Dragon Wing (The Death Gate Cycle, Book 1)

Book Description

Preeminent storytellers Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have redefined epic fantasy. Since the publication of their Dragonlance series, millions of readers have enjoyed their imaginative world-building, rich characterization, and intricate storylines. Now these bestsellingauthors bring their talents to one of the most innovative fantasy creations ever in Dragon Wing, the first volume in The Death Gate Cycle.

Customer Reviews:

Warning - Addicting.......2007-07-09

What an awesome start to a great series of books! I read the Cycle when I was a teen and loved it and now in my....Early 20's ;) I wonder how I waited so long before picking it up again. From this first book, 'Dragon Wing' through the seventh I was hooked and still am!

The epitome of fantasy ilk.......2007-06-23

I told myself I wouldn't go back and read this kind of ilk after reading other much better books, but I couldn't help myself since I've pretty much exhausted the fantasy genre. Anyway, it was a mistake. The genre isn't even completely fantasy - it's some kind of weird mixture of science fiction, fantasy and psuedo - philosophy/parody.

The premise is that the world is divided into realms one on top of one another. All ready a tad eye rolling. Not a good setting to say the least. The authors had to invent some new floating rock called coralite. Anyway, this book is basically two viewpoints: Hugh the Hand and Limbeck Bolttightner (stupid name). The first fifty pages weren't bad. Not great, but highly readable.

Then everything goes to hell when the view shifts over to the dwarf. First of all, what's the point of calling dwarves gegs? The author even refers to them as dwarves first. Maybe to make them seem more juvenile then they all ready are. But, anyway, Limbeck's story is basically some kind of weird dwarven version of 1984. Basically, he's an enlightened dwarf among a race of childlike dwarves and he's determined to make remove their ignorance. Basically, all the dwarves worship the elves or the people who live on top them. Meanwhile, they all do work for this like super machine called "the kicksey winsey" How suitable is that? Kicksey winsey. All the dwarves have their roles and do their work unquestioningly. Then quite suitably, you have this revolutionary organization called WUPP (shudder) who is going about writing pamphlets and making speeches run by Limbeck's bossy wife named Jarre.

Hugh the Hand's story arc is a tad better with him escorting some simple boy prince who isn't really so simple. Unfortunately, he had to be named "Bane." Prince Bane!

Then there's the Sartan missionary named Haplo who is supposed to be sent back for vengeance for being shunned. But then he's accompanied by a loyal dog who licks his face and barks at strangers. Am I the only one sensing some kind of contradiction in tones here?

I'm not looking for any great masterpiece here but all the characters are cardboard cutouts and two dimensional at best. You got the mercenary Hugh who'll do anything for money. The clumsy chamberlain named Alfred who falls down every other page.

Essentially, the names are bordering on ridiculous: Hugh the Hand, Boltightner, Magicka, Sinistrad, and Prince Bane. All ready not good signs. Seriously, if you 've read better books, please skip this ilk. If you're determined to read Hickman and Weiss, read Chronicles which is a tad better.

Seriously, if you think this is the 'best fantasy' you've ever read, you really need to be trying OTHER books by OTHER authors. This book is fluff at best. The tones are so mixed up sometimes you're not sure if it's a comedy or what not. I'm not sure if the dwarven part is supposed to be comedy relief or if it's a serious rendition of 1984. But the tone is so silly you can hardly take it seriously at all. Kicksey winsey!

Part of one of the greatest series of fantasy books every written.......2007-04-12

Long ago, the all-powerful Sartan broke the earth into five worlds - Air, Fire, Earth and Water, and the Labyrinth (a temporary prison for their equally-powerful enemy, the Patryns). But, something, somewhere went wrong. The Labyrinth turned into a murderous, self-aware, killer. And now, the first of the Patryns have escaped the Labyrinth, and they are looking for revenge.

Haplo, one of the escaped Patryns is sent through the Death Gate (which connects the five worlds) to Arianus, the World of Air, to foment chaos and prepare the world for conquest by the Patryns. Arianus is a world of islands floating in the sky, of dragons and elven airships, of empires and wizards, and of a marvelous machine that seems to accomplish...nothing. And where are the Sartan? Something has gone terribly wrong.

This is an excellent book, part of one of the greatest series of fantasy books every written. I first read this book when it came out in 1990, and every few years I read it again - it's that good! I love books that include elves, dwarves and wizards, but this series takes that genre and moves it in a direction you might have never expected. I love the fascinating worlds that the authors created, and also the interesting characters and institutions that fill them.

Overall, I think that this is one of the greatest series of fantasy books, if not the greatest. I highly recommend this book, and the other six that make up the series. Believe me, they are well worth your time!

Brilliant book, series.......2007-03-17

For a fan of high-fantasy, the Death Gate cycle is a must read. Dragon Wing, the first book of seven, is probably the best written in the series; the prose is tighter and plot twists are set up more cleverly than in later books in the series. However, each book in the series is imaginative and a delight to read. The premise is that a war between two races of warring gods, the wise Sartan and the brutal Patryns, ended in a Sartan victory and the sundering of the world into its four elemental parts. The Patryns, who have long been trapped in a separate prison world called the Labyrinth, have just begun to break free. You follow their first scout, Haplo, as he explores the four worlds in preparation for a new Patryn offensive to conquer the lesser races and the Sartan.

While not especially literary, the character development, political intrigue, and imaginativeness of the four worlds is gripping. The cheesy "4 elements" theme is completely revived by Weiss and Hickman's clever implementation. For instance, the World of Air in Dragon Wing is made up of floating islands of lighter-than-air coral. Dwarves enslaved by Elven masters operate a gigantic machine in a perpetual storm that provides the only water source, reducing humans to raiders only recently united under a strong monarchy. However, the elves have their own problem in the form of a strange rebellion that threatens to undermine their empire if a truce can be reached with the humans.

My main criticism with Dragon Wing in particular is that two of the central characters, Haplo and Hugh, have personalities that are almost indistinguishable in the beginning, which can make things a bit repetitive. But if you enjoy creative, well-written fantasy, it would be hard to do better than this one-time best-selling (but now obscure) fantasy series.

Solid work from fantasy pioneers.......2007-02-16

I will say that when I started reading this series, I was hoping for something much like Weis & Hickman's previous series: Dragonlance. What I found out was that I didn't know what I wanted to begin with. This book was very much different from that great old saga, but every bit as good. I thought the authors did a great job of transitioning the character of Haplo. Nothing was sudden, it was a gradual change of attitude and ideology over the course of the entire series from hate and vengance, to understanding and compassion (even though the hard determined edge never left). The other characters were fairly good, even though Bane was incredibly annoying, and Zinfab was a deliberate play on Fizban, who was the god Paladin in disguise during the Dragonlance series. I never really understood, and don't think that it was explained in any way, why Zinfab always made references to pop culture from the late 1900s, but that is only a minor gripe. The story was really good, and extemely intricate. Wies and Hickman obviously put a lot of work into creating the settings, and explaining why they were the way that they were with stunning originality. This book was pretty good, but the series as a whole was great. I consider myself somewhere between a casual fantasy reader, and a hardcore fantasy reader, and I thought these books were worth every penny, and every minute spent reading.

Shadowed By Wings: Book Two of The Dragon Temple Saga

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Entertaining Read
The saga continues
violent XXX fantasy saga

Shadowed By Wings: Book Two of The Dragon Temple Saga
Janine Cross
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451461029

Book Description

Zarq Darquel's trial by fire begins when she undergoes the rigorous training required of an apprentice dragonmaster-while struggling to cope with her addiction to the hallucinogenic dragon venom, and her desire to learn the secrets of the dragons themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining Read.......2007-03-16

This book was an excellent read. I could barely put it down, it was the same with the first book too. She has created a very consistent and entertaing world. I can't wait for the next book.

The saga continues.......2006-09-23

Whatever flaws TBV had, are not found in Shadowed by Wings, its much more polished, much less graphic in its portrayal of violence (so if thats what you're looking for, you will be disappointed!!), the flow of the action/adventure more well-paced, and the story unfolds with some answers, particularly concerning the politics of Malacar. From SFRevu, Review of 'Touched by Venom' by Gayle Surrette:"Zarq .. doesn't observe or ask questions about what goes on around her. As the clan and her family are torn apart she simply watches with all the innocence of a young child. For most of this book, Zarq steps back from taking responsibility for her own life and lets passion, revenge, and anger rule her choices......I found myself ...to really want to sit Zarq down and let her have it, with her aloofness and stubbornness."

I agree with this portrayal of Zarq the whiny child in TBV - but that child has grown and mostly gone by the end of 'Shadowed by Wings', Zarq at 17/18 is a much wiser, mature young woman, her character far more fully developed than in TBV, as we witness the birth of a political revolutionary leader, where the Personal is indeed the Political. A much more satisfying ending than TBV too.... the final installment can't be published quick enough for me!

violent XXX fantasy saga .......2006-08-02

Seventeen years old Zarq believes it is her destiny as the Skykeeper's Daughter to become a dragonmaster. However, the Keepers of the Dragon Temple reject her request; insisting no woman has ever been or shall be a dragonmaster. She is warned to drop her pursuit or face dire consequences though she endures an abusive apprenticeship including rape and mutilation by the Dragonmaster of Clutch Re headed by Overlord Waikar Re Kratt.

While her peers treat her with contempt, Zarq searches for allegedly lost ancient documents that will prove a woman could be a Dragonmaster. If she succeeds in finding the document she would still face certain death of heresy or worse cold turkey withdrawal from dragon venom that's she is addicted to while they lock her away. Adding to her pressure is her late mother's dragon demands she search for her missing sister, Waivia, instead of completing an apprenticeship that will at the end still not achieve her dream of becoming one with the dragons.

This is not for everyone as Janine Cross is vividly descriptive with the trials and tribulations that assault the young heroine as she bucks the enforced order of the Taliban like Dragon Temple. Definitely not for a weak stomach with scenes of rape, genital and other bodily mutilations, and sexual slavery that make Zarq's dragon venom addiction, forced prostitution and even bestiality, seem mild. Well written, SHADOWED FOR WINGS is a violent XXX fantasy saga that provides a radically different look at a dragon based society than the heroic thread eaters of Pern.

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
Great Action Comic
A Great Adaptation
Ma Wing Shing's incredible illustrations with Cha's story!

Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre, Vol. 1
Louis Cha , and Wing Shing Ma
Manufacturer: ComicsOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588991830

Book Description

Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre vol. 1: Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre is an epic adventure set against the backdrop of the Mongol invasion in ancient China. The story follows WuJi Chang's growth as a Kung Fu master amidst the frenzied pursuit of two ancient and powerful weapons: Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. In order to unite his country and overthrow China's Mongol oppressors, WuJi must develop his own formidable powers while understanding both swords' relationship to his parents' legacy.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-04

Super crazy macho kung-fu, Chinese style. Super kung fu guy nutso goes around killing other similar guys to draw out a master.

Not much luck there. The fifth brother of the Wu-Tang clan has adventures, meets yet another super kung-fu guy, and also a girl. Much posturing with various secret super cool powers, etc.

Throw in some magic swords.

Then a kid.

Great Action Comic.......2006-03-24

If I would have known these books were so cheap online I would have been ordering them all the time. Anywayz....... I have volumes 1-5 and they are awesome!!!! I first found one of these on the bus and did some online research and found about these different series of books. I am so addictid now! <--- probably spelled that wrong. Any way, if you like kung fu movies and comics you can definately enjoy these books, because they have fantastic art which seems a lot like Jim Lee's work (artist for the Old X-Men comics and Batman currently). This story starts off with sort of a romeo and juliet type of plot and then its the typical revenge plot in kung fu stories when the son of the couple gets older and theres the typical sublots through out the story as read. The action sequences are in my opinion breath taking. The lines used to show movement perfectly portray the kung-fu in this line of comic graphic novel.

A Great Adaptation.......2004-06-30

Having read the Chinese story several years ago, I was surprised and excited to find it in comic book form. This is a great story about heroism and Chinese culture. And the story is exciting: intrigue, subplots, deception, fighting, and a little love thrown in to balance it all out. The art is exceptional, my only complaint is the blatant un-feminine appearance of the female monks-they look just like the men, and it's confusing to people that aren't aware of the story.

All in all, it's a great introduction to Chinese culture, and an exciting comic book for those that aren't that interested in it. For a true taste of Jin Yong's (née Louis Cha) writing make sure to check out John Minford's translation of "The Deer and the Cauldron" also here on Amazon.

Ma Wing Shing's incredible illustrations with Cha's story!.......2003-02-02

I have,so far, 4 volumes of this large comic book from Comics One, and if you are a fan of Swordfight stories you will really enjoy this. This is NOT KUNGFU, that you see in movies that are dubbed. I don't know if this story was originally told in serial form in daily newspapers in Hong Kong or not, but Louis Cha is a very popular author among Chinese readers. This is a swordfight story which is a totally different genre of storytelling. I guess the closest comparison would be to Stormriders (the movie and Comic with Cheng Ekin and Aaron Kwok, that was originally a comic illustrated and told by Ma Wing Shing. The next closest comparison would be to "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" the movie and comic book and story. Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre is beautifully illustrated and tells,in the first 4 volumes, the story of Wuji, a little boy born to parents from oposing warring clans. It is about his adventures, and how he is influenced by his Father's nobility/righteousness of character (a member of the Wu Tang clan specializing in internal skills) and his love for his mother "a sorceress of the evil sky clan". The first volume tells of how his father and mother meet and it is a dashing romantic story that hooks you and makes you feel you care and want to know more about how the improbable marriage of a beautiful "sorceress" to an idealistic chivalrous young man works out, and the magic and mystery surrounding the heaven sword. There is poetry when Louis Cha (who has written many stories)has the sorceress start falling in love with Wuji's future father when he challenges an enemy with internal skills calligraphy imprinted onto the side of a stonemountain. The second volume deals with their son meeting the consequences of his parents love for each other as they go back home, and face their relatives and clan members. The third volume starts with the adventures of Wuji, and the meeting of a number of people such as an evil healer and a number of different little girls that he ends up meeting again when he is grown up. Many styles of fighting/internal chi and weapons techniques are mentioned throughout, after all, this is a Swordfight comic, and I like every aspect of it. The illustrations are gorgeous, and it is not the wide-eyed comics that you may have seen. Unfortunately, the cover of the 1st volume doesn't really tell about the story, because the first volume is classic chinese romantic stuff with dashing fighting and display of a number of external/internal hard/soft styles of swordfighting. Heaven Sword is also about the intricate complexity of relationships surrounding the heaven sword and dragon sabre. I love it. I believe this will appeal more to mature readers than to those expecting the "kung fu" that they might have been exposed to.

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Of Dragon Wings and Faerie Things
Jillian Sawyer
Manufacturer: Glass Books Pty. Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0958528268

Book Description

Thirty-two designs for creating colorful stained glass dragons of every shape, mood, and attitude are featured in this guide. From the fearsome, fire-breathing Cernunnos to the freewheeling Gwydion who loves to dance and play; from Liorth the ice dragon, who patrols the North, to Elliot the baby dragon, who just needs someone to hug, dragon patterns for every occasion are provided. Each design includes tips for construction and a verse that further defines the personality of each of these mythological creatures. With full-color examples, this book provides inspiration to crafters who find creating their own designs a challenge. These designs can be used with other crafts such as quilting, appliqué, machine or hand embroidery, and silk or china painting.

Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre #10 (Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (Graphic Novels))

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Marvelous Storytelling, Extraordinary Martial art scene!!!

Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre #10 (Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (Graphic Novels))
Louis Cha , and Wing Shing Ma
Manufacturer: ComicsOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588992446

Book Description

The battle between the Circle of Warriors and the Mongolian invaders continues. Master No-Mercy takes on one of the powerful Yuen Ming Rebels. Wuji arrives just in time to help the hideously scarred Yiu Fan. Plus, No-Mercy must face off against the powerful Jinx Palm style of Granny Crane, and the return of the mighty King of Gold Lion!

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous Storytelling, Extraordinary Martial art scene!!!.......2004-10-16

This comic is one of the very best comic I have ever bought. The intelligibly story are extremely well-told and very constructed. You can never find any other comic book like this. The very reason why I decide to give 5 stars is because this comic is excellent and it is a sequel story to Legendary Couple. Wuji Chang is the main character throughout the volume who tried to understand his parent's legacy and the relationship between two superior weapons. It started out that six major schools were fighting against each other for surpremacy and those who obtained this two powerful weapons will entitled as the leader of great martial art throughout China. However, someone from other side of the country also want this weapons for themselves as well. What hold this two special weapons is there are secret scrolls hidden inside the two sword. (I don't know what is it but that I would like to find out in the later volume) There are some special treats in this comic book that you are dying for to know more about the legend of Tai Chi Master ------- Grandmaster Chang San Feng and founder of Wu Tang. There are lot of information that you would be please to know more what made Wu- tang school so famous for it creation of Tai Chi. As well, there are also more to mention about other kind of surpreme styles such as Alter Universe and Radiant 9. Wuji Chang is the youngest to become the 34th leader of powerful Ming Rebels Clan and the only person to master the seventh and the last stage of Alter Universe. (Previous Leader of Ming Rebel only reached the fourth stage of Alter Universe and will not dared go further. Why? That you have to buy and find more about what make "Alter Universe" style so special) I highly recommended it. Buy it. Trust me, you will not regret once you read the story.

Ord Makes A Wish (Dragon Tales Books with Wings)

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Ord Makes A Wish (Dragon Tales Books with Wings)
Margaret Snyder
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375813381
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Book Description

It’s Ord’s birthday, and for his special Dragon Land birthday wish, Ord wishes he were little. Poof! Suddenly he is smaller than a dragon beetle—and loves it! He can hide easily and have a piggyback ride! But when it comes time to eat a huge piece of birthday cake and fly Max on his back, Ord decides that he likes himself best the way he really is—big!
Beautiful, soft, shimmery cloth wings affixed to the front cover add a unique element to this book about Ord-everyone's favorite dragon.

Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre #11 (Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (Graphic Novels))

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An Epic Adventure

Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre #11 (Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (Graphic Novels))
Louis Cha , and Wing Shing Ma
Manufacturer: ComicsOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588992454

Book Description

Master No-Mercy may not live beyond her bout with Granny Crane. Meanwhile, Wuji has finally been reunited with is loving and incredibly skilled Godfather - King of Gold Lion. But the Queen of Purple Dragon may cut that reunion murderously short! Also we bid a famous warrior farewell.

Customer Reviews:

An Epic Adventure.......2005-03-29

I you are a fan of Martial Arts stories, then you will love this series. In this volume, Wuji is told the story of how the three kings of the Ming Rebels elected Purple Dragon to be there symbolic leader. Wuji is also reunited with Spider, and Princess Ming Choi displays her deep affection for Wuji. More history and origin of the Ming Rebels is revealed.

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Heaven Sword & Dragon, Sabre Vol. 4
Louis Cha , and Wing Shing Ma
Manufacturer: ComicsOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588991865

Book Description

The apparent forces for good are on a trek to topple the evil Ming Clan. On their journey, Master No-Mercy and her Omei Sect stumble upon an injured WuJi and new friend Spider. The two are taken captive, unable to defend themselves against such skilled opposition. But before they reach the Ming Clan a blood thirsty, vile creature has come to feast on their life's blood.

DRAGON WING Volume 1 The Death Gate Cycle

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DRAGON WING Volume 1 The Death Gate Cycle
Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000KDS4FK

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Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, Vol 7
Louis Cha , and Wing Shing Ma
Manufacturer: ComicsOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588992411

Book Description

This epic adventure is set against the backdrop of the Mongol invasion of ancient China. The story follows Wuji Chang's growth as a kung fu master amidst the frenzied pursuit of the two ancient and powerful weapons: Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. In order to unite his country and overthrow China's Mongol oppressors, Wuji must develop his own formidable powers while understanding both swords' relationship to his parents' legacy. In this volume, the hero takes on the righteous martial arts clans. The odds are in his favor - until he is betrayed by a close friend.

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