Immortalis (The Second DemonWars Saga, Book 3)

At the conclusion of the Second Demon War Saga's dual expositions, Ascendance and Trancendence, the stage is set for Imortalis--R. A. Salvatore's thunderous third act. Young King Aydrian has usurped the throne of Honce-the-Bear with the villainous Marcalo De'Unnero at his side. Simultaneously, in the desert lands of Behren, Brynn Dharielle has used political machination and her monstrous ally--the dragon Agradeleous--to free her people, the To-gai, from the Yatol yoke. Aydrian seeks to secure his throne and expand his kingdom into the lands of Behren. His strength and cunning bring him to brink of success, where he meets the heroes of the first Demon War Saga, including his mother Jilesponie, and the Dragon of To-gai, who must unite against impossible odds to save the world.

Aydrian Boudabras is one of Salvatore's most exquisite creations (no offense to Drizzt Do'Urden, of course). At some points in the novel, it's even possible to root for the feisty usurper. It's also plain to see that here, as in the previous Demon War books, Salvatore loves playing king of his own fantasy realm, free from the fetters of the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons and Star Wars universes where he has also successfully roamed. Imortalis deftly combines the characters and events from the entire Demon War Cycle into a rich and satisfying conclusion. --Jeremy Pugh