The Perfect Entry Point into Requiem
Step into the prehistoric world of Daniel Arenson’s mythical fantasy universe. While the broader Requiem series spans multiple eras and dozens of books, the Dawn of Dragons trilogy serves as the ultimate chronological starting point. In this ancient setting, long before the kingdom of Requiem becomes a legendary haven, weredragons—humans cursed or blessed with the ability to transform into fire-breathing beasts—are hunted as monsters. They must band together to survive, lay the foundations of their nation, and fight off the dark forces of the Abyss.
Because each trilogy in the World of Requiem is self-contained, readers have absolute freedom in how they approach the series. However, beginning with Dawn of Dragons allows you to witness the literal birth of the weredragon civilization, providing vital context for the struggles and magic that define later eras.
Dawn of Dragons Reading Order (Chronological & Publication Order)
The Dawn of Dragons trilogy was published entirely in 2014. Because it is a direct, linear narrative, both the publication order and chronological order for this subseries are identical. You should read the books in the following sequence:
- Requiem's Song (2014) – Introduces the weredragons (the Vir Requis) as scattered, persecuted outcasts—including a blacksmith, a mammoth hunter, and a juggler—who begin to unite.
- Requiem's Hope (2014) – Follows the rise of the fledgling kingdom of Requiem and the arrival of a demonic horde led by Raem, the King of the Abyss.
- Requiem's Prayer (2014) – The thrilling conclusion where the dragons must carry the fight into the Abyss itself to confront Raem's terrifying sphinxes.
Where Dawn of Dragons Fits in the Broader World of Requiem
Daniel Arenson’s massive fantasy franchise is organized into several distinct trilogies, each exploring a different era of the kingdom's history. To help you orient yourself, here is the chronological layout of the major Requiem eras:
- Dawn of Dragons: The ancient prehistory and founding of Requiem. (Starts with Requiem's Song)
- Song of Dragons: The original published trilogy, set in a later medieval-style era. (Starts with Blood of Requiem)
- Dragonlore: Follows a new threat and new heroes in a later age. (Starts with A Dawn of Dragonfire)
- The Dragon War: An era of civil conflict and high-stakes magic. (Starts with A Legacy of Light)
- Requiem for Dragons: A period of loss and resurgence for the weredragons. (Starts with Dragons Lost)
- Flame of Requiem: Focuses on a period of war and renewal. (Starts with Forged in Dragonfire)
- Dragonfire Rain: Further tales of war, legacy, and flight. (Starts with Blood of Dragons)
If you prefer reading in publication order, you would start with the Song of Dragons trilogy (originally published in 2011), but starting chronologically with Dawn of Dragons gives you a smoother introduction to the lore of the Vir Requis from the very beginning.
What to Know Before You Start
Unlike standard medieval high fantasy, Dawn of Dragons features a raw, primal setting. The world is populated by prehistoric beasts like mammoths, rocs, and saber-tooth tigers, placing the early weredragons in a brutal environment where survival is a daily battle. The weredragons themselves are not traditional monsters; they are sympathetic outcasts seeking a safe home free from human cruelty. This theme of unity in the face of persecution gives the trilogy a grounded, emotional resonance alongside its epic, action-packed dragon battles.
All three books are closely connected, meaning they cannot be read as standalones. You will want to obtain all three to experience the complete story arc of the founding of Requiem.