How To Grow Your Geek: Parenting and More!

Dragons, Dwarves and wizened thirteen year olds

Hey guys,
Well since Ashley and I are in a contest to see who can read the most books this summer, you get to see what I am reading in the order I read it. I am more than likely lose some greek creed on this one, seeing how I never read any of the books until now. But with this version of the first book; I think I might have found a gateway. A gateway into a really cool world full of dragons, lost gods, magic, adventure, and “Wizened thirteen year olds.” This time around, I am going to take you to Krynn. As we discover.

Dragonlance : Dragons of autumn twilight. (A graphic novel)
Reviewed by Darcy Low

” A dark and perilous time has dawned in a world beloved by fantasy readers the world over. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s realm of Krynn has fallen under the shadow of war, as vile creatures threaten once peaceful citizens. Now, a unlikely band of companions must embark on a desperate quest. Or watch as all they hold dear is consumed in flame.” – From the back cover.

Wow, just wow. How could have ever gone so long without picking this series up? That’s what I kept asking myself the whole time I was reading this. Dad has been telling me about it for years, and I heard so much about it. Yet something else would always catch my eye and I’s never take down the big volume of the first three books off dad’s shelf and dive in. Then one day while walking though my uncle’s hobby shop, I see this graphic novel sitting among others on a rack. Dragonlance. That word just brings up images doesn’t it? Dragons, knights in armor fight them, and magical weapons forged to take them down. Oh this book did have all of that, but there was so much more. Get comfy guys, I know a lot of you are already fans, but for some this will all be new like it was for me. I will do my best not to spoil anything, but there is a lot to talk about here, the story is very full in dept and while not complex, it still has a lot that has deeper meaning. After all this is the first book in a LONG series, so we had a few characters that we need to discuss.

As the story begins, A band of adventurers have been traveling all over the world of Krynn, trying to find proof that the gods people once worshiped had not completely left mankind, but are still around; helping people pick up from a shattered world. But proof is very hard to find. As I said the world has been shattered, in a great war. The powers of good and evil met  to do battle. Resulting in a great Cataclysm. Dragons were seen, both good and evil; and the gods fought along side their followers. Now the people find themselves a lone, trying to cope, and now very cruel creatures have shown up to enslave humanity under the rule of a evil god who decided not to leave.

The first person we meet is Tanis, he is a half elf ranger. He was raised by elves, but as a “half human” he has never been truly embraced by them. They never trusted humans and now with everything that has happened to the world, they blame them for what has happened. He left to seek not only adventure, but I think to find his place in the world.

Next is the dwarf, Flint. Flint was the first person Tanis met when he started into adventuring and learned from him. He acts all grumpy and everything, but is a person that has seen a lot and he too is at a lost of why the gods left the world of Krynn. He seems like a father figure to Tanis, and is more than happy to give his thoughts on their current situation. Although he seems gruff, you can tell he has a big heart and cares a lot.

Next we have the twins, Caramon and Raistlan. They may be twins, but they sure are nothing a like at all. Caramon is big warrior type, he thinks with his sword arm but he is far from the big dumb jock type. He loves his brother a great deal and is always protecting him. Even puts up with his ribbing and teasing. He is in love with a girl he left behind to go adventuring, she seems to know how he feels; even though he seems to shy to say. Raistlan is a very interesting character, Dad says I should watch him as I read the series, seems there is a lot to him. He is a young wizard, following the teaching of the red robed mages. They are neutral, and not afraid to dip into the dark arts in order to gain more insights. He is power hungry and sometimes risks his own life in order to learn more spells. He was the youngest to do the trail of the tower. A trail all mages go though to gain the robes of their order. He survived but just barely, and it really took a toll on his body. Leaving him sickly, with yellow tinted skin. But also his eyes has changed. Now the pupils are shaped like a hour glass, and his body has developed racking cough.

Next there is the Paladin, Strum Brightblade. Strum wear ancient armor from back in the days before the cataclysm, handed down to him from his father. He is very noble, always putting himself in harm’s way to save his fellow friends. He still believes in the old ways and the gods of the old world.

As they are heading home, Tanis and his friends meet a young couple, Goldmoon and Riverwind. Goldmoon is cleric, and her father was the chief of her tribe, she comes into procession of a long wooden staff with a blue crystal, which allows her to perform healing. Something that has not been done since the big war, something people thought would never be done again.

Tanis and his friends find there home now occupied by hundreds of lizard like creatures, calling themselves Draconians. They are very cruel and have taken many people as slaves. Evil dragons are also among them, giving orders and destroying buildings. Leaving only a handful that will be helpful for supplies and weapons for their army as it marches across the world of Krynn. They seek a young woman and man, the woman carries a long staff with a blue crystal…..

This was a great introduction story, the characters each has their own little story and reason for what they are doing. each one has he or her strengths and also flaws as well. When something that happens causing them all to flee, Goldmoon gains a quest which will help prove that the gods have not turned away from men, but it is men that have turned away from the gods. Finally what Tanis and his friends have been searching for, could be here in this woman of the plains. The action is intense, but there is humor here as well.

The humor can be found in a character called Tasslehoff. (I meant to mention him earlier.) Tasslehoff is the thief of the group,being great at locks and traps. Tasslehoff is a Kender. A race that is a smaller version of a elf. they look like…..well..a wizened thirteen year old. They are thin with a top knot hair. They also carry a staff with a sling at the top which they use as a weapon. Kenders are very curious and fearless. It’s not that they don’t know fear, they just let their curiosity take control. And often put themselves at risk. They are very innocent in the ways of the world around them, and always ask questions. Kender are also know for “borrowing” things, sometimes from fellow party members. It isn’t stealing, they just see something lying around and decide to pick it up for safe keeping. From what dad told me, they have no concept of ownership. This often gets them into a lot of trouble.

This book was really great. The artwork, while not like the other graphic novel Stardust that I reviewed earlier. nut it still brought the story to life. You really come to care a lot about the characters and their struggle to survive in this shattered world. Their quest to save their world and getting proof seems hopeless, being that they are so out numbered. But i think that adds to it, it makes you feel for the characters and you want them to win.

This is just a perfect book for people like me who have never read any of the books. It is a great introduction into the world of Kyrnn and a really good summer read. Make sure to look up this graphic novel.

Also, go up on I tunes and look for “The Dragonlance Canticle” and also “Dragonhearth”. Both are great podcasts dealing with the Dragonlance series, and Dragonhearth is hosted bu Tracy Hickman and his wife! How cool is that? So there you go guys, a great book to add to your bookshelf. Just make sure you leave enough room for the rest of em.

Darcy