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Title: When Dragons Rage (The Dragoncrown War Cycle, Book 2) by Michael A. Stackpole ISBN: 0-553-37920-8 Publisher: Spectra Books Pub. Date: 26 November, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.26 (19 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Another Stackpole masterpiece
Comment: First, I think that the title is a bit misleading, given that there are no actual dragon appearances until the latter 20% or so of the book, and considering the length of the book, this makes for little dragon rage.
Picking up nearly immediately after the end of Fortress Draconis (FD), Stackpole spends the first few chapters refreshing the reader's memory of what transpired in the previous book. As with FD, the story is told via focusing on a different character each chapter. As with FD, we see things from the viewpoint of Will the thief and prophesied savior, Alexia the warrior princess, Kerrigan the wizard and Adrogans the general. We also are introduced to several new players, including Isaura, the adopted daughter of the southlands' scourge, Chytrine, and one of the two sons of the despicable King Scrainwood. Hawkins, the narrator of Dark Glory War (DGW) and the pariah of the South, and Resolute are again relegated to supporting roles.
This novel comprises another fantastic effort of prose. The classic Stackpole action and suspense and political maneuvering is a major factor. Some of the history and philosophy of the world is also addressed, which I found rewarding. There is also a pair of love stories that crop up, and they are very well done without seeming to be tacked on as in some other fantasy novels. Will, in particular, is VERY well written, especially as regards his acceptance of his foretold path and, basically, his growth as a person and a leader of men.
Again in this series, the ending leaves something of a foul taste in the mouth. While neither FD nor this book are as stunning as the end of DGW, the lack of closure is frustrating in light of needing to wait a year for any resolution. Many of the things that in other reviews are listed as surprises really should not be considering the foreshadowing throughout both FD and this book. And I think that the seemingly tragic occurrence near the end might be easily resolved when one considers the Norrington Prophecy (in the front of the book). So, while I have a few complaints, this book is a must-read, not only for those who have started the series, but for any readers of the highest quality epic fantasy available.
Rating: 5
Summary: One of Stackpole's Best
Comment: After reading all of Mike Stackpole's original books, and as of late, the DragonCrown War Cycle, I could barely wait to see what happened after the dour events of "Fortress Draconis." Fortunately, unlike when "Fortress Draconis" came out based twenty years after "The Dark Glory War," "When Dragons Rage" picks up right where we left off.
Unlike the two prequels, this book has surprisingly little in the form of actual battles, and really makes up for it in character developement. What Stackpole did was what we were all hoping for in "Fortress Draconis" which is delved back in to the story of Tarrant Hawkins a.k.a. Kedyn's Crow. He finally explains in depth what happened to Tarrant after the cliffhanger at the end of "The Dark Glory War" and really pulls the character out of the mud. Also, Will is written very well and shows how much he has grown from the bratty thief from Yslin to the person fated to save the world.
The Love story between Crow and Princess Alexia is developed in a superb way, conveying how much these two people love and respect each other without being overly mushy. It is somewhat awkward at times, but still very good.
Then there is the portly young mage, Kerrigan Reese who is loosing his incredible naivette, and gaining knowledge about the world as well as his unusual powers.
And finally, for the first time in the series, the main villain Chytrine gets more page time than just a few paragraphs at the end so you really get a sense of her goals and what kind of character she is. And "the heroes who would be the villains" from "The Dark Glory War" get some face time so you see that some may be playing two games where others are just obvious hero fodder.
There is of course an entire horde of new characters introduced in addition to the old ones that all contribute in one way or another to make the story fly by.
So, all in all an excellent book that ties up some loose threads from previous books and unravels even more for the final one. The few battles there are are of course very well done, but as I said, the focus is on the character developement. Usually, this would chase me away from a book, but Mike Stackpole actually pulls it off with flying colors.
But in the customary way for this series, a huge chunk that had been built up is ripped apart at the end, leaving you needing the next book more than the previous.
Truly, this is an incredible work that even the truest of Tolkien/Jordan/(Insert popular Fantasy author name here) fans could appreciate. I can't recommend it highly enough. If this series doesn't put Michael A. Stackpole up in the category of "Fantasy Legends" nothing will.
Enjoy.
Rating: 5
Summary: excellent battles and character development [no spoilers]
Comment: "When Dragons Rage" is the second novel in The DragonCrown War Cycle series approximately one generation following "The Dark Glory War" prelude novel. It is an impressive book filled with creative battles, detailed descriptions, and interesting characters.
The progressions of Kerrigan and Wilburforce throughout the book are remarkable, especially the combat improvements by the two youngsters. The camaraderie between Resolute and Kedyn's Crow isn't as dominate as in the prior volume but is complimented with a romantic relationship delivering less fighting, which I find slightly disappointing. Given the audacious origin of General Androgans, he is one of my favorite characters, implementing impressive strategies and tactics.
Characters and countries overwhelmed me by the end of the novel and a glossary would have been worthwhile along with a more detailed map of the significant terrains.
I highly recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre and look forward to reading the final novel.
Thank you.
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Title: Fortress Draconis (The DragonCrown War Cycle, Book 1) by MICHAEL A. STACKPOLE ISBN: 0553379194 Publisher: Spectra Pub. Date: 27 November, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: The Dark Glory War (A Prelude to the DragonCrown War Cycle) by MICHAEL A. STACKPOLE ISBN: 0553578073 Publisher: Spectra Pub. Date: 29 February, 2000 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Talion: Revenant by Michael A. Stackpole ISBN: 0553576569 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 May, 1997 List Price(USD): $6.50 |
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Title: Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2) by ROBIN HOBB ISBN: 0553582453 Publisher: Spectra Pub. Date: 02 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Devlin's Justice (Sword of Change, Book 3) by Patricia Bray ISBN: 0553584774 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 30 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $6.50 |
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