The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, we recommend reading the Books of Mortals series in chronological order. Fortunately, the chronological path is very straightforward and aligns closely with publication dates. The best path is to start with the short prequel novella before diving into the core trilogy:
- The Keeper (Prequel Novella, 2011)
- Forbidden (Book 1, 2011)
- Mortal (Book 2, 2012)
- Sovereign (Book 3, 2013)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Interestingly, The Keeper and Forbidden were both released on the same day: September 13, 2011. Because of this, you have two options for starting the series:
- Start with The Keeper: This is our recommended route. Since it acts as a direct prequel, reading it first introduces you to the rules of this dystopian world, the history of the virus, and the rise of the tyrannical Order.
- Start with Forbidden: Some readers prefer starting with the first full-length novel to jump straight into Rom Sebastian's main journey, then circle back to The Keeper as a flashback or supplementary lore piece.
Connecting to the Books of History Chronicles
The Books of Mortals exists within Ted Dekker’s massive, interconnected fantasy universe known as the Books of History Chronicles (colloquially called the "Dekkerverse"). This mega-series also contains The Circle Series, The Lost Books, and The Paradise Series.
However, you do not need to read any other Ted Dekker books to fully enjoy the Books of Mortals. While it shares foundational mythology—like Elyon and the magical Books of History—it is set in a distinct post-apocalyptic future with its own characters and rules. It works perfectly as a standalone trilogy.
The Core Novels & Novella
The Keeper (2011)
Co-authored by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee, this prequel novella introduces the chilling world of the series. It explains how the Order took control in the wake of the devastating Legion virus, setting the stage for the rebellion to come.
Forbidden (2011)
The trilogy kicks off with Rom Sebastian, a man who has lived his entire life in a gray, emotionless world. When he is exposed to an ancient blood sample, he experiences love, fear, and true life for the first time, triggering a perilous quest to awaken the rest of humanity.
Mortal (2012)
The stakes escalate as Rom and his band of "Mortals" face the Dark Bloods—an elite army designed to crush any emotional awakening. They must rely on the blood of a mysterious figure named Jonathan to survive and spread their message of hope.
Sovereign (2013)
The epic conclusion finds the surviving Mortals pushed to the brink. With their numbers dwindling and a ruthless new leader rising in the Order, Rom must lead a final stand powered by love, faith, and ultimate sacrifice.