Dive into the electrifying world of the Craft Sequence, where gods run corporations, magic is a legal contract, and necromancers wear pinstriped suits! Max Gladstone’s urban fantasy series blends corporate intrigue, supernatural thrills, and a richly imagined world where belief is currency. It’s a genre-bending saga that redefines what fantasy can be, perfect for readers craving something bold and fresh.
Unlike typical urban fantasy with its gritty detectives and hidden magic, the Craft Sequence unfolds in a secondary world where humans have overthrown most gods, replacing divine rule with a magical system called Craft. Think of it as a legal thriller meets epic fantasy, with a dash of divine boardroom drama. Ready to explore this mesmerizing universe? Let’s go!
How Craft Sequence Began
Max Gladstone, a Yale graduate with a knack for blending Chinese philosophy and global adventures, launched the Craft Sequence with Three Parts Dead in 2012. Inspired by his fascination with how modern systems like law and finance could intertwine with magic, Gladstone crafted a world where soulstuff powers economies and gods are bound by contracts. His experiences teaching in China and exploring diverse cultures shaped the series’ vibrant, multicultural settings, making it a standout in urban fantasy.
The series’ unconventional structure—books published out of chronological order, with titles like Two Serpents Rise and Full Fathom Five—reflects Gladstone’s playful approach. He wanted readers to jump in anywhere, each novel a standalone tale within a shared universe. This bold vision earned the series a 2017 Hugo Award nomination for Best Series, cementing its place in fantasy literature.
The Heart of Craft Sequence
The Craft Sequence spans six novels, each exploring a different city and cast in a post-God Wars world. Three Parts Dead follows Tara Abernathy, a junior necromancer, as she investigates the murder of a fire god in Alt Coulumb, racing to resurrect him before the city collapses. Two Serpents Rise shifts to Dresediel Lex, where risk manager Caleb grapples with demonic water crises and ancient gods. Full Fathom Five introduces Kai, a transgender priestess on the island of Kavekana, who uncovers a conspiracy while saving a dying idol. Last First Snow delves into the God Wars’ origins, tackling urban development and social unrest.
Themes of power, faith, and identity weave through the series, set against a backdrop of capitalist magic and divine bureaucracy. Gladstone’s world feels alive, with cities inspired by real-world cultures—Alt Coulumb echoes industrial Europe, Dresediel Lex channels Mesoamerican vibrancy. His diverse characters, from queer women to nonbinary Craftspeople, challenge fantasy norms, while the soft magic system, rooted in contracts and soulstuff, adds depth without overwhelming. It’s a heady mix of legal drama, mythological stakes, and human struggles, delivered with sharp prose and dry humor.
Why Craft Sequence Resonates
The Craft Sequence has carved a niche in urban fantasy by tackling modern issues—capitalism, cultural assimilation, environmental strain—through a fantastical lens. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its inventive worldbuilding and relatable characters, calling it a “fun house mirror” for our world. Critics, including NPR’s Amal El-Mohtar, laud its smart, female-led narratives and diverse casts, which defy genre stereotypes. The series’ Hugo nomination and starred reviews from Publishers Weekly highlight its critical acclaim.
Its lasting appeal lies in its relevance. By blending magic with bureaucracy, Gladstone invites readers to question power structures and belief systems, making the series both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether you’re drawn to epic showdowns or philosophical debates, the Craft Sequence delivers a unique ride.
- First Book: Three Parts Dead (2012)
- Number of Novels: Six
- Awards: Nominated for 2017 Hugo Award for Best Series
- Author: Max Gladstone
Ready to trade soulstuff for a spellbinding adventure? Grab Three Parts Dead and step into the Craft Sequence’s dazzling world of magic, mystery, and corporate chaos!