Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable story -- useless commentary
Review: A thousand words is not enough to express my ideas on this book, but I'll do my best. Please note that I'm rating this book 3 stars out of 5 because of the trilogy itself and not the additions made for the "Annotated Legends." If I was reviewing the paperbacks, for example, without annotations, I'd give it 5/5. Likewise, if this were any other fantasy trilogy, but the annotations were the bulk of it, I'd give it 1/5, hence 3/5.As a side note, I thought that Crysania's character was a little light on development (for such a major character), but the other characters were perfectly balanced and even minor characters had a chance to shine (Dalamar and Lord Soth in particular). But again, these all pertain to the trilogy in and of itself, and not the Annotated Legends. First of all, if you've never read Chronicles, pick up the Annotated Chronicles. If you're looking to read "Legends" (or, like me, read it for the 100th time), do yourself a favor, save some money, and pick up the paperbacks for fairly cheap (yes, even the most-recent release with the below-average artwork would be a good choice). Also, if you've not read "Chronicles" or "Legends" there may be some minor spoilers ahead. Background: I came into the Dragonlance world near the beginning (with the release of the AD&D module "DL1: Dragons of Despair" and the first paperback novel "Dragons of Autumn Twilight." After losing all of my paperbacks (but not the modules) I purchased the Annotated Chronicles and loved it! Not only was it great to have all of the books in one hardbound volume, but I also enjoyed the insightful annotations from the authors. Annotated Legends: Sadly, my love of the annotations in "Chronicles" was expunged in the Annotated Legends. The story itself, of course, is the same, and you would be well-served to look into other reviews (or the reviews of the individual paperbacks). Although I don't enjoy this story as much as "Chronicles", it is still entertaining, if not the most well-written (this is, afterall, high fantasy and should be treated as such - fun and light). Positives: Margaret Weis (although used minimally in the annotations) always has something useful to contribute. Her insights enhance the depth of these well-loved characters. Additionally, Michael Williams' notes on the poetry of "Legends" are also entertaining, although he does occasionally suffer from bouts of egotism. Negatives: In a word (or I should say, proper name), Tracy Raye Hickman. I'm sorry, but if I have to hear one more pompous comparison to the Christian Bible, I'll scream! Mr. Hickman is a Mormon, and he takes every opportunity to point this out to the reader in his annotations. If I may, sir, your god is not everyone's god, and we're quite happy with standard fantasy convention, which is almost universally polytheistic. When I heard the disaster he and Ms. Weis inflicted on Krynn with the "War of Souls" trilogy, I knew I wouldn't allow myself to look at it, but after all of Mr. Hickman's sermonizing in the "Annotated Legends" I will now not allow myself to come within 300 feet of said trilogy. I'm sick of hearing that the "High God" is the only god of Krynn and that Paladine, Takhisis, Gilean, etc. are merely... what? Poseurs? False gods? Please! This is a fantasy novel, not a religous text! Some of us quite enjoy the pantheon the way it is. These gods take a "hands-off" approach and let the character's take center stage. Not one of the heroes is the slave to some omnipotent god (although they are frequently a slave to their own needs and desires, as it should be). And I'm thoroughly revolted by Mr. Hickman's need to revile the D&D role-playing game with the constant "...I can hear the dice rolling" comments, and the overwhelming need to divest himself from the novel's roots. I bought the first paperback because TSR was doing what so many of us RPG'ers wanted for so long (novels with a background in D&D). I looked forward to seeing references to things like "Magic Missile" spells and different types of dragons. You made it quite clear in Annotated Chronicles that the novels and modules parted ways with "Dragons of Winter Night," but the point doesn't need to be hammered home repeatedly (especially in the first half of Annotated Legends). And let's not forget the constant TSR bashing... I've worked in the corporate environment before, and I know it's not pleasant, but if it wasn't for TSR, you and your fellow authors may not be in the careers you feel you so self-righteously deserve. Last, and certainly most disappointing, is the content of the annotations. When Mr. Hickman isn't going off on some religious tangent, the annotations consist mainly of references to his and Ms. Weis' other works ("...the events Tas is referring to can be found in "Dragons of Winter Night", etc.). I think this is more the editor's fault than anyone, but it should be assumed that the average new reader of Dragonlance will not pick up "Legends" by itself. They've most likely read "Chronicles." I found myself thinking, "Yes, I know Raistlin & company did magic and other acts for money in 'Dragons of Spring Dawning', so say something useful now!" Conclusion: If you're looking to replace your lost or care-worn copies of the "Legends" series, by all means, buy this book, but if you're expecting great insights on the trilogy, you might want to skip this one. How about re-releasing this book, but with annotations only by Margaret Weis and, say (local Pittsburgher) Jeff Grubb? Now THAT will be worthwhile reading!
Rating:
Summary: TRH, give us a break!
Review: Even if you loved Legends, the initials TRH will get on your last NERVE before you finish this book. Tracy Hickman's commentary is SO annoying! Margaret Weis's notes are enlightening and entertaining, but Hickman wants to drive into your head that HE planned the War of Souls books and "the One God" well in advance... something that NONE of the text he refers to in these comments supports! It's incredible. Throughout all three novels, TRH tells you how wonderful he is, points out all of the ideas that were his and how creative they are, tells you how epic his writing is (with comparisons from Greek mythology!), and generally lets his fan mail go to his head. If you know the story of Legends, you know a lot of it centered on the pride of two of the main characters. Perhaps TRH should learn a lesson from them. From his comments, his tragic flaw is all-to-easy to spot! Although it is a bit entertaining for him to tell you how pride is a terrible, sad thing while he constantly reminds you how beautiful his life and writing are, it's more annoying than anything else. Crysania, anyone? If you've read Dragonlance Legends before, save yourself the misery and skip this annotated version. If you haven't, get the paperbacks instead. They'd get 5 out of 5.
Rating:
Summary: TRH, give us a break!
Review: Even if you loved Legends, the initials TRH will get on your last NERVE before you finish this book. Tracy Hickman's commentary is SO annoying! Margaret Weis's notes are enlightening and entertaining, but Hickman wants to drive into your head that HE planned the War of Souls books and "the One God" well in advance... something that NONE of the text he refers to in these comments supports! It's incredible. Throughout all three novels, TRH tells you how wonderful he is, points out all of the ideas that were his and how creative they are, tells you how epic his writing is (with comparisons from Greek mythology!), and generally lets his fan mail go to his head. If you know the story of Legends, you know a lot of it centered on the pride of two of the main characters. Perhaps TRH should learn a lesson from them. From his comments, his tragic flaw is all-to-easy to spot! Although it is a bit entertaining for him to tell you how pride is a terrible, sad thing while he constantly reminds you how beautiful his life and writing are, it's more annoying than anything else. Crysania, anyone? If you've read Dragonlance Legends before, save yourself the misery and skip this annotated version. If you haven't, get the paperbacks instead. They'd get 5 out of 5.
Rating: 
Summary: The Masterwork of the Dragonlance library
Review: I clearly remember reading the Dragonlance Chronicles and wishing for more. Then, along came the Legends trilogy which simply blew me away. The Chronicles paled in comparison to this series, which serves as both prelude and sequel to the chronicles. This treatment of the Legends books is wonderful and is a great excuse (not that one is needed) to revisit this time-travelling adventure involving Caramon, Tas and Raistlin (the most compelling wizard since ol' Gandalf the Grey), along with wonderous new characters such as Dalamar and Crysania, amongst others. This book garners my highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: The Masterwork of the Dragonlance library
Review: I clearly remember reading the Dragonlance Chronicles and wishing for more. Then, along came the Legends trilogy which simply blew me away. The Chronicles paled in comparison to this series, which serves as both prelude and sequel to the chronicles. This treatment of the Legends books is wonderful and is a great excuse (not that one is needed) to revisit this time-travelling adventure involving Caramon, Tas and Raistlin (the most compelling wizard since ol' Gandalf the Grey), along with wonderous new characters such as Dalamar and Crysania, amongst others. This book garners my highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: The Very Best
Review: I have read hundreds and hundreds of books in my time, but the Legends Trilogy continues to be the most moving, well-written trilogy of them all. Put shortly, the characters are developed to perfection. In no other books have I recieved the feeling so strongly that the characters I was reading about were absolutely real. If you've read Dragonlance and not read this, you're missing out. I've not read the Annotations, but the story itself is beyond compare. You will not regret the purchase, you can be certain.
Rating:
Summary: Makes an already great series event better.
Review: I have to admit I only purchased this because I had missplaced the original books in my home. I was astounded by the notes and additions made by the authors. From time to time, I have heard negative comments about the novels written by the two authors, low level of reading, too high fantasy, etc... I have always followed their writing with pleasure and I have to admit now that I understand some of the background around the stories I have an incredible amount of respect for the writers. If you haven't read the original Legends Trilogy, DO NOT BUY THIS. You will be tempted to read the notes and they are not time sensitive and can ruin some of the fun. On the other hand if you have, they offer a wealth of knowledge about the creation of our favorite characters and how they came about. Excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Makes an already great series event better.
Review: I have to admit I only purchased this because I had missplaced the original books in my home. I was astounded by the notes and additions made by the authors. From time to time, I have heard negative comments about the novels written by the two authors, low level of reading, too high fantasy, etc... I have always followed their writing with pleasure and I have to admit now that I understand some of the background around the stories I have an incredible amount of respect for the writers. If you haven't read the original Legends Trilogy, DO NOT BUY THIS. You will be tempted to read the notes and they are not time sensitive and can ruin some of the fun. On the other hand if you have, they offer a wealth of knowledge about the creation of our favorite characters and how they came about. Excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Back to the Future, Dragonlance style
Review: In the "Dragonlance Legends" trilogy, Raistlin Majere grows in magical power to the point where he is in a position to be able to challenge the evil god Queen Tarkisis and take over her position in the heavens. Sent to stop him is his twin brother Caramon and the troublesome Kinder Tasslhoff Burrfoot by traveling back and forth through time after Raistlin. First they go to a time just before the Cataclysm. Raistlin plans to steal the great evil wizard Fistindantalis's magic; Caramon is in hot pursuit. After that, Raistlin goes on to challenge the Queen herself inside the Abyss. The story line is spread out over three books, so this synopsis is obviously very bare bones. There are many many sub plots going on (like Tanis Half Elven as an ambassitor trying to broker peace between the waring races, high cleric Crysania's love for Raistlin, Lord Soth's obssesion with Kitiara, Dalamar's bid for power with the Wizards Conclave, ect.) that I can't get into right now. Unlike the "Chronicals", "Legends" dose not have the cast of thousands and a huge sprawling war to deal with; it is concerned with only four central characters; Caramon, Raistlin, Crysania, and Tassolhoff. Caramon is fleshed out much more here than he was in the previous trilogy. Now he is more sorrowful, feeling a little bit responsable for the way his brother turned out. He was alright, but certainly not the strongest voice in the books. Raistlin was that. His greed and ambition seem to far exceed his knowledge of magic, but even that is conciderable. Raistlin is certainly going insane, and it isn't helping that his own brother, Caramon, is now and then tricked into helping him along the way. Raistlin is my favorite character in the series. Crysania is a way too much of a throw back to the damsel in distress for much of the books, and I was not impressed with her in the least little bit. Tassolhoff is still very much loved or hated here, you'll either like him or you will not. I liked him, and I still do. He is just the right amount of comic relief with out getting old. These books are pretty good, but there are a few things wrong with them. The characters are hit and miss as I mentioned above. Another thing is the ploting. The books are about time travel, so you have to be able to keep a lot of the history of Krynn readily avalible. Events happen, and then are erased as Caramon and Raistlin have out their little war. So in all the confusion, I had the feeling I was missing something. But that is alright, I still liked it. And any fan of the Dragonlance books should like the Annotataed books with aurthors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's commentary at the side of the page. I found them very useful and insightful, as I did with their "Chronicals".
Rating:
Summary: Back to the Future, Dragonlance style
Review: In the "Dragonlance Legends" trilogy, Raistlin Majere grows in magical power to the point where he is in a position to be able to challenge the evil god Queen Tarkisis and take over her position in the heavens. Sent to stop him is his twin brother Caramon and the troublesome Kinder Tasslhoff Burrfoot by traveling back and forth through time after Raistlin. First they go to a time just before the Cataclysm. Raistlin plans to steal the great evil wizard Fistindantalis's magic; Caramon is in hot pursuit. After that, Raistlin goes on to challenge the Queen herself inside the Abyss. The story line is spread out over three books, so this synopsis is obviously very bare bones. There are many many sub plots going on (like Tanis Half Elven as an ambassitor trying to broker peace between the waring races, high cleric Crysania's love for Raistlin, Lord Soth's obssesion with Kitiara, Dalamar's bid for power with the Wizards Conclave, ect.) that I can't get into right now. Unlike the "Chronicals", "Legends" dose not have the cast of thousands and a huge sprawling war to deal with; it is concerned with only four central characters; Caramon, Raistlin, Crysania, and Tassolhoff. Caramon is fleshed out much more here than he was in the previous trilogy. Now he is more sorrowful, feeling a little bit responsable for the way his brother turned out. He was alright, but certainly not the strongest voice in the books. Raistlin was that. His greed and ambition seem to far exceed his knowledge of magic, but even that is conciderable. Raistlin is certainly going insane, and it isn't helping that his own brother, Caramon, is now and then tricked into helping him along the way. Raistlin is my favorite character in the series. Crysania is a way too much of a throw back to the damsel in distress for much of the books, and I was not impressed with her in the least little bit. Tassolhoff is still very much loved or hated here, you'll either like him or you will not. I liked him, and I still do. He is just the right amount of comic relief with out getting old. These books are pretty good, but there are a few things wrong with them. The characters are hit and miss as I mentioned above. Another thing is the ploting. The books are about time travel, so you have to be able to keep a lot of the history of Krynn readily avalible. Events happen, and then are erased as Caramon and Raistlin have out their little war. So in all the confusion, I had the feeling I was missing something. But that is alright, I still liked it. And any fan of the Dragonlance books should like the Annotataed books with aurthors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's commentary at the side of the page. I found them very useful and insightful, as I did with their "Chronicals".
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