Legends of the Dragonrealm: The Horned Blade

Legends of the Dragonrealm

by Richard A. Knaak, Ciruelo Cabral (Cover Design)

The Turning War continues! With the rebellion in dire straits, Nathan Bedlam and the Gryphon turn to a desperate spell that may win the war for them at the cost of their souls. Yet, an even darker threat lurks behind the scenes, an ancient evil whose resurrection is being instigated by none other than Nathan's son, Azran, through his sinister creation, a magical blade housing a malevolent mind of its own... The Turning War is a three volume saga answering many of the questions concerning the Dragonrealm and the Dragon Masters and how those events yet reverberate in the current timeline.

Genres: Fantasy

418 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2015

About the author

Richard A. Knaak is the bestselling author of Dragonlance novels, the Dragonrealm and Black City Saint series (his own creations), six novels for Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo series, and six works in the Warcraft universe. He has also written several non-series fantasy books.

Reviews

[Timothy McNeil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I was not particularly happy with the creation of a new arch-foe for the prequel trilogy. I thought the characters lacked in development and the means to make the third book fit the extant narrative after what happened in the second book felt forced.

Still, nothing bothers me more than having to make more than ten corrections (punctuation, grammar, character names) to a book that should have seen both editing and proofreading.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trilogies are traditionally read best when done one right after another. After all, you've invested pages and pages into these characters, what's a few more between friends? However, sometimes you get through the first two books and the third book stares you in the face for a while because you don't want it to end or even worse you don't want to suddenly be disappointed by some horrible ending. Thankfully, in this case, I just really didn't want it to end.

In The Horned Blade, the third book to the Turning War saga, the rebellion has not gone so well and Nathan and the Gryphon are pretty much at their wits end. Desperation seems to be the only thing left and we know desperation drives men to do regretful things. Meanwhile, much like the title of the book, the Horned Blade or Azran's weapon is much more sinister than anyone could have guessed and plays a pivotal and deadly role in the outcome of the war. Death is just beginning and creation might not be enough to save them all.

If you read my review on the second book, you know how much I love this series. I had the very fortunate luck of reading this prequel trilogy ahead of the the first series since my only previous reading association with Knaak was through the World of Warcraft and Diablo books. Now of course, I'm hooked and with good reason. This is excellent beyond words and while I still like the second book a little more, I can easily say this one is in the same league with excellent writing and well played twists in the action.

Of course, veteran readers of this world already know what's coming but that's doesn't make it all the less impactful when the final curtain closes. The deaths come swiftly in this tale but they never feel unnecessary or done for effect. It is one of those times where I know it's going to be grim but book doesn't leave you with a sense of dread.

Obviously, this book gets a high recommendation which is no surprise to those who have already read the previous two installments. I don't think I will have the same hesitation for reading Firedrake now that I fully understand where it is going (and the fact that it is already sitting in my bookcase ready to go). It is a little sad to say goodbye to this part of the saga, but there is a lot to look forward to for the stories that follow. Enjoy.

[Israha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stejné, jako první dva díly trilogie Legendy. Tedy čtivá, akční a informace o světě hezky kompletující kniha, která ale nemá čím překvapit a ve své snaze o maximální epičnost a nepředvídatelnost je možná až moc ambiciózní. Ty zvraty, kdy jeden zrazoval druhého, aby se dozvěděl, že třetí zradil druhého, protože zjistil, že druhý chce zradit třetího, z toho šla hlava kolem, překombinované až hrůza. A opět přepostavované, kdy většina charakterů nemá prostor se rozvíjet a dějem jen tak proplouvají. Ale nebudu lhát, konec mi při vědomí, že po půl roce čtení a přelouskání 15 knih se s Dragonrealmem loučím, na emoční struny docela brnknul.

[Stuart Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly the best of the three novels, this moves with a pace unmatched by the first two with twists and turns and betrayals on multiple levels. Loved it, loved the ending and how it explains the circumstances in the Dragon Realm years into the future. I wish I had read these first before Knaak’s series, but obviously impossible. Snacked me good.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The war between dragons and mankind continues. Nathan Bedlam seeks a magic spell to conquer the dragons but it could cost him his soul.

[Vojtěch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poslední kniha prequelové trilogie není přesně to, co jsem si představoval pod epickým koncem dalšího příběhového celku, nicméně splnila účel a byla přesně tím správným nakopávákem ke čtení dalších fantasy knih, abych se vrátil ke svým kořenům.