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After the four worlds Alfred has at last found his people on Chelstra, the realm of sea. But his travels have taught him to be cautious... and Alfred soon realizes his caution is justified, even among his own kind. The one person Alfred can trust is, strangely, Haplo the Patryn. But Haplo's lord has decreed all Sartan to be the enemy, and Haplo dares not go against his lord. Now the companions have arrived in a land where humans, elves, and dwarves have learned to live in peace. show more Unaware of an even greater threat to all the realms, it is Sartan and Patryn who will disrupt this alliance of the lesser races in their struggle to gain control of all four worlds. Only Alfred and Haplo realize that they have a much older -- and more powerful -- enemy than each other... show lessTags
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Book 4 of the Death Gate Cycle takes Alfred and Haplo to the final post-sundering world—water. This world has surviving Sartan, but Alfred (though he should be filled with joy) finds he mistrusts them. This world also houses an ultimate evil and in order to stop it, Haplo and Alfred must ally their interests yet again. . The book contains many of the same plot deficiencies of the earlier books in the series, but I continue to enjoy them. I particularly enjoyed how 3 of the main “mensch” characters in this book are female.
Het vierde deel was weer wat luchtiger van toon dan "Vuurzee". Ik vond het tot nu toe het leukste deel. Dat kwam vooral door de drie vriendinnen, maar ook door de uitgebreide rol van Alfred, die
eindelijk zijn mede Sartanen tegenkomt, maar toch nog lelijk op zijn neus kijkt. En dat hij verliefd wordt vind ik zo schattig! In dit boek zijn er ook wat meer karakters met een beetje diepgang, wat het verhaal ten goede komt. Ook wordt de plot steeds interessanter, doordat de Sartanen en de Patrijnen nog meer "grijs" worden. Geen van beide rassen blijkt alleen het goede of het kwade na te streven. Beide rassen hebben de potentie tot goed en kwaad en dat maakt dat het verhaal nu pas echt uit de verf begint te komen.
eindelijk zijn mede Sartanen tegenkomt, maar toch nog lelijk op zijn neus kijkt. En dat hij verliefd wordt vind ik zo schattig! In dit boek zijn er ook wat meer karakters met een beetje diepgang, wat het verhaal ten goede komt. Ook wordt de plot steeds interessanter, doordat de Sartanen en de Patrijnen nog meer "grijs" worden. Geen van beide rassen blijkt alleen het goede of het kwade na te streven. Beide rassen hebben de potentie tot goed en kwaad en dat maakt dat het verhaal nu pas echt uit de verf begint te komen.
In the fourth volume of the Death Gate Cycle, a fantasy series I would have never discovered on my own, we meet our protagonists: Haplo and Alfred, bitter enemies of different races; Haplo, the Patryn, was forced to escape a death prison known as the Labyrinth, created by the Sartan, of which, Alfred is a member. Haplo, harboring a grudge against all that is Sartan slowly comes to see Alfred as an equal as their paths continually intertwine.
They find themselves on the water-world of Chelestra, separated by quite some distance. Alfred also finds that Haplo's inseparable dog has somehow ended up with him, and that the Sartan existing on this world are those that originally caused the Sundering in the first place. Haplo, meanwhile, finds show more himself caught up in a battle between the mensch (the term used to describe the humans, elves, and dwarves) and the deadly and powerful dragon-snakes. Additionally, the water of this world seems to nullify all Patryn and Sartan magic.
Haplo accompanies the three princesses (though one is really a boy in disguise, serving as a placeholder for the princess, whom he adores) to the lair of the dragon-snakes and discovers that they hold fealty to him and the Patryns. Accepting such hospitality as they give him, but always being wary of deception, he helps the mensch to return to their world and get the people ready for the migration to their next land, currently occupied by the inhospitable Sartan.
The worlds presented in these books are more or less fully realized, with enough back matter to make your head spin. The series itself isn't an example of a fantasy series that will knock your socks off and redefine the genre, but it does provide memorable characters and an intriguing plot that will definitely have you wanting more.
While Weis and Hickman may not be the next Tolkien or Lieber or Moorcock, they're probably just a tad better than most of those other authors who write Dungeons and Dragons series (theirs is Dragonlance).
The Death Gate Cycle will probably appeal to you if you find yourself reading D&D-based fiction (though it itself is not D&D-based), or if you like fantasy that isn't quite epic and isn't quite sword and sorcery, but at the same time, isn't at all recasted romance sitting in the wrong aisle at your bookstore. show less
They find themselves on the water-world of Chelestra, separated by quite some distance. Alfred also finds that Haplo's inseparable dog has somehow ended up with him, and that the Sartan existing on this world are those that originally caused the Sundering in the first place. Haplo, meanwhile, finds show more himself caught up in a battle between the mensch (the term used to describe the humans, elves, and dwarves) and the deadly and powerful dragon-snakes. Additionally, the water of this world seems to nullify all Patryn and Sartan magic.
Haplo accompanies the three princesses (though one is really a boy in disguise, serving as a placeholder for the princess, whom he adores) to the lair of the dragon-snakes and discovers that they hold fealty to him and the Patryns. Accepting such hospitality as they give him, but always being wary of deception, he helps the mensch to return to their world and get the people ready for the migration to their next land, currently occupied by the inhospitable Sartan.
The worlds presented in these books are more or less fully realized, with enough back matter to make your head spin. The series itself isn't an example of a fantasy series that will knock your socks off and redefine the genre, but it does provide memorable characters and an intriguing plot that will definitely have you wanting more.
While Weis and Hickman may not be the next Tolkien or Lieber or Moorcock, they're probably just a tad better than most of those other authors who write Dungeons and Dragons series (theirs is Dragonlance).
The Death Gate Cycle will probably appeal to you if you find yourself reading D&D-based fiction (though it itself is not D&D-based), or if you like fantasy that isn't quite epic and isn't quite sword and sorcery, but at the same time, isn't at all recasted romance sitting in the wrong aisle at your bookstore. show less
Haplo without his dog (his Lord Xar was not impressed with his conduct in the last book) travels the last of the Sundered worlds - Water. This is perhaps the most inventive of the four, and introduces the true antagonists, neither Patryn or Sartan, but Fizban's (fortunately not present) nemesis true evil in the hearts of all intelligent beings. Driven by Fear and hence it's associated emotions of hatred, chaos etc. the beings are invidious and seek to corrupt all counsels and guidance of the wise.
Haplo also discovers the remainder of the true Sartan. They are very different from Alfred who is also present. And a prime candidate for the snakes to fan the flame sof fear between the races. The Mensch have up until now being living in peace show more and harmony together. As the travelling sun in the center of the world moves on the Mensch need to migrate to the Sartan's landmass. Haplo no longer seeks discord at every turn, having met the snakes he's much more concerned with thwarting them than his Lord's wishes. And Alfred has his dog! Alfred has his own problems quickly falling foul of the Sartan leader's fear of Patryn.
Haplo's more divided conscience is more interesting than in previous novels, and Alfred's part will also be of note. I'm always less convinced by manifestations of pure evil, but the snakes are at least clever about it, wishing to survive on fear rather than just slaughter. It's not clear why the seawater has anti-magic properties, nor why the Sartan were so surprised by this.
A fair continuation of the series. show less
Haplo also discovers the remainder of the true Sartan. They are very different from Alfred who is also present. And a prime candidate for the snakes to fan the flame sof fear between the races. The Mensch have up until now being living in peace show more and harmony together. As the travelling sun in the center of the world moves on the Mensch need to migrate to the Sartan's landmass. Haplo no longer seeks discord at every turn, having met the snakes he's much more concerned with thwarting them than his Lord's wishes. And Alfred has his dog! Alfred has his own problems quickly falling foul of the Sartan leader's fear of Patryn.
Haplo's more divided conscience is more interesting than in previous novels, and Alfred's part will also be of note. I'm always less convinced by manifestations of pure evil, but the snakes are at least clever about it, wishing to survive on fear rather than just slaughter. It's not clear why the seawater has anti-magic properties, nor why the Sartan were so surprised by this.
A fair continuation of the series. show less
I enjoyed this book more then any of the previous ones. Finally there were characters I found interesting and cared about, finally Alfred and Haplo see some character development (Haplo's did start in previous books, to be fair), finally some plot development! As fun as it was to discover the different worlds, I was getting impatient for hints of what the last 3 books were going to be about.
After a somewhat lacklustre third entry, Weis and Hickman play to their strengths in 'Serpent Mage'. All the requisites of high fantasy are included, with elves, dwarves and magic vs. science. These factors are cleverly blended with the strong Death Gate scenario, brimming with originality and ideas. The setting does not overshadow the plot, with less premable and backstory than previous entries - Haplo's journey is central to the action and mayhem. Good characterisation and clever use of narrative styles create an engaging story, utilising the Death Gate scenario to almost reinvent an old angle. At times the story seems a little forced, with some trite dialogue and clumsy foreboding, however overall Serpent Mage is a worthwhile and show more inventive read. show less
Out of fear, enemies are born.
Haplo returns full of doubts, and confesses all to his lord, who purifies Haplo through pain. Cold once more, Haplo is sent on to Chelestra, the last world; where he finds a vast ocean, where “sea moons” float in bubbles of air.
The story quickly switches to the mensch (dwarves, elves, and humans), who have managed to form a lasting peace. They are about to migrate to a new sea moon, until a new enemy appears, demanding a sacrifice to stay their hand.
The story continues the transition that began in Fire Sea, humanizing Haplo through a series of quick subplots as he struggles to reconcile who he is with who he thinks he should be. This brings the characters much closer, but also serves as a stalling show more tactic, postponing the main conflict until other plots have a chance to catch up. The story manages to create some touching moments, but ultimately proves anti-climactic, leaving characters and audiences waiting for the next installment.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Setting
*Weak main plot, strong subplots
*Some interesting ideas
-Anticlimactic Ending
3/5 show less
Haplo returns full of doubts, and confesses all to his lord, who purifies Haplo through pain. Cold once more, Haplo is sent on to Chelestra, the last world; where he finds a vast ocean, where “sea moons” float in bubbles of air.
The story quickly switches to the mensch (dwarves, elves, and humans), who have managed to form a lasting peace. They are about to migrate to a new sea moon, until a new enemy appears, demanding a sacrifice to stay their hand.
The story continues the transition that began in Fire Sea, humanizing Haplo through a series of quick subplots as he struggles to reconcile who he is with who he thinks he should be. This brings the characters much closer, but also serves as a stalling show more tactic, postponing the main conflict until other plots have a chance to catch up. The story manages to create some touching moments, but ultimately proves anti-climactic, leaving characters and audiences waiting for the next installment.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Setting
*Weak main plot, strong subplots
*Some interesting ideas
-Anticlimactic Ending
3/5 show less
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Author Information
264+ Works 103,147 Members
Margaret Weis was born on March 16, 1948 in Independence, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1970. She worked for Herald Publishing House, starting as a proofreader and leaving as the editorial director of their trade press division. In 1983, she went to work for TSR, Inc., the company responsible for numerous role-playing show more games including Dungeons and Dragons. At TSR, she was part of the design team responsible for the creation of the DragonLance saga, which lead to the DragonLance fantasy series of books. She collaborated with Tracy Hickman to write many of the books. She is also the author of the Star of the Guardian series, the Death Gate Cycle, and the Darksword Trilogy. In addition to writing, she is the owner and president of Mag Force 7, which produces collectible trading card games. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
206+ Works 92,997 Members
Tracy Hickman was born on November 26, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He entered the Missionary Home in Salt Lake City in 1975. From there, he was sent to Hawaii for language training for his eventual trip to Singapore. He was stationed in Hawaii and taught at the Mission House while waiting for his visa to come in. He preached the Mormon way of show more life in Indonesia for a year and a half. He was honorably released in 1977, and held a series of odd jobs after returning to the states including glass worker, television assistant director, and drill press operator in a genealogy center. In 1981, he approached by TSR about buying two of his gaming modules. He was hired by the company instead and began working with Margaret Weis. They wrote the DragonLance Chronicles together as well as over 40 books. He wrote two solo novels Requiem of Stars and The Immortals. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Serpent Mage
- Original title
- Serpent Mage
- Original publication date
- 1992-04
- People/Characters
- Haplo; Grundle Heavybeard; Alake; Devon; Alfred Montbank; The Dog (show all 24); Orla; King Stephen; Samah; Ramu; Royal One; Xar; Bane; Fricka; Gertrude; Hartmut; Jonathon; Dumaka; Yngvar Heavybeard; Delu; Eliason; One; Hilda Heavybeard; Sabia
- Important places
- Chelestra; Surunan, Chelestra; Arianus; Abarrach; Kranque, Longnight, Chelestra; Phondra, Longnight, Chelestra (show all 23); Longnight, Chelestra; Goodsea, Chelestra; Barrens, Chelstra; Newbirth, Chelestra; Mnilishi, Longnight, Chelestra; Ulishan, Goodsea, Chelestra; Seasun, Chelestra; Durnai; Challis, Chelestra; Pryan; Labyrinth; Draknor, Chelestra; Chalice; Death's Gate; Chamber of the Damned, Abarrach; Great Library; Gargan, Chelestra
- Epigraph
- Do I dare disturb the universe? --T. S. Eliot, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
- Dedication
- Dedicated to my new granddaughter, Natalie Briana Baldwin, and to her mother and father, David and Joyce. --Margaret Weis
Dedicated to Don and Jeri Allphin with love -- Tracy Raye Hickman - First words
- I visited my wrath upon Haplo this day.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Smiling quietly, Haplo returned to his bed, streched out comfortably, and waited for the seawater to rise.
- Original language
- English
- Disambiguation notice
- Please distinguish between this Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman novel, Serpent Mage (Book 4 in the "Death Gate Cycle"), and the similarly titled novel, The Serpent Mage (Book 2 in the "Songs of Earth and Power" Se... (show all)ries) by Greg Bear. Thank you.
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