Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles, Volume One

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Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles, Volume One (Dragonlance: Chronicles #1)

by Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman (Goodreads Author)

4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 · rating details · 31,967 ratings · 744 reviews

Lifelong friends, they went their separate ways. Now they are together again, though each holds secrets from the others in his heart. They speak of a world shadowed with rumors of war. They speak of tales of strange monsters, creatures of myth, creatures of legend. They do not speak of their secrets. Not then. Not until a chance encounter with a beautiful, sorrowful woman,...more

ebook, 448 pages

Published December 21st 2010 by Wizards of the Coast (first published 1984)

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Feb 21, 2013 Jason Koivu rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great start to an all-time classic fantasy series!

I loved the colorful characters and fast-moving plot based on an interesting story line of reunited friends with secrets and a mysterious (and gorgeous, of course) stranger who drew them into danger and excitement.

The negatives were mere niggling at best, however they did exist. I was about 13 or 14 years old when I read Dragons of Autumn Twilight and even then I knew Weis was leaning a little too heavily on stock phrases: the same emotion is d...more

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Jun 07, 2007 Kevin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fantasy Geeks

Shelves: fantasy

Dragonlance was the first fantasy novel series I ever read so it holds a special place in my heart. The Chronicles Trilogy was the first in a series of 10 core books. There are probably well over a 100 books set in the Dragonlance world but these are the ones you need to read.

Chroncicles Trilogy:
Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Dragons of Winter Night
Dragons of Spring Dawning
Legends Trilogy:
Time of the Twins
War of the Twins
Test of the Twins
Transitions to next generation:
Dragons of Summer Flame

The War o...more

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Jun 01, 2008 Matt rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Matt by: Kelly

The first half of the book leaves a lot to be desired, and Weis & Hickman try to cram way too many characters into the story (leaving many of them pretty under-developed and one-dimensional). That said, it really picks up near the end, and left me wanting to jump into the next book in the series. The reason I got into the book in the first place was because I was in the mood for dragons, and Dragons of Autumn Twilight does not disappoint.

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Nov 26, 2007 Graeme rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I first read this book about the time it came out, when I was about 10 or 11... and recently found an identical, battered paperback copy at a thrift store. Dipping back into it twenty-odd years later, it has many shortcomings. However, it still takes me back to that time when I'd read under the covers at night with a dying flashlight, and fell asleep dreaming of wizards, warriors and strange, forgotten lands.

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May 12, 2009 CJ rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Someone played a dungeons and dragons game (which is based heavily on Tolkien's books) and then decided to write down what their characters did and publish it. And while dungeons and dragons is great fun for those playing it, everyone has had to suffer through players who labor under the mistaken impression that their adventures are just as interesting to everyone else as they are to the player...

"So then, like, you know, this Orc came out of the weapons room but I rolled a 20 and I threw my +5...more

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Jan 03, 2009 SilverPen Pub added it · review of another edition

A few weeks ago, I was facing the prospect of the end of the spring semester and the approach of summer. The heady realization broke over me that I would be free to read something I wanted to read, rather than something for class, and as I dug through my memory of what we owned that I would like to read, a lightbulb fired above my head. I wanted to return to the DragonLance Saga, books that had practically raised me, teaching me the difference between good and evil, my moral code, and a great ma...more A few weeks ago, I was facing the prospect of the end of the spring semester and the approach of summer. The heady realization broke over me that I would be free to read something I wanted to read, rather than something for class, and as I dug through my memory of what we owned that I would like to read, a lightbulb fired above my head. I wanted to return to the DragonLance Saga, books that had practically raised me, teaching me the difference between good and evil, my moral code, and a great many other things. Excitedly, I went to our library to find the Chronicles series... only to discover that we did not actually own them.[return][return]Presumably, I initially checked them out from the library, but it really surprised me that I hadn't purchased them before now. Therefore, I made a shopping list of books I needed to own, and when April and I made it to Barnes & Noble, I picked up a half a dozen must-have books for DragonLance lovers.[return][return]The first of these is Dragons of Autumn Twilight, first published in 1984. The book begins heavily in media res, as the Companions return to the Inn of the Last Home, having parted ways five years ago to search the land for signs of the old gods. The reader is immediately given numerous hints to their past, hooking our attention into the book and making it hard to put down. It is a fast read, flowing quickly and smoothly, and is a clear demonstration of Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's mastery and profound partnership.[return][return]The Companions quickly find themselves thrust into the middle of a war, and the book delves into the lives of these normal people turned heroes in a fashion not seen in today's literature. It seems that, these days, the heroes are practically superhuman, indestructible and uncannily intelligent. In DragonLance, the heroes never sought to be such, and they serve because they know it is the right thing to do. They do so out of love, and the theme of death is not shied away from. [return][return]Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the beginning of the series, and as such is something of a mystery. If you don't mind having the answers revealed slowly through some of the most masterful storytelling yet to be seen in fantasy fiction, I heartily recommend picking up the DragonLance Chronicles.(less)

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Jan 20, 2008 Hope rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 26, 2012 Jeff LaSala rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is fantasy at some of its best. Not only is this the first book in a wonderful saga, some of its characters are enduring and captivating, still memorable so many years later. Even though it wasn't written to be YA fiction, it's an easy fit for young readers. Dragons of Autumn Twilight is what all YA fiction should strive to be like. Morally uplifting and evocative.

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Dec 05, 2008 Graham rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, childrens

The early 1990s was a great time for me. I was 10/11 years old and I adored everything fantasy: CHRONICLES OF NARNIA (the BBC version) on TV along with the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS cartoon and KNIGHTMARE. I'd just finished reading LORD OF THE RINGS and I was eager for more fantasy. So I found the Dragonlance Chronicles and I was hooked - I read loads of them.

In recent years I've been intrigued to find out what I'd think of these books as an adult, so I re-purchased them. Unfortunately, I've been d...more

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May 22, 2013 Ayame Sohma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At first glance, this initial entry in Weis and Hickman's trilogy appears to be standard fantasy fare - a band of adventurers must unite to save the world from imminent doom. The basic plot does follow this structure, and there are times when timely rescues and magical boons appear to be invocations of deus ex machina rather than a result of the natural flow of events.

But look just beneath, and it becomes clear that there is far more grim doom and despair than the seeming ease with which the com...more At first glance, this initial entry in Weis and Hickman's trilogy appears to be standard fantasy fare - a band of adventurers must unite to save the world from imminent doom. The basic plot does follow this structure, and there are times when timely rescues and magical boons appear to be invocations of deus ex machina rather than a result of the natural flow of events.

But look just beneath, and it becomes clear that there is far more grim doom and despair than the seeming ease with which the companions overcome their hurdles would suggest. The frailty of mortal beings is set out on display for all to see. As just one example, the notion that people would rather believe a convenient untruth that warms their soul and gives them comfort than search out for correct answers or face a tsunami of brutal reality rears its ugly head shortly after the novel's halfway point.

Descriptions of imaginary creatures and spells is always kept brisk and trenchant, preventing boredom due to rambling from setting in. Re-reading this was a most welcome change from Terry Goodkind's plagiarised and inordinately lethargically paced 800-page debut novel, Wizard's First Rule.

The characters shine throughout the book, and rather than rush headlong into action and resolutions without giving readers a foundation to care about the wanderers and their epic trek, we are given glimpses into their past (particularly what they did in the five-year leadup to the reunion that serves as the trilogy's catalyst). There's Tasslehoff, a perennial nomad and pioneer, utterly impervious to fear (and good sense), glib and fun to have around - to a point. Twins Raistlin and Caramon led separate lives and arrived at polar opposite professions, a mage and warrior respectively. Plainsman Riverwind and Chieftain's daughter Goldmoon find themselves acquainted with the group after a combination of coincidence and superstition-motivated prejudice and tragedy strike. Tanis half-elven and Flint the dwarf are the wise custodians who raised the bulk of their company, and their loyalty will be tested and strained to breaking point. After all, the spectre of war is ever-present, and there is no surer way to guarantee one's own survival than by turning traitor.

The authors do an impeccable job of imagining life as other races, and sweep readers along for a thrilling (though perilous and at times gruesome) journey through a conflict that spans and transcends time, space and superstition. Highly recommended.(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Elsea Flemyng rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I ate this books up when I was younger, unfortunately that was before I understand what good literature was. Looking back on these they are bad, like really, really abysmally bad. Like - it makes me sad that I wasted so much time reading these when there are other books that are clearly so much better out there - kind of bad.

So, if you are considering reading this book, I beg you please try one of these firsts. They have all of the fantasy, and action and magic you could hope for, plus they are...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Rachael Hewison rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

My poor bookcase is on the verge of bursting so I thought it was time I got rid of some my older books. As I have always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with fantasy, I thought I could get rid of one of my fantasy books that has been sitting there for years unread. Unfortunately on completion I have to begrudgingly put it back on the shelf as I absolutely loved it.
The problem I have with some fantasy writers is that they can fall into the trap of writing essentially a chronology of their w...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Aarash rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Weis and Hickman have truly created one of the grandaddy best hits in the genre of Fantasy. From the opening of a lonesome Tika Waylan sweeping her inn and meeting a strange old man who gave premonitions of great change to the meeting of the companions who haven't been in contact for five years, the initial chapters that might be called slow by some simply set up the stage for the sweeping page turner that can not be put down to follow - one that grows increasing interesting with every read. Du...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Jasmyn9 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, fantasy, d-and-d, dragonlance, chronicles-of-prydain

The story of a group of friends reunited after 5 years. Hoping for a peaceful homecoming and reunion they are shocked to find trouble literally on their doorstep. Enter some entrancing new friends to add plenty of extra story and a crazy magician to liven things up. Throw a few dragons, and plenty of icky baddies into the mix for an epic tale of good vs evil, where the difference isn't always so easy to see.

The characters all take turns being your favorite, they are not just fictional names, the...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Dru rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, gaming

This will be my same review for all 7 books in the original double-trilogy (plus the 7th add on years later).

There are few D&D novelizations out there that are really worth reading. Only two series have I loved, and the original 6 (became 7) "Dragonlance" novels are one of those great series. (Gord the Rogue is the other).

At first when I read this, I was a bit put off because the "Krynn" world did not "agree" with D&D. The gods had different names (Bahamut = Paladine, Tiamut = Takhesis)...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Joel Puga added it · review of another edition

Dragões de um Crepúsculo de Outono é o primeiro livro de uma das mais conhecidas sagas de fantasia épica de todos os tempos: Dragonlance. Só esse facto já justificaria a sua leitura, mas devo confessar que é também uma das histórias mais divertidas e entusiasmantes que li e (como a muitas outras pessoas) marcou o período da vida em que o li e a minha visão do género.

Devo ressalvar que o livro não é particularmente original e ainda o será menos para um leitor actual, pois usa quase todos os trop...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh WHY didn't I find these books when I was a child? OH WHY? I just discovered these wonderful books and am happy to say that I am on my way to a full collection! I have read 8 so far and am falling more and more in love with the characters. I hate to see anything happen to them, but am surprised that in the end they are 'living their destiny' and if one falls, later you find out for what purpose. You can see and feel the trees in these books. You will quickly fall in love with the characters an...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Staccato rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would say this book is more of a guilty pleasure than an outstanding read. The authors have (whether knowingly or not) written a story with all the cheesily cliche elements of a fantasy story, while also falling into the trap of unnecessarily over-describing as is often characteristic of the genre. Even so, I gave the book three stars because it retains the ability to hook the reader.

The characters of the book, however stereotypical they may be, are interesting enough to make you care about w...more

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May 11, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All they wanted was to meet together and reflect on the past five years. They didn't expect to become a part of something bigger than themselves. The companions meet at the Inn of the Last Home in Solace after being apart for 5 years when a woman and her bodyguard appear with a mystical staff. During a story from an old man others find out what the staff truly is and the companions are now being hunted by the evil of the world. As they escape they notice things that are different, things that ar...more All they wanted was to meet together and reflect on the past five years. They didn't expect to become a part of something bigger than themselves. The companions meet at the Inn of the Last Home in Solace after being apart for 5 years when a woman and her bodyguard appear with a mystical staff. During a story from an old man others find out what the staff truly is and the companions are now being hunted by the evil of the world. As they escape they notice things that are different, things that are changing, omens that for tell disaster instead of good fortune.

As they go on their search for answers and the truth they run into creatures never before seen on Krynn. Creatures that make even the most honorable beings afraid for what is to happen in the world. After meeting with the Forestmaster they are given a quest to travel to a city where they will find the answers they so desire. They all swear to protect the beautiful barbarian princess who is the bearer of a blue crystal staff that all the evil is in search for, it could be proof of the anceint gods long forgotten.

Tanis Half-elven leads the group through their journey to find out the truth behind the staff, the origin of these strange new creatures, and help them band together as the evil that has come to earth tries to pull them apart. Tasslehoff Burrfoot provides the comic relief as he wanders off because something shiney catches his eye. Strum Brightblade is the noble knight bound by his honor to protect young Goldmoon, the barabarian princess entrusted with the staff. Riverwind is her bodyguard, and he ever-loyal lover.

Flint Fireforge is like your grumpy old man complaining about everything and anything along the journey. The twins Caramon and Rasitlin are opposites. Caramon being the strong warrior always quick to the aid of his brother Raistlin the magic user who has a darker soul than any of them could imagine. Along the way they meet people who are willing to help them in their quest.

Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the first book in a series that has spawnedover 80 titles and thousands of fans. The story is set in Krynn and as the story progress the author duo does a fantastic job at describing each scene to make the land seem different from another. The tree city of Solace is completely different from the swamps they have to travel through or even the dreaded Darken Wood. As they progress to different parts of the land,the setting and the description change not only for how the area looks, but also the tone and feeling of the new area adds to the intensity of the story.

In many other books the characters are given a short past, enough to explain who they are in the story. But not Dragons of Autumn Twilight the characters are given to detailed past that sometimes comes back to haunt them and in the case of Rasitlin and Caramon, each other. The story line is one that draws you in and makes you want to read the following novels.

Take the mystical journey and follow Tanis, Tasslehoff, Raistlin and the others as the journey to complete their quest for the truth of the blue crystal and the legend of the Dragonlance.(less)

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May 07, 2012 Matt Mancini rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first Dragonlance book I have read though I do read a fair amount of fantasy. Having finished the book last night I have to say that while the book was entertaining, I don't really anticipate that I'll continue this series to its subsequent novels. I did want to give it a fair chance though so I finished book one. Here are my pros and cons:

Pro: Good characterization - The personality traits of each of the main characters were well-developed and consistent throughout the book, making...more This is the first Dragonlance book I have read though I do read a fair amount of fantasy. Having finished the book last night I have to say that while the book was entertaining, I don't really anticipate that I'll continue this series to its subsequent novels. I did want to give it a fair chance though so I finished book one. Here are my pros and cons:

Pro: Good characterization - The personality traits of each of the main characters were well-developed and consistent throughout the book, making at least the characters believable as individuals. I tend to favor character-centric stories so this resonated with me. Tas the kender and Fizban the mage were particularly amusing and added to the book's entertainment value.

Simple prose - This one is a two-edged sword. On the one hand I wasn't having to go back and re-read sentences that threw me or included details that were difficult to understand on a first pass, but on the other hand it was often too simplistic, having the feeling of a childrens' story or at best, young adult.

Cons: Not a lot of plot - It did just seem as though the companions traveled from place to place and encountered different people and things, both good and bad. There wasn't really a sense of growing action and the climax, while there was one was, well, fairly anti-climactic.

Lack of Tension - I never got the feeling that any of the companions were in any real danger. You always knew that whatever it was, they'd get out of it somehow, even if quite ubelievably. The lack of tension made the book play out softly.

Lack of Grit/realism - The book was entertaining but on a different level from those that I generally consider really good reads. This book was to books like GRRM's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series what Teenage mutant ninja turtles cartoons are to the Sopranos. It's entertaining, but you won't get lost in it. You'll never feel like you "know" the characters or take part in their lives and you certainly never vest yourself into "feeling" what they feel. It just doesn't engage on that level. It just wasn't believable.

In conclusion, the book is more of a fairy tale than a fantasy and almost seems geared to a younger audience than one may be led to believe. On the other hand, it's rated very highly and has been a bestselling series for a long time now, so take from this what you will. It's entertaining, but I've certainly read much much better.(less)

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Mar 07, 2012 Patrick rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I last read this book in Junior High, and fondly remembered the Dragonlance novels as epic fantasy set in a D&D-inspired world. I was feeling nostalgic lately, and decided to pick it up again and see how it held up.

Not well.

While the plot is as I remember, and does indeed have an epic scope with some interesting ideas, it's mainly full of standard fantasy tropes like the outcast half-elf, the stupid warrior, the weak wizard, the journey through the haunted forest, the flight from a destroyed...more

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Dec 03, 2011 David Sarkies rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Teenagers who like fantasy and want something easy to read.

Shelves: fantasy

I remember when this book was first released it was quite popular amongst the Dungeons and Dragons crowd. Now the reason for this was that it was based on a series of modules (or adventures that used the Dungeons and Dragons rules). I remember back in those days that people were a little disappointed that most of the adventures that were released for Dungeons and Dragons did not actually involve dragons, so the powers that be at TSR decided to create a dragon heavy world called Krynn, and then...more I remember when this book was first released it was quite popular amongst the Dungeons and Dragons crowd. Now the reason for this was that it was based on a series of modules (or adventures that used the Dungeons and Dragons rules). I remember back in those days that people were a little disappointed that most of the adventures that were released for Dungeons and Dragons did not actually involve dragons, so the powers that be at TSR decided to create a dragon heavy world called Krynn, and then released a series of modules (12 I believe, or it could be 14) that allowed the heroes (that is the players) to become involved in an epic adventure to defeat the evil overlord of Krynn, the Dragon God Tarkhisis.
Now, the story behind the story is that the good gods have deserted Krynn because of the arogance of the people. The major empire was destroyed when a meteor struck at the heart of the empire shattering the major continent, and since then no cleric magic would work. So Krynn was plunged into a dark age. Now fast forward a thousand years to a small village in an out of the way part of Krynn and a group of companions, as requested, meet up in an inn (which has been built in a tree, much like the rest of the village). The companions include Tanis Half-elven, the defacto leader, the twins Cameron and Raistin, one a fighter the other a mage, a dwarf named Flint, and a kender (which are like hobbits). At the inn the meet a couple of people from nomad tribes who are searching for an artifact that will enable them to commune with the gods.
So they head off, explore a dungeon, kill a dragon, and retrieve the artifacts, but when they return to the village of Solace, they discover that it has been destroyed by a horde of half dragons known as draconians. So they head off the the elves, pick up some more companions, and head to a massive fortress that guards the way through out of the valley to defeat the evil overlord there. This is where the first book ends.
Look, the story itself was not bad, and I enjoyed it, but as I think about it now so many years after I read it, I realise that it is simply trying to, and failing, to be Lord of the Rings. It is structured in the same way, divided into three books and each book divided into two parts. The world is interesting with a decent back story, but the back story is nowhere near as detailed as the Lord of the Rings. One of the reasons is that Tolkien put a lot of time and effort into developing his backstory, and didn't actually live to complete it. The other aspect that I sort of had difficulties with was that it is based on a game. Basically the Dragon Lance Chronicles ended up spawning a series of books all based upon aspects of the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Now one of the things I like about Dungeons and Dragons is that it is not tied to a single world. Developing the game and the world is limited only by the imagination of the dungeon master, the person that runs the game. However, it does feel that with the plethora of books that have been released does pretty much turn it into some sort of money making extravaganza.(less)

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Aug 16, 2011 Steven Cole rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There's been so much hoo-haw about Dragonlance recently, that I figured I'd finally grab a copy and see what the fuss is about.

Now, granted, the very first book written was probably not the *best* choice, seeing as the authors were just getting themselves wrapped around the novelization of a D&D adventure, but it was the start of the saga, so it did seem like the right place to begin.

But the book has trouble. It's got way too many characters in it to be anything more than a plot-driven story...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Louise Lacy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started reading Dragonlance books ten years ago, my partner was an avid reader and he got me into them. I was somewhat reluctant as I didn't play Dungeons and Dragons but thought that I would give it a try and I am so glad that I did. This book and the books that follow are a must for anyone who isn't really into fantasy, it is a great starting point.

Despite the characters being gnomes, kender, dwarves etc they are very real to me, its almost like they are your friends and its a joy to read wh...more

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Apr 30, 2011 Michael Conrad rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found this while in study hall when I was 16 years old. One of the other kids had it and let me read it. Four years after I had read The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings books I had finally found something that captured an interest and had me reading as fast as I could get my hands on the books.

This tells the story of a group of companions reuniting after five years in which they go in search of the Old Gods of their various races. The ones who abandoned them. Five years before there was an advent...more

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Feb 24, 2011 Gregory rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had gone back and forth for a few months about whether I should reread this, my absolute favorite book from when I was 12. The memory of reading this book 20 years ago is one of my fondest. It was the first reading experience that really had a strong effect on me. I read it while visiting my grandparents in Pittsburgh and can vividly remember getting so hooked on the story that I stayed up in the spare room I was sleeping in and read the whole thing cover to cover while we were there. It was e...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Jonathan Cullen rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: kids

Wow (not a good wow). I just read some of these reviews and ratings. I have to raise my hand and be the voice of reason. The public deserves this.

Let's get something straight here: these books are unreadable for anyone older than 15. I love fantasy and I don't have an issue with the world building or the story here. In my reviews, I sometimes excuse poor writing, characterization and other literary elements when the author does other things extremely well. Most novels have multiple flaws and the...more Wow (not a good wow). I just read some of these reviews and ratings. I have to raise my hand and be the voice of reason. The public deserves this.

Let's get something straight here: these books are unreadable for anyone older than 15. I love fantasy and I don't have an issue with the world building or the story here. In my reviews, I sometimes excuse poor writing, characterization and other literary elements when the author does other things extremely well. Most novels have multiple flaws and their relative importance to each reader will dictate how much enjoyment is sucked out of the read.

I could not excuse the literary flaws in this book. They were repetitive, sharp and massive.

The characters are as flat as pancakes. At least pancakes have two sides. These guys are so utterly simple. I realize that this book was a relative trailblazer in the early 1980s, so it's hard to say that they are stereotypes. But they are stereotypes. The first 200 pages basically consists of gathering members of the Quest. They are picked up like gum stuck to your shoe; there's no subtlety. As every typical fantasy element was gathered for the Quest, I wondered how this was different than LOTR, other than being crappy.

I thought it would be interesting to read the annotated version of this book so I could see what the authors were thinking. Normally this gives you insight into their thought process, how this plot line impacts the overall story or some background information for characters that might be interesting. Somehow the notations made it worse. My eyes almost rolled straight out of my skull several times as the authors' simple thought process was revealed to me like the opening of a pack of Kraft cheese singles.

The writing is simplistic to the Nth degree. I've never encountered so many adverbs in a single tome.

I only got to page 350 or so, with my effort set to maximum. Perhaps pages 351 and beyond are genius but I'll never know. I'll live.

(As a gigantor caveat, I'll add that I would not discourage kids from reading this - it would be accessible and fun for them.)(less)

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Jul 29, 2010 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dragonlance

This book was written one year before I was born. Roughly 15 years later my English teacher said to me "Oh, you like fantasy books? You're gonna love this one" as he handed me a battered copy of the Chronicles. Since I devoured fantasy/sci fi books at the time as if they were sustenance, I immediately dove into the book. As I recall I was absolutely enthralled and within a few short days I had read the entire Chronicles, and I needed more. So it began that I tore my way through the series.

Now, a...more

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Aug 22, 2009 Sarai rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, general-fiction, young-adult-fiction

Synopsis taken from Wikipedia:
Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a fantasy novel by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, based on a Dungeons & Dragons game session. It was the first Dragonlance novel, beginning the series in 1984. It is the first in the Chronicles trilogy, which, along with the Dragonlance Legends trilogy, are generally regarded as the core novels of the Dragonlance world. The book begins with the return of a group of friends consisting of Tanis Half-Elven, Sturm Brightblade, Caramon...more Synopsis taken from Wikipedia:
Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a fantasy novel by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, based on a Dungeons & Dragons game session. It was the first Dragonlance novel, beginning the series in 1984. It is the first in the Chronicles trilogy, which, along with the Dragonlance Legends trilogy, are generally regarded as the core novels of the Dragonlance world. The book begins with the return of a group of friends consisting of Tanis Half-Elven, Sturm Brightblade, Caramon Majere, Raistlin Majere, Flint Fireforge, Tasslehoff Burrfoot. Kitiara Uth Matar, the half sister of the twins Caramon and Raistlin, was supposed to be there as well, but for reasons unexplained at the time could only send a mysterious note. They had separated five years previously to pursue their own quests. On the eve of their reunion, the Companions discover that the village they meet in has been taken over by a religious order called the Seekers. They are collaborating with the Dragon Highlords who are preparing for the conquest of the continent of Ansalon. The Companions soon discover that the Seekers are searching for a Blue Crystal Staff. When Goldmoon, a plains-woman in the same pub as the companions, heals a Seeker with her Blue Crystal Staff, the Companions are forced to flee the village. Unknown to them at the time, this pulls the Companions into a great struggle against the evil goddess Takhisis. The next day, the group is attacked by Draconians, reptilian creatures serving a footsoldiers in Takhisis' army. The Companions are driven into the woods where they are attacked by undead and rescued by centaur. The group is charged to go to the ruined city of Xak Tsaroth, to retrieve the Disks of Mishakal, containing the teaching of the True Gods and instrumental for the restoration of the faith in the True Gods. After a lengthy trip on the backs of pegasi and several encounters with the forces of darkness, the companions enter Xak Tsaroth and eventually meet some gully dwarves, diminutive and stupid creatures. One of the dwarves, Bupu, leads them to the dragon Khisanth, who is killed by the holy power of the blue crystal staff. When this happens, Goldmoon is consumed by its flame and presumed dead. However, they find her later resting at the foot of a statue of Mishakal, which now bears the Blue Crystal Staff, having blessed Goldmoon with true clerical powers. The Companions leave with the Disks of Mishakal and Bupu also gives an ancient spellbook (formerly belonging to the archmage Fistandantilus), to Raistlin. After returning to the village to regroup and finding it occupied, the Companions are captured by the evil armies and, along with an elf named Gilthanas, the son of the leader of the elven nation of Qualinesti, are captured and chained in a slave caravan. The group is freed by Gilthanas's brother. They return to Qualinesti and decide to lead an attack on the slave-mine Pax Tharkas to free the slaves of the local "Dragon Highlord"'s control. The Companions journey through a secret passage underground to Pax Tharkas and devise a plan to free the slaves. They also heal Elistan, a dying Seeker, and convert him to the faith of the true gods. He becomes the first cleric of Paladine, and Goldmoon turns the Disks of Mishakal over to him. They are then attacked by the Dragon Highlord and his dragon, prevailing due to the inteference of another, insane dragon. A mysterious figure called "The Everman”, who will come into play in later books, would later appear at a celebration following the slaves' freeing, but he fled after being spotted. According to Tracy Hickman, "The restoration of truth and faith are... to a great extent, the theme of this first book in the series."

I picked this up after my then mate recommended it to me as one of his favorite books. I had recently started playing D&D and wanted something along those lines to read. I remember being particularly struck by the description of kender Tasslehoff's thoughts in one scene, and I thought it was beautifully done. Overall, an enjoyable book and a pretty fast read. A good try for anyone interested in checking out the fantasy genre.(less)

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Jul 15, 2009 Harold Ogle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was bread-and-butter to me as a teen: the start of a beloved series of AD&D novelizations.

Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman got their start with this book, which was adapted from the first two or three modules of the Dragonlance series of AD&D adventures. That's right: this a book based on RPG modules! TSR had had some success with their first attempts at novels: the Gord series set in Gary Gygax's Greyhawk setting, but by 1984 it was already trying to distance itself from Gary,...more

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About Margaret Weis

Margaret Edith Weis is a fantasy novelist who, along with Tracy Hickman, is one of the original creators of the Dragonlance game world and has written numerous novels and short stories set in the world of Krynn. She graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia and now lives in southern Wisconsin in a converted barn. Most recently, she has completed the third novel in the Dragonvarld trilogy...more

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Books by Margaret Weis

Dragons of Spring Dawning (Dragonlance: Chronicles, #3)

Dragons of Winter Night (Dragonlance: Chronicles, #2)

Time of the Twins (Dragonlance: Legends, #1)

War of the Twins (Dragonlance: Legends, #2)

Test of the Twins (Dragonlance: Legends, #3)

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Quotes from Dragons of Autumn Twil...

“Well! I had the most fantastic dream! Trees crying blood. Horrible dead elves going around and killing people! Raistlin wearing black robes! It was the most incredible thing! And you were there, Sturm. Laurana and Flint. And everyone died! Well, almost everyone. Raistlin didn't. And there was a green dragon-'
Tasslehoff stopped. What was wrong with his friends? Their faces were pale, their eyes wide.” — 15 people liked it

“Est sularus oth mithas” — 14 people liked it

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title link	preview: Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles, Volume One
avg rating	preview: Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles, Volume One Goodreads rating: 4.03 (31967 ratings)
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Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Chronicles, Volume One (Dragonlance: Chronicles #1)

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