Books On Board

DemonWars Saga Books in Order

  • 9 Books
  • 1996 – 2014 Published
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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order: Where to Start

For the best experience, readers should start with the original publication order of the DemonWars Saga, beginning with The Demon Awakens. Although R.A. Salvatore later wrote prequels set centuries before, starting with the original trilogy is the most rewarding path. The core novels build the world’s unique magic system and establish the lore of Corona in a way that makes later entries far more satisfying. Starting with the prequels can spoil key mysteries of the church, the elves, and the origin of the magical gemstones.

The Preferred Publication Pathway

  1. The Demon Awakens (1997)
  2. The Demon Spirit (1998)
  3. The Demon Apostle (1999)
  4. Mortalis (2000)
  5. Ascendance (2001)
  6. Transcendence (2002)
  7. Immortalis (2003)
  8. Saga of the First King: Read these four prequels after the main saga (The Highwayman, The Ancient, The Dame, The Bear).
  9. A Tale of the Coven: Read this sequel trilogy next (Child of a Mad God, Reckoning of Fallen Gods, Song of the Risen God).
  10. The Education of Brother Thaddius and Other Tales of DemonWars (2014)

The Core DemonWars Saga (1997–2003)

The core of the Corona universe consists of two distinct trilogies connected by a highly emotional standalone novel, Mortalis. Together, these seven books form the heart of the saga, tracking the rise of demonic threats and the struggle of mortals to defend their lands.

The First DemonWars Trilogy

The first trilogy introduces Corona, a land governed by the pious but highly political Abellican Church, and threatened by the awakening of a great demon dactyl, Bestesbulzibar. The story centers on Elbryan Wyndon, a ranger trained by the elusive, winged Touel'alfar elves, and Jilseponie "Pony" Ault, a young woman who learns to master the church's sacred gemstone magic.

  • The Demon Awakens (1997): Following the brutal destruction of their childhood village by goblin-like monsters, Elbryan and Pony are separated. Elbryan is raised by elves to become a deadly defender of the wilderness, while Pony struggles to survive in civilized lands. Meanwhile, a young monk named Avelyn Desbris discovers the true, corrupt nature of the church's power: gemstones that fall from heaven. Together, they must unite to face the initial vanguard of the demon's armies.
  • The Demon Spirit (1998): In the wake of the first war, the threat remains active. The demon's spiritual corruption begins to seep into the very institutions meant to protect Corona. Pony and Elbryan must navigate religious politics, personal grief, and the rising tide of dark magic.
  • The Demon Apostle (1999): The first narrative arc reaches its climax. The corruption within the Abellican Church boils over into outright civil war. Pony and her allies must make ultimate sacrifices to cleanse the church and defeat the remaining shadows of the demon dactyl.

The Bridge Novel: Mortalis

  • Mortalis (2000): Written by Salvatore during a period of personal tragedy, this standalone novel serves as a bridge between the two trilogies. Instead of focusing on massive army battles, it centers on the aftermath of war: a devastating plague that sweeps through Corona and the intense personal grief of the survivors. It is widely considered one of Salvatore's most mature and emotionally resonant works.

The Second DemonWars Trilogy

The second trilogy jumps forward in time and shifts its focus, exploring the geopolitics of Corona beyond the kingdom of Honce-the-Bear, specifically looking at the deserts of Behren and the oppressed lands of To-gai.

  • Ascendance (2001): This book introduces Brynn Dharielle, a young woman trained in the ways of the rangers who seeks to liberate her homeland of To-gai from the occupying forces of Behren. Meanwhile, Pony deals with the political fallout of the previous wars in Honce-the-Bear.
  • Transcendence (2002): The conflicts in Honce-the-Bear and Behren begin to intertwine. Brynn's rebellion gains traction, while a new religious conflict threatens to destabilize the entire region.
  • Immortalis (2003): The grand finale of the original seven-book saga. Old and new characters converge to decide the fate of Corona, culminating in a massive clash that reshapes the political and spiritual landscape of the world.

Prequels and Sequels: Expanding Corona

Once you finish the main seven books, you can explore the history and future of Corona through two distinct companion series.

Saga of the First King (Prequel Series)

Published between 2004 and 2010, this four-book series takes place centuries before the main saga, during the founding of Honce-the-Bear. It explains how the disjointed, warring tribes of the land were first united under a single king, and introduces the origin of the magical gemstones.

  • The Highwayman (2004): Follows Brannigan Herne, a disabled young man who adopts a vigilante persona to defend the weak and challenge corrupt lords.
  • The Ancient (2008): Expands on the history of the elves and the ancient forces that shaped Corona.
  • The Dame (2009): Focuses on the political schemes and battles that led to the consolidation of regional power.
  • The Bear (2010): Concludes the prequel series, detailing the final struggles that created the kingdom of Honce-the-Bear.

A Tale of the Coven (Sequel Series)

This trilogy is set chronologically after the main DemonWars Saga. It takes place in the harsh, northern reaches of Corona, focusing on a young woman named Aoleyn who is raised by a brutal, patriarchal clan of nomads but finds power through a secret, alternative form of magic.

  • Child of a Mad God (2018): Introduces Aoleyn as she tries to survive her tribe's cruel traditions and discovers the forbidden magical secrets of the mountain.
  • Reckoning of Fallen Gods (2019): The conflict escalates as the tribes clash with outside forces and Aoleyn's powers grow.
  • Song of the Risen God (2020): Brings the Coven trilogy to a dramatic end, connecting the northern magic back to the broader lore of the Corona universe.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

For readers who want to experience the history of Corona in the order that events actually occurred, here is the complete chronological timeline:

  1. Saga of the First King (The Highwayman, The Ancient, The Dame, The Bear)
  2. Mather's Blood (Short story from The Education of Brother Thaddius)
  3. The Demon Awakens (DemonWars Book 1)
  4. The Demon Spirit (DemonWars Book 2)
  5. The Demon Apostle (DemonWars Book 3)
  6. A Song for Sadye (Short story from The Education of Brother Thaddius)
  7. Mortalis (DemonWars Book 4)
  8. Ascendance (DemonWars Book 5)
  9. Transcendence (DemonWars Book 6)
  10. Immortalis (DemonWars Book 7)
  11. The Education of Brother Thaddius (Novella/Short story from the collection of the same name)
  12. A Tale of the Coven (Child of a Mad God, Reckoning of Fallen Gods, Song of the Risen God)

What to Know Before You Start

R.A. Salvatore is famous for his work in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms setting, but the DemonWars Saga is a completely original, self-contained universe. This allowed him to design a magic system from scratch. Instead of spellcasting, magic in Corona is fueled by physical gemstones (such as hematite, amethyst, and graphite) that fall to earth during meteor showers. Each gemstone type has specific properties—like healing, telepathy, or fire—and must be carefully prepared and focused by the user.

The tone of the series is darker and more grounded in real-world themes than Salvatore’s Drizzt novels. It deals heavily with the corruption of religious institutions, the conflict between faith and dogma, the societal cost of war, and the agency of women in oppressive societies.

Tie-Ins and Collaborations

Unlike many large fantasy series, Salvatore wrote all the primary Corona novels himself, ensuring a highly consistent voice. However, there are a few spin-offs to keep in mind. Trial by Fire (2003) is a five-issue comic book miniseries published by CrossGen. Salvatore plotted this comic alongside author Scott Ciencin, who wrote the script. It serves as a prequel focusing on the barbarian ranger Andacanavar. It is not required reading but offers fun extra lore for dedicated fans.

Frequently Asked

Where is the best place to start reading the DemonWars Saga?

The best place to start is

The Demon Awakens

, the first book of the original trilogy. Starting here ensures you learn the rules of the gemstone magic system and the lore of Corona alongside the characters.

Should I read the Saga of the First King prequels first?

No. While the Saga of the First King takes place chronologically first, it was written later and assumes you already understand Corona's lore. Reading it first can spoil mysteries in the main series.

How does the gemstone magic system work in Corona?

Magic is channeled through sacred gemstones (like ruby, sapphire, and obsidian) that fall to earth. Wielders must focus their minds through these stones to perform specific deeds, such as healing, flying, or creating protective barriers.

Is Trial by Fire a novel?

No, Trial by Fire is a five-issue comic book limited series published in 2003. It was co-plotted by R.A. Salvatore and Scott Ciencin, and focuses on the character Andacanavar.

Where does A Tale of the Coven fit in?

The A Tale of the Coven trilogy takes place in the northern wilderness of Corona, chronologically after the main DemonWars Saga. It can be read independently but is best enjoyed after the core books.

Is the DemonWars Saga set in the Forgotten Realms?

No, the series is set in an entirely original world called Corona. It is completely independent of Dungeons & Dragons and features its own distinct magic system, geography, and history.