and seeks to forge his own path in the world. The series explores his struggles with his identity, his battle against his heritage, and his quest for redemption. It delves into Drizzt’s early years and his escape from the dark underground city of Menzoberranzan.

1. Homeland (1990)
2. Exile (1990)
3. Sojourn (1991)

The trilogy also comes in a single collection: The Dark Elf Trilogy

The Icewind Dale Trilogy



The Icewind Dale Trilogy centers on a group of adventurers, including Drizzt, who join forces to protect the region of Icewind Dale from threats both natural and supernatural. The series features a mix of action, camaraderie, and exploration as the characters face off against monsters, magic, and treachery in the harsh wilderness.

4. The Crystal Shard (1988)
5. Streams of Silver (1989)
6. The Halfling’s Gem (1990)

The trilogy also comes in a single collection: The Icewind Dale Trilogy

The Legacy of the Drow Series



This series follows Drizzt as he continues his journey across the surface world while facing new challenges, both personal and external. It delves deeper into his relationships with his friends and enemies and his ongoing struggle against the dark forces that pursue him. The series expands on Drizzt’s quest for peace and justice while exploring his past and the influence of his drow family.

7. The Legacy (1992)
8. Starless Night (1993)
9. Siege of Darkness (1994)
10. Passage to Dawn (1996)

The series also comes in a single collection: The Legacy of the Drow

Paths of Darkness Series



The Paths of Darkness series explores Drizzt’s struggle to maintain his moral compass in a world filled with danger and corruption. It touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inner conflict of characters as they navigate the complexities of friendship and survival. Drizzt faces both personal and external battles that challenge his principles and test his limits.

11. The Silent Blade (1998)
12. The Spine of the World (1999)
13. Sea of Swords (2001)

The series also comes in a single collection: Paths of Darkness Trilogy

The Sellswords Trilogy



This trilogy focuses on the lives of Jarlaxle, a cunning drow mercenary, and Artemis Entreri, a deadly assassin, as they embark on dangerous missions and form an unlikely partnership with Drizzt. It highlights the contrast between the morally gray choices of these characters and their evolving relationship with Drizzt. The series emphasizes themes of redemption and trust in an unpredictable world.

14. Servant of the Shard (2000)
15. Promise of the Witch King (2005)
16. Road of the Patriarch (2006)

The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy



The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy follows Drizzt and his companions as they battle a massive orc horde threatening their world. The series focuses on the personal struggles and growth of each character, highlighting the sacrifices they make for the greater good. Drizzt’s leadership is tested as he faces the devastating consequences of war and the toll it takes on those he holds dear.

17. The Thousand Orcs (2002)
18. The Lone Drow (2003)
19. The Two Swords (2004)

The series also comes in a single collection: The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy

Transitions Series



The Transitions series marks a pivotal moment in Drizzt’s life, where his past, present, and future collide. With the rise of new powers and enemies, Drizzt is forced to confront his own demons and grapple with the shifting world around him. The series explores themes of change, transformation, and the constant need for Drizzt to redefine himself in the face of mounting challenges.

20. The Orc King (2007)
21. The Pirate King (2008)
22. The Ghost King (2009)

Neverwinter Saga



The Neverwinter Saga follows Drizzt as he navigates the chaos that erupts in the city of Neverwinter, alongside new and old friends. The series delves into Drizzt’s evolving relationships, his growing acceptance of his place in the world, and the increasingly dangerous threats that he faces. It marks a new chapter in his ongoing quest for peace and justice.

23. Gauntlgrym (2010)
24. Neverwinter (2011)
25. Charon’s Claw (2012)
26. The Last Threshold (2013)

The Sundering

The Sundering series introduces a world-altering event that reshapes the land and its people. Drizzt and his companions are caught in the midst of this cataclysmic change, and they must adapt to the new reality. The series explores the repercussions of the Sundering on the characters and their journeys as they try to survive and make sense of the upheaval.

27. The Companions (2013)

The Companions Codex



The Companions Codex revisits the core group of characters from Drizzt’s past as they reunite to face a new set of challenges. The series explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds that tie the companions together. As the group confronts both personal and external threats, their loyalty and strength are tested like never before.

28. Night of the Hunter (2014)
29. Rise of the King (2014)
30. Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf (2015)

Homecoming Trilogy



The Homecoming Trilogy follows Drizzt’s return to a world that has changed since his last adventure. As new threats emerge, Drizzt must reconcile his past and embrace his role in the ongoing struggles of the world. This series delves into the idea of home and the meaning of belonging, as Drizzt searches for peace amidst chaos.

31. Archmage (2015)
32. Maestro (2016)
33. Hero (2016)

Generations Trilogy



The Generations Trilogy centers on Drizzt’s legacy and the next generation of heroes who rise to carry on his fight. The series explores the impact of Drizzt’s actions on the world and how his legacy shapes those who come after him. It touches on themes of inheritance, duty, and the passing of the torch to new generations.

34. Timeless (2018)
35. Boundless (2019)
36. Relentless (2020)

The Way of the Drow



The Way of the Drow series delves into the depths of the drow culture and the world of Menzoberranzan, focusing on the internal conflicts within the dark elf society. It explores Drizzt’s ongoing struggle with his origins and his efforts to overcome the sinister forces that seek to claim him. The series reveals more about the ancient gods, dark politics, and the personal cost of breaking free from his people’s expectations.

37. Starlight Enclave (2021)
38. Glacier’s Edge (2022)
39. Lolth’s Warrior (2023)

Publication Order of Drizzt Books

If you prefer to read the books in the order they were released, you can follow the list based on their publication dates.

1. The Crystal Shard (1988)
2. Streams of Silver (1989)
3. The Halfling’s Gem (1990)
4. Homeland (1990)
5. Exile (1990)
6. Sojourn (1991)
7. The Legacy (1992)
8. Starless Night (1993)
9. Siege of Darkness (1994)
10. Passage to Dawn (1996)
11. The Silent Blade (1998)
12. The Spine of the World (1999)
13. Servant of the Shard (2000)
14. Sea of Swords (2001)
15. The Thousand Orcs (2002)
16. The Lone Drow (2003)
17. The Two Swords (2004)
18. The Orc King (2007)
19. The Pirate King (2008)
20. The Ghost King (2009)
21. Gauntlgrym (2010)
22. Neverwinter (2011)
23. Charon’s Claw (2012)
24. The Last Threshold (2013)
25. The Companions (2013)
26. Night of the Hunter (2014)
27. Rise of the King (2014)
28. Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf (2015)
29. Archmage (2015)
30. Maestro (2016)
31. Hero (2016)
32. Timeless (2018)
33. Boundless (2019)
34. Relentless (2020)
35. Starlight Enclave (2021)
36. Glacier’s Edge (2022)
37. Lolth’s Warrior (2023)

Which Order Should You Read?

• Chronological order: Best for following Drizzt’s life journey from birth to present.
• Publication order: Ideal for experiencing the books as they were originally introduced, following Salvatore’s writing progression.

Both approaches offer a fantastic adventure into the world of Drizzt Do’Urden and the Forgotten Realms. No matter which order you choose, you’re in for an epic journey!

What is the Legend of Drizzt Series About?

The Legend of Drizzt series follows Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow (dark elf) who rejects the cruel and ruthless culture of his people in the Underdark. Seeking a life of honor and integrity, he embarks on a journey to the surface world, where he struggles against prejudice, battles formidable foes, and finds loyal friends. Throughout the series, Drizzt’s adventures take him across the Forgotten Realms, where he faces personal trials, epic wars, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Born in the malevolent drow city of Menzoberranzan, Drizzt was expected to conform to the ways of his ruthless society. However, he quickly realized that he could not align with the cruelty and deception of his kin. With the help of his mentor, Zaknafein, Drizzt developed his combat prowess and moral compass before ultimately escaping to the surface world. His journey was fraught with danger, as both drow assassins and surface dwellers who distrusted his kind constantly threatened his existence.

Despite the hardships he faced, Drizzt found a family among a group of adventurers, including the dwarf Bruenor Battlehammer, the human Catti-brie, the barbarian Wulfgar, and the halfling Regis. Together, they embarked on numerous quests, battling powerful enemies such as frost giants, dragons, and demonic forces. Through these trials, Drizzt solidified his place in the world above, proving his worth through unwavering loyalty and honor.

The series explores profound themes such as identity, redemption, and the nature of good and evil. Drizzt frequently reflects on his experiences through philosophical journal entries, offering readers insight into his inner struggles. His story is one of perseverance, friendship, and the constant fight against darkness—both in the world and within himself.