Homeland by R.A. Salvatore

Homeland is about the beginnings of the drow Drizzt Do’Urden, as well as the prequel to the Icewind Dale Trilogy, and his life in the Underdark city of Menzoberranzan, the home of the evil drow (dark elves). Drizzt Do’Urden is the third son to Matron Malice of House Do'Urden. The Weapons Master of House Do'Urden Zaknafein, his father, gave him weapons training as well as reinforcing Drizzt’s morals with that of his own. His moral code does not allow him to act as other dark elves, in that they would selfishly turn on allies and enemies alike for their own desires, while he wouldn’t.
Over the rest of the story, he faces many challenges regarding his morals and his race. Drow society revolves around their deity, the evil spider queen Lolth, with females being dominant over males in their matriarchal structure. Males typically play the role of the soldier or mage, while females become priestesses to Lolth and/or in powerful positions in their society. They endlessly plot to murder their rivals and enemies to obtain whatever they desire, with the more powerful figures being more apt to be the targets. Overall, this is a great book for the beginning of one of the best series of books I've ever read.