The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Margaret Weis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999 | Series: The Raistlin Chronicles (Book 1)

A mage's soul is forged in the crucible of magic. Raistlin Majere is six years old when he is introduced to the archmage who enrolls him in a school for the study of magic. There the gifted and talented but tormented boy comes to see magic as his salvation. Mages in the magical Tower of High Sorcery watch him in secret, for they see shadows darkening over Raistlin even as the same shadows lengthen over all Ansalon.

Finally, Raistlin draws near his goal of becoming a wizard. But first he must take the drea Test in the Tower of High Sorcery. It will change his life forever -- if he survives.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786913142
• ISBN-13: 978-0786913145
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 5.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (225 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #284,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( W ) > Weis, Margaret

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brings back memories, March 13, 2002

By 

D. A. Dodd (Huntsville, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

The Soulforge, a novel which tells of the early days of Raistlin and his twin Caramon, is an excellent story which answers a number of questions regarding Raistlin's past. Margaret Weis, one of the authors of the original DragonLance Chronicles and Legends trilogies is at her best when she writes about her favorite character -- the mage Raistlin. All the elements that made the original trilogies is recaptured here and definitely brings back memories of those two excellent trilogies published fifteen years ago.

The Soulforge begins with Raistlin at age six and progresses until his taking of The Test at age twenty-one. A number of the Heroes of the Lance also make appearances and meet each other for the first time. This is the only problem with the novel. The purpose of the Meetings Sextet written about ten years ago was to introduce readers to the Heroes of the Lance before their adventures in Chronicles. However, the utilization of the characters and their meetings with/introduction to one another in this novel differs at times from the stories originally presented in the Meetings Sextet. Other than that, this is an outstanding work which warrants a five star rating.

We get to see Raistlin progress from a child who was always picked on by others to his being the youngest mage to take The Test. We also learn the origin of Raistlin's magic at an early age, his golden skin tone, the reasoning behind his harsh/untrusting attitude toward others, the cause of his frailty, etc. Overall, if you're a Raistlin and/or DragonLance fan, The Soulforge is a must-read.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Becoming Raistlin, April 5, 2003

By 

Laura Chan (M.M., Phils.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Soulforge (Dragonlance: The Raistlin Chronicles, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

From what I've experienced, a lot of books are able to make the author sympathize with the character--but it's rare for books to be able to make the reader empathize with the character, to actually be the character. Soulforge, honestly, is successful on that very plank.

In this book, you'll be given a chance to view the life of one of the most intriguing characters in fantasy fiction, Raistlin Majere of Dragonlance fame. Often times, when we meet a particularly bitter, angry but likeable character we ask "What makes them like that?" and even if the Legends Trilogy gives you an understanding, Soulforge will pull you deeper into the heart of Raistlin and you'll be able to comprehend why he is who he is.

But I guess we all understand his nature by now. We understand he's envious of his brother. We understand his ambitions. Now what's so special with Soulforge, for me, is the fact that I was able to feel Raistlin's anger. I was able to understand and perhaps, perceive, that if I were in Raistlin's situation, I'd do the exact same thing. Raistlin wasn't just a 'character', he became someone akin to a real human person.

We'll get all the huge doses of Raistlin fame we want from Dragonlance in Soulforge. And if you want more, there's still Brothers in Arms, which is the sequel to this book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to be a Dragonlance classic!, July 26, 2000

By 

Ed Trillo "<3 Ed!" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Soulforge (Dragonlance Saga) (Hardcover)

WOW. Being a Dragonlance veteran (having read at least 20 books in the Dragonlance series), I was utterly pleased with my experience with the Soulforge.

Margaret Weis takes us back in time, to when Raistlin was a budding mage, who from the early age of 6 knew in his heart that magic would rule his life. Raistlin was so real that you could almost reach into the book and touch him, as you experienced the love, hate, and burning desire he had for power and magic. But that's not all - we also learn about his childhood experiences with Caramon, and their love for each other that you just never knew in the Chronicles.

The Soulforge ends where Raistlin completes his test at the Tower of Waywreth, and although the story of the test is a bit contratictory/condensed from what we read from other books, it gives us another great legend for us to treasure always in our memories.

Margaret Weis does it again, mesmerizing our hearts and minds with these characters that we could swear are real. And after reading the Soulforge, you will see Raistlin with a newfound respect and love, despite of what he becomes in the years that follow.

Three cheers for The Soulforge!