In the second book off the DragaonLance Chronicles, the companions continue on their mission to find out what has brought the evil dragons back, and try to bring the world's races togethers. This is proving harder than anticipated because of centuries old prejudices and hatreds that have festered causing rifts in any defences that may have been put together.

As the evil dragon army advance across the face of Krynn, the companions are forced to split up. The author does a very good job of staying with both groups without splitting the story too much. Unusual heroes emerge making and acting on the hard decisions that many would never be able to make. The companions continue to grow and develop in unique and often fascinating ways.

We are left with quite a cliff hanger that drives the reader into the next book as if this one had never ended. ( )

I'll admit that I only read this the one time way back in the early 90's, but I finally picked it up again this summer and gave it a good read. I'm amazed that I didn't appreciate it as much as a teenager as I do now. Perhaps I was so in awe with Autumn Twilight that I put this one on the backburner.

It's a great read, as is much of the earlier Dragonlance novels. Fun stuff. Great series. ( )

More of the same in this sequel. ( )

The Companions have been separated, both by decision and by circumstance. The Queen of Darkness, Takhisis, has returned to the world and is preparing her armies to conquer as the second book in the DragonLance Chronicles trilogy, Dragons of Winter Night, begins. Clearly, a lot has happened since the last novel, and we are told about it rather than shown to save pages and time; much like the first novel in the trilogy, this one also begins heavily in media res and will leave you wondering what has been going on. As a side note, in 2006 and 2008, a couple of books were published that detail what happened between Dragons of Autumn Twilight and Dragons of Winter Night. Check out The Lost Chronicles for more details. I intend to read these after finishing the original novels again, prefering to read the books in the order they were published rather than in the story's chronological order.

Focusing heavily on the Knights of Solamnia, Dragons of Winter Night reveals more about why the order of knights have fallen into disrepute and focuses heavily on the character of Sturm Brightblade. Sturm is a squire of thirty years, young as far as the knighthood is concerned, though one of the eldest of the Companions (among the humans, anyways), and often morose. Sturm is depressed, melancholy, and pessimistic about the hope left in the world. However, as more is revealed regarding the knighthood and his past, Sturm's personality is seen in a new light, and his nobility and code of honour becomes paramount. In particular, the question is raised near the end of the book which is more important: strict adherence to a binding set of rules or a more flexible, subjective interpretation of events based on one's code of honour. The question is answered through the story, but I find it unfortunate that the subject isn't really expanded upon.

Dragons of Winter Night is a solid middle-book to the trilogy, facing the same challenges as any middle-pieces in that it has no real beginning or end. It overcomes this challenge by providing action that is fast paced and exciting, heartbreaking romance, and the true introduction of dragons as Takhisis's power on Krynn is revealed. The personalities of the Companions make for a highly entertaining read, and the books ends with a satisfying conclusion that still urges readers to pick up the next book in the series. If you liked Dragons of Autumn Twilight, you will love Dragons of Winter Night. ( )

The magic continues from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. This well written fantasy will tear at your heart as you live through the ups and downs of the characters. Weis and Hickman's writing allows you to be swept away and into the world of Krynn. Be aware readers that there are many plot lines and sometimes you can get lost in trying to keep who is together and where they are at the moment, but aside from that, it's a great book. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series. ( )