Where to Start Reading
Marc Alan Edelheit's epic fantasy universe offers two primary paths for new readers, allowing you to dive into the tactical military action and divine conflicts of Istros from different perspectives.
Path 1: The Publication Order (Recommended)
For the best introduction to the world, the author recommends starting with the main series, Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer (also known as The Stiger Chronicles), starting with the first published book, Stiger's Tigers (2015). This path introduces the central character, Captain Ben Stiger, and his elven companion Eli'Far, establishing the core lore and stakes of the empire.
Path 2: The Chronological Prequel Path
If you prefer to follow Ben Stiger's military career from its earliest days, you can begin with Tales of the Seventh, starting with the prequel novel Stiger (2016). Starting here follows Stiger's time as a young lieutenant and leads directly into the events of the main series without spoiling key plot points.
The Core Chronicles & Prequel Series
Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer (The Stiger Chronicles)
The main series consists of eight books following Stiger's rise from a captain facing a suicide mission to a legendary imperial leader:
- Stiger's Tigers (2015)
- The Tiger (2015)
- The Tiger's Fate (2016)
- The Tiger's Time (2018)
- The Tiger's Wrath (2020)
- The Tiger's Imperium (2021)
- The Tiger's Fight (2023)
- The Tiger's Rage (2024)
Tales of the Seventh
This prequel series explores Stiger's early military career as a lieutenant before he took command of the 85th Imperial Foot:
- Stiger (2016)
- Fort Covenant (2017)
- A Dark Foretoken (2019)
- The Fires of Thresh (2025)
Connected Series in the Istros Universe
A Ranger's Tale (The Eli Chronicles)
This companion series focuses on Eli'Far, the elven ranger who becomes Stiger's close ally in the main series. It details his individual adventures and battles against the backdrop of the Last War:
- Eli (2021)
- By Bow, Daggers & Sword (2022)
- Lutha Nyx (2023)
- The Shadows of Memory (2025)
- The Crown of Dusk (2025)
The Karus Saga
Set centuries before Stiger's birth, this historical prequel series explains how a lost Roman legion (the Ninth Imperial Legion) was mysteriously transported to Istros, detailing the founding of the empire and its early struggles against the Horde:
- Lost Legio IX (2017)
- Fortress of Radiance (2018)
- The First Compact (2020)
- Rapax Pax (2023)
- Brothers of the Line (2025)
The Way of Legend
Co-authored with Quincy J. Allen, this completed trilogy takes place on the world of Tannis, chronologically set before the arrival of the Roman legion in the Karus Saga. It follows the dwarven pariah Tovak Stonehammer as he rises to become a paladin during the Horde's early invasions:
- Reclaiming Honor (2019)
- Forging Destiny (2021)
- Paladin's Light (2022)