The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, we strongly recommend reading the Book of the Ancestor trilogy in its publication order. Mark Lawrence designed this series to introduce the complex, frozen world of Abeth, its unique bloodlines, and the Convent of Sweet Mercy. Starting here ensures you grasp the world-building before diving into the companion series or chronological prequels.
1. The Book of the Ancestor Trilogy (with Short Stories)
If you want the complete experience of Nona's story, including the companion short stories, follow this path:
- Red Sister (2017) – The novel that introduces nine-year-old Nona Grey as she is saved from execution and brought to the Convent of Sweet Mercy.
- The Devil You Know (2021, Short Story #1.5) – Set immediately after the events of Red Sister, focusing on Nona and the entity Keot.
- Grey Sister (2018) – The second main novel, following Nona's advanced training and the political intrigues threatening the convent.
- Bound (2018, Short Story #2.5) – Set between Grey Sister and Holy Sister, Nona and her friends investigate a series of mysterious high-society murders in Verity.
- Holy Sister (2019) – The epic conclusion to Nona’s trilogy, where war reaches the Corridor and Nona faces her final choices.
- Thaw (2021, Short Story #3.5) – An epilogue taking place after the conclusion of Holy Sister, providing a glimpse of the surviving characters' futures.
Note: The three short stories ("The Devil You Know," "Bound," and "Thaw") have been compiled by the author into the collection Tales of Abeth.
The Connection to Book of the Ice
Once you finish Nona's story, you can continue exploring the world of Abeth with the Book of the Ice trilogy. This companion series is set in the icy wastes outside the Corridor, featuring a new protagonist named Yaz.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Chronologically, the Book of the Ice is set roughly 100 years before Book of the Ancestor. However, reading it as a prequel is not recommended for newcomers. The Book of the Ancestor does the heavy lifting of introducing Abeth’s magic and lore. Reading Book of the Ice second allows you to appreciate the interconnected world-building, Easter eggs, and crossover details that tie the two eras together.
The Book of the Ice trilogy consists of:
- The Girl and the Stars (2020)
- The Girl and the Mountain (2021)
- The Girl and the Moon (2022)
The Wider "Lawrenceverse"
Mark Lawrence's work is subtly interconnected. While the Abeth books stand on their own, readers who enjoy his style can also venture into The Library Trilogy (starting with The Book That Wouldn't Burn), which features thematic and conceptual ties to his other universes, expanding the scope of his sci-fi and fantasy world-building.