Reviews

Dragons of Winter Night by Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman

iam_griff's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is the continuation of the Dragonlance: Chronicles series as the companions are split into 2 groups after a dragon attack on Tarsis. Sturm, Laurana, Tas, Flint, & Gilthanis go to the Icewall to find a dragon orb from a Dragon Highlord. They work to get the orb & a dragonlance to Sancrist in order to elicit help from the Knights of Solamnia. While Tanis, Caramon, Raistlin, Goldmoon, Riverwind, & Tika are rescued by the Silvanesti elven princess Aylana Starbreeze & encounter a dragon orb in the possession her father in Silvannost. With each group struggling to stay alive as the war becomes more intense.

I know this series was published in the early 1980s & is based off the lore of 1st edition of Dungeon & Dragons, but this series was one of the first fantasy novels published at a time when there wasn't a lot to choose from. I've read this series several times & these characters are like old friends. While the plot isn't as complex as some of the more current published books, the characters have a depth to them that is unique. I will never get tired of this series as this was something that I grew up on & is a everlasting classic.

abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition

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2.0

Yeah, this is where it all started, but this is just not able to stay with the times. The writing is very dated and this just does not have an even flow to the tale. This was going to be my gateway into the D&D novels, but I will not finish this series. On to a different one to try and get through as many Dungeons and Dragons novels as I can in one year!
Ready ... Steady ... Go!

wynwicket's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

sobolevnrm's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

marmoset737's review against another edition

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4.0

3 stars for fantasy series revisits (felt more derivative than I remember) - 5 stars for great comfort food while in a hospital for post c-section recovery and the first few weeks of motherhood

zenithharpink's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5 stars. This was a bit disjointed from Book 1 in terms of where it picked up. There were several recycled turns of phrase that I found grating as a reader. I often had difficulty understanding why characters were doing something-context was oft lacking. There were some downright confusing passages, and the wrap-up wasn't quite there, unfortunately-it felt like a specific action ended, but the story itself was climaxing (which I suppose is generally the case for 'book 2 of 3's).

This book definitely more of the levity, generally provided by Tas, to help with the storytelling-in my opinion he was far too absent. Additionally, the characters/heroes had split up and some dynamics that I had enjoyed in the previous book were lacking. Again, there was virtually no character development.

I recommend this book to those who read and enjoyed the first book in the series.

alexisb213's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jaysbookishthoughts's review against another edition

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4.0

Dragons of Winter Night is a thrilling epic fantasy novel written by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, and it is the second book in the Dragonlance Chronicles series. The book takes place in the fictional world of Krynn, where the forces of good and evil are engaged in an epic struggle, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

The story follows the heroes of the first book, including the half-elf Tanis, the dwarf Flint, the knight Sturm, the wizard Raistlin, his twin brother Caramon, and the kender Tasslehoff, as they continue their journey to stop the powerful and malevolent dragon armies from destroying everything in their path. Along the way, they must confront their own personal demons, including the complex relationship between Raistlin and Caramon.

Weis and Hickman's world-building is masterful, and they do an excellent job of immersing the reader in the intricate and fascinating world of Krynn. The characters are well-developed, and each one has their own unique personality and backstory. The action is fast-paced, and the battles are epic, with dragons, wizards, and knights all fighting for the fate of the world.

One of the strengths of Dragons of Winter Night is the complexity of the characters and their relationships. Raistlin, in particular, is a fascinating character, with his dark powers and tortured past. The relationship between Raistlin and Caramon is also a highlight, as it is both heart-warming and tragic at the same time.

Overall, Dragons of Winter Night is an excellent addition to the Dragonlance Chronicles series. Weis and Hickman's writing is engaging and compelling, and they create a vivid and immersive world that readers will be reluctant to leave. Fans of epic fantasy will find much to enjoy in this book, and it is highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive read.

thatjameswhitman's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

howlsmovinglibrary's review against another edition

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3.25

I'm gay.