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Dragonlance: Barbarians #2
Brother of the Dragon
After twelve years of peace and prosperity, the village of Yala-tene has grown into a thriving town, until its peace is threatened by an ambitious priest of the dragon cult and by a save horde of barbarian warriors. Original.
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 6, 2022
Not as interesting as it's predecessor and ends on a cliffhanger. There were a couple lulls where the plot stagnated. I wish there were more complex conflict between the characters. So far, it's been too straightforward to be enjoyed. Boy likes girl but she doesn't like him back. Boy obsessed with possessing girl but she hates him. Man obsessed with power that consumes him. Army attacks village cause of one generals lust for power. etc.
Perhaps it's the age of the book. I've read so much of the same themes done the same way throughout my life that these just felt boring.
Perhaps it's the age of the book. I've read so much of the same themes done the same way throughout my life that these just felt boring.
January 26, 2022
I'm gonna remark again on the cover as I did with the first book; it's shithouse. The perspective of the man and woman on the sides is wrong, and the guy on the left, whom I assume is Amero, looks like a lamewad. Hardly looking like the leader type. I'm guessing the woman is Mara, but why put her on the cover? She's hardly in the book. Anyway...
The middle book is story-dense, character-driven, fast paced and easy to read. Notwithstanding that the language our barbarian primitives use is simple and plain, the story prose is simple and plain too. While it makes for a fast (well, faster) read, it is kinda stifling and made it a teensy bit hard to pick back up where I'd left off. But when I did, I got lost in the story. I mean, I read more than half the book in one day, which is possibly a record. I tend to give books 4 stars if I'd felt a certain excitement and satisfaction, and the thing is, I didn't with this. Nonetheless, I feel that the progression of plot, character development and exploration of the world was impressive enough to grant it 4 stars. Enough to look back on book 1 to consider giving it an extra star.
There's a clue to who Zannian might really be at the end. But that's a hunch of mine...
The middle book is story-dense, character-driven, fast paced and easy to read. Notwithstanding that the language our barbarian primitives use is simple and plain, the story prose is simple and plain too. While it makes for a fast (well, faster) read, it is kinda stifling and made it a teensy bit hard to pick back up where I'd left off. But when I did, I got lost in the story. I mean, I read more than half the book in one day, which is possibly a record. I tend to give books 4 stars if I'd felt a certain excitement and satisfaction, and the thing is, I didn't with this. Nonetheless, I feel that the progression of plot, character development and exploration of the world was impressive enough to grant it 4 stars. Enough to look back on book 1 to consider giving it an extra star.
There's a clue to who Zannian might really be at the end. But that's a hunch of mine...
March 20, 2024
The book came close to being bad because of one character, but that problematic plot point was solved adequately, and an interesting plot twist was introduced towards the end. Onwards to the final book of the trilogy!
December 29, 2018
Truly a great addition to pre-cataclysm Krynn history. Understanding the beginning of the history between humans, dragons and elves...
February 27, 2023
Great book, had never read it before from the Dragonlance Series
November 2, 2012
Mikal is learning the blacksmith’s trade when the Guild of Constant Working tests all the youngsters in his village and “gleans” him. Following a harrowing journey from his rural home to the capital city, Mikal becomes friends with street-wise Lyra, is apprenticed to the powerful (but evil) wizard Harlano, and is caught up in events that threaten to destroy the kingdom.
The plot moves forward at a rapid clip, the emphasis is on the action, and it ends with a cliffhanger. As the novel was written with reluctant readers in mind, this approach will appeal to that audience. Certainly reluctant readers will empathize with Mikal, who struggles to learn to read without tutelage in order to learn magic and organize Harlano’s extensive library. The pacing does not allow for in-depth character development, but many engaging characters are introduced against an intriguing setting. Mikal’s mentor is a magical talking head he calls Orry (which stays close-lipped for all others save Mikal). Harlano ,the “evil” wizard, seems more distracted and caught up in his own agenda than wicked and vindictive in his dealings with Mikal. Lyra might clean up into a love interest in a future installment, but in this story she is a street-savvy urchin who sees to her own practical needs as well as Mikal’s.
Paul Thompson is the author of several Dragonlance novels. “Brightworking” is the first of the forthcoming fantasy trilogy, “The Brightstone Saga.” I look forward to reading “The Fortune Teller” (an excerpt is included in the first volume) and seeing how this story unfolds.
The plot moves forward at a rapid clip, the emphasis is on the action, and it ends with a cliffhanger. As the novel was written with reluctant readers in mind, this approach will appeal to that audience. Certainly reluctant readers will empathize with Mikal, who struggles to learn to read without tutelage in order to learn magic and organize Harlano’s extensive library. The pacing does not allow for in-depth character development, but many engaging characters are introduced against an intriguing setting. Mikal’s mentor is a magical talking head he calls Orry (which stays close-lipped for all others save Mikal). Harlano ,the “evil” wizard, seems more distracted and caught up in his own agenda than wicked and vindictive in his dealings with Mikal. Lyra might clean up into a love interest in a future installment, but in this story she is a street-savvy urchin who sees to her own practical needs as well as Mikal’s.
Paul Thompson is the author of several Dragonlance novels. “Brightworking” is the first of the forthcoming fantasy trilogy, “The Brightstone Saga.” I look forward to reading “The Fortune Teller” (an excerpt is included in the first volume) and seeing how this story unfolds.
August 20, 2012
The novel tells the story of Mikal, who is "gleaned" from his village in a scene that makes one half expect someone else to Volunteer As Tribute, and then shipped off to serve the Guild of Constant Working (which, I have to say, is one of the best-named organizations I've heard of in a while). While there, he makes a friend named Lyra, becomes apprenticed to a powerful wizard of questionable morals, and becomes part of a sweeping series of events that promise to have Lasting Consequences For Everyone Involved.
The emphasis here is on action. The plot moves forward as quickly as humanly possible, and though the setting is reasonably vibrant, there's nowhere near the attention to world-building or peripheral characters that a fan of Harry Potter or The Hobbit might desire. However, it's impossible to get bored while reading The Brightworking, and Mikal and Lyra practically fly from one adventure to another. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger; books two and three are coming soon, to the point that their ISBNs are already printed on the back cover.
The key here is probably to understand that this novel is published by Enslow, who usually puts out high-interest nonfiction series (Rebels of Rock, People to Know Today, When Wild Animals Attack!). This book seems designed with reluctant readers in mind, from the conceptual level down to the simple, uncomplicated prose. And for that audience, I think it's remarkably successful.
The emphasis here is on action. The plot moves forward as quickly as humanly possible, and though the setting is reasonably vibrant, there's nowhere near the attention to world-building or peripheral characters that a fan of Harry Potter or The Hobbit might desire. However, it's impossible to get bored while reading The Brightworking, and Mikal and Lyra practically fly from one adventure to another. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger; books two and three are coming soon, to the point that their ISBNs are already printed on the back cover.
The key here is probably to understand that this novel is published by Enslow, who usually puts out high-interest nonfiction series (Rebels of Rock, People to Know Today, When Wild Animals Attack!). This book seems designed with reluctant readers in mind, from the conceptual level down to the simple, uncomplicated prose. And for that audience, I think it's remarkably successful.
September 17, 2012
Alrighty, totally honest review time here. Having been fortunate enough to win this book (through Goodreads First Reads), the least I can do is review it.
Brightworking is a fantastic story, trapped by the simplicity of its language. The story is filled with interesting and entertaining possibility, with some interesting bits of magic, it just never fully reaches its potential. The language is just too simple, it lacks the real shine that one would find in the works of the masters of fantasy.
Of course, that is hardly a damning condemnation of the book. That it doesn't stand up with Tolkien or Brooks certainly doesn't mean that it isn't worth reading. I'd say that it *IS* worth reading, despite its shortcomings.
The story of Mikal takes quite a few twists and turns in a very short time and the setting is interesting enough to warrant returning to the world for the rest of the series.
Clocking in as short as it does, it feels more like the first part of a book, or a novella rather than a stand alone work. In took me about two hours to breeze through it, so it doesn't require a monumental commitment to give the series a try (unlike say, Gormanghast...shudder).
Paul Thompson is obviously a man with stories to tell, I just feel that he still needs to find and use his full voice.
Brightworking is a fantastic story, trapped by the simplicity of its language. The story is filled with interesting and entertaining possibility, with some interesting bits of magic, it just never fully reaches its potential. The language is just too simple, it lacks the real shine that one would find in the works of the masters of fantasy.
Of course, that is hardly a damning condemnation of the book. That it doesn't stand up with Tolkien or Brooks certainly doesn't mean that it isn't worth reading. I'd say that it *IS* worth reading, despite its shortcomings.
The story of Mikal takes quite a few twists and turns in a very short time and the setting is interesting enough to warrant returning to the world for the rest of the series.
Clocking in as short as it does, it feels more like the first part of a book, or a novella rather than a stand alone work. In took me about two hours to breeze through it, so it doesn't require a monumental commitment to give the series a try (unlike say, Gormanghast...shudder).
Paul Thompson is obviously a man with stories to tell, I just feel that he still needs to find and use his full voice.
August 15, 2012
The Brightstone Saga is a forthcoming fantasy trilogy from Enslow Publishers. The Brightworking was a relatively light story that was easily digestible and takes place in a world of ancient magic, which I can see appealing to certain students. This could certainly pass as a read-alike for the youngest Harry Potter fans, but lacks the depth those fans may be used to. The story does not waste much time with background and setting details and gets right into the action of the story, but the trade-off here is that the characters seemed undeveloped and it was difficult to tie the story to any larger, meaningful themes, so it fell a bit flat for me. At the same time, there are political sub-plots in this story that are glazed over and may be confusing to the intended (ages 10 and up) audience. For its pacing and appealing subject matter, I am reluctant to score The Brightworking with only 2 stars, but I am hesitant to bump it up to 3 without some more developed literary elements.
On a promising note, there was a preview of the second book in the trilogy at the end, and that seemed as though it may have more intrigue and will go deeper into the characters than the first effort. I'm interested to see how the second installment The Fortune Teller may or may not fill out the larger story of the Brightstone Saga.
On a promising note, there was a preview of the second book in the trilogy at the end, and that seemed as though it may have more intrigue and will go deeper into the characters than the first effort. I'm interested to see how the second installment The Fortune Teller may or may not fill out the larger story of the Brightstone Saga.
May 29, 2015
My rating is 3.5 stars.
This is part of the Dragonlance world. It is the second book of a trilogy and I suggest reading the first book to become familiar with the characters. Some time has passed and Amero's settlement has thrived and grown. But an old enemy has united with a new enemy and they have come to wage war.
I am enjoying this trilogy that is set in this world. It tells the beginnings of the Barbarian race and the authors have carved out a nice storyline. I enjoyed the return of an old enemy and there are new concepts that are introduced that will be important aspects of this world. There is plenty of action to keep the pace going and there is a hint of a developing plot device that entices the reader. I did have to drop my rating the half star because there was no conclusion for this novel. It just ended and one must read the third novel to receive any closure. I don't mind cliffhangers but there should be closure of storylines and enough hanging threads for the next in line book. This book just has hanging threads.
That being said, this trilogy is a welcome addition to this world and provides insight of a race of people. I do anticipate the final novel as everything should be concluded.
This is part of the Dragonlance world. It is the second book of a trilogy and I suggest reading the first book to become familiar with the characters. Some time has passed and Amero's settlement has thrived and grown. But an old enemy has united with a new enemy and they have come to wage war.
I am enjoying this trilogy that is set in this world. It tells the beginnings of the Barbarian race and the authors have carved out a nice storyline. I enjoyed the return of an old enemy and there are new concepts that are introduced that will be important aspects of this world. There is plenty of action to keep the pace going and there is a hint of a developing plot device that entices the reader. I did have to drop my rating the half star because there was no conclusion for this novel. It just ended and one must read the third novel to receive any closure. I don't mind cliffhangers but there should be closure of storylines and enough hanging threads for the next in line book. This book just has hanging threads.
That being said, this trilogy is a welcome addition to this world and provides insight of a race of people. I do anticipate the final novel as everything should be concluded.
September 18, 2012
I received this book as from Goodreads' First Reads program.
When I looked at the name of the author, I knew I had seen Paul Thompson's name somewhere before, but I did not connect his name to several of the Dragonlance novels I have read in the past and enjoyed until I read the blurb about the author at the end of the book.
The Brightworking is the first novel in a series, set in a fictional world of magic, that seems to have come from the stars. Mikal is the main character in the book, a nice, caring teenage boy who finds out he has innate magical powers, and is whisked away from home and family in a "Gleaning" a yearly occurrence in his hometown, to find people of magical aptitude.
The book seems to be written with a younger audience in mind, but the story is intriguing enough, regardless of the reader's age. I read it in under two hours, not stopping because I wanted to find out what happened next. Without giving away anything else about the plot, the story is well-paced and does not lag anywhere. It's just a fun read, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel to the book, of which an excerpt is included in this offering.
When I looked at the name of the author, I knew I had seen Paul Thompson's name somewhere before, but I did not connect his name to several of the Dragonlance novels I have read in the past and enjoyed until I read the blurb about the author at the end of the book.
The Brightworking is the first novel in a series, set in a fictional world of magic, that seems to have come from the stars. Mikal is the main character in the book, a nice, caring teenage boy who finds out he has innate magical powers, and is whisked away from home and family in a "Gleaning" a yearly occurrence in his hometown, to find people of magical aptitude.
The book seems to be written with a younger audience in mind, but the story is intriguing enough, regardless of the reader's age. I read it in under two hours, not stopping because I wanted to find out what happened next. Without giving away anything else about the plot, the story is well-paced and does not lag anywhere. It's just a fun read, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel to the book, of which an excerpt is included in this offering.
September 5, 2012
My 13 year old son snagged this book as soon as it arrived in the mail and read it before I could get my hands on it. He really enjoyed it but said it was a pretty quick read and ended too soon. He is now waiting for the next book to come out. I think that is the best recommendation for any book...I am now reading it as well and my 8 year old wants to read it next.
My rating system is as follows:
5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, may contain profanity or suggestive themes.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on the criteria found in my review.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.
My rating system is as follows:
5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, may contain profanity or suggestive themes.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on the criteria found in my review.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.
October 16, 2012
A story of Mikal who is gleaned from his village to work for the Guild of Constant Work which is under the control of wizards. The head wizard, Harlano, is evil in what he wants to happen to the city. Mikal is noticed because of some special skills he may have and is moved up to work for Harlano. Befriending Lyra the two work together to survive along with a metal talking head that Mikal calls Orry. The adventures of the three continue in book 2, The Fortune-Teller, not yet released but I read the advanced reader copy from Enslow Publishing. While story contains ancient magic and has some war action, it is basically a simple fantasy, not much depth like most fantasy like Harry Potter. I would advise it for ages 8-11. The shortness and lack of depth may not hold an older age used to more violence and spells.
March 14, 2014
In the third volume of the Brightstone Saga, the evil wizard Harlano has captured Mikal’s oracle device, a talking head nicknamed “Orry.” Inside Orry is a secret that can end all the world’s magic: the location of the Brightstone. Although Mikal is only an apprentice, he will stop at nothing to defeat Harlano; he knows the fate of the world lies with his success. Along with his feisty friend Lyra and the werewolf Killeen, the trio battles pirates, wizards, and dark magic in their quest to rescue Orry and definitively defeat Harlano.
This novel benefits from reading the earlier two volumes: “The Brightworking,” and “The Fortune-Tellers.” Still, readers will soon be cheering on Mikal and his ragtag band of adventurers. The plot is not complicated and the action is fast-paced. This series is a good choice for reluctant readers who are being introduced to the fantasy genre.
This novel benefits from reading the earlier two volumes: “The Brightworking,” and “The Fortune-Tellers.” Still, readers will soon be cheering on Mikal and his ragtag band of adventurers. The plot is not complicated and the action is fast-paced. This series is a good choice for reluctant readers who are being introduced to the fantasy genre.
October 22, 2021
Finished this last night and started the next one right after. The second book in the Barbarians Trilogy, another excellent journey into the past of Krynn. I’m really enjoying this look at the beginnings of civilizations; it feels like a very natural development. Thompson and Cook have done it again! This one ended on more of a cliffhanger than the first book, and I think I’ve predicted what may become a big reveal in the final entry, but that isn’t hindering my enjoyment of the series at all. Duranix is also a very interesting character—I like that, since he’s a dragon, his thoughts and motivations are very different from those of his human companions. It makes sense; he’s a completely different creature and wouldn’t have a reason to behave so humanly.
February 5, 2013
This book is an interesting tale about a young man's introduction to the magical world when he is gleaned to work for the sorcerer's Guild of Constant Working. Mikal soon learns of the magical world around him and about the politics within the Guild. He has a metal talking head that assists him and his friend Lyra. This would be a good book for young readers since it does introduce the readers to a new world.
August 1, 2012
I won this book from Goodreads First-reads! I loved this book. Thompson is a master storyteller, he pulls you right into the action from the very begining! I love that he leaves out anything inconsequential, and that you can understand the story lines without chapters of meaningless backstory. Wonderful quick read for fantasy lovers of all ages, can't wait for the next one!
October 22, 2012
Fun and interesting, I enjoyed it a lot. I want to see what becomes of the scattered wizards and the clashing kingdoms but more so than that I need to find out what becomes of Mikal. Putting pages from the next installment at the end, I'm going to need that next book. I'm too involved to let it go now. There are things I need to know.
September 24, 2012
I received this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) through LibraryThing.
I enjoyed reading this one a lot. It is fast-paced, and I read it in just a few hours. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, it should be a page-turner just like this book.
If you like fantasy stories, then give this book a try, it's a good read, and the author is a great storyteller.
I enjoyed reading this one a lot. It is fast-paced, and I read it in just a few hours. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, it should be a page-turner just like this book.
If you like fantasy stories, then give this book a try, it's a good read, and the author is a great storyteller.
October 23, 2012
I won this book through Goodreads (Yeah!!!). I would give this book a 3.5-3.75. I thought the story was well paced. I did not think it lagged anywhere.The book was a joy to read and I definitely would recommend it for ages 8-12. However, older people would still enjoy the book. The book is a quick read but it packs a punch. I can't wait for the next book.
August 11, 2015
Amero is now chief of Yala-tene and Duranix its protector. A threat arises from the West, a green dragon named Sthenn.
When a young girl escapes the dragon's clutches she finds her way to Amero and his village to provide warning.
While this threat from the outside grows, Amero must also confront a threat from the inside from the cult of the dragon and its leader Tiphan.
When a young girl escapes the dragon's clutches she finds her way to Amero and his village to provide warning.
While this threat from the outside grows, Amero must also confront a threat from the inside from the cult of the dragon and its leader Tiphan.
October 1, 2016
This wasn't a bad book. Just wasn't as great as book one. Now after reading book 3, this book was needed. It set up so much of book 3.
The abrupt ending was the only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4.
The abrupt ending was the only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4.
March 4, 2015
This is really a cute story for middle teens.It took me a while to get into it but it turned out to be quite good. The story line and the writing were great.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews