Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance Chronicles, Volume I)

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.

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.

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!

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

Excellent book for those who wish to start into dungeon and dragons.