Rating: 
Summary: Too good to be true!
Review: Raistlin was always one of my favorite Dragonlance characters. When I saw this book, I immediately had to have it. Every page was worth every cent I paid. I wanted badly to enjoy it over a long period of time, but I simply couldn't put it down. Reading about the life of Raistlin gave me a new insight to his character. Yes, he became evil in the later books, but I now understand why. Not only did Fistandantilus have a strong hold on him, but his past was harsh, one that made him grow up much too quickly. He is persecuted by a new "religion", scorned by his peers, rejected by women, smothered by his brother's doting love. He must abide his shattered health, a neglecting father, and a mother who is barely sane. Although everyone knows that he'll make it in the end, Weis's storytelling makes you have second thoughts about what you thought you knew.
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Summary: Finally. A book on the best character in the DL saga
Review: Raistlin is one of the most intriging and interesting characters I have ever read about. After reading many DL books, and focusing my attention mainly on him, I was very happy that there was finally a book about his early years. The story is very revealing and informative. I was hoping for a little more action however. Like, Raistling kicking some ( ). While there isn't much of that, it's still a must for anybody who enjoys the character as much as I do.
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Summary: The story of Raistlin revealed...
Review: Reading many different Dragonlance novels, you pick up some bits and pieces of Raistlin's past and how he grew up. However you never really knew the whole story...untill now. This book gives you a very close inside picture to why Raistlin acts the way he does and what events in his life molded him into what he was in the books. The book points out key events that push Raistlin down the path he follows. From being picked on in his youth, to stranger's betrayal within his family to accepting his place in the order of magic. This book is very good by my standards...and highly recommend it to Dragonlance fans everywhere.
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Summary: Excellent! Raistlin's childhood & teen years
Review: Raistlin is my favorite character and deserves respect. This book wonderfully illustrates Raist's childhood up to his test at the tower. Although the book seemed to waver a little bit from Raist's original portrayal.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice story, a bit unfocussed
Review: The 10+ year difference between the publication of the original Dragonlance series and this prequel seems to have led Ms. Weis to change her view of who Raistlin is. Thus the only fair review for this book is on its own merit, without reference to the Trilogy. SOULFORGE describes the education of a magician in a world where magic is viewed with, at best, deep suspicion. The tie between brothers Raistlin and Caramon is not explored with sufficient depth. A pity, as this book covers the period of their lives where the deepest bonds are formed. An aside: the 6 year old Raistlin is too precocious to believe. Raistlin's maturation, driven by his hunger for power, is interrupted by digressions into other characters' troubles. They should have been seen solely through Raistlin's eyes, as this was Raistlin's story. All others, save Caramon, needed far less coverage; particularly Tas, whose comic relief sullied what is a character driven story. Weis refers to three Tests during the Conclave's instructions to the novices, yet Raistlin only has two tests: his initial scenario with the elves, and the episode with the floating skull. The fact that Fistandantulus' tampering with the test is sanctioned by the Conclave defies logic. The motivation of the conclave in permitting such interference with their rigorous testing of character and skill is never explained, and it discredits the credibility of the examination. Far better for the taint to have been unknown; that would have painted F+ in a far more sinister light. Aside: With the talent assembled by the Conclave for the test, F+ would have been handily defeated, as any AD&Der could have demonstrated with a "21 Wizards against a Liche" module. The discrediting of the false clerics was a good adventure, and the action was well described. Some of the third parties seemed too easily convinced of Raistlin's innocence, however, their gratitude for the charlatans' demise could explain this largesse. All in all a good story, from an author who usually gives us far better value.
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Summary: Excellent! A Must for all True Dragonlance and Raistlin Fans
Review: Margaret Weis is truly in her element here. Finally the true story of Raistlin told by the one person who knows him best. Raistlin has always been my favorite character in the Dragonlance world, and I eagerly awaited the coming of this book, once I knew of it. This book is excellent. I could not put it down, it did a wonderful job defining the "blows" that shaped the young mages soul, and provided valuable insight into why he did the things he did. This book is Raistlin's story, and his alone. If you want to know more about the other characters pasts, then look, elsewhere, because here is where you get to see them through Raistlin's eyes, and how he interprets them. I love this books and it is a very welcome addition to the Dragonlance world. Very Highly Recommended and a MUST Read!
Rating:
Summary: Awsome
Review: This book just adds the iceing on the cake. All of the dragonlance books are great, but there has always been a big mystery behind Raistlin and Caramon. This book takes you through the stepping stones of life that show what lengths great Magicians will go through to become even greater. A definate must for the die hard Black Robes, or for the Dragon Lance lover...
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Summary: Absolutely Incredible
Review: This novel had my attention from beginning to end. I found it difficult to put it down to concentrate on work. Truly a masterpiece in the continuing reign of Drangonlance. One of Margaret Weis's greatest accomplishments.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Soulforge was wonderful. I have just gotten into the Dragon Lance series, and I had just finished the last of the chronicles trilogy, and i found this book.Raistlin is truly a hero and a demon. I was thoroughly intriguied by this book. MP Aaron
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Summary: A good beginning to an excellent character
Review: Soulforge is a novel that was definitely worth reading. It portrayed a young Raistlin well, with many insights into his future evil and eventual redemption. I was hoping for some more blatant spellcasting, but what can you do. It was basically a book about a troubled youth destined for greatness who happens to have a simple brother and a sardonic sister.
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