The Verdant Passage

The Verdant Passage is a fantasy novel based on the "Dungeons & Dragons" role-playing game and set in the world of the "Dark Sun" campaign. It was written by Troy Denning and published by TSR in 1991.
Plot summary.
A group of heroes, each with their own objectives, work together against the evil sorcerer-king Kalak of Tyr, who is trying to transform himself into a deadly and immortal dragon.
Publication history.
In 1991, TSR published a new setting for the "Dungeons & Dragons" role-playing game, the post-apocalyptic "Dark Sun" campaign set on the desert world of Athas. As part of the promotional support for the setting, TSR also published a series of five novels set on Athas, beginning with "The Verdant Passage", a 341-page mass market paperback written by Troy Denning, with cover art by Brom. It was the first book in Denning's five-part "Prism Pentad":
Reception.
"The Verdant Passage" was #6 on "CBR"'s 2020 "10 Of The Best DnD Stories To Start Off With" list — the article states that "The reason for this novel's recommendation is more than it just provides a great introduction to the world of Athas. The novel's heroes also provide a great framework for making a party that includes neutral and evil characters."