The Wizard's Fate: The Ergoth Trilogy, Volume Two

The book was very engaging and interesting. I can't wait to read number 3!

A Wizard's Fate is the second of the Ergoth Trilogy set in the Dragonlance setting. It is many many years before the events that occur in the core line of books - and is in an area that has not been very well fleshed out until this time. Because of this any reader could pick these up and more than likely understand them - as well it reads much more like historical fiction than fantasy. Yet, still there is magic and creature that certainly ring only in fantasy, but this trilogy just feels so much more like a classic story told at campfires long before we had movies and books to record our tales within. Because of the way this book reads it really seems very slow going. Though it is never boring, but not until the end do you realize how much has occurred. Honestly a lot of the huge plot changes happen very quickly at the end of this book, setting it up for the final and third volume. This was also the case with the first book - and truly I hope that the third will have more of a solid ending by wrapping up the tale. I don't like to spoil books, but I will say a few things. Tol is such a `human' character - as in he makes mistakes, but is a strong leader and seems to know when to do the right things at the right time. I enjoy his `thinking processes' in the book and how he gets himself out of the predicaments that he falls into. His wives make for wonderful comedy and truly bring the book to life. Also these authors seem to hold no reservations on characters - as many die through only just the two first books. I am looking forward to the third and am starting it as soon as I can - and I recommend to anyone who enjoys history ( particularly the roman or even barbaric eras ) and fantasy readers everywhere - will certainly enjoy the tale that these two authors are telling in this trilogy.

Thompson and Cook continue their tale of Tol, carrying the reader through the intrigue of ancient Ergoth in a most suspenseful way. The characters are painted with an expert stroke, and I'm sure you'll find yourself dragged through their trials and cheered by the small joys they encounter. Significantly, the empire of Ergoth is given a real identity in a subtle way as our hero marches across its plains and into its courts. To any long-time fan of Dragonlance who is weary of gods disappearing and reappearing, of dragons dominating the face of Krynn (and many of its current tales), and of lackluster heroes that are always related to Caramon et al: Take heart! This is classic Krynn in all its glory.