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The Bronze Canticles #2
Mystic Quest
Thrice upon a time, three worlds were in peril... New York Times bestselling author Tracy Hickman and Dragonlance cocreator Laura Hickman present the continuing story of their monumental, enthralling epic fantasy
Thrice upon a time, three champions will find one destiny...
In the course of more than two decades, Galen Arvad's tiny band of outlaw Mystics has grown into a nation of secret clans, despite fierce persecution by the Pir theocracy and the dragons that have enslaved humanity. On another world, the faery Dwynwyn saved her people by raising an army of the dead, but now none of the corpses can rest...and the sheer number of their tormented legions threatens the faery kingdoms. While on the third world, the tyrannical King Mimic's domination is threatened by a warrior maiden whose thirst for conquest exceeds his own. Yet through the magic of the dreams that link their worlds, a new wind blows, beckoning each of them into unknown lands with the promise of salvation, sanctuary, and power.
For Galen's war-weary son, Caelith, the slender hope takes the form of a stranger's vow to lead him and his people to the sanctuary of a lost empire-the legendary ancestral home of the Mystics. Dwynwyn seeks salvation of her people through a small fellowship of Fae who must journey to a distant land of unquenchable horror-where their truth can bring peace to the living and the dead. As for the wizard-goblin Thux, newly and unwillingly appointed Technomancer to King Mimic, his journey to the Ogre citadel may bring him to the height of power and danger-if his own allies do not kill him first. Now three bands of heroes embark on odysseys beset by outer tragedy and inner betrayal. For each to survive, all must succeed-for all three worlds face the same cunning evil...
Thrice upon a time, three champions will find one destiny...
In the course of more than two decades, Galen Arvad's tiny band of outlaw Mystics has grown into a nation of secret clans, despite fierce persecution by the Pir theocracy and the dragons that have enslaved humanity. On another world, the faery Dwynwyn saved her people by raising an army of the dead, but now none of the corpses can rest...and the sheer number of their tormented legions threatens the faery kingdoms. While on the third world, the tyrannical King Mimic's domination is threatened by a warrior maiden whose thirst for conquest exceeds his own. Yet through the magic of the dreams that link their worlds, a new wind blows, beckoning each of them into unknown lands with the promise of salvation, sanctuary, and power.
For Galen's war-weary son, Caelith, the slender hope takes the form of a stranger's vow to lead him and his people to the sanctuary of a lost empire-the legendary ancestral home of the Mystics. Dwynwyn seeks salvation of her people through a small fellowship of Fae who must journey to a distant land of unquenchable horror-where their truth can bring peace to the living and the dead. As for the wizard-goblin Thux, newly and unwillingly appointed Technomancer to King Mimic, his journey to the Ogre citadel may bring him to the height of power and danger-if his own allies do not kill him first. Now three bands of heroes embark on odysseys beset by outer tragedy and inner betrayal. For each to survive, all must succeed-for all three worlds face the same cunning evil...
608 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
18 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Hickman
453 books2,733 followersNYT Best-selling fantasy authors Tracy Hickman, with his wife Laura, began their journey across the 'Sea of Possibilities' as the creators of 'Dragonlance' and their voyage continues into new areas with the 'Drakis' trilogy, 'Wayne of Gotham', a Batman novel for DC Comics and his
'Dragon's Bard' collector's series
. Tracy has over fifty books currently in print in most languages around the world. A record of both Tracy and Laura's DNA currently orbits on the international space station and he is the writer and editor of the first science-fiction movie actually filmed in space. Follow us on
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 7, 2010
The best thing about this series is the link between the three worlds and how the use of magic and it's effects in one world impacts on the other two.
What doesn't work for me with this series is character motivation.
I don't understand what the problem with Jorgan is. He's a tormented character but from the little of his background that can be gleaned in the book, I don't understand why. The same with Caelith.
As for the god, his motivation for all the trouble he's caused is never defined clearly. The characters are told, instead, that they couldn't comprehend the magnitude of what a god is and so all they can see is a small boy who likes causing trouble.
I always think that introducing gods into a story can be a weakness. As mortals, what do we really know about the way of gods? Is it enough to give them special powers and human vices or virtues?
I will read the third book in the series, but in terms of character (what I most look forward to in a book), I'm disappointed by the series.
What doesn't work for me with this series is character motivation.
I don't understand what the problem with Jorgan is. He's a tormented character but from the little of his background that can be gleaned in the book, I don't understand why. The same with Caelith.
As for the god, his motivation for all the trouble he's caused is never defined clearly. The characters are told, instead, that they couldn't comprehend the magnitude of what a god is and so all they can see is a small boy who likes causing trouble.
I always think that introducing gods into a story can be a weakness. As mortals, what do we really know about the way of gods? Is it enough to give them special powers and human vices or virtues?
I will read the third book in the series, but in terms of character (what I most look forward to in a book), I'm disappointed by the series.
June 23, 2023
2.5 stars
April 23, 2013
The Goblins really add to the fun of this series!
"Future students of my theories would no doubt like to know the thought processes underlying my conclusions and selected observations as I stand here. That's too bad because I don't have any...science, what I have learned, is largely a matter of speculation and discovering which parts of research pay really well."
~Thux, Head of research, House of Books Goblins (H.O.B. Goblin)
"Future students of my theories would no doubt like to know the thought processes underlying my conclusions and selected observations as I stand here. That's too bad because I don't have any...science, what I have learned, is largely a matter of speculation and discovering which parts of research pay really well."
~Thux, Head of research, House of Books Goblins (H.O.B. Goblin)
July 21, 2017
It got hard to care about what was happening towards the end. I usually find myself at least curious about what we happen in the next book, but I don't care about the final book in this series. It started interesting enough. though.
February 1, 2024
6.75/10
We find mostly new characters and a time jump of 25+ years in this second book of the Bronze Canticles trilogy; neither poses a problem in terms of the story but little is explained about what what has happened in the intervening years.
Strengths: The whole concept of the overlaying of three worlds occupying the same space, connected by the Dream and the Deep Magic/Sharajentei/Techomancy (human/fae/goblin forms of magic). None of the mystics who wield these powers really understand them but are learning to use them, not always wisely or for the greater good of all. A diverse cast of characters within each of the worlds. A complex plot laced with ambition, regret, secrets, fears, hopes, loyalty, and love. Some unique plot devices (the fae’s bubble beneath the sea, for example) and plot twists. Three climaxes (one per world).
Weakness: Over-reliance on some stereotypes/tropes. Characters who refuse to talk to each other when a bit of communication would certainly not only make sense but be realistically more likely to happen than not (looking at you, Caelith and Eryn, Caelith and Jorgan, really—Caelith and anyone!!). Not quite enough explanation of . And if It is confusing who is depicted in the fresco as well.
Hoping book 3 ties up all the threads in a satisfying way.
We find mostly new characters and a time jump of 25+ years in this second book of the Bronze Canticles trilogy; neither poses a problem in terms of the story but little is explained about what what has happened in the intervening years.
Strengths: The whole concept of the overlaying of three worlds occupying the same space, connected by the Dream and the Deep Magic/Sharajentei/Techomancy (human/fae/goblin forms of magic). None of the mystics who wield these powers really understand them but are learning to use them, not always wisely or for the greater good of all. A diverse cast of characters within each of the worlds. A complex plot laced with ambition, regret, secrets, fears, hopes, loyalty, and love. Some unique plot devices (the fae’s bubble beneath the sea, for example) and plot twists. Three climaxes (one per world).
Weakness: Over-reliance on some stereotypes/tropes. Characters who refuse to talk to each other when a bit of communication would certainly not only make sense but be realistically more likely to happen than not (looking at you, Caelith and Eryn, Caelith and Jorgan, really—Caelith and anyone!!). Not quite enough explanation of . And if It is confusing who is depicted in the fresco as well.
Hoping book 3 ties up all the threads in a satisfying way.
March 4, 2022
I had read the first book in this series many years ago when it first came out but was turned off from this sequel when I saw it had a time-jump and wasn't a direct continuation of those events. Since I waited so long to finally finish this, I've mostly gotten over that original upset and was able to enjoy the new cast of characters and the evolution of the various settings. Since this novel includes three separate worlds connected by a sort of dream world from which characters gain inspiration and magic, there are three complete stories to be told. I think I liked the faery and goblin stories more in this one than I did the human story, which is a direct reversal of my interests in the first novel. However, the conclusions of each storyline fell a little flat to me. I want to see what happens, especially in the human world, right after the ending, but I fear the final book in the series will jump ahead in time again, and I won't get to see the immediate aftereffects.
May 19, 2017
This is much better than the first. The writing style is still difficult to deal with bouncing around like it does, but this one wasn't as confusing. I like that we came together in the three worlds at the end to solve everything.
July 31, 2017
You have to really pay attention to enjoy this series, though all plot elements eventually come together; nice take on the worlds of the faeries, goblins, and humans, all of which I personally believe exist somewhere ...
November 29, 2021
I really liked this book, but it took some getting used to at first because there was such a time jump from the first book to this one. I want to know what happened in between! Still was really entertaining and I can't wait to see how the series ends!
August 22, 2018
Muchas emociones, Thux muy ingenioso, un nuevi orador de los dragones, todo bien... Voy a por el último de la trilogía. :3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
Was a bit confusing at times but parts were excellent.
October 13, 2021
DNF - badly written, annoying characters, and boring plot
November 5, 2025
Honestly not sure what was happening in the last 10% of the book
July 31, 2012
When I was in fifth grade (here I go again with another nostalgia story, so bear with me a minute), my mother gifted me the Dragonlance series for Christmas. I had never heard of it, but she knew I liked to read, so what the heck? It took me until eighth grade to finish all three books in the series, mainly because I wasn't a big fantasy fan. Never got into the whole Dungeons & Dragons craze--but I loved Dragonlance! The characters were so memorable: Tanis, Raistlin, Tasselhoff, Cameron, Riverwind, Tika, Goldmoon. When I finished the third and final book, I felt that magical feeling of saying goodbye to old friends. Yes, Dragonlance was a great series.
Since then, I have tried to find that magic in other fantasy series. I tried reading some of the Dragonlance spinoffs but quickly lost interest. It just wasn't the same without the whole gang. So, when my brother-in-law handed me all three books in this trilogy with a glowing recommendation, I took one look at the authors (Tracy Hickman wrote the Dragonlance series) and decided to give fantasy another try. Sadly, I haven't found the magic here, either.
I think the reason I don't like fantasy is because 1) there are too many characters with hard-to-pronounce names; 2) there is too much back story and too many references to historical battles that go way over my head; and 3) there are too many moving pieces with characters, events, and places intertwined with each other to the point of confusion. More than a few times, I wished that this series had a glossary that I could reference. There are so many characters and so much going on in this book, that it gets very confusing.
Without cheating by looking at a summary on Amazon or reading reviews by other readers, I couldn't really tell you what is going on in this series. I know that several races of creatures are on some sort of quest to Calsandria. There also seems to be an intermingling of three separate worlds, of which I am still not clear. There was a city of the dead and a lonely queen in charge of it, which held my interest for a few pages. But the standout threads of the story for me were those about Thux the engineering goblin and his adventures in the land of the ogres. Thux masters the giant Titans, which are some sort of giant robot things left behind by an ancient race. (I wouldn't mind reading a series starring Thux.) There was even a well-spoken dragon at the end that I didn't even realize was a dragon. (I prefer my dragons, if they speak at all, to use broken English and guttural sounds.)
Although this series really doesn't do it for me and gets a two-star rating for being ass-over-elbow confusing, I will continue on to the third book because I'm one of those readers who has to stay until the bitter end. Thux will be back for the final installment, and I'm interested to see how things turn out with him. As far as clarity in the final book, who knows?
If you're a diehard fantasy fan, you've probably already read everything from Tracy Hickman. If you're not, I would recommend checking out the Dragonlance series before getting into this series. Regards!
Since then, I have tried to find that magic in other fantasy series. I tried reading some of the Dragonlance spinoffs but quickly lost interest. It just wasn't the same without the whole gang. So, when my brother-in-law handed me all three books in this trilogy with a glowing recommendation, I took one look at the authors (Tracy Hickman wrote the Dragonlance series) and decided to give fantasy another try. Sadly, I haven't found the magic here, either.
I think the reason I don't like fantasy is because 1) there are too many characters with hard-to-pronounce names; 2) there is too much back story and too many references to historical battles that go way over my head; and 3) there are too many moving pieces with characters, events, and places intertwined with each other to the point of confusion. More than a few times, I wished that this series had a glossary that I could reference. There are so many characters and so much going on in this book, that it gets very confusing.
Without cheating by looking at a summary on Amazon or reading reviews by other readers, I couldn't really tell you what is going on in this series. I know that several races of creatures are on some sort of quest to Calsandria. There also seems to be an intermingling of three separate worlds, of which I am still not clear. There was a city of the dead and a lonely queen in charge of it, which held my interest for a few pages. But the standout threads of the story for me were those about Thux the engineering goblin and his adventures in the land of the ogres. Thux masters the giant Titans, which are some sort of giant robot things left behind by an ancient race. (I wouldn't mind reading a series starring Thux.) There was even a well-spoken dragon at the end that I didn't even realize was a dragon. (I prefer my dragons, if they speak at all, to use broken English and guttural sounds.)
Although this series really doesn't do it for me and gets a two-star rating for being ass-over-elbow confusing, I will continue on to the third book because I'm one of those readers who has to stay until the bitter end. Thux will be back for the final installment, and I'm interested to see how things turn out with him. As far as clarity in the final book, who knows?
If you're a diehard fantasy fan, you've probably already read everything from Tracy Hickman. If you're not, I would recommend checking out the Dragonlance series before getting into this series. Regards!
July 16, 2016
Not a bad story overall, but not what I'm used to from the Weis/Hickman duo. There's a good plot here with a very interesting world(s) and magic system, but most of the characters are rather flat. Which is odd, since I thought Galen, Tragget, and the rest were pretty well-rounded in the first part of this trilogy. But in this one, not so much. We have a guy who's sad about a breakup but is scared to try fixing it and who is somehow a military commander despite not being able to deal with losing men; a comic relief sidekick who somehow never does anything funny or relieving; the ex-girlfriend who never gives a good read on how she feels about campaigning with her former flame; a brooding, reluctant hero; and a host of others who don't do much -- and that's just the humans. Thux and Aislynn at least have some sort of character development, as do two of the "big bads" (the goblin foe really doesn't make much sense).
It feels like this book was more about plot progression and less about the characters, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But again, it's not what I've come to expect. Since this series is written by one half of the renowned fantasy duo and his wife, I have to wonder if Tracy Hickman is the plot/setting person, and Margaret Weis is behind the characters we all love. (Not that Tracy and Laura's characters are bad, they're just... less memorable.)
It feels like this book was more about plot progression and less about the characters, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But again, it's not what I've come to expect. Since this series is written by one half of the renowned fantasy duo and his wife, I have to wonder if Tracy Hickman is the plot/setting person, and Margaret Weis is behind the characters we all love. (Not that Tracy and Laura's characters are bad, they're just... less memorable.)
April 5, 2012
*Spolier FREE review*
I have been greatly impressed by this series thus far; the characters and storyline are well developed and you get a sense that what is happening HAS been happening for hundreds of years in those three interconnected worlds. Its brilliantly written so that you can never guess what's going to happen next and when the climax comes you find yourself feeling much the same as the characters themselves probably do; hopeless, terrified, unsure, confused and yet somehow realizing what must happen for the plot to end well. Some parts in this book that you THINK are extremely predictable turn out later to be some of the most unexpected things that happen in the book. The three worlds are wonderfully crafted and the characters never seem to deviate from their viewpoints attributed to their culture (the way they see places in other cultures, how they see each other in dreams). Whoever thought out these books took great care in creating every little detail when they carved out their worlds and you can tell by how rich the stories are.
Overall a surpisingly well-written and well thought out book series up to the point I have read. On Tuesday when I return from spring break I will begin reading the third book, "Mystic Empire".
I have been greatly impressed by this series thus far; the characters and storyline are well developed and you get a sense that what is happening HAS been happening for hundreds of years in those three interconnected worlds. Its brilliantly written so that you can never guess what's going to happen next and when the climax comes you find yourself feeling much the same as the characters themselves probably do; hopeless, terrified, unsure, confused and yet somehow realizing what must happen for the plot to end well. Some parts in this book that you THINK are extremely predictable turn out later to be some of the most unexpected things that happen in the book. The three worlds are wonderfully crafted and the characters never seem to deviate from their viewpoints attributed to their culture (the way they see places in other cultures, how they see each other in dreams). Whoever thought out these books took great care in creating every little detail when they carved out their worlds and you can tell by how rich the stories are.
Overall a surpisingly well-written and well thought out book series up to the point I have read. On Tuesday when I return from spring break I will begin reading the third book, "Mystic Empire".
December 28, 2007
It is truly a pity that this book couldn't continue the storylines of the previous characters who were still developing in Mystic Warrior. However, characterizations were much more complete in this volume with the excepts of Jorgan and Caelith who, oddly enough, have the most chapters devoted to their world. The stories in and of themselves are only so-so, but the interactions remain interesting. And the variety of style between the stories makes it an interesting read. The Faerie world has a sad tone to it throughout, the human world is a typical adventure setting, and the goblin world which is bizarre and often quite humorous. I thought the story of Mystic Warrior more interesting, but I believe Mystic Quest to have the better storytelling of the two.
October 11, 2007
This book was "ok" for me. I didn't like how it jumped 26 years from the previous one to this one. Some fantasy books (actually many) can do that and it's not a problem. This one, I felt like I was playing catch up for the first third of the book. I'm still not clear on how the magic "works" in this world yet, or how the three worlds are supposed to connect...not much of a backstory or explanation there. However, I will finish reading this, and go on to the third, as I want to be fair to the series and it's not so completely terrible that I can't stand it. It's just not one of my favorites, which is sad because Tracy Hickman is one of my favorite authors with the Dragonlance series.
April 28, 2011
Well, I made it to the end. This book did a little more character and plot development with the new characters. Not many continued from the prior book - this was actually a second generation that is highlighted. I am hoping at some point to have the underlying worldview explained so I understand the root problems and causes these societies are addressing.
I find this series really too complicated and undefined to be enjoyable, but I will continue til the bitter end!
I find this series really too complicated and undefined to be enjoyable, but I will continue til the bitter end!
December 7, 2011
Finished this a while back, just rather behind in updating things here.
This was good as well, perhaps even better than the first, but there's a time gap between the books that makes for a slow start which just made the book feel like it was taking longer to get through. It's a really unique idea for a series and I do really like all the books once I get into them, but since they're slower reads they almost just feel worse. It's kind of hard to explain. But I do recommend them still.
This was good as well, perhaps even better than the first, but there's a time gap between the books that makes for a slow start which just made the book feel like it was taking longer to get through. It's a really unique idea for a series and I do really like all the books once I get into them, but since they're slower reads they almost just feel worse. It's kind of hard to explain. But I do recommend them still.
February 13, 2013
Couldn't get into the story. Finally put it aside halfway through and moved on to Jim Butcher's Codex Alera (which is very enjoyable). Disappointing because I really liked the Dragonlance and Deathgate books he wrote with Margaret Weis and had higher hopes for the series. The first book was so-so as we'll but made it through that one.
February 26, 2012
I haven't read the first of the Bronze Canticles...but since there are new characters i guess it's not that bad...
I didn't understand some parts, like how and why the 3 worlds connected, but separately i liked the 3 worlds, it's like 3 mostly different short stories
I didn't understand some parts, like how and why the 3 worlds connected, but separately i liked the 3 worlds, it's like 3 mostly different short stories
May 4, 2012
Sicuramente migliore del primo episodio, più vivace il susseguirsi degli eventi. Molte lacune a livello narrativo permangono, dovute principalmente alla brevità del romanzo che per essere ben sviluppato avrebbe dovuto avere almeno un centinaio di pagine in più!
October 8, 2007
really top quality fantasy read. This book was so vivd and i couldn't put it down. great adventure
July 25, 2008
*BIB*
September 20, 2009
Like the first, not a classic but entertaining
May 24, 2012
Not as good as the first, but easier to follow than the first.
August 10, 2012
I don't know if I wasn't in the mood for it or what but I couldn't make it through this one.
May 8, 2013
A little easier to follow than book 1 and even with the time difference I managed to be engaged by the new characters.
July 28, 2013
The story continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews