Riverwind the Plainsman

This was much better than I expected! While this book had a great plot and really filled in some details about Que-Shu customs, and Riverwind and Goldmoon's relationship, the authors really screwed up some details. Hollow Sky was NOT Loreman's eldest child, Hawker was. Also, Wanderer was not supposed to be Riverwinds father, he was actually his 'adoptive grandfather' as explained in the book 'Love and War'. Also, while 'Dragons of Autumn twilight' states that Goldmoon and Riverwind are in their late twenties, in this book it says that Riverwind is barely 20 years (Goldmoon is younger than Riverwind) and was gone 11 months before he returned to Que-shu, making him at most 21, so unless they traveled to the inn of the last home over a span of 9 years (which I doubt) There are some problems here. These details probably won't bother anyone, but just in case...

This book is a continuation of the short "Heart of Goldmoon" in 'Love and War (Tales III) by Laura Hickman and Kate Novak. Not only did the novel stay true to the outline of Goldmoon and Riverwind, but continued smoothly and correctly from the short mentioned above. The novel explains further the trials of the two Que-Shu, and leads their relationship to what it is in 'Chronicles', very well written, and very well thought out. To be this continuous in the story line must have been hard to do, but do it the authors do. Gully dwarves, draconians, ophidian dragon-men, clerics, a banish tribe (city) of elves (the Hestites)and their story, and of course the black dragon Khisanth. This book has a lot of different storylines wrapped up into one, but fear not... the story line always flows smooth. A little time consuming, yes... but hey, why do you want to rush a good thing? This explains also how together, Goldmoon and Riverwind can bring back the Goddess Mishakal's word, as well as her healing. The descriptions of Xak Tsaroth are even as described in 'Chronicles'... obviously tedious homework was done to keep this novel true to form.

I never really cared for whatever history Riverwind had to offer, i bought this book after sum thought only becoz 1) I had extra cash and 2) it wuz written by Paul Thompson and Tonya Carter who'z writing styles i admit , take a while 2 get used to , but after reading "Darkness and Light" (preludes 1 vol. 1 check it out! it'z also good!) which is the second novel they collaborated on , i jus had 2 give this talented writers another go as i did enjoy the novel mentioned above. After reading this book i had these thoughts in my mind 1) i did'nt waste my money 2) it'z a damn good book!! I'm glad dragonlance chroniclers gave this tall silent plainsman a chance 2 prove himself. Not only 2 his beloved Goldmoon , but 2 us readers as well. I for one seriously enjoyed the book. And hav no complaints on the pacing , it's not boring at the least. The characters are well handled , Catchflea lent sum humour 2 the trip. While Di An's vulnerability and puppy love feelings for Riverwind warmed my heart. (I'm glad in the end she did'nt get 2 fulfill her part of Catchflea'z prophecy). We are also introduced 2 a new faction of elves (this time underground dwellers , which reminded me strongly of Drow elves, frm which Di An hails frm) and "draconians" which r not really draconians to begin with (ophidians a result of experiments by a crazed alchemist in the story). All in all it's a great story , the action never lets up frm the beginning , it fades jus for a while 2 let u catch up then begins anew. Sumhow after reading this book Riverwind is'nt that distant or quiet anymore.

This book shows aspects of dragonlance new to us, like more detailed information about the que-shu tribe and the refugees of the kinslayer war. I find it the best book of the preludes sextet. The book is very detailed and fascinated me in such a way that I couldn't stop reading it until I finished the book.

This was a great book. I agree it was boring at times but overall it is in my all-time top 20 books at #8.If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]