What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragonlance: Legends #2
War of the Twins
One hundred years have passed since the fiery Cataclysm that changed the face of Krynn forever. For one hundred years, the people of Krynn have struggled to survive.
But for some, those one hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Catapulted forward in time by Raistlin's powerful magic, Caramon and Crysania find themselves aiding the mage's unholy quest to master the Queen of Darkness. To his dismay, Raistlin discovers along the way that the annals of time are not so easily bent to his will.
Neither are the longings of his heart.
But for some, those one hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Catapulted forward in time by Raistlin's powerful magic, Caramon and Crysania find themselves aiding the mage's unholy quest to master the Queen of Darkness. To his dismay, Raistlin discovers along the way that the annals of time are not so easily bent to his will.
Neither are the longings of his heart.
411 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
Margaret Weis
606 books5,378 followersFantasy novelist who, along with Tracy Hickman, was one of the original creators of the Dragonlance game world. I've written numerous novels and short stories set in the world of Krynn, as well as series in other, original worlds. These include: Darksword, Rose of the Prophet, Star of the Guardians, DeathGate, Dragonvarld, Sovereign Stone, Dragonships, and the Dragon Brigade. I also wrote two paranormal romance novels, Fallen Angel and Warrior Angel, with my daughter, Elizabeth Baldwin. I graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia and now live in Wisconsin with dogs, Max, Dixie, Joey the Thug and Clancy the Hooligan.
I am currently working on the third book in the Dragon Brigade series, the Seventh Sigil. The first book is Shadow Raiders. The second book is Storm Riders, coming out from Tor in July 2013.
My hobby is flyball racing with my dogs, Dixie, a border collie, and two crackhead Shelties, Joey the Thug and Clancy the Hooligan.
I am the owner of the company, Margaret Weis Productions, publisher of RPGs. Our newest project is creating the RPG for the wonderful TV series, Firefly. Shiny!
I am currently working on the third book in the Dragon Brigade series, the Seventh Sigil. The first book is Shadow Raiders. The second book is Storm Riders, coming out from Tor in July 2013.
My hobby is flyball racing with my dogs, Dixie, a border collie, and two crackhead Shelties, Joey the Thug and Clancy the Hooligan.
I am the owner of the company, Margaret Weis Productions, publisher of RPGs. Our newest project is creating the RPG for the wonderful TV series, Firefly. Shiny!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
July 16, 2019
You know, for a novel with an evil time-traveling master magician so full of himself that he wants to kill a god to become a god, a twin brother who alternately wants to kill him and protect him, and being dumped in a strange time to just "happen" to lead a huge army to defeat a bunch of dwarves...
This book's best feature is its LOVE STORY.
Huh!!?
Look. It's true. I'm totally on board with the whole evil machinations of Raistlin, how he manipulates everyone and takes on the title of another evil magician in the past and is forced to relive a seemingly unbreakable time-loop. The war stuff is certainly a lot more fun than the previous book's gladiator schtick. Even the brotherly love and the nasty betrayal is pretty awesome.
But what really makes the book is the epic romance. A magician of absolute evil and a cleric of absolute good, an undeniable romance for the ages. Hell, even his most bald-face lies have a germ of truth to them and while he's trying to turn her away from him, she just wants to trust him more. And more. It's a weird thing, this honesty. She KNOWS what he is, and yet she still wants to help him. It doesn't hurt that he wants to kill the Goddess of Darkness and that's kind of her calling. But still. He's DOING it to REPLACE the grand evil. :)
LoL, I'm all getting into a fanboy mode here. These two are a trip. I totally get why these books are classics.
This book's best feature is its LOVE STORY.
Huh!!?
Look. It's true. I'm totally on board with the whole evil machinations of Raistlin, how he manipulates everyone and takes on the title of another evil magician in the past and is forced to relive a seemingly unbreakable time-loop. The war stuff is certainly a lot more fun than the previous book's gladiator schtick. Even the brotherly love and the nasty betrayal is pretty awesome.
But what really makes the book is the epic romance. A magician of absolute evil and a cleric of absolute good, an undeniable romance for the ages. Hell, even his most bald-face lies have a germ of truth to them and while he's trying to turn her away from him, she just wants to trust him more. And more. It's a weird thing, this honesty. She KNOWS what he is, and yet she still wants to help him. It doesn't hurt that he wants to kill the Goddess of Darkness and that's kind of her calling. But still. He's DOING it to REPLACE the grand evil. :)
LoL, I'm all getting into a fanboy mode here. These two are a trip. I totally get why these books are classics.
November 13, 2015
There is a problem with DragonLance books. They feel amazingly good as long as you're captivated enough to actually enjoy them. But when you no longer enjoy them, all the huge flaws come crashing down on you.
Nothing about this series is particularly great. It is, however, a wonderful and enchanting series when it actually works. And sometimes, it simply doesn't.
War of the Twins is by far the weakest DragonLance book I have read so far. And yet I'm as excited as ever to read the next one.
Nothing about this series is particularly great. It is, however, a wonderful and enchanting series when it actually works. And sometimes, it simply doesn't.
War of the Twins is by far the weakest DragonLance book I have read so far. And yet I'm as excited as ever to read the next one.
October 9, 2010
I will concede these points: 1. there is some pretty shabby writing in War of the Twins; 2. the more Tasslehoff Burrfoot, beloved Kender, becomes like a cliched high school girl, the more insufferable he becomes; 3. it's hard to swallow that Raistlin would make the mistakes he makes; 4. so much evil is done by the supposedly "good" characters without any recognition that their acts are evil that I am fairly certain that what I love about the book is not intended by the authors; 5. the authors have a silly conception of "Infinite Good" and "Infinite Evil"; 6. the portrayals of Kender, Gully Dwarves, Dewar and Gnomes are examples of conventional Fantasy racism and are hard for me to overlook.
So, yes, I concede that this isn't the best book in the world. But I love it anyway.
Somewhere, despite all of its many flaws, War of the Twins speaks to me. There is good in Raistlin, more than even the authors know, and his good is fundamental to the evil he consciously perpetrates. Raistlin does some bad things because he has seen and experienced terrible things in his life, and he never wants those things to happen to him or any of the oppressed again. So he will do what he believes he must for the good of the many (and if that means he will have power, so be it). This is contrasted (and, again, I doubt the authors' intended this) with people who believe they are good, who are appalled by Raistlin's actions, then carry out similar or worse actions through prejudice, ignorance or mere omission. Their evil is unconscious (and I am not convinced it is even recognized as evil by the authors), but if it is consciously undertaken they actively think of it as good.
Whether they meant to or not, Weis & Hickman offer a true representation of one of the muddy aspects of good and evil. We have the "evil" man doing what he does because he thinks it is right, and "good" folks doing evil without even realizing it or rationalizing their actions with ease.
Regardless of its flaws, War of the Twins is a personal fave for me simply because of the way it stumbles onto something meaningful in the good and evil debate, and because it offers me something that few other books can: license to love the "bad guy" Raistlin, who may not be so bad after all.
So, yes, I concede that this isn't the best book in the world. But I love it anyway.
Somewhere, despite all of its many flaws, War of the Twins speaks to me. There is good in Raistlin, more than even the authors know, and his good is fundamental to the evil he consciously perpetrates. Raistlin does some bad things because he has seen and experienced terrible things in his life, and he never wants those things to happen to him or any of the oppressed again. So he will do what he believes he must for the good of the many (and if that means he will have power, so be it). This is contrasted (and, again, I doubt the authors' intended this) with people who believe they are good, who are appalled by Raistlin's actions, then carry out similar or worse actions through prejudice, ignorance or mere omission. Their evil is unconscious (and I am not convinced it is even recognized as evil by the authors), but if it is consciously undertaken they actively think of it as good.
Whether they meant to or not, Weis & Hickman offer a true representation of one of the muddy aspects of good and evil. We have the "evil" man doing what he does because he thinks it is right, and "good" folks doing evil without even realizing it or rationalizing their actions with ease.
Regardless of its flaws, War of the Twins is a personal fave for me simply because of the way it stumbles onto something meaningful in the good and evil debate, and because it offers me something that few other books can: license to love the "bad guy" Raistlin, who may not be so bad after all.
September 3, 2020
This is the second book of a trilogy and I strongly recommend reading them in order. In this one, Raistlin, Caramon, and Crysania escape the Cataclysm and jump forward to a time where people have abandoned the gods and are desperate to survive a rough world. Meanwhile, Tas has jumped to a place he could never have imagined.
This was an easy five stars for me as I believe this book was amazing. This book is all about the relationships as there isn't much action in this offering. The main relationship is between the twin brothers Caramon and Raistlin. Granted their relationship was delved into in the previous trilogy and the first book of this trilogy. This is the book it is on full display. We get glimpses of what their relationship use to be like and when they were close. But is the gap that is present now too wide for them to bridge or is it that Raistlin can be a complete ass in his quest for power? I do love him as a character though. Throw in a beautiful girl into the mix and you have a complicated but entertaining delve into relationships. I will give that there is nothing new here with brother against brother concept. It has been done many times in the real world and fiction. But for my money this is a wonderful portrayal of it here and one cannot help feel for both brothers throughout this book.
Like I said for a fantasy book it is light on the action. I didn't care as the exploring of the various relationships made sure I kept on reading. Throw in the character growth for the characters and the finale and there is little wonder why this is my favorite of the original six books of this universe. I still have one more so that is subject to change.
This was an easy five stars for me as I believe this book was amazing. This book is all about the relationships as there isn't much action in this offering. The main relationship is between the twin brothers Caramon and Raistlin. Granted their relationship was delved into in the previous trilogy and the first book of this trilogy. This is the book it is on full display. We get glimpses of what their relationship use to be like and when they were close. But is the gap that is present now too wide for them to bridge or is it that Raistlin can be a complete ass in his quest for power? I do love him as a character though. Throw in a beautiful girl into the mix and you have a complicated but entertaining delve into relationships. I will give that there is nothing new here with brother against brother concept. It has been done many times in the real world and fiction. But for my money this is a wonderful portrayal of it here and one cannot help feel for both brothers throughout this book.
Like I said for a fantasy book it is light on the action. I didn't care as the exploring of the various relationships made sure I kept on reading. Throw in the character growth for the characters and the finale and there is little wonder why this is my favorite of the original six books of this universe. I still have one more so that is subject to change.
May 28, 2021
A very high 4
December 30, 2019
This one is slightly slower moving and of course sad 😢
I find that it's mostly that way for the sad scenes with Tass.
Poor little feller is too full of feels 💔
I find that it's mostly that way for the sad scenes with Tass.
Poor little feller is too full of feels 💔
November 26, 2017
OK, I know I had read this book (and the entire Legends trilogy) back when they first came out 30 years ago (), but to be completely honest, I didn't remember anything about this book when I started reading it.
And, now having finished it, I think that's because, for better or for worse, it was a quintessential middle novel of a trilogy.
At the end of Time of the Twins (the first volume), Caramon, Raistlin and Crysania, after having traveled 300 years into the past, had skedaddled out of the legendary city of Istar, on account of it was about to be smoten by the Gods as retribution for the arrogance of the Priestking and the other inhabitants. In the second volume, we find out that they skedaddled forward in time about a hundred years, to a time when the world is still recovering from the Cataclysm, but before Takhisis, the Dark Queen, has put into motion the events that will lead to the war of the original Dragonlance Chronicles. Raistlin, you see, has a Plan for dealing with Takhisis. And, being Raistlin, it's not a particularly nice plan ... So he and his brother Caramon (with whom he's had something of a grudging reconciliation after the events of the first book) will recruit an army and march on a legendary fortress, recreating, not by coincidence, events from the life of the legendary dark mage Fistandantilus.
(Oh, yes, and the kender Tasslehoff Burrfoot also survives through rather extraordinary means, although he has only minimal presence in this book until he rejoins his friends near the end.)
Although I couldn't remember much of the events of this book after a 30 year gap between rereads, and although as I said it's clearly a middle book (in the sense that it exists mostly to bridge the gap between the first & third books, and ends on a massive cliffhanger), it does tell part of an interesting story about corruption and redemption and love, both romantic and brotherly; and I look forward to seeing how it all turns out in the end (because, TBH, I don't remember much of the third book either).
And, now having finished it, I think that's because, for better or for worse, it was a quintessential middle novel of a trilogy.
At the end of Time of the Twins (the first volume), Caramon, Raistlin and Crysania, after having traveled 300 years into the past, had skedaddled out of the legendary city of Istar, on account of it was about to be smoten by the Gods as retribution for the arrogance of the Priestking and the other inhabitants. In the second volume, we find out that they skedaddled forward in time about a hundred years, to a time when the world is still recovering from the Cataclysm, but before Takhisis, the Dark Queen, has put into motion the events that will lead to the war of the original Dragonlance Chronicles. Raistlin, you see, has a Plan for dealing with Takhisis. And, being Raistlin, it's not a particularly nice plan ... So he and his brother Caramon (with whom he's had something of a grudging reconciliation after the events of the first book) will recruit an army and march on a legendary fortress, recreating, not by coincidence, events from the life of the legendary dark mage Fistandantilus.
(Oh, yes, and the kender Tasslehoff Burrfoot also survives through rather extraordinary means, although he has only minimal presence in this book until he rejoins his friends near the end.)
Although I couldn't remember much of the events of this book after a 30 year gap between rereads, and although as I said it's clearly a middle book (in the sense that it exists mostly to bridge the gap between the first & third books, and ends on a massive cliffhanger), it does tell part of an interesting story about corruption and redemption and love, both romantic and brotherly; and I look forward to seeing how it all turns out in the end (because, TBH, I don't remember much of the third book either).
July 23, 2009
This book came to me as a birthday present, from two very good friends who had never read any of the series. They just knew that a) I'm a twin and b) I love dragons. What they DIDN'T realize was that this was the second in this particular storyline, and since I'd never read any of the other Dragonlance books I ended up jumping in with no prior knowledge of the characters, or the world, or the story. And you know what? It worked perfectly. The characters were so wonderfully written that I ended up falling in love with them anyway, even without really knowing at first who exactly they were, why they were in the past, or what Raistlin and Cameron were trying to accomplish. I did end up reading all of Chronicles, Tales, and Legends, and throughout the whole series THESE were the characters I loved best.
It's also probably one of the reasons why I like Tasselhoff, when he annoys the tar out of everybody else. Tas grows up a lot in the Legends storyline, so there's not quite as much of the "Your wallet must have fallen in my pocket and HEY LOOK A SQUIRREL!" that appears in the other series.
It's also probably one of the reasons why I like Tasselhoff, when he annoys the tar out of everybody else. Tas grows up a lot in the Legends storyline, so there's not quite as much of the "Your wallet must have fallen in my pocket and HEY LOOK A SQUIRREL!" that appears in the other series.
May 22, 2022
.
This is definitely a worthwhile, fantasy, and adventure that I enjoyed very much.
The memories from this long ago tale fill me with f feeling of contentment.
I would definitely recommend it!
.
This is definitely a worthwhile, fantasy, and adventure that I enjoyed very much.
The memories from this long ago tale fill me with f feeling of contentment.
I would definitely recommend it!
.
September 17, 2014
I was a big Dragonlance fan in my teens and decided to re-read Legends recently mainly out of nostalgia. While the books still have a certain entertainment value it's hard not to notice their many flaws – not least the underdeveloped characters (Crysania) and the serious plot holes.
SPOILERS
The main problem I had re-reading the book is that's its difficult to reconcile Raistlin's supposed cunning & intelligence with the major mistakes he makes in executing his plan. The problem is a character can only ever be as smart as his creator(s) ... Weis and Hickman spend a lot of time telling us he's an evil genius but show us little evidence of this.
Why does it never occur to him to investigate the circumstances of Fistandantilus's death before he goes back in time? Why doesn't he check Astinus's Chronicles? How does he not become aware of Fistandantilus's own plot to usurp Tahkisis when he drains his life with the bloodstone. (We are led to believe Raistlin gains his memories.)
If Fistandantilus used the dragon orb to contact his apprentice in the future (presumably Raistlin's present) why didn't he kill Gnmish & succeed in accessing the portal?
Why does Raistlin give the magical device back to Caramon? He mistakenly believes the Dark Queen has fixed it, rather than Gnimsh. But it he believes it has been fixed why risk it being activated just has he's attempting to gain access to the portal, knowing this was how Fistandantilus died? Again, it just makes Raistlin look clumsy and foolish rather than the arch-schemer he's supposed to be. Why not have Raistlin be unaware that the device has been fixed or that his brother has survived until Caramon & Tas activate the device? At least then he doesn't look like an idiot.
Other problems:
It's also not clear how Raistlin doesn't destroy himself in killing Fistandantilus. I always understood that Fistandantilus helped him pass the Test in the future (Raistlin's past) after his body was destroyed in Zahman. Yet Fistandantilus recognizes Raistlin. How?
How does Fistandantilus know who Par Salian is? If, as is implied, he has knowledge of the future – and may have visited it – then why doesn't he go forward in time and drain Raistlin during Chronicles or before when he was too weak to beat him?
What was the original course of events before Tas was accidentally sent back in time, allowing the future to change? Given we are told in Astinus's Chronicles that Fistandantilus contacted his apprentice in the future, could Raistlin's have gone back to the past in the original timeline only to be drained by Fistandantilus rather than give versa? However, it seems that their battle took place before Tas & Cameron arrived is Istar, as by this time Raistlin's has been living as Fistandantilus in the Kingpriest's Temple for at least several months.
The Dark Queen's threat that the knowledge she gains from Tas will help her thwart the Heroes of the Lance in Chronicles leads to nothing. Why?
The writers seemed totally confused with the concept of time travel and appear to be making up the rules as they go along. Weis has said on a fansite that Hickman once explained the time travel paradoxes in a big diagram, but she could not explain them herself. A good editor would have told them to resolve this before publication. It's just vague, confusing bad writing and plotting. I didn't pick up on it as a teenager but it irritated me as an adult reader.
SPOILERS
The main problem I had re-reading the book is that's its difficult to reconcile Raistlin's supposed cunning & intelligence with the major mistakes he makes in executing his plan. The problem is a character can only ever be as smart as his creator(s) ... Weis and Hickman spend a lot of time telling us he's an evil genius but show us little evidence of this.
Why does it never occur to him to investigate the circumstances of Fistandantilus's death before he goes back in time? Why doesn't he check Astinus's Chronicles? How does he not become aware of Fistandantilus's own plot to usurp Tahkisis when he drains his life with the bloodstone. (We are led to believe Raistlin gains his memories.)
If Fistandantilus used the dragon orb to contact his apprentice in the future (presumably Raistlin's present) why didn't he kill Gnmish & succeed in accessing the portal?
Why does Raistlin give the magical device back to Caramon? He mistakenly believes the Dark Queen has fixed it, rather than Gnimsh. But it he believes it has been fixed why risk it being activated just has he's attempting to gain access to the portal, knowing this was how Fistandantilus died? Again, it just makes Raistlin look clumsy and foolish rather than the arch-schemer he's supposed to be. Why not have Raistlin be unaware that the device has been fixed or that his brother has survived until Caramon & Tas activate the device? At least then he doesn't look like an idiot.
Other problems:
It's also not clear how Raistlin doesn't destroy himself in killing Fistandantilus. I always understood that Fistandantilus helped him pass the Test in the future (Raistlin's past) after his body was destroyed in Zahman. Yet Fistandantilus recognizes Raistlin. How?
How does Fistandantilus know who Par Salian is? If, as is implied, he has knowledge of the future – and may have visited it – then why doesn't he go forward in time and drain Raistlin during Chronicles or before when he was too weak to beat him?
What was the original course of events before Tas was accidentally sent back in time, allowing the future to change? Given we are told in Astinus's Chronicles that Fistandantilus contacted his apprentice in the future, could Raistlin's have gone back to the past in the original timeline only to be drained by Fistandantilus rather than give versa? However, it seems that their battle took place before Tas & Cameron arrived is Istar, as by this time Raistlin's has been living as Fistandantilus in the Kingpriest's Temple for at least several months.
The Dark Queen's threat that the knowledge she gains from Tas will help her thwart the Heroes of the Lance in Chronicles leads to nothing. Why?
The writers seemed totally confused with the concept of time travel and appear to be making up the rules as they go along. Weis has said on a fansite that Hickman once explained the time travel paradoxes in a big diagram, but she could not explain them herself. A good editor would have told them to resolve this before publication. It's just vague, confusing bad writing and plotting. I didn't pick up on it as a teenager but it irritated me as an adult reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2013
Sequels are rarely as goos as the original. The Legends trilogy is actually better than the original. Raistlin is one of my all time favourite characters and I know I'm not alone here. The relationship between the brothers is heart-wretching. If you love fantasy and have not read this book yet do it now. Classic.
May 26, 2023
Holy *shit* man, that finale is some absolute classic, vintage, peak 80's fantasy. 5 stars simply for the incredible ending. Raistlin is the frickin man. The rest of the book would probably be rated 4 stars, it was a fun read, but ho-lee-hell. That ending.
June 24, 2012
War of the twins brings the Legends series proves once again that the quality is so even among the books it deserves mention for that alone.
Raistlin and Caramon each come into power and their long troubled relationship as brothers diverts to a bitter rivalry, toward redemption through wisdom and mutual understanding. Paladine plays a subtly supervisory role in things as always, and Tasselhoff is as singular in manifestation as ever.
Raistlin and Caramon each come into power and their long troubled relationship as brothers diverts to a bitter rivalry, toward redemption through wisdom and mutual understanding. Paladine plays a subtly supervisory role in things as always, and Tasselhoff is as singular in manifestation as ever.
September 10, 2022
Ha habido algunas escenas que me han gustado, pero en general he sentido este libro mucho más inconexo y dando tumbos que los anteriores. Incluso obviando la escena de (TW abuso sexual) , me ha cansado bastante, no ha conseguido ubicarme nada bien () y la mayoría del tiempo he sentido que no sabían cómo quitarse del medio a tal o cual personaje que según las exigencias del guión estorbaba para la trama.
Como resultado, un libro lleno de escenas inconexas y falta de feeling con los personajes en general, en mi opinión, salvo un par de escenas.
Libro puente totalmente en mi opinión, pero además regular. Triste porque el primero me gustó mucho.
Also falta Tas. Faltan fucking toneladas de Tas. De hecho la estrella de más, es por Tas.
Como resultado, un libro lleno de escenas inconexas y falta de feeling con los personajes en general, en mi opinión, salvo un par de escenas.
Libro puente totalmente en mi opinión, pero además regular. Triste porque el primero me gustó mucho.
Also falta Tas. Faltan fucking toneladas de Tas. De hecho la estrella de más, es por Tas.
May 5, 2021
Suffers a bit from middle book syndrome, often feeling like it's setting up for book 3 rather than fully embracing its own story. There is enough going on here still make it a pretty fun ride, though.
June 28, 2023
Enjoyed this book and this trilogy. Will continue with the 3rd book. In this we learn more about Fistandantilus/Raistlin.
September 8, 2017
http://delivreenlivres.blogspot.fr/20...
J'ai vraiment adoré ce tome, bien plus que le précédent. La confrontation des deux frères bat son plein et résultat ce tome était vraiment chargé émotionnellement.
Nos héros (si on veut) ont réchappé tant bien que mal aux évènements de la fin du tome précédent. Les voici à la prochaine étape du combat de Raistlin contre la Reine des ténèbres. 100 années se sont écoulée depuis la dévastation, le monde est en proie au chaos, chacun cherchant à survivre dans son coin.
Leur but est de trouver le portail pour entrer dans la dimension de la Reine, mais nos amis vont vite se rendre compte qu'on ne peux pas si facilement changer le passé, et qu'ils sont obligés de suivre le même chemin que les personnes dont ils ont pris la place. Et ce chemin les amène à la guerre, une guerre dont malheureusement ils connaissent tous déjà la fin ...
Ce qui est génial et vraiment mis en avant ici c'est la dualité de Raistlin, c'est vraiment un personnage complexe. Il ne cesse de changer de figure et nous fait passer par des ascenseurs émotionnels tout du long du livre. Un moment ils est le frère, et toute la complicité avec Caramon revient, un moment il est digne et bon et fait ce qui doit être fait et à certains autres on retrouve le mage noir, celui qui fait vraiment peur et qui ne fait que calculer et sacrifie ses pions sans se soucier une seule seconde de la personne qui va en souffrir par derrière.
On explore vraiment le passé du personnage, l'époque ou il soignait les malade au méprit de sa propre santé, celle ou il était avec sa mère et qu'il l'aimait ... Du coup ça ne fait qu'un plus grand contraste avec le personnage noir qui veut devenir le dieu des ténèbres maintenant.
Et d'un autre coté on comprends aussi un peu mieux ce qu'il ressent envers Caramon et son amour aveugle qui l'enferme en fait. On peut vraiment dire que sa vie n'a pas été facile même si ce n'était pas non plus un parcours très sombre, plus un enfant solitaire que personne ne comprenait, pas même son frère jumeau.
De l'autre coté on a Caramon, mais au final si ce personnage est le principal, il est surtout la pour marquer le contraste entre les deux frères. Lui aussi est aussi perdu que nous, il passe par des périodes ou il retrouve son frère et tout a l'air d'aller mieux, pour retomber dans la dépression quand il s'aperçoit que ce n'était qu'un rêve et que quoi qu'il arrive son frère ira jusqu'au bout.
J'ai bien aimé aussi toute la réflexion sur le fait que le passé ne change pas tant que ça même si on en a modifié des choses, et qu'ils sont obligés de passer par la guerre pour arriver à leur portail.
Le livre fini sur un cliffhanger qui donne vraiment envie de lire la suite, bientôt j'espère ^^
17/20
J'ai vraiment adoré ce tome, bien plus que le précédent. La confrontation des deux frères bat son plein et résultat ce tome était vraiment chargé émotionnellement.
Nos héros (si on veut) ont réchappé tant bien que mal aux évènements de la fin du tome précédent. Les voici à la prochaine étape du combat de Raistlin contre la Reine des ténèbres. 100 années se sont écoulée depuis la dévastation, le monde est en proie au chaos, chacun cherchant à survivre dans son coin.
Leur but est de trouver le portail pour entrer dans la dimension de la Reine, mais nos amis vont vite se rendre compte qu'on ne peux pas si facilement changer le passé, et qu'ils sont obligés de suivre le même chemin que les personnes dont ils ont pris la place. Et ce chemin les amène à la guerre, une guerre dont malheureusement ils connaissent tous déjà la fin ...
Ce qui est génial et vraiment mis en avant ici c'est la dualité de Raistlin, c'est vraiment un personnage complexe. Il ne cesse de changer de figure et nous fait passer par des ascenseurs émotionnels tout du long du livre. Un moment ils est le frère, et toute la complicité avec Caramon revient, un moment il est digne et bon et fait ce qui doit être fait et à certains autres on retrouve le mage noir, celui qui fait vraiment peur et qui ne fait que calculer et sacrifie ses pions sans se soucier une seule seconde de la personne qui va en souffrir par derrière.
On explore vraiment le passé du personnage, l'époque ou il soignait les malade au méprit de sa propre santé, celle ou il était avec sa mère et qu'il l'aimait ... Du coup ça ne fait qu'un plus grand contraste avec le personnage noir qui veut devenir le dieu des ténèbres maintenant.
Et d'un autre coté on comprends aussi un peu mieux ce qu'il ressent envers Caramon et son amour aveugle qui l'enferme en fait. On peut vraiment dire que sa vie n'a pas été facile même si ce n'était pas non plus un parcours très sombre, plus un enfant solitaire que personne ne comprenait, pas même son frère jumeau.
De l'autre coté on a Caramon, mais au final si ce personnage est le principal, il est surtout la pour marquer le contraste entre les deux frères. Lui aussi est aussi perdu que nous, il passe par des périodes ou il retrouve son frère et tout a l'air d'aller mieux, pour retomber dans la dépression quand il s'aperçoit que ce n'était qu'un rêve et que quoi qu'il arrive son frère ira jusqu'au bout.
J'ai bien aimé aussi toute la réflexion sur le fait que le passé ne change pas tant que ça même si on en a modifié des choses, et qu'ils sont obligés de passer par la guerre pour arriver à leur portail.
Le livre fini sur un cliffhanger qui donne vraiment envie de lire la suite, bientôt j'espère ^^
17/20
June 7, 2021
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: War of the Twins
Narrowly escaping the cataclysm, Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania find themselves one hundred years in the future. Faith in the old Gods has declined and any who dare to openly worship Paladine may just find themselves labeled a witch. With no other choice, Crysania and Caramon must aid Raistlin in his quest to conquer the Dark Queen. But history is not so easily swayed, and Raistlin soon finds he is walking in the exact footsteps of Fistandantilus.
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are masters at creating complex characters. As the story progresses Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania will all undergo tests of faith. They will be pulled to the edge of what they can handle, fighting against the despair and darkness that lurks in each of them. The road is never easy, and some will find themselves thinking and doing things they never imagined.
War of the Twins also explores the complexities of love. Be it the love of a sibling, a friend, or a more intimate relationship. Most novels paint love as an emotion that is easily identified and fought for, even if there are some pitfalls along the way. However, War of the Twins shows how love can be buried within actions and dragged to the surface due to certain situations. It shows all the messy angles of love, and how other emotions and situations can weave together to paint an illusion of love that is confusing to the characters.
And true to style, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman weave in the lore of Krynn throughout the story. As the characters relive history, readers will experience firsthand the actions that lead up to pivotal points in Krynn’s past.
Action, adventure, magic, expert worldbuilding, and extraordinary characters, make War of the Twins a must read for high fantasy fans.
Narrowly escaping the cataclysm, Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania find themselves one hundred years in the future. Faith in the old Gods has declined and any who dare to openly worship Paladine may just find themselves labeled a witch. With no other choice, Crysania and Caramon must aid Raistlin in his quest to conquer the Dark Queen. But history is not so easily swayed, and Raistlin soon finds he is walking in the exact footsteps of Fistandantilus.
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are masters at creating complex characters. As the story progresses Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania will all undergo tests of faith. They will be pulled to the edge of what they can handle, fighting against the despair and darkness that lurks in each of them. The road is never easy, and some will find themselves thinking and doing things they never imagined.
War of the Twins also explores the complexities of love. Be it the love of a sibling, a friend, or a more intimate relationship. Most novels paint love as an emotion that is easily identified and fought for, even if there are some pitfalls along the way. However, War of the Twins shows how love can be buried within actions and dragged to the surface due to certain situations. It shows all the messy angles of love, and how other emotions and situations can weave together to paint an illusion of love that is confusing to the characters.
And true to style, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman weave in the lore of Krynn throughout the story. As the characters relive history, readers will experience firsthand the actions that lead up to pivotal points in Krynn’s past.
Action, adventure, magic, expert worldbuilding, and extraordinary characters, make War of the Twins a must read for high fantasy fans.
July 16, 2016
Another amazing Dragonlance story, exactly like its predecessor!
The first book made me have great expectations about the sequel, and I am happy to say that these expectations were fully met. The action scenes and the general plot kept being interesting, the comic interludes were really cute, and the descriptions vivid and well-written. There were scenes that made me feel awe, there were others that had me at the edge of my seat, and others that made me incredibly sad. However, ok, there were also parts that seemed somewhat boring to me. But they aren't enough to affect my five-star rating.
I tried really hard to understand Raistlin. He had the most complicated story arc, and it was really interesting to see the changes in his mood, the unexpected moments where he displayed affection and happiness, as contrasted to his normal cynic and evil nature. It really made the reader think about whether he is fully evil or if there is still a spark of good in him. While reading, many were the times I felt as confused as Caramon in this matter. Neaning the end, he almost had me give him a second chance... until he It broke my heart and I will never forgive him for that, no matter his troubled past, no matter the small but heart-warming acts of kindness he commited over the years. There really is nothing else that matters to him more than his magic and his powers.
Now, onto the third and final book! In general, I have to say that whatever I've read of the Dragonlance universe so far was fantastic, and with each new book, the series is starting to firmly establish itself in my list of favourite fantasy books :)
The first book made me have great expectations about the sequel, and I am happy to say that these expectations were fully met. The action scenes and the general plot kept being interesting, the comic interludes were really cute, and the descriptions vivid and well-written. There were scenes that made me feel awe, there were others that had me at the edge of my seat, and others that made me incredibly sad. However, ok, there were also parts that seemed somewhat boring to me. But they aren't enough to affect my five-star rating.
I tried really hard to understand Raistlin. He had the most complicated story arc, and it was really interesting to see the changes in his mood, the unexpected moments where he displayed affection and happiness, as contrasted to his normal cynic and evil nature. It really made the reader think about whether he is fully evil or if there is still a spark of good in him. While reading, many were the times I felt as confused as Caramon in this matter. Neaning the end, he almost had me give him a second chance... until he It broke my heart and I will never forgive him for that, no matter his troubled past, no matter the small but heart-warming acts of kindness he commited over the years. There really is nothing else that matters to him more than his magic and his powers.
Now, onto the third and final book! In general, I have to say that whatever I've read of the Dragonlance universe so far was fantastic, and with each new book, the series is starting to firmly establish itself in my list of favourite fantasy books :)
September 4, 2018
Home. It's a word synonymous for many with love, safety, family, and contentment. For others, it is a hollow word; a single syllable as haunting as an unseen specter and something to flee from and it is that word that becomes the focal point between two twin brothers. One abhors it, while the other grasps desperately to the memories it holds.
I could go on about plot points, but honestly, since these reviews are just for my future me, I'll keep it simple. There comes a point when ties have to be severed, especially the ones that call us away from our best life, but it is not always obvious when threads need to be cut. On the other hand, sometimes when we seek something for selfish gain or something greater than ourselves, we have to stretch the bonds of love and family so they don't drown with us. That's what this entire book supports. Gods, good vs evil vs neutrality, time travel, and all the bits in between support that first and second point.
In closing, I suppose when we all hear the words, 'Come home...' we have to decide what that means. Is it warmed mead and spiced potatoes, served along the side of a fiery-haired wife, and a future of love ahead? Or, is it something unspeakable, because the pain is too great to give words to? For the Brothers Majere, I hope they figure it out.
Recommended for fantasy lovers and the series for anyone that has a heavy burden they want to set down for a while.
I could go on about plot points, but honestly, since these reviews are just for my future me, I'll keep it simple. There comes a point when ties have to be severed, especially the ones that call us away from our best life, but it is not always obvious when threads need to be cut. On the other hand, sometimes when we seek something for selfish gain or something greater than ourselves, we have to stretch the bonds of love and family so they don't drown with us. That's what this entire book supports. Gods, good vs evil vs neutrality, time travel, and all the bits in between support that first and second point.
In closing, I suppose when we all hear the words, 'Come home...' we have to decide what that means. Is it warmed mead and spiced potatoes, served along the side of a fiery-haired wife, and a future of love ahead? Or, is it something unspeakable, because the pain is too great to give words to? For the Brothers Majere, I hope they figure it out.
Recommended for fantasy lovers and the series for anyone that has a heavy burden they want to set down for a while.
October 28, 2015
Raistlin is set on a path not of his own choosing. Who is he, Raistlin or Fistandalus and not even his own brother is certain. After his confrontation with Fistandalus not even Raistlin is certain who won for Fistandalus was renown for taking bodies of younger men to house his evil soul. This is magnificently written as Raistlin is forced to follow Fistandalus’ footsteps – going to a doom that will end in his own death. He is convinced he knows better though and will not let Cameron dissuade him from this task. His brother is now his champion, having regained his prodigious strength and fighting ability. It is clear though that Raistlin will betray him, if it serves his purpose. The story swaps between the past and present where Kitiara, Raistlin and Cameron’s sister is forging her own bloody career in the Dark Queen’s army, bringing the world to the precipice of war. Tas finally gets his wish as he finds himself in the Dark Queen’s realm, the abyss. Only a Kender would desire such a fate. An excellent tale, very moody.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 23, 2015War of the Twins is the second book of Dragonlance: Legends series, which was written by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman in 1986.
It is interesting to read a book which was written nearly 30 years ago and it is still a popular book among fantasy fiction readers.
After reading some Forgotten Realms novel, reading a Dragonlance novel is really interesting. Dragonlance world is more epic in style. Ok there are few characters and we are mostly reading similar characters and seeing similar places in Dragonlance but when a book is well written they can be acceptable.
I’ve read my last Dragonlance novel more than 10 years ago and while reading this novel I felt that I miss reading Dragonlance novels.
I’ve reading the first novel in Turkish in 2002 but still remember the plot and what has happened in that book. Main characters are really likeable, maybe they are not great but it is always good to read about Caramon, Raistlin and Tas.
It is interesting to read a book which was written nearly 30 years ago and it is still a popular book among fantasy fiction readers.
After reading some Forgotten Realms novel, reading a Dragonlance novel is really interesting. Dragonlance world is more epic in style. Ok there are few characters and we are mostly reading similar characters and seeing similar places in Dragonlance but when a book is well written they can be acceptable.
I’ve read my last Dragonlance novel more than 10 years ago and while reading this novel I felt that I miss reading Dragonlance novels.
I’ve reading the first novel in Turkish in 2002 but still remember the plot and what has happened in that book. Main characters are really likeable, maybe they are not great but it is always good to read about Caramon, Raistlin and Tas.
February 18, 2016
What a great middle book! Rather than lagging in action, the action builds incrementally until the very strong climax at the end. I can't wait to read the final book in this trilogy. Weiss and Hickman are masters at character building and world building at the same time so that neither characters nor setting suffers. It's unbelievable how deftly they move from place to place and time to time with such detail. I've now read seven Dragonlance books and am nowhere near tired of this world.
August 23, 2015
"Dragonlance: Legends" is actually a good series. And that's weird, because game-inspired books do tend to suck big time. I give most credit for complexity of Raistlin's character and for the fact that Caramon suffers from PTSD. And that's just great, because too often fantasy heroes tend to be completely immune to distress and we know that human mind doesn't work that way.
March 26, 2017
Weis ve Hickman'ı ayakta alkışlamak istiyorum, muhteşem! Heyecanım bir an bile geçmedi okurken, serinin diğer kitaplarında olduğu gibi bunda da kahkaha da attım, ağladım da. Karakter gelişimi açısından harika detaylar vardı, hikayedeki metaforlar, göndermeler... hepsi muhteşemdi; çok çook sevdim :)
November 8, 2022
The gods truly picked a naive imbecile to be their champion. I have to start this review with I CANNOT STAND Chrys. She is by far the most loathsome fictional character I have ever read, and I don't say that lightly. I suppose that means the authors did an excellent job crafting this character to get some pure emotion from me, lol. This book was a lot more fun than the first, in my opinion. Partly because of the HEAVY religious overtones in the first( and my God, the annottated version of this book goes on and on and on about religion as the one author is a hard-core Mormon I have nothing at all against the religion, but I don't like it shoved down my throat. But that stuff taken care of it really is a good book. The relationship between the two brothers is genuinely heartfelt and so very sad. It was masterfully crafted throughout 5 books, and it's culminated in a breaking that can never be repaired. A lot of action. Tasslehoff, as always, is such a great character, though very sparsely used in this book. Also, the darkest part of the book, revolves around him. A 4 foot kender has truly changed the world. This race for those who don't read this series is considered very loathsome by the people of this world. They're seen as thieves and annoying, and no one takes them seriously, yet that little man made more ripples in his world than almost anyone else in the series. Ripples that reach through time and EVEN DIMENSIONS. I love it so freaking much! This book doesn't drag at all. 4 stars. This review is especially rambly as I finished it only a few moments ago. I will update this review in a few days. One last thing...the character I don't like deals with a lot of emotional abuse also. That IS NOT why I dislike her. It's many other reasons and the abuse she suffers truly is horrible.
June 15, 2021
My review of Time of the Twins -
Caramon/Raistlin. Stop it. If you don't pack it in I am going to bash your heads together.
Dwarves - stop it. Pack it in. If you don't stop it I am going to bash your heads together.
Nooooooo, Timely Wimey stuff
My head hurts.
Oooh, Crysania, can't you just see he's using you.
Where's Taz, not enough Taz
Well, didn't see that coming
Oh for god's sake Caramon, just kill him.
Oh, There's Taz. Definitely not enough Taz.
Yeah well, you will go and think he's god's gift won't you.
My eyes, my eyes - stop talking about Raistlin's muscled body.
Raistlin! There was no need for that.
So here we go again. Timey wimey stuff.
Caramon/Raistlin. Stop it. If you don't pack it in I am going to bash your heads together.
Dwarves - stop it. Pack it in. If you don't stop it I am going to bash your heads together.
Nooooooo, Timely Wimey stuff
My head hurts.
Oooh, Crysania, can't you just see he's using you.
Where's Taz, not enough Taz
Well, didn't see that coming
Oh for god's sake Caramon, just kill him.
Oh, There's Taz. Definitely not enough Taz.
Yeah well, you will go and think he's god's gift won't you.
My eyes, my eyes - stop talking about Raistlin's muscled body.
Raistlin! There was no need for that.
So here we go again. Timey wimey stuff.
September 3, 2023
Epic and a story that grips you. I just recently read the most recent dragonlance books from 2022 and 2023, and they do not compare to the first 6 books. This trilogy is very heartbreaking, a story of a brother searching for a way to redeem his twin, whom searches to be the most powerful mage in the world. I don’t want to spoil Dragons of Fate but seriously Raistlin was not written well in that book. Now this book, oh yea Raistlin is the character I remember when I read these books 20 years ago. He is the perfect evil villain that will sacrifice his own flesh and blood for his gain. He is written well and I loved the epic ending of this book.
June 29, 2022
Donde el anterior trataba de las tramas y trifulcas en los templos y torres de hechicería, en éste nos muestran el camino de cómo se va formando un ejército, con sus alianzas y sus traiciones.
Seguimos con la narrativa más pausada y el libro tiene un claro aire a "libro intermedio" donde venimos de X situación sabiendo nuestro objetivo y aquí cruzamos el camino hasta llegar a él. Aún así, lo he disfrutado y me ha dejado con muchas ganas de saber cómo sigue y termina este viaje.
Raist, yo te quería querer, pero me lo estas poniendo muy difícil.
Seguimos con la narrativa más pausada y el libro tiene un claro aire a "libro intermedio" donde venimos de X situación sabiendo nuestro objetivo y aquí cruzamos el camino hasta llegar a él. Aún así, lo he disfrutado y me ha dejado con muchas ganas de saber cómo sigue y termina este viaje.
Raist, yo te quería querer, pero me lo estas poniendo muy difícil.
December 31, 2020
Though I've not finished the twin series yet...but it seems like this book has the biggest twisted plot between the twisted twins. And I just loved it.
Appearance of hourglass constellation in the sky was what made it worth reading till the end.
And shaping of Caramon's character as well as the sad adventure of poor Tas.
Power, magic and prayer - and finally destruction.. altering time and travelling toward future what not!
Full of eccentric events surely deserve 5/5.
Appearance of hourglass constellation in the sky was what made it worth reading till the end.
And shaping of Caramon's character as well as the sad adventure of poor Tas.
Power, magic and prayer - and finally destruction.. altering time and travelling toward future what not!
Full of eccentric events surely deserve 5/5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews