9The first adventure in the New York Times-bestselling fantasy trilogy from the legendary million-selling author and creator of Drizzt Do'Urden.

In the once-stable land of Eriador, young fighter Luthien Bedwyr is too naive to grasp the consequences of the evil new reign of Wizard-King Greensparrow--until Luthien's best friend is slain by one of the despot's cyclopean soldiers. Publicly vowing revenge, Luthien becomes not only the wizard's most-wanted adversary, but also a fugitive embarking on a grand scheme to restore peace to the kingdom.

His mettle tested, Luthien crosses paths with highwayhalfling Oliver deBurrows. The irrepressible thief is game to join him. But at the behest of an ancient mage, Luthien must first secure two ancient weapons from a dragon's lair: a legendary sword and a mystical blood-red cape that renders its wearer invisible.

Rumors soon begin to swirl of a freedom fighter preparing to strike against Greensparrow and his monstrous minions, affording a tenuous hope for liberation among Eriador's oppressed--especially a beautiful Fairborn elf slave risking everything to support the coming insurgency of the hero they call the Crimson Shadow.

This first tale of the Crimson Shadow trilogy is "a fine adventure filled with memorable characters and compelling action" (Terry Brooks). New York Times-bestselling author R. A. Salvatore once again proves he "choreographs battle scenes better than any other contemporary fantasist" (Publishers Weekly).