Dragonlance: War Wizard
Book 1: Dragonlance War Wizard
Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook
By Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Release Date: August 4, 2026

You know how everyone says all things come back around? I usually disregard that, as it normally applies to things like Members Only jackets and bell-bottom jeans. In this particular case, however, it means that two of my all-time favorite authors from my early teens are back writing in one of my favorite settings. I speak of none other than Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman bringing the world of Krynn to life, yet again. The Dragonlance books were a staple of my early fantasy reading, as I read the original trilogy as they released them and almost every single other book based in Ansalon and neighboring continents. It was an absolute delight to trek back into the past and see what the future holds for this franchise. Dragonlance: War Wizard is the first in a new series and if you are like me, you were ecstatic to hear about it coming out. Please allow me to talk your ears off about it.

Recently, these two authors dove back into the Dragonlance mythos with another series called Destinies. I wrote a couple of reviews of book one and book two. I enjoyed them, as you can tell from the reviews, but they did not feel exactly like the books of old. That is where this new one made its mark, this felt like it was meant to be written 40 years ago. What I mean by that is this explores the history of two of the greatest names in Dragonlance lore, Magius and Huma. Not only that, but it gives us the entire backstory for them, from childhood onward. Worthy of note is that this does not align with the books The Legend of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur, both by Richard A. Knaak.

Set in Solamnia, in the years leading up to the Third Dragon War, we witness the friendship of the two protagonists and their families. Whereas Huma had a loving and supportive group of loved ones, the boy who later took the name Magius did not. Their bond was forged early and was stronger than anything else we read in the story. In a time and place where magic is considered evil and feared, it is an anomaly that these boys would be encouraged to continue their friendship, but against all odds, they do. Magius was able to find an environment that helped him flourish and Huma found a companion who would follow him into any skirmish. The interpersonal relationships that exist throughout the story show the reader how love and caring helped shape our heroes and ensure they were always going to do the right thing.

Time and again, we see these two defend one another in a variety of situations, defining their legendary friendship. On the flip side of the coin, there are some glaring oddities in the book that seem like an editor removed some storyline parts like the quick transitions between emotions and some major life events that span only a few pages before being relegated to the past in such a way that loses some viability and authenticity in the current form. I still enjoyed the tale, but there seemed to be missing parts or it was just glossed over in a way that feels unbelievable. And yes, I realize this is a fantasy novel, but from the perspective of how people react, it seemed wooden, at best.

This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to more, as I am sure many of us do. The legend of Huma and Magius is one that was referenced many times throughout the original books from TSR, and it seems fitting that we get some history lesson eventually. I do not think anyone would have trouble starting into the world of Dragonlance with this book, as it is the core reference and makes no pretenses of anything else. I encourage you to grab a copy and give it a read; you will have a bit of fun with both the new story and the nostalgia of what was. Thanks for reading, and when you get to the tragic parts, just remember that it builds character.

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

The first volume of a new epic trilogy set in the world of Krynn, written by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, the creators of Dragonlance.

Vinus Solamnus wrote: The practice of magic is secretive, inherently deceitful, and dishonorable. Those who practice magic are forbidden to enter the knighthood, nor should they be connected to the knighthood in any way.

The boy with a rare gift for magic was born in Solamnia, a nation that despised and distrusted mages. His father tried to beat the magic out of him. The knights threatened him with imprisonment and exile. He endured tragedy and heartbreak. Yet he persisted with his magic, for the sake of the magic.

One friend stood by him when others persecuted him, a young man who was studying for the knighthood. No one could understand this unlikely friendship.

The knight was Huma. The boy took the name, Magius. The two would one day become famous in Solamnic history, fighting together to defeat the Queen of Darkness.

But that future is distant, far down the River of Time.

For now, this is the story of an unlikely friendship that would one day change the world.

368 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.33 x 1.18 x 9.57 inches