The new Dragonlance novel War Wizard has big shoes to fill following the success of the Destinies trilogy (Dragons of Deceit [2022], Dragons of Fate [2023] and Dragons of Eternity [2024]), and it proved to be more than up to the task, delivering a very satisfying story fleshing out the life of one of the most interesting characters in Krynn lore; Wizard of the Red Robes, Magius.
It is a great time to be a Dragonlance fan with the Classic novel series bringing back the excitement of the great days when fans could expect the release of several Dragonlance books every year.
This novel will please just about everyone interested in Dragonlance: the OG fans who have been dreaming of a return to the heyday of the Dragonlance novels, the Dungeons & Dragons players who may have discovered Dragonlance through Shadow of the Dragon Queen, and fans of fantasy literature in general.
Is War Wizard a Good Entry Point for New Dragonlance Readers?
Yes, War Wizard is a perfect, self-contained jumping-on point for anyone who has never read a Dragonlance novel. Because it focuses on a distinct era and character origin, readers do not need prior knowledge of the expansive Dragonlance mythology to enjoy the story.
In fact, I believe that this novel serves as such a compelling introduction to the world of Krynn that newcomers will want to pick up the original Dragonlance Chronicles and The Legend of Huma immediately after reading War Wizard.
While the recent Destinies trilogy was a great series that brought veteran fans back to the setting, it relied heavily on established lore and time travel, making it potentially confusing for absolute beginners. By contrast, War Wizard offers a clean, accessible slate.
Does War Wizard End on a Cliffhanger?
Unlike many franchise novels that leave readers agonizing over a multi-year wait for the next installment, War Wizard does not end on a frustrating cliffhanger. It is a completely self-contained, highly satisfying story. While it serves as the launching pad for a larger narrative—kicking off a new epic series by creators Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (which will please OG fans to no end)—the book concludes on a tantalizing note rather than cutting off the action. You get to feel anticipation for what comes next without the irritation of an unresolved ending.
How Does War Wizard Compare to the Destinies series?
In many ways, it can be argued that War Wizard surpasses the recent Destinies trilogy. The Destinies trilogy featured the return of several iconic Heroes of the Lance. But the main protagonist of the Destinies novels was a brand-new character who will never reach the legendary heights of favored Dragonlance characters like Tanis Half-Elven, Sturm Brightblade, Tasslehoff Burfoot, and Magius.
In War Wizard, you can feel that full return to Dragonlance’s roots merely by looking at the cover. While Destinies brought fans back to Krynn, its covers featured
modern, digital artwork that disappointed many fans who were expecting the classic stylings of Larry Elmore. By contrast, the gorgeous new jacket painting for War Wizard by artist Stephen Youll perfectly captures the authentic Dragonlance feel, vividly depicting Magius about to cast a spell alongside Huma Dragonbane in his Solamnic Knight armor.
The book is not quick paced, but it always retains your full attention during the moments of Magius’s introspection as much as during the action scenes. It is the kind of page-turner that demands to be read in a single sitting. The story is supported by a cast of very well fleshed-out secondary characters who elevate the main narrative without overshadowing it and becoming as endearing as Magius himself.
Who Are Magius and Huma Dragonbane in Dragonlance Lore?
Magius and Huma Dragonbane are two of the most legendary figures in Dragonlance lore, and War Wizard explores their origins.
The novel focuses heavily on Magius, who was born in Solamnia—the homeland of the Knights of Solamnia. Because the Knights strictly disapprove of magic, mages are often exiled or imprisoned. Despite this cultural hostility, Magius thrives.
What makes Magius so compelling in this novel is his profound desire to pursue his goal of learning magic despite societal pressure to give it up. He battles a society that openly reviles magic-users. He struggles through heavy self-doubt and even steps away from the magic, more than once, before inevitably returning to it. His inner conflict is palpable and relatable, for we have all questioned ourselves about our destiny at one point in our lives. His struggles remind me of Thomas Covenant’s dilemma in Lord Foul’s Bane, the first book in The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson.
Magic is a vital component of fantasy literature, but it is rarely explored in such detail. While it is often just part of the narrative—a mere plot device in some stories—here, it becomes an active character as personified by Lunitari, the Goddess of Neutral Magic, who manifests herself physically and plays an active part in Magius’s tutelage. War Wizard dwells on what it means to study magic, not just the rewards, but the difficulties and the costs.
The inner and outer conflicts Magius faces would have been enough to create a really compelling character-driven narrative, but Magius’s growth as a Wizard of High Sorcery occurs over a backdrop of impending war with neighboring Ergoth. The book also serves up some very satisfying action scenes where we get to see both Magius and Huma try out their burgeoning skills as a wizard and a Knight of Solamnia, respectively.
Despite being culturally removed from us by centuries in a high-fantasy setting, his struggle to be recognized, respected, and true to himself is incredibly relatable. The moment his development arc peaks, and he firmly decides to be a wizard, no matter the cost, is one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the book.
Where Can I Find More Dragonlance Books and D&D Adventures?
It is a fantastic time to be a Dragonlance fan. If War Wizard leaves you wanting to explore Krynn at your D&D tabletop, you can dive into Wizards of the Coast’s recent 5th Edition sourcebook, Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
For readers wanting to learn more about the Knights of Solamnia, Richard A. Knaak’s novel The Legend of Huma is essential reading alongside The Rise of Solamnia trilogy (The Lord of the Rose, The Crown and the Sword, The Measure and the Truth) and the stand-alone novel Vinas Solamnus.
Of course, all roads in the world of Krynn lead back to the original trilogy: Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning. They are the books that started it all. They will inevitably lead you to the vast number of Dragonlance novels out there. I envy the path of discovery new fans find themselves on. Regardless of their age, they can look forward to a lifetime of Dragonlance adventures.
Dragonlance fans can also expect more in the future: Magius’s story is not complete. Other Dragonlance news also came out of Gen Con this year: There has been a
lot of understandable confusion regarding a potential Dragonlance movie or streaming series. Actor and hardcore D&D fan Joe Manganiello had successfully scripted a pilot for a live-action TV series based on the core books. Unfortunately, Wizards of the Coast officially canceled the television project in early 2024.
However, Manganiello remains heavily involved in the franchise’s future. He recently took the stage alongside creators Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman at Gen Con 2026 to announce “D&D Icons,” a brand-new initiative signaling a major return of Dragonlance to tabletop D&D.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy War Wizard?
War Wizard offers a moving, action-packed return to Krynn that belongs on the shelf of every fantasy reader. Whether you are a veteran of the franchise or a newcomer looking for your first adventure, this is a must-read.
