Step into the shadowy, thrilling world of The Sellswords, where a cunning drow mercenary and a cold-hearted assassin carve their own path in the Forgotten Realms! Written by R.A. Salvatore, this fantasy trilogy spins a darker, more complex tale than the heroic exploits of Drizzt Do’Urden, focusing on the morally ambiguous duo of Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle. Packed with intense action, witty banter, and deep character growth, The Sellswords invites readers to explore ambition, redemption, and the murky lines of morality in a richly imagined world.
For fans of epic fantasy who crave a twist of villainy with their heroism, this series is a gem. Unlike the clear-cut good versus evil of many Forgotten Realms tales, The Sellswords revels in shades of gray, making every choice feel weighty and every victory bittersweet.
How The Sellswords Began
R.A. Salvatore, a titan of fantasy known for his sprawling Legend of Drizzt series, crafted The Sellswords as a daring spin-off. First introduced as antagonists in Drizzt’s saga, Artemis Entreri, the ruthless assassin, and Jarlaxle, the flamboyant drow leader of Bregan D’aerthe, captured fans’ imaginations with their complex motives. Salvatore saw potential for a deeper dive into their psyches, launching the trilogy with Servant of the Shard in 2000, a book originally tied to the Paths of Darkness series. The overwhelming fan response led to two more novels, cementing The Sellswords as a standalone triumph.
Inspired by classic anti-hero tales like Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Salvatore wanted to explore what happens when two villains become reluctant allies. The result is a series that balances high-stakes adventure with introspective character arcs, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Forgotten Realms.
The Heart of The Sellswords
The trilogy kicks off with Servant of the Shard, where Entreri and Jarlaxle navigate the treacherous streets of Calimport. Jarlaxle’s possession of the malevolent Crystal Shard threatens to unravel their uneasy alliance, blending political intrigue with explosive combat. Promise of the Witch-King, the second book, takes the duo to the frozen Bloodstone Lands, hired by dragon sisters to uncover artifacts of the lich Zhengyi. It’s a dungeon-crawling delight, with betrayals and a dracolich showdown. Road of the Patriarch, the finale, reveals Entreri’s tragic past and sees Jarlaxle scheming for power, culminating in a clash with a lawful good king that flips the traditional D&D narrative.
The Sellswords shines through its themes of redemption and friendship. Entreri, a cold killer, slowly rediscovers his humanity, while Jarlaxle’s chaotic charm masks a deeper loyalty. The series’ fast-paced style, vivid world-building, and sharp dialogue keep readers hooked, with settings ranging from sun-scorched deserts to icy wastelands. It’s a masterclass in making villain protagonists relatable without softening their edges.
Salvatore’s focus on character development sets The Sellswords apart. Entreri’s struggle with his past and Jarlaxle’s flamboyant ambition create a dynamic that’s both tense and heartfelt, with moments of humor—like Jarlaxle’s endless magical trinkets—lightening the darker tones.
Why The Sellswords Resonates
The Sellswords has left a lasting mark on the Forgotten Realms universe, proving that anti-heroes can carry a story as compellingly as traditional heroes. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise the trilogy for its fresh perspective, with many calling Jarlaxle and Entreri more engaging than Drizzt himself. Its influence extends to D&D campaigns, inspiring players to craft morally complex characters. The series’ blend of action, intrigue, and emotional depth appeals to readers who love nuanced storytelling in their fantasy.
Decades after its debut, The Sellswords remains a fan favorite for its bold departure from the Drizzt formula. It’s a testament to Salvatore’s skill in crafting stories that resonate across generations, inviting new readers to question what it means to be a hero—or a villain.
- Publication Years: 2000–2006
- Number of Books: 3
- Setting: Forgotten Realms
- Notable Characters: Artemis Entreri, Jarlaxle, Athrogate
Grab Servant of the Shard and dive into The Sellswords’ thrilling, morally murky world! Whether you’re a D&D veteran or a fantasy newcomer, this trilogy promises an adventure you won’t forget.