Books On Board
Series Reading Order

Anarchy Books in Order

20Books
2015 – 2021Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order
1 of 1 reading orders shown

How to Read the Anarchy Series: Chronological vs. Publication Order

Griff Hosker’s Anarchy series is a masterclass in gritty medieval historical fiction, centering on the fictional hero Alfraed of Stockton (son of Ridley) as he navigates the real-life civil war between Empress Matilda and King Stephen. Because Hosker penned several entries out of chronological sequence, reading them in publication order can lead to jarring timeline jumps. To experience Alfraed’s life, campaigns, and rise to power seamlessly, we highly recommend following the chronological order established on the author's official site.

The Recommended Chronological Reading Order

In this order, later-published novels such as Northern Knight (published 11th) and The King is Dead (published 14th) are correctly placed early in Alfraed’s career:

  1. English Knight (2015)
  2. Knight of the Empress (2015)
  3. Northern Knight (2017)
  4. Baron of the North (2015)
  5. Earl (2015)
  6. King Henry's Champion (2015)
  7. The King is Dead (2018)
  8. Warlord of the North (2016)
  9. Enemy at the Gate (2016)
  10. The Fallen Crown (2018)
  11. Warlord's War (2016)
  12. Kingmaker (2018)
  13. Henry II (2018)
  14. Crusader (2017)
  15. The Welsh Marches (2018)
  16. Irish War (2017)
  17. Poisonous Plots (2018)
  18. The Princes' Revolt (2018)
  19. Earl Marshal (2018)
  20. The Perfect Knight (2021)

Connecting the Stockton Dynasty: Prequels and Sequels

Alfraed’s story doesn't start or end with the Anarchy. Hosker has built a massive, multi-generational saga spanning centuries of British history, allowing you to follow the same bloodline across different eras.

The Prequel Era: Housecarl (Aelfraed) Series

Set during the 1066 Norman Conquest, the Housecarl series (often referred to simply as the Aelfraed series) follows Alfraed’s ancestors. It begins with Housecarl and explores the family’s origins, providing rich historical context for the heirloom sword and deep-seated loyalties that define Alfraed in the Anarchy books.

The Sequel Era: Border Knight Series

Once you finish The Perfect Knight, the dynasty continues. The 15-book Border Knight series (beginning with Sword for Hire) jumps ahead to the late 12th century, following Alfraed's direct descendants—specifically Sir Thomas of Stockton and Sir William of Stockton—as they patrol and defend the volatile Scottish borders.

Frequently Asked

Should I read the Anarchy series in publication order or chronological order?

You should definitely read the series in chronological order. Griff Hosker wrote several books out of sequence (such as inserting Northern Knight as Book 3 and The King is Dead as Book 7), so following the chronological timeline ensures Alfraed's life makes narrative sense.

Who is the main protagonist of the Anarchy series?

The main protagonist is Alfraed of Stockton, a fictional English knight based on historical figures like William Marshal. He begins his journey as a reluctant warrior under King Henry I and rises to become a seasoned warlord.

Which series should I read before starting the Anarchy series?

While the Anarchy series stands perfectly well on its own, reading the Housecarl (Aelfraed) series first gives you the backstory of Alfraed's ancestors starting during the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Which series follows the events of the Anarchy series?

The Border Knight series (starting with Sword for Hire) acts as the direct sequel, following Alfraed's descendants, Sir Thomas and Sir William, during the reigns of King John and King Henry III.

Are there any co-authored books or spin-offs in the Anarchy series?

No. The entire 20-book series was written solely by Griff Hosker and published by Sword Books Ltd.

Are the events in the Anarchy series historically accurate?

The series is highly grounded in historical fact, covering the actual 12th-century civil war (1135–1153) and featuring real-life figures like King Henry I, Empress Matilda, and King Stephen, though Alfraed himself is fictional.