Book 1 - The Soulforge, Raistlin Chronicles

Any fan of Dragonlance has got to admit; there are some excellent DL books and some that are really not worth reading. Soulforge fits easily into the first category.
I started reading Dragonlance a while ago. I was really impressed by "Summer Flame" and the Chronicles--in fact, Dragonlance was my favorite series for a fair amount of time--but got disappointed with some of the other DL series. I read "Soulforge" a couple of years ago and liked it. Now, I've just finished rereading it, and it restored my faith in the books completely (at least in the ones by Weis, and/or Hickman).
When I first read DL, I thought sure, Raistlin's a great mage, and he does cool stuff, but he's so cynical and everything. Now that I read over the texts with Raistlin again, I realize how complex this man really is, and that there is a great reason for his cynicism. Soulforge shows many sides that I would not have thought to exist: the reader sees him as the scornful, cynical mage as in most of the other books, but the reader also sees a gentler side to Raistlin, even a loving side to him.
This book tells about the events that forged Raistlin's soul, each hardshp simply one more blow of the hammer that made him the man he is.

Raistlin was always my favorite character. He is undoubtedly the most interesting and complex of all the Dragonlance characters, and I just fell in love with this book. This book explores his relationship with his brother Caramon, and most importantly introduces the readers to Raistlin's tormenting early years. It is very well written and interesting, and I couldn't put it down.
Raistlin was always a mystery when reading through the Chronicles and Legends series, and this book provides much insight into the roots of his motives that I have personally craved ever since finishing Legends. I cannot emphasize enough to all Dragonlance fans that this is a can't miss book- buy it today!

In the other Dragonlance books by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, only hints and glimpses of Raistlin Majere's childhood and early years have been seen. Now Margaret Weis (who is Raistlin's creator) tells us the tale of his childhood years and his training to be a wizard (and his interaction with his classmates), right up to his infamous Test in the Tower of High Sorcery, from his own point of view. This book gives more insights into the mind and heart of Raistlin than any other I've read so far, but it most definitely is not short on action and adventure. I'd give examples, but I wouldn't want to spoil the story, but suffice to say that this story won't put you to sleep any time soon.

I just started reading the Dragonlance novels earlier this month and I've already finished Chronicles and Legends. Neadless to say I've liked the books thus far and Soulforge is no exception. It is a great story of how Raistlin came to be who he is. How he was powerful and ambitious as a kid. And how his jealousy of his brother's looks, popularity, and strength led to his callous nature. And also gives an interesting view into the way Raistlin and Caramon met the rest of the Heroes of the Lance. Also the reader gets to experience the oath made by the companions and the horrid Test at the Tower of High Sorcery at Wayreth. All in all the book details the different events which led to Raistlin's and his Ultimate goal and ambition. Very well written and Weis' compassion for her characters really comes out in the writing. I suggest reading this after Chronicles and Legends though because some of the events in this book could spoil the suprises of those series.

Reading many different Dragonlance novels, you pick up some bits and pieces of Raistlin's past and how he grew up. However you never really knew the whole story...untill now. This book gives you a very close inside picture to why Raistlin acts the way he does and what events in his life molded him into what he was in the books. The book points out key events that push Raistlin down the path he follows. From being picked on in his youth, to stranger's betrayal within his family to accepting his place in the order of magic. This book is very good by my standards...and highly recommend it to Dragonlance fans everywhere.

Raistilin Majere is my favourite DragonLance characters, and this book just shows how great he really is. If you are a true DragonLance fan and was wondering HOW and WHY Raistlin is the way he is, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG: Get this book. From the moment I started to read, I knew there was no turning back; this book has it all. After you read this book, the whole Majere family story will seem a lot more clear. So here is your desicion: Either spend $7 on this book, and have the best time of your life, or spend $7 on Chav Kalash, and have a stomach ache for the rest of the day. I know which one I would choose.

A friend of mine gave me the Chronicles, and this set to read and needless to say I was instantly hooked. I read Soulforge in a single night it was too fascinating to put down. The next book in this series "Brothers in Arms" is just as captivating and I love them both.

This novel solidifies Raistlin as one of the most well-written and developed characters in the series. Through reading Soulforge you really get to understand why he turned out the way he did. You really can identify with him and Weis's writing makes him almost seem real. You get to learn how the characters in the Chronicles come to know each other and you find out more of Raistlin's tumultuous relationship with his twin, Caramon. The story behind Raistlin's Test in the Tower of High Sorcery, and the reason for his white hair, gold skin and hourglass eyes is revealed.

This is probably my favorite book out of what I have read so far. I may be new to the Dragonlance world, but Weis's superb characterization made Raistlin quickly leap out as my favorite of the companions. He's sarcastic, bitter and a bit dark but I constantly find myself wanting to learn more about him. Overall, a great read and gives insight and fills in some of the blanks in the Chronicles. Would recommend to others but it would do good to read the Chronicles and Legends first before reading the Raistlin Chronicles.

I've been reading DragonLance novels for some time, and Weis and Hickman's original trilogies _Chronicles_ and _Legends_ are some of the best fantasy I have read. _The Soulforge_ is an excellent book to read if you want to know more about Raistlin, the later-Black robed mage, and his family. I laughed so many times reading this story, and really loved it! I came to understand how Raistlin started down the path that led him to yearn for ultimate power. This is a very eye-opening novel for any DragonLance fan. I found the portrayal of all the characters to be well-done and very believable. If you haven't read this book, make sure you do. You won't regret having spent the money.

This Audio book has about 17-18 hours of reading. I assume that if you are buying the 25 dollar version of this book you probably have already read it. The story is awesome!
The narrator is pretty good. He has different voices for each character, but nothing too dramatic. It is really nice to hear the story through the voice of someone else.

This is fantastic for when I am mowing the yard / driving ect.

The Soulforge by Margaret Weis and Forward by Tracy Hickman, is the chance, for those of you have read The Dragon Lance Chronicles, to get inside the mind of our silent, clever, and power thirsty mage Raistlin Majere. Reading this story will explain Raistlins' jealousy over his muscular twin Caramon and why Raistlin resents his brother so much.
Raistlin Majere, a thin and silent boy, lived in Solace with his brother shortly after his parents died. Raistlin "friends", though they were mainly Caramon's friends were Sturm Brightblade, a would be knight, and Kitiara, their half-sister. When a stranger enters town looking for people interested in magic, Kitiara goes to him and asks if they would except her baby brother Raistlin because he was no good at the sword and had absolutely no strength for physical combat.
After excepting Raistlin, he swiftly became a prized student, who was soon able, though it had been many years of work, to cast spells far beyond his limit. After meeting Tanis Half-Elven, a half-elf who left his homeland of Qualinesti, Flint Fireforge, a hill dwarf who left his lands to become the greatest smith in Solace and to just get away from everyone, and Tasslehoff Burrfoot, kenders are creatures that look like thin hobbits and are very adventurous. Raistlin, Kitiara, Caramon followed Flint, Tanis, and to everyone's great dismay Tas, short for Tasslehoff, went to the Haven for the spring time festival. Their Raistlin met a mage named Lemuel and obtained some very powerful books for his dream.
Soon after stopping a group of thieving charlatan clerics, he was soon invited to take the Test. The Test was usually given to older mages but Raistlin was only 25. Now there was a breath telling of what happened in the Test in the Dragon Lance Chronicles. After the Test, Raistlin transformed into a creature that only sees things aging because he had struck a deal with a specter that was not part of the Test but only lived in it. He had past the Test after killing the closest person to him.
This enjoyable book to Dragon Lance fans will suddenly understand why he resents his brother and the other, as well as other things that might surprise even those who think they know everything about Raistlin and the others who haven't read this book.

This novel tells of the beginnings of the great Raistlin. It is intriguing to know of the back story involving Raistlin, for if the reader has had the opportunity to read any of the Dragonlance novels, they will know of the unending tale of Raistlin and his journey through time and far beyond.There are many novels regarding the twins journey and, of course the journey of Tanis, Flint, Tasselhoff, who can forget the little kender, Strum, Caramon, and of course Raistlin. A great read, a great universe!

I only gave this book four stars because I thought it slowed down in parts. But overall this is still a great book. I'm glad the Dragonlance authors have finally started writing books about the most secretive character in the series. Raistlin Is my favorite character. If you like Raistlin, Caramon, or Kitara, then you should definitly read Brothers in Arms. It is the second book in the Raistlin Chronicles. Brothers in amrs was so good, I give it five stars. Both books are great. I recomnd that you read them as soon as possible!

The ONLY true account of Raistlin Majere's life, personally approved by his brother, Caramon. This book draws the curtain away from many of the dark secrets Raistlin has kept to himself all his life. Everything from the man who started it all, to the bargain between Fistandantillus and Raistlin. If you love Dragonlance, you should already own this book. If you don't have it, BUY IT!!! This book covers EVERYTHING! If you don't read it, Astinus will feel very sad. After all, he spent the time writing is. Again, "Soulforge" by Margaret Weis is the BEST Dragonlance book ever written, and I enjoyed reading it. Oh, I strongly recommend this book. You really should buy it.

Raistlin was always one of my favorite Dragonlance characters. When I saw this book, I immediately had to have it. Every page was worth every cent I paid. I wanted badly to enjoy it over a long period of time, but I simply couldn't put it down. Reading about the life of Raistlin gave me a new insight to his character. Yes, he became evil in the later books, but I now understand why. Not only did Fistandantilus have a strong hold on him, but his past was harsh, one that made him grow up much too quickly. He is persecuted by a new "religion", scorned by his peers, rejected by women, smothered by his brother's doting love. He must abide his shattered health, a neglecting father, and a mother who is barely sane. Although everyone knows that he'll make it in the end, Weis's storytelling makes you have second thoughts about what you thought you knew.

Raistlin Majere is one of the most complex character ever depicted in a fantasy novel.
He's cynical and sarcastic, full of ambition, got thirst for power and he's a genius. But he is not without bad sides... He's cold, calculating and independant.
Now, I'm talking about Raistlin as he is in the "Chronicles" and "Legends" Trilogies.
But he wasn't always like that. He wasn't always so dark and malicious. Some events and painful experiences made in turn that way, made him choose darkness instead of light.
Learn why he chose to use his powers for evil plots instead of using them to help people, as he has great powers indeed.
You will learn to like him despite his dark sides as you grow to understand him. You will understand the bizarre bond between him and his antipode twin brother. They are so alike, yet so different.
You will learn how he was first introduced to magic. You'll even recognize some of your own traits in him : Jealousy - Ambition - Determination - Anger, pure anger. But also Compassion - Caring and even Love and Talent.
It's because he's so human, yet not that Raistlin is so intriguing, and fascinating.
You'll probably grow to love him as I did, and you'll be begging for more books on him as I did. He deserves to have a this complete book dedicated to him. Too bad there isn't more to it, but I'm being picky now...
Have a great read.

Of all the characters from the original Dragonlance trilogy, I have always been most fascinated by Raistlin. That is why I was so excited to pick up this book that would delve into his formative years. Starting when he is 6 years old, the book definitely explores what forces (parents deaths, incompetent instructor, etc.) shaped the future ArchMage.
What disappointed me the most about the book was the TEST. This traumatic event that so deeply affected and shaped the rest of his life promised to be engrossing and dramatic. It was anything but. The Conclave alluded to the 3 parts of the test, yet he only had 2. No explanation why. The confrontation with Fistandantalus was a true letdown, especially Raistlin's inexplicably simple ability to "break their agreement."
While reading the Chronicles and Legends trilogies, Caramon constantly refers to the tests as the abomination that wrecked his brother. I wanted to read Soulforge and experience what Caramon went through. Instead I experienced a letdown.

Raistlin Majere has always been my favorite Dragonlance character but this story of his early years was severely lacking. Wrapped in an air of mystery and hacking away with a deadly consumption, this young mage was protected both by his powerful brother and by his cloak of mystery. His ambition, curiosity and sleight of hand earns your interest like no other but he needed a more developed background to fill that vaccuum. I will still love the red robed mage but I might have to accept that his run as a great character ended in a Summer Flame.

As a Dragonlance fan I found reading this book much like returning home after a long abscence. It was great to catch up, with Raistlin and Caramon as well as the rest of the gang. To fully apreciate the story I think you need to be familiar with Chronicles and Ledgends. Although I enjoyed the book I give it only three stars because the story line is fairly predictable. Maybe it is just me, but I think this book demystified Raistlin too much. I liked knowing little about him that was part of his charm. But still worth a read.

This book explains alot about Raistlin. It tells about his ambitions at a young age. This book tells you alot about his family members and what kind of bond they had or didnt have. I absoulutly loved this book, and since Raistlin is my favorite character I got to learn so much more about him. Its surprising to know that he did start out with the white robes... Its a pretty amazing book. I cant wait to read Brothers in Arms!

Soulforge is an extremely exciting book that takes you across a wide range of characters and adventures. The book takes you through the life of young Raistlin Majere who becomes the greatest and most powerful mage that has ever lived. As a child, Raistlin grew up in the shadow of his twin brother Caramon Majere, who was strong and good-looking. But Raistlin had something his brother could never have, a smart, quick mind. With that intelligent mind, Raistlin Majere guides himself through the hardships of his childhood and for later on in his life. This book sets up the stage for the later chapters of Raistlin's life, in which Raistlin faces the dark goddess Talkhis in his quest to become a god. In Soulforge, Raistlin meets his friends who soon all become Heroes of the Lance. There is Tanis, the Half-Elven, Flint, the stubborn dwarf, Caramon, his brother, Sturm, the stouthearted knight, and Tasslehoff, the mischievous kender. With his friends, Raistlin fights against a false religious group, saves a town, and soon all learn to share a bond that is something far more than normal friendship. But through it all, while being taught magic at the local magic school, Raistlin has a yearning for something greater. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman do a fantastic job in helping us see how Raistlin turned out to become the person he later becomes. Through the tragedies that Rastlin faces, he uses them to strengthen his resolve for something greater. I would recommend this book for all fantasy lovers and people who love Raistlin's character. I had trouble going to sleep because reading this book kept me so awake. All fantasy lovers MUST read this book.

Ok,Raistlin is Weiss' character,we all know that.He is my obsession too,which you dont know and dont care anyway. :-)
The book is a classic.Weiss is a master of the language and creates powerful images,and sculpts characters with amazing clarity .Moreover,this book answers questions we all had about the golden skinned magician.A must to read,but in the proper order..do yourselves a favor and read this book..

I loved this book. Soulforge definitley has to be considered one of the originals. Making Raistlin into a boy that was kinda a product of his enviroment really put the finishing touch on him. I really don't think you can really relate to Raistlin until you've read this outstanding novel. Not to mention where else do you get to read about a hundred foot kender!! The terror of all terrors.

it was really good except that when raistlin was talking about leaving the caccoon of his house and venturing out into ansalon by flying away on the new wings, and caramon thought that he actually ment flying on wings. he isn;t that dumb, and by now he should get used to raistling using metaphores alot and even if he didn't understand what he meant, he wouldn't take it literally.

This book is a great prequel to the Dragonlance Chronicles. It relays the story of the power-hungry mage, Raistlin, and his muscle-bound brother, Caramon. Raistlin starts out as a child, and grows to be in his early 20's when he takes The Test at the Tower of Wayreth.
I think this is an amazing book, and recommend it to anyone who has read the Dragonlance Chronicles. Margaret Weis does a great job of keeping the reader in suspense and giving great background information on the group that was in the Dragonlance Chronicles. Brothers In Arms is the sequel to this book. BUY THEM BOTH NOW!!!

After having read almost every available DragonLance novel I was very excited to read Margaret Weis latest book about the frail mage Raistlin Majere. Margaret Weis bestows the reader a brillant vision of Raistlin's life and his strive for ultimate power. See how the world of Krynn becomes alive once again and take a journey back to Solace. Well done!!!

Raistlin is one of the most intriging and interesting characters I have ever read about. After reading many DL books, and focusing my attention mainly on him, I was very happy that there was finally a book about his early years. The story is very revealing and informative. I was hoping for a little more action however. Like, Raistling kicking some ( ). While there isn't much of that, it's still a must for anybody who enjoys the character as much as I do.

This books proves the woman is the brains behind the operation - sorry Tracy.
I always enjoy reading about Raistlin & this is the best yet. I hope there's another book - please let there be 3 or 4 more - books in this series.
The Test chapters were what I wanted to read the most. I always thought he had gone a little different.

Those of you who despise Raistlin for his treatment toward Caramon in "Chronicles" will truly understand him after "The Soulforge." Weis is one of the best in her genre, this book was an absolute page turner. Thrilling from cover-to-cover. Finally, the truth behind this wonderful character.

I read the book first, and then listened to these cassette's. I suggest everyone do the same, because the cassette's get the general idea of the book across, but they leave out many of the most important parts. I highly suggest reading this book tho. It will touch your heart. It's a bit different from most DL books. Instead of being about a war or some huge event happening in the world, it's simply about the characters and their lives. I love it, as well as "Brother's In Arms." I can hardly wait for the next one!

An incredible dragonlance novel. I had never been particularly fond of Raistlin as a character, but this gave me new insight as to what Raistlin is really like and why. If you are a fan of Dragonlance, you should read this, but if you are a specific fan of Raistlin, you MUST read it.

It was a brillantly illustrated book with a high form of quality like no other Dragonlance novel I have read it really explains motives and convictions of Raistlin and the real truth behind his life considering after his death so many stories appeared thoughout Krynn about his life.

I opened this book with very high expectations, being that it was about my favorite literary character and written by one of his creators, and somehome... it managed to surpass them. Soulforge not only gives us the details of Raistlin's early life but also gives us a day to day account of what it was like to be a young mage on Krynn. In the end we also get a full account of what truly happened in Raistlin's infamous test. I highly recommend this book, not only to DL fans but to people who want to be DL fans.

Raistlin has been my most favorite character in the Dragonlance series, ever since I picked up Dragons of Autumn Twilight way back when they had the original covers on the books. I enjoyed that trilogy, as well as the Legends trilogy, and was VERY glad that there was a book devoted to the upbringing of Raistlin. If you also enjoy Raistlin and want to see more of him, this book reveals a lot about how he became the person he was in the other books. Margaret Weis, I applaud you.

This book really answeres some questions I had about Raistlin. I liked the character before but now I'm totaly in love! I understand him in a different way than before and who can write better than Margaret Weis. Please, please release the next one quick!

Unlike the cesspool of nonsense that Jean Rabe has brought us with her pathetic attempts at the Fifth Age Trilogy and her follow-ups on them, Margaret Weis has brought a stunning, in-depth look at young Raistlin Majere's life, detailing his schooling with the inept Master Theobald, his first love, the meeting of the companions, his parents, and the Seeker Gods. I found this to be an incredibly addictive story, and it even included a foreward by Tracy Hickman. The Dragonlance Team has done a superb job bringing up the heroes, and Weis has done a magnificient job in furthering it in "The Soulforge".

This story, describing the life of the infamous Raisltin Majere, is truly one of the best books I have ever read. This page-turner by Margaret Weis answers all your questions about, my favorite character, Raistlin Majere. The story is written in full detail, describing everything from the road to his school, to the food he eats. One will find themselves enthralled with the greatest mage ever, and experience his emotions just as fully as one does their own. The writing is superb, as is seemingly everyone else. I suggest this book to anyone who might want to read a DragonLance book, or any book, very strongly.

A prequel to the DragonLance Adventures, this is the first DragonLance book I read. It tells of the birth and early life of the Majere brothers, and the hard life that they had growing up and adventuring together. There are hidden secrets written in this book about Raistlin's past, joining the Wizard's Conclave, and his pursuit to become a renowned mage. Also, there are many questions answered about his twin brother, Caramon, the twin's parents, their half-sister, Kitiara, and that fateful day, when the adventurers met for the first time. This book is a wonderful window into the world of Krynn, and I hope that you'll get it today!!

...fans of the Dragonlance originals will relish this story of the Majere twins' early years and Raistlin's early foray into the world of magic. But then, when a Krynn novel is authored by its creator, it can't help but be good! Bravo, Ms. Weiss!

This book is the single greatest book in the Dragonlance series. It tells the ory of Raistlin's life in great detail, and answered most questions I had about the twisted mage. Don't pass this one up, cause if you do you have to die.

If you're a Dragonlance fan - be very careful while you consider purchasing this book! Make sure you have plenty of free time in which to read because this book absolutely REFUSES to be put down! I read many of the trilogies over 10 years ago and probably haven't read a DL book since until this one and I must say, it's every bit as good as any of the others! I would even rank this one up with the Chronicles books, which were my favorite! If you like DL - buy this. Don't wait - buy it... So what are you waiting for??

While the book was well written and an excellent addition to the Dragonlance series, I think it should have been titled differently. The book may focus on Raistlin quite a bit, but it also provides a good deal of background into many of the original characters. Another 50 pages could have been added to make it fit nicely with the Chronicles. The section describing his experience with the Test was a bit disappointing, too. It was a good book, however. It's just the title that was a bit misleading. A must have for any fan.

This is one of my favorite books in the dragonlance series, first I have to say that margaret weis is an exeptional writer and "knows" raistlin the best of any other authors who write in the series, she does a great job in this book of telling his story and showing that he wasn't always the way he is in chronicles and legends, the only thing is you HAVE to read those series first to truly appreciate this book, I give it a 5 not only for exeptional storytelling, but because Im a huge raistlin fan :)

Personally, I really didn't like this book all that well. But it was also the first book by this author I have read. Everyone that raves about it has read this series and it answered questions for them. So read the others first!

I read this and the other two Raistlin chronicles books before I read the main Dragonlance series, and was pretty impressed. It provides a great introduction to the main character and shows you his motivations for acting as he does later on, as well as how and why he became a mage. I recommend reading this before you read the main books, because knowing this background information will make you enjoy them more.

My only complaint was that you never see many of the secondary characters again and it seems like they turned out to be pointless

I loved this book. Raistlin is by far my favorite character from the Dragonlance books. This book highlights the life of magic that Raistlin builds from a young boy to the most powerful mage on Krin. I always wanted to know what happened in the High tower of sorcery for his test, and this book accounted one view of the trials. Fascinating book, hated to have it end.