The Best Dragonlance Novels for New Readers

D&D has always held a special place in my heart. From the epic high fantasy world building to the hacking and slashing of enemies, the many adventures of D&D always sucked me in. I recently wrote an article detailing the 7 Best D&D Novels to Start Reading Now. The obvious next step was to look at the novels in each individual setting. Thus, it’s time to explore the best Dragonlance novels!

The following list was created from my own research and experience with Dungeons and Dragons and the world of Dragonlance. The world of Dragonlance is special because it has mostly been created by two people, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. Other authors have added to the world, but Weis and Hickman are the drivers. Because of that, most books on this list will be written by the duo and also represent many of the best Dragonlance novels.

I hope you find something that speaks to you. Some books will be harder to find than others, so don’t forget to check out your local library. Enjoy!

The Best Dragonlance Novels for New Readers

The Dragonlance Chronicles Trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman – Amazon

An evil has fallen on the world of Krynn. Powerful dragons have returned, led by the Queen of Darkness, Takhisis. But at the Inn of the Last Home, there might yet be hope. A group of old friends reunite, each with secrets lying beneath the surface. A half-elf, a dwarf, a kender, and common humans join together to become unlikely heroes. But will they be strong enough to defeat the dragons and save Krynn?

The Dragonlance Chronicles are a foundational work in modern fantasy and are the very beginning of the Dragonlance series. Picking up the novel will transport you back to your childhood memories of early D&D campaigns. The world of Krynn is classic high fantasy with heroes and villains, good versus evil. The story is simple and told simply, but you will feel a strong sense of nostalgia for the world and the characters that inhabit it. The trilogy spawned an entire franchise which is why it is considered one of the best Dragonlance novels out there. An obvious must read and first place to start.

 

The Dragonlance Legends Trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman – Amazon

Dragonlance: Legends is a direct sequel to Dragonlance: Chronicles and the perfect next series to read. Legends continues the story of the twins Raistlin and Caramon. Raistlin Majere, the powerful and relentless mage, aspires to reach godhood. Caramon, a good hearted fighter, stands in Raistlin’s path. And beneath it all is Kitiara uth Matar, the twins’ half-sister, and her siege of Palanthas.

The Legends trilogy is another must read for any fan of the Dragonlance setting. Whereas Chronicles was foundational, Legends does away with many of the traditional fantasy tropes to build a new world. Characters become well rounded, the setting grows complex and dark, and imagination takes over. The trilogy has all the fantasy action and intrigue you would expect, as well as some elements you might not (time travel!). Dragonlance: Legends is not to be missed.

 

The Legend of Huma by Richard A. Knaak – Amazon

Huma, the knight who defeated the Queen of Darkness, is renowned on the world of Krynn. But what is the true story of Huma, the legendary Knight of Solamnia? For the first time, take a trip back and discover the man behind the legend.

The Legend of Huma is a rare non-Weis/Hickman work to be revered as one of the best Dragonlance novels. Knaak weaves an excellent one-off book that is also enjoyable to hardcore fans of the Dragonlance setting. Huma is an integral character and the story features important history like the discovery of dragonlances and the defeat of Takhisis during the Third Dragon Wars. The book is fast paced, filled with all the twists and turns you’ve come to expect. Huma’s adventure is Herculean in nature, but you will find that legends are not always pretty or perfect. A great novel for any Dragonlance fan.

 

The War of Souls Trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman – Amazon

Weis and Hickman return with their biggest trilogy since Legends. The gods have abandoned the world of Krynn and its people are lost. But when a mysterious girl known as Mina emerges with the power to perform miracles, everything changes. The War of Souls is coming.

The War of Souls trilogy defines the new status quo for the Dragonlance setting. Gone is the world from Chronicles and Legends. Krynn is now a darker and more mysterious world. Fear not, for all the hallmarks of D&D are present, such as dwarves, wizards, and dragons. The trilogy will suck you in right from the start with complex plotlines and unforgettable characters. And of course, there are mysteries around every corner. No need to read the previous trilogies to pick up this book, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. An overlooked favorite.

 

The Second Generation by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman – Amazon

When the fragile peace of Krynn is challenged, a new generation of heroes must rise up and fight. Enter the sons and daughters of the Heroes of the Lance. The Second Generation lays the groundwork for new characters and exciting events to come.

The Second Generation is a collection of five novellas set immediately after the popular Dragonlance: Legends trilogy and before the novel Dragons of Summer Flame. The novellas are foundational in nature, setting up many stories for later novels. As one would expect from novellas, the tales are tighter and character driven in nature. And with five different stories, you’ll get a little bit of everything from light humor to forlorn darkness. If you are a fan of the original six novels (Chronicles and Legends) of the Dragonlance series, The Second Generation is the perfect next step.

 

Dragons of Summer Flame by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman – Amazon

The War of the Lance is long over but the world of Krynn is still in peril. The Dark Queen has amassed a new army and the Chaos War is on the horizon. Familiar faces appear while young heroes search for their place in the world. The epic conclusion to the tales that began in Chronicles and Legends.

Dragons of Summer Flame is an essential read in the Dragonlance setting. As one of Weis and Hickman’s later works, the characters are written stronger and more well rounded. The story itself is the final part of the Chronicles/Legends story and ultimately wraps up the lives of those characters. A true passing of the torch novel. In many ways, it is still your classic swords and sorcery tale and good escapist fantasy. If you have made it this far in the list, you must read the story’s conclusion.

 

The Lost Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman – Amazon

Your favorites return in Weis and Hickman’s Lost Chronicles trilogy. Set during the events of Dragonlance: Chronicles, you are reunited with the series’ original heroes and villains. Filling in the gaps and weaving new tales, Lost Chronicles takes you back to the beginning.

For those who wanted more stories about the original Heroes of the Lance, this trilogy is for you. Able to elicit a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh, the Lost Chronicles is a great entry into the Draonglance series. If you’ve read Chronicles and Legends, you will already know the fate of these characters. But somehow the books are still able to pull you in and make you invested in the stories. Some tales fill in the gaps and others expand on what you know. A great way to relive the wonderful world of Dragonlance.