The Woods Out Back

By R.A. Salvatore

Book Overview

A factory worker is kidnapped to help an elf reforge a broken spear, in this trilogy opener by the bestselling author of the Legend of Drizzt series.

Gary Leger is desperate for adventure. Daydreaming is all that keeps him from going nuts while working a dead-end job in a plastics factory. The next best thing is burying himself in a good fantasy novel, and he spends much of his free time reading in the woods behind his house. That's when adventure finds him. Or rather, that's when he's hit with a tranquilizer arrow . . .

When Gary comes to, he's still in the woods-but in a world inhabited by creatures from his favorite novels, like a pixie and a leprechaun. There's also an elf on a dangerous life-quest who requires Gary's assistance. As soon as Gary finishes helping him, he can go home. He simply needs to complete the task . . . while surviving encounters with trolls, an ice-hag, a dragon, and a sorceress bent on stopping them at all costs.

This first novel in the Spearwielder's Tale trilogy is a great choice for fans of Alan Dean Foster's Spellsinger books and Terry Brooks's Shannara series.

Praise for The Woods Out Back

"Written as a light-hearted adventure, the book works because the reader sees the world of Faerie through Gary's eyes and Faerie is just as new to him as it is to the reader. . . . The book's fast-paced, good-humored nature draws the reader in and makes the world of Faerie a fine place to visit-good thing there are two more installments!" -SF Site

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1504080580
• ISBN13: 9781504080583
• Release Date: February 2023
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Salvatore at his Best (yes, even better than Drizzt)

I know I'm not following the popular belief that R. A. Salvatore's (RAS) best work is Drizzt. Or even Demon Wars. I've read every single title by RAS (except Tarzan) and have enjoyed all of them on different levels. But I've always listed the Woods Out Back as my favorite. The story revolves around our human hero, Gary Leger, an elf, Kelsey, a dwarf, Geno, and a leprechaun, Mickey. Gary is transported to an alternate realm and is unwillingly sent on a quest along with his unlikely companions. You may find the action a little slow and unrefined compared to other works by RAS, but this story is mainly about the characters. These are real individuals that you can easily relate to. You may not know a dwarf, but you probably know someone who acts like one. And even RAS admits that many of them are based on people from his world. I guess it's almost like a fantasy version of Bob's autobiography. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful tale of a man's adventure through an unknown world. You'll quickly find out that strong characters make a great story.

Kelsenelenvial

I wanted to note that this book was the ultimate book for taking my imagination on a run of what could be. And though Gary may be the leading character in the book, the elf Kelsenelelvial (sorry bout the spelling, trying my best) is truly the shining star to me. I hope that someday Mr. Salvatore writes more on him, or at very least a character very similar.

Absolutely fabulous

I'm not normally a fan of fantasy writing, but I couldn't put this book down!! Same goes for the following two books. Just to give you an idea of what you're in for, this book (for me) is a cross between Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings. Our young hero finds himself in an unfamiliar setting where success depends on him (likening to H.P.). That setting just happens to be that of the land of Fairie; full of elves, leprechauns, and dwarfs (going into Tolken now).This book really has a human element that will keep you interested, and enough fantasy to let you get lost in it's pages. You won't go wrong with this book whether you are an avid fan of fantasy or just a beginner.

Dragons Dagger

I though this book was excellent. it kept you on your toes from cover to cover and it was very exciting

This book (and the 2 after it) are VERY cool!!!

Salvatore has written a jewel. It brings up alot of the problems of humanity while still delivering an humors adventure. I would most definitly recomend this book to anyone who likes salvatore's work, even if you don't this is a good book to get you into his writting. Lord Theasa