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Sovereign Stone #2
Guardians of the Lost
a great book to read
512 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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938 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 7, 2024
Este libro es perfecto para las personas que tienen una gran pasión por la fantasía.
La descripción y evolución de los personajes es magnífica, incluyendo personajes moralmente grises que los hacen muy reales pese a sus razas inexistentes.
Es increíble lo bien construidas que están todas las culturas, habiendo varias incluso en las mismas razas y como llegan a tanto detalle que las hacen parecer una más de nuestro mundo.
Es una lectura extensa, pero no es lenta. Es entretenida y tiene una trama compleja pero fácil de seguir.
Sin embargo tiene algunas pegas.
Su primer defecto es la gran cantidad de historias simultáneas que entorpecen la lectura al tener q recordar nombres y lugares q aparecieron cinco capítulos atrás.
Otro gran problema es la falta de personajes femeninos con importancia sobre la trama, aun que al menos en este segundo libro tenemos una sola mujer q no está valorizada por su belleza o su relación con los personajes principales, que es algo que no pudimos ver en el primer libro.
Y su mayor defecto en mi opinión es el inicio de un libro casi ajeno al primero. Soy una persona muy impaciente, y adoro las sagas por que solo tengo que leer una introducción, pero al terminar el primer libro con la muerte de todos los habitantes de la ciudad y empezar este mismo dos siglos después, tuve que volver a empezar un libro totalmente nuevo y eso es algo q me desesperó.
Con todo esto, he de decir que es un libro excelente, sobre todo si eres fan de la fantasía.
Es algo difícil de leer, no es para cualquiera, pero si sabes apreciar ese momento de leer y perderte en el mundo de tu cabeza te resultará exquisito.
La descripción y evolución de los personajes es magnífica, incluyendo personajes moralmente grises que los hacen muy reales pese a sus razas inexistentes.
Es increíble lo bien construidas que están todas las culturas, habiendo varias incluso en las mismas razas y como llegan a tanto detalle que las hacen parecer una más de nuestro mundo.
Es una lectura extensa, pero no es lenta. Es entretenida y tiene una trama compleja pero fácil de seguir.
Sin embargo tiene algunas pegas.
Su primer defecto es la gran cantidad de historias simultáneas que entorpecen la lectura al tener q recordar nombres y lugares q aparecieron cinco capítulos atrás.
Otro gran problema es la falta de personajes femeninos con importancia sobre la trama, aun que al menos en este segundo libro tenemos una sola mujer q no está valorizada por su belleza o su relación con los personajes principales, que es algo que no pudimos ver en el primer libro.
Y su mayor defecto en mi opinión es el inicio de un libro casi ajeno al primero. Soy una persona muy impaciente, y adoro las sagas por que solo tengo que leer una introducción, pero al terminar el primer libro con la muerte de todos los habitantes de la ciudad y empezar este mismo dos siglos después, tuve que volver a empezar un libro totalmente nuevo y eso es algo q me desesperó.
Con todo esto, he de decir que es un libro excelente, sobre todo si eres fan de la fantasía.
Es algo difícil de leer, no es para cualquiera, pero si sabes apreciar ese momento de leer y perderte en el mundo de tu cabeza te resultará exquisito.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2020
En esta segunda parte de la Gema soberana, nos trasladamos 200 años después de todo lo que ocurrió en el primer libro. Conocemos nuevos aventureros que se verán, sin quererlo, metidos en una aventura que ni buscaban, ni querían.
Conocemos nuevas razas que no salieron en el primer libro, como los Trevinicis, los Pecwaes y los Taan. El mundo de esta saga ha crecido y la verdad es que me ha encantado, quizá algo más que el primero. El final de este libro me ha dejado con ganas de leer el tercero, que espero que sea un gran final para esta magnífica trilogía.
Conocemos nuevas razas que no salieron en el primer libro, como los Trevinicis, los Pecwaes y los Taan. El mundo de esta saga ha crecido y la verdad es que me ha encantado, quizá algo más que el primero. El final de este libro me ha dejado con ganas de leer el tercero, que espero que sea un gran final para esta magnífica trilogía.
December 9, 2018
This is the second book in the “Sovereign Stone” trilogy by Weis & Hickman. I haven’t read either of the other two books, nor have I ever played the game “Sovereign Stone,” which they apparently contributed to the creation of. I can conclude quite a bit about both the game and the other books based on this reading, but it’s probable that there’s more I don’t know.
Essentially, this could as easily be a Dungeons & Dragons-campaign-novelization, like the authors’ “Dragonlance” series, but it seems to bend over backwards to try to remove the direct influence of Tolkien on that game. In this universe, Orks are superstitious sailors, Elves are conniving and highly formal, and Dwarves are accomplished horsemen. I had the hardest time with that last – for the life of me I could not imagine a physiognomy that would make that work, but as I finished it finally occurred to me that most jockeys are short, and perhaps that’s the kind of body I should have been imagining. Ironically, at the same time, this book’s structure and premise owes a great deal to The Lord of the Rings. An evil, more or less immortal power is searching for the lost pieces of a stone that will give him ultimate power. The stone has been split and each of the major races has a piece, but the critical one falls into the hands of an innocent member of the smallest, most harmless race on the planet (Pecwae here, not Hobbits). That one has to ally with others in order to figure out what to do with it, and bears the stone while the most powerfully evil beings pursue it.
Most of the characters are flawed in some way, and I had a hard time learning to like most of them. The major exception was a nobleman introduced late in the book who instantly put me in mind of Douglas Fairbanks. Still, by the end of the book I had grown used to them, in sort of the way that Wolfram the Dwarf finds himself “used to” his barbarian traveling companion. They do seem at least as well-developed and convincing as the characters from “Dragonlance,” and the story, while derivative in places, is well-paced and enjoyable. Taken for what it is, a simple fantasy at a moderate reading level, it’s a decent book, but nothing amazing or outstanding.
Essentially, this could as easily be a Dungeons & Dragons-campaign-novelization, like the authors’ “Dragonlance” series, but it seems to bend over backwards to try to remove the direct influence of Tolkien on that game. In this universe, Orks are superstitious sailors, Elves are conniving and highly formal, and Dwarves are accomplished horsemen. I had the hardest time with that last – for the life of me I could not imagine a physiognomy that would make that work, but as I finished it finally occurred to me that most jockeys are short, and perhaps that’s the kind of body I should have been imagining. Ironically, at the same time, this book’s structure and premise owes a great deal to The Lord of the Rings. An evil, more or less immortal power is searching for the lost pieces of a stone that will give him ultimate power. The stone has been split and each of the major races has a piece, but the critical one falls into the hands of an innocent member of the smallest, most harmless race on the planet (Pecwae here, not Hobbits). That one has to ally with others in order to figure out what to do with it, and bears the stone while the most powerfully evil beings pursue it.
Most of the characters are flawed in some way, and I had a hard time learning to like most of them. The major exception was a nobleman introduced late in the book who instantly put me in mind of Douglas Fairbanks. Still, by the end of the book I had grown used to them, in sort of the way that Wolfram the Dwarf finds himself “used to” his barbarian traveling companion. They do seem at least as well-developed and convincing as the characters from “Dragonlance,” and the story, while derivative in places, is well-paced and enjoyable. Taken for what it is, a simple fantasy at a moderate reading level, it’s a decent book, but nothing amazing or outstanding.
June 29, 2025
I apologise. I bought this book when it came out because I loved book #1. I hated it. I came back and read it over a decade later and realized that it's pretty good. I think I didn't like it before because I was expecting a repeat of book 1, but book 2 is different in almost every way. The pacing, narrative, characters and places are all different. This is more like a story that could have been someone's roleplaying campaign (while not being trite). Approach this book as a different series set in the same world.
December 10, 2018
No está mal, pero es una decepción comparado con el resto de libros de estos autores. Han tirado mucho de clásicos de la fantasía, mucha copia y estereotipo, mucho viaje que no lleva a ningún lado, muchas descripciones absurdas y sin sentido, poca acción, personajes huecos, en fin... No sé, me ha gustado, pero solo a ratos, me ha costado meses terminarlo, pero lo he hecho y leeré el tercero porque los mejores personajes a mi parecer son los que al final del libro te dejan la intriga.
February 13, 2020
Esta segunda entrega de la saga me ha parecido muy interesante, tanto en el planteamiento como en el desarrollo de la historia, pero me ha resultado sumamente lenta.
Creo, sinceramente, que sobran muchas páginas e historias paralelas que no aportan nada a la trama.
No obstante, la segunda parte de la novela es realmente interesante y entretenida, dejando el final en el aire haciendo que el lector ansíe continuar con la historia.
Una buena saga, para los amantes del género.
Creo, sinceramente, que sobran muchas páginas e historias paralelas que no aportan nada a la trama.
No obstante, la segunda parte de la novela es realmente interesante y entretenida, dejando el final en el aire haciendo que el lector ansíe continuar con la historia.
Una buena saga, para los amantes del género.
December 14, 2019
I wasn't too fond of most characters, but the story and writing picked up halfway through, to make the book rather enjoyable.
Full spoiler review:
http://ossuslibrary.tripod.com/Bk_Fan...
Full spoiler review:
http://ossuslibrary.tripod.com/Bk_Fan...
August 8, 2022
Squanders the potential established by the first book to tell a story that alternates between being stagnantly cliched and pointlessly nasty. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/201...
May 30, 2025
Still love these books all these years later.
They are certainly dense and rather long winded at times, but the world and the characters absolutely capture my imagination!
On to my reread of book 3!
They are certainly dense and rather long winded at times, but the world and the characters absolutely capture my imagination!
On to my reread of book 3!
January 8, 2026
Excellent Book
This has I think the best written characters of any Weiss and Hickman book I've read so far. And it's action packed and exciting. The world building is amazing compared to the much more limited scope of the first book. I can't wait to read the 3rd one.
This has I think the best written characters of any Weiss and Hickman book I've read so far. And it's action packed and exciting. The world building is amazing compared to the much more limited scope of the first book. I can't wait to read the 3rd one.
September 19, 2017
Awesome. Liked the first one better but still a great ride.
October 10, 2018
A fantastic second book
March 9, 2019
Better than the 1st book but still lacking...
This is much better than the first book but there are still plot holes and plenty of late plot conveniences.
This is much better than the first book but there are still plot holes and plenty of late plot conveniences.
March 12, 2019
I remembered this being better.
January 23, 2021
Super spannend!
February 16, 2021
A not-bad continuation of the story started in Well of Darkness. The characters were more likable than in the first book.
January 19, 2023
Second book in the Sovereign Stone Trilogy with some new characters as well as old villians. A good fantasy read that brings the world to life.
September 22, 2023
definitely a middle-of-the-series book. enjoyable but not complete
October 24, 2023
Cambio radical. Muy acertado.
Un comienzo trepidante.
Si la primera parte podía interpretarse en un sola estancia, aquí nos abrimos al mundo.
Un comienzo trepidante.
Si la primera parte podía interpretarse en un sola estancia, aquí nos abrimos al mundo.
January 23, 2025
I enjoyed this series, but it was so long ago I will probably need to re-read it.
October 22, 2024
It's an 'ok' middle part of a trilogy that only serves to promote a game. However, there are multiple spelling mistakes in the text with the proper nouns. Like they couldn't decide if the continent is called Loerem or Leorem.
December 22, 2021
much more interesting than the first
June 7, 2012
Guardians of the Lost is the second book of the Sovereign Stone trilogy. This story takes place 200 years after the events of the first book, with Loerem torn by war and strife. Prince Dagnarus, who has extended his life since becoming a Vrykyl, has amassed an army of vicious half-beast warriors to reclaim the throne he feels he was cheated of 200 years ago. He has also added to his ranks of Void magic born Vrykyl. Dagnarus is still searching for the four pieces of the Sovereign Stone, still believing he was cheated out of its possession by his brother. Gustav, a Dominion Lord, learns the location of the human portion of the Sovereign Stone and tries to take it to the Council of Dominion Lords, only to be pursued and attacked by a Vrykyl. Gustav manages to defeat the Vrykyl but not before he is mortally wounded. He entrusts the piece of the Stone to a pecwae and a Trevinici youth, enjoining them to deliver it to an elfen Dominion Lord so that she may take it to the Council. The group sets out across the different lands of Loerem, pursued by Vrykyl and barely ahead of Dagnarus and his conquering army.
As a second installment, this is quite well done. Most of the backstory and detail outline was set up in the first book, so the plot here can move along fairly well. There are narrative breaks, some of which seem rather dragged out, but in main, the pacing is good.
Characters are interesting and well-drawn. There are representatives of all the four races of Loerem in the main character set, with the exception of the orks, who in this book, seem relegated to minor roles. World-building is as well done as any of the authors' works, and the magic system is interesting in its association of one of each of the four Elements with each of the four races. Two of the characters in particular bring a bit of humor to the story, a nice touch in what is a rather dark tale.
Where the first book basically finished its story, with the addition of the set up for this one, Guardians of the Lost ends on a somewhat ominous note, with the main quest as yet unfulfilled. Even so, the story is satisfying.
I did find it a bit slow reading in spots, but overall, was intrigued enough with the characters and some of the other plot elements to finish. I look forward to reading the third book and finding out what happens.
As a second installment, this is quite well done. Most of the backstory and detail outline was set up in the first book, so the plot here can move along fairly well. There are narrative breaks, some of which seem rather dragged out, but in main, the pacing is good.
Characters are interesting and well-drawn. There are representatives of all the four races of Loerem in the main character set, with the exception of the orks, who in this book, seem relegated to minor roles. World-building is as well done as any of the authors' works, and the magic system is interesting in its association of one of each of the four Elements with each of the four races. Two of the characters in particular bring a bit of humor to the story, a nice touch in what is a rather dark tale.
Where the first book basically finished its story, with the addition of the set up for this one, Guardians of the Lost ends on a somewhat ominous note, with the main quest as yet unfulfilled. Even so, the story is satisfying.
I did find it a bit slow reading in spots, but overall, was intrigued enough with the characters and some of the other plot elements to finish. I look forward to reading the third book and finding out what happens.
November 21, 2014
No, I'm not referring to my role as parent to two college students. Rather, the title of this entry, Guardians of the Lost, is the second novel in a fantasy trilogy, the "Soverign Stone Trilogy" by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. These authors will probably forever be known for their authorship of the original "Dragonlance" novels set in the D&D universe and while those books are the best of any other Dragonlance novels I've read, it's a shame that most readers won't look beyond that. Most will assume this team only writes one way and may, in fact, put them in the dreaded formula writers category.
But not so fast. The "Soverign Stone trilogy" is at least the fourth set of novels that they've written outside the Dragonlance setting, mostly very well received, and I have to say, this trilogy is darned good. This second novel in the set takes place 200 years after the first one ended and thus there are many changes. But of course this is fantasy and so several of the characters in the first novel show up here as well, particularly the bad guys. Second novels in trilogies tend to suffer in my opinion, from having to bridge the two "real" stories that actually happen in most trilogies. Of course there are exceptions (Godfather II, and The Empire Strikes Back) but generally, I tend to want to get through the second book just so I can read the third. But this time was different, as the book served to flesh out the entire world that we encountered in the first. I also noticed that the authors threw in a lot of characters this time, sprinkling in new ones all along the way. But it's not confusing at all since we get to spend a little time with the new ones as we go along. This is well done and I am totally intrigued to see what happens next. Which of these characters will have major roles in the conclusion? Well done! This moves the third book further forward on my To-Be-Read list.
But not so fast. The "Soverign Stone trilogy" is at least the fourth set of novels that they've written outside the Dragonlance setting, mostly very well received, and I have to say, this trilogy is darned good. This second novel in the set takes place 200 years after the first one ended and thus there are many changes. But of course this is fantasy and so several of the characters in the first novel show up here as well, particularly the bad guys. Second novels in trilogies tend to suffer in my opinion, from having to bridge the two "real" stories that actually happen in most trilogies. Of course there are exceptions (Godfather II, and The Empire Strikes Back) but generally, I tend to want to get through the second book just so I can read the third. But this time was different, as the book served to flesh out the entire world that we encountered in the first. I also noticed that the authors threw in a lot of characters this time, sprinkling in new ones all along the way. But it's not confusing at all since we get to spend a little time with the new ones as we go along. This is well done and I am totally intrigued to see what happens next. Which of these characters will have major roles in the conclusion? Well done! This moves the third book further forward on my To-Be-Read list.
January 6, 2009
The second book in the Sovereign Stone Trilogy, this book continues the saga of Dagnarus, Lord of the Void, and his continuing quest to rule all of Loerem. For the most part, we have an entirely new set of characters as the events of this book take place approximately 200 years after the previous book concluded with the death of King Helmos and Gareth, the destruction of Vinnengael and the loss of the human portion of the Sovereign Stone.
In this story, Dagnarus and his Vrykyl are again mounting a huge army to conquer New Vinnengael. The human portion of the Sovereign Stone has been recovered and its new caretakers are traveling towards New Vinnengael in hopes of reuniting all portions of the stone in order to have any chance of prevailing over Dagnarus. Dagnarus seems to have the upper hand at every turn, however, although the heroes manage to retain possession of the stone but little else.
Nothing is resolved within this book leaving the reader hanging until they can read the final book in the Trilogy.
In this story, Dagnarus and his Vrykyl are again mounting a huge army to conquer New Vinnengael. The human portion of the Sovereign Stone has been recovered and its new caretakers are traveling towards New Vinnengael in hopes of reuniting all portions of the stone in order to have any chance of prevailing over Dagnarus. Dagnarus seems to have the upper hand at every turn, however, although the heroes manage to retain possession of the stone but little else.
Nothing is resolved within this book leaving the reader hanging until they can read the final book in the Trilogy.
January 10, 2013
In this second book in the Sovereign Stone Trilogy, the four pieces of the Sovereign Stone are being sought by the Void Lord Dagnarus. When the human portion is discovered by a Dominion Lord, the battle for the future of Loerem begins. It will be up to an unlikely group of companions to keep the stones from the hands of Dagnarus, or their world will be lost.
I loved this book. So far as I'm concerned, if you want a classic fantasy/adventure with elves and dragons and magic and quests, there are no better writers to turn to than Weis and Hickman. This is an epic story of the struggle between good and evil as two opposing groups vie for the ultimate power the combined Sovereign Stones can give. There is a large cast of characters, but they're all well fleshed out, real people. The balance between world building and character building is perfect and seamless.
I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of the genre.
I loved this book. So far as I'm concerned, if you want a classic fantasy/adventure with elves and dragons and magic and quests, there are no better writers to turn to than Weis and Hickman. This is an epic story of the struggle between good and evil as two opposing groups vie for the ultimate power the combined Sovereign Stones can give. There is a large cast of characters, but they're all well fleshed out, real people. The balance between world building and character building is perfect and seamless.
I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of the genre.
May 2, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better than the First Book
February 5, 2004
Like the first book in the series, "Well of Darkness," I enjoyed reading it. Overall, it was written somewhat better than the earlier work. Weis/Hickman dropped a lot of the simplistic/childish atmosphere in the first book and wrote this one more for adults (that could be a function of the main characters actually BEING children in the first book). There are several logic holes/disagreements that irritate me about this book. But, they're easily forgiven. Also, the first book tended to portray Good as stupid and Evil as clever. In this book, the authors modified that a bit so that Good was merely weak, but, unfortunately, Evil is both clever and overwhelming. I don't know if that's an improvement or not. I'll have to wait until I finish the third book before I figure that out. If you've read the first book, this one is definitely worth reading, too.
Better than the First Book
February 5, 2004
Like the first book in the series, "Well of Darkness," I enjoyed reading it. Overall, it was written somewhat better than the earlier work. Weis/Hickman dropped a lot of the simplistic/childish atmosphere in the first book and wrote this one more for adults (that could be a function of the main characters actually BEING children in the first book). There are several logic holes/disagreements that irritate me about this book. But, they're easily forgiven. Also, the first book tended to portray Good as stupid and Evil as clever. In this book, the authors modified that a bit so that Good was merely weak, but, unfortunately, Evil is both clever and overwhelming. I don't know if that's an improvement or not. I'll have to wait until I finish the third book before I figure that out. If you've read the first book, this one is definitely worth reading, too.
January 4, 2008
This is Weis and Hickman at their absolute best. An engaging storyline with great characters (spot the kender), "good" bad guys, and an interesting world with an interesting history.
The biggest shame is that the first book in this trilogy was very much a separate story taking place some 200 years ago, while this one is obviously the first of two halves. I don't like trilogies like that. I'd prefer either three very distinctly separate books or two trilogies.
This book is also very different from the first in the way the story was told. The first book was told from the perspective of the baddies while this is much more typical Weis and Hickman. However, while it's a little disappointing because it doesn't follow the first book in this manner, I preferred this book because it's more of what I expect from the authors.
The biggest shame is that the first book in this trilogy was very much a separate story taking place some 200 years ago, while this one is obviously the first of two halves. I don't like trilogies like that. I'd prefer either three very distinctly separate books or two trilogies.
This book is also very different from the first in the way the story was told. The first book was told from the perspective of the baddies while this is much more typical Weis and Hickman. However, while it's a little disappointing because it doesn't follow the first book in this manner, I preferred this book because it's more of what I expect from the authors.
February 8, 2013
Don't pick up this book, unless you intend to buy the next in the trilogy, which is, Journey into the Void, as....the last chapter of Guardians of the Lost, leaves the reader in a Void - nothing solved!
Elves, dragons, wizards, Vrykl(evil), bad guys/creatures and good guys/creatures, and some creatures one has never ever thought of, are all in this book! The Quest, to bring the stones together for the good of all. Or, bring the stones together, so evil will reign.
A little of middle earth type story.
Elves, dragons, wizards, Vrykl(evil), bad guys/creatures and good guys/creatures, and some creatures one has never ever thought of, are all in this book! The Quest, to bring the stones together for the good of all. Or, bring the stones together, so evil will reign.
A little of middle earth type story.
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