The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1)

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!!!
Review: A MUST-READ for anyone who has read the Dragonlance Chronicles or Ledgends!
The Soulforge begins with a six year old Raistlin and proceeds through his magic schooling, adolescense, and the companion's adventures culminating in Raistlin's test in the Tower of High Sorcery, leaving off where the Chronicles begin.
I couldn't have enjoyed this book more!

Rating:
Summary: The story of the mage Raistlin's early years.
Review: This is the story of the mage Raistlin's early years, beginning when he is six, and continuing through his childhood and teenage years, culminating in the Test in the Tower of High Sorcery.

Rating:
Summary: Great!!
Review: When I first saw The Soulforge on the shelf at the bookstore..I was a bit skeptical.I read the Chronicles,Legends,The Second Generation,Dragons of Summer Flame,and the War of Souls trilogy,with a few other side books,and I was fascinated with the character Raistlin.I was extremely curious at the hints in the other books referring to his past...but then again I didn`t want him to be messed up.So I waited a little while to read it.I finally caved,and bought the book..read it...and wow!I was amazed.The book is a great book,and because of it,I`m an even bigger fan of Raistlin than I was before.It`s a great book,as well as it`s sequel Brothers in Arms.I personally recommend these books to any Dragonlance fan.They are just great books.I am not going to say anything about what goes on in the book...I don`t want to spoil anything! Good luck to you fellow Dragonlance fans! (great books!)

Rating:
Summary: Great book, given not as much credit
Review: a lot of people brush this book off saying it didn't truly depict raistlin as they knew him later on. I see it as a perfect example, as in chronicles, during the circus troupe where he was actually happy again. He really isn't as evil as the books lead you to believe he is. He just has a huge problem with people who are like what he becomes. People who prey on the downtrodden, people who attack the weak to gain power for themselves. People like the kingpriest, fistandantilus, although he obviously reserves some scorn for them (things they did he kind of took personally). Anyways, it's a perfect depiction of Raistlin, seeing as how he was Weis's character, and she knows him best. Not many people also understand the relationship between the author and their characters. Raist needed growth, and in this book, he got it. It shows all those little things he never wants to talk about, all the people that made him so spiteful and bitter. I wish he woulda stayed in those red robes.....

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Summary: character assassination
Review: While there were some interesting bits in this book and it was readable, for the most part it completely undermined the character of Raistlin, contradicts previous books, and is generally annoying.

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Summary: Raistlin fans will like
Review: I've read a lot of the dragon lance series over the years since it was released in 85. I took a little break but just picked up this book. I liked it and enjoyed it. Everything felt like I had returned to the world of Krynn as I had left it. I'm still not sure what to think of Raislin growing up. Without giving away the plot, he just didn't match what I expected from the mage who attempted to slay the Dark Queen and take her place. This "young" just did not match the "older" Raislin. But, its a good read for fans.

Rating:
Summary: At last, we're inside Raistlin's head.....
Review: ...fans of the Dragonlance originals will relish this story of the Majere twins' early years and Raistlin's early foray into the world of magic. But then, when a Krynn novel is authored by its creator, it can't help but be good! Bravo, Ms. Weiss!

Rating:
Summary: As good as expected
Review: "Soulforge" provides an insightful and thorough exploration into the psychological depths of Raistlin, the reclusive power seeking mage of the insurmountable Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy. It begins with Raistlin being only six years old as he is discovered and sent to a magic teaching school by an old wizard named Antimodes and records his young life up until he takes the much heard about test in the wizard's tower. "Soulforge" exposes Raistlin's deepest thoughts, desires, insecurities, and emotions. It gives an explanation as to why Raistlin became so withdrawn and caustic witted as he struggles to compete with his well liked and physically superior, but clumsy and thickheaded twin brother whom he is so frustratingly dependent upon and is shunned by the superstitious around him that fear the use of magic. One of the things that I loved about "Soulforge" was that it described how the heroes from the Chronicles trilogy first met with lots of comedic moments involving Tasslehoff and his interactions with the other characters (most notably the gruff dwarf Flint)which literally left me laughing out loud at certain points. Raistlin has always been my favorite character out of the mismatched group of unlikely friends from Solace and I include this book among some of the greatest fantasy literature ever written. Weis' creative talent is unmatched by most of those in the genre and she is never so good as when she is detailing the lives of the Dragonlance heroes.

Rating:
Summary: Great Characterization
Review: This is the first book I have ever read in the Dragonlance series and it has whetted my taste for more. The characters in this story were wonderfully fleshed out and there were elements of action, adventure, romance and intrigue enough to satisfy the tastes of any reader. A thoroughly enjoyable and captivating story.

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: Young Raislin is recruited into a school for magic, and he chooses to practise war magic. This book, the first ina series, deals with Raislin's education, and so it dosn't have as much action as other books (not that it is boring, it isn't). OK, first of all, I am not very familier with the Dragonlance world, but I'm trying too catch up. I thought Raislin is a very spooky character, and I can not wait to see what happenms to him and his twin brother next. I guess if there is a messege to this book, it is absolute power currupts absolutly. I liked this book, and I can not wait to go to the next book.