Emperor’s Edge Books in Order

Introduction to the Emperor’s Edge Universe

Step into the steam-powered Turgonian Empire, where industrialization meets forbidden magic, and a group of lovable outcasts tries to save the throne from deep-rooted conspiracies. Lindsay Buroker’s self-published steampunk fantasy series, launched in 2010, is famous for its fast-paced action, clever heists, and witty banter. At the heart of the series is Amaranthe Lokdon, an enforcer turned fugitive, who teams up with a notorious assassin named Sicarius and a colorful cast of misfits to protect the young emperor.

Understanding where to start and how to navigate this extensive universe is key to enjoying the adventure. With nine main novels, several crucial novellas, and multiple connected series set in the same world, having a clear roadmap will ensure you do not miss any character developments or major plot lines.

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the chronological order of the main storyline. While publication dates slightly differ from the story's timeline, reading the novellas in their proper narrative slots prevents spoilers and bridges crucial plot gaps between the main novels.

1. The Emperor's Edge (Book 1): The perfect starting point. We are introduced to Amaranthe Lokdon, her imperial enforcer roots, and the conspiracy that frames her. She is forced to go rogue and recruits the empire's most lethal assassin, Sicarius.
2. Ice Cracker II (Book 1.5): A fun novella set shortly after the first book. It follows the crew on a mission in the cold northern climates, giving readers a deeper look at the crew's chemistry.
3. Dark Currents (Book 2): The stakes rise as Amaranthe and her team face a mysterious cult operating in the city’s underground tunnels.
4. The Assassin's Curse (Book 2.5): A novella focusing on Sicarius's past and his connection to the empire's dark history. It is a vital read for understanding his cold demeanor and slow character development.
5. Deadly Games (Book 3): The crew takes on a high-stakes heist during a dangerous tournament, putting Amaranthe’s planning skills to the test.
6. Conspiracy (Book 4): Political tensions boil over as Amaranthe orchestrates a daring plot to protect the young emperor from internal threats.
7. Blood and Betrayal (Book 5): The team faces betrayal from within as old enemies return to destroy everything they have built.
8. Shadows Over Innocence (Book 0.5 / Prequel Novella): Although it takes place before Book 1, it is best read here or after the main series. It details Sicarius's early life and how he became the deadly assassin he is. Reading it too early spoils some of the mystery surrounding his character.
9. Beneath the Surface (Book 5.5): A novella set between Books 5 and 6 that bridges the gap after the dramatic events of Blood and Betrayal, setting up the final arc of the empire's conflict.
10. Forged in Blood I (Book 6): Part one of the series' epic climax. The empire is on the brink of war, and the team must pull off their biggest operations yet.
11. Forged in Blood II (Book 7): The direct continuation of Book 6. This installment wraps up the main Turgonian Empire conflict that has been building since the first novel.
12. Solstice Day Gifts (Book 7.5): A lighthearted holiday novella that gives the characters a brief respite and explores the changing dynamics of the crew.
13. Republic (Book 8): Set in the aftermath of the revolution, the crew adapts to a changing political landscape and new threats to their hard-won peace.
14. Diplomats and Fugitives (Book 9): The final novel in the main series. It wraps up the lingering threads of the crew’s personal stories and provides a satisfying conclusion.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the most part, the publication order aligns with the chronological progression of the story. The major exception is Shadows Over Innocence, which was published in 2012 but takes place chronologically before Book 1. We recommend saving this prequel for later in your read-through to preserve the mystique of Sicarius, as his backstory is meant to be uncovered gradually throughout the early books. The rest of the novellas were published in parallel with the main series and should be read in their numerical order (e.g., Book 1.5, Book 2.5) to keep the narrative flow seamless.

Subseries and Connected Stories

Lindsay Buroker has expanded the world of the Turgonian Empire with two major connected series. While they feature different main characters, they enrich the lore and occasionally cross paths with Amaranthe's crew.

The Forgotten Ages (Prequel Trilogy)

This trilogy is set roughly eighteen years before the events of The Emperor's Edge. It consists of Encrypted, Enigma, and Decrypted. The story follows Tikaya Shaldara, a codebreaker, and Rias, a disgraced military commander, as they navigate their own geopolitical conflicts. Reading this trilogy first is not required, but it gives excellent context to the magic and technology of the world. Fans of the main series will also spot a few familiar characters making early appearances.

Chains of Honor (Sequel Series)

Set after the events of Diplomats and Fugitives, this series focuses on new protagonists but takes place in the same world. It consists of Warrior Mage, Snake Heart, Assassin's Bond, and Great Chief. It is preceded by the Swords & Salt prequel novellas. This series is a treat for fans of the original books, as Akstyr, Dak, and even Amaranthe and Sicarius make guest appearances in the later volumes.

Practical Reader Advice

Where to Start: Always start with The Emperor's Edge. Do not start with the prequels Encrypted or Shadows Over Innocence, as the first book does the best job of establishing the tone, the banter, and the quirks of the core crew.

Are the novellas standalone? No, they are highly serialized. Skipping the novellas will cause you to miss major shifts in character relationships, particularly the slow-burn romance between Amaranthe and Sicarius.