Dragonships of Vardas Volume 1: Bones of the Dragon

Written by: Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

The dream team reunite. I can’t lie, I am an unabashed fan of Weis/Hickman. So you must take this review with that in mind. But as I read, I wonder how could somone not like their novels? No they aren’t as detailed as Tolkien, nor are they as verbose as Jordan or Martin. But as for worlds created combined with epic and entertaining stories?

They do quite alright.

Although it would be remiss for me not to admit that I had a hard time getting into this one at first. Despite meeting with gruesome ogres and battling with them within the first few chapters, there was a bit much exposition. But in volume 1 of 6, that is to be expected.

What is great about the tale is that there are NO perfect heroes. Our main protagonist, Skylan, son of the Chief is a petulant, spoiled brat who often means well and has good intentions but really deserves to get a good kick in the ass now and again.

Skylan’s best friend, Garn is a much better person but is cowardly when it comes to romance and admitting to his best friend that he loves the same woman that Skylan loves…and worse she loves him back.

The woman in question, Aylaen is as selfish as the men are in her desire for Garn above all else.

But what’s great is that despite that you still root for them to achieve, even as they fail. Especially as you realize how young the heroes are and how getting to watch them develop into righteous people is going to be a great part of the story.

Another great set up is the character of Wulfe. Part fae and part “Ugly One”, the kid is mysterious but makes such a mark, you know he will be even more important to Skylan as the story develops.

Full of magic, warfare, love, and humor, Dragonships is definitely the most adult oriented novel Weis and Hickman have come up with as they are not shy about language or situations at all but it goes well with the darker world.

After reading it, I realized that the novel is one big prologue to the series, but I don’t mind because it only means the story is going to get even larger in scope.

A-