They never expected to become heroes, never desired the war that brought them together, only to shape their lives forevermore, destroying some, elevat...moreThey never expected to become heroes, never desired the war that brought them together, only to shape their lives forevermore, destroying some, elevating others, but nevertheless, mercilessly changing all. It is autumn in the city of Solace. A time when old friends seek to reunite, a time for love and joy, tenderness and care, a time to celebrate the future and ignore the regrets of the past. Only, these typical pleasantries are remiss from the formerly cheerful town of Solace for war is in the air. There is talk of strong and dangerous armies amassing in the north, talk of monsters and ancient beasts arising from their centuries long sleep ready for destruction and vengeance. And, trapped within these turbulent times, are our confused heroes striving to the very last moment to save their beleaguered realm from the evil that is to come; the evil that will usher in the legendary War of the Lance. Strum, a noble Solamnic Knight; Tanis, a dejected half-elf; Tasslehoff, a happy go lucky kender; Flint, a grumpy old dwarf; Caramon, a strong and valiant warrior; Raistlin, a frail yet powerful mage with hidden depths that will one day erupt; Goldmoon, bearer of a healing staff, daughter of Chieftain; Riverwind, Goldmoon's devoted paramour: this is our band of unlikely heroes. Together, these valiant warriors must struggle in a world gone awry, must fight not only the ensuing mayhem but their all too human frailties as well. This then is there story.
Easily acclaimed as one of the greatest modern fantasy epics, Dragon's of Autumn Twilight is well worth the title. Few books there are that can rival it in style, eloquence, depth of characters, and good old fashioned story telling. This is the kind of tale to share with friends and family around the cozy glow of a camp fire, the kind of drama suitable to pass on to one's children and one's children's children. Indeed, the realm of Krynn itself seems to truly exist as if for no other reason than the reader's devoted belief. Whether you, the avid bibliophile, are drawn to fantasy literature or not, Dragon's of Autumn Twilight cannot but captivate and enthrall leading the reader on an adventure that not only spans the narrow gulf of reality, but that of time and space as well taking the reader on delightful adventures filled with lovable characters that soon initiate themselves as one of the family.
Complimented with an imaginative setting filled with myriad fantasy creatures both expected and original, the tale starts as it means to go on allowing the action to take place almost immediately. The reader is never once bored or distracted rather the story works like one of Raistlin's elusive spells, enthralling and captivating the reader to the exclusion of all else. So addictive is the tale, so unique is the drama, and so effecting are the characters that the reader soon forgets all other aspects of life and fully enters into the realm of Krynn battling beside the valiant warriors, suffering when they suffer, rejoicing when they rejoice, and never once forgetting the stakes of the battle for all Krynn hangs in the balance. Will evil triumph or will good conquer?
Provided with a likable cast, the reader soon finds it amazing that half elves, kender, and dwarves, are equally sympathetic as the human characters. Also, the "good" protagonists are never burdened with that sickeningly perfect aura usually subscribed to fantasy warriors. Rather, each character is fleshed out as it they were real allowing that with their strengths weakness also follow making a cast of un-human characters bear the burdens of human emotions. Likewise, the villains are also fulfilled with realistic personalities effectively imbuing them with a more chilling aura. Classic characterization at its finest.
As with all truly good tales, the writing style employed also boasts of perfection. Each sentence is erudite yet easy to understand neither speaking down to the reader nor becoming burdened with unnecessary simplicity but instead choosing to fall in the middle where perfection lies.
The conclusion was shocking, dramatic and intriguing instantly leading the addicted reader onto the second Dragonlance drama, Dragons of Winter Night where the Chronicles series continues to build in suspense and complexity leading the reader on a wondrous journey into the fantastic realm of Krynn where anything is possible.
Final Thoughts: Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a novel not to be missed. Filled with fantastic wonders, epic battles, shattering sorrow and insurmountable joy, it contains everything that makes a novel truly perfect. And, when finished, the joy is further enhanced by even more epic dramas from the realm of Krynn. Highly recommended!
The world has been decimated. Its cities laid waste in a mysterious and all consuming war. The remaining denizens of this charred hulk of Earth reside...moreThe world has been decimated. Its cities laid waste in a mysterious and all consuming war. The remaining denizens of this charred hulk of Earth reside beneath its barren surface in primitive subterranean cities awaiting the day when they may re-conquer the world that was once their inheritance. However, on immerging from the depths of their earthen domiciles, they discover that the devastation from the long forgotten war was complete, the very air so contaminated by its remaining pollutants that they are forced to retreat. However, this hideous war that destroyed the earth's surface, leaving it barren of plant and animal life, also unleashed another devastating atrocity. The dead have arisen, have clawed their way from beneath the ruble of a once thriving civilization and are seeking to sate their never ending hunger on the few remaining citizens of this planet of horrors. Is this infestation of the living dead and their seemingly intelligent destruction of the subterranean cities merely an accident of nature, or is a greater force propelling their ceaseless destruction? Will the answer be unearthed in time, or will the world that was once so civilized, so highly advanced in its technological purists, succumb to the dark forces of the Deadlands? The battle for Earth begins . . .
The enshrouding atmosphere of this novel was perpetually vivid; the numerous descriptions of the barren and heat scorched Earth were astounding in their surrealistic quality and easily conveyed the nightmarish perception of our planet gone awry. Despite the heavily laden atmosphere of morbidity and impending doom, the author still persisted in maintaining an aura of hope causing the characters' struggles to be more realistic and their personal dilemmas more relevant. Each elegantly worded phrase, each smoothly flowing sentence, conveyed the utter horror of the situation whilst maintaining an underlying tone of hope despite circumstances that are seemingly devoid of sanguineness.
The author refrained from employing stereotypical good and evil characters. Rather, each vivid character presented in this book, both the heroes and the villains, were thoroughly brought to life and contained both good and evil attributes causing them to appear more realistic and thus enhancing my reading experience. Although this novel boasts no great length (190 pages) and the author continually presented the reader with fast paced events never allowing the story to be pulled into a quagmire of inertia, the characterization was astoundingly complex thus lending an air of reality to an otherwise fanciful adventure. Instead of focusing on inconsequential details of the character's lives and uneventful circumstances inherent in their daily routines, their raw emotions - - - the very souls of the characters - - - were exposed to the reader revealing deep heartfelt emotions and poignant events causing them to become instantly endearing. I was completely immersed in the story and was able to feel deep concern for the plights of the individual characters and to understand their various emotions and actions. The main villain was chilling in his aura of haughty contempt and malignant intent. His actions and emotions were well detailed, although only briefly described, allowing the readers insight into his motivations and his devious machinations concerning the destruction of the human race.
The action in this novel was thoroughly described and the ceaseless adventures of the brave Guardsmen, attempting to save their brethren from another unmerciful onslaught of the gruesome atrocities that shambled across the sun scorched landscape, proved most stimulating. The author refrained from allowing uninteresting respites of trivia and thus, although admittedly short, the story conveyed an immense amount of action and a stunning display of poignant scenes within its mere 190 pages. I was pleased to note that no lull in the story was ever present thus this mesmerizing tribute to the horror genre maintained my full dedication until the last powerful sentence.
Although this novel was not replete with gruesomeness, there were numerous scenes where zombies were attacked and graphically decapitated therefore, I recommend that those who boast little tolerance for gore proceed with caution. Overall, I did not feel that the gruesome sequences detracted from the novel, nor were they over dramatized. Rather, they caused the story to have a distinct feel of urgency easily transmitting the character's fear laden emotions and doom laden premonitions to the entranced reader.
The most outstanding attribute of this consuming story of horror and hope was the highly original ideas that permeated every elegantly written page. The author expertly combined the crucial elements of extreme action, devastating sadness, shocking horror, uplifting persistence, and science fiction to create an outstanding story with extreme scope. As can be ascertained by reading the story synopsis this is not a typical tale of woebegone zombies mercilessly creating unessential mayhem. Rather, the unique plot and unfolding drama proved to be completely original and not only entertained the reader, but also caused serious questions to arise about modern warfare and unethical scientific endeavors thus lending this novel a chilling air of foreboding for the future.
Due to the original aspects of the novel, and the author's skill, further development in the story was never predictable causing me to be continually shocked by unfolding events as well as the numerous unexpected deaths of many of the characters. Be warned, the author does not follow the typical practice of allowing favored characters to escape death's grasp. Rather, he presents this novel in a more true to life fashion where the rain falls on both the just and the unjust.
As can be ascertained through my lengthy attempt to convey the surrealistic atmosphere and thoroughly mesmerizing plot of this novel, I was completely entranced and entertained throughout this poignant dedication to a world gone awry and the desperate struggle of its unfortunate denizens to bring peace and life to a decimated planet. Each aspect of this novel wove together like a brightly colored tapestry of great value to reveal the intricacy of humanity and the never ending struggle to right the numerous transgression of a corrupted world. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate grand scope and an all encompassing read fraught with drama and chilling realism.
(A NOTE ON THE BINDING) Unlike most paperback editions, this novel, although paperback is almost the size of a hardcover.
In the small town of Dandridge an ancient hatred is rekindled. A blinding desire for revenge, for freedom, for the ultimate power is born from the bla...moreIn the small town of Dandridge an ancient hatred is rekindled. A blinding desire for revenge, for freedom, for the ultimate power is born from the blackest heart filled with darkness and centuries old despair caused by a bleak existence devoid of humanity and compassion. An existence whose sole remaining purpose is to destroy everything that was once beautiful in the world. To create a necropolis; a vile circle ultimately leading into the spiraling chasm of living death where all life is consumed in the chaotic dance of power and vengeance, sorrow and confusion, and a mind altering evil so foul in its origins and ultimate desire as to be unthinkable. A world of despair, a world dominated and ruled by the feared Reaper and his fellow companions of darkness. The merciless cycle begins as formerly innocent citizens of the sleepy town of Dandridge claw themselves from their graves preying upon loved ones, upon neighbors and friends. As their ravenous craving for living flesh is sated, their former companions join the legion of the dead spreading more woe and suffering. At the centre of this bizarre tale are the few remaining citizens of an ever deteriorating world. Will these woebegone individuals be able to assuage their fear and grief as the tide of destruction consumes their lives and engulfs everything they ever believed in? Will they be able to defeat the powerful and ultimately evil Deathbringer and his necromantic schemes or will they soon be added to his growing legion of the dead? Will they forever be his blood thirsty minions prowling throughout their bleak existences satisfying their all consuming hunger and bitterness upon a world they once cherished or will they be able to end this reign of terror? Can the necropolis that has been created be ended and the world returned to its former orderliness or have the events that have transpired on this fateful night destroyed everything forever? Where will the destruction begun by one so vile, so long removed from any semblance of humanity, end? Shall darkness forever rule this world? The terrifying epic of a world gone awry has begun. . .
I was impressed by all aspects of this novel but was particularly enthralled by one such aspect to the point of being deeply drawn into the story. Instead of reading due to a general feeling of curiosity, I was drawn into the earth shattering events begun in Dandridge, and soon to spread worldwide by the characters' perceptions of the deterioration of all they ever held dear. As the merciless dead began to rise from their graves imbued with an abnormal strength never experienced in life added to an all-consuming desire to prey upon the living, they begin to torture and devour those they once loved in many graphic sequences. As the few remaining citizens of Dandridge namely Mike, Erin, Avery, and Melinda begin to discover the dire events that have mysteriously transpired on this seemingly innocuous night they are subjected to encountering the decayed parody of people they once loved returning from deep beneath their graves to consume those hapless individuals roaming the night, unaware of the circumstances that have re-animated the dead. Unlike many novels concentrated on zombies and their gruesome acts of gratuitous violence, the full horror of the situation and the strong emotional reactions of the people trapped within this hapless town was portrayed in a realistic fashion thus transforming what appears to be a fun novel of little substance into a disturbing realistic nightmare of shattering emotions and graphic gore completely enshrouded by an impenetrable aura of sadness. This having been stated, this novel is obviously not for the weak of heart and might prove so disturbing as to eliminate any enjoyment for those who are deeply effected by such raw emotions and so many vividly described dark concepts.
The characterization was expertly implemented allowing me to fully understand and appreciate each character. The raw pain of certain characters was so palpable as to prove contagious and the extreme evil and vileness of other characters, namely Melinda, was so well executed as to cause me to dream of vengeance. However, despite the extremely evil aspects inherent in some characters, the author was able to cause me to feel sympathy and sorrow for those I had previously abhorred by adding a simple statement or an overtly painful death. Even the zombies were fully characterized and I appreciated the unique twist on the zombie theme by allowing the living dead to retain their memories and desires from their previous life thus causing them to feel sorrow and loathing for their actions while still being unable to resist their ceaseless hunger which impels them to enact the vilest of deeds.
The conclusion of this novel was slightly confusing but still proved to be most satisfactory. I was unable to deduce any of the ending sequences until they transpired and was shocked by the poignant heartbreak and ceaseless sadness showcased throughout this novel.
The writing style employed throughout this melancholy work was exceedingly well executed and effortlessly conveyed the atmosphere of infinite sadness through the use of numerous evocative words and vivid metaphors. As many have already noted, the writing style is not relaxed, rather it is extremely erudite thus revealing the morbid atmosphere of the novel through weighty phrases and melancholy musings enshrouding the entirety of the story in a heavy pall of sorrow.
The doom laden atmosphere, bilious concepts, detailed sequences of death and torture, and general disturbing aura inherent in this novel cause me to advocate caution when approaching this story. This is not a fun zombie novel fraught with ludicrous sequences that often prove more amusing than horrifying, rather, the realistic portrayal and accurate descriptions of the characters' conflicting emotions might prove too heavy for the general reader. If you feel confidant that this novel will not prove too disturbing, its phenomenal plot, memorable characters, - - -both living and undead - - -, and fast pace will prove most entertaining and although I hesitate to label this novel as enjoyable, it never failed to maintain my interest and has caused me to develop an interest in the further works of this author.
"Eyes straining in the hellish gloom, he couldn't make out who was there. The figure leaned in, close enough for the foul stench of death, decay,...more"Eyes straining in the hellish gloom, he couldn't make out who was there. The figure leaned in, close enough for the foul stench of death, decay, and madness to be overpowering. Close enough for the man's tight-skinned face to become frighteningly clear. Close enough for the necklace of ragged, severed ears to dangle inches away, dissolving the scant remains of the doctor's sanity. Many leering faces pushed through the deep shadows to hover above him. He could only cackle a broken man's laughter as they descended, bringing horrific pain, then, eventually a much-sought release."
And so it begins, the descent into madness, the endless toil to survive in a world turned upside down by a cataclysmic plague that not only kills its victims, but first, slowly and unbearably, transforms them into psychotic killers. Against this plague, there is no cure, no balm in Gilead. The only hope for mankind is that this devastating disease is on another planet, a formerly peaceful colonization of earth. If only this plague can be examined from afar, perhaps cured with time, as long as it never infects earth. And so enters the Omni Corporation.
Gale, seasoned solider haunted by memories of a particularly devastating mission that claimed the life of the only women he ever loved, is instantly convinced of the need to begin a mission to Avaric, the diseased planet where plague victims now rule, not because of the planet's peril, but because of his brother. This beloved family member was aboard the Merlin, an orbiting space ship that agreed to help the devastated plague victims, only to be overrun and destroyed. Perhaps, if luck be with him, Gale will be able to arrive in time and save his brother. Or perhaps, something far more sinister is awaiting him in the dingy blood tinged corridors of the Merlin. Now, with the help of his fellow soldiers and his need to save, not slaughter, Gale embarks on a mission not only to save the earth, but himself as well. However, this odyssey is fraught with perils, deceptions, death, and the undead. Nothing will ever be the same again, not for Gale, not for his friends, and not for those whose restless sprits drift eternally through the blood drenched corridors of damnation. Watch, for it begins anew . . .
The Dead Shall Inherit the Earth is a strange tale; a tale that despite its unrealistic premise is somehow, magically, terrifyingly real. These incidents, these characters, these gruesome abominations, are presented in such a manner as to forcefully impact the reader with a full and unimaginably deep horror. How this magic is accomplished is a mystery to the reader for the tale is seamless, short, and relentlessly effecting. Through some indefinable talent, through some trick of presentation, the author manages to convey an atmosphere rich with paranoia, melancholy, the ultimate horrors, and visions that only could be created in a nightmare realm. "This is real, this is all true." This mantra relentlessly runs through the reader's mind throughout the tale, convincing them of the urgency and peril of the story allowing them to enter a world so disturbing, so shockingly appalling, and so devastatingly terrifying as to invade the reader's dreams and chill their waking hours. Rarely can a simple novel achieve such rich atmosphere, such vividness, and yet, such unending depression that will most certainly make the reader's waking hours bleakly sorrowful. Truly, this is not for the weak of heart.
Combined with this aura of paranoia is the relentless, fast paced, and utterly unpredictable plot that is astounding in both its complexity and almost flawless presentation. The concept is original, well explained, and suitably melancholy presenting the reader with a tale of woe that not only scares, but emotionally impacts as well. The characters matter, we want to see them happy, we want to follow their sojourns through the realms of darkness, we want to know how their story ends and therefore, we cannot abandon them even long enough to finish the pressing demands in our daily lives. We must follow them. We have an emotional connection to all of them that demands our attention and our endless weeping for yes, we must shed tears for them.
The unpredictability and the refreshing uniqueness of the tale leads to many unexpected revelations that are so shocking and deeply evil as to appall the reader, causing them to long for reparation so that our characters may have some small measure of peace for enduring a living hell. What these revelations are, I am unable to reveal, else they would give away too much of the plot. Let it be sufficient to say that the reader will be most pleased with the outcome, and will, undoubtedly, be deeply effected by the conclusion of the tale.
The writing style was appropriate and easily evoked the horror of the situation faced by our characters. However, the author did make one minute error concerning the dialogue. The novel was often somewhat nebulous as to who was talking, creating much confusion until the reader became accustomed to the author's style and adjusted accordingly.
A Warning: For those of a squeamish disposition, I feel it only fair to warn you that this tale is excessively gory taking visceral horror to an extreme. This tale does not contain the normal gore seen in other horror novels, but rather takes gruesomeness to an extreme repeatedly. Not for the faint of heart.
Concluding Thoughts: A horror tale without parallel, The Dead Shall Inherit the Earth possess a rich, vivid, and melancholy plot coupled with characters that truly make the reader care. While the excessive gore and depressive aura might turn away faint hearted readers, true horror fans should be suitably enthralled by the atmosphere and story of a modern horror masterpiece. Highly recommended.
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