This marks a real sea change in D&D in general and in TSR’s business model in particular. This was the first novel based on D&D material to come out since Andre Norton’s Quag Keep back in 1978, but while Norton’s book was an independent story based on the game, this first volume in what would become the Dragonlance Chronicles is part of a concerted business and storytelling strategy  by TSR.

Moving from the more loosely structured modules to the revolution led by the Hickmans (Tracy and Laura), to more story centred stories, starting with Ravenloft and then Dragonlance, this was integrated with a new novel publishing side of the company. Dragonlance would be so successful that now, nearly 40 years later there are still novels by Weis and Hickman set in this universe coming out yearly. 

Personally, this was also an important novel for me. Before I knew that there was a game called D&D, before I saw the cartoons… even before I heard of Lord of the Rings, I got my hands on cheap paperbacks of this novel. This was my entry into the world of fantasy and later science fiction. Over the years I’ve read and reread this novel time and time again, and it always takes me back to being 7 or 8 years old with its compelling characters, non-stop action and exciting story, which I now understand mimics the experience of a party around a game table. It is also a really easy read, which explains why it made such an impression at such an early age. Still a classic, still immense fun.