THE REIGN OF ISTAR (Dragonlance Tales II Trilogy, Vol 1)

Well, having read The Cataclysm before this, I was prepared for more worthless depressing stories except one or two (see my review on it). However I was pleasently suprised. Nearly all the stories have the same moral, but each one shows it in a different light. "Six Songs For The Temple Of Istar" was rather good, considering I usually don't appreciate poetry. "Colors Of Belief" however, was very good, showing how even the gods of evil contribute their share to the balance. It was very inspiring to see a dark elf have compassion for other races who were (for the most part) righteous. "Kender Stew", was a gay tale, and showed some small revenge on the part of The Knights Of Solmania on Istar, despite having no true moral. "The Goblin's Wish", despite being sadly tragic showed how we should unite instead of trying to win for ourselves. The only two who came out clean were the elf who wanted to defeat the madness of Istar and the kender, who was pure of heart and got his beautiful and moral wish for peace for his friends and him. "The Three Lives Of Horgan Oxthrall", showed again the beauty of mercy and how it comes back to you as said "send your bread upon the water, for one day you will find it". "filling Out The Empty Places", was a not written as good but, again showed the beauty of mercy and its rewards."Off Day", was another gay story about the clan of Bulp, but, unlike "Kender Stew", made a profound impact upon the world and showed how one small thing, gully dwarves emptying a cask of wine, changed the world. Finally last and best, "The Silken Threads", showed us once again the power of love and started a beautiful tale which continued in "The Cataclysn" (again, see my review). Also, Raistlin appears and as always, the last story gives us (at least me) the proof that even when all seems dark, there is hope and love.

As I am not a huge fan of short stories, I was surprised to find most of these excellent. 'Colors of Belief' was an further insight as to how the Games of Istar worked after Caramon's experiences in the Legends. 'Kender Stew' was very funny and a nice little story. 'The Goblin's Wish' was my favourite, a saddening tale of how different races banded together to fight Istar. 'The Three Lives of Horgan Oxthrall' was not so good. The scribe's narration is just silly, I think Douglas Niles could've just told the story and got on with it. Far and away the worst story was 'Filling the Empty Places'. I find myself being more and more disappointed by Nancy Berberick's work. Stormblade was okay, but her writing style has definitely gone downhill since. 'Off Day' was hilarious. And finally, 'The Silken Threads' again showcased Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's wonderful talent which puts them at the forefront of the DL world.Those disappointed by the other Tales books will find this a better one, with more information into a neglected part of Krynn's history.

This is what you are looking for when you want to know about Ansalon before the Cataclism; yes, it is at times depressive, but that's the whole point.

If you want to feel the strugle between the Kingpriest's followers and the knights before the cataclysm...you can not let this book pass, I recommend to read the Cronicles of the Twins, to understand the true meaning of the book... I don't like much poems...but the stories are just great...