The Black Wing
Overview
The Black Wing, written by Mary H. Herbert, is part of the Dragons of a New Age trilogy, which takes place in the Fifth Age of the Dragonlance saga. Set in a world where the gods have vanished and dragons rule the skies and lands, this novel shifts focus from epic warfare to personal discovery, rebellion, and mythic resurgence.
At its heart, The Black Wing is a tale of transformation—of a woman discovering her identity, of mortals standing against seemingly divine beasts, and of Krynn itself learning to breathe in the age of mortals and mysticism.
Main Character: Dhamon Grimwulf
Once a hero of legend and companion to Goldmoon, Dhamon is now on a darker path.
Haunted by past failures and internal corruption (both literal and metaphorical), he searches for redemption.
His transformation into a more tragic, morally ambiguous figure continues in this volume.
Supporting Characters
Rikali – A thief and survivor who both grounds and challenges Dhamon. Her loyalty is tested as Dhamon’s behavior grows unpredictable.
Fiona – A noblewoman turned rebel leader, determined to resist the domination of the dragon overlords.
Khellendros (Skie) – The powerful blue dragon who once viewed Dhamon as a favored servant and now sees him as a threat.
Other Dragon Overlords – Their presence looms over the novel, shaping the world’s fear and resistance.
Setting
The novel spans various regions of post-war Ansalon, where dragon overlords have carved out kingdoms and reshaped the land with mystic might.
Magic is unstable, gods are absent, and mortals cling to dreams of freedom and self-rule.
Ruins, refugee camps, and dragon-claimed territories form the backdrop, painting a world still struggling to define itself.
Plot Summary
As Dhamon continues his slow descent into darkness—infected by a growing shadow within him—he grapples with guilt, mistrust, and violent impulses. His companions, especially Rikali, begin to fear what he’s becoming.
At the same time, the resistance against the dragon overlords grows bolder. Fiona’s rebellion gains strength, and Dhamon is pulled between apathy, allegiance, and a deeper, more personal quest: to cure himself and reclaim his soul.
Encounters with ancient relics, mystics, and foes both old and new drive Dhamon toward a confrontation—not just with dragons, but with his own fractured identity.
By the end, Dhamon must choose whether to embrace the monster he is becoming or fight for the man he once was.
Themes
Identity and Corruption – Dhamon’s struggle is a metaphor for inner rot and the difficulty of forgiveness.
Resistance and Rebellion – Mortals challenge the tyranny of dragons, fighting not just for freedom but for hope.
Myth and Mortality – In a godless world, legends are shaped by mortal choices, not divine will.
Loyalty Under Strain – The bonds between companions are tested as Dhamon’s condition worsens.
Tone & Style
The Black Wing is dark, introspective, and tension-filled. It leans into emotional and psychological storytelling, with bursts of action and mythic symbolism.
The style is layered, balancing fast-paced adventure with slow-burn character development.
Reception
Praised for:
Complex character evolution, especially Dhamon’s.
A unique look at the Fifth Age’s challenges and philosophical stakes.
Strong worldbuilding and gritty tone.
Some critiques:
Less accessible for readers unfamiliar with previous Fifth Age entries.
The dark tone and morally gray protagonist may not appeal to all fans.
Final Thoughts
The Black Wing is a compelling, character-driven installment in the evolving Dragonlance world. It captures the murky, mystical tone of the Fifth Age and dares to ask whether fallen heroes can still rise—even when redemption seems out of reach.
Recommended for:
Readers invested in Dhamon Grimwulf’s arc.
Fans of morally ambiguous fantasy and post-apocalyptic settings.
Those exploring Dragonlance beyond the gods-and-heroes dynamic of earlier eras.