Rating:  Summary: Marketing Hype Review: I loved the original Dragonlance Chronicles when it first came out, and I am thoroughly enjoying reading it again. However, the annotated part is a joke. Not only are the comments generally inane, a clear plug for another book, or a detraction from the expereice of reading this story a second time. It's been awhile sense I read it originally and I was finding it very enjoyable to see the story unfolding again. Then along comes an annotation that reveals way to much about Fizban early in the story. Arrgh! To their credit, there are a few comments that lend insight into how characters were developed and how the whole project worked as a collaborative effort. All in all, I would suggest you simply go to your local used bookstore and get the original paperbacks. They are worth reading again and again.
Rating:  Summary: Excelent Review: This book is a great one. I love the series and I love the Chronicles. It was great reading the Trilogy again and seeing on the sides of many pages notes from Weis and Hickman.
Rating:  Summary: Vaguely insulting... Review: Oh, don't get me wrong: Obviously, I love the DL Chronicles with a passion. It's this annotated addition that I'm not so keen on. It's a cool idea in theory, and maybe it *could* provide fascinating insights into the narrative, but quite frankly, it doesn't. To be fair, there is an occasional pithy observation (Michael Williams has some interesting things to say about his ever-groovy poetry), but these are few and far between; most of the 'annotations' range from painfully obvious to trite and stupid--often both. "The backstory here gives life and direction to the characters," Hickman helpfully informs us near the beginning. Aha! So THAT'S what 'backstory' does! And all this time I thought it was only included because the authors were paid by the word! Thank you, Tracy, for this startling revelation! Geez, is this a first-year writing class, or what? And believe me...it doesn't get much deeper than that. Particular irksome to me is the way the annotators don't hesitate to include plugs for various hideously bad spin-off novels that bear any sort of connection to the story. I mean, come ON, guys! The back cover proudly proclaims the trilogy "THE GREAT MODERN FANTASY EPIC!" and this may well be, but how can we be expected to take such grandiose claims at all seriously if you're willing to make the implicit point that any non-W&H Dragonlance is anywhere near the same level as this? That's just not happening. Bleh.A companion volume detailing the writing of the Chronicles/Legends (oh god, are we going to have to suffer through the annotated *Legends* if this sells well enough?) could be interesting, but this is emphatically not; instead, it feels like nothing more than the latest in a long line of crass TSR cash-ins. I'd stick with the original, non-annotated Chronicles, if I were you...
Rating:  Summary: Great Memories Review: Read these books when they first cam out, when I was in seventh grade. Never kept up with the rest of the series, but I consider these to be classics. This is a beautiful volume and would be worth the price if only to have the books in hardcover. The annotations and illustrations are a great bonus. If you're a fan at all, add this edition to your collection.
Rating:  Summary: Truly an amazing feat in the art of writing Review: The first time I read this book was in 1989 and English is not my first language. After reading this book, my English improved a lot. Since then I'm able to continue my studies in both Australia and America. I read this book more than 5 times over the past years and everytime I read it, the more exciting it gets. Both authors were excellent in capturing reader's attention by combining both action and romance in this book. They knew when to go into details for describing big battles and not to. I truly recommend this book to everybody. This book crosses all genders and barriers. Two thumbs up ! Keep up the good work.
Rating:  Summary: The greatest saga I have ever read. Review: I first heard of the Chronicles in my sophmore year of high school. At first my interest was not even appliable. But, after my friend Chris convinced me to read Dragons of Autumn Twilight, I knew I was being pulled in. When I finally finished reading Dragons of Spring Dawning, there was no turning back. The day I saw the Annotated Chronicles, my heart jumped through my head and danced around the book store. The Chronicles are the greatest stories I have ever read, or could possibly ever read. After reading The Time, War, and Test of the Twins, I knew I had to read the Chronicles Trilogy again. It was the only way to fill that void in my heart that was opened by my love of the Companions.
Rating:  Summary: A classic for the new century Review: I have read this book over and over again and each time I read it, it gets better. It has a great storyline, great characters, great action scenes and great humour. I've made my friends read and they are all happy when they do. I play AD&D and I have to tell you I wouldn't have gotten into it if it weren't for this book. My favorite character is Tas. This book is the reason I started reading fanatasy novels and I have to say my life would'nt be the same if I hadn't.
Rating:  Summary: Revisting Review: I first read the Chronicles when they first came out 15 years ago when I was in high school. I just finished reading the Annotated Chronicles. While the story remains as captavating as ever, I discovered huge holes in the plot line that my original eye failed to notice years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the comments made by Ms. Weis and Mr Hickman. Seeing the development of the story set to such a huge background is really interesting. The only comments that really intruded on the story were those by the editor, Ms. Black That's why I gave this edition 4 stars. Her comments start out good (several recaps of parts edited out of the original text) but degenerate into comments that treat the reader like a simpleton, especially those familiar with Krynn and AD&D. If you have not read the Chronicles, DO NOT read this edition. It will spoil the fun.
Rating:  Summary: A must have for Weis and Hickman lovers Review: This book is wonderful for people that don't want their chronicle paperbacks to get really messed up, or for people that really enjoy Margaret and Tracy's work. There are a few spoilers for people who haven't read it yet... but other than that it is a wonderful book.
Rating:  Summary: The one and only book you need Review: This is the greatest compilation of fantasy to ever hit the market. It is composed of the three best books ever written, plus commentary by the authors, and a few full page color illustrations to boot. The best part is, it's hard cover which means it'll last a long long time (a lot of reads)
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