Dragons of Spring Dawning: Dragonlance Chronicles, Volume III [マスマーケット]

For many a years I had settled for mediocrity fantasy deep in the belief that nothing could excel Tolkien. Now, I honestly do believe that anything is possible. This isn't just another fantasy novel. It truly is the greatest fantasy saga of all time. Several of the other readers have made comparisons to Tolkien. Tolkien set certain standards with his novels. Weis and Hickman have developed this further (and no, I didn't think that could be possible either), setting their own universal standards in the process. They certainly are the masters of the fantasy cosmos. I could not find a single flaw or make a single criticism of the entire series. I have nothing but acclamation for it.

This powerhouse has incessantly urgent plot development and intrigue, and every consequence of that plot is clearly thought out. The characters are so comprehensively defined and developed that you feel as if you know them personally; thus truly adulating or despising them. The authors achieve this by probing deep into the characters' minds and their very souls. Tanis, the tortured central figure in the universe, weighing problems upon him with the stakes of which no mortal being should ever be demanded. Laurana, an elven enchantress of eternal beauty and pure of heart, suffers as deeply as Tanis. Kitiara, an alluring yet complex presence, is chillingly captivating. The tragic loss of two key figures adds greatly to the affinity. The authors put their characters into uniquely dark situations and get their responses so correctly that the spell is never once broken.

Both the subtle and apparent use of several themes throughout the novel is flawlessly executed, and harmoniously tied together at the end. Although the style of writing remains consistent, the pace and scheme of this novel picks up greatly from Winter Night, with a suspense/thriller feel to it. The disquieting tension as the plot races to its conclusion is a reader's thrill ride. On one hand you want to read hastily and gleefully to see how the perilous tale unfolds, but on the other hand, you want to slow down to fully appreciate the authors' work; one reason why this merits a second reading.

I disagree with some of the views that Dragonlance is purely for the younger generation of readers. I believe the classic series appeals to all readers regardless of age for different reasons. As an example, when I first read the Chronicles back in the 80s, I was only 10 and I thoroughly enjoyed it for the spectacular battle scenes and the fantastic adventures our heroes go on. I read the series again not so long ago and was captivated for an altogether different reason. This time it wasn't the majestic dragons or the mythical world of Krynn that enraptured me, as I no longer have a child's imagination. Instead I was spellbound by the characters themselves and how they developed throughout the course of this trilogy. The emotional turmoil and complex relationship between Tanis, Laurana and Kitiara, culminating with the shocking twist at the end, is perhaps the best example. I failed to appreciate this during my first visit to Krynn.

At the end of it all, when you close the book and come back to reality, there is a real sense of despondency as if you cannot believe Krynn is not real. Hats off to Weis and Hickman who have written a masterpiece that allows every reader to take away with them something endearing and unique.

For those of you who have read the first two books and are dying from anticipation, Tanis finally chooses which woman he spends his life with. Tas and Flint continue bickering until the end, in more ways than one. Raistlin shows off his real personnality (something I was waiting for). Fizban loses his hat (again). And Caramon beats up some draconians.

If you are a Raistlin and Caramon fan, like I am, this book is necessary. As I have mentoined before, this is where Legends gets started (I know Legends takes place 4 years after this but everything in Chronicles leads up to Legends).

The best part of the book was the very end when Raistlin fulfils the prophecy. Out of everything in Chrocicles those few pages are what realy stood out.

"Someday you, with all your strength and charm and good looks,you, all of you, will call me master" Raistlin, Dragons Of Autumn Twilight