The Rose and the Skull

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.

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.

Great book, great plot. It's filled with action, mystry, suspense. Gives you all you ever wanted to know about the knighthood and some much more. It's definity worth your money.

I was very impressed by this book since I have yet to find a fifth age one worth reading. The characters were very vibrant and well written I was especially pleased with the character of Valian Escu. The plot was well chosen and answered a question that many of us fans have been waiting to hear. I would highly recommend this book to any Dragonlance fan, especially those wanting to read about new characters.

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.