Rating: 
Summary: Into the heart of story . . .
Review: This is a work of both high and low fantasy, marking the beginning of a remarkable 6-book tale (the Chronicles Trilogy, followed by the even more magnificent Legends Trilogy), which greatly increased the interest in the Dungeons & Dragons game throughout the 1980's. (And here in 2001, it's still being read . . .) It certainly does contain more than a few stock fantasy elements (e.g. dragons, elves, dwarves, an unlikely group of friends somehow being chosen to stop the conquest of Evil . . .). However, the straightforward, simple way in which the tale is told and (even more so) the distinct, "real" nature of (most of) its characters set it apart from the paperback fantasy pack. (Another wonderful aspect of the trilogy is the title sequence: autumn twilight, winter night, spring dawning. Why? Because this is the timeless pattern of fantasy tales: the strengthening of Evil compels weakened and bickering good forces to unite and strengthen, to become Good so that the glory of life may continue--weakness to death to resurrection, as with each turning year, as with us . . .) Who can forget the irrepresible Tasslehoff, the conflicted Tanis Half-Elven, or the cynical, amibitious Raistlin as they strive to carry word of the ancient, true gods to a war-torn land? Some of the other companions (particularly Sturm and Riverwind) are a little bland in comparison, and the comic relief with the gully dwarves and the magician Fizban is sometimes too modern-feeling and cute (like the ewoks in Return of the Jedi). Nonetheless, this series is worthwhile reading for the fantasy fan, often resounding with the true voice of a legend (greatly assisted by splendid songs and poetry throughout), leading onward into the heart of story (as one of the poems proclaims).
Rating: 
Summary: One Of The Best Fantasy Books Ever
Review: I started reading this book right after The Lord Of The Rings. When I started I wasn't expecting much. It turned out to be one of my favorite books of all time. My favorite part was the characters. Tanis Half-Elven is the leader of the group. He is a good warrior, but dosen't like to fight. He is wise and trusted by all his friends but gets hung up on his love for two women and his mixed heiritage. Sturm Brightblade is a Knight Of Solamnia (Solamnia is a country in Krynn) which means he has to follow a strict code of honor. I have read alot of Dragonlance books and usually I don't like knights. They are usually stuck up and annoying. Sturm is the exception. Then there is the irrepressible kender. Kender are a race on Krynn that get along with everyone, but no one gets along with them. Tas is the comic relif in this book (his fights with Flint are very funny). He is innocent and at times annoying, but always fun to read about. Flint Fireforge is a old dwarf who loves complaining. He is the father figure in the group and another character who is fun to read about. Riverwind and Goldmoon are two barbarians that meet the rest of the group because of a staff. These two are my least favorite characters. Kitiara Uth Matar isn't a big part of Dragons Of Autumn Twilight. She is one of the women Tanis loves. For people who haven't read this book yet I won't give away anything, but all is reveled in Dragons Of Winter Night. Caramon Majere is the exact opposite of his twin. He is handsome, friendly, and a good warrior. Although Caramon isn't intellegent he is extremly useful to the group (esppecially in battle). Out of all these characters, Raistlin Majere is my personal favorite. He is a Red Robed mage (red robes means he is neutral in magic) who was cursed when he took his test (the Test is something all magic-users who want to use advanced magic take) to have golden tinted skin and golden eyes with hourglass shaped pupils (because of those hourglasses he sees everything as time will effect it). Raistlin is sick and usually coughs feels weak. He is cynical, sarcastic, unpleasant, and what has motivated me to spend almost all my free time reading these books. The books other less important characters ( Laurana, Fizban, and Tika) are just as interesting. The books plot pretty much revolves around the blue crystal staff. Then there are the disks of Mishakal and freeing the prisoners of Pax Tharkas. Trust me, it is impossile to put down. "The dark crimes that stain my soul you cannot begin to imagine." Raistlin, War Of The Twins
Rating: 
Summary: Not that great
Review: Sorry, but I do not agree with all the raves about this book. While I think it would be a good book for a middle school aged or younger child, I thought it was rather amateurishly written. After reading The Lord of the Rings, I have a hard time reading anything else with elves and dwarves--They just seem like a cheap rip off.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Fantasy
Review: I first picked up this series about 15 years ago, and I have to say, time hasn't diminished it's appeal. If you are a fan of Fantasy you HAVE to read this series. The plot of the novel may not be the most ingenious, but it is one which hooks the reader right from the start. The "hero's are barely introduced before the action begins. Trust me, this isn't a book in which the plot takes hundreds upon hundreds of pages to get moving. I particularly liked the fact side plot of the Gods returning to Krynn combined with the return of the Dragons. The characters are quite well developed and intriguing. Whether it's the cursed Wizard Raistlin or the heroic Knight Sturm Brightblade, each character will grow on the reader by the end of the novel. Personally I loved Sturm, but each and every character is perfect. I also liked the humour added by Tasselhoff and the Dwarf, Flint. Finally, each character has a dark side to him/her which I found refreshing. Even though they are the heroes, they are quite reluctant. I am sure you will enjoy this book enough to continue on with the series. Rating: 5 Stars only cause I couldn't give it more.
Rating:
Summary: amazing
Review: it's amazing how Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman could write a book so grate as this, being the first in the chronicles series it makes you want to keep reading the second and third book, because of this three books I became a fan of dragonlance.
Rating:
Summary: Now I can Say I've had a Dragonlance experience! I want More
Review: I have to admit I was a little reluctant to read this book.
I've had a little prejudice toward books based on gaming but now after reading this masterpiece, I'm hooked on dragonlance!Weis and Hickman have successfully transported me to the world of Krynn.When I first started the book, I thought this would be quick undemanding tolkenish fantasy read with your humans,dwarves and elves battling against evil.I was wrong! Weis and Hickman's novel, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is more complex than that.You have a diverse group of friends: Tanis-the noble half elf/half human who is a great leader and who is torn between two women: warrior maiden, Kitiara and elfwoman, Laurana.
Sturm Brightblade-the knight of Solamnia who seeks to bring back honor to knighthood.Flint Fireforge, the gruff but lovable dwarf.
Caramon-the giant warrior with the heart of gold.Tasslehoff Burrfoot-the comical kender and last but not least, Raistlin.
Caramon's dark twin brother who is powerful but secretive mage.These heroes come together in what they thought would be a peaceful homecoming but instead they meet up chieftain's daughter, Goldmoon and her lover Riverwind.Goldmoon carries a powerful blue crystal staff with awesome magical powers.These heroes soon find themselves battling sinister draconian soldiers and terrifying dragons to save their homeland from a invasion from evil minions of the queen of darkness! The authors have created a stirring saga of loyality of friendship.The passion of true love and passionate fight against evil.The world building skills are considerable as you get a history lesson of this beautiful but troubled world.A the complexity of characterizations are outstanding.Characters like Raistlin, the dark mage who quiet and who seeks power through spells even after his obession destroys his body and distances himself from his friends and Tanis a quiet but effective leader who can lead his friends into battle but cannot make decisions of the heart.This novel also has scenes of fierce battles, witty bantering between tass and Flint and touching romance between Goldmoon and Rivewind.A unforgettable saga of adventure awaits you in this book so turn the first page and be enthralled!
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!!!
Review: Definitely a great fantasy epic and one of my personal favorites, The Chronicles Trilogy- Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning, brings to life the ultimate battle between Good and Evil in the World of Krynn. The books are so incredibly well written that the reader feels that they have been transported to another plane of existence and are actually present among the characters, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, sensing what they sense. The authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have truly outdone themselves and have presented us with a masterpiece of literature the likes of which we have seen only in JRR Tolkien's work and RA Salvatore's The Dark Elf and Icewind Dale trilogies. A GREAT trilogy indeed and a "must read" along with Margaret Weis' Legends trilogy! Duty, honor, bravery, magic, dragons and heroes are all about. One should seriously start thinking about maybe turning them into movies...
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, a true page turner from start to finish
Review: I'm usually wary about female writers who write fantasy. I always though dragonlance would involve too much romance and very little action. Boy, was I wrong! This series has me hooked. The wonderful thing is, especially, if you are a roleplayer, you get to follow a group of people through their adventures just like in roleplaying games.
This book though a part of a trilogy, can be considered a complete story. Nowadays many writers prefer to leave you hanging in the end of their books, wanting you wait for the next one, which is always frustrating. But not this one. If you don't want to get into dragonlance, which I doubt will happen after reading this one, you can stop right after this book and call it a good story.
The world of Krynn is in peril. The evil dragons under the control fo the god, the Dark Queen, have begun their invasion. But the good gods of old have not forgotten their people even if they have been pushed aside. This is where we begin to follow 6 adventurers - an elf ranger, a mage, a thief, a knight, a cleric, and barbarian- unwillingly pulled into this conflict but believe in honor and sacrifice and love.
Get this book. You will enjoy it.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but overrated
Review: I waited 10 years to read this book and the best thing I can say about this book is that I finished it. None of the characters made me like them or want to know more about them. I wondered why the draconians were all so easy to kill. With an army monsters that weak, I wonder what all the fuss was about.
Rating:
Summary: Memories...
Review: This book and the whole Chronicles trilogy was my first introduction to fantasy. I remember reading these babies back when I was in elementary school. I must admit that when I came back and read them they weren't quite as good as I remember but I suppose that was inevitable. Fantasy now seems to be more sophisticated, more mature like Kushiel's Dart and other titles. Still, there is a place for simple fantasy. After all, if I want to read stories with people banging I'll pick up a romance novel. On the other hand if I I am in the mood for fantasy then this story and other like it fill the void nicely. Cutting to the chase I would have to say that this is a definite grab for fans of old school fantasy but those of you with a taste for more adult reading will likely want to try George R.R. Martin's Game of thrones with it's fleshed out charcters, intricate storylines(and much, ahem, banging). P.S. Raistlin is one of the coolest charaters of all time.
|
