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Border Knight Books in Order

15 Books
2018 – 2024 Published
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How to Read the Border Knight Series

The best way to experience the Border Knight series is by following its publication order. Because the narrative progresses chronologically through Sir Thomas's life and transitions into subsequent generations of his family, reading in order ensures you won't miss the historical developments, changing monarchs, or the growing family tree.

The Generational Arcs of the Cleveland Dynasty

As a sprawling historical saga, the series is divided into distinct phases following different members of the family:

  • The Sir Thomas Era (Books 1–6): Begins with Sword for Hire, where young Thomas is knighted at the Battle of Arsuf. Following betrayal at home under Prince John, he travels to Sweden and Anjou before returning to England to fight in the Baron's War and navigate the signing of the Magna Carta.
  • The Father-Son Border Campaigns (Books 7–8): In The Bloody Border and Baron's Crusade, the focus expands to Thomas and his son, Sir William, as they defend the northern manor of Elsdon against Scottish incursions.
  • The Next Generation (Books 9–15): Sir William and his descendants (including Sir Henry Samuel, Sir Alfred, and a younger Sir Thomas) take center stage as the timeline moves into the reign of King Edward I and the conflicts of the late 13th century, concluding with Ripples of Rebellion.

Chronological Order vs. The Anarchy Series

While Border Knight is a standalone epic, it is chronologically and thematically linked to Griff Hosker's Anarchy series. The Anarchy series is set earlier in the 12th century and follows Alfraed, the first Earl of Cleveland. The Border Knight series picks up the legacy of Alfraed's descendants in the late 12th and 13th centuries, making the Anarchy series an excellent thematic prequel if you want to explore the origins of the Cleveland dynasty.

Complete List of Border Knight Books in Order

  1. Sword For Hire (2018)
  2. Return of the Knight (2018)
  3. Baron's War (2018)
  4. Magna Carta (2018)
  5. Welsh War (2018)
  6. Henry III (2018)
  7. The Bloody Border (2019)
  8. Baron's Crusade (2019)
  9. Sentinel of the North (2020)
  10. War in the West (2020)
  11. Debt of Honour (2021)
  12. Blood of the Warlord (2022)
  13. The Fettered King (2022)
  14. de Montfort's Crown (2023)
  15. Ripples of Rebellion (2024)

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Border Knight series?

You should start with the first novel, Sword for Hire, to follow Sir Thomas's journey from his initial knighthood at Arsuf onward.

QIs the Border Knight series finished?

As of 2026, the series consists of 15 novels, concluding with Ripples of Rebellion (published in 2024). No sixteenth book has been announced.

QWho is the main protagonist of the Border Knight series?

The early books focus on Sir Thomas of Cleveland (also known as Sir Thomas of Stockton). As the timeline moves forward, the focus shifts to his son Sir William and later his great-grandsons.

QDo I need to read the Anarchy series before Border Knight?

No, you do not need to read the Anarchy series first. However, it is set in the 12th century and follows Alfraed, the ancestor who established the Cleveland dynasty featured in Border Knight.

QIs Sir Thomas of Stockton the same person as Sir Thomas of Cleveland?

Yes, he is the same character. He is initially known as Sir Thomas of Stockton but is referred to as Sir Thomas of Cleveland in later books to reflect his family's historical title and estate.

QWhere is the Border Knight series set?

The series spans medieval Europe, including the Baltic region (Sweden), Anjou, and Wales, but primarily centers on the volatile Scottish borders of Northern England.