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Mithgar (Publication) #6
Dragondoom
A thousand years before the Winter War, Elgo, prince of the Vanadurin, killed the Dragon Sleeth and returned home with the fabulous wealth from the dead beast’s lair. But there was more in the bounty than gems and gold, for the treasure was cursed, and in time it brought death to noble and peasant, war between Man and Dwarf, strife and destruction beyond reckoning.
Now, generations later, as the conflict continues, the great Dragon Black Kalgalath, in league with the Wizard Andrak, appears to avenge Sleeth’s death and claim the Dragon-cursed hoard. Against this unholy alliance, two sworn enemies set forth to find a legendary long-lost weapon: a warhammer of incalculable power that may be the only hope of victory. But neither the Warrior Maiden Elyn nor the Dwarf Thork is prepared for the dangers awaiting them on this quest....
Now, generations later, as the conflict continues, the great Dragon Black Kalgalath, in league with the Wizard Andrak, appears to avenge Sleeth’s death and claim the Dragon-cursed hoard. Against this unholy alliance, two sworn enemies set forth to find a legendary long-lost weapon: a warhammer of incalculable power that may be the only hope of victory. But neither the Warrior Maiden Elyn nor the Dwarf Thork is prepared for the dangers awaiting them on this quest....
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
41 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Dennis L. McKiernan
69 books524 followersMcKiernan was born in Moberly, Missouri, where he lived until he served the U.S. Air Force for four years, stationed within US territory during the Korean War. After military service, he attended the University of Missouri and received a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1958 and an M.S. in the same field from Duke University in 1964. He worked as an engineer at AT&T, initially at Western Electric but soon at Bell Laboratories, from 1958 until 1989. In 1989, after early retirement from engineering, McKiernan began writing on a full-time basis.
In 1977, while riding his motorcycle, McKiernan was hit by a car which had crossed the center-line, and was confined to a bed, first in traction and then in a hip spica cast, for many months. During his recuperation, he boldly began a sequel to J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The publisher Doubleday showed an interest in his work and tried to obtain authorization from Tolkien's estate but was denied. Doubleday then asked McKiernan to rewrite his story, placing the characters in a different fictitious world, and also to write a prequel supporting it. The prequel, of necessity, resembles The Lord of the Rings; the decision of Doubleday to issue the work as a trilogy increased that resemblance; and some critics have seen McKiernan as simply imitating Tolkien's epic work. McKiernan has subsequently developed stories in the series that followed along a story line different from those that plausibly could have been taken by Tolkien.
McKiernan's Faery Series expands tales draw from Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, additionally tying the selected tales together with a larger plot.
McKiernan currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
(Biography taken from Wikipedia)
In 1977, while riding his motorcycle, McKiernan was hit by a car which had crossed the center-line, and was confined to a bed, first in traction and then in a hip spica cast, for many months. During his recuperation, he boldly began a sequel to J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The publisher Doubleday showed an interest in his work and tried to obtain authorization from Tolkien's estate but was denied. Doubleday then asked McKiernan to rewrite his story, placing the characters in a different fictitious world, and also to write a prequel supporting it. The prequel, of necessity, resembles The Lord of the Rings; the decision of Doubleday to issue the work as a trilogy increased that resemblance; and some critics have seen McKiernan as simply imitating Tolkien's epic work. McKiernan has subsequently developed stories in the series that followed along a story line different from those that plausibly could have been taken by Tolkien.
McKiernan's Faery Series expands tales draw from Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, additionally tying the selected tales together with a larger plot.
McKiernan currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
(Biography taken from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 15, 2012
This is, frankly, one of my all time favourite fantasy novels. I nearly read the copy at my local library to death until I found a copy of my own at a used book store in the late nineties (this was during that unfortunate OOP phase), and have proceeded to reread that till parts of it are protected by tape.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. Mithgar keeps to the tropes of fantasy cleanly enough to be accessible, and easily understood by anyone who has ever heard of an elf, or a dwarf, warriors, and dragons. But imaginative too, there are subtle touches to make the setting his own; Tolkein’s ground work is clearly visible, but he’s built upon it to something definitely unique.
This story, by its tropes is a fantasy. Sword and sorcery, magic, prophesy, myth and legend all come alive. Yet it does defy genre a little, it’s a compelling story of love, friendship, honour, pride, and the consequences of these.
The story is told in back and forth fashion as it follows the quest of the main characters, Elyn of Jord, and Thork of Kachar, to slay a dragon that has besieged both their peoples. It tells the story of Prince Elgo of Jord and his quest fir glory which led to Elyn and Thork setting off in search of a legendary hammer. The switchback timeline is carefully done so not to confuse (chapters start by clearly telling you when the scene takes place), and arranged to maximise suspense and provide the best understanding of the total story.
If you want a great introduction to fantasy, this book is a fine alternative to The Hobbit, and if you already know and love fantasy you should add this book to your collection post haste. Hate fantasy? Give it another try with this fine story.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. Mithgar keeps to the tropes of fantasy cleanly enough to be accessible, and easily understood by anyone who has ever heard of an elf, or a dwarf, warriors, and dragons. But imaginative too, there are subtle touches to make the setting his own; Tolkein’s ground work is clearly visible, but he’s built upon it to something definitely unique.
This story, by its tropes is a fantasy. Sword and sorcery, magic, prophesy, myth and legend all come alive. Yet it does defy genre a little, it’s a compelling story of love, friendship, honour, pride, and the consequences of these.
The story is told in back and forth fashion as it follows the quest of the main characters, Elyn of Jord, and Thork of Kachar, to slay a dragon that has besieged both their peoples. It tells the story of Prince Elgo of Jord and his quest fir glory which led to Elyn and Thork setting off in search of a legendary hammer. The switchback timeline is carefully done so not to confuse (chapters start by clearly telling you when the scene takes place), and arranged to maximise suspense and provide the best understanding of the total story.
If you want a great introduction to fantasy, this book is a fine alternative to The Hobbit, and if you already know and love fantasy you should add this book to your collection post haste. Hate fantasy? Give it another try with this fine story.
February 28, 2017
Enchanting and epic. Dragondoom and McKiernan's Iron Tower Trilogy rank among my favorite fantasies. I've read all the Mithgar books and short story collections twice over. McKiernan writes old-fashioned adventure novels in the vein of Tolkien, with the beautiful prose and language to match--something most of the newer fantasy writers regrettably neglect. There is an epic style and voice to McKeirnan's writing akin to early Katherine Kurtz and even Robert E Howard, yet with a definite Tolkien influence. McKiernan's careful and thoughtful word choices and writing alone adds a gravitas to every scene that you just don't see anymore unless you pick up Lord of the Rings. I reread Dragondoom for a third time recently after watching the new Hobbit movies and seeing the relationship of the dwarf Fili (or was it Kili) and the elf Tauriel unfold. It made me recall Dragondoom and Thork and Elyn. Mckiernan does it better than Peter Jackson. There are about 12 or so Mithgar books out there, I recommend any fantasy fan get them!
October 7, 2008
Completely out of the blue, found this little gem sometime around '92. Its most likely my favorite book ever.
Originally, McKiernan wrote a total rip off of Tolkein, but then he kept going, and this is the reward.
The worst trope that fantasy writers fall back on is prophecy and Fate and Chosen Ones and all that crap. D.M. eventually DOES in future novels, but its not horribly overt in this book, giving it a sense of freedom that characters generally dont enjoy in other fantasy.
I've mentioned it many times that I am a huge fan of tragedy -- Romeo & Juliet, the Civil War, etc... Anytime you read something and have that foreboding that bad things are going to happen to good people and there is nothing anyone can do to avoid it without sacrificing something valuable...I dig that. Later in life, after reading the Iliad, when Priam goes to Achilles and asks for Hector's body back, I immediately thought back to this book. Not that D.M. is Homer, but the pain that he evokes in a couple scenes is really vivid.
My first impression on seeing "Pulp Fiction" and "Memento" was that the writers/directors had ripped of 'Dragondoom'. Yes, thats how big a geek I am -- I didnt believe that Tarantino had stolen from some director of Japanese short indy films -- I immediately went with the flashbacks that set the tone of Dragondoom.
Off the top of my head, I cant think of many other movies or books that drop you blind into the middle of the action with NO backstory - other than the very little you would know by reading his Tolkein rip off -- and it really works. The Goo Goo Dolls have a song that starts with "....and I'd blah blah blah" -- its like you're joining the conversation and are supposed to catch up on your own.
All in all, great read.
Originally, McKiernan wrote a total rip off of Tolkein, but then he kept going, and this is the reward.
The worst trope that fantasy writers fall back on is prophecy and Fate and Chosen Ones and all that crap. D.M. eventually DOES in future novels, but its not horribly overt in this book, giving it a sense of freedom that characters generally dont enjoy in other fantasy.
I've mentioned it many times that I am a huge fan of tragedy -- Romeo & Juliet, the Civil War, etc... Anytime you read something and have that foreboding that bad things are going to happen to good people and there is nothing anyone can do to avoid it without sacrificing something valuable...I dig that. Later in life, after reading the Iliad, when Priam goes to Achilles and asks for Hector's body back, I immediately thought back to this book. Not that D.M. is Homer, but the pain that he evokes in a couple scenes is really vivid.
My first impression on seeing "Pulp Fiction" and "Memento" was that the writers/directors had ripped of 'Dragondoom'. Yes, thats how big a geek I am -- I didnt believe that Tarantino had stolen from some director of Japanese short indy films -- I immediately went with the flashbacks that set the tone of Dragondoom.
Off the top of my head, I cant think of many other movies or books that drop you blind into the middle of the action with NO backstory - other than the very little you would know by reading his Tolkein rip off -- and it really works. The Goo Goo Dolls have a song that starts with "....and I'd blah blah blah" -- its like you're joining the conversation and are supposed to catch up on your own.
All in all, great read.
July 30, 2009
I consider this the best of McKiernan's Mithgar series. He presents both sides of the central conflict in such a way that you don't know who to cheer for. The story is excellent and the presentation is further enhanced by the narrative jumping back and forth on the timeline - revealing the cause after you're teased with the effect.
Warning: Don't try this at home!
How does a black mage become evil? One way is to seek the answer to this question: "Who lives in the mirror when there is no light?".
Warning: Don't try this at home!
How does a black mage become evil? One way is to seek the answer to this question: "Who lives in the mirror when there is no light?".
December 13, 2020
I bought this book a few years after it came out, when it had that older cover. I was alternating between reading it and Robert Jordan's Eye of the World before it became a popular series. I'd picked up both in a Forbidden Planet bookstore at the same time. (I was always broke, so I have no idea where I got the money from lol) Then I had a flood in my closet and Dragondoom got all warped and destroyed from water damage. I threw it out and told myself I'd pick up a fresh one.
That Didn't happen for years. Basically FOREVER! Worse, I didn't know the name of it and I also had no idea who the author was. All I knew was the story. I also remembered a key element that was unique about that magic hammer. I thought all I had to do was hit the bookstore and look for the cover whenever I got around to it. I didn't know that books went out of print and that they changed covers.
I LITERALLY just found it again when the pandemic hit. I was searching and searching. I thought I'd never find it and then blammo. I was reading a description of the book, even though the cover had been completely changed, {This is one of the things that makes it even harder to find old novels. They change the covers.} and a lightbulb went off in my head. I KNEW that I'd found it. Finally! Now I've got it on my kindle on whatever the kindle cloud is. I've only read a few chapters, because I want to savor it.
Dragondoom is one of my all time favorite books of all time. I've never even read any of the others in the series. I'm thinking I should out of deference for what Dennis L. McKiernan did when he created this one. It jumps around to different characters and has flashbacks from the past and the love story is amazing. It's just a beautiful story. It really is.
If you pick up a copy, prepare to have your mind blown. I feel honored to have read this.
That Didn't happen for years. Basically FOREVER! Worse, I didn't know the name of it and I also had no idea who the author was. All I knew was the story. I also remembered a key element that was unique about that magic hammer. I thought all I had to do was hit the bookstore and look for the cover whenever I got around to it. I didn't know that books went out of print and that they changed covers.
I LITERALLY just found it again when the pandemic hit. I was searching and searching. I thought I'd never find it and then blammo. I was reading a description of the book, even though the cover had been completely changed, {This is one of the things that makes it even harder to find old novels. They change the covers.} and a lightbulb went off in my head. I KNEW that I'd found it. Finally! Now I've got it on my kindle on whatever the kindle cloud is. I've only read a few chapters, because I want to savor it.
Dragondoom is one of my all time favorite books of all time. I've never even read any of the others in the series. I'm thinking I should out of deference for what Dennis L. McKiernan did when he created this one. It jumps around to different characters and has flashbacks from the past and the love story is amazing. It's just a beautiful story. It really is.
If you pick up a copy, prepare to have your mind blown. I feel honored to have read this.
December 24, 2008
This was the first book I read by McKiernan. McKiernan's Mithgar series is a take on (less kind description would be a "rip off")
The Lord of the Rings
, and this book is a take on The Hobbit with a dwarf and a human (a woman!) taking on the quest. It is tragic and beautiful. I think it is the best in the series.
November 22, 2011
I loved this book so much. I've read it many times, and the relationship between the dwarf and the human gets to me every time. Too bad his other novels don't live up to this one.
July 16, 2024
Dragondoom by Dennis L McKiernan was an exceptional tale, beautifully told. Ambitious by design, the plot itself is fairly standard, but the timeline shifts back and forth, allowing the reader to slowly learn all that is needed to know in order for the climax to hit hard. And trust me, this had one of the most gut wrenching and sad endings to a story I have ever read.
Much can be said about fantasy of the seventies and eighties. Yes, authors stuck heavily to the Tolkien template. But truth be told, so did readers, who wanted exactly this. Over time, fantasy evolved past its origins and today we have a vibrant array of styles within the genre to choose from and enjoy.
Even so, I am ever so grateful to authors like Dennis L McKiernan. His works belong to the classic fantasy style, with prose that evokes the romanticism of victorian fiction and stories not unlike those enjoyed in the 1980s by readers of Terry Brooks or David Eddings. However, I would argue strongly that of all the pre-1990 Tolkien "imitators", no one did it as beautifully as McKiernan. His work began as Tolkien fan fiction, with a sequel written to The Lord Of The Rings turned down and retooled into a work taking place in a new fantasy world: Mithgar. Whilst earlier series, The Iron Tower and The Silver Call, strongly follow the story beats of The Lord Of The Rings, Dragondoom is where McKiernan really came into his own, and established his world and lore with a true sense of singularity.
There is something so splendidly whimsical about older fantasy that, I'm sorry to say it, is lost in the genre today. Dragondoom is a vibrant work of art, emotionally compelling, action packed and wondrously inventive within its own boundaries, and something as innocent as this, yet still able to humble a reader, is rare to find in any genre today. I have read many popular modern series that are hailed by younger readers than me as terrific throwbacks with a modern edge. I'm sorry to say, but all ridicule aimed at older authors for being derivative stands absolutely with newer authors too. Like what you like, but a lot of the popular works coming out now aren't as far removed from the likes of Dragondoom as many suggest. And there is BEAUTY here that I haven't found in the majority of recent traditional fantasy efforts. The closest I think was Dragon Mage by ML Spencer.
Dragondoom feels like a long lost relic of a forgotten time. It is as if Sir Walter Scott wrote The Hobbit, and that by itself is high recommendation. This book feels ancient, in the best of ways, and it has touched my heart completely.
"...should you fall in battle and should I survive, I here and now renew my pledge to you: I will do all within my power to stop this mistaken War between our two Folk, I will share and share alike all Dracongield between Jord and Kachar, and make whatever amends are appropriate, cancelling all debt. . . . "
"My Lady, this pledge between us need not be renewed here and now, for it exists within each of us forever . . . whether or no it is said aloud again. Yet would it please you to hear the words, then I do so swear once more.
I do so swear once more.
I do so swear once more. . . ."
Much can be said about fantasy of the seventies and eighties. Yes, authors stuck heavily to the Tolkien template. But truth be told, so did readers, who wanted exactly this. Over time, fantasy evolved past its origins and today we have a vibrant array of styles within the genre to choose from and enjoy.
Even so, I am ever so grateful to authors like Dennis L McKiernan. His works belong to the classic fantasy style, with prose that evokes the romanticism of victorian fiction and stories not unlike those enjoyed in the 1980s by readers of Terry Brooks or David Eddings. However, I would argue strongly that of all the pre-1990 Tolkien "imitators", no one did it as beautifully as McKiernan. His work began as Tolkien fan fiction, with a sequel written to The Lord Of The Rings turned down and retooled into a work taking place in a new fantasy world: Mithgar. Whilst earlier series, The Iron Tower and The Silver Call, strongly follow the story beats of The Lord Of The Rings, Dragondoom is where McKiernan really came into his own, and established his world and lore with a true sense of singularity.
There is something so splendidly whimsical about older fantasy that, I'm sorry to say it, is lost in the genre today. Dragondoom is a vibrant work of art, emotionally compelling, action packed and wondrously inventive within its own boundaries, and something as innocent as this, yet still able to humble a reader, is rare to find in any genre today. I have read many popular modern series that are hailed by younger readers than me as terrific throwbacks with a modern edge. I'm sorry to say, but all ridicule aimed at older authors for being derivative stands absolutely with newer authors too. Like what you like, but a lot of the popular works coming out now aren't as far removed from the likes of Dragondoom as many suggest. And there is BEAUTY here that I haven't found in the majority of recent traditional fantasy efforts. The closest I think was Dragon Mage by ML Spencer.
Dragondoom feels like a long lost relic of a forgotten time. It is as if Sir Walter Scott wrote The Hobbit, and that by itself is high recommendation. This book feels ancient, in the best of ways, and it has touched my heart completely.
"...should you fall in battle and should I survive, I here and now renew my pledge to you: I will do all within my power to stop this mistaken War between our two Folk, I will share and share alike all Dracongield between Jord and Kachar, and make whatever amends are appropriate, cancelling all debt. . . . "
"My Lady, this pledge between us need not be renewed here and now, for it exists within each of us forever . . . whether or no it is said aloud again. Yet would it please you to hear the words, then I do so swear once more.
I do so swear once more.
I do so swear once more. . . ."
Read
October 6, 2017Como libro de fantasía épica no está del todo mal, le daría más nota de no ser por dos cosas que me han decepcionado mucho. La que menos, que mientras que yo creía que sería un libro que plantearía un mundo y resolvería sus conflictos de forma autoconclusiva, de eso nada. Es un libro autoconclusivo, pero deja cabos sueltos. Según goodreads se trata de una saga y al parecer una muy larga y poco original (incluso en los nombres). El segundo es lo dicho: no es nada original, es como leer a Tolkien disipado y por encima; misma historia, misma idea, mismo todo.
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August 6, 2016This later work is actually set earlier in the history of Mithgar. McKiernan has written several books between THE SILVER CALL and DRAGONDOOM, and the improvement in structure, characterization, and prose shows. What could easily have been presented as a linear tale is in fact broken into segments that begin in present time, with Thork, a Dwarf, and a young Vanadurin woman Rider named Elyn inadvertently meeting and having to fight against a common foe who is trying to kill them both. The reader is thus pitched headlong into the story: arrows are flying, the two are in danger, but that doesn’t stop them from looking at one another in eye-narrowed hatred and distrust.
The two reluctantly are forced into a very temporary truce; while they push forward to escape their unseen enemies, we move back in time to the year before. We learn that Elgo, Elyn’s twin, already brave and experienced however young, had set out to get Dracongield, or dragon treasure, though many have died in the attempt. The story moves steadily forward with Thork and Elyn having to extend their truce, without either telling the other whither they quest.
Back and forth through time McKiernan weaves, not just showing Elgo’s quest to kill the evil dragon Sleeth and take its treasure, but to the childhood of Elgo and Elyn, showing how their father (and their aunt, who is one of the best characters in the book) had to come to accept Elyn as a Rider and not just as a well-trained daughter to marry off advantageously.
The treasure, once won, brings more grief than victory, though the Vanadurin don’t make the connection; they don’t have time, as a contingent of Dwaves appears and demands that they relinquish the Dwarvish part of that treasure. Dwarves have very long memories, and they want back that which the evil Sleeth had taken from their ancestors--amid horrible carnag--ages ago. The Vanadurin retort on them with a variation of “Winners keepers, losers weepers--which sparks off a single killing that swiftly turns into major battle.
Meanwhile, back to Elyn and Thork, whose enmity the reader now understands; it makes their growing friendship the more poignant, and when they become allies at last, despite the avalanche of bad blood between their peoples, the reader cheers. For they are not just allies--they become personal friends. In fact . . .
It’s a bittersweet tale, unpredictable, written in the large bardic style that evokes some of the better fantasists of the 19th Century. I discovered that reading it aloud, trying for a bardic cadence, benefited the tale in a way that stories written in a more invisible modern style would not.
The reader familiar with LORD OF THE RINGS has to make a kind of leap of faith when reading THE SILVER CALL, consciously separating off the sometimes close resemblances between the two, particularly in the places where memory of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING began to overwhelm the story in hand. But by DRAGONDOOM McKiernan has brought Mithgar wholly into its own; the influences are there, but informing the whole with added richness. Again, McKiernan is especially good with Dwarves, and Thork is the best character in an interesting, absorbing cast.
The two reluctantly are forced into a very temporary truce; while they push forward to escape their unseen enemies, we move back in time to the year before. We learn that Elgo, Elyn’s twin, already brave and experienced however young, had set out to get Dracongield, or dragon treasure, though many have died in the attempt. The story moves steadily forward with Thork and Elyn having to extend their truce, without either telling the other whither they quest.
Back and forth through time McKiernan weaves, not just showing Elgo’s quest to kill the evil dragon Sleeth and take its treasure, but to the childhood of Elgo and Elyn, showing how their father (and their aunt, who is one of the best characters in the book) had to come to accept Elyn as a Rider and not just as a well-trained daughter to marry off advantageously.
The treasure, once won, brings more grief than victory, though the Vanadurin don’t make the connection; they don’t have time, as a contingent of Dwaves appears and demands that they relinquish the Dwarvish part of that treasure. Dwarves have very long memories, and they want back that which the evil Sleeth had taken from their ancestors--amid horrible carnag--ages ago. The Vanadurin retort on them with a variation of “Winners keepers, losers weepers--which sparks off a single killing that swiftly turns into major battle.
Meanwhile, back to Elyn and Thork, whose enmity the reader now understands; it makes their growing friendship the more poignant, and when they become allies at last, despite the avalanche of bad blood between their peoples, the reader cheers. For they are not just allies--they become personal friends. In fact . . .
It’s a bittersweet tale, unpredictable, written in the large bardic style that evokes some of the better fantasists of the 19th Century. I discovered that reading it aloud, trying for a bardic cadence, benefited the tale in a way that stories written in a more invisible modern style would not.
The reader familiar with LORD OF THE RINGS has to make a kind of leap of faith when reading THE SILVER CALL, consciously separating off the sometimes close resemblances between the two, particularly in the places where memory of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING began to overwhelm the story in hand. But by DRAGONDOOM McKiernan has brought Mithgar wholly into its own; the influences are there, but informing the whole with added richness. Again, McKiernan is especially good with Dwarves, and Thork is the best character in an interesting, absorbing cast.
November 27, 2010
I like good epic fantasy and because of that I've read a lot of poor and mediocre ones as I search for the best. Mckiernan strikes me as somewhat shallow or surface in his books. You may enjoy it, I didn't dislike it. I just wasn't that into it. I've read better by the same author, but by the same token I've read at least a couple ot others that are about the same.
September 9, 2020
I am a fan of Mithgar and as such I have yet to come across a Mithgar book I didn't like. Of course some are better than others and it's been a while since I read this particular book, but this is one of the best books on Mithgar.
February 14, 2021
Historia de la guerra entre humanos y enanos en un mundo fantástico medieval.
Los protagonistas, una humana y un enano se enfrentarán espada en mano contra la oscuridad y un cruel dragón ávido de venganza.
Novela que te hace olvidar el reloj.
Los protagonistas, una humana y un enano se enfrentarán espada en mano contra la oscuridad y un cruel dragón ávido de venganza.
Novela que te hace olvidar el reloj.
August 9, 2007
One of my favorite fantasy books. Surprising but gentle bouts with racism and love. This book actually made me cry. And it has like, swords and stuff.
January 27, 2009
Found this book by chance(just glancing around at a bookstore) many years ago and still consider it among the best fantasy novels I've ever read.
March 18, 2009
Great book!!!!!!!!!!! Man, I usually don't root for the good guys but damn, I have to here.
September 25, 2011
For some reason, it took me years to read this book when I first bought it. And I enjoyed every second of it!!!
February 12, 2019
My first McKiernan read and among my favorite Mithgar series of books. A male dwarf, a female human warrior, some armies, and a dragon. What more could one want from a book ?
November 20, 2019
This is a thick read. Occasionally it can get confusing, as at the beginning there are at least five different storylines going.
Recommendation: Except for the ending, I really loved this book. I know it couldn’t have worked out any other way, but still.
Synopsis and Review: (Spoilers, kind of) Elgo, twin of Elyn, the Prince of Jord has once again pulled off one of his daring feats. This time he slew the cold drake Sleeth. Actually, he didn’t slay Sleeth directly, he used Adon’s Ban to kill the Cold Drake, losing an eye in the process. He and his men claim the Horde of Sleeth, that was in his lair of the Dwarven city that was called Blackstone. However, the dwarves also claim that horde as theirs, for it was theirs, before it was Sleeth’s.
Cocky Prince Elgo refuses to give any part of this horde to the dwarves and tragedy ensues. Both he and the DelfLord of Kachar, Brak kill each other. Though both races mourn this tragedy, they would have their revenge on the other, for the slain. To, the Dwarves believe the Vanadurim to be thieves, for the dwarves forget the span of the lives of men, while the Men believe the Dwarves to be gold greedy, for they understand not that the lives and memories of dwarves are much longer than theirs.
The armies of the two people meet in battle, in front of the Dwarf Holt of Kachar. But there they are whelmed from the skies, by the Dragon Kalgalath. He has entered in to a grudging alliance with the Dark Wizard, Andrak, who seeks a horn that lay in the hoard of Sleeth, that one day shall be quite instrumental in a Dwarven quest. To save their people, Thork, son of Brak, and Elyn of Jord, twin sister of Elgo set off separately to seek the Kammerling, the Rage Hammer, the one thing that can kill Kalgalath.
Elyn has been raised as a warrior maid, since she was eleven. It is a calling of her own choosing, and some believe she might be even better than her twin Elgo. Certainly, her pride is less and her skill equal. Leaving her Aunt Mala as Regent, she sets off to find and bring this Hammer back to kill Kalgalath and avenge the death of her brother.
Thork has long been raised to be a warrior. Furious over his father’s death at the hands of Thief Elgo, he resolves to save his people and avenge the wrongful death of his father at the hands of Foul Elgo. With Elgo’s mocking present of the Dragonskin Purse, he makes a beautiful shield that serves him well.
Unwillingly these two are driven together to succeed on their quest. At first unwilling companions, friendship develops. Eventually, even love, but it is not to be. After all, she is not Chakkia, and He is not Dwarf, and yet… Their skills will be tested to the utmost. There are no Warrows in this tale, but we finally meet the elusive Utruni.
Recommendation: Except for the ending, I really loved this book. I know it couldn’t have worked out any other way, but still.
Synopsis and Review: (Spoilers, kind of) Elgo, twin of Elyn, the Prince of Jord has once again pulled off one of his daring feats. This time he slew the cold drake Sleeth. Actually, he didn’t slay Sleeth directly, he used Adon’s Ban to kill the Cold Drake, losing an eye in the process. He and his men claim the Horde of Sleeth, that was in his lair of the Dwarven city that was called Blackstone. However, the dwarves also claim that horde as theirs, for it was theirs, before it was Sleeth’s.
Cocky Prince Elgo refuses to give any part of this horde to the dwarves and tragedy ensues. Both he and the DelfLord of Kachar, Brak kill each other. Though both races mourn this tragedy, they would have their revenge on the other, for the slain. To, the Dwarves believe the Vanadurim to be thieves, for the dwarves forget the span of the lives of men, while the Men believe the Dwarves to be gold greedy, for they understand not that the lives and memories of dwarves are much longer than theirs.
The armies of the two people meet in battle, in front of the Dwarf Holt of Kachar. But there they are whelmed from the skies, by the Dragon Kalgalath. He has entered in to a grudging alliance with the Dark Wizard, Andrak, who seeks a horn that lay in the hoard of Sleeth, that one day shall be quite instrumental in a Dwarven quest. To save their people, Thork, son of Brak, and Elyn of Jord, twin sister of Elgo set off separately to seek the Kammerling, the Rage Hammer, the one thing that can kill Kalgalath.
Elyn has been raised as a warrior maid, since she was eleven. It is a calling of her own choosing, and some believe she might be even better than her twin Elgo. Certainly, her pride is less and her skill equal. Leaving her Aunt Mala as Regent, she sets off to find and bring this Hammer back to kill Kalgalath and avenge the death of her brother.
Thork has long been raised to be a warrior. Furious over his father’s death at the hands of Thief Elgo, he resolves to save his people and avenge the wrongful death of his father at the hands of Foul Elgo. With Elgo’s mocking present of the Dragonskin Purse, he makes a beautiful shield that serves him well.
Unwillingly these two are driven together to succeed on their quest. At first unwilling companions, friendship develops. Eventually, even love, but it is not to be. After all, she is not Chakkia, and He is not Dwarf, and yet… Their skills will be tested to the utmost. There are no Warrows in this tale, but we finally meet the elusive Utruni.
April 23, 2024
2024 The Year of the Dragon! I determined to add a few more dragon-fantasy focused books to my list this year to celebrate. I saw this book on my shelf while reading the Temeraire/His Magesty’s Dragon series by Naomi Novik and needed a break from it after enjoying the first five then experiencing utter disappointment on book six.
I purchased this book back in high school after reading and enjoying Dennis L. MicKiernan’s Iron Tower trilogy and the Siver Call duology but surprisingly never actually read Dragon Doom but kept it with my book collection. McKiernan in my opinion is over criticized and extremely undervalued as a fantasy author. Both McKiernan and Terry Brooks take a TON of heat from LOTR/Tolkien purists and loyalists. I believe Tolkien is great and absolutely the Father of the Fantasy genre, high fantasy tropes, etc. BUT as an avid reader during elementary, middle and high school throughout the decade of the 80’s we were like Oliver Twist seeking to feast on ANY thing else fantasy related with very limited options compared to today. “Please, sir, I want some more!” It seems both Authors and Publishers didn’t want to stray much from the Hobbit or LOTR storylines so fantasy wasn’t as creative and diverse back then as it is today. No idea why I didn’t read Dragon Doom back then, especially after devouring Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Riders of Pern series but glad to discover it now.
I liked Dragon Doom and provided the MUCH needed break in the Temeraire series which I will return to. Jumping back into high fantasy by McKiernan took me back to a sense of wonder with Dragons, Dwarves, Men, Mages, Magical Weapons, Prophecies, and Quests! The storyline of the blind stubbornness of “pride preceding fall” of both Men & Dwarves evoked the reader’s response of amazement at idiocy of cutting off your nose to spite yourself. The best was the quest of the two protagonists and the growth they experienced. While others may not have enjoyed the changing timelines, it worked for me and did help focus the reader on which characters and quest were the priority in the long run. I was surprised that McKiernan applied this technique in what I now find to be more common in series applied by authors today such as Sanderson, Gwynn and others.
I admit that my early reading in my youth may have influenced my experience in reading this today, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it!!
I purchased this book back in high school after reading and enjoying Dennis L. MicKiernan’s Iron Tower trilogy and the Siver Call duology but surprisingly never actually read Dragon Doom but kept it with my book collection. McKiernan in my opinion is over criticized and extremely undervalued as a fantasy author. Both McKiernan and Terry Brooks take a TON of heat from LOTR/Tolkien purists and loyalists. I believe Tolkien is great and absolutely the Father of the Fantasy genre, high fantasy tropes, etc. BUT as an avid reader during elementary, middle and high school throughout the decade of the 80’s we were like Oliver Twist seeking to feast on ANY thing else fantasy related with very limited options compared to today. “Please, sir, I want some more!” It seems both Authors and Publishers didn’t want to stray much from the Hobbit or LOTR storylines so fantasy wasn’t as creative and diverse back then as it is today. No idea why I didn’t read Dragon Doom back then, especially after devouring Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Riders of Pern series but glad to discover it now.
I liked Dragon Doom and provided the MUCH needed break in the Temeraire series which I will return to. Jumping back into high fantasy by McKiernan took me back to a sense of wonder with Dragons, Dwarves, Men, Mages, Magical Weapons, Prophecies, and Quests! The storyline of the blind stubbornness of “pride preceding fall” of both Men & Dwarves evoked the reader’s response of amazement at idiocy of cutting off your nose to spite yourself. The best was the quest of the two protagonists and the growth they experienced. While others may not have enjoyed the changing timelines, it worked for me and did help focus the reader on which characters and quest were the priority in the long run. I was surprised that McKiernan applied this technique in what I now find to be more common in series applied by authors today such as Sanderson, Gwynn and others.
I admit that my early reading in my youth may have influenced my experience in reading this today, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it!!
February 17, 2025
Esta novela fue la primera ( recomendación de mi 🖤 ), de muchas, que me llevó a conocer las maravillas que nos ofrece la literatura fantástica.Elyn y Thork pasaron a formar parte de mi vida para siempre.Su historia, nos desvela un sinfín de apasionantes aventuras en un mundo asolado por la guerra.Sleeth, un dragón milenario despierta y provoca el caos en la tierra de los enanos.A partir de aquí comienza la acción continua.Los personajes van desarrollando la trama, independientemente, uniéndose durante la historia.Un derroche de imaginación para crear un universo lleno de magia, linajes nobles ( y otros no tanto), honor, coraje, valentía, amor y dragones.Qué decir del final... dejémoslo en que te toca el corazón.Esta novela me hechizó.
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March 5, 20261st. I have not read the other books in this series concerning Mithgar. And I am just now halfway through this one. I find it one of the best written stories from the millenial years, however, what really boils my blood is how he put Elyn and the Thork fighting together in chapter 6 page 36 and then say in chapter 18 page 179 "Hai roi! Let us hei to the throne room, my brother," Urged Elyn for she had never seen a dwarf before, "and greet them in state."
Of course she had seen a dwarf and spent much time with Thork, fighting living, staying with the elf together in chapter 15 Wolfwood. It is unfortunate that these thing tick me off. You write a story at least keep it in line with itself. Otherwise it has been a great read so far.
Of course she had seen a dwarf and spent much time with Thork, fighting living, staying with the elf together in chapter 15 Wolfwood. It is unfortunate that these thing tick me off. You write a story at least keep it in line with itself. Otherwise it has been a great read so far.
March 17, 2018
I ended up with two copies of this book, accidentally, and it meant I could read both forwards. This was a good thing because I was also able to read the original version and the altered version. The original version has issues with connecting to the other books in the series, but the altered version has the needed corrections. I liked both and it didn't matter to me which version it was. The author has great skill with high fantasy novels and was able to keep my attention on the adventure even though I was reading a lot of his books. I didn't get bored at all. That is great. I really liked what he did with this story.
March 13, 2024
I love Dennis L. Mckiernan and his world, and this one is hands down my favorite. One thing I really like about his writing is he will often have a thread going throughout the story involving some deep, philosophical conundrum. Its either about the nature of good vs. evil, or destiny versus choice, and everything else in between, his books are engaging and make you think. He does something unique in fantasy (or at least at the time here) by writing a love story between a human and a dwarf. Its different but with many of the same hopes and dreams, pitfalls and travails that wouls befall any pairings of such different backgrounds. One of my favorite books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
A five star fantasy. Mckiernan gets a bad name for being a Tolkien knock-off, but when Mckiernan is on he's on fire, and this tale is as good as it gets in my opinion for the modern fantasy reader.
Dragondoom is epic, personal, and mythic all at the same time. I enjoyed how the tale was told using different time frames that eventually join up - it's all quite easy to follow.
This is a book that makes a reader hunt down all the authors' works...not all Mckiernan's books are this good, but like I said when he's hot, he's hot.
Dragondoom is epic, personal, and mythic all at the same time. I enjoyed how the tale was told using different time frames that eventually join up - it's all quite easy to follow.
This is a book that makes a reader hunt down all the authors' works...not all Mckiernan's books are this good, but like I said when he's hot, he's hot.
August 10, 2019
Good book however now I'm older I've started to read it melodramatic like a soap opera at times which fun and cool doesn't give the book he credit it deserves. A bit long winded at times, the descriptions are amazing. And although it is a love story it is subtle and can be overshadowed by the war and pride and other things. This book starts near the middle and goes from the present to the past and near present. Multiple pov good guys and bad and in-between depending on view point.
October 1, 2017
This is an elegant high-fantasy adventure set in McKiernan's wonderful world of Mithgar. It's one of the most accessible of the novels in the series in that it's possible to read this one as a stand-alone and not feel like any parts of the story are missing. It's like top-shelf Tolkien except without the boring bits.
February 9, 2018
OMG I was not expecting the Warrior Maid to die! I loved the quotes at the beginning and the end of the book. And they never explained the 'secret' behind the dwarven lineage......
The only other books I have read in this series is The Dragonstone (which was awesome!) and Voyage of the Fox Rider which was good as well.
The only other books I have read in this series is The Dragonstone (which was awesome!) and Voyage of the Fox Rider which was good as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
Entertaining fantasy novel. I didn’t know it was one of a series when I read it and never found his other books. I don’t see it being like the hobbit at all myself. I love the cover design and the cutout showing the dragon. A good fantasy novel worth reading and no you don’t have to read his others in e series, I didn’t and never knew this was one in a series.
December 29, 2018
En su día me impacto más que el señor de los anillos. Magnifica historia en la que el amor y el mundo fantástico se entrelazan y nos brindan una historia épica y difícil de olvidar.
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