It's been more than six months since I last read a Dragonlance novel. And I still have several tens of them to read. Anyway, continuing the Summer Flame era (after "Dragons Of Summer Flame"), "The Doom Brigade" is the first installment in the two-volumes series "Kang's Regiment".

Draconians (Kang and his gang) and dwarves live on the same plain, bugging each other a few times a year: dwarves stealing tools and stuff, the draconians stealing dwarf spirits. Since there's no war, the draconians have to do something to keep themselves busy.

And so a story unfolds in which there's rumour of a treasure, even a very old treasure consisting of dragon eggs with female draconians. These never hatched. By sheer luck, Kang and co. find out about it and go out to seek them by shadowing/following the dwarves, who have the same interest (only with regards to return on investment aka selling them for gold and what not).

Meanwhile, there's a war going on in the heavens. And Takhisis' armies occupy a great deal of Ansalon, yet install peace. They aren't on a killing spree at all. Kang didn't want his troops/engineers to be (ab)used in the new army, so he left, and then the treasure hunt fell into their laps. But that hunt didn't go as planned, as several obstacles were not taken into account.

All in all, it was an entertaining story, quick to read, and somehow you would begin to sympathize with Kang and his gang. But they're still draconians, still loyal to the Dark Queen. It will be interesting to read how both draconians and dwarfs get out of the cave/mountain and if they'll continue to live peacefully together.

One negative remark, though: some editing would have been useful, as there are a few typos, some words forgotten in dialogues. But it doesn't disturb the story itself, it's trivial stuff that could have easily been prevented by Don Perrin and Margaret Weis themselves. ( )

If I were rating purely on dragons and nostalgia, this would be a 4. If I were rating purely on the writing quality itself, it'd be a 2. So here we find ourselves at a compromising 3.

Like all Dragonlance novels, Doom Brigade moves at a fast pace and boasts tons of action and different locations. Its a quick, light read that captures the flavor of D&D in general and Krynn specifically.

Like all Dragonlance novels, there aren't many twists and the foreshadowing is so heavy-handed its made of lead. While the characters are fun, they are largely interchangeable, with really only one draconian and one dwarf having much personality on the page (and that personality is very much standard thief and knight tropes).

Still, its hard not to be happy at the end when everything comes together. ( )

Very likable characters. The plot is somewhat lighter that the others books of the Dragonlance saga, but fast paced and enjoyable. There are some definitely hilarious moments. If you can get your hands on this book (it is somewhat difficult), read it. ( )

Ever since I read the first Dragonlance books, I was facinated by the Draconians. And this book gives a great look into their lifes, how the war affected them, their dreams and desires.
Also the book has wonderful characters, a good flow, and a loveable mix of action and humor. ( )