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Dragonrealm: Origins #2
Children of the Drake
The Vraad have managed to claim a portion of their new home, but bitter feelings cause trouble between factions. As Lord Barakas attempts to bring all under his iron rule, the wizard Dru Zeree's daughter Sharissa discovers that their adopted world has other plans in mind, plans that will forever change the Vraad in ways they cannot even fathom...and would fear if they knew the truth.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
7 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Richard A. Knaak
283 books1,483 followersRichard 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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 14, 2022
So unknown to me when I initially started this book I had not realized this was book 2 in a trilogy, and I fully blame the publisher since they put no indication on the copy I have that this was the 2nd book in a series. Seriously publishers stop that.
What I can say though in regards to having read book 2 before book 1, is that this actually holds up really well on its own. It gives you just enough information to know what the titular event was in book 1 that you don't feel lost in the events taking place in this one. I have a pretty clear understanding of what happened and I can honestly appreciate that, that's probably one of my favorite things about this older huge series, you can enter them pretty much anywhere, and each book does really well as a standalone, even though it is part of a bigger series.
Now as for the story, this was definitely on the slower side and for being under 300pgs, that's for me kind of hindering. It really takes its time in building up the main event, I found myself in the middle of the story getting sleepy at times. But the story was interesting enough to keep me going, and I do think that if you are familiar with the Dragonrealm then staying interested will probably be easier, since this dives into the origins of the world. I'm not familiar with the world so everything was brand new to me.
The story takes place around the Vraad making there way to the Dragonrealm. They are weak and losing their magic and they want to find a way to have it back, while also re-establishing their power in a new land. There is also a kidnapping of an important woman involved who becomes one of the main characters in the story. As well as what was my biggest draw overall, an unknown change that is happening to the Vraad. They don't know what is going on and for the most part they do their best to just ignore it, until it finally comes to a head in the final event of the book. Ultimately it was for me the most interesting, because I thought I knew what was happening but the actual outcome was slightly different then what I thought.
We follow a few different characters and honestly I wasn't really drawn to any, but I will say the final event with Barakas did hurt my heart and I managed to feel really bad for him. I love how Knaak made me go through this whole book hating this man, because his ego is so huge, but then managed to make me feel for him because he made this man truly love his wife and the events that transpire with them tugged at my heart.
Darkhorse comes back (I say it this way because I assume he was in the first book) I have to admit I liked him, but I was kind of bummed with how easy he was "removed" from majority of the story, considering how powerful he was suppose to be.
I was actually really thankful that Knaak treated Sharissa like a human and not like a sex object, it was great seeing her described based on personality traits and intelligence. I will say her romance towards the end felt out of place, and honestly I think the book could have done with out it as it quite literally did nothing for the plot aside from creating tension with Reegan. (which I do kind of which we got to see more of him.)
Overall the story is very straight forward and stays to one plot majority of the book. There is a 'side' plot with Gerrod and honestly most of that was boring but I did like seeing him attempting to converse with creatures that didn't use words but imagery instead. It wraps up all the events but leaves a few smaller storylines open for more to be told in another installment.
What I can say though in regards to having read book 2 before book 1, is that this actually holds up really well on its own. It gives you just enough information to know what the titular event was in book 1 that you don't feel lost in the events taking place in this one. I have a pretty clear understanding of what happened and I can honestly appreciate that, that's probably one of my favorite things about this older huge series, you can enter them pretty much anywhere, and each book does really well as a standalone, even though it is part of a bigger series.
Now as for the story, this was definitely on the slower side and for being under 300pgs, that's for me kind of hindering. It really takes its time in building up the main event, I found myself in the middle of the story getting sleepy at times. But the story was interesting enough to keep me going, and I do think that if you are familiar with the Dragonrealm then staying interested will probably be easier, since this dives into the origins of the world. I'm not familiar with the world so everything was brand new to me.
The story takes place around the Vraad making there way to the Dragonrealm. They are weak and losing their magic and they want to find a way to have it back, while also re-establishing their power in a new land. There is also a kidnapping of an important woman involved who becomes one of the main characters in the story. As well as what was my biggest draw overall, an unknown change that is happening to the Vraad. They don't know what is going on and for the most part they do their best to just ignore it, until it finally comes to a head in the final event of the book. Ultimately it was for me the most interesting, because I thought I knew what was happening but the actual outcome was slightly different then what I thought.
We follow a few different characters and honestly I wasn't really drawn to any, but I will say the final event with Barakas did hurt my heart and I managed to feel really bad for him. I love how Knaak made me go through this whole book hating this man, because his ego is so huge, but then managed to make me feel for him because he made this man truly love his wife and the events that transpire with them tugged at my heart.
Darkhorse comes back (I say it this way because I assume he was in the first book) I have to admit I liked him, but I was kind of bummed with how easy he was "removed" from majority of the story, considering how powerful he was suppose to be.
I was actually really thankful that Knaak treated Sharissa like a human and not like a sex object, it was great seeing her described based on personality traits and intelligence. I will say her romance towards the end felt out of place, and honestly I think the book could have done with out it as it quite literally did nothing for the plot aside from creating tension with Reegan. (which I do kind of which we got to see more of him.)
Overall the story is very straight forward and stays to one plot majority of the book. There is a 'side' plot with Gerrod and honestly most of that was boring but I did like seeing him attempting to converse with creatures that didn't use words but imagery instead. It wraps up all the events but leaves a few smaller storylines open for more to be told in another installment.
May 26, 2018
This book continues the Origins.
After switching gears, from first Dragon Realm stories
Then moving into origins.
Things now moving at a better pace.
Previous book Shrouded Realm. Had to deal with initial set up, and new characters.
(Kind of like, now that you have read some of the series. Here are the things you should have known.
Not so much trying to avoid the mysteries. With out this. Some of the early tales.
Maybe not so easy to contemplate. With out these back story facts.)
Decent pace. Action and intrigue.
Some of the previous, ruling races of the realm. Begin coming into play.
As we find more about them as well.
Also more secrets to the origin of Dragon Realm itself.
Before the Dragon Kings.
So lot to take in here.
If you like the series.
You will want to read this one.
After switching gears, from first Dragon Realm stories
Then moving into origins.
Things now moving at a better pace.
Previous book Shrouded Realm. Had to deal with initial set up, and new characters.
(Kind of like, now that you have read some of the series. Here are the things you should have known.
Not so much trying to avoid the mysteries. With out this. Some of the early tales.
Maybe not so easy to contemplate. With out these back story facts.)
Decent pace. Action and intrigue.
Some of the previous, ruling races of the realm. Begin coming into play.
As we find more about them as well.
Also more secrets to the origin of Dragon Realm itself.
Before the Dragon Kings.
So lot to take in here.
If you like the series.
You will want to read this one.
December 4, 2023
Druhý díl trilogie konečně nabízí konzistentní příběh, který má i jasně politicky rozložené strany. Tajemná minulost tvůrců zde dostává reálnější kontury. Po druhém dočtení svižná fantasy exkurze. Svět je rozhodně zajímavější na druhé dočtení jelikož se mozaika začíná doplňovat.
September 4, 2024
Writing wise it was good and so help me but Barakas was actually a very fun character to read about, but the Ravager absolutely not need to be a part of this book
September 9, 2010
I think RAK forgot he was writing a fantasy book for a while and wrote a bad romance/political thriller. Which would have been fine if that is what the cover was showing, and what back of the book and other text lead us on to believe. But the main plot line with the Tezereene transforming into the Dragon Kings got top billing but it really turned into a hockey stick development wise, with the payoff getting second billing to the battle with the seekers.
Key origins explained are Kivan Grath, who the dragon kings are (why there are 13 kings and 25 dukes) A bit about the two continents and the political foundations of both. Shade's basic origins are developed, with more in the next book (but we never get the exact cause of the curse).
Key origins explained are Kivan Grath, who the dragon kings are (why there are 13 kings and 25 dukes) A bit about the two continents and the political foundations of both. Shade's basic origins are developed, with more in the next book (but we never get the exact cause of the curse).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2016
I found this book boring as most of the characters just seem bland to me and I know it was kind of nice to see the Shade's origin and Darkhorse again but everything else just was kind of boring and the decision to make Dru's daughter the main character was also kind of a mistake as while she is not a bad character but she plays more of a damsel in distress then anything else.
September 3, 2013
This book tells you about how the Dragonrealms became what it is. This book is a must-read you could either read all the dragon origins before you read the full series or you can read them through how the volumes have them. Either or this is great storytelling a must read.
December 21, 2013
F***ing Amazing... More Darkhorse and we finally find out who Shade really is/was, also we see the Vraad finally get to the Dragonrealm (they were on the Gryphon's old continet prior)
April 10, 2014
And the story continues. Těším se na víc interakce to-be-Shadea a Temného koně až se pak začtu do třetího dílu. Snad toho tam bude... dost.
PS: Ty sykavky :D
(A furt nevim jak vznikl Křišťálový)
PS: Ty sykavky :D
(A furt nevim jak vznikl Křišťálový)
Want to read
November 7, 2014I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12669110
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12669110
September 24, 2015
Good finish but where is the SHADE? This story i was lead to believe was the origin of the SHADE.
January 10, 2017
Jediná škoda, že děj je trochu předvídatelný, ale jinak perfektní čtení. Doporučuji.
Read
March 27, 2019
Vraadové nalézají na novém světě nový život. Platí však za to krutou daň – pomalu přicházejí o magii i nesmrtelnost. V zoufalé snaze toto zvrátit, zosnuje lord Barakas plán, který osudově změní budoucnost všech obyvatel Dračí říše… DragonRealm – úžasný svět nelítostných válek, kde magie mladého Cabea Bedlama bojuje s čaroději, šílenými vládci, démony, temnými bohy… a nemilosrdnými dračími králi. Nyní je zde úžasná sága o tom, odkud se Dračí říše vzala.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews