The Rose and the Skull (Dragonlance Bridges of Time, Vol. 4) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Jeff Crook (Author) "The smaller, nimbler Ergothian pirate ship steadily drew away from Donkaren, much to the chagrin of the slower ship's captain..." (more)
Key Phrases: gully dwarf, gully dwarves, black sloop, Knights of Takhisis, Lord Tohr, Grand Master (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Gargantuan dragons soar over Krynn, battling for control of the lands below. On the isle of Sancrist, the weakened Knights of Solamnia ask their old enemies the Knights of Takhisis, for help. At the insistence of Lord Gunthar, the knights renew the alliance forged during the last days of the Chaos War. But when the Grand Master of the Knights of Solamnia abruptly dies, the leadership of the knights -- in fact their very existence -- is challenged.

Jeff Crook's novel tells a tale of the Knights of Solamnia, the greatest knightly order on Krynn, faced with what may be their greatest challenge.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786913363
• ISBN-13: 978-0786913367
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #850,210 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roses for Crook, October 30, 2000

By	Carolyn M. Mason (Tuscaloosa,, AL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm new to the entire fantasy Dragonlance series but after accidentally stumbling across Jeff Crook's, The Rose and the Skull, it appears I have some reading to do. Of course, I didn't get all the past references and probably missed half of the inside jokes but hey, you gotta start somewhere.

Crook captured me with his sly humor and tongue-in-cheek descriptions but then was quite the craftsman with the plot and character developments. Lady Jessica was a worthy heroine and I would like to see a book with her and Liam. Not much romance but still, a brooding tension that bordered on romance. Sometimes, less is better anyway. I loved the Gully Dwarves, especially Uhoh, but, what do I know? It seems other reviewers hated that plot line but it appeals to the underdog in me, always a chance.

At any rate, I'm looking forward to reading more in the Dragonlance series, both past and future. Especially ones by Mr.Crook.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars that's just the way it is, April 10, 2000

By A Customer

This is a good solid read. I enjoyed it, and passed it around to several friends, who also enjoyed it. It isn't weis and hickman, but who is? Not even Weis and hickman.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Entertaining Read..., June 6, 1999

By A Customer

I enjoyed Jeff Crook's Rose and the Skull, so much I finished it in nearly a day. Jeff managed to keep the novel serious and at times preserve the fantasy flavor of previous Dragonlance titles.

Character development is Jeff's strength.. I sympathized with nearly all the characters for various reasons. Particularly likeed the Dark Elf Valian. (Would LOVE to see a future novel with him or Lady Jessica or Liam.)

Glad the novel didn't revert to cheesy romance or stray too far from the Dragonlance mythos.

High Points:

Can't critique this novel without mentioning the cover art. The cover art is great and really attracted me to this book, at least initially. (Recently Dragonlance novel covers have had really bad art....) Not so here... No bulbish-nosed-jaundiced looking-dwarfish-humans grace this cover, thank you. Artist Elmore portrays not one but ten of the books characters in a poignant scene that was really quite emotional. Quite a stretch from the usual 'action' or 'posing swords person' scene. The only bad thing is Valian is on the spine and hard to see! (Sigh).

Back to the Author:

Jeff deserves kudos for his excellent work with a multiple character perspective. I really felt each of the characters had an individual personality and individual thought patterns. Jeff handled the multiple characters without going overboard and getting too hung up on details. Good Job!

The plot was unique and interesting.

I liked the changes in the Solamnics. Sometimes the Knights can be characterized as a little to stern and preachy and Jeff does this well...

Excellent handling of the bad guys. Really enjoyed their chacterization and charm. Nothing like a charming villain and Lord Tohr \was\ charming.

Pet Peeves:

I only have minor peeves with this novel.

Mostly: Ditch the gully dwarves.

Didn't care for the plot thread involving the Gully Dwarf inheriting the Solamnic Castle, (kind of stupid), or the long extended scenes with the gully dwarves going to 'Town'.

With Gully Dwarves.... Less is more.... =-)

Overall, a rousing good read in the realm of Dragonlance with a great new author!! I hope to see many more to come.