Pillar of Flame

Dragonlance: The New Adventures

by Ree Soesbee

New to her magic, Nearra has only recently stepped out on the path of becoming a wizard. But before she can even take the Test of High Sorcery, the Wizard's Conclave charges her with solving a mystery. All the fires in Kenderhome and Palanthas have gone out and Nearra must determine who - or what - is to blame for this powerful magic. Will this be the beginning of Nearra's magical career - or the end?

Genres: Dragonlance, Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Ree Soesbee is a writer, game designer, and lore editor for massively multiplayer online games as well as traditional pen and paper RPGs. She has authored more than sixteen novels in a wide variety of fantastic worlds ranging from the popular Legend of the Five Rings setting to Star Trek, Dragonlance, Deadlands, and Vampire: the Masquerade. Her body of work includes over a hundred RPG texts, and inclusion in numerous short story anthologies and professional literary journals. Currently, she is a lead designer and lore writer for Guild Wars 2; innovative follow-up to the award-winning Guild Wars MMORPG. Already, Guild Wars 2 has recieved Gamescom's 'Best Online Game' and MMORPG.com's 'Most Anticipated MMO' awards.

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating is 2.5 stars.

This book is part of the YA series of Dragonlance. In this one, Nearra with her sister Jirah travels to Palanthas to take her sorcery test. Nearra was introduced with the first book of the YA series and her sister was introduced a little while later. Even though these characters have been involved in several adventures this could be an entry point as this is the first book of a trilogy.

I am probably not the best person to review this book as I am not the biggest fan of Nearra. I think that she is more trouble than she is worth. I do think this affected my rating. I did think this was a terrific book for Jirah and I liked the new characters that were introduced. That is why my rating is exactly at the half way point. In this book, all the flames and fire have gone out and magic is the culprit. We go on an adventure to see who is the culprit and fix it so normal everyday life can continue. The highlight of this book is Jirah as we see hints of her journey for self discovery. I hope they continue this arc in the following books. The adventure and the villain was readable but nothing really stood out.

This book follows the pattern for these YA books in this universe. They are a nice little adventure more geared for the younger readers and introduce them to a new world. I look forward to spending more time with the side characters in the following books.

[Ayesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

[Kaci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for young adults, it's easy to follow. I wasn't able to place "When" the story happens, sometime after the war of the lance... not sure when.

One of the best lines I've ever read.

"I knew a healer once who told me that birth is the only medical treatment that is unfailingly fatal." Funny line with a hell of a thought provoking message.

[Spazfungus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it does a good job introducing the main characters and their pasts, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I first read the Spellbinder and Dragon Quartets. I'm not its target audience, but still enjoyed some of the dialogue, especially any parts involving the kender