Tracy Hickman is an American fantasy author, game designer, and worldbuilder best known for creating Dragonlance with his wife, Laura Hickman, and for writing many of its central novels with Margaret Weis.
His bibliography is highly collaborative. Dragonlance, The Death Gate Cycle, Darksword, Rose of the Prophet, Sovereign Stone, Starshield, and Dragonships of Vindras were written with Margaret Weis. The Bronze Canticles were written with Laura Hickman.
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These series do not share a single continuity. Dragonlance takes place on Krynn, while Hickman’s other fantasy and science fiction cycles use independent worlds, histories, and magical systems.
Four Good Places to Begin
- Begin with Dragons of Autumn Twilight for Dragonlance and the Heroes of the Lance.
- Begin with Dragon Wing for an original seven-book fantasy epic with a fully completed central story.
- Begin with Forging the Darksword for a shorter completed trilogy about a world where magic determines social worth.
- Begin with Song of the Dragon for a solo fantasy trilogy about an enslaved warrior discovering that the history of his world has been deliberately falsified.
- Readers looking for a standalone can choose The Immortals, StarCraft: Speed of Darkness, or Wayne of Gotham.
Tracy Hickman’s Main Series
The principal novel sequences are:
- Dragonlance
- Darksword
- Rose of the Prophet
- The Death Gate Cycle
- Starshield
- Sovereign Stone
- The Bronze Canticles
- Dragonships of Vindras
- Drakis
Dragonlance is the only one that belongs to a much larger multi-author publishing world. The order below focuses on the Dragonlance novels written by Hickman, primarily with Margaret Weis, rather than every novel ever set on Krynn.
The Essential Dragonlance Reading Order
A new Dragonlance reader should not try to follow the entire setting chronologically.
The strongest opening route is:
- Dragonlance Chronicles
- Dragonlance Legends
- The Second Generation
- Dragons of Summer Flame
- The War of Souls
- The Lost Chronicles
- Dragonlance Destinies
The Lost Chronicles return to gaps inside the original trilogy. They were published much later and work best after readers already know the complete War of the Lance.
The new War Wizard sequence concerns an earlier Dragonlance age and can be approached after the classic books.
Dragonlance Chronicles Books in Order
The Chronicles trilogy introduces the Heroes of the Lance and the War of the Lance.
1. Dragons of Autumn Twilight
Dragons of Autumn Twilight (1984): Old friends reunite at the Inn of the Last Home and become involved in the return of dragons, clerical magic, and the armies of the dark goddess Takhisis.
This is the safest starting point for Dragonlance.
It introduces Tanis, Sturm, Raistlin, Caramon, Flint, Tasslehoff, Goldmoon, Riverwind, Laurana, and the central conflict affecting Krynn.
2. Dragons of Winter Night
Dragons of Winter Night (1985): The companions divide across several fronts as the war expands, the dragonlances return, and personal loyalties are tested by military defeat and political mistrust.
The novel continues directly from Dragons of Autumn Twilight.
Its divided structure follows different groups of heroes through Solamnia, Silvanesti, and the wider war.
3. Dragons of Spring Dawning
Dragons of Spring Dawning (1985): The surviving companions move toward the final confrontation with the Dragonarmies while love, sacrifice, ambition, and betrayal determine the outcome of the war.
This concludes the original Chronicles trilogy.
Later Dragonlance books continue the lives of the characters, but the War of the Lance receives its principal resolution here.
Dragonlance Legends Books in Order
Legends focuses primarily on the twins Raistlin and Caramon Majere.
It must be read after Chronicles because it reveals the outcomes of the War of the Lance and develops Raistlin’s transformation from companion to archmage.
1. Time of the Twins
Time of the Twins (1986): Caramon, Crysania, and the kender Tasslehoff become entangled in Raistlin’s plan to travel into the past and challenge the existing order of the gods.
The story begins after Raistlin has taken control of the Tower of High Sorcery at Palanthas.
Knowledge of Raistlin and Caramon’s earlier relationship is essential.
2. War of the Twins
War of the Twins (1986): Raistlin’s journey through Krynn’s past reaches the time of the Dwarfgate Wars, while Caramon begins rebuilding the strength and purpose he lost after the War of the Lance.
The second book continues without a meaningful reset.
Its historical setting explains events that were legends to the original companions.
3. Test of the Twins
Test of the Twins (1986): Raistlin’s attempt to replace the Queen of Darkness reaches its final stage as Caramon and Tasslehoff confront the possible destruction of their world.
This is the conclusion of the Legends trilogy.
It provides one of the most important stopping points in the classic Dragonlance sequence.
The Second Generation and Dragons of Summer Flame
The Second Generation
The Second Generation (1994): Linked stories introduce the children and successors of the Heroes of the Lance, including young characters whose lives will shape the next crisis on Krynn.
The book functions as a bridge rather than a conventional single narrative.
Read it after Legends and before Dragons of Summer Flame.
Dragons of Summer Flame
Dragons of Summer Flame (1995): A new generation faces an invasion by the Knights of Takhisis as old heroes return for a conflict that changes the gods, magic, and structure of Krynn.
This novel is a major continuity turning point.
It should not be skipped before The War of Souls.
The War of Souls Books in Order
The War of Souls takes place after the Fifth Age has transformed magic and religion across Krynn.
1. Dragons of a Fallen Sun
Dragons of a Fallen Sun (2000): A mysterious young woman named Mina rises within the Knights of Neraka while familiar heroes investigate the return of divine power and a growing conquest.
The book begins a new trilogy but assumes knowledge of Dragons of Summer Flame.
It introduces a changed Krynn rather than resetting the setting for new readers.
2. Dragons of a Lost Star
Dragons of a Lost Star (2001): Mina’s campaign spreads while dragons, elves, knights, and returning characters search for the truth behind the new god she serves.
The conflict expands across several nations and generations.
Read it directly after Dragons of a Fallen Sun.
3. Dragons of a Vanished Moon
Dragons of a Vanished Moon (2002): The identity of the One God and the fate of Krynn become central as the War of Souls reaches its decisive confrontation.
This concludes the trilogy.
It creates the setting inherited by later Dragonlance stories.
The Lost Chronicles Books in Order
The Lost Chronicles fill narrative gaps within the original Chronicles trilogy.
They should be read in publication order after the classic sequence, not inserted into a first reading of Chronicles.
1. Dragons of the Dwarven Depths
Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (2006): The companions search for a secure home for refugees and become involved in the struggle to reclaim the underground dwarven kingdom of Thorbardin.
The events occur between Dragons of Autumn Twilight and Dragons of Winter Night.
The book explains how the Hammer of Kharas returned to dwarven history.
2. Dragons of the Highlord Skies
Dragons of the Highlord Skies (2007): Kitiara, Laurana, and Lord Soth take central roles in events surrounding the Blue Dragonarmy and the capture of the Golden General.
The novel overlaps parts of Dragons of Winter Night.
It adds viewpoints that the original trilogy could not follow in detail.
3. Dragons of the Hourglass Mage
Dragons of the Hourglass Mage (2009): Raistlin travels to Neraka and works inside the Queen of Darkness’s power structure while pursuing his own transformation.
The story occupies a gap during Dragons of Spring Dawning.
Read it after Legends because its treatment of Raistlin assumes knowledge of the person he will become.
Dragonlance Destinies Books in Order
Destinies revisits the history of Krynn through altered timelines and journeys into the past.
1. Dragons of Deceit
Dragons of Deceit (2022): Destina Rosethorn attempts to change her family’s fate by using the Device of Time Journeying, drawing Tasslehoff and other familiar figures into a disrupted history.
The story begins after personal losses caused by earlier Dragonlance events.
It is not an appropriate first Dragonlance novel.
2. Dragons of Fate
Dragons of Fate (2023): Destina and her companions travel into the age of the Third Dragon War, where their presence threatens the history of Huma, Magius, and the defeat of Takhisis.
The sequel moves deeper into Krynn’s past.
Its altered timeline continues directly from Dragons of Deceit.
3. Dragons of Eternity
Dragons of Eternity (2024): The travelers return to a present transformed by their actions and must repair the River of Time before their original world is erased.
This concludes the Destinies trilogy.
It resolves the immediate temporal crisis while preserving the larger Dragonlance continuity.
Dragonlance: War Wizard Books in Order
War Wizard begins a new Dragonlance trilogy centered on Magius and his friendship with Huma Dragonbane.
1. Dragonlance: War Wizard
Dragonlance: War Wizard (2026): A magically gifted boy grows up in Solamnia, where mages are distrusted, and forms an unlikely friendship with the young knight who will become Huma Dragonbane.
The novel was published on August 4, 2026.
It takes place long before Chronicles and is the first volume of a planned trilogy.
Future War Wizard Books
Two additional volumes are planned, but firm titles and publication dates had not been announced as of August 6, 2026.
Do not add placeholder retailer titles to the official order until the publisher confirms them.
Where War Wizard Fits in Dragonlance
War Wizard is chronologically earlier than the classic novels.
It should still be read after readers understand the basic Dragonlance world, especially the role of Huma, Magius, Solamnia, dragons, and the Queen of Darkness.
A practical placement is after Chronicles and Legends. Readers who have completed Destinies will also recognize why the Third Dragon War matters to the modern timeline.
Dragonlance Books Written by Hickman in Recommended Order
A complete Hickman and Weis Dragonlance route is:
- Dragons of Autumn Twilight (1984): The Heroes of the Lance reunite as dragons and divine magic return to Krynn.
- Dragons of Winter Night (1985): The war divides the companions and spreads across the continent.
- Dragons of Spring Dawning (1985): The War of the Lance reaches its decisive conclusion.
- Time of the Twins (1986): Raistlin begins his attempt to challenge the gods through time travel.
- War of the Twins (1986): The twins enter the age of the Dwarfgate Wars.
- Test of the Twins (1986): Caramon confronts the future created by Raistlin’s ambition.
- The Second Generation (1994): The children and successors of the original heroes enter the story.
- Dragons of Summer Flame (1995): A new invasion transforms Krynn’s gods and magic.
- Dragons of a Fallen Sun (2000): Mina begins a conquest in the altered Fifth Age.
- Dragons of a Lost Star (2001): The mystery of the One God deepens.
- Dragons of a Vanished Moon (2002): The War of Souls reaches its conclusion.
- Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (2006): A missing Chronicles episode explains the return to Thorbardin.
- Dragons of the Highlord Skies (2007): Kitiara, Laurana, and Lord Soth receive expanded wartime stories.
- Dragons of the Hourglass Mage (2009): Raistlin pursues power inside Neraka.
- Dragons of Deceit (2022): Destina attempts to rewrite her family history.
- Dragons of Fate (2023): The travelers reach the era of Huma and Magius.
- Dragons of Eternity (2024): The altered present must be repaired.
- Dragonlance: War Wizard (2026): Magius and Huma’s early friendship begins a new historical trilogy.
Darksword Books in Order
Darksword takes place in Thimhallan, where magical ability determines social value and people without magic are considered Dead.
1. Forging the Darksword
Forging the Darksword (1987): Joram is born without magic and raised in hiding, eventually becoming involved in the creation of a weapon capable of consuming magical power.
The novel establishes the rigid magical society and Joram’s dangerous secret.
It is the only correct starting point.
2. Doom of the Darksword
Doom of the Darksword (1988): Joram’s return to Merilon brings political conflict, betrayal, and competing attempts to control the weapon he carries.
The consequences of his identity become public.
Read it directly after Forging the Darksword.
3. Triumph of the Darksword
Triumph of the Darksword (1988): The conflict between magic, technology, and the survival of Thimhallan reaches its final confrontation.
This concludes the original trilogy.
Its ending substantially changes the world rather than returning it to its earlier condition.
4. Legacy of the Darksword
Legacy of the Darksword (1997): Years after the trilogy, a new threat forces surviving characters to confront the technological and magical legacy of Joram’s actions.
This is a sequel, not book four of one uninterrupted original manuscript.
Read it only after Triumph of the Darksword.
Darksword Adventures
Darksword Adventures (1988): This role-playing sourcebook explains the world, magic, characters, and game rules of the Darksword setting.
It is not a novel.
Readers interested only in the story can skip it without losing narrative continuity.
Rose of the Prophet Books in Order
Rose of the Prophet takes place in a world divided among many gods, each with followers, territories, and competing moral systems.
1. The Will of the Wanderer
The Will of the Wanderer (1988): The wandering god Akhran attempts to unite two hostile peoples through an arranged marriage while mortal and divine enemies work to destroy the alliance.
The novel introduces Khardan, Zohra, Mathew, and the conflict among the gods.
It begins one continuous trilogy.
2. The Paladin of the Night
The Paladin of the Night (1989): The fragile alliance faces invasion and religious manipulation as Akhran’s followers struggle to survive a war shaped by divine rivalry.
The second book expands both the mortal campaign and the politics among the gods.
It assumes knowledge of the marriage and tribal conflict from book one.
3. The Prophet of Akhran
The Prophet of Akhran (1989): Akhran’s followers enter the final struggle over faith, leadership, and the survival of their people.
This concludes the trilogy.
No later Rose of the Prophet novel is required.
The Death Gate Cycle Books in Order
The Death Gate Cycle is a completed seven-book epic written with Margaret Weis.
Long ago, powerful beings divided the world into separate elemental realms. The series follows Haplo, a Patryn sent through the Death Gate by his lord, and Alfred, a Sartan whose people helped create the divided worlds.
1. Dragon Wing
Dragon Wing (1990): Haplo enters a world of floating islands, where humans, elves, and dwarves compete for water, power, and control of the dragonlike creatures used for travel.
The book introduces the shattered universe indirectly through one realm.
Its local conflict becomes part of a much larger design.
2. Elven Star
Elven Star (1991): Haplo travels to a world of enormous jungle growth, where elves and humans face a threat capable of destroying both civilizations.
The second realm uses different characters and conditions.
Haplo’s mission provides the connection to Dragon Wing.
3. Fire Sea
Fire Sea (1992): Haplo and Alfred enter a dying underground world where necromancy preserves a society that can no longer sustain ordinary life.
The series becomes darker and more explicit about the consequences of the Sundering.
Alfred’s history and divided loyalties move closer to the center.
4. Serpent Mage
Serpent Mage (1993): Haplo reaches a water world threatened by giant serpents while the hidden relationship among the elemental realms becomes clearer.
The separate journeys begin forming one united conflict.
Read it after Fire Sea because Haplo and Alfred’s relationship has already changed substantially.
5. The Hand of Chaos
The Hand of Chaos (1993): Characters from the elemental worlds return as Haplo’s lord moves closer to conquest and the serpents manipulate both Patryns and Sartans.
The series shifts from exploration toward convergence.
Earlier local conflicts now affect the entire created universe.
6. Into the Labyrinth
Into the Labyrinth (1994): Haplo returns to the prison world where the Patryns struggled for generations, forcing him to confront his upbringing and his loyalty to Lord Xar.
The Labyrinth is central to understanding Patryn identity.
This book prepares the final moral and magical conflict.
7. The Seventh Gate
The Seventh Gate (1995): Patryns, Sartans, and allies from the divided worlds confront the serpents and the consequences of the ancient Sundering.
This completes The Death Gate Cycle.
The seven books should be treated as one continuous sequence despite their changing worlds and casts.
Starshield Books in Order
Starshield blends science fiction and fantasy through a universe in which physical laws can change between regions.
1. Starshield: Sentinels
Starshield: Sentinels (1996): A human expedition encounters civilizations shaped by changing laws of physics, drawing its crew into a conflict involving the Starshield and forces policing the boundaries of reality.
Some editions use the title The Mantle of Kendis-Dai.
These are versions of the same first Starshield story rather than separate books.
2. Nightsword
Nightsword (1998): The conflict continues through another region of the shifting universe as magical and technological cultures compete over weapons and control.
Read it after Sentinels.
The planned larger Starshield sequence was not completed, leaving the series without a fully published conclusion.
Is Starshield Complete?
No.
Two novels were published, but the wider planned series did not continue to a definitive ending.
Readers should approach Nightsword as the latest available installment rather than a conclusive finale.
Sovereign Stone Books in Order
Sovereign Stone was written with Margaret Weis and developed from a fantasy setting created with artist Larry Elmore.
1. Well of Darkness
Well of Darkness (2000): Prince Helmos and the ambitious Dagnarus grow into opposing forces as a magical stone and a dangerous ceremony reshape the future of Vinnengael.
The novel establishes the history behind the later fall of the kingdom.
It is the required first volume.
2. Guardians of the Lost
Guardians of the Lost (2001): Years after Vinnengael’s destruction, survivors and new heroes protect pieces of the Sovereign Stone from forces seeking to restore Dagnarus.
The cast and period change, but the conflict comes directly from Well of Darkness.
Read it second.
3. Journey into the Void
Journey into the Void (2003): The struggle over the divided Sovereign Stone reaches its conclusion as the heroes attempt to prevent Dagnarus from completing his return.
This finishes the trilogy.
The central quest does not continue into another published Hickman novel.
The Bronze Canticles Books in Order
The Bronze Canticles were written with Laura Hickman.
The trilogy uses interconnected worlds whose peoples initially misunderstand one another as myths, spirits, or monsters.
1. Mystic Warrior
Mystic Warrior (2004): Characters from different realities become linked by a conflict that reveals their worlds are physically and spiritually connected.
The novel introduces the faery, goblin, and human perspectives.
Its separate storylines are designed to converge gradually.
2. Mystic Quest
Mystic Quest (2005): The characters cross more openly between worlds as religious, magical, and political tensions intensify.
The nature of the connected realities becomes clearer.
Read it after Mystic Warrior because each culture’s assumptions have already been established.
3. Mystic Empire
Mystic Empire (2006): The three worlds face a final struggle over power, belief, and survival as their divisions can no longer be maintained.
This concludes the Bronze Canticles trilogy.
No additional volume is needed.
Dragonships of Vindras Books in Order
Dragonships of Vindras follows a group of Vindrasi warriors and the conflict surrounding their dragon gods.
1. Bones of the Dragon
Bones of the Dragon (2009): Skylan Ivorson becomes chief of his people and leads a quest involving a sacred dragonbone and a growing threat to the Vindrasi gods.
The story introduces Skylan’s ambition, flaws, and responsibilities.
It begins a four-book sequence.
2. Secret of the Dragon
Secret of the Dragon (2010): Skylan and his companions face enslavement, hostile empires, and revelations about the gods they believed protected them.
The quest continues directly from Bones of the Dragon.
The characters’ captivity drives much of the second volume.
3. Rage of the Dragon
Rage of the Dragon (2012): The Vindrasi struggle widens as Skylan attempts to free his people and prevent an enemy from controlling draconic power.
The novel advances both the military conflict and the religious mystery.
Read it before Doom of the Dragon.
4. Doom of the Dragon
Doom of the Dragon (2016): Skylan’s journey reaches its final confrontation as the fate of the Vindrasi and their gods is decided.
This concludes the published Dragonships of Vindras sequence.
The four books form one continuous story.
Drakis Books in Order
Drakis is a solo trilogy by Tracy Hickman.
It follows an enslaved warrior whose understanding of history and identity has been manufactured by an elven empire.
1. Song of the Dragon
Song of the Dragon (2010): Drakis escapes magical slavery and begins discovering that the legends about his identity may be weapons designed to reshape the world.
The novel introduces the Rhonas Empire and the system used to control its subject peoples.
It is the starting point for the trilogy.
2. Citadels of the Lost
Citadels of the Lost (2011): Drakis and his companions search for lost human strongholds while the empire attempts to suppress the growing rebellion around his name.
The conflict expands beyond personal escape.
Questions about whether Drakis is a hero, symbol, or constructed myth become increasingly important.
3. Blood of the Emperor
Blood of the Emperor (2012): Drakis confronts the imperial power behind his enslavement and the truth surrounding the prophecy attached to him.
This concludes the trilogy.
All three books should be read in publication order.
Standalone Novels
The Immortals
The Immortals (1996): In a near-future America, people suspected of carrying a deadly disease are confined in camps, forcing one family into a conflict over fear, authority, and civil rights.
This is a standalone speculative thriller.
It has no connection to Hickman’s fantasy worlds.
StarCraft: Speed of Darkness
StarCraft: Speed of Darkness (2002): A Confederate marine recalls the disastrous campaign on Mar Sara and the psychological cost of fighting the Zerg.
This licensed novel belongs to the StarCraft universe.
Readers familiar with the original game will recognize the larger military events, but no other Hickman novel is required.
Wayne of Gotham
Wayne of Gotham (2012): Bruce Wayne investigates secrets from his parents’ past while uncovering a conspiracy tied to the history of Gotham City.
This is a standalone Batman novel.
It is separate from established Hickman-created continuities and can be read without his fantasy books.
Books Written with Laura Hickman
Laura Hickman was involved in the early creation of Dragonlance and Ravenloft and later coauthored fiction and game material with Tracy Hickman.
The Bronze Canticles
- Mystic Warrior (2004): Three cultures begin discovering that their supposedly separate realities overlap.
- Mystic Quest (2005): Travel and conflict between the worlds become increasingly direct.
- Mystic Empire (2006): The connected civilizations face the final consequences of their shared existence.
Eventide
Eventide (2011): A modern family becomes involved in a supernatural story shaped by grief, belief, and the boundary between ordinary life and another reality.
Eventide is a standalone novel written by Tracy and Laura Hickman.
It does not belong to the Bronze Canticles.
Anthologies and Companion Books
The Magic of Krynn
The Magic of Krynn (1987): This multi-author Dragonlance anthology contains stories expanding characters, legends, and events from Krynn.
Hickman and Weis served as editors and contributors.
The collection is optional and should be read after Chronicles.
Kender, Gully Dwarves, and Gnomes
Kender, Gully Dwarves, and Gnomes (1987): Short stories focus on three distinctive peoples of Krynn and their roles in comic, tragic, and adventurous situations.
This is another optional Dragonlance anthology.
It does not form a single continuous novel.
Love and War
Love and War (1987): Dragonlance stories explore relationships, sacrifice, loyalty, and conflict across different periods of Krynn’s history.
Read it as supplementary material rather than a numbered main volume.
The Reign of Istar
The Reign of Istar (1992): Stories set before the Cataclysm examine the proud and increasingly authoritarian society of Istar.
The anthology provides historical background.
It is not required before Chronicles.
The Cataclysm
The Cataclysm (1992): Multiple stories depict the disaster that reshaped Krynn and the lives caught inside it.
This is an anthology, not a direct sequel to The Reign of Istar.
The War of the Lance
The War of the Lance (1992): Short fiction revisits battles, characters, and lesser-known episodes from the conflict covered by Chronicles.
Read it after the original trilogy to avoid interruptions and spoilers.
The Dragons of Krynn
The Dragons of Krynn (1994): Stories by multiple authors focus on dragons and their varied roles throughout Krynn.
The collection is optional.
Its stories occupy different periods rather than one shared chronology.
The Dragons at War
The Dragons at War (1996): This anthology returns to draconic conflicts across Dragonlance history.
It supplements the setting without advancing one central novel sequence.
Role-Playing and Game Books
Hickman has written many role-playing adventures, most notably Ravenloft, Pharaoh, and foundational Dragonlance modules.
These are game publications rather than novels.
Ravenloft
Ravenloft (1983): Tracy and Laura Hickman created a gothic role-playing adventure centered on Count Strahd von Zarovich and Castle Ravenloft.
The module became the foundation of the larger Ravenloft setting.
It should not be inserted into the order of Hickman’s prose novels.
Pharaoh
Pharaoh (1982 TSR edition): Adventurers explore a desert tomb and uncover the tragic history behind its curse.
This game adventure was developed from earlier work by Tracy and Laura Hickman.
It later became part of the Desert of Desolation sequence.
XDM: X-Treme Dungeon Mastery
XDM: X-Treme Dungeon Mastery (2009): Tracy Hickman, Curtis Hickman, and Howard Tayler present a humorous guide to running faster, more theatrical role-playing games.
This is nonfiction and game advice rather than a fantasy novel.
Tracy Hickman Books in Broad Publication Order
This list focuses on principal novels and major narrative books.
- Dragons of Autumn Twilight (1984): The Heroes of the Lance reunite as the War of the Lance begins.
- Dragons of Winter Night (1985): The companions separate across the widening war.
- Dragons of Spring Dawning (1985): The original Dragonlance conflict reaches its conclusion.
- Time of the Twins (1986): Raistlin begins his journey into Krynn’s past.
- War of the Twins (1986): The twins enter the era of the Dwarfgate Wars.
- Test of the Twins (1986): Raistlin’s challenge to the gods reaches its final stage.
- Forging the Darksword (1987): Joram’s lack of magic makes him an enemy of his society.
- Doom of the Darksword (1988): Joram returns to a world seeking control of his weapon.
- Triumph of the Darksword (1988): Magic and technology collide in the trilogy’s conclusion.
- The Will of the Wanderer (1988): Akhran attempts to unite enemy peoples through marriage.
- The Paladin of the Night (1989): The alliance faces invasion and divine rivalry.
- The Prophet of Akhran (1989): The Rose of the Prophet trilogy reaches its conclusion.
- Dragon Wing (1990): Haplo enters the first of the divided elemental worlds.
- Elven Star (1991): Haplo travels to a jungle world threatened by destruction.
- Fire Sea (1992): Necromancy preserves a dying underground civilization.
- Serpent Mage (1993): Haplo reaches a water world threatened by giant serpents.
- The Hand of Chaos (1993): Characters and conflicts from the divided worlds begin converging.
- The Second Generation (1994): The children of the Dragonlance heroes enter the saga.
- Into the Labyrinth (1994): Haplo returns to the prison world that shaped the Patryns.
- Dragons of Summer Flame (1995): A new generation faces the Knights of Takhisis.
- The Seventh Gate (1995): The Death Gate Cycle reaches its final conflict.
- The Immortals (1996): A near-future epidemic leads to confinement and resistance.
- Starshield: Sentinels (1996): Travelers enter a universe where physical laws change between regions.
- Legacy of the Darksword (1997): Survivors confront the long-term consequences of Joram’s weapon.
- Nightsword (1998): The Starshield conflict continues through another shifting region.
- Well of Darkness (2000): Dagnarus begins the chain of events that will destroy Vinnengael.
- Dragons of a Fallen Sun (2000): Mina rises during the opening of the War of Souls.
- Guardians of the Lost (2001): New heroes protect pieces of the Sovereign Stone.
- Dragons of a Lost Star (2001): Mina’s conquest and the mystery of the One God deepen.
- StarCraft: Speed of Darkness (2002): A marine remembers the fall of Mar Sara.
- Dragons of a Vanished Moon (2002): The War of Souls reaches its conclusion.
- Journey into the Void (2003): The Sovereign Stone trilogy ends with the attempt to stop Dagnarus.
- Mystic Warrior (2004): Three cultures begin discovering their connected worlds.
- Mystic Quest (2005): The Bronze Canticles conflict expands across realities.
- Mystic Empire (2006): The trilogy reaches its final confrontation.
- Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (2006): The Heroes of the Lance enter Thorbardin.
- Dragons of the Highlord Skies (2007): Kitiara, Laurana, and Lord Soth take central roles.
- Bones of the Dragon (2009): Skylan begins a quest involving his people’s dragon gods.
- Dragons of the Hourglass Mage (2009): Raistlin works within Neraka while seeking greater power.
- Song of the Dragon (2010): Drakis escapes slavery and becomes the center of a rebellion.
- Secret of the Dragon (2010): Skylan and his companions face captivity and religious revelations.
- Citadels of the Lost (2011): Drakis searches for surviving human strongholds.
- Eventide (2011): A modern family confronts grief and supernatural possibility.
- Rage of the Dragon (2012): Skylan’s campaign against his enemies widens.
- Blood of the Emperor (2012): Drakis confronts the empire and the myth surrounding him.
- Wayne of Gotham (2012): Bruce Wayne uncovers a conspiracy tied to his parents.
- Doom of the Dragon (2016): The Dragonships of Vindras story reaches its conclusion.
- Dragons of Deceit (2022): Destina Rosethorn attempts to change history.
- Dragons of Fate (2023): The travelers enter the era of Huma and Magius.
- Dragons of Eternity (2024): The altered Dragonlance timeline must be repaired.
- Dragonlance: War Wizard (2026): Young Magius forms a friendship with the future hero Huma.
Latest Tracy Hickman Book
The latest published Tracy Hickman novel as of August 6, 2026 is Dragonlance: War Wizard.
Dragonlance: War Wizard (2026): Magius grows up with forbidden magical talent in Solamnia and forms the friendship with Huma that will eventually help shape one of Krynn’s defining wars.
The book was released on August 4, 2026.
It is the first volume of a new trilogy, but the publisher had not yet announced firm release dates for books two and three.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Tracy Hickman book should I read first?
Begin with Dragons of Autumn Twilight for Dragonlance.
Begin with Dragon Wing for a completed original epic, or Forging the Darksword for a shorter fantasy trilogy.
Did Tracy Hickman write Dragonlance alone?
No.
His best-known Dragonlance novels were written with Margaret Weis. The original world and game project also involved Laura Hickman and a larger TSR design team.
Do I need to read every Dragonlance novel?
No.
Hundreds of Dragonlance books and game products exist, many by other authors.
Readers following Hickman’s central contribution can focus on Chronicles, Legends, The Second Generation, Dragons of Summer Flame, The War of Souls, The Lost Chronicles, Destinies, and War Wizard.
Should I read The Lost Chronicles inside Chronicles?
Not on a first reading.
The Lost Chronicles fill timeline gaps but were written for readers who already understand the original trilogy and later character developments.
Where should I read Dragonlance: War Wizard?
Read it after Chronicles and Legends, or after Destinies for the fullest context around Huma, Magius, and the Third Dragon War.
Chronologically it occurs much earlier, but chronological order is not the clearest introduction.
Is War Wizard part of Destinies?
No.
War Wizard begins a new trilogy about Magius and Huma. Destinies is a completed time-travel trilogy about Destina Rosethorn.
Is The Death Gate Cycle connected to Dragonlance?
No.
The Death Gate Cycle has its own universe, races, magic, and history.
Is The Death Gate Cycle complete?
Yes.
The Seventh Gate concludes the seven-book sequence.
Is Darksword complete?
The original trilogy is complete, and Legacy of the Darksword provides a later sequel.
Darksword Adventures is a role-playing sourcebook rather than another novel.
Is Rose of the Prophet complete?
Yes.
The Prophet of Akhran concludes the trilogy.
Is Starshield complete?
No.
Two novels were published, but the larger planned sequence remained unfinished.
Is Sovereign Stone complete?
Yes.
Journey into the Void concludes the three-book story.
Is The Bronze Canticles complete?
Yes.
Mystic Empire concludes the trilogy.
Is Dragonships of Vindras complete?
Yes.
Doom of the Dragon concludes the four-book sequence.
Is Drakis complete?
Yes.
Blood of the Emperor concludes the solo trilogy.
Are The Immortals and Drakis connected?
No.
The Immortals is a near-future standalone thriller. Drakis is a secondary-world fantasy trilogy.
Is Wayne of Gotham part of a series?
It belongs to the wider Batman property, but it functions as a standalone Tracy Hickman novel.
No other Hickman book is required first.
Is Speed of Darkness connected to Hickman’s other science fiction?
No.
It is licensed StarCraft fiction.
Did Tracy Hickman create Ravenloft?
Tracy and Laura Hickman created the original Ravenloft adventure featuring Count Strahd.
Ravenloft is a role-playing setting, not a Tracy Hickman prose novel series.
What is the best completed Tracy Hickman series?
The Death Gate Cycle offers the largest completed original story.
Darksword, Rose of the Prophet, Sovereign Stone, The Bronze Canticles, Dragonships of Vindras, and Drakis also have complete published arcs.
The Reading Route That Avoids Confusion
For Dragonlance, start with Dragons of Autumn Twilight, finish Chronicles, then continue through Legends, The Second Generation, Dragons of Summer Flame, and The War of Souls.
Read The Lost Chronicles afterward as expanded history. Continue with Destinies, then move to Dragonlance: War Wizard for the new Magius and Huma sequence.
For Hickman’s original worlds, begin each series independently. Start The Death Gate Cycle with Dragon Wing, Darksword with Forging the Darksword, Rose of the Prophet with The Will of the Wanderer, Sovereign Stone with Well of Darkness, and Drakis with Song of the Dragon.
No universal chronology connects these books. The safest approach is to finish one world before entering the next.
Frank is the editor of BookSeries.blog, focusing on publication order, chronological timelines, and spoiler-free reading guides for book series and fictional universes.