This three-book set is perfect for collectors and an ideal gift for readers unfamiliar with the Dragonlance setting. The Chronicles Trilogy -- Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning--are enclosed in a hard-sided slipcover case featuring the stunning cover art from the series.
On Dragonlance Let me start by first outlining the conditions under which I endeavoured to read the Dragonlance Chronicles. Relatively recently I developed an interest in the Fantasy Genre and thus decided to explore its various sub-genres; immerse myself in Fantasy's myriad "worlds". So, having done some preliminary research on the internet, and diligent perusing in my local Borders bookstore, I came to appreciate the fundamentals of the genre: Sword & Sorcery Vs Epic Fantasy; the 1960s and 1970s Vs the 1980s; biblical length trilogies Vs Short story masters etc etc. My introduction into fantasy began with Stephen Donaldsons 'Chronicles of Thomas Covenant'. The first trilogy, though controversial and much debated by the genre's enthusiasts, I found to be superb. Soon, however, the intricacy and scope of "Epic" fantasy faded into the pretentiousness and monotony of unnecessrily LONG books. Having felt that I had strayed too far in one direction, I next turned my attention to the other end of the spectrum. Fritz Leiber's 'First Book Of Lhankmar', though extremely well written and undeniably witty, rang too hollow for my taste. Robert E. Howards legendary 'Conan' stories, though hinting at something amazing in numerous stories, I found too "pulpy" nonetheless. I tried reading 'The Lord of the Rings', and twice got halfway through, but I just couldn't finish it. At last I came to understand what it was I wanted out of Fantasy fiction: 1) I wanted a world I could immerse myself in, withouting drowning in unnecessary details. 2) I wanted a darker, more realistic treatment of characters and characterization. 3) I was willing to follow a trilogy or long series, provided that each successive novel was not a repeat of the original.
So, having read the 'Dark Elf Trilogy' in its entirety (Forgotten Realms), I decided to give 'Dragonlance' a fair chance even though a) The cover art I found to be quite off-putting. b) I was worried the books were more for children than adults and c) I have a great dislike for all things elven and dwarfish.
I must be honest, I only got halfway through the first volume of the 'Chronicles','Dragons of Autumn Twilight', before I just couldn't go on. The reasons are as follows:
1) The characters are terribly mono-dimensional and cliche beyond description. Consquently the dialogue, in which it must be said the story drowns, is as captivating as watching drying paint. I became so adept at predicting EXACTLY what a character would say that I began to wonder if or not I was psychic. 2) Cliches, cliches, cliches. The story died of cliches. 3) It seemed as if Hickman and Weis deliverately tried to make the story as trivial as possible. But, there is a clear difference between banality and light-heartedness. The authors simultaneously sell this book as Epic and grand, yet they emphasize the happy-go-lucky nature of the characters and plot.
In the final analysis I must advise against purchasing the 'Dragonlance Chronicles'. This book is not for adults. End of story.
Thankyou for your time.
Entertaining, but poorly written The basic storyline, although not particularly inspiring or memorable, is entertaining and absorbing. To their credit, the authors have attempted to give their world color and texture and have likewise attempted to give some depth to their characters. Unfortunately, they aren't really good enough writers to pull it off. Descriptions of places tend to be gaudy, garish, and implausible. Their effort to create emotional depth in their characters manifests itself in gross, oversimplified ways, resulting in unbelievable, one-dimensional characters. For instance, the hero of the series, Tanis Half-Elven, struggles with his mixed parentage. Okay, well and good. But the authors failed to give him any other personality traits, so Tanis' responses, to everything from being attacked by a dragon to be offered a cup of tea, are limited to absurdly overblown fits of racial angst. A for effort, C for execution. Similarly, the dialogue between characters is unfailingly forced, contrived, and comically melodramatic. At times, I find myself wondering whether English is perhaps not the authors' native language, as they seem to frequently employ words which don't fit the context, suggesting that they either don't understand the meanings of the words they're using, or simply have adolescent stylistic tastes.
Still, I've come to realize that one cannot expect Tolstoy in the fantasy genre (although I keep hoping that one day a serious writer will undertake it). And, for a trash novel, it's makes for a decent read.
Dragonlance This series is very similar to Lord of the Rings, however it has many things that are not found in Lord of the Rings. The descriptions of places and people are detailed in the effect of what we would notice in real life. There are some good and unique points in the story line but the characterizing is too similar to Lord of the Rings to suite my taste. But if you have read Lord of the Rings, you will see some similarities that may make this series not quite as interesting as others that are more unique. But I think this series is worth the read.
this is the true lord of the rings. Well some say that Lord of The Rings is the best Fantasy series ever written.
Well I am sorry, but Dragon lance is the TRUE lord of the rings.
this books (that I read back then in the 80's ) are true fantasy novels. simply great, the characters, the complexity of the plot, is something that should turn into a movie as soon as possible.
it is sad to see today that people are so in love with Harry potter, I suggest to those kids to read the series who started it all.
NEXT TO LORD OF THE RINGS, ELRIC AND CONAN THIS IS FANTASY AT IT'S BEST!!! AS MENTIONED ABOVE NEXT TO LORD OF THE RINGS, ELRIC AND CONAN THIS IS FANTASY AT IT'S BEST!!! Speaking of which this should be made into a movie as soon as possible. However only with one condition that the director be one as passionate as Peter Jackson was about Lord of the Rings or Sam keith with Spiderman. The director must know and want to adhere to the essence of the book, if this is done then this will be as magnificent as the Lord of the Rings movie. THey must use a lot of special effects, no expense spared but by all means be intelligent and wise in how to get the finest effects on the screen, you will always be compared to Lord of the Rings so give them a run for the money. The cast must be well chosen, they can be little or unknown actors but must be excellent actors none the less, the costumes and the photography, the architecture all counts, nothing must be overlooked and the producers and director or directors must work closely and seamlessly together with one another and most especially with the writers. I recommend Weta workshop the same that did the special effects on Lord of the rings, Richard Taylor and his fine crew. There can be a total of 9 or even 12 films if all is successcessful, yes the soulforge trilogy, and the dragons of a summer flame trilogy as well as dragons gate can all follow suite, yet in order not to loose the audience, a strict adherence to this format must be followed and all future directors would have to consult with the first successful directors and collaborate with them and learn, enhance the techniques and methods to build on the blockbuster effect and all of these have this immense potential. The original Dragonlance trilogy is my favorite, but the Raistlin is an awesome character and can have his own movie, Storm brightblade, Tanis half-elven, the elves, this is a truly fun and incredible saga and with care, attention and love the movie can be it's equal. Therefore I challenge you great and inspired Producers, Directors, Screen writers (who will work tightly with the Authors, unless the directors will assume this role as Peter Jackson did), and all you magnificent Actors, Photographers, set designers, sound effects technicians and all the every last part of you to come forth and bring this saga to life and then one Last thing Make the ELRIC MOVIE WITH THE SAME EXCELLENCE. I SALUTE YOU!!!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
