Servant of the Shard (Forgotten Realms: The Sellswords) by R. A. Salvatore

In the shadows of Calimport, danger lurks at every corner as Artemis Entreri, a master assassin, navigates a world where trust is a rare commodity. Stripped of all but his skills and relentless ambition, Entreri finds himself entangled with dark elves, who bring a new level of intrigue to his already perilous existence. He is not just fighting for survival; he’s on a quest for power and retribution, driven by ghosts of the past that haunt his every decision.

Amid the chaos, unexpected alliances form as agendas clash and mercenaries weave through webs of deception. Readers are drawn into a richly detailed world, filled with nuanced characters and morally gray decisions that keep them guessing about who to root for. The gritty atmosphere of Calimport adds a vibrant backdrop to the intense personal struggles and intricate power plays.

Wrapped in layers of cunning and conflict, Entreri's journey challenges the notions of loyalty and betrayal. The pulse of his world races as he confronts foes and rivals, leading to a climax that promises explosive revelations. It’s a tale that captivates the imagination, revealing the thin line between predator and prey in a realm where shadows hold all the power.