War of the Twins
Overview
War of the Twins continues the tragic and ambitious journey of Raistlin Majere as he manipulates history, confronts mortality, and attempts to pave his path to godhood. Set in a war-ravaged past long before the War of the Lance, the novel blends philosophical themes, military strategy, and intense character drama, especially between Raistlin and his twin brother Caramon.
It’s a story about power and cost, time and fate, and the unbreakable (and sometimes unbearable) bond of brotherhood.
Main Characters
Raistlin Majere – Now a powerful archmage, cold and calculating, he intends to conquer time itself by defeating the Dark Queen Takhisis and ascending to godhood.
Caramon Majere – Once Raistlin’s protector, now broken and alcoholic. In this book, he begins his slow journey toward reclaiming his strength, even as he fears what his brother will become.
Crysania – A cleric of Paladine who believes Raistlin can be redeemed. She’s both Raistlin’s ally and spiritual temptation—a representation of the good he’s walking away from.
Tasslehoff Burrfoot – The unlikely time traveler whose presence in the past alters destiny and adds both heart and chaos to the tale.
Setting
- The Dwarfgate Wars, a brutal civil war from over 300 years in Krynn’s past.
- The Age of Might, shortly before the Cataclysm, during a time when kingdoms rose and fell under the banners of ambition and prophecy.
- Raistlin uses the war as a testing ground for his power and manipulation, planning to turn the destruction to his advantage.
Plot Summary
Trapped in Time
After the events of Time of the Twins, Raistlin, Caramon, Crysania, and Tas are stranded in the past—right in the middle of one of Krynn’s bloodiest conflicts. Raistlin quickly sets his plan in motion: he will take command of an army, win the Dwarfgate War, and establish a position of strength from which to enter the Abyss and challenge the gods.
Raistlin the Warlord
In one of the novel’s most compelling arcs, Raistlin—typically a solitary figure—builds and commands an army. He uses magic and manipulation to rally forces behind him, all while planning to betray everyone once he reaches his goal.
This is Raistlin at his most powerful—and most dangerous.
Caramon’s Redemption
Caramon, devastated by his dependence on Raistlin and alcohol, begins to reclaim his strength. Through hard labor, war training, and eventually battlefield leadership, he becomes a true warrior again—no longer a sidekick, but a man in his own right.
He’s also grappling with the realization that he may have to kill his brother to save the world.
Crysania’s Dilemma
Crysania remains convinced Raistlin is destined to bring balance, not destruction. She becomes both his spiritual anchor and the most tragic victim of his ambition.
She helps him gain the final keys he needs to approach the Portal to the Abyss, all while her faith and identity slowly unravel.
The Dwarfgate War & Cataclysmic Consequences
The war culminates in a massive, devastating battle in which thousands die—including Fistandantilus, the archmage Raistlin was destined to become.
In a brilliant twist, Raistlin uses the war to kill Fistandantilus and take his place in the timeline, ensuring his own rise. This paradox is one of the most famous moments in Dragonlance.
But the cost is enormous. Raistlin leaves death and ruin in his wake, while Caramon and Crysania barely survive.
Ending and Setup for Book 3
- Raistlin reaches the Portal to the Abyss, ready to face Takhisis.
- Crysania is broken in spirit and body, scarred by her role in Raistlin’s plan.
- Caramon, realizing that Raistlin’s victory will destroy the future, prepares to stop him—no matter what it takes.
- Tasslehoff, still an anomaly in time, carries the potential to undo destiny.
The novel ends with high tension, setting up the climactic confrontation of Test of the Twins.
Themes
- Power and Price – Raistlin’s pursuit of godhood shows how ambition isolates and corrodes even the most brilliant mind.
- Brotherhood and Betrayal – Caramon and Raistlin’s twin bond is tested by love, hatred, and tragic inevitability.
- Redemption and Faith – Crysania’s arc explores the limits of faith—and the pain of loving someone who cannot love back.
- History and Fate – By placing the story in Krynn’s past, the novel shows how manipulating history is as dangerous as magic itself.
- Identity and Legacy – Raistlin isn’t just trying to become a god—he’s trying to replace a god, and in doing so, rewrite his place in the world.
Tone & Style
- Dark and philosophical, with fewer moments of levity than earlier books
- Visceral and emotional, especially in Caramon’s and Crysania’s arcs
- Grand in scope, with the politics of war, the weight of prophecy, and the unraveling of time
- Often reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, centered on a brilliant but doomed figure
Reception
War of the Twins is highly praised for:
- Its moral complexity and emotional weight
- The evolution of Caramon, one of the best character redemptions in the saga
- The twist involving Fistandantilus and Raistlin, considered one of the best moments in Dragonlance lore
- Rich exploration of free will vs. destiny
Some readers find the pacing dense, especially during the war buildup—but most agree the payoff is unforgettable.
