Jesper Schmidt's Blog - Posts Tagged "dragonlance"
Review: Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance Chronicles)
It has been about thirty years since I first read the Dragonlance Chronicles.
At the time, I absolutely adored this series. These books got me into reading fantasy, and perhaps they had a part to play in how I ended up as a fantasy author myself.
Dragonlance has always been important to me.
Hence, when I decided to re-read Dragons of Autumn Twilight, the first book in the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, it was with a certain portion of dread.
You see… I was concerned to have my wonderful childhood memories destroyed, that the books weren’t as good as I remembered, that the test of time would be too harsh.
Let me share my thoughts.
First, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is set in the world of Krynn.
A fantastical realm full of magic, dragons, and species anyone who is familiar with Dungeons and Dragons will recognize instantly. A roleplaying game set in the world of Krynn was developed too.
And just as it’s commonplace in any RPG game, we get to follow a group of friends who must band together to face the return of evil to the land.
The story takes its beginning with the reunion of Tanis, Sturm, Raistlin, Caramon, Tasslehoff, Flint, and Goldmoon in the town of Solace. They have been separated for many years and the scene playing out at the Inn is one that I recall vividly – even now, thirty years later.
Wonderful writing where you instantly get a feel for each of the characters.
Upon discovering a blue crystal staff with the power to heal, they soon find themselves on a quest to uncover the true meaning behind the staff – and the mysterious blue moon that has appeared in the sky.
Throughout their journey, the companions face many challenges and obstacles, including fierce battles with dragons, goblins, and other evil creatures.
As in any good story, they of course also encounter new friends and allies along the way, such as the half-elf Laurana and the knight Gilthanas.
When it comes to worldbuilding and lore, this book really stands out.
I understand that many of the details might seem commonplace nowadays, but this book was written in a different time. It should be judged in this context too.
The authors created a vast and complex world filled with unique cultures, races, and magical elements.
With a plot containing enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, you go along on an adventure with well-developed characters and each have their own distinct personality and background.
I cannot write a review about Dragonlance without spending a few words on my favorite character (perhaps all-time favorite) and that’s Raistlin.
He is so complex.
Despite the love for his brother, you are never quite sure if he is good or evil. Nor what happened in the past to make his health so poor.
If nothing else, this book is worth reading just because of Raistlin. He is THAT good a character.
Speaking of Raistlin and his brother Caramon, the novel is at its core a story about friendship and camaraderie.
The companions have a deep bond that is tested throughout, and are kept realistic and believable, adding emotional depth to the plot.
So, what do I think, now thirty years later?
Well, I’ve probably already given away how much I enjoyed this revisit to the world of Krynn.
Sure, the writing style is a bit different compared to present day, and despite some instances of head-hopping (when the reader is bouncing from one character’s thoughts to another in the same scene), it doesn’t take away from how Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a fantastic start to the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy.
It has everything a fantasy reader could want: magic, dragons, battles, friendship, and adventure. It is a classic tale of good versus evil, but with unique twists and memorable characters that make it stand out in the genre.
Highly recommended for fans of high fantasy.
At the time, I absolutely adored this series. These books got me into reading fantasy, and perhaps they had a part to play in how I ended up as a fantasy author myself.
Dragonlance has always been important to me.
Hence, when I decided to re-read Dragons of Autumn Twilight, the first book in the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, it was with a certain portion of dread.
You see… I was concerned to have my wonderful childhood memories destroyed, that the books weren’t as good as I remembered, that the test of time would be too harsh.
Let me share my thoughts.
First, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is set in the world of Krynn.
A fantastical realm full of magic, dragons, and species anyone who is familiar with Dungeons and Dragons will recognize instantly. A roleplaying game set in the world of Krynn was developed too.
And just as it’s commonplace in any RPG game, we get to follow a group of friends who must band together to face the return of evil to the land.
The story takes its beginning with the reunion of Tanis, Sturm, Raistlin, Caramon, Tasslehoff, Flint, and Goldmoon in the town of Solace. They have been separated for many years and the scene playing out at the Inn is one that I recall vividly – even now, thirty years later.
Wonderful writing where you instantly get a feel for each of the characters.
Upon discovering a blue crystal staff with the power to heal, they soon find themselves on a quest to uncover the true meaning behind the staff – and the mysterious blue moon that has appeared in the sky.
Throughout their journey, the companions face many challenges and obstacles, including fierce battles with dragons, goblins, and other evil creatures.
As in any good story, they of course also encounter new friends and allies along the way, such as the half-elf Laurana and the knight Gilthanas.
When it comes to worldbuilding and lore, this book really stands out.
I understand that many of the details might seem commonplace nowadays, but this book was written in a different time. It should be judged in this context too.
The authors created a vast and complex world filled with unique cultures, races, and magical elements.
With a plot containing enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, you go along on an adventure with well-developed characters and each have their own distinct personality and background.
I cannot write a review about Dragonlance without spending a few words on my favorite character (perhaps all-time favorite) and that’s Raistlin.
He is so complex.
Despite the love for his brother, you are never quite sure if he is good or evil. Nor what happened in the past to make his health so poor.
If nothing else, this book is worth reading just because of Raistlin. He is THAT good a character.
Speaking of Raistlin and his brother Caramon, the novel is at its core a story about friendship and camaraderie.
The companions have a deep bond that is tested throughout, and are kept realistic and believable, adding emotional depth to the plot.
So, what do I think, now thirty years later?
Well, I’ve probably already given away how much I enjoyed this revisit to the world of Krynn.
Sure, the writing style is a bit different compared to present day, and despite some instances of head-hopping (when the reader is bouncing from one character’s thoughts to another in the same scene), it doesn’t take away from how Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a fantastic start to the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy.
It has everything a fantasy reader could want: magic, dragons, battles, friendship, and adventure. It is a classic tale of good versus evil, but with unique twists and memorable characters that make it stand out in the genre.
Highly recommended for fans of high fantasy.
