The Recommended Reading Order for Forgotten Ages
Lindsay Buroker’s Forgotten Ages series is a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure set in a unique fantasy world where steampunk technology meets ancient magic. The series centers on Tikaya Komitopis, a brilliant cryptographer from the tropical Kyatt Islands, and Admiral Rias Starcrest, a disgraced Turgonian military leader. Together, they must decode alien artifacts and navigate the dangerous political waters of their warring nations.
To get the most out of the story, you should read the Forgotten Ages books in their chronological order, which also matches their publication order. Here is the recommended path:
- Encrypted (Book 1) – Published in 2011. This first full-length novel introduces Tikaya, who is kidnapped from her peaceful home and forced to translate ancient, magical runes in a frozen northern wasteland. Here, she meets the imprisoned Turgonian Admiral Rias Starcrest, forming an unlikely alliance.
- Enigma (Book 1.5) – Published in 2012. A transitional novella that bridges the events of the first and second novels. It follows Tikaya and Rias as they attempt to journey back to the Kyatt Islands, encountering unexpected hazards and deepening their connection along the way.
- Decrypted (Book 2) – Published in 2013. The second full-length novel wraps up their primary story arc. Tikaya and Rias arrive in the Kyatt Islands, only to find that her homeland treats Rias as a hostile enemy. They must work together to thwart a conspiracy, decode further ancient secrets, and prevent an all-out war.
For convenience, Buroker has also packaged these three entries into a single compilation known as the Forgotten Ages Omnibus, which contains both novels and the intervening novella in one volume.
How Forgotten Ages Connects to The Emperor’s Edge
One of the most common questions readers have is how Forgotten Ages relates to Lindsay Buroker’s flagship series, The Emperor’s Edge. Both series share the same fantasy world, which features a blend of early 20th-century technology (like steam engines, wooden cars, and early submarines) and magical elements (such as ancient glyphs and powerful mental disciplines).
Timeline-wise, Forgotten Ages is a prequel series. The events of Encrypted and Decrypted take place approximately eighteen years before the events of the first Emperor's Edge novel. This gap allows readers to explore the geopolitical landscape of the world before the rise of the main series' protagonists. It offers deep background on the historic tensions between the militaristic, industrial empire of Turgonia and the academic, trade-focused Kyatt Islands.
While Forgotten Ages focuses on a fresh set of main characters, there is a notable character crossover. A younger, teenage version of Sicarius—the deadly, taciturn assassin who plays a central role in The Emperor’s Edge—makes a significant appearance in the second half of the Forgotten Ages duology, particularly during the events of Decrypted. Watching a younger Sicarius interact with Tikaya and Rias provides fascinating context for his character development later in life.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: Where to Start?
Because Forgotten Ages is set earlier in the timeline, readers have two primary ways to approach the broader universe. Both paths are entirely viable, and Buroker wrote the books so they can stand on their own without leaving readers confused.
Option 1: The Chronological Route (Start with Forgotten Ages)
If you prefer to follow the history of the world in order, starting with Encrypted is an excellent choice. This path allows you to experience the world's technology and politics from the perspective of Tikaya and Rias first. It also makes the appearance of Sicarius in Decrypted your first introduction to his lethal skills, building anticipation for his central role in the main series.
Option 2: The Release Order Route (Start with The Emperor's Edge)
Many fans recommend starting with the first book of the main series, The Emperor’s Edge (published in 2010), before doubling back to the prequel duology. Reading the main series first helps you fall in love with the world and makes the cameo of a young Sicarius in Decrypted much more rewarding. Under this approach, you might read the first few books of The Emperor's Edge to get a feel for the characters, and then read Forgotten Ages as a flashback to understand the history of the world and the origins of key characters.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Kyatt Islands and Turgonian wastes, here are a few practical tips and stylistic highlights to help set your expectations:
First, the series places a heavy emphasis on intellect over brute force. Tikaya is not a warrior; she is a linguist and cryptographer. Much of the tension and problem-solving in the books centers on code-breaking, linguistic puzzles, and navigating cultural misunderstandings. Rias, while a highly capable military commander, also relies heavily on strategy, honor, and diplomatic maneuvering rather than raw violence.
Second, expect a strong and central romantic subplot. The chemistry between Tikaya and Rias is built on mutual respect, intellectual compatibility, and witty banter. It is a slow-burn romance that bridges enemy lines, providing a warm emotional core to the high-stakes political intrigue.
Third, while the tone is generally adventurous and lighthearted—complete with Buroker's trademark humor—the second book, Decrypted, takes a slightly darker turn. It deals with the aftermath of war, the treatment of prisoners, and the prejudices held by both societies. Some readers note that this shift in tone makes the stakes feel much more real, while others miss the lighter adventure of the first book.