Rating: 
Summary: A Hidden Gem of A Fantasy Novel
Review: I was fortunate enough to have received this book as a gift in 1983 and I cherish it as part of my collection to this day. Byron Preiss and Michael Reaves crafted a wonderful story befitting comparison (in my humble opinion)to Tolkien in its' readability, sense of wonder, and awe-inspiring world-creation. This is a highly enjoyable read! What makes the book all the better are Joseph Zucker's incredibly gentle illustrations. I credit Mr. Zucker's work here as one of the reasons I became an artist. His line-work is a must-see for any aspiring illustrator of any genre. It is a shame this book is out of print. If you find it in a used-bookstore -- BUY IT!
Rating:
Summary: It's fabulous if you can find it!
Review: I was lucky enough to discover this book at an old used bookstore (regrettably, out of business now) and have treasured it ever since. I'm frankly amazed that it's not still in publication, as it was a #1 bestseller, or so the jacket states. I was also lucky enough to find an edition illustrated by Joseph Zucker that isn't listed here at amazon. (ISBN 0-553-23426-9) The pencil drawings every few chapters were wonderful. Preiss and Reaves very closely resemble Raymond E. Feist in their writing style. (This novel was also published before Magician) They tell the story of numerous individuals, all intertwined seamlessly. I don't know how you found this review, as this book isn't even listed properly. (It's not listed under either author) But add it to your shopping cart now. It's one of my favorite books, and will be one of yours.
Rating: 
Summary: great idea, substandard delivery
Review: The ideas and themes of the book are original and entertaining, the whole mistaken war and clash between armies is done better than usual, but the entire book seems a little forced and bland in the way it is written. Yes the plot is great to move along with, but the same old fantasy cliche lines and chance encounters feel exactly as they were meant, to inject some excitement into books the authors thoguht were moving too slowly. If there is one reason to buy this book, it is the illustrations. Made by the same man who did the animated Lord fo the Rings movies decades back and quite frequent, they support the text beautifully and could stand on their own as art pieces.
But if there is one reason that should have warded me off of buying this book, it is the title. "Dragonworld"? There aren't enough dragons to make it their world, and the book contains none of the epic writing and plot that woudl make "world" necessary.
If you are looking for a good book to break into the genre, or one for younger readers, this is a good piece, but any experienced fan of fantasy would be best advised to spend their time on titles of higher literary caliber.
Rating:
Summary: A book to disapear into !
Review: This book wraps one into it's story like a dream. I HIGHLY recommend it to all who love daydreams and dragons. If you have a child or the child within needs a release, get this book. I was looking for a part two, hoping to read how Amsel and the the story continues. If you find one let me know :-)
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This is a great book! It reminded me a lot of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series. If you liked that, you will like this book! A couple books you might like if you liked this one are Books by Tamora Pierce, J.K. Rowling, T.A. Barron, and Pat O'Shea.
Rating: 
Summary: For all those dragon lovers out there this is a must read.
Review: Very solid fantasy which rapidly draws the reader into the fully realised world that Preiss and Reaves have created for this wonderful novel about dragons, mystical Pearls, political intrigue, and the attempt at justice for the murders of three children. This novel came highly recommended, and I've a story brewing in my head about dragons and humans. The relationship between these two races has always been of chief interest to me in fantasy literature and one of my chief pleasures from this book was the stately and regal relationship the dragons had with the humans and how myth had obscured the memories and must be reinstated. The political world in this book is crucial in this regard. The comparison to Tolkien is not unjust, although DRAGONWORLD lies much more closer to THE HOBBIT than THE LORD OF THE RINGS. There simply will never be another LR. We do not get a conflict on the cosmic level here that is the central plot of THE LORD OF THE RINGS. If Frodo fails, the entire world is ensnared in the Darkness of Sauron. If the characters in this novel fail, the cold drakes will prevail. Although this is an assumption, it is a very reasonable one: in as highly detailed a world that Preiss and Reaves create, there most be other societies and cultures present in this particular sphere, and it is hinted at by the one of the characters. DRAGONWORLD deals with two nations plunged in war when their efforts should be concentrated upon their common foe. The authors guide the reader through these predominant terrains: the farmlands and villages of Fandora, the forests and battlefields of Simbala, and the cold land of the Drakes and their lairs. There also is a good scene of the crossing of the Fandoran troops over the Strait of Balomar, a very dangerous episode where one of the characters get to show their metal and grow in character development. One of Preiss's and Reave's greatest strengths are creating fully developed characters who, without fail, draw you into the book. Another great facet about this book is there are really no true villains in the work. The worst character is Mesor, who cares only about his personal ambition thru Evirae. Evirae, the best candidate for the central villain, comes off as a foolish young woman who comes across not really as wholly evil but as wholly childish. Her ambition for ruling prevents her from being fully human, and generally the reader does not conceptualise her as formidable evil but a spoiled brat who's playing with a very real, hot fire who needs punished. The Darkling, the chief of the coldrakes, is not truly a villain, for in his mind he is acting in his races' best interest. Your sympathies are stretched to what would be a breaking point in writers who were unable to maintain the realism these characters demand, but Preiss and Reave's pull it off beautifully. Another great element in this book is how each side most come to terms with people on their own side. Throughout the book, Fandorans are at conflict with Fandorans, and Simbalese in conflict with Simbalese. This book deals with a big pet peeve of mine. Because Amsel has a scientific mind and he can do things which are seemingly at odds with the natural world yet in actuality is only taking advantage of the natural laws, the Fandorans call him a sorcerer and a Simbalese spy. This is partially Amsel's fault for isolating himself, and his character is being developed in this fashion throughout the novel. Those who react in ignorance and do not listen can cause much harm, as this novel aptly illustrates. The political complexities and the ingenuity stands in sharp contrast with the simple way of life of the Fandorans, and both have much to offer to one another. Preiss's and Reave's usage of the political world in this book is crucial as it supplies much of the tension in the book from the Simbalese end. Hawkwind, the Monarch of Simbala, most constantly deal with the fact that he was a miner who defeated the Kuln* and that he is a commoner who has risen to power by Ephirion's hand, the former monarch. Much of the novel is Hawkwind trying to manage the war effort as well as dealing with these attempted overthrows, and with the help of Ceria, his lover and a Rayan (who is also looked down upon by the Royal Family in particular and Simbala in general), he makes a fascinating monarch indeed, and a fully competent one at that. Because of their skills as writers, Preiss and Reaves have you cheering and hoping and then turning those hopes on their ear and bringing you into another character's situation and hoping they will make it through safe. As for my own favorite scene, there is a beautiful commentary on art where the soldiers of Fandora must use iron sculptures for weapons. The owner does not want to allow the soldiers to take them. I won't spoil the scene for you. It's a wonderful comment on art and the power and beauty it holds. Another favorite scene of mine is the voting process in which the Royal Family must decide on how they will react to the invasion of the Fandoran Troops. Great scene, so watch out for it. As for the ending, it is rather good and keeps you turning the page and the book ends setting up the sequel, which, as far as I know, Preiss and Reaves have not delivered. Le Guin has just this year published an anthology of novellas about Earth-sea (TALES FROM EARTH-SEA) and a new novel (THE OTHER WIND) in that particular series, so never rule out the possibility of letting these excellent writers revealing more of this world to us in the future. *Kuln: Cave demons that are sadly unexploited, as they sound very interesting and could have made for wonderful characters as villains.
Rating:
Summary: Great Fantasy
Review: When you buy and start reading this book, forget all about other fantasystories. No supergood heroes and superbad villains. No, they're just people, like you and me. Even the dragons have their weak points. But what a fantastic story !!! From the first to the last page a world comes to life, that really could exist. I only hope that there is a good sequel to this story. It is it worth to learn more about this world, where magic doesn't work, but real life does.
Rating:
Summary: Great Fantasy
Review: When you buy and start reading this book, forget all about other fantasystories. No supergood heroes and superbad villains. No, they're just people, like you and me. Even the dragons have their weak points. But what a fantastic story !!! From the first to the last page a world comes to life, that really could exist. I only hope that there is a good sequel to this story. It is it worth to learn more about this world, where magic doesn't work, but real life does.
| 
