Test of the Twins
Overview
Test of the Twins is the climactic finale to the Legends trilogy, following Raistlin Majere on his path to godhood, and Caramon Majere as he races to stop his brother from destroying everything. The novel is a tense, character-driven story that blends cosmic stakes, emotional heartbreak, and mythic battles.
Set across time itself, the novel’s events jump between a shattered future, a chaotic present, and a final confrontation in the Abyss, where mortal ambition challenges the gods.
It’s a story about choices, sacrifice, and identity—and what it means to try to change your destiny.
Main Characters
Raistlin Majere – Now a powerful Black Robe archmage, he is determined to defeat Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness, and take her place as a god.
Caramon Majere – Raistlin’s twin, once the loyal bodyguard, now the moral compass of the story. His journey is both physical and deeply emotional.
Crysania – A devout cleric of Paladine who still believes she can save Raistlin’s soul, even as his darkness consumes him.
Tasslehoff Burrfoot – The wildcard. Through his time-traveling mischief, he plays a key role in disrupting fate.
Plot Summary
After Time of the Twins & War of the Twins
Raistlin has already:
- Traveled to the Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthas
- Passed through the Portal to the Abyss
- Defeated the ancient archmage Fistandantilus
- Begun preparations to challenge the gods themselves
He’s now in the Abyss, preparing to face Takhisis, believing he must destroy the gods to save the world.
Meanwhile, Caramon and Tas—having traveled into the future of a world where Raistlin won—discover a dead planet, ruled by Raistlin’s shadow, empty of life. It is the ultimate warning: if Raistlin succeeds, the world will end.
Caramon’s Race Against Time
Caramon and Tas travel back to the present, determined to stop Raistlin from going through with his plan. But Caramon is torn—Raistlin is his twin. He loves him. He wants to save him.
And Crysania? She’s already in the Abyss, supporting Raistlin in his quest.
The Abyss: Raistlin vs. Takhisis
Raistlin finally faces Takhisis in a confrontation that is symbolic, spiritual, and cataclysmic. While he is powerful enough to defeat her, he begins to see the truth of the vision Caramon experienced:
- If he wins, the gods will die.
- The world will lose balance.
- He will become the last being in the universe, ruling over silence and dust.
The price of victory is eternal isolation.
In an unexpected moment of humility, Raistlin chooses to lose. He bars the Portal, traps himself in the Abyss with Takhisis, and saves the world—through sacrifice, not domination.
It is the final proof that he is not evil—but human.
The Aftermath
- Crysania survives, broken and blind, believing Raistlin betrayed her—but unaware of his final choice.
- Caramon returns home, wiser and more at peace, ready to live his own life.
- Tasslehoff, as always, reminds everyone that destiny can always be bent just a little.
Themes
- Power vs. Sacrifice – Raistlin must choose between being a god or saving the world. His humanity wins.
- Identity and Brotherhood – The twin bond between Caramon and Raistlin is the emotional core: love, resentment, loyalty, and loss.
- Faith and Doubt – Crysania’s arc reflects the tension between faith in others and faith in higher powers.
- Free Will vs. Fate – Tasslehoff’s role (and time travel itself) is a rebellion against predestination.
- Redemption and Legacy – Raistlin’s final act redeems him in the eyes of the reader, if not the world.
Tone & Style
- Philosophical and emotional – This is less about swordfights, more about internal battles, cosmic stakes, and moral decisions.
- Epic and tragic – Like a Greek tragedy: one man’s ambition, love, and final downfall, told on a mythic scale.
- Poetic and powerful – The writing takes on a solemn tone near the end, giving the final chapters a sense of permanence and legend.
Reception
Test of the Twins is often cited as:
- One of the best Dragonlance novels ever written
- A masterclass in character arcs, especially Raistlin and Caramon
- The perfect balance of fantasy adventure and moral depth
- A story that makes Legends even more beloved than Chronicles for many fans
Raistlin’s ending is considered one of the most powerful and unexpected turns in fantasy—an ambitious villain who chooses to fail in order to save the world.
Final Thoughts
Test of the Twins is a tragic, triumphant, and transcendent fantasy novel. It completes the story of Raistlin Majere with intelligence, emotional depth, and moral weight, proving that the strongest magic is the strength to walk away.
Recommended for:
- Anyone invested in Raistlin’s journey
- Fans who love mythic storytelling and deep character conflict
- Readers who want an unforgettable ending with real sacrifice
“He who would be god chose to be a man.”