Customer Reviews

Dragons of the Hourglass Mage: The Lost Chronicles, Volume Three

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

As a devoted fan of the Dragonlance series, I was somewhat disappointed by how this book turned out. The writing had too much exposition (covering a lot old material...for new readers I know) and the pacing and editing seemed disjointed. I think a problem with this book is that so much material has been written for Raistlin (chronicles, twins, soulforge, various tales) that the authors had to make everything fit logically within the official canon of the series. The previous Lost Chronicles books with Kitiara and Flint had much less canonical baggage.

For the fan, it's worth a purchase, but one can still wait until it shows up at the local library.

Phenomenal.

This is a book about Raistlin, our favorite "Sly One". The guy who is the perfect out for himself mage. He makes it clear whose side he is on in a war and why. He is never quite rude, but quite the snark. And this story although it tells of his evolution and choices shows him for his compassion and humanity.

The story was a tad too short for $25 but it was well edited. The descriptive language evokes crisp and clear pictures and action scenes. The dialogue is right on. Of course there is no way this duo of authors could do any less.

Overall a fantastic read and well worth the cost in hard cover. I hope this becomes a best-seller. It is quite true that you should really read the Chronicles trilogy first and Soulforge wouldn't hurt. But even if you don't.... this is a book about a person who is dark trying to cast away their even darker shadow. It shows the beginnings of Raistlin's conscience and there are 2 scenes that poignantly show his care that will make even the stoic shed a tear or 2.

Well done and bravo to Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman the Dynamic Duo of Dragons.

:)

As a Raistlin fan, I have been waiting so long to read this. I finally got my chance and find myself disappointed. Even though the authors mention that it's best to read other dragonlance books before this, you really don't need to. There is so much repetition and information given that any dragonlance reader already knows. Many of the races and places, and the magic system and characters are described in too much depth for someone familiar with the series. I don't remember the previous two Lost Chronicles going over so much background information before getting to the story. Oh well, this is about Raistlin after all, so readers can rejoice a little bit.

The plot in Dragons of the Hourglass Mage is very simple, and if all of the filler is taken out, it's very short. Raistlin does some tasks around Neraka makes a "friend" with a female black robe, then goes through the events mentioned in other dragonlance novels. The events in the novel take place over a small period of time, and I have gained no new information from reading this. It's basically a few of the events in Spring Dawning from Raistlin's point of view. I didn't like some of the pieces with Raistlin being scared, whiny, and helpless. It feels out of character to me. However, I did eat this book up very quickly and enjoyed it overall, but I was expecting so much more.

Dragons of the Hourglass Mage is the conclusion to the Lost Chronicles series, giving many of us a chance to get our eager paws on the story of Raistlin Majere's decent into darkness.

Like in my review of Highlord Skies, I have to say that the overall series of Dragonlance Lost Chronicles has been marred by it's lack of drama, polish and luster comparatively to the original series. Time has indeed cast a sleep spell on the Chronicles series, and I'm not sure fans of the trilogy will ever wake from our dreams of high-fantasy.

I can't say what it was. Was it the epic collapse of TSR, Inc. and the subsequent buy out by Wizards of the Coast? I have a feeling that the corporate nature of Wizards has stagnated the Dragonlance Series, and now authors do not have in Wizards what they had in a trail-blazing company for all things fantasy that TSR was.

Many of us who are reading the Lost Chronicles read the original Chronicles series so many years ago. While I'm sure that a great influx of readers still comes and goes, Dragonlance obviously peaked in it's highest in the mid to late 90's, cresting with the War of the Souls, where novel after novel was being pumped out after the re-release of Chronicles & legends in 1994. But now, any respectable bookseller or library has a collection of Dragonlance novels on standby. I'm not sure if Dragonlance was initially received with fanfare and accolade, but it is quite obvious now that Chronicles has become a classic series, destined for a full-featured hollywood live action film, and that it will be remembered and recognized as a best-selling fantasy trilogy and staple in the genre for a long time.

That is when I read Chronicles, and the escapism provided to me then seems to be missing now. I imagine time has affected me, anchoring me to the ground, but I still look to Weis and Hickman for that lift into the clouds to take me away to their world. It seems that maybe the same has happened to them, because the Lost Chronicles rarely pulled me in so deep that I felt as if I were there until Hourglass Mage.

I have to go on record saying that although I am a hardcore Dragonlance fan, its easy to argue that the last real strong release Weis & Hickman put out was Dragons of Summer Flame. The emotion and drama since then has been "good, but not great", and I think sales and reviews have overall reflected this. It is not to say that the War of the Souls trilogy or Lost Chronicles don't have their uniqueness and place in the Dragonlance series, but it seems to me that Dragons of the Hourglass Mage had a chance to seal this trilogy in epic fanfare and save what could be best described as mediocrity. I ultimately feel it does not do so, the mistakes and missed opportunities combined with what feels like some contrived and unnecessary pockets of reading ultimately keep Hourglass Mage and the Lost Chronicles from greatness, but that does not mean that these books aren't good and not worth reading.

Hourglass Mage is Raistlin Majere's journey into darkness. Without spoilers, the novel starts with his arrival in Palanthas, using the Dragon Orb to escape what he believed was certain death, Raistlin arrives near death but recovers. He then sets out on a singular mission, to gain power, by any means necessary. The memory of what he believes are the deaths of his brother Caramon, Tanis, Tika, Goldmoon & Riverwind are fresh in his mind, and despite what many would think, he is remorseful but he maintains his unwavering ability to control himself and emotions, a trait that has allowed him to survive and a trait that in Legends, almost attains him godhood. He then plans a journey to Neraka, where after discovering the Key to power, attempts to beseech the Queen of Darkness for that power. There he is tangled in the intrigue and inner fighting of the Highlords, and finds himself standing in the position at the end, able to shape the destiny of the world when he meets the Berem the Everman at the foundation stone below the Temple of Takhisis.

We still find ourselves clinging to his every word, his every action, because a part of us inside wishes we could live devoid of emotion like Raistlin does. Raistlin is the dark-side of his twin, and many readers find that he is resembles their dark side as well. As such, he has most easily argued the most popular character in the Dragonlance series. He is not the beloved, he is the most popular.

Just like Crysania, Dalamar and even his own brother, many fans are moths to the flame with Raistlin Majere. I can only think of that simple chapter illustration that best represents it in the Legends novels.

I say the most popular and not the most beloved, because, many will easily state that Tanis, Sturm, Caramon or Tasslehoff are our most beloved characters. Tanis because his conflict, Sturm because of his sacrifice, Caramon because he is the "caring man", and Tasslehoff because of his irresistible humor, charm and good nature. Any who have read Legends cemented their love for Caramon and Tasslehoff, but most notably our complete and utter fascination with Raistlin.

That being said, undoubtedly your expectations are sky-high for this novel, and my personal expectations were no different. It has not been released on paperback so many of you have not read it yet. I have listened to it on unabridged audiobook and have read it on hard cover.

Although I do not like delving too deeply into the realms of expectations, lets get a few facts straight...

First, its been almost 25 years since Chronicles was written. That being said, there is a lot of dust to uncover. Weis and Hickman have changed, and while many argue back and forth of whether for the better or worse, change is there none-the-less. In their podcast about Dragons of Highlord Skies on iTunes, they themselves talk about this. I won't attmept to quote, but you can download it for free on Itunes and hear what they have to say about the Lost Chronicles and how and why they wrote it. Big fans of Weis and Hickman will be happy to hear the voices of those that have shaped their love for the fantasy genre.

This being said, after reading and listening to the book, I am happy with the novel, but I found it good but not great. Perhaps time will cement the Lost Chronicles, but the mistakes may prove costly. It suffers from the same flaws that the entire series has had. Some minor inconstancies, but most importantly, some missed opportunities to elaborate on some huge questions and some summarized items and events from Dragons of Spring Dawning. Combine this and an overall feeling that this may be the last Dragonlance book from Weis and Hickman for some time, considering their other projects, elapsed time and huge success, sometimes, its better to just let it go. Don't get me wrong, I'll read anything they co-write, but even the Rolling Stones will one day have to hang up the guitars. Big fans know that Weis & Hickman have reached this crossroad many times and most awesomely for us, they have grabbed their pouches back from Tas and returned to Krynn many times.

Luckily though, many moments of Hourglass Mage pulled me deep into the Dragonlance world again with great vividness. Weis & Hickman's attention to detail and truly addictive writing is definitely still there. The love of the characters and series shows, and most happily some fresh content and perspective is in abundant amounts. What is most interesting to take away from this book is that Raistlin becomes evil for the better good of the world at that time, even though he ultimately uses this and everything else to his advantage through his intelligence and cunning. The irony is most intentional and will ultimately cement Raistlin Majere's status in the fantasy genre as one of the most truly intriguing and amazing characters ever conceived.

I will leave this review saying that this book was obviously written for the fans, and I thank Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman for such.

Bottom Line: 4/5

The best of the series, and a must read for hardcore Dragonlance fans. Other more casual fans may find disappointment in the change of tone and pacing that the original series had.

Pros:

-Whoohoo more Raistlin. Raistlin is done well and the character feels right.

-Fresh perspectives , new characters, and large amounts good of new content.

-Story contains a good amount of intrigue and delves into the bickering of the highlords well.

-Iolanthe who appeared in Highlord Skies makes for a great character and addition to Hourglass Mage

-Some old characters return with some surprising previously untold events, including Par-Salian & the Conclave

-An awesome battle between two evil characters. I absolutely want to say who but I can't. Sufficed to say, it was great.

Cons:

-As with the entire series, another chance for some more elaboration with a few plot areas were missed, and they are big let downs.

-Some scenes have you scratching your head, seeming unnecessary and contrived.

-Some minor inconsistencies, though far fewer and much more minor than Dwarven Depths & Highlord Skies had.

-The story of Gilthanis and Silvara is not told, which is a huge let down.

-Rehashing of the plot-line is redundant and dull for those who are already familiar with it.

-Somewhat anti-climactic, those familiar with Chronicles know the ending.

-pdr

Much of this book almost feels more informational to me than anything else. Towards the last 3rd of so of the book, it started getting a lot better. Most of this book will only be of interest to avid DL fans and Raistlin fans. For a fantasy reader that doesn't have an excessive affection for Dragonlance or Raistlin, this book is better off left unread.

To sum up, only worth reading if you're a hardcore DL and/or Raistlin fan.

I enjoyed the previous Lost Chronicles book but something was just off with this one. For one, it seemed short - not just in terms of total pages but there seemed to be a lot of blank pages for no reason at the end of chapters; as if they were just trying to extend the length.

So, there will be some minor SPOILERS below; be advised.

In general, this book is just not that interesting - the main plot about this Gods of Magic thing seem utterly contrived; as another reviewer said - magic-users are not the same as clerics. The explanation of Ariakas's power doesn't make any sense; in Chronicles it says Ariakas took the Test. The idea that black-robed wizards were somehow in conflict with the Dragon armies in the war I also find strange.

Many inconsistencies like this really irked me. Raistlin had somehow gotten the better of Fistandantilus and thus was healthier? Then why in Time of the Twins does he collapse into a coughing fit in front of Crysania at their first meeting? Or why did he nearly die and Dalamar had to go to Elistan to help 'ease his pain?" Time of the Twins also appears to be the first time Raistlin meets Soth, except that oh but he did Dargaard keep according to "Hourglass mage."

And I agree with the other reviewer, the way Raistlin grabs his new power - the idea he somehow used the blood stone on some newly corporeal Fistandantilus - and *after* he helps Tanis kill Ariakis - is absurd. Chronicles/Legends is clear that there was some Key of knowledge to access certain spellbooks in the great library. "Thus, with the key, you unlock our mysteries." And later, in Legends it's made clear he was given this key by Takhisis.

It was sort of interesting to be back in Krynn one last time but there are just way too many inconsistencies with the events of Chronicles and Legends to make this any sort of satisfying tale of what happened to Raistlin those missing months. Oh, at the end of Chronicles he also tells Caramon he "witnessed the creation" of Draconians and as far as I can tell... that never happens in Hourglass mage.

So, I suppose Dragonlance fans should read this in paperback, used, someday - but I wouldn't rush out to buy it in hardback.

First, I love Dragonlance and Raistlin is my favorite character. Next, this book was a major diappointment. The two original trilogies were amazing as were the War of Souls and Mina trilogy. I also enjoyed the Raistlin chronicles as they cover more in depth the history of my favorite character and would happily send readers to Soulforge or Brothers at Arms than this borefest. I had to force myself to read this book which has never happened and was extremely disappointing.

The Lost Chronicles were ok, but felt like a contractual obligation more than any new exploration or developments.

Dragons of the Hourglass Mage is a 2009 Dragonlance novel by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. It is Volume III of the Lost Chronicles series, and it relates what Raistlin was up to during the events of Dragons of Spring Dawning (1985). Raistlin travels to Neraka, where he pits various factions against each other to create intrigue and make himself a major player.

Just like the other novels in the Lost Chronicles series, this story is unnecessary. And it doesn't give us enough to justify its existence. Nothing happens here that we didn't know about and also need to know about. We don't get a good exploration of Raistlin himself (trying to get inside his head, which this book doesn't do a good job of anyway, just takes away from his mystique). Early, there's what appears to be some clarification about the relationship between Raistlin and Fistandantilus, but by the end, it's more muddled than when it began.

The book's flaws are extensive. Supporting characters might as well have "supporting character" stamped on their foreheads. We get some truly ridiculous expository monologues from a number of characters. And quite a bit here breaks with events of older, better novels. As usual for a Wizards of the Coast book, the editing is sub-par. And the novel features an inexplicable epidemic of inappropriately used semicolons. But all that said, Dragons of the Hourglass Mage is still an enjoyable read, mostly because it's just nice to see Raistlin again.

In a book full of "evil" characters, none of them seem particularly evil, and it feels like Raistlin is choosing not between the lesser of evils, but between "good" evil and "bad" evil, and that works about as well as it sounds. Raistlin himself is uncharacteristically good-natured here (while remaining somewhat abrasive). Throughout the Dragonlance books, Weis accomplished the difficult task of making an unapologetically self-serving and ruthless character sympathetic. But here, even with his political machinations, Raistlin is genuinely making friends and playing nice. That's not the Raistlin people paid to see.

Dragons of the Hourglass Mage manages to be simultaneously enjoyable and disappointing (because Raistlin is such a great character - at least in other books), and it's definitely for Dragonlance fans only.

"Dragons of the Hourglass Mage" is the shortest and weakest book in Dragonlance's "Lost Chronicles" trilogy. It is not a bad book by any means but parts of it do feel rushed, especially the last quarter of the book. Even worse, in such a short book, the authors spend too many pages in having characters narrate and explain things that the characters they are speaking to already know. Weis and Hickman tie together various strands of their assorted Dragonlance books; faithful readers will see glimpses of the Chronices, Lost Chronicles, Legends, the Raistlin Chronicles, and even the War of Souls books and, while there are some strange scenes that would be out of character but not exactly continuity errors (did Raistlin really like Flint and Laurana that much?), the authors do not cause any serious damage to their previous works.

To be blunt, Weis and Hickman seem a little torn in deciding if this is a book that can stand on its own or is part of the greater Dragonlance tapestry. They did not decide and that is what proves so frustrating about the book. Characters, gods and magic are introduced and then removed from stage without any real rationale-which is fine if you are familiar with the other books but not if this is the only Dragonlance book you have read. On the other hand, familiar tales are retold (some more than once) which is fine if you have never read any of the other books but annoying if you have spent countless hours in Krynn.

Raistlin is at center stage in this work and, while other familiar faces pop up, they do not dominate the narrative. There is an interesting plot and that is what redeems the book, even with its flaws.

A bad book? By no means but this is not one of the strongest Dragonlance books that Weis and Hickman have created.

One quick aside. In a short authors' note at the end of the book, Weis and Hickman claim that they are prouder of the work they have done with the "Dragons of Autumn Twilight" cartoon DVD than almost anything else Dragonlance related over the last 25 years. They shouldn't be; it's a seriously flawed movie as even Hickman admitted in his Amazon review of it. They are underestimating their books. The Dragonlance books will continue to be sold even after the DVD is collecting dust in the discount bin.

Wow, what a clunker. I have loved Dragonlance books for probably 15 years but this book really made me feel like I was too old for the series. I even love the character of Raistlin but the writing of this story seemed aimed at a much younger set. Either that or I have outgrown the writing style. Nothing very interesting really happened! No character development or anything. It was like Margaret and Tracy got together and went "We have a two month hole in Raistlin's life. Let's fill it." Then they wrote about him eating ramen and living in a crappy apartment (more or less). I hate to say it, but this one was a waste of a tree.