Concerning the events following those described in Weis and Hickman's _Time of the Twins_, the second volume of the Legends Trilogy is slightly more exciting than the first.

Set approximately 100 years after the Cataclysm caused by the arrogant King Priest of Istar, the novel centers around Caramon, Raistlin, and Chrysania's attempt to gather an army in order to seize the dwarven citadel of Pax Tharkas. The narrative generally centers on the the three main characters march from the city of Palanthas in the north to the dwarven lands in the south, but it does intermittently fly forward through time to dwell on Raistlin's apprentice, Dalamar, a dark-elf who lives after the the events described in the famous War of Lance trilogy.

War of the Twins, like the first volume of the Legengs Trilogy, becomes tedious at times for the narrowness of its somewhat flat characters. Although Caramon, Tasslehoff, and Chyrsania are likable and somewhat interesting characters, they are one-sided and predictable. They would be extremely entertaining characters if they were part of a bigger cast--like in the War of the Lance Tilogy--but because they are forced to bear the dramatic burden of the entire narrative, they become somewhat tedious.

Raistlin, however, is a complex and interesting character, and his personality pulls the reader through. At times sympathetic, at other times despicable, the mage both attracts and repulses the reader while resisting his/her attempts to pigeonhole him as good or bad.

The ending is somewhat rushed and confusing, but the build-up prior to the battle of Pax Tharkas is quite interesting. The greatest moments of this novel are those when the reader is able to participate in the nostalgia experienced by Raistlin and his twin brother Caramon as they attempt to rekindle their problematic relationship. ( )

After escaping the Cataclysm, Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania escape forward in time with the goal of entering the mystic portal to the Abyss, and dethroning the Queen of Dark. Unfortunately, each in their own way discovers that time does not like to be manipulated. Each is doomed to walk the path set by those whose roles they've taken. But kender can change time... If only Raistlin hadn't let Tas die in the Cataclysm...

I thought this one was better than the first of the series. At each turn you see a glimmer of hope that Raistlin will actually redeem himself and come back to the light only to be disappointed time and time again as he commits further evil acts all intended to allow him to become a god. The tension is palpable at times. And, of course, being the second book, we have the inevitable cliffhanger... one that I knew was coming, but still didn't necessarily want to have to wait through. Fortunately for me, the third book is sitting right on my bedside table ready to go!

Read 11/1987, 9/2007 ( )

I love the twins storyline; this was a pretty good trilogy. Although, I suspect that if I re-read them now I'd find them poorly written (that was my experience when I tried re-reading the first few DL books). ( )

Great book and series - this was top notch fantasy back in the day! ( )

classic fantasy series ( )