Books On Board

Demonsouled Books in Order

  • 7 Books
  • 2005 – 2014 Published
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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order for Demonsouled

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the main narrative arc of Mazael Cravenlock as designed by author Jonathan Moeller. Because the world expands significantly over time, reading the series in its chronological order ensures you grasp the evolution of the Grim Marches, the stakes of the demonic conflicts, and Mazael's personal growth.

The overall sequence flows through three main phases: the original Demonsouled series, the sequel trilogy Mask of the Demonsouled, and the final continuation series Wraithshard. Prequel novellas and side stories can be read either before starting or, as many fans prefer, after completing the original series to fill in the backstory.

Phase 1: The Main Demonsouled Series

This is where the saga begins. Mazael Cravenlock, a knight banished for fifteen years due to his cursed demonic bloodline, returns to the war-torn Grim Marches to find his family home on the brink of ruin. The books should be read in this sequence:

  • Demonsouled (2005) - Mazael returns to Castle Cravenlock, confronting his brother's rebellion and a sinister cult.
  • Soul of Tyrants (2011) - Now Lord of Castle Cravenlock, Mazael fights off external enemies while wrestling with his dark heritage.
  • Soul of Serpents (2011) - The threat of the serpent people rises as Mazael struggles to unite the fractured lords of the Marches.
  • Soul of Dragons (2012 / 2014 local data) - Mazael battles a horde of inhuman monsters and dark priests to protect the skies and the earth.
  • Soul of Sorcery (2012 / 2014 local data) - Dark magic threatens to rip the land apart, forcing Mazael to make uneasy alliances.
  • Soul of Skulls (2013 / 2014 local data) - Mazael faces the grim armies of the dead and ancient necromantic forces.
  • Soul of Swords (2013) - The epic climax of the original series where Mazael must defeat his ultimate adversary to save his realm.

Phase 2: Mask of the Demonsouled

Following the events of the original seven-book series, Moeller continued Mazael's adventures with a sequel trilogy. This subseries focuses on new threats and mysterious masks of power that emerge in the Grim Marches:

  • Mask of Swords (2014)
  • Mask of Dragons (2015)
  • Mask of Spells (2015)

These books are also frequently collected in a single omnibus edition alongside the bonus novella The Serpent Knight.

Phase 3: Wraithshard

The saga continues directly after Mask of the Demonsouled with the Wraithshard series. Mazael remains the central protagonist, defending his lands from ancient magic and new, terrifying enemies. Read these books in this order:

  • Sword & Flame (2017)
  • Siege & Storm (2017)
  • Mage & Knight (2019)
  • Pyre & Forge (2020)
  • Wrath & Battle (2021)

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats

While the progression from Demonsouled to Mask of the Demonsouled and then to Wraithshard is straightforward, there are a few minor wrinkles in publication dates and database listings that can confuse readers.

First, there is a minor discrepancy regarding the placement of Soul of Swords. In some publisher databases (including our local catalog), Soul of Swords is dated 2013 and listed as Book 4, with Soul of Dragons, Soul of Sorcery, and Soul of Skulls listed with 2014 reprint dates as Books 5, 6, and 7. However, the author's official reading order lists Soul of Dragons as Book 4, Soul of Sorcery as Book 5, Soul of Skulls as Book 6, and Soul of Swords as the definitive Book 7 finale. For the smoothest narrative continuity, we recommend reading Soul of Dragons before Soul of Swords, regardless of how they are numbered in online storefronts.

Second, the various prequels and novellas were published out of order compared to the main storyline. Reading them in publication order or chronological order works well, but they are not required to understand the main novels.

Prequels and Supplemental Novellas (The Sworn Knight)

For readers who want to dive deeper into the lore of the Grim Marches and Mazael's past, Jonathan Moeller has written several short stories and novellas. Most of these focus on Mazael's time as a wandering mercenary and knight before he returned home. They are commonly collected in the anthology The Sworn Knight:

  • The Dragon's Shadow (2012) - A prequel novella focusing on the wizard Lucan Mandragon as he delves into necromancy to save the woman he loves.
  • The Wandering Knight (2013) - Follows Mazael's early travels and battles in exile.
  • The Tournament Knight (2013) - Mazael enters a deadly tournament where the stakes are life and death.
  • The Ransom Knight (2014) - Mazael takes on a dangerous rescue mission.
  • The Serpent Knight (2015) - A side story set in the universe, often grouped with the Mask of the Demonsouled trilogy.
  • The Bronze Knight (2016) - Mazael faces an ancient threat unearthed in the wilderness.
  • The Rune Knight (2016) - Mazael deals with dangerous rune magic and ancient runesmiths.

What to Know Before You Start

Jonathan Moeller's Demonsouled universe is a classic example of gritty, fast-paced indie sword-and-sorcery. It shares the DNA of David Gemmell's heroic fantasy and Robert E. Howard's Conan books, offering intense action, demonic corruption, and hard-bitten heroes. Mazael is a deeply flawed protagonist who struggles constantly against his own inner darkness.

It is also important to note that the Demonsouled universe is completely separate from Moeller's other popular series, such as the Frostborn / Sevenfold Sword / Dragontiarna books (which exist in their own shared world) and the Ghosts series. You do not need to read any of Moeller's other works to fully enjoy and understand the story of the Demonsouled.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended starting point for the Demonsouled series?

You should start with the very first novel, Demonsouled (2005). While there are prequel novellas, they are best read after you are already familiar with the main story.

Are Demonsouled, Mask of the Demonsouled, and Wraithshard connected?

Yes, they form a single continuous narrative. Mask of the Demonsouled is a direct sequel trilogy, and Wraithshard continues Mazael's story immediately after it.

Can the prequel stories in The Sworn Knight be read as standalones?

Yes, stories like The Wandering Knight and The Tournament Knight are self-contained adventures showing Mazael's life as an exiled mercenary, though they are more rewarding if you already know the characters.

Does the Demonsouled series connect to Frostborn or other Jonathan Moeller books?

No, Jonathan Moeller writes in several distinct universes. The Demonsouled universe is completely standalone and separate from the Frostborn or Ghosts series.

Why do some sources list different book orders for the main series?

Discrepancies usually stem from reissue dates versus original release years. While some lists place Soul of Swords as Book 4, the author's official order places it as Book 7, with Soul of Dragons as Book 4.

Who is the main protagonist of the Demonsouled books?

The main protagonist is Mazael Cravenlock, a banished knight with demonic blood who returns to his homeland, the Grim Marches, to protect it from supernatural forces.