The Annotated Chronicles

Rating:
Summary: Really 4 1/2 Stars
Review: It was in my early teens that I first read the original Dragonlance trilogy. This wonderful set of stories is fully in the Tolkien tradition and would certainly be more accessible to the modern reader than such works as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

This "annotated" addition is good for people like me who are revisiting Krynn after first reading the books 15 years or more before. First time readers will NOT want this edition, as the side notes give too much information away that will be revealed toward the end.

The notes are mediocre. It looks in places like they were really pushing to come up with something to say, and in at least one place the notes make no sense (Tracy Hickman's comments on the obsidian stone in Godshome is one example -- it is midafternoon in the story and yet he claims in the notes that it is a starless night!).

Dragonlance Chronicles deserves the place of respect it has earned as a well-crafted fantasy trilogy.

Rating:
Summary: Great, but first timers shouldn't read the annotated version
Review: I absoultely love that Chronicles trilogy. These are the books that got me into reading fantasy and I still am (10 years later). The Dragonlance Chronicles could be my favorite fantasy stories of all time. There's a lot of heart and feeling in this story and in these characters. While some have called the DL chronicles immature or too simplistic, I strongly disagree. Seriously, this is one of the only fantasy books that can really bring tear to my eyes (almost). Maybe its just me, but I think the reader really gets to feel attached to these characters.

However, I really don't reccomend the annotated version of these for the first time reader. The annotations can really be distracting from the story and really don't lend much understanding to the story. Many of them were actually pretty stupid and obvious and I actually found that I enjoyed the books much less. While they may provide an interesting insight here and there, I'd only reccomend it for the really avid DL fan.



Rating:
Summary: A very nice story, but awful edition if it's your first time
Review: First of all, allow me to begin by saying that I'm a fantasy fan, and the reason for my rating can be read below.

Dragonlance story:
I bought this particular edition, have already read volumes 1 and 2, and am currently beginning Dragons of Spring Dawning. Even though it is ok, I haven't been able to dive into the story... because of strange reason, it hasn't captured me yet. It has a nice writing style, and very interesting characters. Still, it seems cliched and the plot can be foreseen at times. The authors try hard indeed to deliver a strong narration, but it feels childish in some places. Effort is put into creating a background for Krynn (the world), and that's worth mentioning. I certainly do not like the fact that the authors implicitly assume some kind of knowledge on Dragonlance history... you never get the feeling you're in Krynn, just that you're reading a book about it.

About the edition:
I guess this particular edition may well explain my failure to dream and be caught by the story. The annotations are really annoying and distract you. Some of them (specially those by Hickman) are worthless at times, and provide nothing to the reader. They're in there just so that this can be labeled as "Annotated". Weis' comments, on the other hand, are much more rare, and much more interesting most of the times. This particular edition may be worth buying only if you've read the Chronicles before; the annotated edition will otherwise ruin the experience, as it did for me.

Bottom line:
Dragonlance can truly be a very nice read. Even though not the best fantasy story I've read, it has both interesting characters and a resourceful plot. A nice read overall. But, this edition is not recommended for first timers such as myself. It ruins your experience... absolutely. Please read it un-annotated first, then try this only if you want the authors insight into their writing process.



Rating:
Summary: Most of the magic remains
Review: This is my second re-read of the story - read the original paperback version as it came out, the borrowed a "collector ed." in 1995, and now I got myself this annotated version.

Overall it is still a great read, some of the characters are just wonderful (can you say kender?) and the progress is sure to keep you reading just a little bit later in the night than you had planned on.

The annotations are fun, but nothing more - so if you are comparing this ed to the gift set, flip a coin. But if you are considering this vs Dark Elf or other roleplay-related books: Get Dragonlance NOW. In terms of originality and quality it outpaces the rest of the books from Wizards by quite a bit.

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME
Review: Have you ever wanted to get into the author's head just a little bit further? Or to rent them for a few hours and ask them questions? Well here you go...your wish had been granted...well sort of...well its the next best thing!
The Annotated Chronicles is chalk full of further detail of everything from plots, history, the why's and where's, who did whats, etc. In this wide margin addition of the Chronicle Margaret Weis (Author)and Tracy Hickman (Author) have invited us to the realms of their creation with lots of notes added in the margins.
So whether you are a seasoned vetrean or a first timmer I highly recommend The Annotated Chronicles version of the Dragonlance Chronicles! Buy it today from Amazon.com

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Series
Review: I first read this series when I was in grade 6, and have recently re-read it again. The story is first rate and it good for all ages. A must read for any fantasy lovers.