Relentless

Relentless is a novel by R.A. Salvatore, the third and final book of the Generations trilogy featuring Drizzt Do'Urden. The book was released on July 28th, 2020.^[1]

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The epic conclusion to the long-awaited trilogy featuring one of the most beloved characters in all of fantasy—Drizzt Do'Urden—a rollicking tale of life, death, intrigue, magic, danger, and the timeless bonds of family and friendship from New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore.

Displaced in time and unexpectedly reunited with his son Drizzt Do'Urden, Zaknafein has overcome the prejudices ingrained in him as a drow warrior to help his son battle the ambitious Spider Queen and stem the tide of darkness that has been unleashed upon the Forgotten Realms. Though Zaknafein has endured the most difficult battles, survival has come at a terrible cost, and the fight is far from over.

Facing demons and driders, Zaknafein carries the entire weight of Menzoberranzan surrounding Gauntlgym on his shoulders once more. But the chances of survival for him and his old friend and mercenary Jarlaxle look bleak. Trapped in a desperate and seemingly hopeless situation, the legendary warriors must reach deep inside themselves to face the impossible.

While the burdens Zaknafein bears are more than enough for one of Menzoberrazan’s greatest warriors, fate holds further challenges. When circumstances take an unexpected turn, Zaknafein discovers he must not only conquer the darkness but learn to accept the uncontrollable: life itself.

The stakes have never been higher for R. A. Salvatore’s most beloved creations in this final volume of his latest bestselling trilogy begun with Timeless and Boundless. A story of brave heroes filled with dangerous thrills, Relentless also considers eternal questions about morality, purpose, sacrifice, and the definition of harmony. Exciting, imaginative, and thought-provoking, it takes fans on an action-packed ride that will challenge their assumptions and leave them breathless and satisfied.^[1]

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Summary[]

Prologue (1488 DR)[]

Brother Afafrenfere faces Grandmaster Kane in a test of martial and spiritual resolve. Though Afafrenfere is strong, Kane defeats him without violence, teaching humility and patience. Afafrenfere later attempts transcendence to seek a lost friend, but Kane intervenes, warning of its seductive permanence. True enlightenment, he reminds him, is found in the journey, not the escape. Afafrenfere abandons his attempt, gaining wisdom and restraint. This encounter sets the tone for a story that intertwines inner growth with the epic struggles of heroes and the far-reaching consequences of power, memory, and spiritual transformation.

Part 1 (1296 DR)[]

Matron Malice Do’Urden becomes pregnant and, convinced it will be a daughter, prepares to use the birth as a magical boon for House Do’Urden's war against House DeVir. In secret, Pau’Kros foresees a third son—an ill omen in drow society. Jarlaxle fears for Zaknafein, the father, and the unborn child’s fate. Political intrigue intensifies as Matron Baenre and House Barrison Del’Armgo scheme through alliances and betrayals. During the war, Dinin murders his brother Nalfein to protect his status, fulfilling the sacrificial requirement without realizing Zaknafein’s newborn son—Drizzt—would now be spared. The victorious assault brings Drizzt safely into the world.

In the aftermath, Masoj Hun’ett kills his brother to enable Alton DeVir’s survival, helping him assume a false identity in Sorcere. Zaknafein, overjoyed yet anxious, meets Drizzt and dreams of escaping the oppressive drow world. But Malice begins using Drizzt to manipulate Zak emotionally. When Zak returns for Drizzt’s seventh birthday, he finds the child whipped—likely by Briza. Zak secretly seeks help from Jarlaxle to leave Menzoberranzan. Malice sends Zak on a surface raid with Bregan D’aerthe, unknowingly offering him a way out. Zak now understands that Malice is a greater threat than he had feared—not to him, but to Drizzt.

Part 2 (1488 DR)[]

Matron Zhindia Melarn gains favor from Lolth, commanding an undead drider army. Meanwhile, Thibbledorf Pwent, cursed with vampirism, saves dwarves while grappling with his bloodlust. Catti-brie, near childbirth, is desperate to find Drizzt, feared dead after a demonic battle. Dahlia, Regis, and Entreri journey through personal torment and spiritual judgment, emerging scarred but united. In Luskan, Kimmuriel plots rebellion against the demon-backed Brevindon Margaster, aiming to install Wulfgar instead. Despite their efforts, Kimmuriel concludes subversion is futile—only direct confrontation will work.

Gauntlgrym braces for invasion. Catti-brie joins Bruenor and Donnola, giving Zak Drizzt’s scimitars to honor his legacy. Entreri mourns deeply, changed by grief. Drow factions skirmish and manipulate from within, with Minolin Baenre cleverly misleading driders and Matron Quenthel suspecting deeper betrayal. Afafrenfere, Regis, and Athrogate rally hope amid despair. With Gauntlgrym surrounded, Catti-brie vows to speak to the primordial Maegera, while Kimmuriel and Wulfgar commit to a risky battle with the demon Asbeel. The chapter closes with a fractured world hanging by threads—of loyalty, legacy, and uncertain salvation.

Part 3 (1313 DR)[]

Jarlaxle’s Bregan D’aerthe uncovers House Hunzrin’s secret alliance with the Arach Enclave and its trade with a mind-controlled svirfneblin, Symvyn. As Zaknafein and Beniago investigate, they expose a plot involving yochlols—Lolth’s demonic handmaidens—who are manipulating both the drow and deep gnomes. Zak fights off ambushes and slays two yochlols, but is exiled from Bregan D’aerthe to avoid divine retribution. Dab’nay, torn between love and survival, ends their relationship, knowing Zak will never submit to Lolth.

Zak returns to House Do’Urden, just as Drizzt finishes his training and kills innocents in a surface raid—though he secretly spares a child. Malice, aware of Drizzt’s mercy, plots his sacrifice to restore Lolth’s favor. Jarlaxle offers Zak as a substitute. Zak agrees, ready to die for Drizzt. But Drizzt flees Menzoberranzan, embracing a destiny neither Zak nor Jarlaxle could attain. Zak’s sacrifice becomes a monument to love and freedom in a society ruled by cruelty and deception.

Part 4 (1488 DR)[]

Afafrenfere searches for Drizzt’s fate, even as demonic forces close in on Gauntlgrym. Zhindia Melarn, manipulated by yochlols, faces growing pressure to escalate the war. Catti-brie communes with Maegera and learns of the primordial’s raw, neutral force. She crafts a bold plan—harnessing childbirth magic to turn the tide. Entreri struggles with guilt and redemption, while Zak battles alone until saved by Jarlaxle and Guenhwyvar. Kimmuriel reveals that Lolth is not divine, but a malevolent psychic infection. The truth shakes Yvonnel and Quenthel, who pivot from blind obedience to resistance.

As Catti-brie gives birth, she channels creation instead of destruction. Her daughter’s birth becomes a beacon, resurrecting hope and igniting spiritual transformation. The Hosttower’s magic halts a massive drider army as Quenthel and Yvonnel weave a spell that reverses Lolth’s corruption—restoring driders to their drow forms. A civil war is averted as compassion triumphs over vengeance. Former enemies march behind House Baenre, awakening to a new cause. Pwent is freed from vampirism and dies in peace. Across Faerûn, the echoes of a magical birth restore faith and shatter old chains. A new future—fragile but luminous—begins to unfold.

Epilogue – The Naming[]

In Gauntlgrym, friends and warriors gather for a joyous moment: the naming of Catti-brie and Drizzt’s daughter. Catti-brie honors her father and mentor by naming the child Briennelle Zaharina. Peace hangs gently over the battered halls, with allies like Bruenor, Regis, Wulfgar, Entreri, and Zaknafein all present. Even Thibbledorf Pwent, restored and mortal once more, lifts a mug in celebration. Just as hope settles, the door bursts open—and Drizzt Do’Urden appears, alive and robed in yellow from the Monastery. His return seals the miracle: a rebirth not only of one life, but of a world long fractured.