Dragons Of The Dwarven Depths: The Lost Chronicles, Volume One [Mass Market Paperback]

Grade 9 Up–In Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (Wizards of the Coast, 2006), authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman attempt to fill in some of the gaps in their popular Chronicles Trilogy series. The story picks up after the Companions of the Lance have helped a group of slaves escape from the mines of Pax Tharkas. The group takes refuge in a mountain valley, where they hope to be safe from their former masters. When the illusion of security is dispelled by the appearance of one of their old enemies, the heroes take action. They seek out the lost dwarven stronghold of Thorbardin, hoping that the dwarves that still remain within will give shelter to the refugees through the winter. However, this sanctuary comes with a cost. The Companions are forced to take up a quest for the fabled Hammer of Kharas. The story is weighted with exposition that drags down what has the potential to be an exciting plot. While the characters may be old friends to returning readers, those new to the Chronicles will find them flat and underdeveloped. Sandra Burr's clear, melodic voice guides listeners carefully along the journey. While she skillfully provides distinct voices for a large cast of characters, some of them grate on the ears. This recording will be in demand by fans of the previous books, but it will not draw in new listeners.–Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, Beaumont Branch, KY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tanis Half-Elven... Flint Fireforge... Tasslehoff Burfoot... the classic Dragonlance characters are back!

Picking up where the first book of the classic Dragonlance Chronicles left off, this tale follows the Companions of the Lance on their adventures following the rescue of the refugees of Pax Tharkas. Flint and Tanis Half-Elven travel to the dwarven kingdom of Thorbardin, while the rest of the Companions confront challenges of their own.

MARGARET WEIS and TRACY HICKMAN published their first novel in the Dragonlance Chronicles, Dragons of Autumn Twilight, in 1984. Over twenty years later they are going strong as partners -- over thirty novels as collaborators -- and alone or together with other co-authors have published over a hundred books, including novels, collections of short stories, role-playing games, and other game products. Hickman is also the inspiration for an upcoming "Tracy Hickman Presents" line of Dragonlance novels for Wizards of the Coast, while Weis is in the midst of her own Dark Disciple trilogy. Weis is also the President of Sovereign Press, which publishes Dragonlance game material as well as many other game products.

Even a series as well populated as that of the dragonlance universe has gaps. For followers of the series, this first in the lost chronicles fills in background from the war of the lance or, for newcomers, provides a new entry point to the series. Sandra Burr appears to have fun with her characters, bringing humor to the characterizations, clearly reflecting the relationship between Tanis and Flint, and offering a bit of comic relief at times. Her characterizations are descriptive. Her portrayal of the low-level acolytes of the dark queen, who are hissing lizards, almost slithers. Their leaders are more subtly portrayed, an approach that is consistent with their characters. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.