“All things change. That is the first law of the universe.”
— Raistlin's philosophy on time and destiny.
Archivist's Choice
Time of the Twins
Tracy Hickman (2001)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
540 min
Key Themes
See below
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A dying archmage, Raistlin, plots to control the darkness itself, drawing a devout cleric into his elaborate trap while his twin brother, Caramon, journeys back in time to a doomed city to save his soul from a fate he may not comprehend.
Synopsis
The War of the Lance has ended, but the archmage Raistlin Majere, now living in the Tower of High Sorcery, plans to conquer darkness itself, seeking ultimate power. He manipulates Crysania, a devoted cleric of Paladine, drawing her into his schemes with the promise of redemption, while she remains unaware of his true intentions. Raistlin's twin brother, Caramon, learns of this dangerous plan and, with the kender Tasslehoff, travels back in time to the city of Istar just before the Cataclysm. Caramon's desperate journey is an attempt to save Raistlin's soul and prevent his brother from unleashing a greater catastrophe upon Krynn, forcing him to confront Raistlin's ambition and the terrible price of his choices.
Reading time
540 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Epic, Dark, Dramatic, Suspenseful, Melancholy
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy epic fantasy with time travel, moral dilemmas, and powerful mage characters, especially if you're a fan of the Dragonlance Chronicles.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer standalone stories or dislike intricate plots involving gods, magic, and profound character betrayals.
Plot Summary
The Twin's Burden
Following the War of the Lance, Caramon Majere, the warrior twin, is in Palanthas, burdened by his brother Raistlin's increasing isolation and power. Raistlin, now an Archmage, has settled in the Tower of High Sorcery, surrounded by dark creatures and pursuing a sinister agenda. Caramon, despite his own physical and emotional decline from Raistlin's coldness and the perceived futility of his own life, remains loyal and concerned for his brother's soul. He observes Raistlin's growing obsession and the dark aura that now constantly surrounds him, fearing that Raistlin is lost to evil and will destroy himself and potentially the world.
Crysania's Crusade
Crysania, a devout and ambitious cleric of Paladine, arrives in Palanthas with a mission: to challenge and redeem the dark Archmage Raistlin. Believing that even Raistlin's soul can be saved through good, she confronts him in the Tower of High Sorcery. Raistlin sees her as a tool for his own plans. He manipulates her faith, subtly drawing her into his schemes with promises of understanding and power, while secretly planning to use her purity and connection to the gods for his own ends. Her presence further complicates Caramon's attempts to reach his brother, as Crysania's unwavering belief in her ability to save Raistlin blinds her to his true, darker intentions.
The Pact with Par-Salian
Desperate to save Raistlin, Caramon seeks advice from Par-Salian, the Head of the Conclave of Wizards. Par-Salian reveals that Raistlin plans to challenge Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness, and take her power by traveling back to the time of the Cataclysm in Istar. To prevent this event, Par-Salian agrees to send Caramon, along with the kender Tasslehoff Burrfoot, back in time. Their mission is to stop Raistlin from entering the Portal to the Abyss. This journey is dangerous, as changing history could have dire consequences, and Caramon struggles with the moral dilemma of potentially destroying his brother to save the world.
Journey to Istar
Caramon, Tasslehoff, and Crysania, who insists on accompanying them to continue her mission, are transported back in time to the bustling, decadent city of Istar, just days before the Cataclysm. The city is a morally corrupt place of religious fanaticism and self-indulgence, ruled by the Kingpriest. The trio must navigate this alien past, trying to blend in while searching for Raistlin. Tasslehoff's kender curiosity often leads them into comical, yet dangerous, situations, while Caramon struggles with the scale of the impending disaster and the knowledge of the city's doomed fate. Crysania continues her attempts to sway Raistlin, unaware of the true depth of his plans.
Raistlin's Deception in Istar
In Istar, Raistlin, disguised and using an alias, has already begun to subtly influence the Kingpriest and the city's inhabitants. He exploits their religious fervor and the Kingpriest's megalomania, feeding into the belief that the Kingpriest is destined to become a god. This manipulation creates the perfect conditions for his plan to enter the Portal to the Abyss. He uses his magic to gain trust and power, all while preparing for the moment of the Cataclysm, which he intends to use as a cover for his ultimate objective. His presence in Istar is a dark shadow, unseen by most, but felt by those with keen senses.
The Kingpriest's Hubris
The Kingpriest of Istar, driven by an insatiable hunger for power and a distorted interpretation of divine will, prepares for a grand ceremony where he intends to demand godhood from the true gods. Despite warnings from various sources, including subtle interventions orchestrated by Raistlin to serve his own ends, the Kingpriest remains unyielding in his ambition. His arrogance and the collective sin of Istar reach a critical point, leading directly to the gods' decision to unleash the Cataclysm. The city hums with a false sense of security and impending doom, a tension Caramon and Tasslehoff keenly feel.
The Cataclysm
The Cataclysm strikes Istar with devastating force. Mountains crumble, seas boil, and the land is reshaped in a display of divine wrath. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Raistlin makes his move. He uses the upheaval as a cover to access the ancient, hidden Portal to the Abyss, which is now weakened and exposed. Crysania, still believing in his redemption, attempts to follow him, while Caramon and Tasslehoff desperately try to intervene, understanding the true stakes involved. The world around them is literally falling apart as they confront Raistlin in the midst of the gods' fury.
Through the Portal
As Raistlin steps through the weakened Portal to the Abyss, Crysania, in her unwavering devotion, follows him, believing she can still save his soul within the realm of the Queen of Darkness. Caramon, in a desperate attempt to stop his brother, also plunges into the terrifying void. Tasslehoff, ever the curious kender, accidentally falls in behind them, unaware of the true nature of the realm they are entering. They find themselves in a distorted, nightmarish landscape, a reflection of Takhisis's dark will, where reality is warped and dangerous. Their journey into the Abyss has begun.
The Nightmare of the Abyss
Inside the Abyss, the companions immediately face the horrifying reality of Takhisis's domain. Raistlin, now seemingly more powerful than ever, begins to enact his plan to challenge the Queen of Darkness. Crysania, despite the terrifying surroundings, maintains her faith, though it is tested by the malevolent forces at play. Caramon struggles to protect both Crysania and Tasslehoff, while also trying to understand Raistlin's intricate and dangerous game. They encounter various demonic entities and illusions, each designed to test their resolve and tempt them towards despair or corruption, as Takhisis becomes aware of Raistlin's intrusion.
Crysania's Sacrifice
As Raistlin draws closer to Takhisis's throne, he uses Crysania's purity and divine connection as a shield and a source of power. In a confrontation with the forces of the Abyss, Crysania is gravely wounded, sacrificing herself to protect Raistlin or to further his path, depending on her perspective. Her injuries are severe and potentially fatal, highlighting the true cost of Raistlin's ambition and the danger of the Abyss. Caramon is devastated by her suffering, feeling a renewed sense of urgency to stop Raistlin, not just for the world, but for the lives his brother is carelessly destroying.
Caramon's Desperate Choice
With Crysania dying and Raistlin about to confront Takhisis, Caramon finally confronts his brother. He witnesses the full extent of Raistlin's cold ambition and the terrible price he is willing to pay for power. Caramon realizes that Raistlin's plan to take Takhisis's place would not save the world, but merely replace one evil with another, potentially worse one. Faced with the destruction of everything he holds dear, Caramon must make the ultimate choice: allow Raistlin to proceed and condemn the world, or betray his brother and attempt to stop him, knowing it may mean Raistlin's demise.
The False Victory and the True Horror
Raistlin finally confronts Takhisis, believing he can defeat her and become a god. However, the Abyss itself proves to be a more formidable opponent than he anticipated. He realizes, too late, the true horror of his plan: by defeating Takhisis, he would not become a benevolent god, but would inherit her role as the Queen of Darkness, perpetuating evil in a new form. This revelation is a crushing blow to his ambition, as he faces the prospect of an eternity of malevolence. Caramon, observing this, understands the depth of Raistlin's delusion and the catastrophic outcome he narrowly averted.
Raistlin's Retreat
Seeing the true, horrifying outcome of his ambition, Raistlin is momentarily shaken. Caramon, seizing this moment of vulnerability, appeals to the last vestiges of good and his brother's intelligence. He explains the futility of Raistlin's path, not through moral pleas, but by laying bare the logical and inevitable conclusion of his actions: eternal damnation as a replacement evil. With Crysania's life hanging in the balance, Raistlin, for the first time, truly understands the depth of his folly. He agrees to abandon his plan to conquer the Abyss, deciding to retreat.
Return from the Abyss
Raistlin, Caramon, and Tasslehoff, carrying the gravely wounded Crysania, escape the Abyss, though not without further peril. They are changed by their experiences within Takhisis's realm. Crysania is near death, her faith tested to its limits. Raistlin is humbled, his ambition tempered by the terrifying glimpse of his potential future. Caramon is exhausted but relieved, having saved his brother from an ultimate evil, even if Raistlin's soul remains shadowed. Tasslehoff, resilient, provides moments of levity despite the grim circumstances, as they return to their own time, forever marked by their journey.
The Aftermath and Lingering Shadows
Back in their own time, the immediate aftermath is somber. Crysania is brought to the healers, her fate uncertain. Raistlin, though he has retreated from the Abyss, is still a powerful and dangerous mage, but a subtle change is evident in him – a glimmer of understanding, if not outright remorse. Caramon, though triumphant in stopping his brother's world-ending plan, is left with the enduring burden of their complex relationship and the knowledge of the darkness Raistlin still harbors. The events of their journey through time and the Abyss will continue to shape their lives and the fate of Krynn.
Principal Figures
Raistlin Majere
The Protagonist/Antagonist
Raistlin's arc sees him attempt to usurp Takhisis and become a god, only to be confronted with the true, horrifying nature of his ambition and retreat, humbled but not entirely reformed.
Caramon Majere
The Protagonist
Caramon transforms from a despairing, dependent brother into a resolute individual willing to make impossible choices to save the world and his brother, even if it means confronting Raistlin directly.
Crysania
The Supporting
Crysania's journey tests her faith to its breaking point, as she sacrifices herself for Raistlin, only to realize the depth of his ambition and the futility of her initial mission.
Tasslehoff Burrfoot
The Supporting
Tasslehoff remains largely unchanged in his core personality, serving as a consistent, if chaotic, force, demonstrating the resilience and inherent innocence of his race even in the face of ultimate evil.
Par-Salian
The Supporting
Par-Salian acts as a catalyst, initiating the time travel plot to prevent Raistlin's ultimate triumph, and his role is largely to guide the protagonists.
Kingpriest of Istar
The Antagonist
His arc is one of escalating hubris, culminating in his destruction and the Cataclysm, serving as a historical antagonist that Raistlin exploits.
Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness
The Antagonist
Takhisis serves as the ultimate obstacle and the object of Raistlin's misguided ambition, her power and the nature of her realm revealing the true horror of his plan.
Fizban (Paladine)
The Mentioned
Fizban's arc is part of a larger meta-narrative; in this book, he represents the divine force that acts upon the world.
Themes & Insights
The Nature of Good and Evil
The novel explores the blurred lines and complexities of good and evil. Raistlin, despite his dark actions, believes he is acting for a greater good by seeking to control evil, showing how ambition can be twisted. Crysania embodies absolute good, yet her naivete makes her a pawn for evil. Caramon struggles with the evil in his brother while still clinging to hope for his redemption. The Cataclysm is presented as a divine act of justice, raising questions about the righteousness of such widespread destruction. The Abyss reveals that simply replacing one evil with another does not create good, forcing Raistlin to confront the true, unchanging nature of darkness.
“There are no easy answers in this world, Caramon. Only choices, and their consequences.”
Brotherly Love and Sacrifice
The core of the story revolves around the profound, often difficult, bond between Raistlin and Caramon. Caramon's entire motivation is driven by his deep, unconditional love for his twin, even when Raistlin is at his most cruel and manipulative. He is willing to sacrifice his own life, happiness, and even potentially his moral compass to save Raistlin's soul. Raistlin, in turn, harbors a complex, unspoken affection for Caramon, evident in moments where he protects his brother despite his overarching ambition. This theme highlights the enduring power of family ties, even in the face of overwhelming darkness, and the ultimate sacrifice required to truly save someone.
“I will not let you go, brother. Not even to hell itself.”
Ambition and Its Corrupting Influence
Raistlin's character is an example of unchecked ambition. His desire for power, stemming from a perceived weakness and a fear of mortality, drives him to challenge the Queen of Darkness herself. The novel illustrates how ambition, even when initially cloaked as 'controlling' evil, corrupts the individual, leading to manipulation, betrayal, and a disregard for life. The Kingpriest of Istar is a parallel, less powerful, example of ambition leading to hubris and destruction. Raistlin's ultimate realization in the Abyss is that his ambition would not lead to liberation, but to eternal enslavement as the new Queen of Darkness, a terrifying consequence.
“Power is a hungry beast, Caramon. It devours all who seek to master it.”
Faith and Redemption
Crysania embodies faith, believing wholeheartedly in the power of her god, Paladine, to redeem any soul, no matter how dark. Her journey tests her faith, as she is confronted with Raistlin's evil and the horrors of the Abyss. The novel questions whether faith alone is enough to save a soul or if personal choice and understanding are also required. While Crysania's faith is ultimately shattered and reformed, it is Caramon's unwavering love and Raistlin's self-realization that ultimately lead to his retreat, suggesting that redemption is a complex interplay of internal and external forces, not simply a divine decree.
“My faith is a shield, Raistlin. It will protect me, even in your darkness.”
The Weight of History and Prophecy
The novel is steeped in the history of Krynn, particularly the Cataclysm, an important historical event that the characters revisit and attempt to manipulate. Prophecy and destiny are important, as Raistlin attempts to fulfill or alter his own dark destiny. Caramon struggles with the knowledge of past events, knowing the inevitable doom of Istar while being unable to prevent it. This theme explores the idea of predetermined fate versus free will, and how knowledge of the past can be both a burden and a tool. The act of time travel highlights the fragility and interconnectedness of historical events.
“Some things are meant to be, Caramon. It is not always our place to change them.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Time Travel
A magical mechanism allowing characters to journey to the past.
Time travel is a central plot device, enabling Caramon, Tasslehoff, and Crysania to go back to the time of the Cataclysm in Istar. This device not only allows them to confront Raistlin at a critical juncture in his plan but also provides a vivid historical backdrop, immersing the reader in a pivotal moment of Krynn's history. It creates tension through the characters' knowledge of the impending doom and the moral dilemmas of altering the past, while also serving as the primary means to prevent Raistlin's world-ending ambition.
The Portal to the Abyss
A magical gateway to the realm of Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness.
The Portal to the Abyss serves as the ultimate objective for Raistlin and the gateway to the story's climax. It is a powerful, ancient magical construct that allows passage into the domain of Takhisis. Its weakening during the Cataclysm provides Raistlin with his window of opportunity. As a plot device, it represents the point of no return for Raistlin's ambition, a physical manifestation of his descent into ultimate evil, and the arena for the final confrontation between the brothers and the forces of darkness.
The Cataclysm
A divine catastrophe that reshaped the world of Krynn.
The Cataclysm, a historical event from Dragonlance lore, is brought to life as a plot device. It serves as the dramatic backdrop for Raistlin's time-traveling scheme, its chaos providing the perfect cover for his entry into the Abyss. The Kingpriest's hubris and the destruction of Istar are not just historical details but actively drive the narrative. It emphasizes the power of the gods, the consequences of mortal arrogance, and creates an environment of extreme peril and urgency for the protagonists as they race against time and divine wrath.
Raistlin's Illness and Curse
The physical and magical ailments that define Raistlin's existence.
Raistlin's persistent cough, golden skin, and hourglass pupils are not merely character traits but crucial plot devices. His physical weakness and the curse of his magic fuel his ambition and drive to transcend mortality, making him seek ultimate power. This ongoing struggle provides a sympathetic, albeit dark, motivation for his actions. It also serves as a constant reminder of the price of his magic and his mortality, making his pursuit of godhood a desperate, personal quest that shapes his decisions and interactions throughout the narrative.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The greatest gift a brother can give another is to let him be himself.”
— Caramon reflecting on his relationship with Raistlin.
“Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Even a small taste of it can change a man.”
— Reflecting on the allure and danger of magic and power.
“Hope is a fragile thing, easily broken, but without it, we are truly lost.”
— Characters facing despair amidst dire circumstances.
“Sometimes, the hardest battles are fought not with swords or spells, but within one's own heart.”
— Caramon grappling with his inner demons and choices.
“To truly understand someone, you must walk a mile in their shoes, even if those shoes lead to darkness.”
— Crysania attempting to understand Raistlin's path.
“The past is never truly gone. It echoes in the present and shapes the future.”
— The impact of past events on current decisions and prophecies.
“There are some choices from which there is no turning back, no matter how much you might wish for it.”
— Characters making irreversible decisions that alter their fates.
“Love can be a weakness, a vulnerability, but it can also be the greatest strength of all.”
— The complex role of love and attachment in the characters' lives.
“Even the most powerful magic has its limits, and often, those limits are defined by the mage himself.”
— Raistlin pushing the boundaries of magic, yet facing personal constraints.
“Sometimes, the only way to save someone is to let them go.”
— A painful realization about the nature of sacrifice and love.
“The path to greatness is often paved with solitude and sacrifice.”
— Raistlin's isolated journey for ultimate power.
“What is life without purpose? A mere existence, a shadow of what could be.”
— Characters contemplating their reasons for living and fighting.
“Fear is a powerful weapon, but courage is its only true counter.”
— Characters facing overwhelming odds and internal fears.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict revolves around the archmage Raistlin Majere's ambitious plan to travel back in time to the Age of Despair, specifically the time before the Cataclysm, to challenge and defeat the dark goddess Takhisis. His ultimate goal is to usurp her power and become a god himself, a plan his brother Caramon and the cleric Crysania desperately try to thwart or understand.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
