Ha, exact same, I bailed when I figured out no one will ever really be in danger. I burned through the series up to that point about 6 years ago, literally couldn't put them down and loved every second of it.
1000 orcs is where I quit as well. That book still sits unread and unopened on my shelf. Was a good read up to a few books prior to that one.
i would argue that lack of magical ability in the party make-up being boring/annoying is probably due to a lack of creativity on the writer. i mean, the fellowship of the ring only had 1 part time magic user that tried his best to not actually use any magic. there were magical items, and an elf that was fundamentally magic in nature (walking on snow, etc) but outside of a couple moments here and there, there was no magic being used.
sortof. but a main character with magic, has the problem of being a superhero in the world. Conan, Solomon Kane, and so on. humans vs supernatural threats, wizards. the Strength of steel over overwhelming magic is an often repeated trend. Even starwars, the Sith are wizards, using force lightning, while the Jedi, rely on martial prowess far more. The guy with magic, is never the underdog. If you have magic, its never about grit, steeling yourself, or rising up to the challenge, its always just about who has more superpowers.
Cleric quintet, along with the Jarlaxle/Enteri books are some of his best imo. The newest Drizzt books read like he's given up on life and is just trying to work out whatever contract obligations he has.
honestly i did not, i did a subject search for Dark Alliance and there was nothing.
