Timeshares

Product Details

• Notes: Characterize New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• ISBN13: 9780756406158
• Accustom: NEW

Description

Sixteen original stories about taking your dream vacation-in any era you desire.

Take a vacation through time with the help of a Time Travel Agency offering excursions into the past and future. Readers will find themselves in exotic, adventurous locales-and in all manner of trouble and mysteries. And figures from the past will be able to squeak by the other way.

Picture Cleopatra in modern-day New York City, or Hannibal searching for elephants at Wisconsin's Circus World. And that's just the beginning of the thrills and danger...

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Customer Reviews

Take the time to read this anthology.
[Full disclosure: I have a story in this anthology. I will not be discussing my story in this review. Hopefully my other reviews will assure you that I'm brutally honest.]

Timeshares starts with a simple premise: Where - no, when - would you go if you could go on vacation anywhen in time?

Like most people, I've been exposed to lots of time travel stories. The 19 stories all imagine the time-vacation agency in slightly different ways, which keeps each story in this anthology fresh. Some stories are action-packed, some are mysteries, and some center on character and emotion.

All of these stories are solid, and some of them truly excel. Kelly Swails' "A Portrait of Time" is poignant, and Chris Pierson's "But I'm Not the Only One" is both amusing and touching simultaneously. Donald Bingle's "A Passion for Time Travel" approaches human nature with his signature dark humor, while both Matthew Mayo's "Been a Long Time" and Allister Timm's "No Man's Land" are haunting. Michael Stackpole's "By Our Actions" is amazing, and Linda Baker's "Spoilers" is a fitting close to the collection.

And that's not even half the stories in this anthology. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the other stories in this anthology, and I'm humbled to have my own story among them.

2010-03-09 (Dayton, OH) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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The Finest Challenge (Finest Trilogy)

Description

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Customer Reviews

Finest Challenge Review
I enjoyed this end to the Finest Trilogy. There aren't a lot of stories in fantasy with horses so it was great reading this! The end of the story was also left open ended in a fashion so the author could continue the story if she chooses to do so. I hope she does pick up with the Finest Court and we can get a glimpse of life there and what happens if the evil birds get in and the Fallen Favorites have to give a helping hand. It would be a great plot twist. Excellent story.

2009-11-28 | cozmicgod (Somewhere, NY USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Fun Book!
What a fun book and a great read. The fast-paced adventures of Kal and Rue (also known as Gallant Stallion) continue in this novel about a young girl and her guardian angel--who happens to be a horse! The bad guys are out in force and a terrible war must be ended. There is something great about the determination of Kal, who shows us how to have courage no matter how bad it gets.

2007-06-14 | fantasy author (Salt Lake City, UT USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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An action-packed finale from a fantasy master
Having been a fan of Jean Rabe since her Dragonlance novels, I was very pleased to see her get the chance to create and play in her own world with the Finest trilogy, and I'm even happier to see that the third volume continues the wonderful writing and plot of the first two. It's refreshing to see characters, especially young adults, who know everything and aren't able to save the kingdom and tie everything up in a neat little bow; her heroes and heroines come across as real in their worry and hurt and struggle to make the right choices. And her take on such fantasy tropes as sentient animals (love the deadly flock of birds!) is a fresh breath of originality in endless books and films of talking animals and magical creatures. Kudos on a delightful journey...with the possible hint of more to come.

2007-01-10 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Worthy Conclusion to Finest Trilogy
Jean Rabe brings the story of Meven, Kalantha, and Gallant Stallion to an action-packed conclusion, but leaves hints that may lead to a larger continuing story. Once again, Jean does a superb job portraying the world of the Fallen Favorites, as well as the world of their protectors, the Finest Creations. I especially enjoyed the chapter-beginning quotes from a variety of Finest characters, the battle descriptions, and the mix of impetuousness, stubborness, and wisdom in young Kalantha. Of course, the swarming, deadly, evil birds of the series are an interesting and original contribution to fantasy literature. Lavane is also a wonderful new character, though I confess I wanted him to do even more behind Nineon's back. I can only hope that he figures prominently in any continuing adventures. A fun read for YA and fantasy fans, with a serious side in its portrayal of the realities of war and the difficulties in simply stopping the fighting. Recommended.

2006-12-01 | orphyte (Saint Charles, IL USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Dawning of a New Age (Dragonlance: Dragons of a New Age, Book 1)

Description

The first two books in a rerelease of a key trilogy in the Dragonlance saga. This trilogy covers key events that take place between Dragons of Summer Flame and the bestselling War of Souls trilogy. With all-new artwork and cover designs, these books tie in with the trilogy currently being written by the author. JEAN RABE is the author of The Dawning of a New Age, The Day of the Tempest, The Eve of the Maelstrom, The Silver Stair, Downfall, and Betrayal. Rabe lives in Wisconsin.

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Customer Reviews

This stage of the Dragonlance Saga is best skipped
Honestly this is a part of the Dragonlance mainline story that should really be skipped.

I agree with others here that Rabe is not nearly the writer that Weis and Hickman are, but I don't fully blame her for the fiasco that is this trilogy. She was put in a bad way by TSR at the time. They wanted to launch new Dragonlance Modules for their games and were really painted into a corner by the conclusion of Dragons of Summer Flame (a book that also sadly was sub par, mainly because it was clearly intended to be a trilogy yet was crammed into one book.)

The very premise of this trilogy is flawed, yes something had to happen to Krynn after the gods left, but what TSR, not Jean Rabe chose to do here was rather sad and uninspired. Stronger writing probably would have helped these books, but their underlying premise (the world TSR forced her to work in) was so weak that not even the greatest authors in history could have pulled this story off well.

Fortunately they do clean up the mess that is this era of Dragonlance well with War of the Souls. And honestly, if you completely skip this trilogy if you are new to the Dragonlance mythos you really aren't going to miss too much. I would say read the mainline in order, skip this trilogy and go right to War of the Souls. If after reading that you find you just HAVE to read this part because of curiosity, go for it, but it will be a struggle to get through this trilogy compared to the other mainline writing of the dragonlance series.

Now it is true, as some reviews have said there are far worse authors out there than Ms. Rabe. However, the lack of depth of the characters portrayal certainly must fall on the Author. I also have to lay blame at TSR as well for its editorial oversight, remember the first of this trilogy was published in 1996, a year that TSR saw more than a million tie in books returned to them... Quality at TSR was in the toilet at this point and it showed. The remainder of this trilogy came out in the waining days when TSR's fate was all but sealed to no longer exist.


So, other than for Dragonlance officianados who just need to know the mainline story in its entirety, there is little to argue for this trilogy, it is average at best writing portraying a sub average plot with weak character portrayals. The books are not insulting, but they are not great fair.

2009-08-06 | Hamilton (Pittsburgh, Pa) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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not good
Rabe's characters keep mouthing words to each other for some reason, and winning fights against absurd odds.

2009-06-13 | Corrupt Gamer (Louisville, KY) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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very dissappointed
Alright... so I finish reading the newer Weiss & Hickman books, and while they're not of the same flavor as the older ones, they show a level of writer maturity and solid plot lines, not to mention excellent character development. Then the story ends and "Dawning of a New Age" picks up. I've always been apprehensive of Dragonlance books outside of Weiss & Hickman anyway... and now I truly know why. The plot was all over the place, character development was very shallow, and it fealt like I was playing a board game and not reading a book - I'm sorry, but there should have been better editing before letting this hit the market. Yikes.

2009-06-03 | guitfiddleblue (north carolina) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Tough to finish, from a long-time Dragonlance fan
First off let me state that the most recent person to give this book 5 stars "doesn't normally read" and can't spell.

I've read a lot of Dragonlance, and really a lot of fantasy in general, and I've come across a few books that were tough reads, but this one trumps them all. Here's a comment D&D fans everywhere will appreciate: This book reads like it was written from the point of view of a DM planning an adventure. Characters go here. Characters do this. This happens. That happens. What's sad is that it reads at some points like a poorly planned adventure, where scenes seem haphazardly strung together, and at times I found myself rereading pages to try to follow the trail, only to realize its really not there at all. Books should read like they're from the point of view of the characters, or perhaps at points an under-educated omnipresent being. I kept wanting to finish, as I've never stopped in the middle of a Dragonlance novel in the past. It just got harder and harder to keep going, but I did it. Underdeveloped characters, played out scenes, the list just goes on & on. I'll stick to the Weis & Hickman as far as Dragonlance is concerned in the future, and would have to recommend some George R.R. Martin, or perhaps a dabble of Terry Goodkind if you're looking to delve a bit further into fantasy. WoTC, please do the Dragonlance line some credit and filter out your authors BEFORE publishing.

2007-10-07 (Boston, MA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Don't waste your time
The dragonlance series has been a personal favorite since the chronicles. I have read every book margaret and Tracy had to offer. Since I began the series in middle school, I have re-read them several times, each time enjoying it just as much as the last. It has been a long journey into the world of Krynn!

The fact that margaret and tracy let other authors use their world, and completely destroy it, angers me. Publicity and money must be worth more than the fans....

This book was ridiculously painful to read....A terrible plot....underdeveloped characters....and a seemingly disproportioned writing style don't just bore the reader, but if they are a dragonlance fan, angers them.

This BUTCHERS the series....if you are a fan, steer clear...if you are a first timer to the series, Stick to Margaret and Tracys' books ONLY.

If i could give it negative stars, I would.

2006-03-18 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1

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Downfall (Dragonlance: The Dhamon Saga, Book 1)

Product Details

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• Fit out: USED - VERY GOOD
• ISBN13: 9780786918140
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Description

How far can a hero fall?
Far enough to lose his soul?

Dhamon Grimwulf, once a Hero of the Heart, has sunk into a bitter life of crime and squalor. Now, as the great dragon overlords of the Fifth Age coldly plot to strengthen their rule and to destroy their enemies, he must somehow find the will to redeem himself. But perhaps it is too late.

Downfall marks the return of Dhamon and other characters from author Jean Rabe's bestselling Dragons of a New Age trilogy.

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It's not easy being Jean. For some Dragonlance fans, the world of Krynn ended with Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragons of Summer Flame. Many Lancers would just as soon forget Jean Rabe's famously awful Fifth Age kickoff trilogy (The Dawning of a New Age, The Day of the Tempest, and The Eve of the Maelstrom), and that's putting it nicely. (Imagine the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons saying, "Worst fantasy author ever," and you'll begin to understand the enmity that Rabe has generated for herself.)

But Weis and Hickman returned triumphantly to the Fifth Age with Dragons of a Fallen Sun, proving that the reports of Krynn's death were, at worst, an exaggeration. So maybe--just maybe--Rabe deserves a fresh start in Dragonlance, too. Downfall begins a trilogy revolving around Dhamon Grimwulf, former Knight of Takhisis, ex-Hero of the Heart, and erstwhile co-protagonist of Rabe's aforementioned Dragons of a New Age series. Dhamon is on the outs, running around robbing the sick and the weak in cahoots with a kobold, a tattooed half-elf floozy, and a suspiciously powerful thief-wizard named Maldred. (Hmmm, there's something fishy about that guy...) In rolls plate-mail babe Fiona (a spit-shined Knight of Solamnia) and pirate-turned-good-guy Rig Mer-Krel, presumably to clean up Dhamon and set him on the straight and narrow. But faster than you can say "Charm Person," the entire crew ends up on the road together, heading off to bargain with an ogre chieftain, rescue a herd of goats, and ransom Fiona's brother from the black dragon overlord Sable. Or so they think. Quite a few switchbacks and blind canyons here, enough to keep you wondering what's around the next corner, but don't expect emotional, involved Weis-and-Hickman fare: while many Dragonlance fans would consider it damning praise, Downfall reads a lot like a decent Forgotten Realms adventure. --Paul Hughes

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Customer Reviews

Read at your own risk
I should start off by saying that this is the first Dragon Lance book I have read so if there was some great back story that would have given life to these characters it was lost on me.

The Good

The story moves along at a decent pace with plenty of action and battles.

The Bad

A good story has to have a degree of logic behind it, things have to make since. Like if you knew where a valley with priceless gems just laying about was would you waste time robbing patients at a hospital? If you see a guy cozying up to your fiancé would you allow them to be alone together all the time? If you knew a spell that would allow you to explore a cavern without going into it would you wait until you were ¾ of the way in then use it?

Character problems. The characters over all came across as relatively flat. Maybe it is just my perception but perception becomes reality. I always pictured elves as graceful, intelligent, reserved and honorable even if they are only half elf. The one in this book comes across like a stupid red neck and is quite annoying.

Annoying writing habits. The author was apparently in a contest with someone to see who could use the phrase pommel of his/her sword and the word pommel the most time in one book. Jean Rabe wins! The phrase and word are repeated so often that I began to get mad every time I read it. I thought writers were supposed to be creative and use their extensive vocabulary to mix it up a little. Also why is everybody hissing everything? "Shut up" Rikali hissed. Also everyone always mouths something. "Wow" Maldred mouthed. No one ever just thinks something.

Anyways I could go on and on. Only read this if you have nothing else to read and no money to buy anything else.

2005-06-10 | PAK (Atlanta) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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Different style, with different character types
I have read a few types of reviews about Jean Rabe's books, but to get the best opinion, you should read for yourself.
My own opinion is high. I like the detail about the atmosphere and suroundings the characters find themselves in. This detail really makes the scenes pop and come alive for me, and I appreciate it. The characters are not developed like in other Dragonlance novels, but whether you can fault Rabe, or not, is another matter. These characters are definately not like the originals, such as Caramon or Goldmoon. They are quite a contrast, struggling with good and bad, right and wrong. A solamnic ammong theives, a fallen hero, a pirate questioning life; these characters are much more delicate, and as such, require a different way to bring them to life. Is Rabe's way the best? I can't say I know what the best way is, but I found her style well done, and this book a good read. I recomend it, and await reading the next in the series.

2005-03-26 | dAS (New York) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Dragonlance: Downfall the legend of Dhamon
Downfall by Jean Rave is very well planned out. The plot is easy to seperate from the details of book. The adventure in the story is engrossing. and mysterious. While teh characters are journeying around and the events take place, no matter what the story alwyas stay on track of it's main plot. It's a good stroy, but it's like a movine-if you miss a poart, then it doesn't make sense at all. The plot of the story is clear and easy to follow. While reading the story, I admit it was hard to remember all of teh hundreds of citeis that they had traveld to. But it was also easy to understand the past of teh main character. Since the book is part of a saga, the ending that led to the sequels wasn't too vague. The antagonist and the heros of the book aren't all that hard to seperate, but they could use a little work. It was really amazing to me how the author how the author made you feel like you were part of the story. The book also described the characters very vividly. I could easily picture each of the characters personalities. The way the book was written, it felt like something important was always happening and that none of the information was there just to make it look long. The author made all of the creatures come to life and made a wonderful book to read.

2004-01-22 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Very Enjoyable
After having spent the last couple years reading text books for school, I was ready for a great adventure. Although Rabe's Downfall was not the greatest book in the world, it did satisfy my immediate needs. The thing I thought was hokey is a couple times when one of the main characters, Maldred, uses magic to win the heart of his traveling companion, Fiona, and all I could think of is that it's the Jedi Mind Trick all over again. Oh well. The book had it's moments and was good enough that I ordered the other two books in the series.

2003-12-30 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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this book is not good
Downfall was the first book I read from Dragonlance realm, big mistake on my part. But I didn't learn and thought the second book of this series, betrayl, would be better. BoyO', I was wrong.

Downfall starts off with the main character, Dhaemon, being an uninteresting and very annoying, it ends the same way too. The plot and the characters were very hard to believe and were even harder to like. After finishing this book it left me with nothing, except a strongly dislike towards dragonlance novels and for a couple of years I refused to read them. But don't worry, I like Dragonlance now.

Even if you have read the core books (chronicles and legends) and are looking for other dragonlance novels, stay clear of this one. It's really horrible.

2003-11-19 (Chillicothe, IL United States) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 1

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The Finest Choice (Finest Trilogy)

Description

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Customer Reviews

Blah
I don't know why the other reviewers liked this book so much. I very much looked forward to reading the book. However, it did not live up to expectations. With so many other great fantasy books out there, this one was a waste of time....

2006-01-24 | dragonbull (Seattle, WA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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Book 2 of The Finest Trilogy
Jean Rabe continues her magical young adult adventure, following Meven as he becomes king and Kal as she seeks to escape both the evil birds that have continued to attack her and the strict, monastic life that the Bishop would have her follow. But as interesting and adventurous as the two young royals are, the real star of the piece is Gallant Stallion, the Finest sent to shepherd young Kal, but unsure how to perform his task. Gallant Stallion's wonderment at the world of men (the Fallen) and the sights and smells and interactions of nature make this much more than a simple adventure yarn. While Kal's impetuous nature can be a bit abrupt at times to adult readers, it is appropriate for her age and circumstance. Much more is set up for resolution in the final volume than is actually resolved at the end of Book 2, but such is the nature of trilogies. Jean's vivid descriptions of the flora and fauna that Gallant Stallion and Kal encounter and her action-packed fight scenes are a true delight. I am certainly looking forward to the final volume. Highly recommended for young adults and lovers of fantasy. Donald J. Bingle, Author of Forced Conversion.

2005-11-13 | orphyte (Saint Charles, IL USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Book 2
They look like regular horses, but they are not. They are the "Finest Creations", mystically forged by the creators to aid mankind during their mortal existence. Each Finest is given a human charge to lead, without directly interfering. Humans must have free choice. A human is only granted the honor of Finest if the human has great potential.

Meven Montoll is being crowned King of Galmier at the beginning of this novel. but Meven is the pawn of a murderous man, Bishop DeNogaret, who intends to rid the world of the Montoll line before crowning himself ruler. But first the bishop will use his dark arts to persuade King Meven into war with the other kingdoms, thus enlarging the Galmier realm.

Gallant-Stallion "Rue", a Finest, has a young girl named Kalantha "Kal" Montoll as his charge. Rue has removed Kal from the bishop's grasp and they travel the land almost aimlessly until Destiny arrives. Rue and Kal communicate telepathically, thinks to their magical bond. In this novel, the second of a trilogy, the two must learn about the assassin birds from the Vershan Monastery. The problem is locating the monastery and then finding the one, old, needed book for answers. During it all, those of the dark arts hunt Rue and Kal with murder in their black hearts.

**** Like other second books within a trilogy, this one is not as great as the first. It is mainly to continue the first novel and set things up for the third. Yet the author, Jean Rabe, did a wonderful job in keeping my attention. I never found myself growing bored. People and events begin to come together. I can see where the story is going and am eagerly waiting until I can find out how it wraps up. Excellent book! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

2005-10-26 (USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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A wonderful read!
I love this series.

Not just because of the world the author weaves, but because of her use of words to transport me to a world that is not just muddy and musty, but that also has its beauties. I love the fact that Rue uses all of his senses to learn and interpret his world. I don't feel like he is a human in a horse's body. But Ms. Rabe doesn't stop there, she also packs in thrills and chills, at times leaving me breathless with fear for the characters.

I also love this series because we see the world not just through Fallen Favorite Kalantha's eyes, but also through the eyes of the Finest Rue. The reader watches as both Fallen and Finest learn about the world and each other, experience success and defeat, and see each other's strengths and weaknesses even as the evil that surrounds them shifts and grows.

One thing is for sure. I will never think of a flock of birds quite the same way again. . .

2005-09-29 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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The Rebellion (Dragonlance: The Stonetellers, Vol. 1)

Product Details

• Shape: NEW
• ISBN13: 9780786942800
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• Notes: Maker New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Description

Jean Rabe returns to the world of Dragonlance with a tale of slavery, rebellion, and the struggle for freedom!

When a series of earthquakes strike a Dark Knight mining camp, goblin and hobgoblin slaves take advantage of the bedlam and revolt. A fast and deadly rebellion erupts, pitting the Dark Knights against their slaves... and against the still-rumbling ground. Casualties on both sides climb as a leader emerges among the slave force --Direfang, a hobgoblin foreman with deep scars and a long, brutal history of servitude. He must rally the surviving goblins and hobgoblins and lead them out of Neraka, turning his rag-tag force into an army that will not allow itself to be enslaved again.

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Customer Reviews

A disapointment
I haven't read a lot of book from this author, but this one is one of the worst I ever read among the Dragon Lance collection.

First of all, like all book one of trilogy, this one took a while to present all the main characters before the action begin to be more intense. The problem is that it take an eternity before things were set into motion.

Second, so few tings happen from the beginning to the end, even when firts events change the fate of Steel Town.

Finnaly, the story and the evolution of what happen was a disapointment.Espacially with some Darks khnigts involve with goblins and where goblins they decide to go at the end of the book.

Most of all goblins characters in the story were non interesting and simple-minded like what we can espect from goblins and this book dosen't help to redem my perception of this race or to make the reading funny. Hope books 2 and 3 are not as bad as this one.

2009-07-30 | Fantasy fan (Québec, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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A great start to the goblin trilogy.
The Rebellion is the first book in The Stonetellers Trilogy by Jean Rabe, and Jean's third trilogy I the world of Krynn. To begin, I must say that a lot of the reviews I had seen regarding the book scared me a little bit. So going into this first book I was a bit hesitant. Now having read the novel, I am glad that I decided to read the book. For me, it was pleasantly surprisingly a good book. There are no returning characters from Dragonlance in this novel all are new.

The book takes place in Steel Town for a portion of the book, and the rest of the book in the Khalkist Mountains. I felt that the pace was a bit slow at times, but it was all just set up for the second book. I did not have a hard time at all getting a feel for goblin characters. I did feel a bit sorry for them, having grown up in slavery their entire life. They desired freedom, same as any "intelligent" race of Krynn.

The book follows the desired of a hobgoblin named Direfang, who is the main character of the novel. There are several other goblins, and a few Dark Knights that are the central characters of the novel. There one thing of note that I found very interesting with this book. We get to see a goblin shaman who is able to use earth magic. She then finds other goblins that are able to use this magic also, and they are able to combine their magic to make a more powerful spell together. I was very happy to see something like this in a novel, rather just being in the gaming sourcebooks.

The major thing I did not like about this book is that it tried to show itself off as the "first goblin nation on Ansalon". Wizards of the Coast tried to sell it like that also, but it seems they all forgot about the goblin nation of Sikk'et Hul over on Northern Ergoth. This is where I thought the book series was going to take us too, but now having read the book I can understand a shaman's manipulations as to where they are going and why.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Any Dragonlance fan out there should read this novel, but if you are just starting out with the series I highly suggest you do not pick this book up. You should instead focus on the core novels, while this is a good supplement to those and will be a good series once Death March and Goblin Nation come out.

2008-01-17 | Kranar Drogin (Byron, Illinois USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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Goblins, goblins and more goblins
I luckily picked up this book before I went on vacation. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that I found myself staying up late to read just one more chapter. Needless to say, my vacation outlasted the book.

It was a wonderful read, granted it was about goblins, but this is Dragonlance and it's refreshing to see things from the prospective of something usually considered dragon snacks or fodder for the next fight.

Even though I was left shocked at the end of the book (and a bit sad that I couldn't run out and pick up the second book in the series) this is something I am looking forward to reading more of.

2007-08-27 | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Wonderful Reading
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, goblins and hobgoblins not being high on my list of interesting creatures. But with the first chapter, Jean pulled me in to the Dragonlance world.

By the end of the book, I was caught up in the plight of the rebellious slaves and their struggling masters. I'm afraid that the next book will bring more sorrow than joy for them, but I can't wait to read it and find out what happens.

2007-08-24 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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A Sub-par Dragonlance novel
The Rebellion by Jean Rabe set in the Dragonlance realm is the first book in The Stonetellers trilogy. The second book will be released in August, 2008 and is titled The Death March. I should preface this review by saying that I have enjoyed Ms. Rabe's previous work, in particular the Dhamon Saga; which in my opinion is a very well written trilogy and certainly showcases Ms. Rabe's talents as a writer.

The plot of this book is rather straightforward in that it follows a group of goblin and hobgoblin slaves in a mining camp run by Dark Knights. The mine must continue to run smoothly in order to provide the steel for Dark Knight swords and armor. When devastation comes to the camp all the slaves unite and rebel against their slavers. Throughout the book the former slaves struggle to find their way out of the mountains, the face attack from monsters, as well as a couple other things that I won't mention. There are very few sub-plots in this book, in fact the biggest sub-plot in the novel isn't touched upon until the last fifteen pages of the book. While that is perfectly fine, since this is the first book in a trilogy, as a reader I would have liked to see a few hints leading up to it. All in all it's a pretty simple plot line, so far since there will be more books, but it just seems like an average story at best.

The characters in this book fall into two categories. One, you have the group of goblin and hobgoblin slaves. They are largely cowed into doing the will of the Dark Knights. Ms. Rabe makes it a point to make sure the reader understands the squalid conditions and the work they are expected to do. There are quite a few `main' characters from this group, Moon-eye, Mudwort, Direfang, Graytoes, and Saro-Saro to name a few. The second group is the Dark Knight contingent of which only three or four become `main' characters. They are Grallik, Kenosh, and Horace. Throughout the book I had a very difficult time connecting with any of the characters, both human and goblin. They just seemed so two-dimensional to me. It seemed as though Ms. Rabe tried to instill emotion in them, yet, quite honestly, I could really care less about them. They seemed to be dragged along by the story, instead of the characters creating the story.

The book as a whole is just average. There is obviously a bigger story in the works here as evident by some of the comments the goblins make during the book and what they want to accomplish. However, the execution of this novel leaves the story flat and uninspiring. The dialog in this book is simply atrocious. I fully understand that the author was trying to create `goblin speak', yet it came of as barely readable. There are times when Mudwort uses very broken dialog, then a few pages later uses big words and talks in complete sentences. The characters seemed to actually take away from the story. Reading this novel I felt as thought the characters were the third wheel, at times, got in the way of the story.

Ms. Rabe does have talent as a writer, the Dhamor saga proves that. In my opinion, this book does not do Ms. Rabe's talent justice. Her prose is solid, and her descriptions are very good. The story and characters are simply uninspiring.

I am a big fan of the Dragonlance world, and would say that other core fans should probably read this if for no better reason than that there are events that will probably occur in this series that will be very important. However, for the normal fantasy fan, I can't in good conscience recommend this book tot hem. There are many other fantasy books out there that I would recommend before this one.

2007-08-23 | Beezer Review (Minnesota) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 2

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