I read this book about 20 years ago and haven't since, but I've been re-reading all of the core Dragonlance books and this was next after the Chronicles, Legends and Lost Chronicles trilogies.

It's nice to continue the saga of the Dragonlance characters, even if this book is mostly fan service. Summer Flame was mainly written for a new D&D card system, so I don't know how narratively necessary this book was (then again, what sequel is?). It was mostly fun and unfortunately the characters are not as well-developed as the characters from the Chronicles & Legends trilogies.

Although if they were to make a movie, I think this book would be a great starting point simply because Usha is a character where the audience can see the eyes of the world through because everything is new to her as is the audience. But who am I kidding, they're never going to get a good movie or TV show from these books.

If you're like me, you'll want to read it regardless, but you might have a hard time getting into it.

Raistlin again!

He does not need magic to succeed. He is intelligent and can be charming, if he wants to. And this is where he appears, sent from the gods, and helps his loved ones. Dragonlance enters a new era, with this book.

Another 7/10. Always when Raistlin appears.
artfuldanni's profile picture

artfuldanni's review

1.0

It's almost as if they wrote this book to punish us all for reading this far.

Oh? You liked that character for the previous 6 books? Well, now they're dead... in a completely bland and lackluster manner. They killed off Tanis with the phrase 'and he breathed no more' or something similarly matter of fact. WHAT?

And the kids? Well, they kill off most of them as well. The ones that they left living were wet blankets who I wasn't the least bit interested in - I'll be honest, one Usha left the tower of High Sorcery in Palanthas, I started skimming her chapters. I found I didn't miss anything. And Tas is back again, but they continue to write him like an annoying, sniveling child who is more irritating than helpful... but not in that loveable kender way.

And Raistlin... oh my dear, dear Raistlin... why couldn't they have just left you at peace, like your brother's dream said you were, instead of having you play wet nurse to a wet blanket?
moonlit_shelves's profile picture

moonlit_shelves's review

2.0
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

It's almost as if they wrote this book to punish us all for reading this far.

Oh? You liked that character for the previous 6 books? Well, now they're dead... in a completely bland and lackluster manner. They killed off Tanis with the phrase 'and he breathed no more' or something similarly matter of fact. WHAT?

And the kids? Well, they kill off most of them as well. The ones that they left living were wet blankets who I wasn't the least bit interested in - I'll be honest, one Usha left the tower of High Sorcery in Palanthas, I started skimming her chapters. I found I didn't miss anything. And Tas is back again, but they continue to write him like an annoying, sniveling child who is more irritating than helpful... but not in that loveable kender way.

And Raistlin... oh my dear, dear Raistlin... why couldn't they have just left you at peace, like your brother's dream said you were, instead of having you play wet nurse to a wet blanket?
zoes_human's profile picture

zoes_human's review

3.0
adventurous

I enjoyed this but mainly because of nostalgia. It's not a very good book but it has the characters I fell in love with so for that (and only that) I enjoyed it.

Any fans of the original Chronicles series should consider this an optional (and I think unsatisfying) end to the series. I believe I've mentally edited the events of this book out of my mind, and I plan to keep it that way. Stop at Spring Dawning.

It was fun to revisit this series. Not as good as the first three books, but I'm glad I reread them.
undeadwookieebooks's profile picture

undeadwookieebooks's review

3.25
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced