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The Dragon Brigade #2
Storm Riders
In a world where magic is intrinsic to the fabric of everyday life, two kingdoms, centuries-long enemies, have long sought a powerful magical weapon that will win them lasting dominance. But neither realm is ready when they are both attacked by the Bottom-Dwellers, a bitter people whose own land was destroyed, and who now live only to take vengeance on those they blame for a wretched life in the storm-tossed abyss they inhabit. Using contramagic strengthened by blood sacrifice to attack the world above, they threaten to bring down whole cities, or even the island kingdoms themselves. Freya and Rosia are forced to put aside their age-old conflict to defend themselves, or risk losing everything.
As the Bottom-Dwellers’ contramagic eats away at the magic of the dragons that helps protect the world above, a former dragon-riding hero gathers a ragtag group to form a new dragon brigade, the one desperate hope of the two kingdoms to defeat the fiends who threaten their world. As the effects of contramagic bring the world ever closer to disaster, the new dragon brigade fight the vengeful adversary. Their high-flying heroics will be to no avail, though, unless they can somehow uncover forbidden knowledge, long hidden by the Church, without which they will never be able to prevent the world's destruction.
Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes deliver yet another exciting dragon brigade adventure in Storm Riders.
As the Bottom-Dwellers’ contramagic eats away at the magic of the dragons that helps protect the world above, a former dragon-riding hero gathers a ragtag group to form a new dragon brigade, the one desperate hope of the two kingdoms to defeat the fiends who threaten their world. As the effects of contramagic bring the world ever closer to disaster, the new dragon brigade fight the vengeful adversary. Their high-flying heroics will be to no avail, though, unless they can somehow uncover forbidden knowledge, long hidden by the Church, without which they will never be able to prevent the world's destruction.
Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes deliver yet another exciting dragon brigade adventure in Storm Riders.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2013
33 people are currently reading
1107 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Weis
677 books5,832 followersMargaret Edith Weis is an American fantasy and science fiction author of dozens of novels and short stories. At TSR, Inc., she teamed with Tracy Hickman to create the Dragonlance role-playing game (RPG) world. She is founding CEO and owner of Sovereign Press, Inc and Margaret Weis Productions, licensing several popular television and movie franchises to make RPG series in addition to their own.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 17, 2017
This was an enjoyable book, probably on par with the first in the series. The characters are fun, the world is interesting, and there's some good action. These books don't quite make it into my list of favorites, but I still enjoy them quite a bit.
Rating: 8/10
Rating: 8/10
February 20, 2015
I received this book from GoodReads First Reads
Bottom Dwellers are attacking the realms, seeking revenge against those responsible for their exile. Using the forbidden contramagic, they are able to unravel the magical constructs that hold the civilization together. The people of Freya and Rosia must unite if they are to have a chance at survival. But, the study of contramagic is prohibited by the Church and mistrust still looms between the kingdoms. Luckily there are members within both kingdoms who are actively fighting against the Bottom Dwellers and the Church for the good of the people.
Having previously read The Death Gate Cycle series, I am familiar with Weis' works and have long been a fan. Storm Riders held my interest, but since I did not read the first book in the series, Shadow Raiders, I found myself confused numerous times. I would have preferred if Weis and Krammes provided a more thorough recap of previous events as it would have answered some of the questions I had and made the reading much more enjoyable. Though, I can't fault the authors too much for that.
I enjoyed the interactions between Stephano, Rigo, Dag, and Miri the most. They all had distinct personalities which would result in several humorous lines of dialogue. And of course, who can forget the memorable Doctor Ellington!
Bottom Dwellers are attacking the realms, seeking revenge against those responsible for their exile. Using the forbidden contramagic, they are able to unravel the magical constructs that hold the civilization together. The people of Freya and Rosia must unite if they are to have a chance at survival. But, the study of contramagic is prohibited by the Church and mistrust still looms between the kingdoms. Luckily there are members within both kingdoms who are actively fighting against the Bottom Dwellers and the Church for the good of the people.
Having previously read The Death Gate Cycle series, I am familiar with Weis' works and have long been a fan. Storm Riders held my interest, but since I did not read the first book in the series, Shadow Raiders, I found myself confused numerous times. I would have preferred if Weis and Krammes provided a more thorough recap of previous events as it would have answered some of the questions I had and made the reading much more enjoyable. Though, I can't fault the authors too much for that.
I enjoyed the interactions between Stephano, Rigo, Dag, and Miri the most. They all had distinct personalities which would result in several humorous lines of dialogue. And of course, who can forget the memorable Doctor Ellington!
September 4, 2018
All to often when writers set upon writing a trilogy.. they really only have one book worth of story... maybe 2. Everyone loves a trilogy though, right? So thus things get stretched, or side characters get unnecessarily developed, or random happenings that have nothing to do with the main plot get explored.
Storm Riders does none of that.. it's very easily better than the 1st book.. this is a driven, concise plot that moves along and juggles different characters in different places very well... bringing them together without random co-incidence, but rather when the story allows.
The book does settle into what I always assumed Game of Thrones would be eventually.. the nations of the world uniting against a common foe, yet still mindful of who should come out on top at the end of the conflict.
We also get some excellent character development from the main group, more details on the world (even a bit about the near non-existent Dragons), and more foundation on how the world works.
If there is anything to complain about.. the bad guys are pretty shallow, and not nearly as well developed as they started out being in the first book.. they've pretty much devolved into standard boogeymen.
Overall, an excellent book I'm excited to read the conclusion to. I do have to wonder though, why is the marketing (the cover and the description anyway) so focused on the Dragons? They have a bit part, and certainly no one who's a fan of them would call this series a 'dragon' series. I can't help but think they marketed to the wrong crows.. this is a book for fans of Steampunk and George RR Martin, not Naomi Novik and Anne McCaffrey.
Storm Riders does none of that.. it's very easily better than the 1st book.. this is a driven, concise plot that moves along and juggles different characters in different places very well... bringing them together without random co-incidence, but rather when the story allows.
The book does settle into what I always assumed Game of Thrones would be eventually.. the nations of the world uniting against a common foe, yet still mindful of who should come out on top at the end of the conflict.
We also get some excellent character development from the main group, more details on the world (even a bit about the near non-existent Dragons), and more foundation on how the world works.
If there is anything to complain about.. the bad guys are pretty shallow, and not nearly as well developed as they started out being in the first book.. they've pretty much devolved into standard boogeymen.
Overall, an excellent book I'm excited to read the conclusion to. I do have to wonder though, why is the marketing (the cover and the description anyway) so focused on the Dragons? They have a bit part, and certainly no one who's a fan of them would call this series a 'dragon' series. I can't help but think they marketed to the wrong crows.. this is a book for fans of Steampunk and George RR Martin, not Naomi Novik and Anne McCaffrey.
January 10, 2014
Storm Riders is the second novel in the Dragon Brigade series by Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes. It picks up right after the end of 2012’s Shadow Raiders and carries the plot forward. Much like the previous novel Storm Riders is a novel that I enjoyed but which I can’t seem to pinpoint why. Set in a world where the continents float on the mystical Breath of God, Storm Riders sees two nations with a bitter enmity towards one another struggling to come to terms with strange and powerful bat-riding raiders. Tossed into the mix of political intrigue and outright action is the fact that said bat-riders are wielding a form of magic that is heresy to even think about.
Weis and Krammes have created an interesting world here with a very European vibe to it. The world is complex and engaging from the ancient rivalries to the deep religious history the world of the Dragon Brigade is fleshed out and life-like. Storm Riders delves into the nitty gritty of that world more than ever. Where Shadow Raiders only introduced two dragons Storm Riders delves deeper into the history and lore of the world’s dragons. In the novel Father Jacob visits the Dragon Duchies while Stefano and the Cadre deal and befriend several wild dragons each element of story illuminated the fractured nature of dragon society. Storm Riders definitely has more dragons than Shadow Raiders addressing one my few complaints about the first novel. Weis and Krammes have created a fascinating culture for dragon here and one that we only get a brief glimpse at.
Storm Riders is a tautly paced novel despite its apparent length with each of its multiple points of view offering a brisk pace and tons of action. While our nominal protagonists are the Cadre of the Lost lead by the Dragon Brigade’s former commander Stefano de Guicen I definitely found myself looking most forward to the chapters featuring Father Jacob Northrup and Sir Anders. Father Jacob, an agent of the Arcanum (the order of the church that teaches mages), is an opinionated pugilist priest willing to speak his mind even when those words don’t toe the party line and barrel headlong into what the church deems heresy. With the loss of Brother Barnaby in the previous novel Weis and Krammes do an excellent job of highlighting the bond between Father Jacob and his church-appointed protector (and friend) Sir Anders.
Fascinating characters, a complex plot, explosive action, Storm Riders improves on the already excellent Shadow Raiders. That being said I think that the diverse number of viewpoints actually hurts the novel. Storm Riders walks a fine line between epic fantasy and swashbuckling action and I think that a tighter focus on some of the characters would result in a stronger connection to the novel. In particularly I found myself disengaged with the chapters from the Countess de Marjolaine’s perspective. While it seems clear that Weis and Krammes are building up to something with the Countess it doesn’t play out in Storm Riders and her chapters felt more like speed bumps rather than anything else.
The Dragon Brigade seems to be going a bit overlooked as a series so far. Storm Riders is a strong novel that improves on many of the minor flaws seen in Shadow Raiders. This is intelligently plotted, exciting fantasy that, while more traditional than most of the market, never feels tired or boring. If you’re looking for a fantasy with dragons, airships, and lots of action and enjoy worlds that are excellently and impeccably crafted you should definitely be giving the The Dragon Brigade a shot. I should warn you that Storm Riders does end on a cliffhanger (worse than the cliffhanger at the end of Shadow Raiders) that left me jazzed to find out what happens in the next volume
Weis and Krammes have created an interesting world here with a very European vibe to it. The world is complex and engaging from the ancient rivalries to the deep religious history the world of the Dragon Brigade is fleshed out and life-like. Storm Riders delves into the nitty gritty of that world more than ever. Where Shadow Raiders only introduced two dragons Storm Riders delves deeper into the history and lore of the world’s dragons. In the novel Father Jacob visits the Dragon Duchies while Stefano and the Cadre deal and befriend several wild dragons each element of story illuminated the fractured nature of dragon society. Storm Riders definitely has more dragons than Shadow Raiders addressing one my few complaints about the first novel. Weis and Krammes have created a fascinating culture for dragon here and one that we only get a brief glimpse at.
Storm Riders is a tautly paced novel despite its apparent length with each of its multiple points of view offering a brisk pace and tons of action. While our nominal protagonists are the Cadre of the Lost lead by the Dragon Brigade’s former commander Stefano de Guicen I definitely found myself looking most forward to the chapters featuring Father Jacob Northrup and Sir Anders. Father Jacob, an agent of the Arcanum (the order of the church that teaches mages), is an opinionated pugilist priest willing to speak his mind even when those words don’t toe the party line and barrel headlong into what the church deems heresy. With the loss of Brother Barnaby in the previous novel Weis and Krammes do an excellent job of highlighting the bond between Father Jacob and his church-appointed protector (and friend) Sir Anders.
Fascinating characters, a complex plot, explosive action, Storm Riders improves on the already excellent Shadow Raiders. That being said I think that the diverse number of viewpoints actually hurts the novel. Storm Riders walks a fine line between epic fantasy and swashbuckling action and I think that a tighter focus on some of the characters would result in a stronger connection to the novel. In particularly I found myself disengaged with the chapters from the Countess de Marjolaine’s perspective. While it seems clear that Weis and Krammes are building up to something with the Countess it doesn’t play out in Storm Riders and her chapters felt more like speed bumps rather than anything else.
The Dragon Brigade seems to be going a bit overlooked as a series so far. Storm Riders is a strong novel that improves on many of the minor flaws seen in Shadow Raiders. This is intelligently plotted, exciting fantasy that, while more traditional than most of the market, never feels tired or boring. If you’re looking for a fantasy with dragons, airships, and lots of action and enjoy worlds that are excellently and impeccably crafted you should definitely be giving the The Dragon Brigade a shot. I should warn you that Storm Riders does end on a cliffhanger (worse than the cliffhanger at the end of Shadow Raiders) that left me jazzed to find out what happens in the next volume
July 11, 2013
After winning the first reads giveaway for this book, I scrambled to find the first in the series so I could properly review this book. In my review for the first book I noted that Margaret Weis is still one of the finest world creators in the fantasy genre. She makes unbelievable worlds and situations seem plausible. The only hang up I had with the first one was the one dimensional nature of some of the characters, not all just some. Imagine my great joy when my only issue with the first book has seemingly disappeared in the second novel.
If you are looking for a unique fantasy landscape that is littered with medieval, steampunk and political/religious intrigue elements you need look no further.
In this world there are three major political forces, two island kingdoms and the church. The heads of these three groups are continually trying to find an advantage over the other two while still maintaining a grasp on their own secrets. The agents of these three powers are sent on various quests, but they find that time and time again their paths cross and that they all truly have one common goal. To save the known world from the bottom dwellers.
This book was a fun read that kept me riveted. I found it hard to put down, and I would recommend it for sure.
If you are looking for a unique fantasy landscape that is littered with medieval, steampunk and political/religious intrigue elements you need look no further.
In this world there are three major political forces, two island kingdoms and the church. The heads of these three groups are continually trying to find an advantage over the other two while still maintaining a grasp on their own secrets. The agents of these three powers are sent on various quests, but they find that time and time again their paths cross and that they all truly have one common goal. To save the known world from the bottom dwellers.
This book was a fun read that kept me riveted. I found it hard to put down, and I would recommend it for sure.
December 23, 2013
I spent the first third of this book hating the new narrator. The second third I enjoyed the story and put up with the new narrator. By the end I was enjoying the new narrator as well as the story. I think the issue with the narrator is not as much that he is a bad narrator, it is that he is so different. All the accents were different. Names and places were often so different I got the characters confused.
The book was great. I was very disappointed to learn that book three is now out yet. I almost recommend waiting for book three to come out before you start book 1. These are hard books to put down.
The book was great. I was very disappointed to learn that book three is now out yet. I almost recommend waiting for book three to come out before you start book 1. These are hard books to put down.
March 4, 2015
Fast paced with unpredictable turns in the story spiced with fantasy, court intrigue and dragons :)
June 12, 2021
I picked this up off the library shelf when browsing looking for authors I hadn't read before and I am glad I did! I found the characters and their interactions engaging and the world-building interesting.
(I see to be easily pleased by dragon riders and magically powered airships. 🤷♂️)
A few chapters in it became apparent that this book is part of a series and there is a great deal of backstory I had missed that the characters referred back to. Fortunately, the book was written well enough to stand on its own enabling me to follow the present story despite jumping into the middle of the adventure. I look forward to finding the previous book, Shadow Raiders, and then wrapping up the trilogy with The Seventh Sigil.
(I see to be easily pleased by dragon riders and magically powered airships. 🤷♂️)
A few chapters in it became apparent that this book is part of a series and there is a great deal of backstory I had missed that the characters referred back to. Fortunately, the book was written well enough to stand on its own enabling me to follow the present story despite jumping into the middle of the adventure. I look forward to finding the previous book, Shadow Raiders, and then wrapping up the trilogy with The Seventh Sigil.
June 6, 2017
There was a rather emotional blowup involving Privateer alan Northrup and his big bro, Father Jacob, that managed to pull at my cold, cold heartstrings, something that rarely happens when I read books. Granted, it was Familial Angst! which is usually the key. Kudos.
also brother barnaby x gythe 5ever. Still.
also brother barnaby x gythe 5ever. Still.
November 1, 2017
Very enjoyable! Weis & Krammes keep you guessing constantly with all the antagonist changes and political intrigue. Often, like in the real world, I kept wanting to just throw my hands up and say "Screw it! Just let them win, and watch the world get what it deserves." I look forward to the next volume.
September 26, 2018
Nice 2nd in dragon trilogy with more history explained and the various enemies coming together with vital clues to the Bottom Dweller mystery. By the end, the spies and adventurers are putting the pieces together and starting to maneuver their respective courts to ally. But...the Princess, the Countess, Rodrigo, and Stephano are deeply in trouble again!
July 10, 2022
I thought this second installment of the series was fantastic.
The story is extremely interesting, the characters have very well defined profiles and the narrative pace is just right.
Weis develops in this saga a very different and innovative fantasy universe that makes the reading captivating.
I really LOVE this series!
The story is extremely interesting, the characters have very well defined profiles and the narrative pace is just right.
Weis develops in this saga a very different and innovative fantasy universe that makes the reading captivating.
I really LOVE this series!
October 24, 2023
This was a very enjoyable read, lots to discover about the world, and it's mechanics and such. Sorta bummed that I was recommended this book to read not realizing it was book 2, just gotta get book 1 and I think there's a 3rd, Im sorta loving the author Margaret Weis tho💜
November 27, 2020
Interesting world, but bland characters and simple villains.
June 1, 2021
Continuing to really enjoy this series. What's not to love? Dragons, steam punk, pirates. C'mon.
June 13, 2021
A very mixed bag of a book, but the good outweighs the bad in my opinion.
Full review to come
Full review to come
did-not-finish-or-start
June 20, 2023DNS 6/20/23
January 21, 2024
A book that deals with religion, political ties and love. It’s riveting and lands really well.
March 12, 2017
Storyline was OK; characters were prissy; ending was weak.
April 15, 2015
I read this without realising it was the second in a series - the copy I have doesn't mention it except on the page of 'also by these authors' and I wasn't really interested in that until page 608. Probably that's the reason it took until the second to last chapter to work out for sure if they were airships or not.
Generally good - I read it all in a day, and easily, and only once did I wonder if the book was worth that number of pages. I was never on the edge of the seat with the action but I was always interested to see what would happen next.
There was Miri's proposal to Dag, which went along these lines:
Miri: Dag, I love you! Marry me!
Dag: You don't love me like that! Your father is dead, and you have mistaken the desire for a father figure as desire for a husband.
Miri: *in tears* Oh, Dag, you're so correct! How is it that you know my emotions better than I?
Dag: I will always be here for you, Miri... but as a father.
Rodrigo then explains to Stephano that Dag is so extremely religious that he refuses to have sex with anyone except prostitutes, because sex is just absolutely awful and doing that to a woman you love is simply cruel.
I do hope there's some relationship building in the first book that I missed, or some conclusion in the third, because I'd fully believe a romance between Stephano and Rodrigo being developed, while Miri had very little given to her. Another classic 'does the author know their characters are gay?' Maybe I need a shelf for that.
Generally good - I read it all in a day, and easily, and only once did I wonder if the book was worth that number of pages. I was never on the edge of the seat with the action but I was always interested to see what would happen next.
There was Miri's proposal to Dag, which went along these lines:
Miri: Dag, I love you! Marry me!
Dag: You don't love me like that! Your father is dead, and you have mistaken the desire for a father figure as desire for a husband.
Miri: *in tears* Oh, Dag, you're so correct! How is it that you know my emotions better than I?
Dag: I will always be here for you, Miri... but as a father.
Rodrigo then explains to Stephano that Dag is so extremely religious that he refuses to have sex with anyone except prostitutes, because sex is just absolutely awful and doing that to a woman you love is simply cruel.
I do hope there's some relationship building in the first book that I missed, or some conclusion in the third, because I'd fully believe a romance between Stephano and Rodrigo being developed, while Miri had very little given to her. Another classic 'does the author know their characters are gay?' Maybe I need a shelf for that.
July 26, 2013
Margaret Weis is nothing new to me. I always expect great things from anything with her name attached and once again, she delivered. I first met her work through 'The Death Gate Cycle' some, goodness, maybe twenty years ago.
This book started off with a humorous twist catching my attention from the start. Afterwards, there were a few chapters that tested my patience. This is book two in the series and I had to learn the characters I was supposed to already know. Once aquainted with and by the realization that the great Doctor Ellington was not a doctor at all, but rather, a cat, I really began to enjoy the story.
Through thoughts and ideas of the magical constructs, the idea of contramagic, the imagination of the airships and the ruthlessness of the Bottom Dwellers, I am allowed to see a wonderful tapestry of words. I get to know Miri, Glythe, Dag, Stephano and Rodrigo and come to love them in their own little ways. I also get glimpses into why they each have the particular personality traits, good or bad, that they possess.
This book also leaves you in a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read book three. Thank you Goodreads Giveaways and the authors who put these books out there. Keep writing and I'll keep reading. :D
This book started off with a humorous twist catching my attention from the start. Afterwards, there were a few chapters that tested my patience. This is book two in the series and I had to learn the characters I was supposed to already know. Once aquainted with and by the realization that the great Doctor Ellington was not a doctor at all, but rather, a cat, I really began to enjoy the story.
Through thoughts and ideas of the magical constructs, the idea of contramagic, the imagination of the airships and the ruthlessness of the Bottom Dwellers, I am allowed to see a wonderful tapestry of words. I get to know Miri, Glythe, Dag, Stephano and Rodrigo and come to love them in their own little ways. I also get glimpses into why they each have the particular personality traits, good or bad, that they possess.
This book also leaves you in a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read book three. Thank you Goodreads Giveaways and the authors who put these books out there. Keep writing and I'll keep reading. :D
February 7, 2014
Margaret Weis has been writing epic fantasy series for a long time, and she knows her stuff. In “Storm Riders” (Tor, $27.99, 510 pages), she and co-writer Robert Krammes build a very unusual early industrial world, and people it with stock, though not entirely predictable, characters. The plot involves an aggrieved group that seeks revenge on the majority, and all of the several protagonists have different hurdles to overcome to fight off the threat.
Again, the characters aren’t drawn as well as might have been hoped – we have the noble secret agent, the evil female villain, the sharp-tongued ship’s captain with a heart of gold, etc. – and the narrative does push the bounds of believability at times, but Weis and Krammes aren’t writing The Game of Thrones. This series is reasonably well-crafted, reasonably well-written and is a fun read.
Note, however, that this is volume two (“Shadow Raiders” was first), but even though I wasn’t aware of that until I finished the book, Weis and Krammes are skilled and professional enough that I never felt I didn’t know what was going on. Sometimes, it’s great to read an author who stretches the boundaries; other times, it’s just as pleasant to read a book by people who simply know how to entertain.
Again, the characters aren’t drawn as well as might have been hoped – we have the noble secret agent, the evil female villain, the sharp-tongued ship’s captain with a heart of gold, etc. – and the narrative does push the bounds of believability at times, but Weis and Krammes aren’t writing The Game of Thrones. This series is reasonably well-crafted, reasonably well-written and is a fun read.
Note, however, that this is volume two (“Shadow Raiders” was first), but even though I wasn’t aware of that until I finished the book, Weis and Krammes are skilled and professional enough that I never felt I didn’t know what was going on. Sometimes, it’s great to read an author who stretches the boundaries; other times, it’s just as pleasant to read a book by people who simply know how to entertain.
February 16, 2014
Lots of fun. I love that the main characters all have their strengths and weaknesses and quite often they just barely manage to get out of trouble so their successes are a combination of skill, luck and good friends and allies.
I don't remember if I noted this about the first book but there are several points of view in this series and I know some people really get annoyed by it. For me, it was handled well, there weren't too many and they weren't placed 'just because' but gave a good idea of what was going on elsewhere while the mains were busy being stranded or saving a merchant ship or training dragons, etc.
Oh, and the dragons here were quite interesting - not evil and not necessarily allies either, they are their own entities with worries and families and problems of their own.
For action junkies, this one is pretty full of goings on, with ship attacks, desperate measures, famous privateers, rescues, secret plots - but there is also quite a bit of setup for the next book as well so there is a nice balance.
Completists might want to wait for the next book to come out before starting though because the story is definitely not over even though there isn't a cliffhanger ending.
I don't remember if I noted this about the first book but there are several points of view in this series and I know some people really get annoyed by it. For me, it was handled well, there weren't too many and they weren't placed 'just because' but gave a good idea of what was going on elsewhere while the mains were busy being stranded or saving a merchant ship or training dragons, etc.
Oh, and the dragons here were quite interesting - not evil and not necessarily allies either, they are their own entities with worries and families and problems of their own.
For action junkies, this one is pretty full of goings on, with ship attacks, desperate measures, famous privateers, rescues, secret plots - but there is also quite a bit of setup for the next book as well so there is a nice balance.
Completists might want to wait for the next book to come out before starting though because the story is definitely not over even though there isn't a cliffhanger ending.
July 23, 2013
Why isn't there an option for 6 stars? This book would have at least that many. The entire Dragon Brigade series involves the most elaborate and skillful writing and most captivating story lines I have ever encountered (I suffer to say I enjoy this series even more than Dragonlance and The Death Gate Cycle, which I have placed in my top 2 best loved book series for many, many years). This series is far grander than the typical fantasy series. Even the seemingly most minor character, a cat, is better written and holds more personality than most authors can bring to a main character. Every plot twist and turn is engaging, nail-bitingly maddening, and far too cleverly crafted! Can a book make one sit on the edge of a seat? This one had me there time and again, as did its predecessor. Weis and Krammes deserve far more recognition and far grander sales numbers than they currently receive for this fantasy based book series. You won't be sorry for reading Shadow Raiders and Storm Riders.
September 14, 2013
I received this book through the GoodReads First Reads giveaway program.
Let's discuss what I enjoyed about this book. The characters are very interesting and well written (three-dimensional). Also, the world building is pretty fantastic. The book is also well written. I found myself just flipping through the pages. The book flowed nicely.
Now, let's discuss what slowed me down with this book. This is the second book in the Dragon Brigade series, and it feels like a book in a series. This book starts where the last book left off. There is no stop. There is no recap of what happened in the last book. There is no new plot. This book just picks up where the last book ended. This is totally fine, if you read the last book, but it is a bit problematic if you pick this book up in the airport bookstore. This is what is frustrating about this book. It is super readable and fun, but I don't know what is going on.
Let's discuss what I enjoyed about this book. The characters are very interesting and well written (three-dimensional). Also, the world building is pretty fantastic. The book is also well written. I found myself just flipping through the pages. The book flowed nicely.
Now, let's discuss what slowed me down with this book. This is the second book in the Dragon Brigade series, and it feels like a book in a series. This book starts where the last book left off. There is no stop. There is no recap of what happened in the last book. There is no new plot. This book just picks up where the last book ended. This is totally fine, if you read the last book, but it is a bit problematic if you pick this book up in the airport bookstore. This is what is frustrating about this book. It is super readable and fun, but I don't know what is going on.
July 29, 2015
It's been about four years since I read the first part of this trilogy, so I didn't remember much of it. I went back and read my review of that book and saw I didn't like it, so I was pleasantly surprised to find I enjoyed this one a lot more. My lack of memory wasn't a problem as everything is recapped well. And while there is a decent amount of exposition, it isn't as repetitive as before and there is more action spread out. The political intrigue is a lot of fun as well, as alliances form, shift, and break apart only to reform in different combinations. Some of the plot is predictable and it's a little frustrating to watch the characters flail around in the dark for answers that seem obvious but I suppose that's the nature of omnipotent narration; it just feels more prevalent here. But the main thing is I enjoyed the book enough to want to pick up the final part of the trilogy as soon as I finished reading this one.
February 3, 2014
I took a while to finish the book as my Husband stole it from me. :) WE love to read and while his taste stays with the traditional Sci-fi/fantasy genre, I go astray.
I must admit a bias before my review I am a friend of one of the authors. I may have started to read due to the friendship, but I ended up buying it in multiple media and will do so for every book from these two from now on. (That way I don't have to wait... )
I love this book. The characters have great depth and show growth as a person through out the book. The pace moves well, but maintains a good amount of detail. The world concept is the first time I have been really curious as to see how things work, what things go wrong, and how things are made.
I must admit a bias before my review I am a friend of one of the authors. I may have started to read due to the friendship, but I ended up buying it in multiple media and will do so for every book from these two from now on. (That way I don't have to wait... )
I love this book. The characters have great depth and show growth as a person through out the book. The pace moves well, but maintains a good amount of detail. The world concept is the first time I have been really curious as to see how things work, what things go wrong, and how things are made.
August 12, 2013
Storm Riders by Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes
The book stands alone but would be better if Shadow Raiders had been read first. A distained portion of the population decides to get even for past wrongs.
This is a well crafted world. A back story would have made the book better. The main characters are nicely done and likeable. The Trundlers are air borne gypsies and Stephano is a dragonless dragon rider.
The events that they entertain surround the disgruntled Bottom Dwellers. The conflict with the Bottom Dweller is driving former adversaries into begrudging cooperation.
It is a good story and I recommend it but I do strongly recommend reading the first book first.
The book stands alone but would be better if Shadow Raiders had been read first. A distained portion of the population decides to get even for past wrongs.
This is a well crafted world. A back story would have made the book better. The main characters are nicely done and likeable. The Trundlers are air borne gypsies and Stephano is a dragonless dragon rider.
The events that they entertain surround the disgruntled Bottom Dwellers. The conflict with the Bottom Dweller is driving former adversaries into begrudging cooperation.
It is a good story and I recommend it but I do strongly recommend reading the first book first.
May 2, 2016
All the expected goodies are here.
An expanding plot.
Characters are developed.
Hope is seen.
Challenges are faced.
There is everything you could ask for in a book.....but I feel it does suffer from "middle-book syndrome". There's a lot of plodding about and political maneuverings to get everyone in place for the final book which should be exciting.
I think Storm Riders would've benefitted from at least 100 pages being cut from it. It still works very well as a novel and is a welcome addition to the series and Dragon Brigade world, but it could have been better.
An expanding plot.
Characters are developed.
Hope is seen.
Challenges are faced.
There is everything you could ask for in a book.....but I feel it does suffer from "middle-book syndrome". There's a lot of plodding about and political maneuverings to get everyone in place for the final book which should be exciting.
I think Storm Riders would've benefitted from at least 100 pages being cut from it. It still works very well as a novel and is a welcome addition to the series and Dragon Brigade world, but it could have been better.
August 13, 2014
I was greatly disappointed in the book. I hate to give a review lower than a 3 star, but I plowed through the first book hoping it was just a prequel and there would be more dragons--this is called The Dragon Prophesy series--but NO! The dragons don't really appear until later on in the book and the characters just aren't compelling enough to keep on reading this series. Sorry Weis. I loved the DragonLance series...but this book seems like a thinly veneered attempt to follow Game of Thrones or one of the other now wildly popular plot driven, epic fantasy series.
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