Dark Heart
Overview
Dark Heart, written by Tina Daniell, is part of the Villains series within the Dragonlance saga. It tells the backstory of Fistandantilus, one of the most enigmatic and feared necromancers in Krynn’s history. Known primarily as the dark power behind Raistlin Majere’s transformation, this novel steps back in time to reveal who Fistandantilus was before he became a lich—and how he chose the path of darkness.
More psychological than action-driven, Dark Heart is a tragic origin story, exploring the fall of a brilliant man who begins with noble intentions but becomes obsessed with power, immortality, and forbidden knowledge.
Main Characters
Fistandantilus – Born as a talented but politically overlooked mage, he’s driven by both idealism and insecurity. His transformation into a figure of dread is slow, deliberate, and heartbreakingly inevitable.
Vedvedsica – A fellow mage and early love interest who challenges Fistandantilus’s morality. She represents the life he might have chosen.
Members of the Conclave – The ruling body of mages in the Tower of High Sorcery. Their political machinations and dismissal of Fistandantilus push him further toward rebellion.
Apprentices and Followers – Drawn to Fistandantilus’s vision, these characters are tools and victims of his growing ambition.
Setting
Much of the novel takes place within the Tower of High Sorcery at Wayreth and other mystical and academic strongholds of magic in pre-Cataclysmic Krynn. The setting is rich in magical lore and institutional tension.
As Fistandantilus descends into darkness, the settings become more isolated and eerie—abandoned fortresses, underground sanctuaries, and crypts that mirror his inner decay.
Plot Summary
Fistandantilus begins as a gifted Red Robe mage with progressive ideals and a desire to change the world through arcane insight. But after political setbacks and moral compromises, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Conclave and its limitations.
Seeking immortality and the freedom to pursue ultimate knowledge, he turns to darker sources of power. Each choice moves him further from his humanity: the betrayal of friends, the manipulation of apprentices, the abandonment of Vedvedsica.
Eventually, he forsakes the Red Robes, flirts with neutrality, and fully embraces the Black Robes. The novel culminates with his ritual to attain lichdom—sacrificing everything and everyone for eternal power.
Themes
The Corruption of Genius – Fistandantilus’s brilliance isolates him, making him vulnerable to pride and bitterness.
Power vs. Morality – The tension between doing good and doing what works, even if it requires evil, defines his fall.
Fear of Mortality – His obsession with death drives his darkest decisions.
The Seduction of Darkness – Darkness is not forced upon him—it tempts and welcomes him, step by willing step.
Tone & Style
Dark Heart is introspective, tragic, and mythic in tone. It leans heavily into moral dilemmas, internal monologues, and the slow psychological unraveling of its protagonist.
The prose is reflective and layered, more philosophical than action-heavy, suitable for readers interested in character depth over combat.
Reception
Praised for:
A richly drawn portrait of Fistandantilus.
Exploring the complexity of villainy in Dragonlance lore.
A darker, more mature tone than many other series entries.
Some critiques:
The pacing is slow and brooding.
Less action than typical Dragonlance adventures.
Final Thoughts
Dark Heart is a somber, compelling look at how power can erode even the most well-meaning heart. It reveals that Fistandantilus was not born a villain—but chose his fate, one loss and one lie at a time.
Recommended for:
Fans of morally complex characters.
Readers fascinated by magical lore and villain origins.
Dragonlance enthusiasts wanting to understand one of Krynn’s darkest legends from the inside out.