R.A. Salvatore books

Legend of Drizzt Reading Order

R.A. Salvatore (Robert Anthony Salvatore) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts in 1959. He earned a degree in communications with a minor in English from Fitchburg State College in 1979 and a master’s in English from Fitchburg State in 1981. His first published novel, The Crystal Shard, appeared in 1988 after winning the TSR fiction contest. The book introduced Drizzt Do’Urden, a dark elf ranger who would become Salvatore’s signature character and one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most recognizable heroes.

Drizzt emerged from Salvatore’s own Forgotten Realms D&D campaign. TSR, the company that then owned D&D, published the Icewind Dale trilogy. The Dark Elf Trilogy followed as prequels. Legacy of the Drow, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades, Transitions, Neverwinter Saga, Companions, and Homecoming trilogies continued the story through decades of publication. Forty-plus novels later, Drizzt remains Salvatore’s primary focus.

Salvatore also created original settings. The DemonWars saga follows a world where gods walk the earth and mortals wield powers drawn from religious faith. The Crimson Shadow trilogy echoes classic themes. Vector Prime launched the New Jedi Order era of Star Wars fiction. He co-wrote Timeless with his son Geno, continuing the Drizzt legend.

Salvatore lives in Massachusetts with his wife Diane and multiple pets. He visits local schools and libraries frequently. Geno Salvatore, his son, is also a writer. Salvatore’s work influenced video game adaptations; Drizzt appears in Baldur’s Gate and other titles. His fight scene choreography and dual-wielding fighting style shaped how fantasy combat visualized on screen and page.