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Forgotten Realms: Maztica #3
Feathered Dragon
Douglas Niles pens a thrilling climax to The Maztica Trilogy, the exotic location set within the Forgotten Realms.
The greatest city in Maztica lies in ruins as a plague of hideous monsters descends across the land. From the ashes of destruction, a tenuous alliance forms. Legionnaires and native warriors fight side by side, desperate to stem the onslaught of chaos. Their only hope of victory requires aid from beyond Faerun—the prophecy given to Erixitl of Palul: Quotal, immortal Plumed Serpent, will return to Maztica for a final battle against the forces of evil. But already the Feathered Dragon may be too late.
The greatest city in Maztica lies in ruins as a plague of hideous monsters descends across the land. From the ashes of destruction, a tenuous alliance forms. Legionnaires and native warriors fight side by side, desperate to stem the onslaught of chaos. Their only hope of victory requires aid from beyond Faerun—the prophecy given to Erixitl of Palul: Quotal, immortal Plumed Serpent, will return to Maztica for a final battle against the forces of evil. But already the Feathered Dragon may be too late.
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
9 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Niles
175 books235 followersDouglas Niles is a fantasy author and game designer. Niles was one of the creators of the Dragonlance world and the author of the first three Forgotten Realms novels, and the Top Secret S/I espionage role-playing game. He currently resides in Delavan, Wisconsin with his wife, Christine, and two Bouviets, Reggie and Stella. He enjoys playing his guitar, cooking, and visiting with family.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 26, 2019
The third part of Douglas Niles prior Forgotten Realms trilogy - Darkwell (#3 in the Moonshae Isles trilogy, whose first entry was the first published Forgotten Realms novel for you trivia buffs) - was structured very similarly to Feathered Dragon. In both, multiple parties pursuing separate adventure paths gradually converged to reach the grand climax. Feathered Dragon accomplishes this much better, in my opinion, than Darkwell did. Nonetheless there remained for me a strong "get it over with" feeling throughout, interrupted by welcome bits of whimsy, such as (minor spoiler) the introduction of Maztica Halflings. Still, the constant slog of assorted groups of characters struggling to either overcome or at least stay ahead of overwhelming forces of evil goes on for a bit too long. Along the way, something is lost, like character development. When the primary purpose of a book is plot resolution, one must be already thoroughly invested in the characters or satisfied purely by action scenes, I suppose.
March 29, 2015
Oh, what appalling trash we read when we are young and ignorant. Feathery, dragon-y trash.
April 8, 2018
Of course the momentum built up in the first two books couldn't carry across to this one. There were too many separate threads, unresolved plot lines, and that rushed ending...it's still a cracking read so it has that going for it.
Oh well, we're done with Maztica it seems.
Oh well, we're done with Maztica it seems.
July 28, 2014
The final book in a shameful series
25 June 2014
I am not really sure that I can say all that much about this book beyond what the four people who have written reviews on this book have said. It is a shame though because looking at the rating scale on Goodreads it seems that there are a number that actually liked this book, and a few that absolutely hated it, however the people that have commented on it have used the words 'absolute' and 'crap' (and in the same sentence, generally next to each other) to describe this book. In fact they generally don't go all that much further on from that statement because, in their mind, there is nothing much else to say about it.
As for me all I can remember about this book is that at the end the city of the Mazticans (or whatever they are called) is destroyed by some powerful magic and the inhabitants are all turned into orcs and demons, with a Meso-american taste to it. In a way this is probably the only deviation from the actual historical events that this series is very closely following. Fortunately I can't get my hands on this book anymore so I don't need to torture myself into reading it again, not that I would actually do such a shameful thing.
I think I might pay my local second-hand bookstore in Northcote a visit though, just to see what he has available in the rubbish Dungeons & Dragons line, preferably something that I have not yet read. Mind you, I have found one place that does have the Cleric Quintet, which I am tempted to get, though I look at the huge pile of books on my to read list and end up having second thoughts. However it would be interesting to see what is available. I can check my library online though, which is also helpful. In fact, I am becoming to appreciate libraries because I can borrow the book, read it, and return it, without worrying about it cluttering up my space.
25 June 2014
I am not really sure that I can say all that much about this book beyond what the four people who have written reviews on this book have said. It is a shame though because looking at the rating scale on Goodreads it seems that there are a number that actually liked this book, and a few that absolutely hated it, however the people that have commented on it have used the words 'absolute' and 'crap' (and in the same sentence, generally next to each other) to describe this book. In fact they generally don't go all that much further on from that statement because, in their mind, there is nothing much else to say about it.
As for me all I can remember about this book is that at the end the city of the Mazticans (or whatever they are called) is destroyed by some powerful magic and the inhabitants are all turned into orcs and demons, with a Meso-american taste to it. In a way this is probably the only deviation from the actual historical events that this series is very closely following. Fortunately I can't get my hands on this book anymore so I don't need to torture myself into reading it again, not that I would actually do such a shameful thing.
I think I might pay my local second-hand bookstore in Northcote a visit though, just to see what he has available in the rubbish Dungeons & Dragons line, preferably something that I have not yet read. Mind you, I have found one place that does have the Cleric Quintet, which I am tempted to get, though I look at the huge pile of books on my to read list and end up having second thoughts. However it would be interesting to see what is available. I can check my library online though, which is also helpful. In fact, I am becoming to appreciate libraries because I can borrow the book, read it, and return it, without worrying about it cluttering up my space.
April 17, 2016
Disappointing, honestly. The characters remained painfully archetypical, with Erixitl being the passive chosen one, living plot point and nothing else, Halloran an angsty bodyguard, the noble savages, the monster army a huge copout from having any real plot besides telling Erixitl she's the chosen one, Poshtli being a Deus Ex Machina in the end... why do I even bother?
July 15, 2021
I liked this much more than I expected.
The over arching plot is decent, though somewhat cliché. The characters are fine, fairly well developed, but we loose a lot of character scope in this book compared to the previous, as this one is very focused on the war. Many chapters are filled with military battles, and Niles writes these well. I was never bored. However, I did feel like the end was a little anti-climactic. Overall, I skipped this series thinking that I would not like it, and I was pleasantly surprised.
A quick aside: I got a real "Legacy of the Drow" vibe towards the end of the second book. Even more so when reading this one. Years ago, I read about how R.A. Salvatore really idolized Niles first series in Forgotten realms, and even sort of based Drizzt and Guenhwyvar on Kendrick and Canthus the Moorhound (loosely, he said he liked the relationship and was inspired). So I found it interesting that this second series, especially the long battles, reminded me of Salvatore's 3rd series that was written 1 year later. In the same vein, Niles has this epic ending with one of the protagonists giving birth on an evil god's alter; similar to the opening scene of Salvatore's "Homeland", where Matron Mother Do'Urden uses the pain of labor to make her spells more powerful and destroy a rival house. Lastly...I could not help but compare the wild halflings and dessert dwarves to the feral halflings and dwarves of Darksun; the Prism Pentad came out 1 year after this series as well....
The over arching plot is decent, though somewhat cliché. The characters are fine, fairly well developed, but we loose a lot of character scope in this book compared to the previous, as this one is very focused on the war. Many chapters are filled with military battles, and Niles writes these well. I was never bored. However, I did feel like the end was a little anti-climactic. Overall, I skipped this series thinking that I would not like it, and I was pleasantly surprised.
A quick aside: I got a real "Legacy of the Drow" vibe towards the end of the second book. Even more so when reading this one. Years ago, I read about how R.A. Salvatore really idolized Niles first series in Forgotten realms, and even sort of based Drizzt and Guenhwyvar on Kendrick and Canthus the Moorhound (loosely, he said he liked the relationship and was inspired). So I found it interesting that this second series, especially the long battles, reminded me of Salvatore's 3rd series that was written 1 year later. In the same vein, Niles has this epic ending with one of the protagonists giving birth on an evil god's alter; similar to the opening scene of Salvatore's "Homeland", where Matron Mother Do'Urden uses the pain of labor to make her spells more powerful and destroy a rival house. Lastly...I could not help but compare the wild halflings and dessert dwarves to the feral halflings and dwarves of Darksun; the Prism Pentad came out 1 year after this series as well....
July 15, 2020
This finished up a reread of this series for me.
I'd put that last book somewhere between the first and second. The first was the best of the series, with this one close behind.
I enjoyed quite a bit about this. There was a much darker feel than most other Forgotten Realms books. I thought the writing was solid and it kept me interested until the end.
Some things were wrapped up a little too smoothly and quickly at the end, but I loved the actions of Coton at the end. (SPOILER) Having a priest realize that his god and the god he was fighting would both destroy Maztica, and sacrificing himself to banish them both, was powerful.
Overall, I'd recommend this series to anyone who wants to see a different culture represented in a fantasy setting.
I'd put that last book somewhere between the first and second. The first was the best of the series, with this one close behind.
I enjoyed quite a bit about this. There was a much darker feel than most other Forgotten Realms books. I thought the writing was solid and it kept me interested until the end.
Some things were wrapped up a little too smoothly and quickly at the end, but I loved the actions of Coton at the end. (SPOILER) Having a priest realize that his god and the god he was fighting would both destroy Maztica, and sacrificing himself to banish them both, was powerful.
Overall, I'd recommend this series to anyone who wants to see a different culture represented in a fantasy setting.
April 29, 2022
Podría decir que mejora los dos anteriores, porque al menos se aparta de ser un retelling de la Conquista y es ¿original? Pues no, porque entonces se convierte en la típica historia de fantasía maníquea, en la que los malos solo sienten ansias de destrucción y los buenos son débiles y deben unir fuerzas.
Y todo sucede con excesiva rapidez, sin tiempo para digerir lo que sucede (y tampoco importa en realidad para la historia), y con un final abrupto. Parece que Douglas Niles quería llegar a cierto punto (supongo que para dejar Maztica tal y como se conoció en su momento como ambientación de juego), y lo consiguió dejándose por medio contar una historia de verdad.
Y todo sucede con excesiva rapidez, sin tiempo para digerir lo que sucede (y tampoco importa en realidad para la historia), y con un final abrupto. Parece que Douglas Niles quería llegar a cierto punto (supongo que para dejar Maztica tal y como se conoció en su momento como ambientación de juego), y lo consiguió dejándose por medio contar una historia de verdad.
July 3, 2019
Se il secondo libro stupiva il lettore che incredibili effetti speciali, questo terzo libro è a malapena sufficiente. C'è gente che si rincorre per tutto il continente, nemici totalmente dimenticati come Lolth o totalmente inutili Don Vaez ed un finale veramente ridicolo e totalmente insensato. C'è spazio anche per una piccola parte rubicchiata da LOTR quando si vedono arrivare i velieri in lontananza. E' un peccato perchè alla fine ci si affeziona ad alcuni personaggi, e la saga poteva meritarsi un finale decisamente migliore.
January 24, 2022
Like the previous two books, I didn't expect a lot from this one, and was pleasantly surprised. The story and the characters are good. It has an unusual setting for a fantasy novel, and yet it holds a typically D&D flavor. The frequent perspective changes help keep the pace quick, and there's actually no time to get bored in here. Also, the conclusion is completely unexpected. I especially appreciated the characterization of the drow/drider team, which offers a view of drow society other than Salvatore's.
All in all, a very good reading.
All in all, a very good reading.
January 3, 2024
Did not enjoy this one that much. How do the natives not know that the dwarfs live there or the halflings but not all the natives some know but the word hasn't got out yet because magic I guess. Somehow Cordell is the best part of this book his character at least felt like it had an arc. By the halfway point I was bored with it. Darrien is boring in this book running around and destroying everything her parts felt the same as zaltec and his priests parts just aimlessly destroying everything without much thought .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
Awful reading material; I don't like the author's style; I Could not finish it. I gave this book too Goodwill, too.
November 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the epilogue had been longer.
December 20, 2025
Enjoyed this series alot more than zi thought.
February 28, 2025
"Feathered Dragon" by Douglas Niles is the last a fantasy novel in the "Maztica" series, that, while having some engaging elements, ultimately falls short in delivering a satisfying conclusion. The story's premise is intriguing, and Niles' world-building is commendable, creating a vivid and imaginative setting.
However, the ending of the book is quite chaotic and illogical, leaving readers with more questions than answers. The resolution feels rushed and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the final events and understand the characters' motivations. This lack of coherence detracts from the overall impact of the story and leaves a sense of disappointment.
Despite these issues, "Feathered Dragon" has its moments of creativity and excitement. With a more carefully crafted ending, it could have been a much stronger addition to the fantasy genre. Fans of Niles' work might still find some enjoyment, but it's not without its flaws.
However, the ending of the book is quite chaotic and illogical, leaving readers with more questions than answers. The resolution feels rushed and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the final events and understand the characters' motivations. This lack of coherence detracts from the overall impact of the story and leaves a sense of disappointment.
Despite these issues, "Feathered Dragon" has its moments of creativity and excitement. With a more carefully crafted ending, it could have been a much stronger addition to the fantasy genre. Fans of Niles' work might still find some enjoyment, but it's not without its flaws.
June 14, 2016
Ñmeh! Pues, el argumento se reduce a dos frases, pelea entre Qotal y Zaltec, y bueno, como era de esperarse, el mestizaje, la unión de dos razas. La trama tiene giros interesantes, y la acción es más constante. Los personajes siguen siendo plaaaanos y vacíos... los "protas" siguen el aburrido esquema estoico de la premisa del "elegido", mezclado con la idea de "Pocahontas", es decir, que ya todo estaba profetizado, y las decisiones y actuar de los "elegidos" es irrelevante -lo que ya los hace pésimos personajes-, y el tipo que traiciona a su raza por una mujer.... ¡Hay algo más trillado!
September 22, 2013
Se non ricordo male l'intera trilogia era la versione fantasy dell'invasione dell'America da parte dei conquistadores spagnoli.
L'avevo trovata piuttosto noiosa, ma ero andato avanti fino alla fine (da ragazzi si ha molto tempo, all'epoca poi non avevo neanche internet).
Il finale pure mi era sembrato improbabile, mah una saga evitabile.
L'avevo trovata piuttosto noiosa, ma ero andato avanti fino alla fine (da ragazzi si ha molto tempo, all'epoca poi non avevo neanche internet).
Il finale pure mi era sembrato improbabile, mah una saga evitabile.
September 30, 2022
As someone else mentioned it reminds me of one of his previous books, Darkwell. This one was the worst of the trilogy. It had numerous groups on different paths all converging at the end. The story seems rushed. At the end 2 of the major characters aren't even mentioned in the major battle. Numerous unanswered story plots. Seems like a waste of an ending to an overall good trilogy.
June 30, 2013
This book was absolute crap!! If you're going to write a book about Latin America, then write a book about Latin America!
Sure as to how I managed to finish the first two book and attempting to read this one has not been successful. I do not recommend this trilogy whatsoever!
Sure as to how I managed to finish the first two book and attempting to read this one has not been successful. I do not recommend this trilogy whatsoever!
October 30, 2014
A painfully drawn out conclusion to the Maztica Trilogy. Hopefully we're done with this setting. For a Book 3 the pace was fine and I worked through it, but there was absolutely no reason for 3 of these books.
Next up - The Parched Sea by Troy Denning Book 1 of the Harper's Series.
Next up - The Parched Sea by Troy Denning Book 1 of the Harper's Series.
May 8, 2012
This book continues with the parallels with Latin American history. To me the series was fascinating in that reading it made me rethink some of the Latin American history I had learned.
January 30, 2014
The worst of the series, it departs completely from the previous books. The ending have some nice twists, but it is predictable and poorly done.
February 3, 2017
This one was ok. I was a little confused as to why the perpetrator of the corruption of the Viperhand Cult was changed from Lolth to Zaltec in this book (with no explanation as to why), but I guess it really didn't matter. Overall, the plot was tied up neatly, although it didn't deliver the "oomph" I expected. Too bad. I liked the previous two books.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews