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Dragonlance: The Dark Disciple #2
Amber and Iron
The world of Krynn is ever changing, and even the gods can be taken by surprise. And if that’s true of the gods, what chance can a mere mortal have? Caught up in forces none of them could hope to face alone, a small but determined band of adventurers come together in a desperate attempt to stop an invasion.
Mina, as enigmatic as ever, escapes imprisonment to set off on a quest that will test even her considerable will. All the while, evil spreads across the land, gaining ground with each new day. With so much at stake, with the very soul of Krynn on the line, champions must be found even in the darkest places.
Mina, as enigmatic as ever, escapes imprisonment to set off on a quest that will test even her considerable will. All the while, evil spreads across the land, gaining ground with each new day. With so much at stake, with the very soul of Krynn on the line, champions must be found even in the darkest places.
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Margaret Weis
685 books5,674 followersMargaret Edith Weis is an American fantasy and science fiction author of dozens of novels and short stories. At TSR, Inc., she teamed with Tracy Hickman to create the Dragonlance role-playing game (RPG) world. She is founding CEO and owner of Sovereign Press, Inc and Margaret Weis Productions, licensing several popular television and movie franchises to make RPG series in addition to their own.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.
In 1999, Pyramid magazine named Weis one of The Millennium's Most Influential Persons, saying she and Hickman are "basically responsible for the entire gaming fiction genre". In 2002, she was inducted into the Origins Hall of Fame in part for Dragonlance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 8, 2022
Actual rating is 4.5 stars.
This is the second book of a trilogy and the first book must be read before this one. We pick up right where we left off in the first book. Chemosh is still going thru his plan turning people into an army. Rhys is still determined to stop his brother. And Mina is still a hot property for the other gods as she lets herself be used over and over again.
This was definitely a step up from the first book in this series. I think this is because the characters are firmly established and we are into the meat of the story. We also got away from the YA aspect that was a big part of the first book. Even though nothing will compare to the characters from the original novels these characters more than hold their own and have become favorites of mine. From the monk that has lost his way with his god or to the gods themselves or the kender that isn't your usual kender. There is something for everyone. It is no secret that these books have religious undertones. I loved this aspect in this particular book. The idea of a monk of a god losing his faith but rediscovering it was terrific. And speaking of the gods I love their active role in this book. The one flaw in the original books is that the minor gods are mentioned but never partake in the action. They are so involved in this book and trilogy and easily a favorite part of mine.
This is a reread for me and I do not remember enjoying this book as much as I did this time. Maybe it is because of where I am in my life right now compared to where I was back then. I am enjoying the new cast of characters, the gods active role, and even Mina herself isn't getting on my nerves. This book ended with a twist in her story and the final book will explore this twist. I look forward to it and completing this trilogy.
This is the second book of a trilogy and the first book must be read before this one. We pick up right where we left off in the first book. Chemosh is still going thru his plan turning people into an army. Rhys is still determined to stop his brother. And Mina is still a hot property for the other gods as she lets herself be used over and over again.
This was definitely a step up from the first book in this series. I think this is because the characters are firmly established and we are into the meat of the story. We also got away from the YA aspect that was a big part of the first book. Even though nothing will compare to the characters from the original novels these characters more than hold their own and have become favorites of mine. From the monk that has lost his way with his god or to the gods themselves or the kender that isn't your usual kender. There is something for everyone. It is no secret that these books have religious undertones. I loved this aspect in this particular book. The idea of a monk of a god losing his faith but rediscovering it was terrific. And speaking of the gods I love their active role in this book. The one flaw in the original books is that the minor gods are mentioned but never partake in the action. They are so involved in this book and trilogy and easily a favorite part of mine.
This is a reread for me and I do not remember enjoying this book as much as I did this time. Maybe it is because of where I am in my life right now compared to where I was back then. I am enjoying the new cast of characters, the gods active role, and even Mina herself isn't getting on my nerves. This book ended with a twist in her story and the final book will explore this twist. I look forward to it and completing this trilogy.
March 22, 2017
Continúa esta trilogía con una historia ciertamente desconcertante en torno a las luchas entre los dioses y con Mina como elemento catalizador de las mismas.
No termino de encontrarle la gracia a esta trilogía, ni siquiera vislumbro ni la sombra de lo que fue Mina en La Guerra de los Espíritus. Sinceramente, me está resultando bastante decepcionante, sobre todo el camino que parece seguir y que no adelanto en esta crónica por no hacer spoiler a nadie (si es que alguien lee esto; que lo escribo más para mi que para otros...).
Voy a terminar la saga porque reconozco que me intriga y porque soy adicta a la Dragonlance, pero reconozco que, de seguir por estos derroteros, quizá haya llegado el momento de decirle adiós. Es un universo fascinante, pero todo tiene un límite!
No termino de encontrarle la gracia a esta trilogía, ni siquiera vislumbro ni la sombra de lo que fue Mina en La Guerra de los Espíritus. Sinceramente, me está resultando bastante decepcionante, sobre todo el camino que parece seguir y que no adelanto en esta crónica por no hacer spoiler a nadie (si es que alguien lee esto; que lo escribo más para mi que para otros...).
Voy a terminar la saga porque reconozco que me intriga y porque soy adicta a la Dragonlance, pero reconozco que, de seguir por estos derroteros, quizá haya llegado el momento de decirle adiós. Es un universo fascinante, pero todo tiene un límite!
September 17, 2024
As for the first book in the series, I find this one a bit below the typical Margaret Weis book. However, there was a definite improvement with respect to the previous one. The plot starts to become more consistent and interesting, and it tends to something clearer than the rather confusing Amber and Ashes.
The final revelation comes as a revelation only partially. It was somehow clear that there was something special about Mina, but actually the real nature of her peculiarities was quite unexpected.
What I found weak in this book are two issues. One is the main character. Rhys is quite dull, and easily succumbs to the will of just about anybody who orders him around, in a very passive way. He somehow reminds me of Shadow from American Gods, accepting without so much as a complaint everything that any god asks of him.
The other weakness is in the gods, who are too humanized in my opinion.They bicker and grumble and annoy each other much as nasty humans, and even their powers don't even appear that godlike.
All in all, a decent book, although Margaret can (and usually does) create much better works.
There are also serious issues with the editing. Plenty of typos and spelling mistakes, showing that the proofreading was very poor. This is an issue that I have often encountered with TSR / WotC books.
The final revelation comes as a revelation only partially. It was somehow clear that there was something special about Mina, but actually the real nature of her peculiarities was quite unexpected.
What I found weak in this book are two issues. One is the main character. Rhys is quite dull, and easily succumbs to the will of just about anybody who orders him around, in a very passive way. He somehow reminds me of Shadow from American Gods, accepting without so much as a complaint everything that any god asks of him.
The other weakness is in the gods, who are too humanized in my opinion.They bicker and grumble and annoy each other much as nasty humans, and even their powers don't even appear that godlike.
All in all, a decent book, although Margaret can (and usually does) create much better works.
There are also serious issues with the editing. Plenty of typos and spelling mistakes, showing that the proofreading was very poor. This is an issue that I have often encountered with TSR / WotC books.
April 23, 2024
Nightshade and Rhys are among the best characters in all of Dragonlance.
The "big reveal" of the 2nd book is great.
And the whole concept about a true mayhem between the gods and bringing all of them to the front had a lot of promise. Halfway in this book though, you can clearly see the quality and pacing drop a lot.
So much promise, it could have been so much more, especially with all of the interesting ideas and concepts within it.
The "big reveal" of the 2nd book is great.
And the whole concept about a true mayhem between the gods and bringing all of them to the front had a lot of promise. Halfway in this book though, you can clearly see the quality and pacing drop a lot.
So much promise, it could have been so much more, especially with all of the interesting ideas and concepts within it.
October 20, 2024
These Dragonlance books are like comfort food though this is not the best of them by any means. I really like the monk character Rhys along with his two traveling companions (Atta his dog and Nightstalker the Kender). But most sections of the book with other characters, including the other main character, Mina drag a bit. Just like Book 1 I wish there was less focus on her (even though that is impossible as she drives the story).
November 4, 2018
Una entretenida continuación que despierta interés, sin más. Muy por debajo de las grandes obras de la Dragonlance.
No obstante, La Discípula Oscura está resultando de imprescindible lectura para los amantes de Dragonlance, al desvelar los orígenes de Mina y explicar muchas cosas del mundo de Krynn.
No obstante, La Discípula Oscura está resultando de imprescindible lectura para los amantes de Dragonlance, al desvelar los orígenes de Mina y explicar muchas cosas del mundo de Krynn.
August 2, 2024
Me he criado leyendo Dragonlance, así que no puedo ser imparcial con esta saga.
Soy consciente de que hay series de fantasía mucho mejores por ahí, y en realidad, la historia de Mina, sin ser mala, tampoco es de las mejores.
Pero volver a Krynn siempre es todo un ataque de nostalgia, y he disfrutado mucho leyendo este libro.
Ahora a por el tercer volumen!!
Soy consciente de que hay series de fantasía mucho mejores por ahí, y en realidad, la historia de Mina, sin ser mala, tampoco es de las mejores.
Pero volver a Krynn siempre es todo un ataque de nostalgia, y he disfrutado mucho leyendo este libro.
Ahora a por el tercer volumen!!
July 15, 2019
The ending was exactly what I wanted. It was gut wrenching to even fathom something happening to sweet Rhys but Weis never fails to satisfy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
Full review here:
https://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/...
Fun reading, if not quite as epic as other stories in teh series
https://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/...
Fun reading, if not quite as epic as other stories in teh series
August 3, 2024
Reviewed as the whole Dark Disciple Trilogy.
June 24, 2008
After reading the first book Amber and Ashes, I couldn't wait for the second volume to come out. You don't have to have read any of the Dragonlance novels to read this new series. It's a quick easy read and follows the story of Mina and how she plays into the plans of the different gods in wanting to rule the world. There's a little bit of love and suspense, dealing of relationships between the immortal and mortal worlds. I can't wait to read the last book in this trilogy. I definitely recommend reading Amber and Ashes before this book, so you have the full setting.
June 28, 2007
The main problem with this series isn't so much that it's fluff, I've got nothing against that (despite obvious contrivances from the D&D rule book), it's more that there is too much focus on the gods. Specific powers and rules applied to them are constantly in the background of the story while the mortals are largely ignored, save Rhys and Nightshade. While the revealing of Mina's divinity isn't really surprising after about halfway through the book, the idea that she is of the Light is. Frankly I was expecting her to be an evil goddess so that Paladine could be returned to divinity and restore the balance.
July 25, 2012
Migliora rispetto al primo, anche se di poco, soprattutto dopo la metà.
Purtroppo continua a dare l'impressione di una scarsissima pianificazione della trama. Gli dei sembrano quasi umani, per quante limitazioni hanno, per la maggior parte del tempo, salvo poi avere un guizzo di potenza divina. Poco credibili.
E monopolizzano la storia. Per quanto gli umani cerchino di fare qualcosa, si trovano sempre il dio che li blocca e devono attendere l'intervento di un altro dio per tirarsene fuori.
Le frasi tra parentesi sono un po' di meno, ma in questo libro finiscono anche dentro il discorso diretto. Sono stato tentato di chiudere il libro e lasciarlo lì.
Purtroppo continua a dare l'impressione di una scarsissima pianificazione della trama. Gli dei sembrano quasi umani, per quante limitazioni hanno, per la maggior parte del tempo, salvo poi avere un guizzo di potenza divina. Poco credibili.
E monopolizzano la storia. Per quanto gli umani cerchino di fare qualcosa, si trovano sempre il dio che li blocca e devono attendere l'intervento di un altro dio per tirarsene fuori.
Le frasi tra parentesi sono un po' di meno, ma in questo libro finiscono anche dentro il discorso diretto. Sono stato tentato di chiudere il libro e lasciarlo lì.
July 26, 2012
The characters introduced in the first volume of the Dark Disciple trilogy return in Amber and Iron. Rhys and Nightshade continue to follow Lleu, to find a way to destroy Chemosh's curse. Mina continues to help the God of Death in his attempt to rule the dark pantheon, but the mysteries from her past starts to surface, shaking her to the core. As more gods get involved, the mysteries surrounding Mina nature and origin slowly unravel.
This is the best volume of the trilogy, the one I enjoyed reading the most. Despite that, it is not as epic, powerful, or captivating as the original dragonlance novels. There is really no comparison.
This is the best volume of the trilogy, the one I enjoyed reading the most. Despite that, it is not as epic, powerful, or captivating as the original dragonlance novels. There is really no comparison.
June 29, 2016
Mina has taken herself to the next level of godly complications, which is never good because all it does is create trouble for the world. I don't want to spoil anything. It is a truly wonderful second to the first of this trilogy. I rather wish I had the third one on hand to finish it off, to find out what happens after the end of Amber & Iron. There is no dawdling in the plot, so don't worry about it dragging on, just worry about the Beloved of Chemosh along with the god himself. We'll discover a lot about Mina in this instalment, some of which even terrifies her. I highly recommend picking up the second if you loved the first.
January 23, 2011
It would have been nice to reread my review for the first installment in the Dark Disciple series, but I think I said something about enjoying my return to Krynn as it has been a number of years since last I was there (or something like that).
What I can say about the second installment is that it is tremendously better than the first one and I actually liked the first one. I found the story being told at a good pace. Ms. Weis did a fine job building up to the key discoveries in this novel. The end was just amazing.
I look forward to reading the final installment!
What I can say about the second installment is that it is tremendously better than the first one and I actually liked the first one. I found the story being told at a good pace. Ms. Weis did a fine job building up to the key discoveries in this novel. The end was just amazing.
I look forward to reading the final installment!
January 12, 2010
The Dark Disciple Series is Ms Weis again at her finest. The mystery behind Mina is compelling to the end. A rogue monk on Krynn is also new and refreshing amidst the many canon lorekeepers of Dragonlance. If one were finished with The Chronicles, The Legends and The War of Souls, this is the next series to read. Also, although not written by Weis, The Minotaurs Series is also key to understanding the changing land of Krynn in the 5th Age.
May 20, 2009
Off like a shotgun...I'm eating it up, like the last one. In case you never knew, I can take 1-2 months to read a book, but I finished book 1 and started book 2 within a week. Practically unheard of. It's AWESOME, btw.
i am LOVIN this dark disciple series i'm reading. it almost seems that she was so inspired that words are being left out. i've found types throughout. doesn't reduce my enjoyment, tho.
i am LOVIN this dark disciple series i'm reading. it almost seems that she was so inspired that words are being left out. i've found types throughout. doesn't reduce my enjoyment, tho.
August 29, 2011
I liked this entry better than I did its predecessor. The author didn't have to take the time to set up the story and thus was able to dive right in (and I mean dive right in. It would be a good idea to read this book immediately after reading the first one). As in the first entry, the pov is spread amonst the characters for a more equal and interesting read. Be forewarned, though, it ends on a cliff-hanger.
February 5, 2013
This book was phenomenal! Where as the first book didn't delve too deeply into Mina herself, this book finally answered all my questions! About half way through the book I just knew what Mina was, so when they finally came out with it I went, I knew it!! Can't wait to read the next. I was happy to see that Majere made quite the appearance in this book too.
June 18, 2013
Boring, boring, boring. Especially when you consider how many books are on my to-read shelf. That shelf is not just a list of things I would like to read. Each entry is a physical book on a physical self or a title stored on my Kindle that I actually plan to read. (I should post a picture of that sometime. My to-read shelf is actually one shelf, LOL!) So I need to be ruthless.
November 16, 2012
This book opens up a new world, displaying the extricates of other gods. It shows the politics of the gods and their human-like relations. A rogue monk on Krynn is also new and refreshing amidst the many canon lorekeepers of Dragonlance. If one were finished with The Chronicles, The Legends and The War of Souls, this is the next series to read.
January 28, 2016
amazing trilogy, truly gripping and its getting more complicated as it goes along, the beloved of chemosh are as horrible as mina is and they are becoming ever more numerous and now all the gods are becoming interested in mina to say the least!! what is the grip mina has on gods and humans alike?? hate the only way the beloved can be killed, its chilling but no spoilers!!
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August 29, 2007Not as good as Amber and Ashes (Vol 1), but the ending makes you want more.
December 23, 2008
This book opens up a new world, displaying the extricates of other gods. It shows the politics of the gods and their human-like relations. The terrible cost of a beloveds death only feeds the fear of humans and gods alike. It was an interesting read and I had a hard time put the book down.
July 19, 2014
I had the notion that the second instalment in any series is always the worst of the bunch, and this is based on experience. But I actually enjoyed this more than the first book, and that's saying much as I really loved the first book.
Didn't expect the twist at the end! Huge shock.
Didn't expect the twist at the end! Huge shock.
October 24, 2016
The second part of Mina's story. I'm a huge Dragonlance fan but unfortunately I have to tell his is not the best book by far. The gods are present way too much and they are too petty. Although the cliffhanger at the end of the book is not bad.
September 11, 2008
Love this too... I just love Margaret Weis work!!!
January 28, 2009
LOVE THIS ENTIRE SERIES! AMAZING!
June 15, 2010
Couldn't put it down and had me dying for the last part to come out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews