You read that correctly, it’s been four decades since Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson created what is arguably the greatest of all role-playing games, Dungeons & Dragons. Originally produced by TSR (Tactical Studies Rules, Inc.), the franchise was acquired by Wizards of the Coast in 1997. Both companies produced a wide variety of materials to supplement the game system, including pre-made modules, novels, trading card games, and much, much more. There are many different editions and the standard rules have changed much over the years, but throughout it all there is one common theme: fun. Because seriously, if it wasn’t fun, then why would we still be playing it 40 years later?

Wizards of the Coast initiated a reshaping of the Forgotten Realms this past August with a multi-part event they dubbed “The Sundering.” Taking place over the course of six books penned by different scribes, weekly D&D Encounters events, and even mobile gaming for your smartphone or tablet, this storyline will span a full year and cause extensive upheaval in the realms as we know them.

I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to ask a few questions of one of the pivotal authors involved in this undertaking. It pleases me to no end to introduce you to Erin M. Evans, author of many Forgotten Realms books including Book 3 in “The Sundering,” titledThe Adversary.

Without further ado, here we go!

While video games, Blu-rays, and toys are common gifts to give for the holiday season, nothing brings joy like giving and receiving a good book. This year, there were lots of interesting and enjoyable novels and novelty books from the Star Wars, Star Trek, Game Of Thrones, Doctor Who, and Marvel universes, as well as fun selections for the geek in your life (like a geek’s guide to dating, for instance).

Check out here below our Holiday Geek Gift Guide 2013 for Books and eBooks for our favorite holiday gift picks for this year.

The Legend Of Drizzt
Dungeons & Dragons: Neverwinter Tales
Written by R.A. Salvatore and Geno Salvatore
Art by Agustin Padilla
Colors by Leonard O’Grady
Letters by Chris Mowry and John Barber
Cover by Gonzalo Flores
IDW Publishing
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Cover Price: $19.99

I love graphic novels. Don’t get me wrong, I was brought up on monthly comics. It’s just that as I’ve gotten older I have a deeper appreciation for contained stories. Dungeons & Dragons: Neverwinter Tales: The Legend Of Drizzt is a prime example. Having missed the first issue, I was originally a wee bit behind. Thanks to this wonderful book, that is no longer the case!

Written by R.A. Salvatore and son Geno Salvatore, this story takes place during the Neverwinter Saga of books. But the tale itself is all inclusive and doesn’t tie directly in with those novels, so you can enjoy one without having read the other. The really interesting thing about this particular one is that it centers around a lesser-known character from the books, Thibbledorf Pwent. As leader of the Gutbuster Brigade of Battleragers, Pwent was always at the forefront of any battle, charging ahead with no regard to his own mortality. This time around, though, things are quite different. No spoilers from me, but everyone thought he had died defending his king. Lost for so long, Pwent’s plight is a dark and lonely one that is fully explained here.

Dungeons & Dragons: Cutter #1
Written by R.A. Salvatore & Geno Salvatore
Art by David Baldeon
Color by David Garcia Cruz
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Covers by Steve Ellis, David Baldeon
IDW Publishing
Release Date: April 10, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

The hardest part about reviews for something that R.A. Salvatore has released is coming up with a new way to introduce his work. All I really want to do is grab people and shake them forcefully while screaming “Why haven’t you read him yet?” But I hear that is illegal in some places…*sigh* This go around he is writing with his son Geno Salvatore, which has yielded some excellent results in the past. Dungeons & Dragons: Cutter #1 is the first in a five-issue series that centers around a sword that has been around for a while, passing from warrior to warrior.

But Cutter is no ordinary blade, not by a long stretch (see what I did there? It’s a longsword!). It’s Drow name is Khazid’hea and its true nature is that of death and destruction. For you see, this sword is sentient in the most malevolent of ways, it’s only goal is to be wielded by the finest warrior. Having first appeared in Salvatore’s Starless Night, we have seen it alter its own appearance to entice warriors to claim it as their own. From a weapons master in the Underdark to Drizz’t Do’Urden to Cattie-Brie and so on…this sword has been seeking its perfect match. Is it finally coming to pass? Only time will tell as this miniseries breathes more life into the sword’s story and that of the Drow family that currently possesses it.