Amber and Ashes

Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple #1

by Margaret Weis

The paperback edition of the new novel from New York Times bestselling author Margaret Weis.

The paperback edition of the opening title in a new trilogy from Dragonlance setting co-creator Margaret Weis takes up where the War of Souls series left off with the central character Mina. While following her story, this new trilogy also explores the chaos that is post-war Krynn. This is Weis’s first solo trilogy in the Dragonlance world.

AUTHOR BIO: MARGARET WEIS is the author of numerous Dragonlance novels, many of them co-written with Tracy Hickman or Don Perrin, including the New York Times best-selling War of Souls trilogy. She is also the author of The Soulforge and the Star of the Guardian novels and the designer of many Dragonlance roleplaying products, including the Dragonlance Campaign Setting.

Margaret’s latest title is Mistress of Dragons from Tor Books.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragonlance, Fiction, Dungeons and Dragons, High Fantasy, Dragons, Adventure

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Margaret Edith Weis is an American fantasy and science fiction author of dozens of novels and short stories. At TSR, Inc., she teamed with Tracy Hickman to create the Dragonlance role-playing game (RPG) world. She is founding CEO and owner of Sovereign Press, Inc and Margaret Weis Productions, licensing several popular television and movie franchises to make RPG series in addition to their own.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating is 3.5 stars.

This book picks up from the last trilogy and it is the beginning of a new trilogy in the world of Krynn. The world is returned to its rightful spot. Tahkisis is dead and Mina is in mourning. Now what for her, the gods, and the world of Krynn.

There are some amazing parts to this book and some that are not. This is fantasy but this book does go into the YA vampire genre. When I said there are some amazing parts and some that are not you can apply that to the characters also. One of the main characters is Mina who was heavily involved in the action of the last trilogy. She is in mourning and she doesn't know what to do. She turns to the first god that gives her attention. I liked this aspect as it shows what might happen because of grief. I did think she was a little too perfect but I know where this book is going and it makes sense. We are introduced to a monk and a new kender. Absolutely love them. They add a different perspective to this world. We also get a new death knight. This kind of smelled like we want a death knight but Lord Soth has been over used. I have always said Lord Soth is the Darth Vader in this universe. Well this new death knight would be Kylo Ren then and need I say anymore. The biggest aspect I liked about this book is the world seems so more expansive. Other gods are involved as we get a chess match to replace the who is in charge. The aspect I did not particularly care for was the YA vampire genre aspect. This did get a little cheesy.

I think is a great start to a trilogy. It isn't perfect as it has flaws. The great parts definitely out shine the flaws though. The new characters, the other gods that were only mentioned in the previous books, and what is next for this world is an interesting way to explore the world of Krynn. It feels fresh and new and I look forward to the second book.

[Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out my Booktube channel at: The Obsessive Bookseller

Seeing as I haven’t picked up a Dragonlance book in over 15 years, this felt like a random read. But I was looking at my collection of the main series by both Weis & Hickman, remembering how much fun I had with it and how awesome I thought the ending of War of Souls (the final trilogy) when inspiration struck to see how the remnant pieces fell in the aftermath.

That’s a lot of history to carry into a spinoff trilogy, and I went in with a weird hodgepodge of high hopes because of how much I loved the main series, and low expectations given my poor experience with Weis’ Mistress of Dragons.

Amber and Ashes was just okay.

A mediocre story spritzed with the a couple of really good scenes – ones that were enough to keep me reading when I’d been considering a DNF. Let’s face it, Mina wasn’t a character I particularly liked to begin with, yet the way she was written here made me like her even less. She came across hollow and one-dimensional with a proclivity for meekness and subservience. More of a figurehead than an actual person. The monk, by contrast, was a bit better. More well-rounded and thoughtful. But it was the dog who ultimately stole the show. No jest.

Overall, I don’t mind that I read it, but I’m in no hurry to pick up the next book. The plot and character lineup were simple enough that I’m sure I can dive in again months, even years later without missing a beat. Those few good scenes were enough to raise my overall rating to 3 stars.

Recommendations: Read this only if you’ve already tackled the main Weis/Hickman series ending with the War of Souls trilogy. If, like me, you thought the conclusion to that saga was superb, this might feel like a letdown of an extended epilogue. If you’re a Dragonlance superfan who plans to read ALL THE THINGS, then not only do I admire your dedication, I’d also say this is likely one of the better ones.

Thank you to my Patrons: Dave, Katrin, Jen, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Betsy, Eliss, Mike, and Elizabeth! <3

Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com

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[Lindsay Stares · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is what happens when I need some brain candy for tech week, and have already picked clean most of the local library's sci-fi/fantasy. I read this. Wow. it was bad. To be fair, though, for a don't-think-about-work-or-fall-asleep-on-the-subway book, it was adaquate. And the sexy evil zombies were kinda funny. As is the fact that the "plot" is that Mina is such a special snowflake that all the dark gods want her to be their special friend. Yeah.

[Karla Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine working for a God? Falling inlove with a God after the death of your first God? Or having the first God's daughter hunting you down? Well Mina did, she was working for Queen Takisis as a Knight and fought in battles for her. The day her queen died she went and buried her far away from everyone, that way no one could find her or distrub her grave. She punished herself day and night for her Queen's death. Until one day Chemosh, Lord of Death came down to earth and claimed Mina as his own. Not only did Mina fall inlove with Chemosh Lord of Death, but he also fell inlove with her. He sent her out to do his biddings of finding him new followers, so he could take over the world. Mina by his side doing everything he asked of her to do and then more, loving him completely. Having Zebiom on her tail looking for her along with Rhys a monk and a Kender named Nightshade trying to track her down to find out what the Lord of Death is up too. THen traveling under the sea in search of a tower and being able to breath under water like a fish, is just all amazing. THen Chemosh's beloved Mina is captured and he believes her to be dead, when in fact she is alive and being held captive by Zebiom's twin brother.
Margaret Weis is a good author and if you love fanasty you should check her out. I enjoyed this book decently and I am sure you might enjoy it decently too.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber and Ashes is the first Dragonlance book I have read so far. The story follows Mina, whom I think is a bit of an idiot because of her unwavering faith to Chemosh, the Dragonlance setting's god of death. While the book kind of advertises itself to be about Mina and Mina only, Amber and Ashes is also largely about Rhys, a monk of Majere. The story is good, though the "Vampiric Cult" is not really all that vampirish, yes they are undead, but that does not make them vampires. They are more like good looking zombies who can think. Margaret Weiss did a good job of making the book understandable for those who have not read any Dragonlance before or had not read them in a long time. As I said above, the story was enjoyable, perfect for reading on vacation (or when breaking from choreographing a musical as I did), but the writing was average. Also some of the characters seemed a little two-dimensional. I will probably go to the library to grab the sequel, as the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger (don't skip the epilogue). I would reccomend this to fantasy fans who don't mind reading books that have a good story but average writing.

[Katrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good book in the dragonlance series! i already liked mina as a character and here she again shines throughout the book. she is a kind of an anti-hero, but so admirable, you simply cannot hate her. there are just a few key figures in the story, but they are very nicely portrayed. i of course loved the kender, haha. this surely is a good start to a gripping story and it's sad that i don't have the following volumes. still i enjoyed this book quite a lot. the only annoying thing is the obvious cliffhangers here, haha!

[Josher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have rated this book four stars, but it loses one for having a lot of typos. I don't know if I will read the other books. It was just okay.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber and Ashes is my first (and definitely not the last) venture to the fantasy genre. Like sci-fi, I have always avoided fantasy, there is just something in me that does not like these kind of stories. Maybe because they are unrealistic; I don't know. Anyway, so why did I read this? Out of boredom? I can't really tell, I just did. As it turned out, I like fantasy and I was even more thrilled to know that there is this so-called Dragonlance Universe (meaning there are more books like this out there! Yay!)

Regarding the book, it had a good story, it talked about a lot of incidents, wars, and what not that had happened before in the Dragonlance Universe before Mina. I think I would have appreciated those mentions of wars had I known or read earlier books in this universe. Still, it was not confusing, this book can stand alone on its own.

Already bought the second book Amber and Iron!

[Jasher Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some really great bits in this book, one of them being the awesome two main heroes. Rhys, who is an ex-monk, and Nightshade, a kender who likes to think he can talk to the dead. These two characters were written so great and all their emotions, feelings, and thoughts were shown extraordinarily well! So yeah, overall, not an amazing book at all, and definitely my least favourite Dragonlance book I have read. That being said however, I'm halfway through the second book in the trilogy and that one is pretty amazing so far, and already so much better than this one. I still have faith in you Margaret!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the different point of view that it offered. Most of her books are co-written with Tracy Hickman and the main characters are normally males. The change of the usual, coupled with the introduction of the effects of the War of Souls on the gods offered a most unique story that I hope is carried on to the next books in the series.

[Ully · Rating 3 out of 5]

The general problem with Weis and Hickman works are that these girls trying to put whatever dreds of philosophy found in their blond heads.

For Tracy, it was some kind of Manichean Christianity...
For Margaret that is now some kind of Buddhism apparently.

No one wants to read poor-written pamphlets from not-so-great 'thinkers'.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
This is definitely a worthwhile, fantasy, adventure that I enjoyed very much.

Would recommend!

[Cesare Bartolini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never made a secret of the fact that I am a huge fan of Margaret Weis. However, I find this book a bit subpar when compared to her other works.

Putting things in perspective, it is still a good book, way better than a lot by other authors that I happen to read. However, I enjoyed this one less than other books, such as the War of Souls trilogy.

First off, I think the gods are excessively humanized here. The various gods appearing in this book are essentially overpowered humans, but apart from their power they behave exactly like a human, and theytend to interact with people on a mostly human level, not the way one would generally expect from a god. In itself, the concept of human-like gods would not be a bad thing, but Dragonlance gods have never been depicted like this.

I found particularly unpleasant the behavior of Chemosh, when he goes to the bottom of the sea bringing Mina along. In fact, there appears to be no significant reason to being Mina along, which actually turns out to be a big problem for Chemosh.

Furthermore, Mina's character is greatly downgraded from what we read in the War of Souls. To some extent, this is understandable, as she suffered a big setback with the demise of Takhisis, but there is an overwhelming contrast between the old Mina and the new one, so that she doesn't even seem to be the same character.

The other characters as well are not particularly interesting. Rhys, in particular, is some sort of a weak pawn, buffeted about by the will of the gods, unable to express any real personality.

Nightshade is an exception for being an unusual kender (although I hope there will be some explanation of his powers in subsequent books). Maybe also Ausric Krell is quite intriguing, although he is rather minor in the story.

Conversely, what is very good, and something that characterizes Margaret Weis, is the plot. The author, as always, is capable of creating an original and enticing story, making the reader always want to go on with the reading and never getting bored.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book called Amber and Ashes by Margaret Weis and also the writer for the entire dragonlance series with the help of Tracy Hickman. In Amber and Ashes the main character Mina along with a god by the name of Chemosh, try to take over a continent called aKrynn. As the story continues a new character is met named Rhys Mason (a monk) whose’ mom, dad, and entire group of monks were killed, he later meets a kender named Nightshade who becomes his companion. Even later in the book Rhys and Nightshade come across large muddy city called solace and meet the sheriff named Gerard, wh was in the other books of Dragonlance, and Gerard discovers the Beloved of Chemosh. This book made me very excited for the most intense parts like all of the fights and who the would be found next in the book and would progress the story. The book also made me confused in a good way like how I wanted to find out why the had to kill the people to make them a beloved of Chemosh. The book was also very intense by whenever the characters had to do something that could get them killed by an enemy. I think that the theme could be that you shouldn’t trust everyone no matter how they look or act and they might not be who they say they are. All in all the book was the best book I have ever read and should definitely be read by more people no matter what they think of the cover and should just start reading anyway.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dived straight into this trilogy post War of Souls because I suspected it would be quite different and I'm keen now to push to the endpoint of the saga (although a series spanning 150+ books can't really be called a saga), and I wasn't wrong, this couldn't be further in tone and style from the previous trilogy. Whereas WoS tried very much for weight and character development, this is much more of a light hearted romp taking Greek myth and legend as a greater influence, attempting, as it does, to tell a story far more focussed on the world as the God's playground, them bickering amongst themselves and directly interacting with mortals for their own ends.

It's a comparatively short trip and by the end of it I just about felt introduced to the main players, one we already know, Mina and Rhys the cleric of Majere and Nightwish, another hilarious Kender who adds to the huge sense of fun here. Because fun it is ... certainly, it's all a little too silly to recommend as essential but I'm the kind of guy who enjoys scenes of playing chess with a Death Knight who stipulates he'll break a bone every time you lose a piece. However, the overall schema of this remains unclear so for now I can only state it's a promising start to what's going to be another enjoyable, albeit frivolous entry into the Dragonlance canon, one that's sure to infuriate fans of the original books but delight anyone who is still on board with any and every happening in the world of Krynn.

[E J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty bad pulp fantasy. Like, embarrassingly so at some places. I just found the tonal shifts between the child-like lightness with Nightshade, on the one hand, and on the other, cheesy, sordid sex romping with Mina's eye-rolling submissiveness. In theory, I don't mind that submission, per se, but I just kept thinking, "There's gotta be a better way to portray this dynamic. This just feels like I'm reading Mills & Boon or something."

Krell is dumb as a rock and simultaneously a genius at Dragonlance chess. What? Nightshade admitted to being poor at Dragonlance chess but was able to recognise when Rhys was making good and bad moves. What?

I also found it approaching something ridiculous with how detailed Weis characterised Atta, the dog. Yes, she's a dog trainer and all, and she clearly shoved her know-how into this book. Kinda got a cheap vibe from it all, because who doesn't love a obedient and faithful dog, right? So, since this is pulp fantasy, and the stereotypical demographic of readers of said pulp fantasy are mac-&-cheese shovelling, lard-assed social retards, then why not add extra cheese? If this book was a tiktok thumbnail, it'd be fonts in all caps in fluorescent colours and some dumb fuckwad's face with bulging eyes and mouth agape.

Sounds like I'd give this book one star, but I gave it another because I remember being drawn in by the first couple of chapters, and the final couple piqued my interest a bit, too.

[Amy S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather disappointed with this one. I have fond memories of reading the early Dragonlance books back in the late 80's when I was just a kid. I picked this book up hoping to find some of that same thrill. Parts of the story are still really good fantasy but throwing in the vampy trashy stuff just made it seem tawdry. I didn't really enjoy reading the story of the how well the selfish and greedy guys were taking over the world, I'm just not mean enough, and the characters just weren't likeable enough, to convince me to want to join team death.
I did enjoy a few little bits of the story where they referenced the characters I loved back in the day but it was sad to have them referred to in the distant-past tense. Not going to keep going with this installment in the series.
Violence, sex, swearing.

[Brandon Stout · Rating 3 out of 5]

This begins another fun Dragonlance trilogy. It has all the excitement and adventure I've come to expect in this series of books. For me that would normally bring the book up to 4 stars or more. However, they made Mina into a harlot, and that, for me, would bring this book down to 2 stars or less. This score is an average of the two. I still enjoyed this book, and I'm continuing to enjoy the series, for the most part. I do not like what they chose to do with Mina for the first two books. I say this recognizing that some people would like the very things I don't like. That's okay. Our world is filled with wonderful diversity and what works for one person isn't a guaranteed fit for another.

[Geoff Battle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from the War of the Souls, Amber and Ashes followed Mina in to a new game of chess, where the Gods are manoeuvring mortals for their own dastardly plans. All other plot lines feature new characters which are well fleshed out and have interesting arcs, with enough nods to the previous novels to keep fans nodding in appreciation. Weis's standalone writing is fine, featuring a less levity than her previous work with Hickman, which creates a darker and tighter novel. An entertaining page-turner, Amber and Ashes is solid start to a new trilogy and is a worthy addition to this legendary series.

[Anna Zapasnik · Rating 1 out of 5]

Luin Dragonlance -kirjoja teininä ja lainasin tämän nostalgiasyistä, sekä siksi, että minulla oli ikävä D&D:n pelaamista. Kirja oli huono ja nopeasti luettava. Siinä käytettiin häpeilemättömästi alkeellisia klifhangereita, sen juoni oli paikoitellen poukkoileva ja paikoitellen turhan vellova (esim. yhtä Khas-, eli käytännössä shakkimatsia kuvailtiin kahden luvun verran) ja hahmot olivat yhtä yksiulotteisia, kuin Twilight -saagassa . Tuntuu, että pitäisi selitellä, miksi edes luin kirjan loppuun. Varmaan siksi, että saisin lukuhaasteeseen yhden kirjan lisää ja tämä oli niin nopeasti ohi. Kadun kirjan lukemista. Toimisi ehkä, jos olisin 10-vuotias.

[Spandan Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minor (?) spoilers: A rather desperate attempt to follow up on the epic conclusion of the War of Souls falls a little flat as a book that tries too hard to recapture the same scale and awe. While full of several new (and some old favorite) characters (I think Nightshade may be my new favorite kender -- sorry Tas), I feel Amber and Ashes tries too hard to match up to the epoch-shattering events of Dragons of a Vanished Moon. Still, there is a lot of potential in the storyline, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the tale of Mina unfolds -- and to meet more of the divine pantheon of the world of Krynn. (3/5)

[Joe Lombardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommend, But…

I enjoyed this book, as I enjoy most (if not all) DragonLance books - particularly the ones written by Weis & Hickman. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the passages relating to Istar more closely matched what we were told about the Kingpriest and Istar during the Legends trilogy books… That said, a fun and exciting read. I’ve been an avid Dragonlance reader since middle school and I’ve read and re-read the Dragonlance Chronicles more times than I can count.

[Chet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is nice to come back to the Dragonlance universe that I really loved as a young adult. Weis’ writing is not challenging but it is entertaining weaving together good mythology along with some spots of humor and occasional plot mysteries to keep you turning the page. One of the main protagonists - Mina - is a pretty awful character though. I wish the book focused less on her.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as part of a Humble Bundle. A quick read and mostly enjoyable, though the story line for Mina’s story was a bit YA vampire romance at times. I like Rhys and Nightshade was an interesting (and refreshing) take on Kender. 3.5 stars though I never would have read this if it wasn’t part of the Dragonlance series (and part of my bundle)…

[David Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read this book. It has been over a decade since I last read a Dragonlance book and it filled me with a sense of nostalgia and longing for the world of Krynn I'd long since put down. The author drew me back into this world with such ease. The Dark Disciple trilogy was enjoyable.

[Ofer Biran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on it's on but not the same as the originals

I liked the book although I did expect more.. maybe I was hoping for more of the original series..

The book stands well on its own although some knowledge of the previous books is required to fully understand it.

[Dennis Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book

Great pick back up to this series. Just outstanding and pleasant to read front to back.
Story and book and characters all spectacular just lots of misspellings and errored English throughout. Editing needs quote a bit of review.
Overall great book.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved hearing the continuation of Mina’s story! I do take issue with how Mina was sexualized in the narrative… they continually mention how young she is, not even twenty, and yet a lot is described in a very uncomfortable way.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a bit to get into this book, but now I am enjoying the series quite a bit. On to book two.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoyed Margaret Weiss’ writing style and plots. This book did not let me down.