Tomes of Other Realms: Dragonking of Mystara

Tomes of Other Realms

Welcome to the lands of swords and sorcery, where people live and die by the sword and only the bravest of souls stand between the common folk and the forces of darkness. Join me as I wander different planes and hear the stories of their greatest defenders and the sagas of their worthiest warriors.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Dragonking of Mystara
Author: Thorarinn Gunnarsson
Publisher: TSR, Inc.
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1995

Thelyvn Fox Eyes knows himself to be the heir to a legendary figure that fills the race of dragons with dread. He also knows that his fate is inextricably entwined with that of the dragons, and he's bound and determined that he will fulfill all his duties as the Dragonlord with honor. However, can he really do so when he himself is held under suspicion of the theft of the dragons' greatest treasure? Someone has stolen the Collar of the Dragons, and only the dragons knew of its existence. But they are unwilling to believe that one of their own--not even the renegads--had stolen it. However, if it wasn't them, then surely it must be the one person in the world whose might rivals that of the dragons: the Dragonlord. Thelvyn knows he didn't take it, but can he convince the dragons that he didn't before they plunge the entire continent into war?

Dragonking of Mystara is the second book in The Dragonlord Chronicles. To be entirely honest, this book lacked some of the momentum that so characterized its predecessor. By now Thelvyn is more or less grown and mature, and we can't simply watch him searching for himself anymore. However, all the politics that now characterize Thelvyn's existence fall short of the adventures he enjoyed with Sir George Kirbey, Soveig White-Gold, Korinn Bear-Slayer, and Perrantin. There's only so much flying back and forth on errands of state that even I can stand, and I can stand a lot. I will say this, though: the ending of this novel is certainly worth the wait!

The politcs, fortunately, only comprise the bulk of the book. There are other events interspersed throughout that make the wait tolerable. After all, getting to see the Alphatians bloodied and beaten was enjoyable, including the rather merciful way the dragons had of ousting the invaders from their lands. Then, there were the assassins--shape-changed dragons, actually--that offered an exciting respite from the social affairs Thelvyn has to endure. Oh, and I musn't forget the shape-changing Flaemish wizards. They were definitely interesting, especially since no one expects them. The author provides no clues to their abilities, whether through inference or reference. They are a surprise that, surprisingly, needs no build-up or extensive follow-up. They work!

Dragonking of Mystara is a terrific example of fine writing. It unfortunately seemed to backslide into formula and tradition, but overall it was an enjoyable read and certainly worth the cost of purchase. Read Dragonlord of Mystara first, then this one!

Rating: Thumbs up! The identity problem remains, but now there are more important issues to worry about!

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