I think I know what bothers most of the people who gave this book low rating, especially the ones who have been long time fans. for us geeks and dragonlance lovers the ending is quite upsetting, silly as it may sound. We feel like everything we know and love in/about Krynn was was taken away from us and it's hard to judge the book objectively after that.

Like many here said, this book is enjoyable but not as enjoyable as the earlier Dragonlance books like Chronicles and Legends. It's sort of an anemic version of them, it's a bit lacking.

some things I found unconvincing- like Palin and Usha falling in love after spending about 5 minutes together. I guess it's convincing if you believe in love at first sight, I don't.
And Raistlin... ok I didn't read the Raistlin chronicles and I don't know just how much ol' Fistie was affecting him but he just didn't seem himself- again, like an anemic and dare I say boring? version of the old Raist.

Some questions were left unanswered. Is Usha Raistlin's daughter or not? If she's not, how can the author's explain the short story "Raistlin's daughter"? Funny, that. There's this rumor going around about this yellow eyed Irda girl who is Raistlin's daughter and though the story is NOT true, one yellow eyed Irda girl does indeed exist only she's not the one from the story. I guess yellow eyed Irda girls are pretty common these days.
if she is his daughter after all, why did Rustlin lie to her? (That would also add the ewww factor to the Usha and Palin
storyline.)

This book wasn't really bad. It wasn't the best Dragonlance book ever written, but it was good. I loved the part with Usha and the Irda. The only problem I had with this book was they killed the wrong people. As usual, they killed the characters I liked. Tanis was one (I'm sorry if I'm spoiling this for anyone, but he had to die eventually). I didn't really like Tanis that much until I read the letter he wrote to Laurana in Test Of The Twins. After that I didn't mind him so much. I was kinda glad when he showed up in this book. Then at one point I just relized 'he's gonna die pretty soon' and sure enough, a few chapters later, he dies. Then there was Ariakan. I like bad guys. I thought he could be really good for the plot in other books, and he dies. Steel was the one that I didn't want to see die. He was the only one of the newer characters that I liked. And, surprise surprise, he dies. Palin and Usha should have died. I'm sorry but they were annoying. I must say, I was glad Tas died. He was not that great of a character after Chronicles (he was funny in The Soulforge though) and they should have killed him earlier in the book (I sincerely apoligize to all Tas fans). If you are a fan of Dalamar, just a warning, they make him sound kinda bad in this book. That kinda made me unhappy,but everyone maked mistakes. Also, if you are a devouted Raistlin fan (like myself) this book will give you something to brag about. The gods didn't give Raistlin magic powers because he was too much of a threat. Isn't that great? You have to respect the Shalafi after that. In conclusion, I do recomend this book to any Dragonlance fans. I know some people were upset with it, and it is a little long, but it is worth it if you want to read any fifth age books. If you want to read something just as good (in my opinoin) read Dalamar The Dark. That is even better than Dragons Of Summer Flame.

As said above, this book all depends on the reader! As you've read in other summeries people say that the world of Dragonlance is now no good cause there is no magic. This is wrong, just read the books that follow, starting with, The Dawning of a New Age. Others say that having the original heroes die ruined the book. Well does'nt everything die with time? Can't expect them to live forever! And players of the world seem to complain that it won't be fun anymore since there is no magic left on Krynn. Well I'll give you one easy solution to that : DON"T PLAY THE FIFTH AGE THEN!! It's that easy, stick with what you enjoy, it's all up to you! By my opinion this was a very exciting book. There is ton's of action, and there is even sadness, this book covers it all. If your looking for an exciting book with a different kind of turn then pick this one up. The only problem was that they killed Palin's brothers to quickly, maybe if we are lucky then there will be books about them in the future! Good reading to all!!!

This book should be titled something like: "Things to Think About When Planning a Wedding". It contained very little money saving tips, which is why I bought the book.

This is, I feel, one of the best books on the market. I have purchased and scanned numbers of other books, and none compare to this. It spends a lot of time on how to make a realistic budget, and how to stick to that budget. This can be a messy, but necessary part of the wedding planning. Along with wonderful advice and tips, the actual authors of the book are a mother/daughter team who started in the wedding business by planning the daughters marriage a number of years ago. This very personal introduction explaining their begining created in me a great confidence and trust in the authors. I feel that the authors really have a solid grasp on what to expect, how to deal with vendors, and even include a chapter on the brides anxieties and stresses before the wedding. They write in an easy manner and include numerous real life stories to make points and show examples. Though, I personally plan to spend more than 5,000 dollars on my wedding, they give wonderful advice on how to cut costs, and not create a 'tacky' affair. Their budgeting advice is the best. I feel this book goes over every aspect of the wedding and deals with numerous scenarios. It is truely a great find.

This is a great book. It presents the information in a number of different formats including the authors' text, lists, and stories. I recommend it to any bride planning a wedding. There are compromises to be made to keep the cost below $5000, but even if your budget is higher there are great suggestions and organization techniques.

If I start writing now when I'm not really rested it could upset my thinking which is not good at all. I'll get a fresh start tomorrow, and it's not due till Wednesday, so I'll have all of Tuesday, unless something should happen.

Why does this always happen, I should be outside playing, getting fresh air and sunshine; I work best under pressure, and they'll be lots of pressure, if I wait till tomorrow... I should start writing now. But if I start writing now, when I'm not really rested, it could upset my thinking which is not good at all.

Peter Rabbit is one of four rabbits in his family. Very much curious as well as disobedient, Peter decides to wonder off into Mr. McGregor's garden. He has heard the warning given to him by his mother of what Mr. McGregor does to curious, wandering rabbits. Peter slips away from his brother's and sister's while they play in the fields and decides to see this wonderful garden. While in the garden, Peter fills his stomach with delicious carrots, lettuce and other various vegetables. While eating, Mr. McGregor finds the somewhat stuffed rabbit and chases him around his garden. Peter, realizing the mistake he made, only wishes to be free, that he might not make the same mistake again. This book is very well written and can capture the heart of even the oldest person. Filled with detailed pictures, Peter comes to life in this classic tale of tales.

The pictures in this book are absolutely wonderful. It was my oldest nephews favorite book, his little brother also loves it, unfortunately after five years of hard use I just replaced it with a new one. This is the first time we've ever "worn out" a book!

If my two nephews could write a review, (they are boys, 5 and 2 yrs old), they would tell you that this book is a treasure!

This book reminded me a lot of Moorcock's Elric series. It's extremely brief, the characters are lifeless, the world is poorly described, and it takes itself way too seriously.

The protagonist, Paul Formain, is so cold and lifeless that he makes Elric seem emotional by comparison.

One expects a sci-fi novel to have lifeless and cliched characters, but there's usually a cool interesting scientific idea to counter the lack of character development and story. Necromancer has neither. In fact, it's more of a fantasy story than true sci-fi. The characters have magical abilities which are never explained in any kind of logical or scientific way.

Now I have no problem with fantasy, but as a fantasy novel Necromancer doesn't hold up either. A fantasy story should have interesting characters and a well developed fantasy world. Necromancer has none of this.

I really have nothing good to say about this book.

Alright.....the book starts off around the main character of Paul. Paul has just gotten a job in a mining company, and on the first day, he ends up losing his arm. Now during this time period, humans have the ability to regrow limbs and other body parts. However, the graft for a new arm has failed on three different times for Paul. As a result, he is being seen by various pyschologists.

One day, Paul finds out that it is possible to grow a new arm under the "Alternate Laws" described by the Chantry Guild. The Chantry Guild has the motto "DESTRUCT" and was founded by one William Blunt. Walter Blunt has a vision of the future that will include the destruction of all technology, and a main player in this future is Paul. Paul must then make decisions in regards to his future in the Chantry Guild to determine the future outcome of the human race. Paul's decisons will lead society down a path of his choice.

This novel is fairly complex to follow at times, but should be an easy read that can be finished quickly. There is not a lot of character development except for a few main participants. Further character complexes could have been useful in determining the ending and what will happen. But not enough information is dealt with these characters who will be important in the future human society. It is an average read that could have been spiced up a bit to make it further entertaining and interesting.

I have no idea what order the Childe Cycle (aka that series with Dorsai) was published in . . . I'm reading them in the order listed on the back of the Final Encyclopedia, which gives this as the first book and so off we go. It's a slim, slight book with a seemingly straightforward plot that starts to go in all kinds of weird areas very quickly, almost too quickly. Paul Formain is a guy with not so good luck who loses his arm and can't have it replaced because none of the grafts will take. But some people tell him he has some ability with the "Alternate Laws" and so the Chantry Guild, led by Walter Blunt, decide to take him in and train them. Little do they know what it leads to. And neither does the reader, apparently. Dickson is too good a writer to not make the book any less than interesting and readable but some of this stuff doesn't seem worked out too well, the Alternate Laws remain kind of a catch-all and after reading the book I still have absolutely no idea what they are supposed to do. Other than Paul, none of the character have anything other than thin personalities (the lady, Kanteele is never developed at all and her at times strange behavior never really explained) and even Paul isn't that interesting since in grand SF hero tradition he mostly reacts to stuff and overcomes obstacles mostly because hey, why not? A lot of stuff happens toward the end that basically serves as a prelude for everything that comes after, which is where this book becomes essential. While if you skipped it, the rest of the Cycle probably makes perfect sense, this lays down the foundations and while not a spectacular book on its own, when fitted in with the rest of the series, it takes on a different resonance altogether. Even with those flaws, Dickson keeps the story moving, his science may not be ready for a doctoral thesis but the philosophy is always interesting (a highlight in most of his books) and the result is never less than entertaining, even if it is far from a masterpiece. Read this only to move on to the next books.

First two books of the trilogy? Terrific. Great characters, interesting world, etc. And then came the third book. What possessed them to plunge laser-shooting tanks in the middle of this great fantasy world? As others have said, the book suddenly becomes...well, part of another series, in my opinion. I love Weis & Hickman, but this book's a disappointment. Judging from the other reviews, though, you'll either love it or hate it. Don't let this series turn you off to the authors; read Death Gate or any of their Dragonlance books!

It was good in most ways. The characters were very good, and the first thing I always look for in a book is good characters. The story was good except I resent it running like a science fiction novel. There were some really deep ideas in it, but at other times it could be light and funny. I thought the ending was really good except that it was not explained thoughly enough and was rather confusing to be the last book in the series.It was very origanal from other fantasy books I have read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good fantasy book to read because I could not put it down.

I often find the duo of Weis and Hickman unfairly maligned by fantasy fans (often simply because they had the audacity to work with TSR) but there are some valid criticisms. The major one I have is that they can't wrap up books - this, in my mind, was THE exception. I'm rather surprised others didn't find things that way, that some reviewers criticized the ending. So they deviated from the sappy finish you always see in fantasy, evident even in good series like Memory, Sorrow and Thorn..big deal. It's a pleasant change of pace and flowed logically from the story. This book, in my mind, really makes a good series great, starting with Joram and Gwen's return and the effects that has. Introduces some fine new characters and advances the bearing of others. This would have finally given Margaret and Tracy a series with a good ending - why the heck did they screw things up years later by plopping a fourth book onto a great trilogy? A very good read though, one I highly recommend.

The Tales I Volume 1 isn't really all its cracked up to be. There are short stories without enough time to develop plot, character backgrounds, and I found most of the supporting characters completely annoying. Reading this book brought me back to the days of Highschool when I was forced to read short stories out of a big 500 page textbook. I remember rejoycing to find a single good story out of the 300 stories in the book, and crying from boredom at the rest.

That is the best way I can describe the tales book. Try searching the web, maybe someone typed up the novella by Weis and Hickman. Its not that long. Is that one novella worth paying the few bucks? Not at all.

I have yet to read the other Tales books, but since I am about to run a DnD campaign based before the War of the Lance, I will most likely read Tales II Volume 3 (The War of the Lance) which is a series about the other, non-epic hero, stories from the time period as background. Unfortunately, I couldn't even get that out of this book. Save your money and purchase some of the Villians series (EXCELLENT) or Elven Nations Trilogy.

I have to give all the short story novels 3 stars. There are some stories you won't like but they'll 2-4 really great ones that will make the books worth the price.

I found this book quite good. It is filled with a compilation of short stories written by come of the more well known Dragonlance authors. All of them are pretty good, like Palin's test, depicted on the cover. This is a must read for anyone into the dragonlance saga.

Why only 3 stars, you might ask? My answer is that this is a comparative review, in particular compared to all the other novels in the Dragonlance series by Weis & Hickman, whom I still consider the "main authorities" when it comes to this world and its novels. However, characters in the new trilogy just don't seem to be so resonant and richly engaging as their predecessors, for reasons I can't put my finger on (Weis & Hickman have a pretty good track record for memorable characters). Galdar the Minotaur is richly realized, thankfully, as is Sir Gareth, the ugly but practical and wise Solamnic Night. But, besides another Dark Night, Marshal Medan, who is a support character through the second book, very few have the impact the original characters had. Most disappointing is Mina, who turns out a rather empty character by the end of the series. Perhaps this was the authors' point, to show her as a "glorious vessel of her One God" but at her core a hollow, desolate character. Still, I didn't feel too sympathetic with her by the book's end. Overall, the characters just didn't resonate with me as deeply or stick with me as long as earlier characters have.

The book's end. Herein lies the final problem. A lot of "deus ex machina" at the end, and unlikely fates for most of the characters. ... Silvanoshei's "purpose" was yet to even begin. ...Inexplicable deaths, and even more inexplicable restorations and resurrections, and separate departures of characters I thought were meant to be together (two Knights of Solamnia come immediately to mind)-and inexplicable returns. All those "evil dragons" are still around, and only Gold and Silver Dragons return? Where are the Bronze, Brass and Copper? Where's the Balance? ... Just as Summer Flame seemed to end badly, quite the bit of a jumbled mess, this one does as well.

Still, the trip to get there was worth reading, and there were some moving moments throughout ... The writing itself is fine, and the plot drove me pretty much right through to the end of the book, so no complaints there. But still, despite many good aspects to the trilogy, it just doesn't measure up to other fantasy novels and series I've read lately. Most telling, it is
3rd best as far as Dragonlance trilogies go, and I was hoping at least for a tie or near tie with the first series.

So, I recommend War of Souls to longtime Dragonlance fans and Weis & Hickman fans as an interesting trilogy and successful in general, if not in particular, epic fantasy. Some of the issues they raise are interesting, but somehow we never get to explore these issues as deeply and interestingly as we could have. If this turns out to be the authors' fond farewell to the world of Krynn, that's fine by me. All the wonderful work they have done for this world and its inhabitants, including in this trilogy, is irreplaceable and much appreciated by this fan, at least. So hardcore fans, read this book and trilogy and form your own opinions. To the more casual fan, I say pass on this trilogy and stick with the original two. They're worth it.

Book three of the War of the Souls Trilogy has finally arrived and it has lived up to my expectations. It has been a long time since I have read a Dragonlance book that I did not want to put down. Granted this book (series) did not have the same character development as "legends" or "chronicles," it still made for an excellent read.
While the story line is indeed interesting, thoughout the book I felt as if Weis and Hickman were attempting to accomplish something else with the Dragonlance setting as a whole - a type of revitalization. Interviews with the authors also seem to prove that the 5th Age may not have been to Weis and Hickman's liking. The purpose of my digression at this point is to say that my only problem with this book is filling in of gaps and obvious patchwork that was done to explain events from the 5th Age. This all becomes most obvious in the last chapter on the history of creation. With this in mind, however, if this small shortcoming leads readers to a return of the Krynn of old, then I can without a doubt overlook it.

Yet another great Novel by Weis and Hickman, everything these two write is solid gold in my book.

This book has potential, but when it comes to offering the needed information, it just isn't there. For instance, there is a section where all the macros in WinHelp are listed. If you know anything about Macros, they have parameters and these parameter have very specific formats, allowable entries, etc. While the macros are listed, there's no explanation of the parameters. In addition, finding the information that *is* there is difficult, because the index is inadequate.

This reference book is not for the experienced help author. If you are really trying to "get under the hood", this book isn't going to help. I have found the WinHelp On-Line HAG to be a much better reference than this.

If you are buying this book used, beware of sellers who are offering a book with a floppy disk. This book was issued with a CD. If you get a book with a floppy only, it is misprint, and you are not getting your money's worth. Although the books with diskettes should have been destroyed and never sold under any circumstance, several used books sellers have sold them charging as much as for the real full edition. -- Nancy Hickman, author of Building Windows '95 Help

This is my 2nd book by this author. The first one was "Expendable", and was an excellent read.

This one, like the first one, is also a very easy read, a book that I gulped down in almost a single setting. Like the first one, this book has the humor and wit that I suspect are the author's characteristic. It also is set around a very interesting idea: What if mankind had a free choice of sexes - if every person could decide what sex they wanted to be. However, "The Commitment Hour" lacks the depth of characters that "Expendable" had, thus making it a little boring.

If you haven't read any of his books, do not start with this one. But if you have read another book by the author, then you will, most probably, enjoy this one too.

Well, that was one interesting book! The first few pages brought me right into the story, so I picked the book up right away. The character Fullin was really interesting, along with his girl/boy (whatever) friend, Cappie -- which was written all in first-person point of view (Fullin's view). The way he views his world, and once the climax finally came in the story held very well to how he would have acted. (If you haven't already read the first review of this book, you lucked out. I felt he gave most of the book away right there!). Anyway from a guy that RARELY picks books to read, I found a gem here.

I really enjoyed this book. It sucked me in and kept me guessing up until the end. I found the idea of gender-switching humans to be quite original, at least from my own reading history. :-) The concept of gender, and the ideas we traditionally associate with it, has always fascinated me. One thing I like about this book is that it doesn't shy away from the fact that we DO tend to categorize and compartmentalize people according to sex.

It was nice to see that even in their male personas, the people of Tober Cove were very caring and loving toward their children, effectively dispelling the myth that only women can be nurturing.

The book also touches on belief systems and how strongly people will hold onto their ideas even when faced with contradictory evidence, but the main character also seems to realize that faith really has a life of its own, a purpose, independent of "proof" either for or against.

I first bought 'Warlock in Spite' and 'KK' at a stall in Cannon Street station , must be mid 1970's . Still have them , in the the same thick paperbacks , and still read them . I bought the rest of the series (up to 1989) while I was working in Sunnyvale . It felt good to catch up with Rod , and to get more knowledge about Father Al , but nothing ever matched the first novel . I loved the wit , and the tongue in cheek send up of all the SF llamas at the time . It never made it much beyond a clever student joke though . A pity . With TV it could have become a Babylon 5 , and with the right war another Tolkien .

I intend to replace the volumes I've lost , mainly in Doncaster , but I won't cry if I can't . If you like Frazier , you will love Stasseff , or whatever his name is . If you ever played D&D , it may help you to admit it at your next dinner party - especially if you are catholic.

I loved this book and am very impressed with the way the characters have evolved throughout the series. I did not read the first King Kobold, but only because I am still trying to locate a copy. Worth every penny you need to spend.

"King Kobold Revived" has undergone remarkable changes from the original King Kobold novel. As the authors note says in the beginning he has had around 12 years to think about the book and ways to redo it. The story itself follows the same basic plot lines; invaders that can wield the 'Evil Eye' are invading the shores of Gramarye. None can stand against this weapon that can freeze soldiers in their tracks. Rod and Gwen Gallowglass as soon called to the rescue of the Gramarye. However, when a power greater then either Rod's or Gwen's seems to freeze even them, the real trouble begins. Now to deal with the changes that have been previously mentioned. Though I agree with other reviewers that some characters are either notably missing or have had their roles reduced drastically, the way it was done has made them nonessential to the redone story. Even with the plot changes, none of which effect any references made in later novels, and a totally redone ending, this novel is still wonderful and more then worth the reading, or rereading if you have read the original version. I assure you if you have read the original King Kobold, some of this story will seem similar, but most will strike you as a totally new book. Even if you are still unsure having read mixed reviews I highly recommend it for the introduction of some characters that appear in later novels, and to gain a insight into some 'firsts' that are taken for granted as the series progresses. Allay your fears and uncertainty for even with the novel taking on a virtually new plot from its previous incarnation, it is another one of Christopher Stasheff's masterpieces.