Blood of the Emperor: The Annals of Drakis: Book Three [Hardcover]

Tracy Hickman (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 31, 2012 | Series: Annals of Drakis (Book 3)

From the New York Times bestselling co-author of the Dragonlance novels...the stunning conclusion to The Annals of Drakis.

It appears that an ancient prophecy is about to be fulfilled as the human named Drakis—formerly one of countless warrior-slaves to the elves of the Rhonas Empire—returns from his quest in the North. Flying into the rebel camp with his surviving companions on the backs of the legendary dragons that were once humankind's most powerful allies, Drakis is hailed as the champion of all the slave races. But it is not a prophecy that drives Drakis in his war against the elves and their emperor. Rather it is his burning desire for revenge against the cruel ruler whom Drakis believes has stolen any chance he has for finding peace. And this hatred will set Drakis and his rebel army on a path that may not only bring down the emperor, but Drakis and his entire world as well....

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hickman writes with authority, masterfully and flawlessly.”

(Sacramento Book Review (for Annals of Drakis series))

“Hickman creates memorable characters and realms of immense richness, while holding the reader enthralled with exhilarating action.”

(Publishers Weekly (for Annals of Drakis series))

“A fantastic series.... [Hickman’s] world and characters come alive.”

(Night Owl Reviews (for Annals of Drakis series))

“What epic fantasy is all about.”

(Alternative Worlds (for Annals of Drakis series)) --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

About the Author

Tracy Hickman has been writing and exploring fantasy and science fiction since the 1970s. Tracy eventually became a New York Times bestselling author (with Margaret Weis) of numerous series such as Dragonlance, the Death Gate Cycle, Darksword, and Rose of the Prophet. Together with his wife Laura, Tracy co-created the Dragonlance and Ravenloft games and, more recently, their own fantasy series, The Bronze Canticles. Tracy and Laura live in the Salt Lake Valley of Utah and have four children.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover; 1 edition (July 31, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075640732X
• ISBN-13: 978-0756407322
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

`Dragonlance' originators Tracy and Laura Hickman have been publishing game designs and stories together for over thirty-two years - nearly as long as their marriage - and thus started them both on a life of adventure and imagination.

Tracy is a NYT Best-Selling co-author (with Margaret Weis) of many Dragonlance novels including the original `Dragonlance Chronicles', `Dragonlance Legends', `Rose of the Prophet" and "Darksword" trilogies as well as the seven-book "Deathgate Cycle".

Tracy and Laura are remembered together for their role-playing game designs in `Dragonlance' and the `Oasis of the White Palm' series but are perhaps best known for their classic adventure, the original `Ravenloft.'

Life now has provided them the opportunity to fulfill a dream: to write novels together. Tracy and Laura work from adjoining offices in their home and answer questions on their work through their website at www.trhickman.com.

Visit www.dragonhearthproductions.com for information on our monthly podcasts.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#62 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

#62 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great fantasy July 31, 2012

By Harriet Klausner #1 HALL OF FAME

Format:Hardcover

The five heroes arrived on dragons but it is the human Drakis on Marush who has rallied the diverse rebel species like the manticore, dwarves and humans, etc. to revolt against their oppressive conquerors the elves of the Rhonas Empire. Drakis is considered the Man of Prophecy who will lead the overthrow of the Rhonas Empire. However, he is a man with doubts and a heavy heart as he has seen personally the cost of the insurrection with the death of his beloved Mala. Without Drakis as the rallying point the revolt will end in crushing defeat.

His fellow dragon riders (Lyric the human, Jugar the dwarf, Ethis the Ephidrian crimerian and Urulani the Forgotten Ones free human encourage him to take charge of the Army of the Prophet though each has their own hidden agenda for joining the freedom cause. However, the keys to victory especially deploying Drakis plan are Braun the human wizard who is working on negating the aether wells source of elven magical power and Soen the elven inquisitor seeking the truth though that outs him questioning the Imperial Will of Queen Chythal.

The final Annals of Drakis fantasy (see Citadels Of The Lost and Songs Of The Dragon) is a great tale due to the strong cast starting with the hero who has doubts sending so many to die (kind of like Ike leading up to D-Day). Drakis, encouraged by Urulani and Soen, begins to understand that "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend" (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance) as he reluctantly leads the final encounter. Fast-paced with a strong cast, fans will relish this saga.

Harriet Klausner

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read September 6, 2012

By Kamaseya

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

If your here it's because you read books 1 & 2. It's not disappointing. It had a good ending that works well with this series. I thought there could have been more in the middle of the book. All in all I liked all the books. I wasn't disappointed. Not Tracy's best work but fun to read .

5.0 out of 5 stars If you liked Song of the Dragon, then you WILL like this book October 28, 2012

By Kurt A. Johnson

Format:Hardcover

In this sequel to Citadels of the Lost, Drakis is now back and waging his war against the elven Rhonas Empire. With his new dragon allies, the victories are beginning to come, and some are very satisfied with the massacres of elven armies. But, Drakis wants more than war, and killing, and death for all involved. Just what can he do to save his followers, and bring them the freedom they deserve?

But, there are more players in the drama of The Prophet than just Drakis, and they each have their own agendas. Each wants to pull the rebellion in their own direction, for their own purposes. Just what does this mean for the future of the entire world?

First off, I must say that I loved Song of the Dragon and Citadels of the Lost, and was very happy to get the final book in the series. I disagree that this book stands entirely on its own. If you don't read the first two books, you will lack a key understanding of just what Drakis is up to, and the ending will feel very muddy and unsatisfying. So, am I telling you to not read the book? Heavens no, I am telling you to read ALL THREE books! This is a great series, and you will love reading it from start to finish.

I like its interesting races, with the humans and dwarves being just what you would expect, but the elves being excitingly different. And, I really like the lion-man manticores and the four-armed chimerians. The story itself has lots of great action, with interesting magic and great fight scenes.

If you liked first two books of the series, then you WILL like this book. I highly recommend this wonderful series to all fans of great fantasy literature!