Dragons of Autumn Twilight: The Dragonlance Chronicles

Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the first of a four-book set of Dragon Lance Chronicles. These books are based on a set of video and/ or computer games (I don’t do that many games, so am not sure which) designed by one of the authors. There are apparently several other sets of books by the same authors set in the same universe, and many, many other similar books by other authors as well. This type of book has the potential to be very good, or possibly very bad. I would say this one is reasonably good. The character development here is pretty good, although it is better for some characters than for others. I suspect that by the end of the fourth book, we will know at least most of the characters very well. There are a lot of standard fantasy game features in the story. There is an adventuring party with members of several races and professions (a half-elf, a dwarf, a creature known as a Kender that somewhat resembles a Hobbit but has a few unique qualities of its own, and several humans, one of whom is a mage and another, the only woman in the original party, who is eventually declared to be a cleric). Most of these people are known to each other already and have already been questing separately to discover the answers to their own riddles as well as a cure for the problems besetting their world. So far, they don’t seem to have been all that successful, but they need to make serious progress fast, especially on saving the world, because their world, Krynn, is going to hell in a handbasket quickly. A mysterious old man is waiting in the tavern for them. He doesn’t appear to be quite all there, but on the other hand, he seems to know exactly what is about to happen. It looks as if he is responsible for bringing the anger of the authorities down on them so that they have to flee the town before they even have a chance to visit their homes. But later on, he turns up again, still appearing as clumsy and incompetent as ever. I suspect, however, that this is all an act and that he knows much more than he is telling, because he is instrumental in getting them out of the dungeon at Pax Thatkas even though he appears to die in the process. Several of the characters either don’t get along well or don’t trust each other at first. The two characters who are new to the group, the ones they call the plainsmen (and also sometimes refer to as barbarians, although these two seem to be more civilized than some of those who are doing the name-calling) are at first looked on with suspicion, but the woman, Goldmoon, who is a cleric and healer and later seems to fuse with a goddess is unfailingly polite and gentle, although the mysterious blue staff she carries puts them in danger since the High Dragonlord Verminaard, their principle enemy in this book, is looking for it for himself. Another questionable character is their mage, Raistlin. Everybody is convinced that there is something dark in his character, and it seems that the ordeal he underwent to become a mage, which nearly killed him and severely damaged his health, has brought this out. But, although he isn’t very sociable and prefers to keep to himself, when push comes to shove, he always seems to be doing his best to keep the company safe and further their business. One example is during their visit to the ruined city of Xak Tsaroth where they encounter the Gully Dwarves. Their own Dwarf, Flint, has a really low opinion of Gully Dwarves, and, indeed, their personal hygiene (or lack thereof) and low intelligence don’t do much to inspire love. But Raistlin sees that they are familiar with the passages in the old city that might lead to the items the company is seeking to find there, and he befriends the creatures (in part by casting a spell on them). Their adventure with the Gully Dwarves is by far the funniest part of the book. But it is also interesting how gentle and respectful Raistlin is of Bupu, one of the Gully Dwarves who seems most familiar with the parts of the city they need to get to and who aids them in getting the items they need. In the course of their adventures, the companions visit several areas, including a spooky forest, the land of the Elves, and a fortress called Pax Tharkas, where the prisoners from Solace are taken after the dragons burn Solace down. They also manage to kill three dragons. In the end, though, even though Goldmoon and Riverwind are finally able to marry and everything is peaceful, at least for about a minute, most of the company is still downcast, because, though they have gotten in a few good licks against the forces of evil, these forces still look as if they are winning. There are more dragons out there, and doubtless more evildoers ready to use them. Plenty of room for another book – or three.

Great as ever! This book is a classic and could be enjoyed by young and old! Read this book as a teen but is better 30 years later!!!

The good: The writers have a pleasant, easy-to-read writing style. It was fairly fast paced, which I enjoy. There are a wide range of character types (good, conflicted, honorable, mysterious, hot head, etc). The story itself is pretty interesting and engaging. There are dwarves, elves, dragons- all the things one typically looks for in a fantasy story. I'm trying to avoid spoilers in this section, so I am being vague on purpose. The bad: Lack of suspense. SPOILERS (sorta): The main complaint I have with this book is how much good triumphs over evil almost unscathed. By that, I mean that I never really felt worried about the primary cast of characters. There was 1-2 moments throughout the book where I thought there might be actual suspense, but then it turned out to be for nothing. Admittedly, I might be a bit warped from the Game of Thrones novels, but I felt even compared to other fantasy novels, that this one is really on the safe side of happy-ever-after. Once I understood the style of this book and that the peril main characters were placed in was not genuine (in terms of nobody permanently dying), I felt myself lose interest some and just kinda coasted through the rest of the book. What I will say is that this is either a knock or a good thing depending on what you are wanting at the time. I definitely get in modes where I want the happily-ever-after story, where good triumphs over evil (after all, the world is crappy enough as is, so an escape from that through entertainment is a welcomed one). But right now, particularly being in a GoT type mode, I was looking for something a bit more realistic (in terms of multi-dimensional characters, more grey than black/white, etc). There is really only 1 character in the book that I would say is more than 1D (Raistlin) and perhaps in future books he will get expanded upon even more. Now the group as a whole was very multi-layered due to the cast of characters, but overall, each character was pretty 1D. I will return to this series in the future when I am in a mode to better appreciate it.

I blame my friends for me not finding out about this series until now! For some reason I stayed away from this genre over the years. Occasionally I would read a fantasy novel, but never sought out a lot of the books. I actually blame Harrison Davies books for turning me into a fantasy nut! I discovered the Dragonlance series on November 3, 2013 while looking at suggested books from amazon.com. I very seldom purchase an actual book anymore. So, for this to be a purchase, I kinda held my breath. I had glanced at the ratings that the book was having and saw that 488 reviews were giving the book almost 5 stars. Looking for something different to read, I did start reading this book right away. It wasn't too long after this, that I was hooked. I wasn't able to put the book down until I was finished. I remember back in the 80's playing D&D. I even recall hearing of the books. However, back then, I was just too cool to get that engrossed into these stories. Now that I'm 42, I'm exploring the realm of dragons, wizards, and everything magical and loving every second of it. Dragons of Autumn Twilight captivated me from the first page. I could visualize each character as if they were standing in front of me. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happens next. When I was unable to read, I caught myself wondering how Tanis was dealing with the burden of being a leader. I felt sad Raistlin due to the mistrust from his companions. Strum seems like a man who is torn between two worlds. Caramon would be a man after my heart...so devoted to his brother and friends, but wants a life of his own. Flint is so stubborn but devoted to Tanis...it's like he is a self-appointed protector, I feel there is more to his devotion. Tasslehoff and I would be best friends, he's so full of life and fun, we'd be into so much mischief. I'm so glad Riverwind and Goldmoon joined this group. I hope they continue on the adventure in the next installment...if not I'm going to be disappointed. This is an epic story that I can see myself re-reading again at some point. Thanks Mike and AJ for bringing this to my blind eyes!

When readers, especially younger ones, ask me what fantasy novels to read after going through “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” by Tolkien, I usually tell them to check out “The Dragonlance Chronicles” by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. That trilogy starts off with “Dragons of Autumn Twilight,” a book I adored as a child and returned to three decades later. There are problems to be sure. The writing is often clunky and, as the authors admit in their notes in the “Annotated Chronicles,” they fell into the traps associated with TSR producing a series of RP modules at the same time as the books, especially where “Autumn Twilight” was concerned. Characters often make strange decisions so the plot can flow and the humor goes from funny to forced in the blink of an eye. There are far too many heroes at the end of the book with almost 15 characters in the main party. Needless to say, some of the characters simply get lost (including one who was crucial at the start of the book and basically ignored by the end of it). Going through TOR’s reread of the books--which is worth looking at--I found myself nodding my head far too often as the reviewers pointed out the various problems. But these problems pale in comparison to a fine book. Weis and Hickman do an amazing job at introducing the characters at the start of “Autumn Twilight” and do a fine job of guiding them through various adventures. The battles scenes are often excellent. Many of the heroes stand out as do some of the villains. Readers who enjoy fantasy novels should enjoy this book and exploring the lovingly crafted world of Krynn. Sure, there are too many cliches. Yes, Weis and Hickman keep tripping over TSR’s modules. There are way too many characters fighting for attention toward the end of “Autumn Twilight.” These kind of problems would undermine most books. That doesn’t happen here thanks to a fun plot in constant motion and some strong and intriguing characters. Even after three decades, “Autumn Twilight” holds up very well. Highly recommended.

I read this book series in high school in 1988. I decided to reread the Dragonlance Chronicles. I don't find the storyline captivating. Not bad, but it seems a little forced at time. I had to roll my eyes a few times. Like when they were all hiding from the guards in a house and hunkered down and EVERYONE forgot to shut the door, allowing them to be discovered. Or when they were all fooled by a Dragon made of wicker. I always wondered how two authors could write one piece of fiction, like two people painting a picture. I am planning to finish the series for nostalgic reasons, but I don't think I will do it again. Case in point: I bought The Dragons of Autumn Twilight in 2018 and stopped half way through. I just found the book on my shelf and started reading again. There is much better fantasy fiction to read. If you haven't read the Lord of the Rings, start there. Once you do you won't come here.

This book truly sets the standard for Fantasy Novels. I remember first reading this book (along with the other 2) in highschool during my freshman and softmore year. They amount of joy I had reading through the pages is something I'll always remember. Each word paints a vivid picture in your mind. The characters, each and every one, are lovable and distinct. You will find yourself truly attached to their adventure, anxiously waiting to turn the page to discover what is going to happen. As the story unfolds, you'll start to notice that you read more and more every time you open the book. One used to be a chapter a day turned into 4 chapters back to back. It's simple, this book and its trilogy will change the way you see other books. this will be what you compare all other books of this nature to. As said before, I read these books in highschool, I recently purchased the entire trilogy plus 2 others of the same story line about 2 weeks ago. I was 15 then, I'm 26 now, and let me tell you... 11 years later, this book is even better! You will laugh, you will have anxiety, your jaw will dropped from shock, you may even cry. The authors imagined a world that will become familiar, as if it's a real place you can travel to. You may find yourself day dreaming of its contents. Whether you a RPG fantasy nerd or just a person with a great imagination, young or old, this is a book for everyone to enjoy. A book I highly recommend. May it's pages bring you as much joy as they did for me.

...but what is? I was skeptical that a worthwhile read could be had from modules designed for a roll playing game. I have similar reservations about movies based on video games. But the present book was recommended by someone whose judgement I trust so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. It was an entertaining and engaging read, one I looked forward to returning to after a busy day. (To me that is the litmus test of a good book.) It is an unabashedly derivative heroic quest fantasy that borrows themes from Tolkien. You have the artifacts of great power. You have a great evil on the rise. You have a company made up of various species and personalities on a quest to oppose it. Etc, etc, etc. But the book has an energy of its own and largely succeeds in blazing its own trail. You have some strong female characters. You have some morally ambiguous characters. Romance, humor, and drama are effectively interwoven. The authors also put interesting original spins on their Tolkienian prototypes. Kenders are the Dragonlance analogue of Tolkien's hobbits and although we only see one, I immediately wanted to know more about them. The gully dwarves are another interesting take. And the stock villainous cannon fodder, the draconians, also do not suffer in comparison to their orc inspiration. The book is written in a style, that while lacking the beauty of Tolkien, is faster paced and probably more accessible to modern readers. Like Tolkien there are passages of poetry but nothing that seriously bogs down the story. My major complaint, and the reason for giving it only one star, is that there is a distinct feeling that the story is being made up as it goes along. Plotting by the seat of your pants can work but here the sharp edges are a little too obvious. The prime example is the return to Solace at the beginning of Book II. It seemed an incredibly foolish thing to do and seemed to serve no other purpose than getting the company captured. Another problem is whereas in Book I the focus is tightly on the eight members of the company, in Book II the company begins to accumulate a whole host of hangers on and the book gets crowded. I read the Kindle edition. Most everything was fine with two exceptions. First, the map was reproduced at a size where it was difficult to make out any detail. Online references helped here. Second, the progress bar only had Book I and Book II marked but not the individual chapters which made the decision to continue reading or not more difficult. But overall I can recommend the Kindle edition. Recommended. I fully intend to complete the trilogy.

Have heard of the Dragonlance series for a long time now but only got the chance to start it recently. Fast-paced story and beginner-friendly to those new to the genre.

Not the highest literary work, but I still re-read this book every 4-5 years, it reminds me of my teenage years when we read fantasy books. Just brings back good memories and I love the adventures!

An excellent fantasy novel.

Weis and Hickman melded the best books in dragonlance saga, creating deep robust charismatic characters: Raistlin and Caramon, Tas and Flint Tanis Riverwind and Goldmoon and so many others that with their personality colouring a grey and obscure world: Krynn.

Loved them 30 years ago, love them still. This were the first novels I read in the D&D brand and they got me to love the game I play to this day