Dragons of Summer Flame

Book Description

Summer has come to Krynn, a summer unlike any before. The sun bears down on land and sea, searing the world with relentless light and heat. Clouds and rain are nowhere to be found, and even the darkness of night brings little relief from the strange and oppressive day.

Meanwhile, those who commune regularly with their gods are uneasy. Every day, their deities become more distant, more difficult to reach. Clerics' prayers go unanswered, and magic goes awry. As the tension on Ansalon builds, estranged cousins Palin Majere and Steel Brightblade search for an explanation. It soon becomes evident that more than just magic is at stake.

The fate of all Krynn hangs in the balance.

This is a new paperback edition of Dragonlance cocreators Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's first hardcover New York Times bestseller. It is the direct prequel to the current War of Souls trilogy. This edition features a new cover design that ties into the recent rereleases

Customer Reviews:

Another great book in the Dragonlance set!.......2007-02-19

Without going into detail, if you've read the books up to this one, you know about the authors and you're already hooked on the series. It started off a little slow, but I'm just now entering book 4 and its hard to put this book down!

Why do Authors do this? '-50 on the puke meter.......2006-10-18

First, I don't get the nice rating this book gets; I guess I never understood why people enjoyed Back to the Future II and III, and Indiana's TEmple of Doom (see my reviews later)...anyway;
My REAL PET PEEVE on why authors seem to enjoy creating mindless sequels like this.
The plot doesn't make any sense, "honorable knights?" Kitiara and Sturm having a son--my question is, who raised him?--why? It's so cliche and boring. Why was this character created? The idea of having Kit's and Sturm's "ghosts" appear is so laughable and horribly written, I am not sure what the point of it was. I couldn't begin to tell you HOW annoying it was for these two spirits to keep appearing. My question is, if Sturm was really an honorable knight, and as honorable as these authors claimed him to be: would he leave his son or Kit if he KNEW he impregnated Kit? What the HECK? I mean, talk about inconsitency in the 'plot' and chacaracters.

Palin--the worst hero ever created. Boring as ever, and as indecisive as ever. Is Raistlin really his uncle? sheesh. In the short adventures they build him up to be something potentially awesome....then in this "sequel" what they do to him?

Usha: she has golden eyes--they tried NOT to make her Raistlin's kid. Were they avoiding the incest issue? I mean, come on, a lot of "great" fantasy authors do it today--Martin, Goodkind, what's the difference with another bunch?

I had a lot of respect for Weis and Hickman up to this book. It seemed to me they tried so hard to "wrap" up their previous excellent books, when they didn't need to. Why did they have to 'disavow' the daughter of Raistlin? I loved the mystery of it whether she was is or not.

Why did they have to bring Raistlin back? This ruined the legend of this character.
Or kill off Tanis? Or Tas?
I think they must have heard their fans clamoring for more of the old favorite characters; and decided to unleash an awful book like this.

I also dislike how every world when the Fourth Age comes, there's no gods, no magic...boring, and cliche.

Ugh. Or did Weis and Hickman want to continue to reap the benefits of readers who are too eager for my 'Lance books?
not even worth two cents, in my book.

The battle scenes were horribly done, the "plot" is pyrite at best,
the "NEW GENERATION" as someone pointed out is overdone like a over grilled steak.
I threw this book down so many times, I actually did what I never thought I'd do to a book once I finished--I tossed it into the trash compactor.

-50 on the puke meter. DON't waste time, energy or money on this trash. TRUST ME. I only bought this because I was incredibly bored of fantasy authors and the genre itself.

A Dynamic Duo for many Years!.......2006-06-11

This fantastic writing duo has continously given readers awesome fantasy epics for awhile now. Even though I personally believe their first 2 trilogys are the best, they have still come out and given solid fantasy epics with each teaming up they do.

If you like rich fantasy-based worlds, full of fun and interesting characters, then these two writers deliever the goods.

More Chronicles.......2005-09-11

This book is the 4th in the chronicles series. For those wanting to read the Weis/Hickman in chron. order it would be the first chronicle trilogy, legends trilogy, the second generation book, this book, which then leads into the War of Souls. I enjoyed the story and the Weis/Hickman writing always makes me want to read into the night. The books does have its flaws, and doesn't rate as high as the original chronicles and legends, but it is a good read and a worthy addition to the Dragonlance saga.

I Love This Book!.......2005-09-05

I truly loved this book, it is my favorite of all the Dragonlance series (I am not sure why), although I wished that this book would be a bit longer, I'd say it's the best book I have read so far. The storyline and plot is excellent, and it is like a gate from the Dragonlance Chronicles, to the War of Souls, yet in order to get an understanding of this book, you should read "The Second Generation" either before or after you read this book.

The Dragon King Saga: In the Hall of the Dragon King; The Warlord of Nin; The Sword and the Flame (Dragon King Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

The Dragon King Saga:
My 12-year-old son's favorite book series!
King-Priest of the Dragon King
A good, solid series of Lawhead's early writing.
Save your time, save your money, save your dignity

The Dragon King Saga: In the Hall of the Dragon King; The Warlord of Nin; The Sword and the Flame (Dragon King Trilogy)
Stephen Lawhead
Manufacturer: Lion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0745940323

Book Description

The three volumes that comprise this compelling saga begin with In the Hall of the Dragon King, and follow the fortunes of Quentin, who as a young temple acolyte, seeks to overthrow the evil loosed by Necromancer Nimrood and to save Mensandor, the realm of the Dragon King. In the second volume, The Warlords of Nin, Quentin once again holds the king’s destiny in his hands as the Wolf Star grows greater and the power of the Nin increases, spreading its black terror. In The Sword and the Flame, the final volume, Quentin reigns as Dragon King and faces an insidious attack of evil—from within himself—when Nimrood holds his son hostage.

Customer Reviews:

The Dragon King Saga:.......2007-03-08

Typical Steven Lawhead epic adventure story, action, narrow escapes, love, and good always triumphs. Great story and very easy reading. I flew through all 1000 pages in just caouple of weeks.

My 12-year-old son's favorite book series!.......2007-01-31

My son will tell you, "This is the best book I've ever read." In this fantasy the characters grow and change for the better. Move over Harry Potter, the Dragon King Saga has got you beat!

King-Priest of the Dragon King.......2006-06-28

here is an exerpt from the Warlords of Zin
Never in Malice, Never in Hate , Never in evil shall this blade be raised. But in righteousness and Justice forever shall it shine

This is seeped in Holy writings of Nippon, the Middle Kingdom, and Europe

All have a traditon of the few Holy-Warriors,
Recomended if thou likest the Lord of the Rings

A good, solid series of Lawhead's early writing........2004-11-16

I don't think I can add much beyond the in-depth review below, except to say that when I read the series some time ago, it captured my imagination enough for me to rate it a solid "I like it" #4 on the scale. I thought some of the spiritual concepts were a bit understated for a Christian Fantasy, but many prefer that. An event that I particularly remember was the search for the precious metal to fashion the sword, and also the sword's creation. The sword and its use in one certain battle still comes to memory. I wouldn't overlook this series if you are a Fantasy fan. It's worth the read.

Save your time, save your money, save your dignity.......2004-01-16

It could be said in this trilogy's defense that this work was intended as mere pulp fantasy, intended to be read by readers looking for the familiar fix of a plot written by the numbers. However, to do so would be an insult to pulp authors everywhere. Lawhead entirely fails to create believeable characters or to develop the characters that he does create. The plot is so predictable that I am convinced the author looked for the most obvious possible developments. However, these faults could be forgiven - or at least ignored - if the exposition was even slightly worthwhile.

Unfortunately, its deficiencies in plot, character, world-building, and originality are complemented by quite possibly the worst writing I have ever seen. His descriptions substitute the reader's fantasy stereotypes for any actual use of adjectives. Perhaps he assumes that his entire audience is third graders. His language is consistently cliched and hackneyed. If you enjoy being hit in the face repeatedly with large bricks, this trilogy may be for you. If you actively hate literature, this trilogy is definitely for you. If you're looking for a simple but entertaining story without too many preconceptions, read the Belgariad.

Average customer rating:

Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.

A guide to the story of the Dragon King trilogy.

Good Books

In the Hall of the Dragon King

An exciting and envolved plot
The Dragon King Trilogy/in the Hall of the Dragon King/the Warlords of Nin/the Sword and the Flame
Steve Lawhead
Manufacturer: Good News Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0891075666

Customer Reviews:

Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable........2001-07-04

If you are expecting something like Lawhead's profound and satisfying "Pendragon Cycle" when reading the "Dragon King" trilogy, prepare to be disappointed. This is the Lawhead "Lite" version, because it lacks the depth of description, character and emotion present in many of Lawhead's other works. Undoubtedly, this is more entertainment than the literary fiction of those offerings. But it would be unfair to criticize Lawhead too harshly for this, because this series was born in the infancy of his career as a writer. Readers familiar with the more polished and developed Lawhead as evident in his later work would do the man an injustice by measuring his first work by the incredibly high standard of his more mature efforts. As a series geared towards the level of teens rather than adults, and where the reader is not under the false expectation that it contains the majesty and depth of the "Pendragon Cycle", this is still a great read.

This first volume in the series! "In the Hall of the Dragon King" introduces us to young Quentin, who undertakes an important mission to rescue the Dragon King Eskevar from the traitorous Prince Jaspin and the evil necromancer Nimrood. The king can be rescued from the corrupt wizard only after Quentin and his friends make a perilous journey to the dreaded Karsh, the desolate home of Nimrood. In volume two of the series "The Warlords of Nin" Quentin has matured into a young adult, and must defend the royal castle and the kingdom over against the deadly Nin the Destroyer, with his four warlords, and thousands of soldiers. Victory is only possible when Quentin is armed with the enchanted sword Zhaligheer, but first Quentin must make a dangerous journey to search for a rare and fabled substance needed to make the sword. In "The Sword and the Flame", the third title in the series, the adult Quentin has assumed the throne and is busy building a temple dedicated to the Most High. But the evil necromancer Nimrood re!turns and collaborates with the defenders of the old gods against Quentin. The flame of the sword goes out, and the faith of the king and the hopes of the kingdom appear to be extinguished with it.

The strength of the series is the constant battle between good and evil, the powers of light and darkness. Quentin and his companions fight for freedom, justice and righteousness. Lawhead plainly intends this conflict to portray spiritual warfare. Quentin's enemies find their support in the pagan religions who worship the old gods, and employ the powers of sorcery, the occult and the dark arts. In contrast, victory of Quentin's kingdom is possible only with the help of the Most High God. The Christian symbolism is clearly evident: the conflict between the powers of good and evil is a picture of the great spiritual battle of the ages between God and Satan. Readers familiar with the battle images of Ephesians 6 will find the connections obvious. Quentin in particular plays a M!essianic role, by achieving deliverance as the Priest King, fulfilling prophecy in a manner much like Jesus Christ. Yet in contrast to these Messianic overtones of Quentin's role in an epic struggle, Lawhead also humanizes Quentin to the point where he is like us, a soldier in the battle rather than the Deliverer. Lawhead makes profound observations about personal faith, by showing that in the battle Quentin must learn to trust in the Most High. The Most High will be faithful in preserving the Kingdom, but his soldiers must be faithful in trusting and obeying him.

It is this depth of spiritual vision that makes Lawhead's prose all the more compelling and enjoyable. It is in the first place a story filled with medieval vistas and conflict - courageous knights in shining armour, flashing swords, evil wizards, deadly battles, heroic quests, and ancient chivalry. But especially the central place of the Most High God makes Lawhead's "Dragon King" trilogy so powerful and who!lesome - a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's not as deep and profound as his "Pendragon Cycle", but Lawhead "Lite" is still a very enjoyable read.

A guide to the story of the Dragon King trilogy........2001-07-04

This first volume in the series "In the Hall of the Dragon King" introduces us to young Quentin, an assistant in the temple of Ariel, who forsakes aspirations of priesthood in order to undertake an important mission for the Dragon King Eskevar. This leads to a quest to save Eskevar from the hands of his evil brother Prince Jaspin, who harbours selfish ambitions to take over the crown. Quentin and his great war horse Balder are joined in this quest by the religious hermit Durwin, the renowned outlaw Theido, the prison warder Trenn, the good Queen Alinea, the mysterious nomad Toli, and the brave knight Ronsard. But Jaspin proves to be a mere pawn in the hands of the evil necromancer Nimrood, and it is from the clutches of this corrupt wizard that the King must be rescued. Quentin and company face perils of many kinds, including the dreaded Harriers, and a long journey through the lands of Mensandor and Elsendor to the dreaded Karsh, the desolate home of Nimrood.

In volume two of the series "The Warlords of Nin" Quentin has matured into a young adult and made his home in Dekra, far away from his beloved Bria. Along with his companion and friend Toli, Quentin heads back to the royal castle at Askelon at the urgent summons of King Eskevar, who detects an impending danger that threatens the empire. All the signs, including the bizarre and ever-brightening Wolf Star, point to a perilous time. The danger proves to be a serious one indeed: Nin the Destroyer, with his four warlords, and thousands of soldiers. Quentin and Toli escape from the clutches of one of the warlords along with the defector Myrmior, who turns out to be a most helpful ally. Myrmior's cunning and clever strategy does a great deal to slow the advance of the army of Nin threatening to overwhelm Askelon. But in the end, victory depends on the fulfilment of an archaic prophecy about a Priest King, who will bring deliverance armed with a mysterious sword known as the "Zhaligheer" or "Shining One". It seems the Quentin is the fabled Priest King, and in obedience to the prophecy, he undertakes a mission to the lost mines of Ariga, along with the armorer Inchkeith, to search for the rare and fabled lanthanil needed to make the sword. Will he accomplish his mission on time? Is he the one of whom the prophecy speaks?

In "The Sword and the Flame", the third title in the series, Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen. The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High. And he is armed with the enchanted sword, whose flame symbolized the support of the Most High. But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods. The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as a sign of the inevitable destruction of their own High Temple. Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness. His son is kidnapped, a close friend killed. Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, even treachery from his own supporters. But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it. The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional and introspective of the series, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith. Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine-tuned that made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful. Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High and tumbles into the depths of despair. In the end, the tide turns when Quentin renews his faith. The climax is particularly powerful, with unforgettable scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

Each story can be read independently, since each volume introduces a new conflict which is resolved by the conclusion of the book. But the tales of the Dragon King trilogy are so exciting, that once you have read one, you'll want to read them all!

Good Books.......2001-01-11

It has been several years since I have read these books, but they are the ones that started me on Lawhead. Since then I have read almost every one of his works. That should say a bit about these. He is an excellent author and really knows how to go into Folklore and bring out a great story.

In the Hall of the Dragon King.......2000-09-28

If you have ever read Stephen R. Lawhead, you will know that he is a great author with an epic imagination. This shines though in many of his books and "In the Hall of teh Dragon King" is no exception. It is a great epic about the coming of a boy that feels an urge yet doesn't know that it was destiny beaconing him forward. I can't wait to get the rest of the sereies though I have only one reason why I gave it a 4 stars and not 5. It went too fast. Though close to 400 pages....I felt that the plot was a bit rushed.

An exciting and envolved plot.......1999-06-10

The twisting tale of a young temple acolyte as he grows up to become the Dragon King. With excellent Battle descriptions, a series of twists and, devastating scenes where hero's of old come to rest. This is a great book by Stephen Lawhead even if the characters are slightly too correct and polite. I wish there was another book to continue on!!

Hope's Flame: Dragons of Spring Dawning, Vol. 1 (Dragonlance Chronicles, Part 5)

Average customer rating:

Great Book

Hope's Flame: Dragons of Spring Dawning, Vol. 1 (Dragonlance Chronicles, Part 5)
Margaret Weis , and Tracy Hickman
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0786930993
Release Date: 2003-12-30

Book Description

The third Dragonlance novel in the trilogy that launched the entire Dragonlance novel line, Dragons of Spring Dawning, has been adapted to a format specifically targeted at young readers. The novel has been divided into two volumes, Hope's Flame and A Dawn of Dragons, that are sized and edited to fit the young reader market. These titles contain brand new cover and interior art and finish up the release of young reader adaptations of the entire Chronicles series.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2005-02-22

The whole Dragonlance series is awesome. This book is very good like the rest of the series. I recommend this book to everyone.

Dragon Booster Chapter Book: Fanning the Flames - Book #5 (Dragon Booster)

Average customer rating:

Dragon Booster Chapter Book: Fanning the Flames - Book #5 (Dragon Booster)
James Gelsey
Manufacturer: Volo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0786837756

The Sleeping Dragon (Guardians of the Flame)

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
A Gamer's Delight
Fantastic
Not as impressed as others
Rosenberg Starts his Six Book Series Well

The Sleeping Dragon (Guardians of the Flame)
Joel Rosenberg
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0451453506

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A group of college fantasy role playing gamers end up being transported to their own fantasy gaming world. The group includes both men and women, and we see them have to get over the shock of this translation, and start to adapt to new roles in the game world that they are used to playing with dice and paper in the real world. Pretty lightweight fun.

A Gamer's Delight.......2007-04-11

This is a must read for any fantasy fan. Honestly, its a must read for anyone getting into RPG's or fantasy lit. A great idea for a novel. Also the characters are realisticly portrayed as confused at first, then believers in the world in which they have been thrust. I have some complaints about the overall conclusion of this series, but this book is fantastic.

Fantastic.......2005-08-31

This is the book that got me back into reading. It is a wonderful tale of a group of college role-players who are transported into the world and bodies of the very game they were playing. The story has many twists and unexpected surprises. I would recommend the entire trilogy. The stories that appear later on in the series are hit or miss for me, but the original three are the best.

Not as impressed as others.......2005-04-28

I read the book several years ago and found it silly, fairly unengaging, and filled with poor dialog.
One other problem, and this is only partially the author's fault, is that the material is fairly cliché riddled.
Granted, the book is fairly old and predates a lot of other DM transports characters into the game, but the idea wasn't really new then either.

Rosenberg Starts his Six Book Series Well.......2004-05-04

I remember when I first got this series last year at a used book store. I was always interested in a series of short novels. When I first picked up this book I wasn't sure because of its length but found out that this series is very worthy of being a fantasy best. Being trapped in the game world in which they were playing to having their best friends die in front of their eyes this story of mystery and fantasy is definitely a worthy start to a great series

Flames of the Dragon (Brothers of the Dragon)

Average customer rating:

pure adventure
flame broiling

Flames of the Dragon (Brothers of the Dragon)
Robin Wayne Bailey
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0451452895

Customer Reviews:

pure adventure.......2007-01-04

Though a little less satisfying than the first volume, "Flames of the Dragon" is just as adventure-soaked as the previous chapter.

The plot flows easily and we meet a couple of new characters, among them a former girlfriend of Eric.
A serious problem in this second part is the very large number of minor inconsistencies, such as people's looks and attitudes. A couple of them is acceptable in this genre but many of them just grow to be really annoying, not only because I am the kind of reader who seem to remember each tiny detail about people and places.

In this second book there are two openly gay side characters and we get a few more hints that the relationship between Robert and Scott may not be all that innocent after all.

flame broiling.......2001-04-15

I found it to be a hot flame broiled expeience. The characters believible and likeable. Mr. Bailey is a wonderful story teller. Like a spider traps you in his web, with his delightful and exciting tale.

The Sword and the Flame: Book Three (The Dragon King Saga)

Average customer rating:

1st and 2nd one was better,but it pretty good, too!
Mature Quentin & Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable.
Quinten again faces nimrod.
Creative, involving entertainment with great new ideas

The Sword and the Flame: Book Three (The Dragon King Saga)
Stephen R. Lawhead
Manufacturer: Lion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0745946194

Book Description

Quentin reigns at last as Dragon King, but he is faced with the kidnapping of his son, the death of his most trusted counselor, and the return of his arch–enemy Nimrood. Grief–stricken and despairing, Quentin faces his severest test. And more than a kingdom hangs in the balance…

Customer Reviews:

1st and 2nd one was better,but it pretty good, too!.......2002-09-26

As I said in the title place, the first and second book of the Dragon King Trilogy was better; they both had excitement and action. The third was good too, but didn't have much action in it. I like books with adventure in it so that might be the reason I didn't give this book 5 stars. But I still enjoyed it. To enjoy this book properly, I think it is better to read, "In the Hall of the Dragon King" and "Warlords of Nin" first.

Quentin is now the Dragon King. He has 3 kids,two girls and a boy. His wife Bria is now the Queen. Mesandor had enjoyed peace for a long time. With his legendary sword, Shaligkeer the Shining Sword (I forgot to tell about it in my "Warlords of Nin" review. "Warlords of Nin" is the second book.), which was made from the precious stone called lathrinil.

Quentin soon faces a severe test as his son is kidnapped, his most trusted couselor, Duwin the Holy Hermit, is killed, and when he hears that his archenemy Nimrood the Necromancer had returned. (I was so shocked at the part where Durwin died!)Quentin is filled with grief and frustration that he does not know what he is doing. He murdurs one of the kidnappers mercilessly and loses his great sword, the Shaligkeer. King Quentin loses, as it seems to him, everything he holds dear and plunges into despair. It does not help that one of his lords, Lord Ameronis was full of ambition and leaped at the chance to become King. Soon Mesander fights with one of his lords and the whole land is thrown into turmoil as the common people and also the knights, lords, and nobles of the King, hears rumores that Quentin had lost his sword and that it was because he followed the Most High God that he was punished by other gods.

What will happen to King Quentin? What did it mean that Nimrood the Necromancer, assumed dead, came back?

Quentin learns a valuable lesson in this book, that when it seems that God was not with you, it was because you had drawn away from Him. Not because He had left you.

This book was interesting and at the same time, some parts were exciting. Especially the part where Quentin's son is kidnapped and the last part. I can't tell you how the last part is or it'll be telling the whole story. :) I suggest that you would read this because it would finish the Dragon King Trilogy and also because this book is a good book.

Mature Quentin & Lawhead "Lite" - not deep, but enjoyable........2001-07-03

"The Sword and the Flame" is the third title in Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy, the series which propelled him to success. Quentin has assumed the throne, with Bria his queen, and is now the father of three children. The kingdom firmly established, he is busy building the King's Temple, a temple dedicated to the Most High. And he is armed with the enchanted sword, "The Shining One", whose "flame was the symbol of the god's presence with the King, and more." (p.94)

But enemies old and new are fiercely opposed to Quentin's overturn of the old gods. The evil necromancer Nimrood returns to collaborate with the defenders of the old gods - the priests at the temple of Ariel, who see the construction of the King's Temple as an inevitable sign of the destruction of their own High Temple. Suddenly, the peace of Quentin's kingdom becomes overshadowed by darkness. A close friend of Quentin is killed, his son kidnapped. Quentin must face open hostility from his enemies, and! even conflict from his own people, and treachery from his own supporters. But worst of all the flame of the sword goes out, and the hopes for the kingdom appear to be extinguished along with it: "One fell thrust and the fire of the white lanthanil blade had been quenched. The awful significance of what had happened struck him like a thunderbolt...the hand of the Most High was removed from him." (p.77-8) Is there any hope for Quentin or his kingdom?

The ensuing struggle makes this book the most emotional of the series. Certainly we are treated to lots of Lawhead excitement and action, one of the highlights being the intrigue and conflict of a castle under seige. But "The Sword and the Flame" doesn't quite have the same blazing glory of battle as the previous volume. It is far more introspective, as it focuses on Quentin's loneliness, his deep, dark and total despair, which nearly extinguishes his faith. "Now there was only darkness. In the space of half a day he had los!t his son, his trusted friend, and - worst of all - the favor of the Most High. His mind reeled at the enormity of his trouble, his heart ached with sorrow, his body throbbed with grief and exhaustion." (p.85) Lawhead treats this subject with raw and gripping emotion, precisely the ability later developed and fine tuned which made the "Pendragon Cycle" so powerful. Perhaps even more compelling than the glory of a kingdom, is the tragedy of a fallen king, who is so distraught that he rejects the Most High (p.166) and tumbles into the depths of despair.

Yet this personal struggle of the king occurs in the context of a great struggle for his kingdom. Does the extinguished flame of the enchanted sword mean that the Most High no longer is to be trusted? The people of the kingdom are convinced that the old gods are humbling their king for having chased after a new god (p.159). Yet in the end, even when the people are ready to lose faith in the Most High, the Most High is fait!hful. "It is not the One who forgets us, but we forget him." (p.199) Quentin must realize that "the flame of true faith can not be kindled on the fuel of the old religion." (p.230) When he renews his faith, the tide turns. The climax of the book is particularly powerful, with scenes reminiscent of the confrontation on Mount Carmel between Elijah the prophet of the Most High and the prophets of Baal.

In many respects, Lawhead's medieval fantasy world is reminiscent of Tolkien's world, although Tolkien's many fantastic creatures are absent. But what is absent in Tolkien is present in Lawhead: the Most High God. It is the strong spiritual vision where the Most High God and faith in God is central that makes Lawhead's books so powerful and so wholesome. Lawhead's "Dragon King" Trilogy paints a picture of spiritual warfare, kings and kingdoms, prophets, dreams and visions, and above all faith in the Most High. It's the picture of a time much like the glorious Old Testament !days of David and Solomon, who with prophets and visionaries fought for the peace of the Kingdom of the Most High in the era before the coming of Christ. Although not as deep or profound as "The Pendragon Cycle", this series of Lawhead "Lite" is still unquestionably a success.

Quinten again faces nimrod........1998-05-05

This is a great finish to the series that Lawhead developed. You can start with this book, but I would recommend reading the previous two first. Quinten again is matched against the evil Nimrod. He loses his son, his sword, and his wife has left him, to seek advice from the God most High, in his most needful hour. The book weaves in Christianity in a mysterious way and still has a great story line! What more can you ask??

Creative, involving entertainment with great new ideas.......1997-02-14

Lawhead has written a masterful conclusion to the Dragon King series. The involving plot and emotional ties kept me thinking about the book through the day. I've never read a book with such an unusually complex -yet accurate- dipiction of God in a fantasy adventure series. The movement from the old gods into the God was so facinating. With a powerful, meaningful end, Lawhead never let the story down nor left any plots incomplete. This was not the story I expected to end the series. "The Sword and the Flame" was not a drug-out I-want-to-write-a-third-book conclusion, but rather it was a great story on it's own

Black Flames (AD&D/Dark Sun Module DSM1) (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition, Dsm1 Adventure Module, 2417)

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Black Flames (AD&D/Dark Sun Module DSM1) (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition, Dsm1 Adventure Module, 2417)
Sam Witt
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1560765801

Dragons of Flame (Dragonlance module DL2)

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Return of the dragons

Dragons of Flame (Dragonlance module DL2)
Douglas Niles
Manufacturer: T S R
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 088038087X

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Return of the dragons.......2000-04-30

The DL series was a huge leap forward for TSR - these modules featured a new emphasis on drama and storytelling that made the gaming MUCH more fun and involved for the PCs and the DM. Of course, at heart, being TSR modules from the 80s, they're still dungeon crawls! In this chapter, the dragons have returned, brining fell minions and horrific magic that usher in a new Dark Age... a classic of dark adventure for levels 5-7.

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