The Two Swords

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The Two Swords is a fantasy novel by American writer R. A. Salvatore, published in 2004. It is the third and final book in The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy and the 17th book about the drow Drizzt Do’Urden. It follows The Thousand Orcs and The Lone Drow.

Plot
Obould’s orc horde pushes the Companions to the gates of Mithral Hall. Bruenor and his dwarven clan mount a last-ditch defense to drive the orcs back. In a daring rescue, Drizzt and Innovindil save his pegasus, which Obould had captured. Drizzt is unexpectedly reunited with friends he thought were dead. The main unresolved question is what Drizzt will do about his relationship with Catti-brie. Other threads are tied up or left open for later books. Drizzt and Innovindil finish their search for the captured pegasus. A few more characters die, and the book introduces new plotlines for future novels.

Reception
The Two Swords was a bestseller, appearing on major lists in late 2004. It reached No. 5 on The Washington Post’s list for the week ending October 24, 2004, and debuted on The New York Times list at No. 4, with No. 1 on The Wall Street Journal bestseller list in early November. Reviewers praised the story and characters, even if some parts felt predictable. The book also marked a high point for its publisher’s hardcover sales.