Dragonstar

Winterlands #4

by Barbara Hambly

The novels of New York Times bestselling author Barbara Hambly have broken new ground in the realm of fantasy. With a sweeping cast of characters whose powers are both awesome and heartachingly limited, the Dragon series is built around the touching relationship between a husband and wife separated by a flood of violence and chaos.

Condemned to die for consorting with demons, dragonslayer Lord John Aversin sits in a dank prison cell and calculates the odds of escape, while smelling the smoke of the executioners’ pyres. In Winterlands, Jenny Waynest pays a heavy price for choosing to be human, mourning the loss of her husband, Lord John, and the dangers that engulf her family. But in a season of the Dragon Star, strange miracles are about to transpire.

As a pitched battle between the Hellspawn and the human rages, Jenny and John will be reunited in a city under siege. And there, they will have one last chance to understand all that has happened to them and why, who their true enemies and true allies are, and most of all, for what magical purpose each has been chosen.

A vast adventure and a powerful mystery teeming with demons and witches, gnomes and dragons, Dragonstar explores profound issues of faith, fate, and technology–while obscuring long held boundaries between good and evil, love and hate, what is human and what is fantastic. With this glorious finale to a breathtaking series, Barbara Hambly establishes herself as one of the most visionary and inventive storytellers in the field of fantasy fiction today.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adult

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

aka Barbara Hamilton

Ranging from fantasy to historical fiction, Barbara Hambly has a masterful way of spinning a story. Her twisty plots involve memorable characters, lavish descriptions, scads of novel words, and interesting devices. Her work spans the Star Wars universe, antebellum New Orleans, and various fantasy worlds, sometimes linked with our own.


"I always wanted to be a writer but everyone kept telling me it was impossible to break into the field or make money. I've proven them wrong on both counts."
-Barbara Hambly

Reviews

[Bookwraiths · Rating 2 out of 5]

One reviewer on Amazon stated that Dragonstar “. . . almost seems to have been written as an apology to fans for the gloom of the first two books.” And I have to one hundred 100) percent agree with that assessment.

Here, Hambly begins by John Aversin and Jenny Waynest being rescued from their own particular “hell.” Instantaneously, these two people, who have been not very nice to one another for two books, patch their relationship back up, promising that they will give it their all to mend the fences between them

Wham bam, it is all under the bridge man!

Hey, maybe those two other books were just a dream?

Naw. Hambly can’t erase two books. So what she does is tied things up a bit, throw in some other characters being twisted around (Gareth most notably), add a final battle between the demons and everyone else, and ends the series on a good note.

Dragonstar is probably an apology to fans as that other reviewer suggested. It definitely reads better than the last two books, but, even with Hambly attempting to put a good spin on things, I cannot encourage anyone to read this book. I found the whole series a grind and depressing as hell. Honestly, I doubt I would have ever finished these three books except for the fact I had been given them as a gift. So if you want to read a good Hambly series go find The Time of the Dark trilogy and two later books. Those are good. Or maybe the Sun Hawk and Starhawk books. Basically anything else Barbara Hambly has ever written. Just not this book or this trilogy.

[William Leight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a satisfying conclusion to the series, in which Hambly manages to tie up all her loose ends and make the character of Morkeleb, who seemed increasingly marginal in the previous two books, make sense again. He turns out to be an avatar of the necessity of accepting change, which is revealed (well, revealed to those who didn't notice it cropping up in the previous two books) as the theme of the trilogy. Those who are willing to change, and indeed embrace the possibility of doing so, are rewarded: those who won't change are stuck in a dead end at best, and at worst are eaten by remorseless creatures from one of the various Hells John went through in the previous book. By including Aohila in the former category Hambly makes it clear that this applies to everybody, demons included (as well as clearing up some mysteries from the previous book). Still, it is the return of Jenny's magical powers, believed lost, that most firmly cements the theme in place and connects back most strongly to the first book's emphasis on Jenny's struggle to define herself. In the first book, she was trying to find a work-life balance: in the subsequent trilogy, she is trying to come to terms with getting older. In a way, the trilogy just follows Jenny's mid-life crisis: the demons offer her the illusion of the youth that she is losing, which is why she has so much trouble coming to terms with the end of her possession. By finally rejecting it and the possibility of it ever happening again, she is able to also reject her fear of aging and acquire new powers to replace the lost ones of her youth. Even if it did nothing else -- and it does a lot more -- this series would be useful for the way in which it makes clear that the themes of fantasy (at least, good fantasy) are really the same as the themes of realist fiction (at least, good realist fiction): if the methods are different, the end results are equally valid.

[Mitchel Kajiura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only worth reading if you're Winterlands completionist. John and Jenny are incredible characters and I adore them, but the story surrounding them is convoluted, confusing and doesn't have much payoff. It's been so long since I read Dragonsbane, but from what I remember, it was great. One should just read that book on its own as a standalone novel and ignore it's three sequels.

[Eremite · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice conclusion to the series. Though I suspect I could have been satisfied stopping after the first book and never meddling with this whole demonic possession trilogy.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what happened to this series, but at least for this and the previous book, it really seems like Hambly is just stretching things out as far as possible. There'll be a sentence of dialog, then 3 paragraphs of random descriptions that have little to do with the point, do nothing to further the story, and are just repeating things from previous books. Look, Barbara, we get it...the Winterlands are a sucky place to live, Jenny has hot flashes and mixed feelings about motherhood, and John is super curious and very disorganized. We don't need a rehash of each character's bio and motivations every time they're on screen.

At least 30% of the story is told through dream sequences now, which is the ultimate bad writer's crutch, IMO. How does John know what's going on in that other city? He saw it in a dream. How does Jenny know something's stalking her kids? Yep, she dreamed it.

And frankly, Jenny's constantly shifting powers are super-annoying. Yesterday she had godlike "dragon-magic", today she can't light a match, tomorrow she'll be totally helpless...until she spends some time meditating and realizes there's yet more magic in her somewhere, even after we're told repeatedly that all magic was burned out of her the day before. And Morkeleb has become the ultimate Mary Sue, swooping in randomly at the last second to save everyone multiple times in every book. Wait, how does a 60-ft long dragon get into some of these places? Well, he's somehow mutated into some kind of uber-dragon now, who has the ability to shapeshift, including into human shape, at which time he's basically a carbon copy of Don Simon Ysidro from Hambly's vampire books, complete with the requisite sexual tension with the married female lead. *Yawn*. About the only super power he hasn't manifested yet is time travel, but I'm sure that's coming.

I feel like everything after the first book needs a serious edit job. Or better yet, Hambly should've just left well enough alone and kept "Dragonsbane" a standalone novel.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure if this is the case in all editions or not, but the edition I read included a summary of the first three books before the book properly started. The tone of this book is much closer to the original Dragonsbane, so here's what I'd actually recommend:

If you like Dragonsbane and want to continue, read reviews for Dragonshadow. If you think that book likely isn't for you but still want to read more of Jenny and John, skip straight to Dragonstar. You'll get the summary of what happened in the previous books, which is enough to understand the story.

Full disclosure: I did enjoy the two middle books (most people seem to regret reading them) but they were hard to read at times. The content is very dark, which I knew ahead of time per a review - but even knowing that, I had trouble at points. I do think the middle books are good (I loved seeing more about how dragons think, especially compared to Morkaleb), but they are definitely not for most people and will leave you hurt. Dragonstar does not.

This book does talk about some of the darker things that happened in the previous two, but not quite as harshly, and there are more good feelings in general. This is still a book about demons, though, who continue to do what demons do. So if that whole concept is upsetting for you, then just read Dragonsbane and leave it at that.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this series over the last few months, starting with Dragonsbane in February. The first is still the best book in the series largely because it is self-contained and introduces the characters. It is also the most traditional fantasy in the series. The trilogy that is the sequel to this first book has issues common to all series--a good deal of information is delivered many times. One of the main themes of the trilogy is demonic possession with clear parallels to addiction drawn. The demons thrive on inflicting pain, and if they can make their victims enjoy their degradation, all the better. Obviously, this makes many scenes in the trilogy unpleasant. Given that this is a rare theme in fantasy, this is a clear bonus for the series.

The final book, Dragonstar, brings the series to a satisfying conclusion. I believe that the author wrote some stories with the main characters. I may seek these out, but I really see no need for a new novel. Glad to see that Hambly has moved on to broader success.

This book is rated R. Overall, the series has adult concerns and the characterizations are complex. Later books in the series have strong sexual content not suitable for kids.

[Sam M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the second one in this series randomly at a free book swap because I liked the 70s cover art. I still haven’t read the first. This is the last as far as I know. these books (the winterlands series) are basically exactly the reason I constantly sift through older SFF. These are so modern and genius. Barbara hambly has just stunning characters and a real no rules approach to her world - everything feels so real because it seems like it’s just uncompromisingly what she wants. The demon possession stuff is good and complicated and weird. The two leads are good and layered and dynamic. The romance is heart wrenching and fulfilling. The stakes are executed perfectly. The dragons feel weird and magical and original. The setting is impressionistic but feels full and well rounded. The magic system is gorgeous. I think this is some of the best fantasy I’ll ever read. There’s so much I want to steal from this. Proper heroics, John aversin is a pitch perfect Sam vimes esque dry wit badass outdone only by his wife Jenny, who is just untouchable as a character. These books are so perfect I could gush about them forever and I’m going to spend a lot of time trying to replicate what she’s pulled off here.

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am rounding off to give it three stars because the concept of dragons in this book is original and interesting. More like 2.65 stars for me. We all know how the book is going to end, but how we get there makes for at least decent enough reading to keep my interest enough to finish the book. It is my guess that this was the last book in the series, as all the major demons and their minions are destroyed by the shiny things and they move forward to explore other worlds/hells/realities, whatever. At least the skeptical John makes for interesting reading for me at least. We can only hope that there is nothing further for this particular world, book wise at least.

P.s. Yup, nothing further, just a couple novelettes and they dont count

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Hambly fare, with nothing coming easily to Jenny and John as they battle the demon hordes of Folcalor and Adromelech. She adds an interesting twist to reach the conclusion of this fine series.

[Dragonaion · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfactory, but quick, end to a story that had minor loose ends and felt like a mix of too many genres thrown into it one series. I felt the need to finish the story and read what happened, but I wasn't driven to hunt down the next book.

The best parts of the series, though? Having an older heroine (finally, a woman older than 20!) is refreshing and the development and description of her dragons is unique and enjoyable.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much the same as other books in the series, kind of nudged up to 5 because I liked the series as a whole so much. Great character arcs, more enjoying the relationships. Still the issue that it is at times hard to understand what is happening, but so swept up in the page-turner-yness that it doesn't really matter.

[Kes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this out of a completionist urge to finish the quartet - the good thing is that there is a happy ending with the demons banished - it's hinted that it's due to the demon queen's actions. I like the thought of Jenny and John living happily ever after.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It ended well, but was tedious getting there.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more grown-up fantasy series than what I usually read. Dragons, gnomes, demons, mages, betrayals, and agonizing decisions. I'm sad that it's done!

[James Hazel III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark magic, demons and humanity collide

The conclusion to the 4 part series answers all your questions to a well laid plot of demon lies and dragon magic

[tin_foil_tinnu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this series kind of went downhill.

[David B]

I enjoyed this book more than the 2nd and 3rd. Overall, it was a really good series and I would recommend reading it.

[Sophie Laws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many demons, not enough dragons

[sabisteb aka callisto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieser Band steht ganz unter dem großen Thema der Selbstfindung. Jenny hat ihre Magie immer noch nicht zurückgewonnen bis sie zu sich selbst findet und sich akzeptiert wie sie ist und lernt ihre Kräfte aus ihrer Vergangeheit, ihrer Gegenwart und ihrem Selbst zu schöpfen.
Die Dämonen haben eine Seuche ins Königreich Bel geschickt und begonnen die Körper der Toten zu übernehmen. Der letzte Kampf unter dem Drachenstern hat begonnen und nur Jenny, John und Morkeleb können das Unheil noch abwenden.

Meine Meinung:
Barbara Hamblys Geschichten sind komplex und vielschichtig. Ihre Charaktäre haben schächen und Probleme, an denen sie teils fast zu zerbrechen drohen. Die ganze Reihe ist recht düster und auch zum Schluss ist kein wahres Happy End erreicht, aber die Protagonisten haben gelernt mit dem Vergangenen und den Folgen zu leben.
Auch Morkeleb, der schwarze Drache, lernt in jedem Band dazu. Er lernt, was es beudetet zu lieben und als er dem Gold und der Magie entsagt und zum Drachenschatten wird, lernt er auch was es bedeutet menschlich zu sein. Er ist kein Drache mehr aber auch kein Drachenschatten, er ist was er ist und ist damit zurfrieden.
Ich mag die Bücher von Barbara Hambly sehr und kann diese Reihe durchaus empfehlen. Intelligente Fantasy mit wenig Klischees.

Band 2-4 schließen absolut nahtlos aneinander an und könnten auch als ein Buch angesehen werden. Besonders Band 3 und 4 sollten in einem Rutsch gelesen werden da diese wirklich den Eindruck eines in zwei Bäde geteilten einzelnen Buches machen und Band 4 genau da ansetzt wo Band 3 endete: Bei John im Kerker kurz bevor er auf den Scheiterhaufen kommt.

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished my reread of this series--well worth it. High stakes, tension, wonderful world-building and at the center of it all two mature characters, married couple John Aversin and Jenny Waynest.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a favorite series for me and I've prolonged this read as long as I could. Love the characters. There is bookish John, so near-sighted that he cannot see much without his glasses, and Jenny, his wife who has magic enough to be a dragon but chose to remain a human because she loved John so much. And there is Jenny's dragon friend, Morkeleb, who has forsaken magic and gold to become a Dragonshadow whatever that is. Their kingdom is being invaded by demons who bring some dead humans back to life while sacrificing others for pleasure and capturing souls to strengthen their wicked magic. And the wonderful characters must work together to defeat the demons and save the kingdom. Fun, fun read!

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final entry in the Winterlands series, as far as I know. Smart, and at times horrifying fantasy novel involving a war of demons where dragons and humans are nothing but pawns -- and know it. Plenty of action, dire doings, and some truly scary moments. Also, one of the best love stories that I have encountered in any genre. Not for the younger set, and it is advised that the earlier novels in the series be read before this one. Four stars overall, recommended.

For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Dragon...

(I have no idea why the title is repeated in the header...)

[Korynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those readers who have read all the previous volumes this 4th book is long-awaited fulfilling conclusion. There is a epic fight against demons. There is love and death, trial and escape, dragons and gnomes and best of all, hope and healing. To a realm and characters greatly wracked by events in previous volumes, it is a greatly satifying relief, I'm sure.

[Pkeets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I love the way Barbara Hambly makes here characters seem so alive and entertaining. It's part of a series that I've recently discovered, and I had to look for all of them. The characters struggle against the evils and problems within their own lives. They suffer losses, but managed to prevail in the end.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returned somewhat to the first book’s form but perhaps a case of too little too late after two less enjoyable intervening books.

[Abigail Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED the book. I LOVE the series. I wish there were more, even though at times the stories would slow and kind of drag on. Still, the characters are lovable and there is a great sense of humor woven in.

[Benjamin Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adequate ending to a series which unfortunately never managed to live up to the potential hinted at in its first book.

Full review (with spoilers) at my blog.

[Jason Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Hambly does an amazing feat rarely seen in this book. She brings her sweeping series to a satisfying conclusion without having that 'tick off the loose ends' feel to it.

[Helen Fleischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

fast-paced, less coherent than rest of series