Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Bones Of The Dragon

Bones Of The Dragon

Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

Tor, Jan 2009, $24.95

ISBN: 076531973X

Everyone except Skylan Ivorson believes the self conceited pup is too young and egotistical to properly lead a clan, especially a clan of raiders, but all acknowledge he has becomes the chief of chiefs of his clan, the Vindras. Skylan believes the War God Skoval has looked favorably at him and many agree calling him the Blessed, but he soon realizes his seafaring raiders are actually cursed as being the Blessed also means doing suicidal bidding.

The ancient gods including Skoval are under assault by newcomers who want the top level of the pantheon. They are proving successful in their war against the ancient ones. The only known way to repel the intruders is to find and bring back together the Five Bones of the Vektan Dragons. The Dragon Goddess has selected the Blessed one and his weary clan to accomplish the quest; Skoval orders Skylan to complete his destiny as the Blessed.

Although similar to Greek and Roman mythos with a destined quest bestowed by interfering Gods, readers will enjoy the opening Dragonships' fantasy due to the lead character, who learns the hard way being chosen is a double edged sword. The storyline is action-packed even as Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman introduce their new world and the war of the gods to the audience. Fans of the writing team will appreciate the first tale in their new saga as the hero learns that the gods bestow not out of altruism but so that the gods demand when they need too.

Harriet Klausner