Dragons of Summer Flame

By: Tracy Hickman, Margaret Weis

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 25 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

Summer has come to Krynn, a summer unlike any before. The sun bears down on land and sea, searing the world with relentless light and heat. Clouds and rain are nowhere to be found, and even the darkness of night brings little relief from the strange and oppressive day.

Meanwhile, those who commune regularly with their gods are uneasy. Every day, their deities become more distant, more difficult to reach. Clerics' prayers go unanswered, and magic goes awry. As the tension on Ansalon builds, estranged cousins Palin Majere and Steel Brightblade search for an explanation. It soon becomes evident that more than just magic is at stake.The fate of all Krynn hangs in the balance.

©1995 TSR, Inc., c. 2001 Wizards of the Coast LLC, c. 2011 Wizards of the Coast LLC (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Boehmer's Back

Would you listen to Dragons of Summer Flame again? Why?

Not for a while. It's a bit of a long sit.

If you’ve listened to books by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman before, how does this one compare?

This isn't Weis and Hickman's best. The story is more streamlined in the Chronicles trilogy, and the character work is better in Legends, but this does a decent enough job of ending an age, introducing a new one, while also devling deeper into Krynn's mythology and paying homage to the characters from both generations. It's an impossible book to do perfectly, but by focusing primarily on the characters Weis and Hickman are able to achieve some emotional impact by the book's end.

Which character – as performed by Paul Boehmer – was your favorite?

First of all, I'm so glad that we've got Paul Boehmer reading these characters and this world again. He gets it in a way that Ax Norman simply didn't (seriously, Audible, what a travesty of a performance!). Boehmer's grown on me progressively since the first book of Chronicles, and what I love is his ability to read everything as though it is the most important, drama-filled scene he has ever encountered. You get a sense that he's crazy about this world and the people in it. And in keeping with that spirit, Boehmer's best character was undoubtedly Tasslehoff Burrfoot, everyone's favorite kender. Tas is one of those characters who so nearly annoyed me all the time in the first book, but by now I just love the guy. It's a testament to Weis and Hickman's writing as well as Boehmer's performance that Tas becomes so endearing over time. He's a tough character to pull of well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really, since it would take more than a day. That said, I did burn through this one pretty quickly.

Any additional comments?

Just so everyone's aware, this book is listed as the fourth installment in the Chronicles series, but that's misleading. Luckily I found this out before it was too late and read the books in the right order. If you're curious, here's the correct order:

1. Chronicles (starting with Dragons of Autumn Twilight
2. Legends (starting with Time of the Twins)
3. The Second Generation (collection of novellas that introduces you to some of the new players and concepts in this book)
4. Dragons of Summer Flame

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

worthy sequel

Little short seems a little rushed in parts bit overall a good addition to chronicles

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Weis & Hickman never fail to impress

As an avid fan of the Dragonlance series, I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. However due to the size and thickness of the physical copy, I've always put it off. So this was a good way to get it read. As I write this review, I'm only a few chapters into book 3.

Any fan of the Dragonlance series who know the Kender characteristics will find themselves rolling with laughter at Tass' antics. I certainly did.

As for Paul's narrating style, it reminds me of the narrating style of Orson Welles. So that's a great plus in my book. :D

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was pleased

First, let me say that the story is a little disjointed, so read/listen to the Second Generation before this, if you are not familiar with the stories already.

Second, I know many people dislike Paul Boehmer's performance but I enjoy it. His voice is melodious, and he is one of the few male narrators who can perform female roles without falling into a Monty Python-esque falsetto. Also, he does a wonderful Tasselhoff Burrfoot. His voices for Tanis, Tas, Raistlin and Fizzban/Paladine sound like what I've heard in my head ever since reading the books when they originally came out.

My biggest complaint about his narration is how he pronounces Takhisis, but I can deal with it. At least he pronounces Majere correctly.

All in all, this is a fair rendition of one of my favourite fantasy series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

As good as when I read it myself 15 years ago.

I still get a tear from this book. The story started so long ago will always have a place in my soul and this ending was as all endings, bitter-sweet.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great Book But it should not be called Book 4

Would you listen to Dragons of Summer Flame again? Why?

Yes- wonderful story - some of my favorite characters were in it as well as new ones I loved (some of their sons!)

What did you like best about this story?

The stories Weis and Hickman write together are always amazing and Boehmer did a wonderful job reading it. What I liked best . . . That is too hard to say.

What about Paul Boehmer’s performance did you like?

His voice! Its perfect for the story and when he changes it for the characters it seems natural and adds to the story rather than distracts from it. Not to mention he has a really nice voice to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It had parts that were sad and because I know these characters from other books I did laugh at things they did (especially Tas).

Any additional comments?

I have an issue with the idea that this is called Chronicles Book 4. It does not have all the same main characters, it is 20+ years later, and a different war!

But it is still a great story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Climactic ending to the series.

Another great storyline, as well as fantastic performance by the narrator. It was a fitting climax to the series.

Excellent conclusion to an amazing series.

Years ago, I read Dragons of Autumn Twilight. I am in the middle of some very serious medical issues. This series has really helped me get away from reality, and spend at least part of my days with the heroes of the Lance. I’m sure in the weeks, months, and years, I will reread these books, and discover things I missed. They are those types of books, creating a world in the reader’s mind, and each time it’s visited, new things reveal themselves. If you love fantasy, you’ll love these, as I have now for many, many years.

love this story

I read this 16 years ago and rehashed the story thinking I remembered more and my goodness. a whirlwind of adventure, trials, choices and reflection. I laughed and cried and love how the narrator gave each character a different voice

The weak link

I love the Dragonlance books, but I could have done without this one. The first half is awesome! It had all the makings of greatness only to let me down in the end. Although it must be said the Paul Boehmer is the greatest narrator of all time!

Very Enjoyable!

A great story that rounds of the " Chronicals" series very well. Very happy with the narration, as I have been dissapointed in the past with the narration of some of the DL Audible titles (the War of the Souls books - avoid!) Highly recommended and a good example of an Audible title done well!

Worth spending the time on.

if you want to get the most out the this great well told story make sure you listen to the prequels first. autumn, winter , spring and second generation at least.