Opinions on RA Salvatore's writing style?

Question

I'm a huge Salvatore fan, and I love his writing style. However, many other avid fantasy readers think that he has a problem with adding too much detail in his stories. One example I have heard many times is "why do I care to hear about which way Drizzt swings his scimitar? It's cool every now and then, but it gets old." What do you all think? Too much attention to detail?

Answer 1

I have only read a few of his books. I found them to be very enjoyable. He is able convey a sense of tension and drama that some authors simply can't do. You know that Drizzt is going to live through the book, but you still feel some apprehension during the story. Some other writers are not able to show that sense of uncertainty. Personally I have no objects to intricate detail, provided that it is both relevant and well written.

Answer 2

I think the details are what makes his books so special. He can choreograph a fight scene so well that the reader feels like they are sitting in the middle of the battlefield. That's one of his trademarks.

Another thing some readers complain about are Drizzt's journal entries, but I like being allowed inside the character's head.

Answer 3

Salvatore is one of those writers who deftly handles action scenes in my opinion. His books are fast paced, intreguing, and fun. Now if you want to read a really, truly detail oriented series, try the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Salvatore will seem sparser than Hemingway after reading those 1200 page monsters.