I have been re-reading the DragonLance Chronicles series for the first time since the 1980s. I first discovered these books when only 2 were available and had to wait for the 3rd to hit the market. I actually remember finding them to this day.
I was at a mall in Dallas, I’m sure my Dad dropped me off for a while with instructions to meet him at a specific time (I didn’t have a driver’s license yet). I had some cash and it was time to chill out, and the mall had an arcade so I was good to go.
I wandered around for a bit before I went to the arcade, hit the bookstore (yes I am that guy) bought the first two books thinking they would be kinda cool and headed to the arcade.
After playing video games until I ran out of quarters (saving enough for a coke) I headed to where Dad was going to pick me up. I probably had an hour or something left.
I remember the books sucked me in from the very start.
The characters are relatable, and likable and the good versus evil is compelling.
Everything about the books just work. The politics is even relatable. You have elves versus humans (different political factions) versus dwarves, all thinking they know what is best for everyone. Each pushing those beliefs for “the good of all.” It was a depth I didn’t notice then but I do now.
The writing even shows what motivates the characters inside their fantasy world, it isn’t just blundering about from fight to fight. That is interesting today but as a teen helped me understand some people. Some are motivated by power, some by money, some loyalty and others just fun.
The books teach us (the younger and older readers who have forgotten) that working together we can defeat evil or overcome obstacles, but when we allow ourselves to be divided or pulled apart we have challenges.
It also shows that sometimes you have to think out of the box and get people’s attention no matter what. Tasslehoff Burrfoot is a prime example of this.
The writing is so good that at the end you can feel the emotional pain that people who survived the battle go through as they mourn their loved ones.
Now, I know some people will say it is kid stuff and I’m not a kid. I disagree this is a great read for anyone, even if you aren’t a huge fan of the fantasy genre. Give is a shot.
It will help you forget all about the daily challenges of life.
My copy isn’t nearly as nice as this picture, but I do have one with this original cover.
Please read and enjoy, and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman thank you for helping a teenager become a lifelong reader (eventually a writer myself) and helping me to understand the people I encounter in my daily life!
