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series Reading Order

Chains of Honor Books in Order

4 Books
2015 – 2019 Published
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Reading order
01
Warrior Mage
Warrior Mage
2015
Amazon
02
Snake Heart
Snake Heart
2016
Amazon
03
Assassin's Bond
Assassin's Bond
2019
Amazon
04
Great Chief
Great Chief
2019
Amazon

The Recommended Reading Order for Chains of Honor

The best way to experience Lindsay Buroker’s Chains of Honor series is in chronological order. Starting with the three prequel novellas gives you the perfect introduction to the characters and their dynamics before the main adventure kicks off.

1. The Prequel Novellas (Swords & Salt)

Originally published as the Swords & Salt series in 2013, these three prequel novellas take place a few months before the first novel. They introduce the main characters—Yanko White Fox, Dak, and Lakeo—and establish their initial bond. You can read them individually or as a single volume titled The Chains of Honor Prequels (also known as The Swords & Salt Collection):

  • A Question of Honor (Prequel Novella 1) – 2013
  • Labyrinths of the Heart (Prequel Novella 2) – 2013
  • Death from Below (Prequel Novella 3) – 2013

2. The Main Novels

Once you’ve read the prequels, dive into the four core novels that follow Yanko's epic quest to restore his family's honor in the Nurian Empire:

  1. Warrior Mage (Book 1) – 2015
  2. Snake Heart (Book 2) – 2016
  3. Assassin's Bond (Book 3) – 2019
  4. Great Chief (Book 4) – 2019

How Chains of Honor Connects to The Emperor's Edge

If you're wondering how this series connects to Lindsay Buroker's popular Emperor's Edge books, you're not alone. Both series are set in the same high-fantasy universe, but they focus on different regions and characters. Chains of Honor takes place in the Nurian Empire, decades after the events of the main series.

While you do not need to read The Emperor's Edge to enjoy Chains of Honor, reading them in order of publication can be fun for returning fans. The character Dak is introduced in Republic (Book 8 of the Emperor's Edge) before becoming a core member of the Chains of Honor cast. Furthermore, the protagonists of the original series, Amaranthe and Sicarius, make guest appearances in Great Chief (Book 4), bringing a satisfying crossover to the series' finale.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Chains of Honor series?

We recommend starting with the prequel collection, The Chains of Honor Prequels (originally published as the Swords & Salt novellas), starting with A Question of Honor, before moving to the first full-length novel, Warrior Mage.

QDo I need to read The Emperor's Edge before Chains of Honor?

No. While they are set in the same universe and feature crossover characters like Dak, Amaranthe, and Sicarius, Chains of Honor is a standalone spin-off series that can be enjoyed entirely on its own.

QWho is the main protagonist of Chains of Honor?

The series follows Yanko White Fox, a young wizard from the Nurian Empire who is determined to redeem his disgraced family while navigating dangerous politics, deadly beasts, and a sarcastic parrot named Kei.

QHow many books are in the Chains of Honor series?

The series consists of four main novels and three prequel novellas (often compiled into a single collection), making seven stories in total.

QWhen were the Chains of Honor books published?

The prequel novellas were released in 2013, followed by the novels: Warrior Mage (2015), Snake Heart (2016), Assassin's Bond (2019), and Great Chief (2019).

QIs there a character from The Emperor's Edge series who joins the main cast?

Yes, Dak, a character who first appears in Republic (Book 8 of the Emperor's Edge), is one of the main companions accompanying Yanko throughout the Chains of Honor books.