The Rebellion
Overview
The Rebellion, written by Jean Rabe, is the first novel in the Rise of Solamnia trilogy, set in the aftermath of the War of Souls. It kicks off a politically and morally complex tale focused on the rebuilding of the once-proud Solamnic Knights and the turbulent effort to unify a fractured kingdom.
Far from the spell-slinging battles of old, The Rebellion is about legacy, leadership, and forging justice in a world where the gods are silent and the people distrust heroes. Through the eyes of a reluctant reformer, the story examines what it means to reclaim honor in a land scarred by war and divine absence.
Main Character: Sir Jaymes Markham
Jaymes is a former mercenary with Solamnic roots, called to restore the crumbling ideals of knighthood in post-war Solamnia.
Haunted by past decisions and increasingly disillusioned by corruption, he walks the line between soldier and statesman.
His arc is about learning to lead not just with strength, but with vision, integrity, and compromise.
Supporting Characters
Beldinas Pilofiro – A cleric of Paladine and spiritual advisor to Markham, anchoring him to a sense of divine purpose despite the gods’ recent withdrawal.
Liam Ehrling – An aging knight and staunch traditionalist, representing the burden of the old ways and the tension between history and progress.
Nobles and Rebels – A mix of opportunists, idealists, and warlords who challenge Markham at every turn.
Commoners – The voice of a disenfranchised populace, disillusioned by the failure of knighthood and desperate for stability.
Setting
The novel unfolds across the cities, keeps, and battle-scarred countryside of Solamnia. Every place is a symbol of what was lost—and what could be rebuilt.
The contrast between lawless outlands and the hollowed halls of knighthood paints a vivid picture of a realm on the brink of either rebirth or collapse.
The ruins and relics of divine conflict remain, even as mortal hands attempt to shape a new order.
Plot Summary
With the gods gone and faith shaken, Solamnia is splintered. Bandit kings and corrupt nobles exploit the chaos. The Knights of Solamnia are fractured in ideology and weakened in numbers.
Into this void steps Jaymes Markham, pressured into leadership by a desperate council of knights. He reluctantly accepts a mission: restore the Order of the Rose and bring law to the land.
He begins by rooting out corruption, rebuilding alliances, and confronting the rebellion that threatens to tear Solamnia apart. Through political maneuvering and military force, he works to rekindle faith in the Knights as protectors of the realm.
But his path is not without resistance—from both enemies and supposed allies. As rebellion brews, Markham must choose which traditions to uphold and which to break.
By the novel’s end, he has unified a fractured order and laid the groundwork for the rise of a new Solamnic ideal.
Themes
Restoration and Reform – The heart of the novel lies in redefining a broken institution for a world that no longer believes in it.
Justice vs. Tradition – Markham must balance the noble code with practical leadership.
Mortal Agency in a Godless Age – Without divine intervention, leadership must come from conviction and character.
Unity Through Struggle – The novel champions forging alliances not through force, but through understanding and resolve.
Tone & Style
The Rebellion is politically charged, reflective, and character-driven. It leans more into moral dilemmas and governance than magical conflict.
The prose is clear and direct, emphasizing dialogue, strategy, and internal conflict over flashy action.
Reception
The novel is praised for:
A grounded, mature take on rebuilding fantasy institutions.
A strong protagonist in Jaymes Markham, whose moral clarity resonates.
Expanding Dragonlance into the realm of political fantasy.
Some critiques:
Less traditional magic and adventure than earlier Dragonlance works.
A slower pace focused on diplomacy and internal reform.
Final Thoughts
The Rebellion is a thoughtful, timely tale of rebuilding—not through prophecy or divine command, but through human will and ethical grit. It’s the beginning of a new age for Solamnia, and a welcome evolution in the Dragonlance saga.
Recommended for:
Readers who enjoy fantasy with political and philosophical depth.
Fans of character-driven leadership arcs.
Anyone curious about what happens after the war—and how a kingdom finds itself again.