Richard A. Knaak is an American fantasy author whose bibliography stretches across original worlds and several major licensed universes, including Dragonlance, Warcraft, Diablo, Age of Conan, Pathfinder, and the Iron Kingdoms.
His longest original continuity is the Dragonrealm, a fantasy world he has expanded since Firedrake in 1989. Other original series include Black City Saint, Knight in Shadow, and Rex Draconis.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This article may contain affiliate links. If you click one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
There is no single chronology connecting every Knaak book. Dragonrealm and most of his licensed fiction occupy separate universes. One important exception is the forthcoming Black City Gateways, which deliberately crosses characters from Dragonrealm, Rex Draconis, and Black City Saint.
The Reading Map
- For Knaak’s original fantasy, begin with Firedrake.
- For urban fantasy set in 1920s Chicago, begin with Black City Saint.
- For Dragonlance, begin Knaak’s personal contribution with The Legend of Huma, although readers completely new to the larger Dragonlance setting may prefer to read the core Dragonlance Chronicles first.
- For Warcraft, Day of the Dragon is the best entry into Knaak’s dragon-centered Azeroth fiction. Read the War of the Ancients trilogy after it if you want the strongest continuity flow.
- For Diablo, begin with Legacy of Blood for Knaak’s standalone-connected adventures, or Birthright for the tightly serialized Sin War trilogy.
- For Rex Draconis, begin with Under the Dragon Moon.
Dragonrealm Books in Order
Dragonrealm is Knaak’s principal original fantasy setting. The early novels follow characters including Cabe Bedlam, Gwen, the Gryphon, Darkhorse, Shade, and the Dragon Kings as the political and magical balance of the realm changes across generations.
Publication order is the safest route for new readers.
The Original Dragonrealm Sequence
- Firedrake (1989): Cabe Bedlam becomes involved in a struggle against the Dragon Kings and begins discovering the magical inheritance that ties his family to the Dragonrealm’s most dangerous powers.
- Ice Dragon (1989): Cabe’s growing role in the realm brings him into conflict with another Dragon King while the consequences of the first novel reshape alliances among humans, dragons, and sorcerers.
- Wolfhelm (1990): The threat shifts toward the wolf raiders and the mysterious Gryphon, expanding the world beyond Cabe’s immediate family conflict.
- Shadow Steed (1990): Darkhorse, the seemingly indestructible shadow steed, becomes central to a magical struggle involving forces that threaten both him and the people of the Dragonrealm.
- The Shrouded Realm (1991): The series moves into a hidden land where political isolation and magical secrets create another threat to the increasingly connected Dragonrealm.
- Children of the Drake (1991): The descendants and legacy of the Dragon Kings become central as older conflicts return through a younger generation.
- Dragon Tome (1992): A dangerous magical text becomes the focus of a struggle involving sorcery, inherited power, and characters already shaped by the Dragonrealm’s earlier wars.
- The Crystal Dragon (1993): Cabe and his allies confront a new draconic threat whose powers challenge the fragile balance created after the earlier Dragon Kings fall.
- The Dragon Crown (1994): Rival forces seek control of a symbol of draconic authority, turning another magical dispute into a contest over who can rule the Dragonrealm.
- The Horse King (1997): Darkhorse returns to the center of the narrative as supernatural enemies challenge his independence and his connection to the mortal world.
- Shade (2012): The tragic sorcerer Shade receives a larger role as his cycles of identity, memory, and rebirth threaten both himself and those attempting to understand him.
The gap between The Horse King and Shade reflects publication history, not a restart of the world.
The Turning War Books in Order
The Turning War moves backward approximately two centuries to the era of Nathan Bedlam, Cabe’s grandfather.
It explains the beginnings of the organized resistance against the Dragon Kings.
- Dragon Masters (2014): Nathan Bedlam and other mages form an alliance against the drake lords, beginning the conflict later remembered as the Turning War.
- The Gryphon Mage (2014): The war expands as the Gryphon, sorcerers, and rival factions fight over control of a realm still dominated by the Dragon Kings.
- The Horned Blade (2015): The Turning War reaches its decisive stage as Nathan and his allies confront the forces responsible for the Dragon Kings’ continuing rule.
This trilogy is chronologically earlier than Firedrake.
For a first reading, publication order is still preferable. The prequels gain meaning from knowing the world their characters will eventually create.
The Dragon Throne Books in Order
The Dragon Throne sequence returns to the later Dragonrealm and begins another major conflict involving the Aramites, spirits, old sorcerers, and the legacy of the wolf raiders.
Knights of the Frost
- Knights of the Frost (2018): The surviving wolf raiders gather in the Northern Wastes while an undead dragon and newly freed spirits threaten the Dragonrealm.
Cabe Bedlam, the Gryphon, Shade, and other established characters return.
This should be read after the main Dragonrealm books rather than used as a first introduction.
Sword of Ghosts
- Sword of Ghosts (2021): The Aramites seize the City of Knowledge while Shade and Valea become trapped in Nimth and Cabe is forced to seek help from the ghost of his feared father, Azran Bedlam.
The story continues directly from Knights of the Frost.
It also expands the consequences of the spirits released after the destruction of the Lords of the Dead.
Dragon of the Depths
- Dragon of the Depths (Planned): Knaak lists this as the intended continuation of the Dragon Throne sequence.
No reliable publication date was confirmed as of August 7, 2026.
It should remain listed as forthcoming rather than as an available third novel.
Dragonrealm Novellas and Short Fiction
Knaak has written a substantial group of shorter Dragonrealm stories.
The cleanest way to read them is through Journeys Through the Dragonrealm, which gathers previously published novellas alongside additional material.
Skins
Skins: A Dragonrealm novella explores identity, transformation, and the dangerous forms magic can take outside the central novel plots.
It is optional and should be read after the opening Dragonrealm novels.
Past Dances
Past Dances: Earlier events and relationships return through a story concerned with memory and the lingering consequences of the realm’s history.
The novella adds context rather than altering the numbered novel order.
Storm Lord
Storm Lord: A powerful magical figure becomes the center of a shorter conflict that expands the supernatural history surrounding the Dragonrealm.
Read it as companion fiction after becoming familiar with the core setting.
The Still Lands
The Still Lands: Travelers enter a dangerous region whose apparent quiet conceals forces connected to the wider magical structure of the Dragonrealm.
The story stands as optional world expansion.
Dragon Master
Dragon Master: This novella explores another part of the long struggle between humans and draconic powers.
It should not be confused with the later full novel Dragon Masters.
A Wolf in the Fold
A Wolf in the Fold: The wolf raiders and their legacy receive additional attention through a smaller Dragonrealm conflict.
The story works best after Wolfhelm.
A Game of Ghosts
A Game of Ghosts: Spirits and supernatural manipulation create another danger for characters already accustomed to the Dragonrealm’s unstable magical history.
It is optional companion material.
The Forgotten One
The Forgotten One: This later story adds another episode from the world while drawing on people and forces established across the older fiction.
It appears in Journeys Through the Dragonrealm.
Journeys Through the Dragonrealm
Journeys Through the Dragonrealm (2020): This collection brings together the previously published Dragonrealm novellas and adds The Forgotten One.
For readers who want the short fiction without tracking older omnibus editions, this is the most practical companion volume.
Read it after the principal early novels, or save it until after Shade.
Legends of the Dragonrealm Omnibus Editions
The Legends of the Dragonrealm books repackage the older novels and novellas.
Legends of the Dragonrealm
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume I (2009): This omnibus contains Firedrake, Ice Dragon, and Wolfhelm, giving readers the first three core Dragonrealm novels in one volume.
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume II
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume II (2010): This collection contains Shadow Steed, The Shrouded Realm, Children of the Drake, and the novella Skins.
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume III
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume III (2011): This volume contains The Crystal Dragon and The Dragon Crown, plus several Dragonrealm novellas.
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume IV
Legends of the Dragonrealm, Volume IV (2013): This collection contains Dragon Tome and The Horse King, along with additional shorter Dragonrealm fiction.
These are collection formats, not extra installments.
The Best Dragonrealm Reading Order
For a first reading, use this route:
- Firedrake
- Ice Dragon
- Wolfhelm
- Shadow Steed
- The Shrouded Realm
- Children of the Drake
- Dragon Tome
- The Crystal Dragon
- The Dragon Crown
- The Horse King
- Shade
- Journeys Through the Dragonrealm
- Dragon Masters
- The Gryphon Mage
- The Horned Blade
- Knights of the Frost
- Sword of Ghosts
- Dragon of the Depths, after publication
This is not strict chronology. It preserves the way the Dragonrealm was revealed before returning to Nathan Bedlam’s earlier Turning War.
The Ravaged Empire
Knaak has announced The Ravaged Empire as another saga in the wider Dragonrealm world.
It is set on Thornheln, the former empire of the Aramites, far east of the familiar Dragonrealm.
The setting follows the aftermath of the wolf raiders’ collapse, with former subjects, surviving Aramites, sorcerous horrors, and powers released by the empire’s destruction continuing to fight over the continent.
As of August 7, 2026, a stable numbered list of published Ravaged Empire novels was not available from Knaak’s official bibliography.
Treat the project as an announced Dragonrealm expansion rather than inserting speculative titles into the main reading order.
Black City Saint Books in Order
Black City Saint is an urban fantasy series set primarily in Prohibition-era Chicago.
The central character, Nick Medea, is Saint George living under another identity. He guards a supernatural Gate while sharing his existence with the dragon he once supposedly killed.
Black City Saint
- Black City Saint (2016): Nick Medea protects 1920s Chicago from threats crossing between the human world and Feirie while a new case forces him to confront his past as Saint George.
The novel introduces Nick, the dragon bound to him, the Gate, Claryce, and the magical history hidden beneath Chicago.
Black City Demon
- Black City Demon (2017): Nick faces another supernatural plot involving Feirie while his relationship with Claryce and the dragon inside him becomes more complicated.
The sequel assumes knowledge of Nick’s true identity and the rules surrounding the Gate.
Black City Dragon
- Black City Dragon (2018): Nick’s history as Saint George and his bond with the dragon move toward another crisis as supernatural forces threaten Chicago and the people he is trying to protect.
This is the third published Black City Saint novel.
It provides a stopping point but does not permanently close Nick Medea’s world.
Black City Gateways
Black City Gateways (Scheduled for October 1, 2026): Nick Medea discovers that his Gate can reach more worlds than Feirie, creating a crossover involving Dragonrealm and Rex Draconis.
Darkhorse from Dragonrealm and the minotaur Rath from Rex Draconis are among the characters tied to the expanding gateways.
The book remained forthcoming as of August 7, 2026.
Because it deliberately crosses Knaak’s original universes, read Black City Saint, some Dragonrealm, and Rex Draconis before it for the fullest context.
Knight in Shadow Books in Order
Knight in Shadow follows Evan Wytherling and the consequences of an older war against the sorcerer Novaris.
Dragon Mound
- Dragon Mound (2011): A man connected to an old heroic conflict becomes involved in a new threat whose roots reach back to the supposedly defeated sorcerer Novaris.
The novel mixes buried history, dangerous magic, and the question of whether legendary victories truly end the forces behind them.
Wake of the Wyrm
- Wake of the Wyrm (2025): Evan Wytherling and Mardi Sinclair travel to the failing island kingdom of Wallmyre, where a massive sea dragon, civil unrest, and the manipulations of the Fenri threaten to destroy the realm.
The novel directly continues Dragon Mound.
It was published in September 2025 and is the latest full-length Knaak novel confirmed as published before this article’s update date.
Is Knight in Shadow Complete?
Two novels are published.
The first book was originally described as part of a larger sequence. Wake of the Wyrm finally continued the story in 2025 after a long gap.
No firmly dated third volume was confirmed as of August 7, 2026.
Rex Draconis Books in Order
Rex Draconis takes place on Tiberos, an original fantasy world separate from Dragonrealm until the Black City Gateways crossover.
The series includes dragons, minotaurs, gods, sorcerers, and conflicts surrounding the legendary Dragon Moon.
Under the Dragon Moon
- Under the Dragon Moon (2017): Wizard Amble and his companions enter a conflict involving minotaurs, ancient magic, and forces attempting to reshape the balance of Tiberos.
This is the required introduction to the setting.
Lords of the Dragon Moon
- Lords of the Dragon Moon (2018): The struggle expands as minotaur power, rival kingdoms, magical factions, and the secrets surrounding the Dragon Moon collide.
Read it directly after Under the Dragon Moon.
Shadows of the Dragon Moon
- Shadows of the Dragon Moon (2020): The political and supernatural war deepens as hidden powers manipulate the factions fighting across Tiberos.
The novel prepares the later conflict over the Spider Ash and the King of Dragons.
Of Dragon’s Blood
- Of Dragon’s Blood (2020): The struggle involving dragons, minotaurs, gods, and bloodlines intensifies as the wider threat to Tiberos becomes clearer.
This continues directly from Shadows of the Dragon Moon.
War of the Dragon Moon
- War of the Dragon Moon (Published in parts beginning 2022): The minotaur empire and allied kingdoms move into open war while larger supernatural forces seek the Spider Ash, an artifact said to threaten even the King of Dragons.
Knaak released the work in parts rather than as one simple conventional novel edition.
Readers should follow the complete available War of the Dragon Moon material after Of Dragon’s Blood.
Gods of the Dragon Moon
- Gods of the Dragon Moon (Planned): Knaak lists this as a future Rex Draconis continuation.
No firm release date was confirmed as of August 7, 2026.
Black City Gateways and Knaak’s Original Worlds
Black City Gateways changes an important boundary in Knaak’s bibliography.
Before it, Black City Saint, Dragonrealm, and Rex Draconis could safely be treated as separate fantasy worlds.
The crossover establishes gateways among them.
For readers who want the crossover with maximum context, read at least Black City Saint, Firedrake and several Dragonrealm novels, and Under the Dragon Moon before Black City Gateways.
It is still unnecessary to combine every earlier book into one giant chronology.
Dragonlance Books by Richard A. Knaak
Knaak has written extensively in Dragonlance, particularly about Huma Dragonbane, Kaz the Minotaur, minotaur civilization, and ancient conflicts.
These books belong to the larger Dragonlance continuity created by many writers.
Huma and Kaz Books
The Legend of Huma
The Legend of Huma (1988): Knight Huma Dragonbane rises from an uncertain position among the Knights of Solamnia to become the legendary hero associated with the Dragonlances and the defeat of Takhisis.
This was Knaak’s first published novel.
It takes place long before Dragonlance Chronicles.
Kaz the Minotaur
Kaz the Minotaur (1990): Kaz, a minotaur who fought beside Huma, struggles with his people’s expectations and his own sense of honor after the events of The Legend of Huma.
Read it after The Legend of Huma.
Land of the Minotaurs
Land of the Minotaurs (1996): The culture and political ambitions of Krynn’s minotaurs become central as characters enter a society driven by strength, empire, and rigid concepts of honor.
It develops Knaak’s long-running treatment of the minotaur nations.
Reavers of the Blood Sea
Reavers of the Blood Sea (1999): Minotaur sailors and warriors become involved in the Chaos War, bringing their martial culture into one of Dragonlance’s major world-changing conflicts.
The novel works best after familiarity with the Chaos War era.
The Citadel
The Citadel (2000): A magical fortress and the people seeking control of it become the focus of another Dragonlance conflict involving power, ambition, and Krynn’s unstable postwar order.
This is a separate Dragonlance novel rather than a direct Kaz sequel.
The Minotaur Wars Books in Order
The Minotaur Wars follows the struggle for control of the minotaur empire.
- Night of Blood (2003): Political rivalry and assassination destabilize minotaur rule, beginning a civil conflict over the future of the empire.
- Tides of Blood (2004): The struggle spreads beyond the imperial court as military forces and rival leaders fight to determine who will command the minotaur nation.
- Empire of Blood (2005): The civil war reaches its conclusion as competing visions of minotaur society and empire collide.
The trilogy should be read in order.
The Ogre Titans Books in Order
The Ogre Titans trilogy explores another ancient and powerful people of Krynn.
- The Black Talon (2007): Ogre ambitions and forbidden power begin reshaping a race whose decline hides memories of a far more formidable civilization.
- The Fire Rose (2008): The attempt to restore or transform ogre power deepens as magic, politics, and the legacy of the ogre titans become increasingly dangerous.
- The Gargoyle King (2009): The trilogy reaches its final confrontation as the ogre titans and their enemies fight over the future created by their magical experiments.
This is a completed three-book sequence.
The Journals of Kaz: The Lost Colony
The Journals of Kaz: The Lost Colony (2024): A new Kaz the Minotaur story accompanies campaign material about a lost minotaur colony and the culture surrounding it.
The project combines fiction, setting material, and tabletop role-playing content.
It is not a conventional new Dragonlance novel, but it is significant for readers following Kaz because it contains Knaak’s first new Kaz story in decades.
Huma Before the Lance: The Dark Patrol
Huma Before the Lance: The Dark Patrol (2026): Huma and Rennard join a dangerous patrol shortly before the events that will make Huma one of Krynn’s greatest legendary knights.
The publication combines a new Knaak story with role-playing material and an adventure.
Chronologically it belongs before The Legend of Huma, but first-time readers should still read The Legend of Huma before returning to this prequel.
Honor and Empire: The Minotaur Tales
Honor and Empire: The Minotaur Tales (2023): Five novellas examine different minotaur characters facing questions of loyalty, memory, imprisonment, honor, and responsibility.
The collection draws on the minotaur traditions Knaak has developed across both licensed and original fantasy.
Because the individual tales are separate, no internal novel sequence is required.
Warcraft and World of Warcraft Books by Richard A. Knaak
Knaak’s Warcraft fiction frequently focuses on dragons, night elves, druids, and major figures such as Rhonin, Krasus, Malfurion, and the Dragon Aspects.
The novels belong to the wider Warcraft continuity rather than forming one Knaak-only series.
Day of the Dragon
Day of the Dragon (2001): Mage Rhonin is sent on a dangerous mission involving the imprisoned red dragonqueen Alexstrasza, the Dragonmaw clan, and the dragon Korialstrasz.
This is Knaak’s best Warcraft starting point.
It establishes Rhonin and Krasus before the War of the Ancients trilogy.
War of the Ancients Books in Order
The Well of Eternity
- The Well of Eternity (2004): Rhonin, Krasus, and Broxigar are thrown thousands of years into Azeroth’s past, arriving as the Burning Legion begins the invasion that will become the War of the Ancients.
The trilogy assumes some familiarity with Azeroth but explains its immediate historical conflict clearly.
The Demon Soul
- The Demon Soul (2004): The war escalates as Neltharion pursues control of the artifact that will become known as the Demon Soul and the dragonflights begin paying the price of his betrayal.
Read it immediately after The Well of Eternity.
The Sundering
- The Sundering (2005): The Burning Legion’s invasion, the collapse surrounding the Well of Eternity, and the actions of dragons, night elves, and time-displaced heroes reach their world-changing conclusion.
This completes the trilogy.
Night of the Dragon
Night of the Dragon (2008): Krasus and other characters investigate Grim Batol, where experiments involving the dragonflights have created a new draconic threat.
The novel follows developments rooted in Day of the Dragon.
Read Day of the Dragon and the War of the Ancients trilogy first for the strongest context.
Stormrage
Stormrage (2010): Malfurion Stormrage becomes trapped within the Emerald Nightmare while corruption spreads through the Emerald Dream and threatens Azeroth.
The novel focuses heavily on druids, night elves, and the green dragonflight.
It is separate from Rhonin’s central dragon storyline but belongs to the same Warcraft continuity.
Wolfheart
Wolfheart (2011): Varian Wrynn, the night elves, Gilneas, and the Alliance become central to a conflict involving the Horde and the worgen.
The novel advances post-Cataclysm political relationships rather than functioning as a direct Stormrage sequel.
Dawn of the Aspects
Dawn of the Aspects (2013): Kalecgos experiences visions of the ancient proto-dragons who became Azeroth’s Dragon Aspects, revealing the origins of figures such as Alexstrasza, Malygos, Ysera, Nozdormu, and Neltharion.
The work was originally released as a five-part digital serial and later collected in one volume.
Use the collected edition as a single book unless deliberately collecting the original parts.
Warcraft Manga
The Sunwell Trilogy
- Dragon Hunt (2005): Blue dragon Kalec and the human Anveena become involved in a conflict connected to the lingering power of the Sunwell.
- Shadows of Ice (2006): Kalec and Anveena’s journey continues while their enemies pursue the magical power surrounding them.
- Ghostlands (2007): The trilogy concludes as the heroes reach Quel’Thalas and the truth behind Anveena becomes central.
Knaak wrote the story, with Jae-Hwan Kim providing the artwork.
Shadow Wing
- The Dragons of Outland (2008): Characters from the Sunwell material move into Outland and confront another draconic threat involving the nether dragons.
- Nexus Point (2011): The surviving characters continue their attempt to resolve the conflict involving dragons and unstable magical forces.
Shadow Wing is best read after The Sunwell Trilogy.
The Best Richard A. Knaak Warcraft Order
For Knaak’s recurring dragon and night elf material, a practical route is:
- Day of the Dragon
- The Well of Eternity
- The Demon Soul
- The Sundering
- The Sunwell Trilogy
- Night of the Dragon
- Shadow Wing
- Stormrage
- Wolfheart
- Dawn of the Aspects
This is a Knaak-focused reading route, not a complete chronology of every Warcraft novel.
Diablo Books by Richard A. Knaak
Knaak wrote both standalone-connected Diablo novels and the major Sin War prequel trilogy.
The Sin War occurs thousands of years before the games and explains essential parts of Sanctuary’s ancient history.
Diablo Standalone-Connected Novels
Legacy of Blood
Legacy of Blood (2001): Norrec Vizharan discovers the armor of the dead warlord Bartuc and becomes trapped in a struggle over the blood-soaked legacy of one of Sanctuary’s most feared figures.
This is the best introduction to Knaak’s Diablo novels.
The Kingdom of Shadow
The Kingdom of Shadow (2002): Necromancer Zayl enters the mysterious city of Ureh, where a legendary kingdom’s apparent return hides a far darker supernatural reality.
Zayl becomes one of Knaak’s recurring Diablo characters.
Moon of the Spider
Moon of the Spider (2006): Zayl investigates another threat involving necromancy, demonic power, and forces attempting to manipulate the balance between life and death.
Read The Kingdom of Shadow first because it introduces Zayl.
The Sin War Books in Order
Birthright
- Birthright (2006): Farmer Uldyssian ul-Diomed discovers extraordinary powers as rival supernatural forces begin using humanity in the hidden conflict between Heaven and Hell.
This begins the trilogy and establishes the earliest major conflict over humanity’s latent Nephalem power.
Scales of the Serpent
- Scales of the Serpent (2007): Uldyssian’s powers and following grow while the Triune, the Cathedral of Light, angels, and demons compete to control humanity.
The second book assumes full knowledge of Birthright.
The Veiled Prophet
- The Veiled Prophet (2007): The Sin War reaches its conclusion as Uldyssian confronts the forces manipulating Sanctuary and the cosmic powers deciding humanity’s future.
This completes the trilogy.
Diablo Archive
Diablo Archive (2008): This omnibus contains Legacy of Blood and The Kingdom of Shadow along with Diablo fiction by other authors, depending on the edition.
Check the contents before buying duplicate copies.
Age of Conan: A Soldier’s Quest Books in Order
Knaak’s Age of Conan trilogy belongs to the Hyborian Age created by Robert E. Howard.
It follows a new protagonist within Conan’s world rather than continuing one of Knaak’s original settings.
The God in the Moon
- The God in the Moon (2006): A soldier enters a dangerous quest involving ancient cults, forbidden ruins, and supernatural forces in the Hyborian world.
The Eye of Charon
- The Eye of Charon (2006): The quest continues through another conflict involving sorcery, violent factions, and an artifact tied to darker powers.
The Silent Enemy
- The Silent Enemy (2006): The trilogy’s supernatural and military conflicts reach their conclusion as the surviving characters confront the force behind their pursuit.
Read all three in publication order.
Pathfinder Tales
Reaper’s Eye (2016): Knaak’s Pathfinder novel sends a group of adventurers into a conflict involving dangerous magic, monsters, and the established world of Golarion.
It belongs to the Pathfinder role-playing universe.
No Dragonrealm or Dragonlance background is required.
Beastmaster
Beastmaster: Myth (2009): This licensed novel continues the science fantasy world associated with Andre Norton’s Beast Master property, involving telepathic connections with animals and dangers on distant worlds.
It is separate from Knaak’s original fantasy series.
Black City Saint and Other Chicago Fiction
Knaak has written more than one fantasy or speculative story involving Chicago, but shared geography does not automatically create shared continuity.
Black City Saint has its own supernatural mythology centered on Nick Medea.
Rogues Gallery uses a different alternate Chicago and should remain separate.
Rogues Gallery
Rogues Gallery (2022): In an alternate Chicago between the world wars, costumed villains grow bolder after the city’s greatest masked hero, the Legionary, mysteriously disappears.
The novel uses pulp heroes, masked criminals, police pressure, and mystery rather than Black City Saint’s Saint George mythology.
It is a standalone unless Knaak later formally expands its setting.
Other Standalone Novels
King of the Grey
King of the Grey (1993): A modern supernatural mystery develops around strange powers and hidden beings operating beyond ordinary human understanding.
The novel stands apart from Dragonrealm.
Frostwing
Frostwing (1995): A gargoyle-like supernatural creature and modern characters become involved in a conflict where ancient myth intrudes upon contemporary life.
The book is a standalone urban fantasy.
The Janus Mask
The Janus Mask (1995): Questions of identity, hidden power, and divided selves drive a contemporary speculative story centered on the dangerous implications of a mysterious mask.
It is independent of Frostwing.
Dutchman
Dutchman (1996): Myth and supernatural danger enter the modern world through a story drawing on older legends and the consequences of forces that refuse to remain buried.
The novel stands alone.
Ruby Flames
Ruby Flames (1999): A fantasy conflict involving dangerous magic and hidden powers begins a planned sequence known as Shattered Light.
The novel was published as the opening book, but no completed multi-volume Shattered Light series followed.
Readers should approach it as an open-ended first volume.
Richard A. Knaak Books in Broad Publication Order
This list focuses on novels and major book-length fiction rather than every anthology appearance, comic issue, or RPG supplement.
- The Legend of Huma (1988): Huma Dragonbane rises to become one of Dragonlance’s defining legendary heroes.
- Firedrake (1989): Cabe Bedlam enters the conflict with the Dragon Kings.
- Ice Dragon (1989): Cabe’s role in the Dragonrealm expands through another draconic threat.
- Wolfhelm (1990): The Gryphon and the wolf raiders become central to the Dragonrealm.
- Kaz the Minotaur (1990): Huma’s minotaur companion faces his own people and ideals after the legendary war.
- Shadow Steed (1990): Darkhorse takes the center of another Dragonrealm conflict.
- The Shrouded Realm (1991): A hidden kingdom expands the world beyond the early Dragon King struggle.
- Children of the Drake (1991): The legacy of the drakes affects another generation.
- Dragon Tome (1992): A magical text becomes the focus of a dangerous Dragonrealm struggle.
- The Crystal Dragon (1993): A new draconic threat challenges Cabe and his allies.
- King of the Grey (1993): A modern supernatural story explores hidden powers beyond ordinary society.
- The Dragon Crown (1994): Competing forces seek a symbol of Dragon King authority.
- Frostwing (1995): Ancient supernatural forces intrude on the modern world.
- The Janus Mask (1995): Identity and hidden power drive a standalone speculative story.
- Land of the Minotaurs (1996): Minotaur politics and culture become the center of another Dragonlance adventure.
- Dutchman (1996): Old legend and modern supernatural danger collide.
- The Horse King (1997): Darkhorse returns for another major Dragonrealm story.
- Ruby Flames (1999): The Shattered Light storyline begins with a magical conflict that remained without a completed sequel sequence.
- Reavers of the Blood Sea (1999): Dragonlance minotaurs enter the Chaos War.
- The Citadel (2000): A magical fortress becomes the focus of a Dragonlance struggle.
- Day of the Dragon (2001): Rhonin and Krasus attempt to free Alexstrasza in Azeroth.
- Diablo: Legacy of Blood (2001): Norrec Vizharan becomes bound to Bartuc’s cursed armor.
- Diablo: The Kingdom of Shadow (2002): Zayl investigates the apparently returned city of Ureh.
- Dragonlance: Night of Blood (2003): A minotaur succession crisis begins a civil war.
- Dragonlance: Tides of Blood (2004): The Minotaur Wars spread across the empire.
- Warcraft: The Well of Eternity (2004): Time-displaced heroes enter the War of the Ancients.
- Warcraft: The Demon Soul (2004): Neltharion’s betrayal changes the dragonflights.
- Dragonlance: Empire of Blood (2005): The Minotaur Wars reach their conclusion.
- Warcraft: The Sundering (2005): The ancient invasion ends in a world-changing catastrophe.
- Diablo: Moon of the Spider (2006): Zayl confronts another necromantic threat.
- Diablo: Birthright (2006): Uldyssian discovers the powers that make humanity central to the Sin War.
- The God in the Moon (2006): Knaak begins his Age of Conan trilogy.
- The Eye of Charon (2006): The Hyborian quest continues through sorcery and danger.
- The Silent Enemy (2006): The Age of Conan trilogy reaches its conclusion.
- Diablo: Scales of the Serpent (2007): The Sin War expands as supernatural factions compete over humanity.
- Diablo: The Veiled Prophet (2007): Uldyssian’s trilogy reaches its conclusion.
- Dragonlance: The Black Talon (2007): The Ogre Titans trilogy begins.
- Warcraft: Night of the Dragon (2008): Krasus investigates a new threat at Grim Batol.
- Dragonlance: The Fire Rose (2008): Ogre ambition and forbidden magic expand the Titans conflict.
- Beastmaster: Myth (2009): Knaak enters Andre Norton’s Beast Master universe.
- Dragonlance: The Gargoyle King (2009): The Ogre Titans trilogy concludes.
- World of Warcraft: Stormrage (2010): Malfurion becomes trapped within the Emerald Nightmare.
- World of Warcraft: Wolfheart (2011): Alliance politics and the worgen become central to a new Azeroth conflict.
- Dragon Mound (2011): The Knight in Shadow story begins with the legacy of an older magical war.
- Shade (2012): The Dragonrealm returns with the tragic sorcerer at the center.
- Dawn of the Aspects (2013): Kalecgos witnesses the ancient origins of Azeroth’s Dragon Aspects.
- Dragon Masters (2014): Nathan Bedlam begins the Turning War against the Dragon Kings.
- The Gryphon Mage (2014): The Turning War expands through magical and political conflict.
- The Horned Blade (2015): The Dragonrealm prequel trilogy reaches its conclusion.
- Black City Saint (2016): Saint George protects Prohibition Chicago under the identity Nick Medea.
- Pathfinder Tales: Reaper’s Eye (2016): Knaak writes an adventure in Golarion.
- Black City Demon (2017): Nick’s battle with the forces around the Gate continues.
- Under the Dragon Moon (2017): Rex Draconis begins on the world of Tiberos.
- Lords of the Dragon Moon (2018): The Rex Draconis conflict expands.
- Black City Dragon (2018): Nick’s identity and supernatural obligations create another Chicago crisis.
- Knights of the Frost (2018): The Dragon Throne storyline begins with returning Aramites and an undead dragon.
- Shadows of the Dragon Moon (2020): Rex Draconis moves deeper into war and divine manipulation.
- Of Dragon’s Blood (2020): Dragons, bloodlines, and political powers push Tiberos toward greater conflict.
- Sword of Ghosts (2021): Cabe faces the Aramites while Shade and Valea become trapped beyond the Dragonrealm.
- Rogues Gallery (2022): An alternate Chicago descends into chaos after its greatest masked hero disappears.
- War of the Dragon Moon (Beginning 2022): Rex Draconis enters an open war involving the Spider Ash and the fate of Tiberos.
- Wake of the Wyrm (2025): Evan Wytherling confronts a sea dragon and civil war in the long-awaited Knight in Shadow sequel.
- Black City Gateways (Scheduled for 2026): Dragonrealm, Rex Draconis, and Black City Saint intersect through destabilized magical gateways.
Collections, manga volumes, RPG publications, and reissues are treated separately because they would otherwise duplicate material in this career sequence.
Latest Richard A. Knaak Book
As of August 7, 2026, Knaak’s latest confirmed full-length novel was Wake of the Wyrm, published in September 2025.
Wake of the Wyrm (2025): Evan Wytherling reaches Wallmyre and finds an island kingdom collapsing under civil war, supernatural manipulation, and attacks by a colossal sea dragon.
Knaak has published newer projects containing original fiction, including Dragonlance material such as Huma Before the Lance: The Dark Patrol, but those combine fiction with game or setting material rather than functioning as conventional standalone novels.
Next Richard A. Knaak Book
Black City Gateways (Scheduled for October 1, 2026): A failure or deliberate manipulation of supernatural gateways allows Knaak’s Black City Saint, Dragonrealm, and Rex Draconis worlds to intersect.
It was the next reliably dated full-length release identified for this article.
The novel remained forthcoming as of August 7, 2026.
Current Series Status
Dragonrealm
Ongoing
The original sequence, Turning War trilogy, short fiction, and later Dragon Throne books are published.
Dragon of the Depths remains planned.
Black City Saint
Three core novels published
Black City Saint, Black City Demon, and Black City Dragon form the original sequence.
Black City Gateways is a forthcoming crossover that returns to Nick Medea while also connecting Knaak’s other original worlds.
Knight in Shadow
Two novels published
Dragon Mound and Wake of the Wyrm are available.
No firmly scheduled third book was confirmed.
Rex Draconis
Ongoing
Under the Dragon Moon through the War of the Dragon Moon material are published.
Gods of the Dragon Moon remains planned.
Dragonlance
Extensive shared-world contribution
Knaak’s Minotaur Wars and Ogre Titans trilogies are complete.
His Huma and Kaz stories continue to receive new companion material.
Warcraft
Knaak’s major prose arcs are complete as published
War of the Ancients is a completed trilogy. Day of the Dragon, Night of the Dragon, Stormrage, Wolfheart, and Dawn of the Aspects belong to the larger evolving Warcraft continuity.
Diablo
The Sin War is complete
Birthright, Scales of the Serpent, and The Veiled Prophet form a completed trilogy.
Legacy of Blood, The Kingdom of Shadow, and Moon of the Spider are separate but connected Diablo adventures.
Age of Conan
Complete trilogy
The Silent Enemy concludes A Soldier’s Quest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Richard A. Knaak book should I read first?
Begin with Firedrake for Knaak’s original fantasy.
Begin with The Legend of Huma for his Dragonlance fiction, Day of the Dragon for Warcraft, or Legacy of Blood for Diablo.
What is Richard A. Knaak’s longest original series?
Dragonrealm.
It began with Firedrake in 1989 and continues through later prequels, novellas, and sequel arcs.
Do the Dragonrealm books need to be read in order?
Yes, especially the core novels.
Characters, family histories, fallen Dragon Kings, magical threats, and political changes carry forward across the sequence.
Should I begin Dragonrealm with Dragon Masters because it happens earlier?
No.
Dragon Masters is a prequel set during the Turning War.
Firedrake gives the world a stronger first introduction and preserves the historical mystery surrounding Nathan Bedlam’s era.
Where does Shade fit?
Shade follows The Horse King in publication order and returns to the later Dragonrealm.
Read the earlier main novels before it.
Are Knights of the Frost and Sword of Ghosts connected?
Yes.
Sword of Ghosts directly continues the conflict begun in Knights of the Frost.
Is Dragon of the Depths published?
No confirmed published edition was available as of August 7, 2026.
It remains a planned Dragon Throne installment.
What is Journeys Through the Dragonrealm?
It is a collection of shorter Dragonrealm fiction.
It is optional to the main novels but convenient for readers who want the novellas in one place.
Is Black City Saint connected to Dragonrealm?
Originally the series functioned separately.
Black City Gateways explicitly crosses Black City Saint with Dragonrealm and Rex Draconis.
Is Black City Gateways published?
Not as of August 7, 2026.
It was scheduled for October 1, 2026.
Should I read all of Dragonrealm before Black City Gateways?
Not necessarily.
At minimum, familiarity with Firedrake, Darkhorse, and the basic Dragonrealm setting will make the crossover easier to appreciate.
Is Wake of the Wyrm a Dragonrealm book?
No.
It is the second Knight in Shadow novel and follows Dragon Mound.
Is Knight in Shadow complete?
Two books are published.
A complete final series status has not been firmly established.
Is Rex Draconis connected to Dragonrealm?
The worlds were originally separate.
Black City Gateways creates a direct crossover between them.
What is Knaak’s first published novel?
The Legend of Huma, published in 1988.
Did Richard A. Knaak create Dragonlance?
No.
Dragonlance is a shared setting created by a larger TSR team, particularly associated with Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman, and others.
Knaak became one of its important contributing novelists.
Should I read The Legend of Huma before Kaz the Minotaur?
Yes.
Kaz’s history with Huma is fundamental to his later story.
What order should I read The Minotaur Wars?
Read Night of Blood, Tides of Blood, and Empire of Blood.
What order should I read the Ogre Titans trilogy?
Read The Black Talon, The Fire Rose, and The Gargoyle King.
What is Huma Before the Lance?
It is a Dragonlance role-playing publication containing a new Knaak story set shortly before The Legend of Huma.
Read The Legend of Huma first despite the prequel chronology.
What is The Journals of Kaz: The Lost Colony?
It combines a new Kaz story with role-playing and setting material about a lost minotaur colony.
It is not a conventional full-length Kaz novel.
Which Knaak Warcraft book should I read first?
Day of the Dragon.
It introduces Rhonin and Krasus and provides useful context before War of the Ancients and Night of the Dragon.
Does War of the Ancients need to be read in order?
Yes.
Read The Well of Eternity, The Demon Soul, and The Sundering.
Is Dawn of the Aspects five books?
It was initially released in five digital parts.
The collected edition presents the complete work as one book.
What order should I read Knaak’s Diablo books?
For publication order, read Legacy of Blood, The Kingdom of Shadow, Moon of the Spider, Birthright, Scales of the Serpent, and The Veiled Prophet.
The final three form the separate Sin War trilogy.
Should The Sin War be read before the other Diablo books chronologically?
Not for a first reading.
It is an ancient prequel trilogy, but publication order preserves the way Sanctuary’s history was expanded.
Is The Sin War complete?
Yes.
The Veiled Prophet concludes the trilogy.
Is Age of Conan complete?
Yes.
Knaak’s A Soldier’s Quest trilogy consists of The God in the Moon, The Eye of Charon, and The Silent Enemy.
Is Ruby Flames part of a completed series?
No.
It was associated with Shattered Light, but the larger planned sequence did not develop into a completed multi-book series.
Is Rogues Gallery connected to Black City Saint?
No confirmed direct continuity should be assumed.
Both use versions of Chicago, but their characters and supernatural structures are different.
What is Richard A. Knaak’s latest full novel?
Wake of the Wyrm, published in September 2025.
What is his next confirmed novel?
Black City Gateways, scheduled for October 1, 2026.
The Best Order to Keep
For Knaak’s own fantasy, start with Firedrake and work through the original Dragonrealm novels before reading the Turning War prequels and the later Dragon Throne sequence.
Read Black City Saint, Black City Demon, and Black City Dragon together. Add Black City Gateways after publication, ideally after sampling Dragonrealm and Rex Draconis because the crossover uses all three settings.
For Dragonlance, begin Knaak’s material with The Legend of Huma, then read Kaz the Minotaur before his later minotaur fiction. Keep the Minotaur Wars and Ogre Titans trilogies in their internal orders.
For Warcraft, start with Day of the Dragon, continue through the War of the Ancients trilogy, then move into Knaak’s later Azeroth novels. For Diablo, begin with Legacy of Blood, while treating the three Sin War books as their own tightly connected trilogy.
Frank is the editor of BookSeries.blog, focusing on publication order, chronological timelines, and spoiler-free reading guides for book series and fictional universes.