Editorial Review
A new series from New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore!
This book brings two familiar characters into the limelight for the first time! Jarlaxle, a dark elf assassin, and Artemis Entreri, a human assassin, work together and against each other in Calimport. Their conflict is intensified by the influence of the Crystal Shard, a malevolent artifact that has been raousing trouble in the Forgotten Realms world since its introduction in The Crystal Shard.
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Customer Reviews
Great Book!! 
2007-09-01
These are two of my favorite characters so I was glad to see that they did a book following them up and once again Salvatore doesn't disappoint!!
No Drizzt? Well it may be even better without our beloved hero. 2007-07-06
To some Drizzt fans, it may be a little dissapointing that our beloved drow hero doesnt appear in this novel, besides a few , written, words by hum, and at first I thought it might the novels less interesting as well, but R.A Salvatore fixes this problem by centering this novel around two very , very interesting characters: Jarlaxle and Atremis Entreri.
A great thing about this book is that it tells a darker,and extremely interesting, tale, which is a nice break from all of Drizzt's heroism.
Also, we start to get much deeper into the characters of Jarlaxle and Entreri, and as I've said before they are very very interesting characters. I absolutely love them, although I wouldnt say the say if I actually met them.
A fast paced novel that is sure to please. If your a fan of the series then buy this now! If your new however, you would still enjoy this book, but in order to understand better whats going on, some of the characters mentioned and parts of the plot, its best to start with The Crystal Shard, from the Icewind Dale Trilogy.
Entreri and Jarlaxle take center stage. 2007-06-02
Servant of the Shard was first published as book three of the Paths of Darkness series and is included in Paths of Darkness, Collector's Edition. It is the only book of the original 14 Drizzt novels to not be included in the "Legend of Drizzt" series now being reissued.
It is also one of the most enjoyable Salvatore books to date. The Sellswords series follows the adventures of Artemis Enreri and Jarlaxle. This perfect couple is extremely well-developed and are fun to read about. In book 1, the Crystal Shard occupies center stage as the story began in The Silent Blade is continued. The annoyingly pious Cadderly plays a part in the latter parts of the book, but doesn't do too much harm to the story. Excellent fighting scenes and plenty of action make for a fun and exciting read.
Highly recommended.
One of R.A. Salvatore's best 2007-03-13
Don't be scared away by the lack of Drizzt Do'Urden in this finely crafted novel. Although Drizzt is easily Salvatore's best know and "loved" creation, I don't think his more recent novels (mainly the Hunter's Blades Trilogy) really do the renegade drow justice. They fall off and get pretty campy. The interaction between Cattie-Bri and Drizzt, while it was interesting at first, has taken on a sort of mid-day soap opera turn and it tires quickly in my mind.
Artemis Entrerei and Jarlaxle have always been my favorite characters. The depth Salvatore has put into the development of both characters is far more then any of Drizzt's compaions (most notably a certain one-dimentional barbarian...) and even more than Drizzt himself. Artemis's journey to Menzzoberanzan (both in the physical and emotional sense) was very well done I thought. This novel, however, takes place after his return and domination of Calimport with the aid of the Dark Elf band left by the most paradoxical Jarlaxle.
The brilliance in this novel can be summarized by the revalation that by the end, Salvatore has you rooting and cheering on two of the most cold hearted and ruthless killers in Faerun. Their development, both as individual characters and as partners, in this book far surpasses even the silent blade, and the reader is even given a few glimpses into the underlying psyche of both characters.
A very fun and refreshing read for any fan of Salvatore who has gotten a bit bored with the "drama" that had become Drizzt Do'Urden and misses the action from his adventures in the Underdark.
Bottom line: Awsome fantasy novel.
A great debut for this interesting duo 
2007-01-30
Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle are just great characters and blend so well together. They are so different and yet similar.
The story itself is great and makes Entreri really shine in my opinion. This book could stand on it's own without any other books following.
If you are a fan of Artemis Entreri, Jarlaxle or both, than this book is an absolute must read!
Another in a good series 2008-06-05
this book, i feel, can stand out on its own along with reading the series for backstory. it is one of my favorite books out there from one of my favorite authors and favorite series. not many books really follow the more evil side of dealings in the forgotten realms and i enjoy what is in this book.
Fantastic! 2008-03-27
For any Drizzt lovers, you must know this novel and Sellswords trilogy is about Artemis and Jarlaxle, but it's no less amazing! Salvatore is always brilliant with his politics and action to create a perfect story. His political issues are just as interesting as the action and interactions between characters!
Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle -- how can you go wrong? 2008-03-08
I bought the whole Sellswords in a set ... this was before I knew that "Servant of the Shard" was actually one of the Drizzt books and I already owned it! Oh, well, it looks good and I needed to re-read it anyway.
I'm only on Book II but if you've read any Salvatore you know that you can always count on an exciting read. The comedy aspects of his writings have never gotten much play, but I've laughed more in these books than in any of the Drizzt (and related characters) saga. Jarlaxle in particular is written with many a good zinger in there. Very entertaining.
Anyway, your travels with Drizzt are not complete unless you read the Sellswords. (Artemis Entreri is one of my favorite anti-heroes. What would Freud have said with him on the couch?) Colorful, exciting, great characters ... highly recommended.
servant of the shard sellswords book 1? 2007-12-27
I am quite confused!! What is the 1st book in the Sellswords series? We have the Servant of the Shard - Path of Darkness series. Are there 2 books of the same name?? Please assist asap ljkelly@vance.net
Thanks to all!
L
Awesome 2007-12-14
Best forgottem realms series ever. For me. The relationship between the two main characters was fun to read and all 3 books in this series were great. I doubt it will happen, but if the author can make a sequel to this story, I would preorder now.
