The best way to read Kage Baker's Anvil of the World series (also known as the Lord Ermenwyr series) is in publication order. While the second book is a prequel, reading the series in the order it was released ensures you get introduced to the quirky world, the retired assassin Smith, and the half-demon playboy Lord Ermenwyr exactly as the author intended.
The Anvil of the World (2003)
The House of the Stag (2008)
The Bird of the River (2010)
Chronological Reading Order
If you prefer to follow the historical timeline of the universe, you can read the books chronologically. The House of the Stag explores the mythic origins of Lord Ermenwyr's parents, making it the chronological starting point:
The House of the Stag (2008)
The Anvil of the World (2003)
The Bird of the River (2010)
A quick warning for chronological readers: Reading The House of the Stag first changes the mystery and build-up around the demon lords and Yendri culture that Baker originally structured for readers starting with the first book. However, because these books are highly self-contained and episodic, both paths are perfectly viable.
Short Stories and Spin-offs
Beyond the three main novels, there is one key short story set in this universe:
"The Ruby Incomparable" (2007) – This short story is set in the same fantasy world and follows Svnae, the magically gifted daughter of the Master of the Mountain and the Saint of the World. It was first published in the anthology Wizards: Magical Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy and later collected in The Best of Kage Baker (2012).
Frequently Asked
QWhere should I start reading the Anvil of the World series?
We highly recommend starting with the first published book, The Anvil of the World (2003). It does a fantastic job of introducing the world's unique tone, humor, and key characters like Smith and Lord Ermenwyr.
QCan Kage Baker's fantasy books be read as standalones?
Yes, all three books are relatively self-contained. The Anvil of the World is episodic, The House of the Stag is a prequel, and The Bird of the River follows a new cast on a river journey in the same setting. However, reading them together provides a richer understanding of the world.
QIs there a prequel to The Anvil of the World?
Yes, The House of the Stag (2008) is a prequel that takes place before the events of the first book, focusing on the mythic backstory of Lord Ermenwyr's parents.
QAre there any short stories in this series?
Yes, Kage Baker wrote "The Ruby Incomparable" (2007), a short story set in the same fantasy world. You can find it in the anthology Wizards or in the collection The Best of Kage Baker.
QIs this series connected to Kage Baker's Company series?
No. While Kage Baker is famous for her sci-fi Company time-travel series, the Anvil of the World books are set in a completely separate, quirky high-fantasy universe.
QWho is the main protagonist of the series?
The main protagonist of the first book is Smith, a retired assassin trying to run a caravan and later a hotel. The recurring character that ties the books together is the chaotic, half-demon nobleman Lord Ermenwyr.
