Title: Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Author: Margaret Weis
First published November 12, 1984
444 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780786915743 (ISBN10: 0786915749)
Rating: 4
Overview
In the magical world of Krynn, the dragons have returned, and with them, the departure of the old gods and healing magic. War looms over the land, and lifelong friends reunite for an adventure that will change their lives forever.
When a mysterious woman appears, wielding a powerful crystal staff, the Companions wonder if the gods have not abandoned them after all. With hope fueling them, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the gods’ absence.
But they aren’t the only ones with an interest in the staff. The Seekers, a new religious order, seeks to take the artifact for their own purposes, threatening to overtake the continent of Ansalon.
Now, the Companions must become heroes to prevent the staff from falling into the wrong hands. Amidst the rumors of war and strange monsters, they journey into the shadows, where secrets are revealed and fates are shaped.
No one expected them to be heroes, least of all themselves.
About the Author
I am a fantasy novelist who, alongside Tracy Hickman, helped create the Dragonlance game world. My writing spans numerous novels and short stories, many of which are set in the world of Krynn, but also includes series in other original worlds such as Darksword, Rose of the Prophet, Star of the Guardians, DeathGate, Dragonvarld, Sovereign Stone, Dragonships, and the Dragon Brigade.
In collaboration with my daughter, Elizabeth Baldwin, I also wrote two paranormal romance novels, Fallen Angel and Warrior Angel. After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia, I now reside in Wisconsin with my furry companions, Max, Dixie, Joey the Thug, and Clancy the Hooligan.
Currently, I am working on the third installment of the Dragon Brigade series, entitled the Seventh Sigil. Fans of the series can find the first book, Shadow Raiders, and the second book, Storm Riders, which will be released in July 2013 by Tor.
Outside of writing, my hobby is flyball racing with my dogs. Dixie, a border collie, and my two Shelties, Joey the Thug and Clancy the Hooligan, are my partners in crime.
Lastly, I am the owner of a company that publishes RPGs. Our latest project involves creating an RPG for the beloved TV series, Firefly. How shiny is that?
Editoral Review
Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis is a classic example of high fantasy literature that has captivated readers since its first publication in November 1984. Co-authored by Tracy Hickman, the book is the first in the Chronicles Trilogy of the Dragonlance series, setting the stage for what would eventually become a sprawling universe of magic, adventure, and the epic struggle between good and evil.
Set in the fictional world of Krynn, the story follows a band of adventurers who find themselves thrust together on a mission to save the land from the clutches of darkness. Led by exiled Solamnic knight Tanis Half-Elven, the group consists of a diverse array of characters, including a dwarf warrior, a kender rogue, a half-ogre barbarian, and others.
Along their journey, they must confront powerful dragons, evil wizards, and a sinister cult bent on unleashing an ancient evil that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. One of the strengths of Dragons of Autumn Twilight lies in its meticulous world-building and attention to detail.
The authors have created a rich and complex setting that feels both magical and grounded in reality, with a history and mythology all its own. The different races and cultures that inhabit Krynn are well fleshed-out, and readers will find themselves becoming increasingly invested in their fates.
Another strong point is the book’s pacing and sense of adventure. From its opening moments, the story plunges headfirst into action and never lets up, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with a barrage of thrilling set pieces and plot twists.
At the same time, the authors make sure to balance out the action with moments of character development and quiet reflection, giving readers a chance to get to know and care about the various members of the group. Overall, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is an excellent work of fantasy literature that deserves its place as a classic of the genre.
The characters are vividly drawn, the world is rich and immersive, and the plot is engaging and well-structured. Of course, there are some flaws, such as the tendency for certain characters to fall into clichd archetypes, and some issues with pacing in the latter half of the book.
But these are minor quibbles when compared to the overall quality of the work. For fans of high fantasy and epic adventure, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a must-read.
It is a book that is sure to transport readers to another world and leave them eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. We give this book four out of five stars, and recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
