Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman penned the first volume. Although, many other authors have since taken over to broaden the Dragonlance universe since the publication of the first Chronicles in 1984.
There are over 50 series that now make up the Dragonlance collection. They span multiple eras and are usually written in the third person.
Dragonlance is classed as a young adult fantasy series, but certain adaptations are suitable for younger audiences as well.
There are 209 books in the Dragonlance collection, which can be a terrifying number of books to take on. However, there is an easy order in which to read these books.
I have created a simple guide on which order to read all 209 Dragonlance books in.
About Dragonlance
The Dragonlance books are set in the magical realm of Krynn, which is home to humans, monsters, and magic.
The novels cover a variety of time periods, but the initial trilogy starts with the return of dragons to Krynn following the Cataclysm.
Two longtime friends will reunite for an adventure that will alter their lives and their future as the threat of war grows.
There is a variety of series featuring various characters in this vast universe, giving readers a better understanding of the overall setting. The volumes in the Dragonlance series can be read in a variety of ways.
No matter in which order you read these books, you should always start with The Holy Six. This is the original trilogy and sequel as it sets up the world that you will enter.
After that, you can either choose to read the books in publication order or series order, which is easier.
To make your life easier, I have compiled the easiest reading order for the Dragonlance series, which you can find below.
The dragons, once just mythical beasts, have returned to Krynn. With their return, this means the departure of the healing magic and the old gods.
Lifelong friends, Tanis, Caramon, Sturm, and Raistlin see a woman use a blue crystal to heal a villager. They go on a quest to discover what happened to the old gods and magic.
Pros
Fantastic setup and world-building for the following books.
Archmage Raistlin Majere creates a strategy to conquer the darkness in the terrible Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthas.
He can be stopped by just two people. One of them is Crysania, a gorgeous and devout Paladin cleric who makes an effort to utilize her faith to guide Raistlin out of the shadows.
The other is Caramon, Raistlin’s twin. After learning of his brother’s scheme, a distressed Caramon returns to the doomed city of Istar just before the Cataclysm. There, Caramon will take a stand to defend Raistlin’s soul.
Pros
Great insight into the character’s past and how the cataclysm affected the world.
After losing a wager to a bearded dwarf, the three adventure-seeking sons of Caramon Majere find themselves kidnapped and forced onto a gnomish sailing ship. They are searching for the fabled Graygem.
In nine short adventures, the companions face off against dragons, magicians, and people who possess magical daggers.
While also enduring remarkable encounters with Krynn’s smaller nations.
Huma Dragonbane, a Knight of the Crown, is dispatched to patrol the woods and quell mayhem when news gets out that goblins are prowling nearby.
He finds Kaz, a tortured minotaur, and rescues him from his nasty goblin captors.
Their unlikely but strong bond begins, one that will drag Huma and Kaz into a bloody conflict with the cunning Knights of Solamnia and the evil goddess Takhisis.
Pros
Interesting and likable characters to follow.
Cons
Some readers found the story a little predictable.
Lord Soth struggles to prevent his reign from collapsing. Even as he battles to overcome his adversaries, he learns that the White Rose is said to haunt the area.
Has Kitiara finally made it back to Soth, or is this just another ghost from the terrible past of the death knight?
This is the tale of Khisanth, a young black dragon that only desires to faithfully serve Takhisis. It is also the tale of how the Black Wing army came to be.
Throughout the narrative, Khisanth experiences betrayals, which helps to mold her into the dragon she later becomes.
Pros
Good focus on being a dragon in the Dragonlance world.
The Dragons of Krynn are a collection of short stories. It features a minotaur put to a difficult test by a cruel wizard, a solamni hunting a dangerous specter, and lots of dragons.
Each story focuses on the different varieties of dragons that you can come across in Krynn.
Pros
Lots of action and interesting characters to meet.
Dragons are the real descendants of Krynn, and they are aware of this. They can take on any form or disguise. Their magical skills are essentially limitless.
The diverse races of Krynn and the scariest creatures from the Dragonlance saga are included in this collection of dragon tales.
The Battle of the Lance has been over for years. The residents of Ansalon have rebuilt their homes, families, and lifestyles. Yet, there is a cost to Krynn’s calm. The evil forces are constantly on guard.
New lives are dragged into the net of fate woven around all races as subtle shifts start to weaken the frail peace. It’s time to hand down the staff or the sword to the children of the Lance.
Pros
New characters are introduced.
Cons
Some chapters feel unnecessary as they add nothing to the overall plot.
The Lance War has long since ended. Now that summer has arrived, the uneasy equilibrium between light and dark is starting to change.
The Knights of Takhisis are the new protectors of the Dark Queen. While the Companion descendants set out on their own adventures to fend off the approaching darkness.
We get a look into the past of the elves of Krynn who build their crystal cities under the leadership of the famous Silvanos.
Yet, Elderwild Kaganos is aware that the forests must continue to serve as the tribe’s permanent home.
The tribe of Kaganos are fighting against invading humans and the Dark Queen’s servants. Until, a task that forces the wild elves to choose between extinction and survival.
Pros
Interesting story of a minor race in the Dragonlance world.
Cons
This story doesn’t affect the main plot in the other series.
The Ogres were once the most beautiful and clever of the first species on Krynn. However, they were weakened by clan disputes and the malevolent ambition of the Dark Queen.
The once-beautiful Ogres were condemned by their own misdeeds and became one of Krynn’s most hated, and evil creatures.
The Irda, a small group who learned to accept goodness, survived this awful life. They fled their former home and set out to create their own ideal civilization.
A princess from Qualinost and a select group of warriors set off during a violent Elven war to save their compatriots from the crumbling Ergoth Empire.
When a bizarre mist surrounds Princess Vixa’s ship and carries them to a phantom island, their quest is derailed.
Princess Vixa is met by her kidnappers, the legendary Dargonesti, when the fog lifts.
The Dargonesti live in a metropolis of pearl marble that emerges from the ocean below, but no one has ever contacted them or been there and survived to tell the tale.
The sea elf race is introduced to Princess Vixa and her companions.
They also encounter a fantastic underwater environment, battle one of Krynn’s legendary enemies, and agree to undertake an impossible quest that would return them to their native country.
Pros
Really exciting to read, and great relationship development.
In a lovely valley in the Kharolis Mountains, the brave draconians of the War of the Lance have withdrawn from the front lines.
The draconians are caught up in a frenetic search for riches when the dwarves find a map that leads to a fortune hidden in the dwarven kingdom of Thorbardin.
Both sides are unaware of their roles in the bizarre and horrible destiny that Krynn is experiencing during the Summer of Flame
Pros
Sheds a new perspective on the draconians after the War of the Lance.
Cons
Readers found that this book was lacking in details.
Dalamar Argent was born with the ability to use magic. He is, however, merely a servant in the household of an elvish lord. Dalamar is forbidden from learning anything but the most boring lessons.
Dalamar will discover a way to study his craft despite the battle raging on Silvanesti’s borders. His journey will lead him along mysterious paths to a fantastic destiny.
Pros
Great insight into Dalamar’s beginnings.
Cons
Certain details are inconsistent with other books.
For a while now, Emilo Haversack has been roaming around Ansalon, trying to recall what’s wrong. He only remembers one name: Fistandantilus, the name of a very wicked and dead magician.
Emilo gets dragged into a strange journey along with a young kendermaid, a human boy, and a religious priest.
He and his pals become entangled in a web of intrigue that grows darker as he gets closer to learning the truth of his past.
Learn about the early life of Raistlin Majere. Around the age of six, Raistlin Majere encounters an archmage who enrolls him in a magic-training academy.
Raistlin must pass the Dread Test in the Tower of High Sorcery. His life will be eternally altered by this test.
Pros
Great look into Rasitlin’s backstory.
Cons
You need to have read the Legends books first to understand what is happening.
The elf realm of Silvanesti, torn apart by a crazy king’s nightmares, has almost fully recovered to its former splendor.
Nevertheless, upon his return to his native country, the elf Porthios raises an uprising against his own nephew, young Gilthas.
Attacks from green dragons and the Knights of Takhisis only add to Gilthas’s problems. Now that Porthios is threatening to slit Gilthas’ throat, he must decide between honor and blood.
Pros
Full of action and interesting characters.
Cons
For some readers, there are far too many battle scenes.
Schallsea Island represents new beginnings for Goldmoon and her supporters.
They have begun building the Citadel of Light under the shadow of the magical ruin known as the Silver Stair, an opaque spiral that offers visions and discoveries.
The future seems bright for the very first time since the Chaos War. Two forces, one wearing the plate armor of a Solamnic Knight.
The other, concealed by enigmatic magic and shadowy darkness, opposes Goldmoon’s ambition to establish a new mystical order on Krynn.
This is a fight to save the Silver Stair and stop the Schallsea Island dream from becoming a nightmare.
Knight Linsha Majere is undercover working for the elite bodyguard of Hogan Bight.
With a city under peril from an active volcano that is poised to erupt, a death ship carrying an unidentified plague, the ever-vigilant Legion Steel, discovers that the governor is not the only one who needs protection.
The Jewel of Ansalon has served as a beacon to the world for three thousand years. It still sparkles in the night, even though the Knights of Neraka rule over her.
The Thieves’ Guild, however, is the dark core in the heart of this shining metropolis.
Despite the guild being brutally crushed by the Dark Knights, a stronger, darker guild has emerged. It is now determined to reclaim its lost power and wealth.
The port city of Flotsam has never asked for or desired assistance from the rest of Krynn, therefore it has always been allowed to solve its own challenges.
That is until the young magician Ulin Majere and his traveling partner are asked to go there to identify a murder victim.
They rapidly learn that the grim port contains more than just one dead body.
As they also come across shady criminals, fading magic, the Knights of Neraka, and a very hungry and dangerous red dragon.
Pros
This story contains everything D&D fans love, such as magic, dragon, gnomes, and action.
Cons
Some readers found the writing slightly underwhelming.
This guide is for you if you’ve ever wondered what Kender students study in class, what Thorbardin’s dwarves eat for breakfast, or how the citizens of Solace choose their mayor.
Bertrem, the custodian of the Great Library of Palanthas, compiles information from all throughout Krynn, including fact and hearsay.
Pros
Gain a better overview of the everyday lives of these characters.
Former Hero of the Heart, Dhamon Grimwulf, has fallen into a cruel life of crime and filth.
He must now summon the courage to atone for his sins, as the great dragon overlords of the Fifth Age ruthlessly scheme to solidify their control and wipe out all their rivals.
Black Knights terrorize the people in the troubled realm of Qualinesti. While Beryl, the green dragon, commands the once-proud Elven Senate.
A mysterious heroine emerges from this troubled realm, and she and her devoted group of resistance fighters quickly establish themselves as the Dark Knights’ greatest fear.
Two dragon rulers at a military outpost pose a threat to the delicate peace in the area. Someone has confided a dreadful secret in Knight Linsha Majere.
The fragile peace is ruined as a magical storm sweeps through all of Ansalon, and Linsha is forced to set out on a desperate mission to defend the city from an invincible foe.
General Hotak has forged pacts with ancient enemies. The ghosts of Krynn are under the control of Hotak’s right-hand lady, and they are prepared to go to any lengths to fulfill their leader’s ambitions of domination.
Hotak’s nephew tries to find a way to stop his uncle’s rebellion.
Golgren returns to his home after the minotaur empire has been overtaken by a dangerous foe. He is a one-handed half-breed ogre with ambitious goals.
Humans and elves will be affected by Golgren’s fixation with bringing back the glories of the ogre race. Although, the outcome may ultimately be left up to a lethal, unpredictable god.
Goblin and hobgoblin slaves take advantage of the chaos as a series of earthquakes hit a Dark Knight mining camp and they revolt.
The Dark Knights are pitted against their slaves in a quick and terrible uprising.
Direfang, a hobgoblin foreman, emerges as the leader of the slave force.
The remaining goblins and hobgoblins must be rallied. He must lead them out of Neraka while assembling a united army that will not allow itself to be captured once more.
Pros
This book gives you a new insight into goblins and hobgoblins.
The Journeyman’s task is to locate the forgotten tales that got lost in the history books. This is done by using the ancient Anvil of Time to travel back through time and along the river of time.
Bradok and a brave group of dwarves must traverse the darkness of the underworld, braving bizarre new dangers and horrors.
Pros
Full of suspense and twists.
Cons
As this book is so fast-paced, the emotional parts don’t always feel very meaningful.
The finest chivalric order in Krynn’s past was the Knights of Solamnia.
Each one of those who aspire to join the Solamnic Knights must first join as squires of the Knights of the Crown, where they begin their training.
This is the tale of Sir Pirvan the Wayward, a Knight of the Crown whose hesitant and unlucky beginnings as Pirvan the Spell Thief revealed little about his potential.
Pros
Fast-paced.
Cons
There is more emphasis on the thieves than the Knights of Solamnia.
Maquesta Kar-Thon, offers to lead a dangerous mission. Her father was given a slow-acting poison by the minotaur ruler Attat, who is keeping the antidote a secret until Maq catches the deadly sea monster Morkoth for his personal zoo.
Attat sends a shadow person warrior named Illatha and a rogue minotaur named Bas Ohn-Koraf to travel with her.
Pros
Great character development from the first book.
Cons
Chapters are really long, which some readers don’t enjoy.
This is the second story of Sir Pirvan the Wayward, whose hesitant and unlucky beginnings gave little indication of his ability to become a Knight of the Sword or a Knight of the Crown.
Now that Pirvan has achieved the Order of the Crown, he must begin his training in the ideals of bravery and courage to obtain the Order of the Sword.
Pros
The minor characters help to make this plot interesting and humorous.
Cons
This book starts off slow but eventually becomes a lot more intense.
The Companions parted ways before the Battle of the Lance, each promising to return bearing news of the spreading gloom in Ansalon.
In quest of Sturm Brightblade’s long-lost father, Kitiara, and Sturm Brightblade, heads north.
A group of gnomes asks them for assistance while on their travels. Soon after, the two brave travelers are thrust into a dangerous journey that will take them outside Ansalon. They experience love, hate, darkness, and light.
Pros
Captivating story with lots of adventure and mystery.
Before the War of the Lance, Tasslehoff Burrfoot, a cheerful kender, is having a good time with his companions at the Inn of the Last House.
Then, a bounty hunter shows up and accuses him of desertion for breaking the kender custom of scheduled marriage.
Yet, Tasslehoff’s potential bride has also disappeared. In an action story filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem, the race is on to see who is brought to the altar first.
Unrest and darkness are spreading. Individuals frequently vanish during the night, and evil forces are allegedly at play.
Raistlin and Caramon Majere, arrive in Mereklar which is gripped by an unnamed fear. They agree to accept a job because they need money badly, and a string of disappearances there has everyone in a panic.
Raistlin, Caramon, and their kender companion Earwig Lockpicker agree to help a stunning noblewoman in her search for the missing people.
Yet when the town’s influential individuals are murdered by what seems to be a vicious feline beast, what begins as an interesting mystery turns horrific.
Pros
Great to see how the two brothers work together.
Cons
Some readers found the inclusion of Earwig unnecessary.
Flint Fireforge, a dwarf and metalworker, travels to the legendary elf city of Qualinost.
There he encounters Tanis, a smart young man who is the unfortunate offspring of an elf and a human union. Tanis and Flint discover an unexpected friendship.
A haughty elf lord is inexplicably killed, and another elf soon dies in a similar manner. Tanis is implicated, and the half-elf will be exiled forever if his innocence is not demonstrated.
Pros
Great insight into Tanis and Flint’s relationship.
This is the tale of Kitiara Uth Matar, a stunning woman with a wicked heart.
Her twin brothers, the warrior Caramon and the delicate magician Raistlin, are the subjects of this gripping narrative, which also highlights Kit’s admirable contribution to their upbringing.
Due to her teenage mercenary activities and growing interest in evil, Kit meets a roguish stranger and a group of intrepid travelers whose fates are intertwined with her own.
Her Solamnic father’s memory haunts her, and she is obsessed with finding him.
The Night of the Eye, when all three moons align over the Krynn lands, will shortly take place.
An unusual, strong mage who knows more about Guerrand DiThon than he does himself pays the young nobleman a visit on the day of the day of his marriage to a neighboring family.
Guerrand is seduced by claims of wizardly power and flees for the Tower of Wayreth beneath the triple moons.
Nobody expects him to make it through the treacherous journey to the tower, but he does.
Guerrand doesn’t realize how many enemies he makes while on his journey to the tower.
Pros
Detailed descriptions of characters and what they are thinking.
A young brother and sister flee from a group of predators and go on the run. Their lives take them on a path that is connected to the fate of several tribes.
Dark forces, however, are calculatingly and fatalistically keen on watching civilization advance for their master plans.
Pros
Good brother and sister relationship.
Cons
Parts of this book go against events that have already been spoken about in previous books.
Civil conflict has engulfed the great Ergothian empire. Two imperial dynasties compete for dominance, centuries prior to the Cataclysm splits Ansalon.
Warlords fight one another brutally for supremacy, while crooked wizards trade their abilities for money. Monsters from another world prey on the innocent.
As his fate and the future of Krynn collide, a bold young peasant rattles the towers of the mighty amidst this chaos and turmoil.
Pros
Great introduction to characters we will be following in this trilogy.
Cons
Slow, to begin with, but does pick up the pace later on.
This series will carry over important plot threads from the War of Souls series as it investigates the post-war period in Solamnia.
The plot centers on Jaymes Markham and the dwarf Dram Feldspar traveling to meet Cornelius the Large. However, nothing goes to plan and a battle commences.
Solace has gotten out of control. A major temple is attracting businesspeople, dignitaries, and numerous tourists to the legendary town.
Recently, there have been a number of strange events.
Palin, who has renounced magic, now serves as the town mayor. Due to the recent death of the previous sheriff by unidentified assailants, he urgently needs a new sheriff.
Gerard, who fortunately left the knighthood after a dispute with his father, shows up just in time to put on the sheriff’s badge.
The Companions are back and tackling fresh difficulties, both together and separately.
Whilst Tanis and Flint search for safety in the kingdom of the dwarves, Thorbardin. Raitlin finds herself curiously pulled to Skullcap, a haunting castle.
Strum searches for the fabled Hammer of Kharas, and Tika sets out on a risky mission to save the people she cares about from impending death.
Nevertheless, Flint Fireforge, a dwarf, is put to the most important test. Flint is forced to make a difficult decision that could determine the fate of humanity as the heroes fight against time to rescue the lives of those who depend on them.
Pros
Strong plot and good antagonist.
Cons
The first portion of the book is a long recap of these characters, which for some readers they didn’t need.
The dwarven kingdoms of Krynn are dormant, impenetrable by mountains, and remote from the events of the outside world. However, when an individual is needed, the world has a method for locating them.
A wealthy Kayolin aristocratic dwarf is forced to leave his house. While a gully dwarf from Thorbardin is lucky to run away from his own life and a clever and impulsive Hylar descendent wonders what mistakes led her people down a path of self-destruction.
Together, these three warriors hold Krynn’s and the destiny of the dwarven race in their hands.
An outsider in love with a princess, a would-be warrior, a sorcerer in training, a knight, an elderly dwarf, and an innocent kender reunite at the Inn of the Last Home.
As the villainous Dark Queen and her troops threaten to overtake the world of Krynn in war, their reunion turns into a last-ditch effort to save their homeland.
Pros
This child-friendly version is the ideal way to introduce younger readers to the world of Dragonlance.
Cons
There is still a lot of death included in the story.
Dragons from long ago are gathered by the Dark Queen to wreak havoc on the realm of Krynn. The Companions strive to save a stunning warrior princess and her magical staff, while the War of the Lance starts.
Pros
Interesting characters.
Cons
There are a lot of subplots going on, which can be quite overwhelming to follow.
Although Nearra has no idea who she is or where she lives, she does know that someone wants her dead.
Her last chance is thousands of miles away, in a deserted temple, where healing clerics might be able to help her regain her memory.
Nearra is offered the companionship of a friendly young ranger, a failing warrior, a cunning elf, and a kender wizard on her quest.
She quickly finds out that her new friends have their own hidden agendas. Friendships are put to the test, and all of it may end in devastation from the person Nearra trusts the most.
Pros
Great cast of characters and lots of adventure.
Cons
More suited for younger audiences of ages 10 and up.
Arngrim’s kingdom is a lonely, intriguing place. This almost forgotten location, which is home to the Scarlet Brethren, a strong wizarding cult, might hold the key to regaining Nearra’s memory.
However, neither Nearra nor her friends are aware of the cost they will incur.
Catriona is distracted by the allure of Arngrim’s rightful heir and misses the threat that is right in front of them.
When Nearra’s paranormal visions intensify, Davyn tries to keep a secret that might be able to save her.
Suddenly, the companions discover they have unwittingly entered a sinister scheme, and this time, Nearra won’t be the only one who must struggle for survival.
In this new trilogy, Nearra travels to Icereach to lift a curse that is afflicting her family.
Her determination is put to the test throughout the voyage as new foes appear out of nowhere. Will Nearra have enough stamina to reverse the wizard’s curse?
Catriona Goodlund was destined to fight from birth. It’s time for Cat to confront her past secrets and make a decision regarding her future after spending years defending and saving her friends while pursuing her knighthood.
When she goes back to her homeland, she discovers that the Heart of Purespring is gone and that everything is in ruins.
With everything she’s ever loved taken from her, Catriona is forced to choose: will she seek retribution or redemption?
Everyone is aware that Kender is incapable of doing magic. The world’s finest kender wizard, Sindri Suncatcher, can, though. Sindri now serves as Maddoc’s black-robed wizard’s apprentice at Cairngorn Keep.
Sindri’s training is suddenly interrupted by an enigmatic stranger, and he soon finds himself being pursued by bizarre monsters and getting cryptic messages.
Will Sindri’s fate be sealed by these unusual circumstances, or will he meet his demise?
The enormous variety of fascinating dragons discovered in the world of Krynn is displayed in this lavishly illustrated guide.
The wizard’s apprentice Sindri Suncatcher pulls out his own journals to impart his knowledge of these amazing beings.
Covering everything from the life cycle of an unusual copper dragon to the best technique to fend off a red dragon’s flaming breath.
This brilliantly illustrated book exposes readers to the appearance and behavior of dragons in the Dragonlance universe and is the ideal companion to the Dragonlance: The New Adventures series.
This book will amaze readers with both graphics and words, as it contains advice and techniques that new explorers can employ on fictitious encounters with dragons.
When Destina Rosethorn’s father perishes in the Battle of the Lance, she comes up with a daring idea to travel across time and save her father.
She must first obtain the Device of Time Journeying, last seen in the hands of the charismatic Kender Tasslehoff Burrfoot.
Destina’s mission takes her from the dwarven realm of Thorbardin to the town of Solace and further, causing a series of disastrous events that have the potential to disrupt the River of Time’s course.
This could change the past and permanently affect the future.
Pros
Engaging characters and a jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
Dragonlance is an extensive collection of 209 books. With this large collection of books, you meet a broad range of characters from the Dungeons and Dragons universe.
While you could read these books in any order that you wished, it is vital you start with the original trilogy. This will set the world of Krynn up and establish the recurring characters.
I do suggest that you follow some kind of reading order. The reading order, I have mentioned above, is the easiest order you can follow to ensure you don’t miss any books out and the books follow on from one another.
I hope you have found this article useful. Now you know all 209 Dragonlance books in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Ways Can You Read The Dragonlance Books In?
You can read the Dragonlance collection in publication order, or series order. I suggest series order as it is easier to follow.
How Many Series Are Part Of Dragonlance?
There are a total of 57 series within Dragonlance. This includes the original books and the newest adaptations that are more suited for younger readers.
Which Is The Most Popular Series?
The original trilogy is the most popular series as it sets this world up.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
