Books like Dragons of Spring Dawning

“They don’t want to hear about darkness and death. They want children’s tales about love and rebirth and silver dragons.Don’t we all.”If what you are after is an uplifting children’s tale about love and rebirth and dragons (of many colours) then you have come to the right place. Dragons of Spring Dawning concludes the Dragonlance Chronicles in a classic confrontation of good and evil, bravery and selfless sacrifice, and, naturally, love. Oh, and dragons, a minor detail that.I will admit: my memories of this book are better than the book itself.* It is in some places rushed, in others underdeveloped. The composition suffers as the authors experiment with different narration techniques and so inserted into the chapters you’ll find songs, poems, excerpts from chronicles or retellings - but instead of being invigorating, it befuddles. It feels like suddenly in class Z family movie everybody started speaking pure Shakespearean to add some gravitas to the whole thing, which, you’ll agree, is quite silly. The plot moves from cheesy to staged to improbable. But still, darn it, a good fun. Whereas all the companions are accounted for in their neat arcs, Berem the Everyman finally takes the stage and proves to be the central puzzle piece. There are some “aha!” moments when things fall into place, interspersed with “oh, well…” and “oh, no!” exclamations, but I will brave a bet that irrespective of your sympathies and regardless which character was your favourite, you should be satisfied with the ending.I was, though each time my primary loyalty switched from protagonist to protagonist; from Tanis and Laurana when I was reading the Chronicles for the first time, to Kender to Raistlin (quite surprisingly, I have to say, but mayhaps I was over-sugared and needed something else). At the same time, in spite of my initial awe, Dragonlance Chronicles never prompted me to read more of the Dragonlance world. It was a superb gateway for the inexperienced fantasy reader that I was, but for me even then it lacked the depth that would keep me ensnared for longer. I moved on quickly and looking back from today’s perspective of a jaded fantasy pro, I am not surprised. I retain my fondness though. And I’d encourage you to give the Drangonlance Chronicles a try. *Disclaimer: My rating is purely sentimental. Dragons of Spring Dawning is a read down the memory lane. If I were to rate it on the basis of my current standards and preferences, it would score 3 stars the most.Also in the series: 1. Dragons of Autumn Twilight 2. Dragons of Winter Night