Renegade Wizards
Overview
Renegade Wizards is the third installment in the Anvil of Time series, which explores stories throughout different periods in Krynn’s history. This novel delves deep into the world of magic, focusing on those who refuse to submit to the Orders of High Sorcery and are labeled “renegades”—magic users who practice outside the Tower’s control.
Told with a blend of action, mystery, and philosophical depth, Renegade Wizards is both a thrilling fantasy adventure and a meditation on freedom, power, and institutional control. It explores the dangers of unchecked magic—but also the dangers of unchecked authority.
Main Character: Garth the Renegade
- A powerful wizard who refuses to swear allegiance to the Conclave of High Sorcery.
- Branded a renegade, hunted by official enforcers of magical law.
- A complex antihero: he sees the Towers’ control as hypocrisy and stagnation, but his own methods are morally ambiguous.
- Uses wild magic, forbidden spells, and brutal tactics to pursue his goals.
Supporting Characters
- Nevin – A young apprentice or scholar dragged into Garth’s orbit, offering a more idealistic counterpoint. He acts as the “lens” for readers, questioning Garth’s methods and motives.
- Black Robe Enforcer – A powerful mage sent by the Conclave to bring Garth to justice. Their duel represents a clash of ideologies, not just spellcraft.
- Villagers, rebels, and minor mages – Those caught in the crossfire of the magical war, often used as pawns or collateral.
Plot Summary
Flight and Fire
Garth has been evading the Orders of High Sorcery for years, carving out a life in exile while developing new spells and magical theories. He believes the Towers’ rules are outdated, designed to protect their monopoly rather than the world.
When a group of conclave enforcers tracks him down, Garth fights back brutally, killing several and triggering a manhunt.
The Mission
Nevin, a young mage who once idolized the Orders, is sent to accompany a Black Robe enforcer tasked with apprehending or eliminating Garth. But Nevin begins to question what he’s been taught as he learns more about the renegade’s motives.
Meanwhile, Garth uncovers a plot: a faction within the Orders is secretly experimenting with forbidden magic, blaming “renegades” for the chaos they themselves are unleashing. His rebellion may be more justified than anyone knows.
Collisions and Consequences
As both sides clash, Garth tries to expose the corruption within the Orders while staying ahead of their assassins. His actions grow more violent and desperate, blurring the line between revolutionary and villain.
In the end, a dramatic confrontation forces Nevin to make a choice: uphold the rules of magic, or redefine them.
Themes
- Freedom vs. Order – Should magic be regulated by a council, or should knowledge be free, no matter the risk?
- The Nature of Power – Garth’s wild magic represents both creative genius and potential catastrophe.
- Corruption Within Institutions – Even those who claim to uphold the law can fall prey to greed and dogma.
- Moral Ambiguity – Garth is not a hero. But the system isn’t always just. There are no clear sides, only personal codes and compromises.
- Legacy and Rebellion – Garth wants to break the system, but Nevin wonders if it can be changed from within.
Tone & Style
- Dark and cerebral, with moments of explosive magical violence
- Less about heroics, more about ethical dilemmas and moral struggle
- Similar in tone to stories like Raistlin’s arc—intelligent, intense, and tragic
- The magic is technical and layered, appealing to fans who like detailed spellcasting systems
Lore & Canon Connections
- Provides a rare look inside renegade culture, giving voice to those outside the Tower system
- Offers commentary on the Test of High Sorcery and the political structure of the Conclave
- Touches on how black, red, and white robes all have internal divisions, and that alignment is not absolute
- Can be placed loosely during the Age of Despair, but exact timing is intentionally vague—fitting the Anvil of Time’s theme of mythic moments across history
Reception
Renegade Wizards is often appreciated for:
- Moral complexity and rich character development
- Providing nuanced worldbuilding around the Orders of High Sorcery
- Giving the Dragonlance world a gritty magical thriller feel
Some criticisms:
- It’s more philosophical and talky than action-heavy
- Readers looking for connections to major heroes (like Raistlin or Palin) may be disappointed—it’s very much its own story
Final Thoughts
Renegade Wizards is a smart, provocative fantasy novel that asks:
Who controls magic—and should they?
It’s an exploration of rebellion, ethics, and the cost of arcane freedom, perfect for readers who love morally gray characters and rich magical lore.
Recommended for:
- Fans of Raistlin, Dalamar, or the politics of the Towers of High Sorcery
- Readers who enjoy magic vs. authority conflicts
- Those looking for Dragonlance stories beyond the war epics