The Recommended Reading Order for the Dragon Stone Saga
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Dragon Stone Saga in its chronological publication order. Because the narrative is deeply serialized, starting at the beginning is crucial for understanding the character arcs, the evolution of the magic system, and the overarching rebellion against tyranny. The main saga is structured as three distinct trilogies, followed by a companion novella series.
The Dragon Stone Trilogy (Books 1–3)
This is where the entire journey begins. We are introduced to the primary protagonist, Elias Dorgumir, as he discovers a mystical dragon stone and finds himself fleeing the tyrannical Emperor Vosper. This trilogy sets up the conflict between the oppressive empire and the rebel dragon riders.
- Dragon Stones (2011) – Elias Dorgumir finds a carved dragon stone in the forest, drawing the wrath of the Emperor and sparking a realm-wide chase.
- Return of the Dragon Riders (2011) – Elias helps rally the surviving dragon riders to defend the rebel stronghold of Parthos.
- Vosper's Revenge (2012) – The original conflict reaches a boiling point as Emperor Vosper unleashes dark magic to crush the rebellion.
The Chronicles of Tallin Trilogy (Books 4–6)
Following the events of the first trilogy, the story shifts its focus to a new protagonist, Tallin Arai, a halfling dragon rider who is bonded to a scarred sapphire dragon named Duskeye. This trilogy expands the world-building, taking readers to the harsh dwarf-lands and introduces the threat of a fanatical cult.
- The Balborite Curse (2013) – Tallin Arai must navigate a brewing dwarf civil war and confront the fanatic Balborite cult.
- Rise of the Blood Masters (2014) – Tallin and Duskeye travel through the land of Durn to stop the extinction of dragons while fighting off the Blood Masters.
- Kathir's Redemption (2015) – The dragon riders unite with dwarves to reclaim the ancestral home of Mount Velik from an orc infestation.
The Shadow Grid Trilogy (Books 7–9)
The final trilogy brings the overarching plotlines of the saga together, focusing on the dark influence of the Shadow Grid guildmasters and the rise of rogue spellcasters.
- The Shadow Grid Returns (2016) – The dragon riders face a new, insidious threat as the guildmasters of the Shadow Grid rise to power.
- The Fall of Miklagard (2017) – Following the destruction of Aonach Tower, the city of Miklagard becomes the battleground against rogue magic users.
- Sisren's Betrayal (2018) – The epic finale of the saga, where all the remaining secrets of the Shadow Grid are laid bare and the ultimate fate of the dragon riders is decided.
Dragon Stone Adventures (Companion Novellas)
These spin-off novellas can be read at any point after finishing the first trilogy, but they are best enjoyed after completing the main nine-book saga to avoid minor spoilers regarding the world's lore and character states.
- Brinsop's Brood (2016)
- Mugla's Magic (2020)
- Nydeired (2020)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
In the case of the Dragon Stone Saga, the publication order and the chronological order of the main books are identical. The only minor deviation occurs with the companion novellas. For instance, Brinsop's Brood was published in 2016, around the same time as The Shadow Grid Returns. However, reading the novellas in the middle of the main series can disrupt the narrative momentum of the trilogies. We recommend reading the main nine-book sequence straight through, and then diving into the Dragon Stone Adventures as a fun return to the world.
What to Know Before You Start
Kristian Alva’s world is a classic high fantasy setting complete with dragons, dwarves, mages, and ancient ruins. The books are known for their exceptionally fast pace and cliffhanger endings, making them quick, addictive reads. While the character descriptions are relatively simple and accessible for young adult readers, the plot features darker elements such as necromancy, cults, and political betrayal that keep older fantasy fans engaged. The series earned Alva a Kindle Unlimited All Star nod and has topped juvenile fantasy charts in the US, UK, and Australia.
Practical Reader Advice
Do not attempt to read these books as standalones. Each trilogy relies heavily on the events of the previous books, and Sisren's Betrayal is a direct continuation of The Fall of Miklagard. If you prefer to binge, look for the omnibus editions like The Dragon Stone Trilogy, which bundle the first three books together. If you find the transition from Elias to Tallin in Book 4 jarring, hang in there—Tallin Arai and his dragon Duskeye quickly become fan favorites, and the story eventually ties back into the larger fate of the dragon riders.