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Dragonlance: Kang's Regiment #2
Draconian Measures
The regiment of draconian engineers featured in "The Doom Brigade" seek a safe haven for their precious cargo of young draconians. All they have to do is stay alive. Surely that shouldn't be too hard.
But Commander Kang puzzles over a sinister mystery. Why are some of his men vanishing? Kang will have to use draconian measures to defeat his foes and save his race. They'd better be enough -- the fate of his entire race hangs in the balance.
But Commander Kang puzzles over a sinister mystery. Why are some of his men vanishing? Kang will have to use draconian measures to defeat his foes and save his race. They'd better be enough -- the fate of his entire race hangs in the balance.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 6, 2013
Although I am clearly in a minority of folks steeped in Dungeons & Dragons lore, I never really cared for the Dragonlance setting and especially the original novels by Weis & Hickman. But, the “Kang’s Regiment” novels seem to rise above the foundational books for the universe. Outside of the strangely sickly Raistlin, the wizard of the original series, many of the original “Heroes of the Lance” seemed silly and trivial. The difference, at least for me, is that “Kang’s Regiment” is about the serious struggle for survival and full of powerful, epic warriors but full of situations and misunderstandings, as well as parodies of abuse of power and the silliness of bureaucracy, to lighten the tension.
One of the tremendous misunderstandings in Draconian Measures is a well-meaning paternalism. Of course, that may sound like an oxymoron in our world, but one must understand that Kang’s group had extremely limited experience with the female gender prior to this story and that their over-protectiveness was a consequence of their inexperience. Fortunately, this allows for some very funny and appropriate comedic circumstances, as well as allowing for an important female participation in the resolution of the problems.
Another source of interest to me was the parody of military bureaucracy and reputation. As one knows from any military fiction (even if one hasn’t had the actual experience), it isn’t always what one thinks it is. A revered general proves to be a pivotal point in this story. There is a fascinating mystery and an intriguing background story to this general. At first, the story seemed very predictable with no surprise whatsoever at the “reveal.” Then, one begins to notice a certain reservation and understatement to the general’s speech. There is that tendency to parse statements far too carefully for one to be acting in an ingenuous manner. Suddenly, one feels that the story is much richer than it originally appeared.
In spite of the humor and parody in the “Kang’s Regiment” series, there is another aspect that I truly enjoy. Unlike George R. R. Martin’s cavalier execution of characters that one cares about, Weiss and Perrin provide meaningful, plausible, and often heroic deaths for the characters readers are likely to care about. One almost wouldn’t expect this in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting where resurrections and revivals (bringing a character back to life with the possibility of them being in a different life-form) are entirely possible.
I realize that I am in the minority, but I consider the “Kang’s Regiment” series and, particularly, Draconian Measures to be the high point of the Dragonlance novels.
One of the tremendous misunderstandings in Draconian Measures is a well-meaning paternalism. Of course, that may sound like an oxymoron in our world, but one must understand that Kang’s group had extremely limited experience with the female gender prior to this story and that their over-protectiveness was a consequence of their inexperience. Fortunately, this allows for some very funny and appropriate comedic circumstances, as well as allowing for an important female participation in the resolution of the problems.
Another source of interest to me was the parody of military bureaucracy and reputation. As one knows from any military fiction (even if one hasn’t had the actual experience), it isn’t always what one thinks it is. A revered general proves to be a pivotal point in this story. There is a fascinating mystery and an intriguing background story to this general. At first, the story seemed very predictable with no surprise whatsoever at the “reveal.” Then, one begins to notice a certain reservation and understatement to the general’s speech. There is that tendency to parse statements far too carefully for one to be acting in an ingenuous manner. Suddenly, one feels that the story is much richer than it originally appeared.
In spite of the humor and parody in the “Kang’s Regiment” series, there is another aspect that I truly enjoy. Unlike George R. R. Martin’s cavalier execution of characters that one cares about, Weiss and Perrin provide meaningful, plausible, and often heroic deaths for the characters readers are likely to care about. One almost wouldn’t expect this in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting where resurrections and revivals (bringing a character back to life with the possibility of them being in a different life-form) are entirely possible.
I realize that I am in the minority, but I consider the “Kang’s Regiment” series and, particularly, Draconian Measures to be the high point of the Dragonlance novels.
December 23, 2014
This novel takes place in the Dragonlance realm and is a sequel to the book The Doom Brigade. In this one it is a year later. Kang and his regiment are looking for a safe haven to settle down with the female draconians. The problem is that they are being relentlessly pursued by goblins and hobgoblins.
I thought this one was better than the first one as the slapstick humor was toned down. This is your basic coming to age story. There are two sides to that story. The first is being mature as you march towards adulthood and also the caretakers letting go. This novel does a good job portraying both sides. I also thought it did a better job getting to know the characters than the first one and there were a couple of supporting characters that stood out.
I have to give a little warning. The first half of the book did not accomplish much and really did nothing to entice me. The second half was much better when everything was racing towards the climax. This isn't the best duology set in the world but it isn't the worst. It is a nice look at a race that is relatively new to the world and their story of survival.
I thought this one was better than the first one as the slapstick humor was toned down. This is your basic coming to age story. There are two sides to that story. The first is being mature as you march towards adulthood and also the caretakers letting go. This novel does a good job portraying both sides. I also thought it did a better job getting to know the characters than the first one and there were a couple of supporting characters that stood out.
I have to give a little warning. The first half of the book did not accomplish much and really did nothing to entice me. The second half was much better when everything was racing towards the climax. This isn't the best duology set in the world but it isn't the worst. It is a nice look at a race that is relatively new to the world and their story of survival.
October 9, 2019
Draconian Measures is an improvement over Doom Brigade. There's much less slapstick and much more action and intrigue. There's a larger, more developed cast. I think there were some missed opportunities for pathos - some draconians really need to work through the implications of how their race was created.
Some things I don't get:
Some things I don't get:
October 29, 2017
A book by Margaret Weiss and a story about Kang. What could be a better combination?
I enjoyed every moment!
I enjoyed every moment!
December 20, 2022
This one lost the magic that had me glued to the first book (Doom Brigade). There is no grand adventure like in the first book and the funny bickering dwarves are replaced by a band of female draconians as they get their chops, which unfortunately, were not nearly as entertaining. It reads a lot like a slice-of-life/side adventure that one would expect to read in a series of many such adventures, but this being the second and final book in the Kang's Regiment series feels pretty underwhelming.
It still retains a lot of the light-hearted charm from the first entry, but a lot of the sense of wonder and journey is lost, as the band is holed up in a fortress under siege for the majority of the book. The antagonist ends up being who you think it will be (I was desperately hoping for a bad guy reveal bait-and-switch near the end), while some other characters are just plainly sacrificed once they serve their plot purposes.
If you enjoyed Doom Brigade and want more, then this won't ruin your day, but it just feels like a missed opportunity considering everything that the first book contained.
It still retains a lot of the light-hearted charm from the first entry, but a lot of the sense of wonder and journey is lost, as the band is holed up in a fortress under siege for the majority of the book. The antagonist ends up being who you think it will be (I was desperately hoping for a bad guy reveal bait-and-switch near the end), while some other characters are just plainly sacrificed once they serve their plot purposes.
If you enjoyed Doom Brigade and want more, then this won't ruin your day, but it just feels like a missed opportunity considering everything that the first book contained.
January 16, 2024
It's cool to read tales from the perspectives of characters and races who are villains in the other books and stories. They all have their own trials and struggles to survive. This book has a few nods to earlier books, including the original trilogy. The humor is a really nice touch.
December 14, 2025
If you thought Kang deserved to get laid after the previous book, this time he really, REALLY deserves to get laid
September 4, 2011
First, I think it is odd that this author of this book is listed as Don Perrin as the cover clearly indicates that it was co-authored by Perrin and Weiss.
Second, it should be noted that I rated this one much higher than I did the recent George R. R. Martin supposedly Tolkeinish in quality "Dance with Dragons." Why? Because this book was much more fun than that. Oh, the characters are sort of pulpish, and the dialogue isn't semi-medieval in tone, but this book was just plain fun with a clever fantasy setting and some decent motivation.
Kang is raising and protecting the female Dracos, but they are so overprotected that they are really virtual prisoners. This of course is chaffing these young females who feel stiffled in their lives because they are not permitted to take part in the military training or activities that seem a normal part of life to them. As Kang seeks to take them North, to a more protected area, where he hopes to use his engineering skills to create a fortified city and allow his race of dragon men to continue, his troops encounter a goblin army, more disciplined than they have seen before. The Goblins are also led by a huge horde of Hobgoblins, bigger and tougher. Kang is saved by another troops of Draconian soldiers and discovers his people are not alone. However, it isn't long before they are all in a siege situation and things in the Draconians fort are not what they seem.
Perrin is able to write in a humorous way without distracting from the story. He develops the plot well and his action sequences are really quite well-written. He has developed an interesting character in Kang, who has conflicts and problems, imperfections and flaws, but is a strong leader who genuinely cares for his people.
I did feel as if there is a gap between the first and second book of this series. Maybe Perrin just dropped us in the middle of a story, or perhaps there is another Dragonlance book that fills that gap. Still, I didn't feel as if I missed much and was quickly drawn into the story. I really enjoyed this fantasy romp, even without the con artist dwarf character we saw in the first book. The fantasy concept of a race of Dragon people just trying to survive in a world where they have been deserted is really quite well developed in both books.
Second, it should be noted that I rated this one much higher than I did the recent George R. R. Martin supposedly Tolkeinish in quality "Dance with Dragons." Why? Because this book was much more fun than that. Oh, the characters are sort of pulpish, and the dialogue isn't semi-medieval in tone, but this book was just plain fun with a clever fantasy setting and some decent motivation.
Kang is raising and protecting the female Dracos, but they are so overprotected that they are really virtual prisoners. This of course is chaffing these young females who feel stiffled in their lives because they are not permitted to take part in the military training or activities that seem a normal part of life to them. As Kang seeks to take them North, to a more protected area, where he hopes to use his engineering skills to create a fortified city and allow his race of dragon men to continue, his troops encounter a goblin army, more disciplined than they have seen before. The Goblins are also led by a huge horde of Hobgoblins, bigger and tougher. Kang is saved by another troops of Draconian soldiers and discovers his people are not alone. However, it isn't long before they are all in a siege situation and things in the Draconians fort are not what they seem.
Perrin is able to write in a humorous way without distracting from the story. He develops the plot well and his action sequences are really quite well-written. He has developed an interesting character in Kang, who has conflicts and problems, imperfections and flaws, but is a strong leader who genuinely cares for his people.
I did feel as if there is a gap between the first and second book of this series. Maybe Perrin just dropped us in the middle of a story, or perhaps there is another Dragonlance book that fills that gap. Still, I didn't feel as if I missed much and was quickly drawn into the story. I really enjoyed this fantasy romp, even without the con artist dwarf character we saw in the first book. The fantasy concept of a race of Dragon people just trying to survive in a world where they have been deserted is really quite well developed in both books.
October 12, 2013
Part 2 of Draconian Measures. This time Kang and his female draconians are caught in a battle with goblins and hobgoblins. They find shelter in a fort, led by General Maranta. But all is not well, as Kang and co. are ordered to remain in the fort, help repair it and what not, but foremost, help fight off the goblins.
Still, as the fort is in a pretty bad shape and Maranta's bastion a far better built place, yet more difficult to get into, this begs for an explanation.
While thinking of ways to regain freedom, even including a talk with a regiment of Dark Knights, stationed in the vicinity of the fort, it becomes clear - although especially much later in the story - that there's more going on than just the battle with the goblins, supposedly because of the female draconians. So Kang and co. are caught between two fires. And he's determined to get out of the mess, no matter what.
All in all, this was a very entertaining read. Don and Margaret also added some well-thought of elements, that spiced up the story. But it's Fantasy, so some things may appear as "wtf?". And it's Dragonlance, so...
Anyway, the Kang's Regiment series - although far from canon - is a very nice read in between.
Still, as the fort is in a pretty bad shape and Maranta's bastion a far better built place, yet more difficult to get into, this begs for an explanation.
While thinking of ways to regain freedom, even including a talk with a regiment of Dark Knights, stationed in the vicinity of the fort, it becomes clear - although especially much later in the story - that there's more going on than just the battle with the goblins, supposedly because of the female draconians. So Kang and co. are caught between two fires. And he's determined to get out of the mess, no matter what.
All in all, this was a very entertaining read. Don and Margaret also added some well-thought of elements, that spiced up the story. But it's Fantasy, so some things may appear as "wtf?". And it's Dragonlance, so...
Anyway, the Kang's Regiment series - although far from canon - is a very nice read in between.
May 26, 2016
an excellent and thrilling book, am so glad to have read about the other side of the draconians!! absolutely loved kang and slith and so many of the other draconians, they showed extreme courage and loyalty to one another but the best bit of this book was the female draconians. They brought so much more to the book, magic, fun, courage and rebelliousness for being treated like children when they knew they were adults now and ever so capable!! Fonrar was a capable commander but more so a loyal friend and comrade. Hussad the only human female the other women ever encountered was take to heart as only women know how to do but she also proved to be a great friend to Kang. The tragedy of her death at the finale of the war with the goblins was very sad and made me cry to see women especially thesik feel death for the first time, so many new emotions for the females!! would love to read more about kang and his females and their plans for a future in peace in the new city of tyr but it seems there is no follow up to these two books!!
October 25, 2013
I tracked this book down after stumbling upon its prequel, The Doom Brigade. It gives the reader a somewhat different perspective on the world of Krynn that is not experienced through books like Dragons of Autumn Twilight.
I enjoyed the first book and found this one to be even better, to my delight. The characters developed well and the story was engaging throughout the whole book. No parts of the story line were left obviously hanging and everything was tied together in a very satisfying way at the end. I really appreciated the diverse personalities of several of the main characters, who were capable of showing serious sides as well as moments of humor appropriate to their situation.
I would caution anyone sensitive to strong language, however, as the characters use colorful phrases quite freely. This story has a lot of military influence and also has some mild violence present, as this is about a race that was bred for fighting, and they do plenty of that in the book.
I enjoyed the first book and found this one to be even better, to my delight. The characters developed well and the story was engaging throughout the whole book. No parts of the story line were left obviously hanging and everything was tied together in a very satisfying way at the end. I really appreciated the diverse personalities of several of the main characters, who were capable of showing serious sides as well as moments of humor appropriate to their situation.
I would caution anyone sensitive to strong language, however, as the characters use colorful phrases quite freely. This story has a lot of military influence and also has some mild violence present, as this is about a race that was bred for fighting, and they do plenty of that in the book.
January 27, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I first read it several years ago, but then I lost track of it. I just recently found another copy of it and was able to re-read it. It was just as good the second time around. Although it's part of a series as well as a mega-series, you really don't need to read any of the other books in order to understand this one. In fact, I tried reading the book right before this one, and I found it rather boring. I tried reading some of the other Dragonlance books as well, but I found them pretty boring too. But this book has wonderful, interesting characters, lots of well-written battle scenes, humor, irony, the birth of a new species, etc. Just wonderful, with some underdogs that you can really cheer for. I highly recommend this to anyone.
October 22, 2021
I think it’s safe to say that all of us adore Weis and Perrin. This book only makes my love for their writing grow. At the beginning, I was worried it was going to be really depressing—insurmountable odds, danger on all fronts—but I guess that’s the mark of good writing, really getting you to feel the hopelessness of the characters. I’d already fallen in love with the world-weary yet inspiring Kang during his previous adventures. I liked seeing him interact with people other than subordinates or enemies. Also, this book is proof that military maneuvers can be described in more than dry fashion. I definitely recommend this to anyone, fan of DL or not. I like that it challenges the traditional fantasy status quo and makes you think philosophically about the nature and meaning of life (maybe I’m just reading too much into it because of my own current headspace).
April 26, 2012
I'm an avid Dragonlance fan, and had been wondering what happened to Kang and Co. after reading The Doom Brigade. So I really enjoyed how open the characters were, and how Weis & Perrin humanized the Draconians after being animalistic enemies in the first trilogy. It had a slightly different feel to it than most of the other Dragonlance books that i wasn't used to, but the ending was good, and made a great tie in to the war of the souls.
March 20, 2008
I laughed, cheered on the bad guy, gasped and even cried during this book. Ok, now for my masculinity, this has an epic battle, some interesting tatics for warfare and chaceracters so real you can see them and want to run out to them in the field as one drops. When your done yu just feel good and like you want to run out into the world and make a change for the better... ok well at least I did... ok stop looking at my funny its a really good book... just read it yourself and THEN mock me. :P
September 5, 2012
The characters made famous from a short story get their 2nd book. The characters are still here but the story doesn't seem to be, maybe the world of Kyrnn isn't developed enough to confront the moral complexities and religious polarities of a race created by man rather than god.
September 25, 2012
The Kang's regimen series is not one of the main books of the Dragonlance saga, but one of the many side plot lines. Surprisingly it is one of the best and most entertaining ones, and I strongly recommend it.
October 12, 2025
Una lastima que no tenga una tercera parte. Se puede considerar un final pero me hubiera gustado leer la conquista y fundación de su ciudad que es de lo que creía que trataba este libro. Todo lo demás me pareció épico y voy a extrañar leer mas sobre este regimiento.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2008
Great read. He managed to turn a evil creature into someone you might like to meet.
May 4, 2013
I loved it. It made me laugh, and I didn't want to put it down.
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April 21, 2016Good book about Draconians.....Immensely enjoyed it.
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