Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance Chronicles, Volume I) (original 1984; edition 2000)

The first book in a trilogy that made one of the major shared universe settings of the last few decades go mainstream- the Dragonlance cycle- this book also marks the first collaboration between Weiss and Hickman, a staple team in the modern fantasy corpus.

This book, more than the others, really feels like what it is- the novelization of a AD&D campaign, but executed by skilled writers. For a pure reader, it has several unusual features- no single main character, an unusually large band of mains, multiple quest sections, highly varied cultures living cheek by jowls, a background of war but with a focused quest format- it certainly does not read like any other thing I am aware of. One of the most effective characters is low-grade evil, the characters are together because of pre-existing relationships, and it is not without strain.

For the tabletop gamer, it reads like an ideal game, with identifiable critical failures and successes.

The plot arc structure is unusual (it's a series of encounters under an overarching quest format, not a standard rising and falling arc), overall it's written with believable characters, approachable dialogue, with a full fantasy setting. Not for you if you cannot handle "classic" or "traditional" fantasy, but otherwise, I recommend giving this a try. ( )

Character List

Characters
Heroes of the Lance

Tanis Half-Elven, a half-elf and de facto leader of the companions, torn between the human woman Kitiara and the elfmaid Laurana
Sturm Brightblade, a squire to the Knights of Solamnia and deeply honorable man
Goldmoon, daughter of the chief of the Que-Shu tribe, bearer of the Blue Crystal Staff, and first true cleric of good since the Cataclysm
Tearsong, priestess of Que-shu, Goldmoon's mother
Riverwind, bodyguard and romantic interest of Goldmoon. Outcast of their tribe
Caramon Majere, a huge, muscular, sometimes slow-thinking warrior, with a deep affection for his brother, Raistlin, and a romantic interest in Tika
Raistlin Majere, a powerful, sarcastic, cynical, frail mage of the Red Robes, and the twin brother of Caramon
Flint Fireforge, a gruff old dwarf and old friend of Tanis
Tasslehoff Burrfoot, a happy-go-lucky, not-so-innocent, and genial kender

Other major characters

Laurana Kanan, an elven princess and romantic interest of Tanis
Gilthanas Kanan, elven prince and brother of Laurana, dislikes Tanis
Fizban, a muddled old wizard
Tika Waylan, a red-haired barmaid turned warrior and romantic interest of Caramon
Elistan, leader of the refugees who becomes the first cleric of the good god, Paladine
Dragon Highlord Verminaard, the leader of the Red Dragonarmy and a priest of the evil goddess, Takhisis
Hederick, the local Seeker/theocrat/etc
Khisanth draconian magic user
Lord Verminaard wanted that staff,
Mishakal, goddess of healing, Disks of Mishakal






( )

I first read this over 30 years ago, and now I reread it with my ten year old son. It still holds up, we both loved it. It's such an easy read and has lots of action and characters that are very likable. I'm really glad I got a chance to share this with him, it's something we'll be talking about for many years to come. ( )

Reread: I listened to the audiobook for the re-read of this classic. It was without a doubt the worst reader I've ever listened to. Still, the book made me smile to remember the good times past. ( )

Good, cleanly written fantasy. Truly stands out amongst the plethora of fantasy fluff that was being mass produced in the 80s and 90s. The characters are well written and the writers have a gift for instilling emotion in them. ( )