Where to Start in Andomhaim
For readers diving into Jonathan Moeller's massive, action-packed fantasy universe, the undisputed best starting point is Frostborn: The Gray Knight. This novel introduces the primary protagonist, Ridmark Arban, a disgraced Swordbearer branded a traitor who discovers the impending return of the icy Frostborn. While the prequel novella The First Quest (often listed as Book 0.5) takes place chronologically before the main sequence, it is optional and best read as a companion piece later.
The Core Frostborn Series
The original Frostborn series consists of 15 core novels along with several novellas and short story collections. The publication order matches the chronological timeline of the main plot, making it the most straightforward and satisfying way to read the series. Here is the complete list based on the series' release order:
- The First Quest (2013) – Prequel Novella
- The Gray Knight (2013) – Main Novel 1
- The Eightfold Knife (2013) – Main Novel 2
- The Undying Wizard (2014) – Main Novel 3
- The Master Thief (2014) – Main Novel 4
- The Iron Tower (2014) – Main Novel 5
- The Assassin's Tale (2014) – Novella/Short Story Collection
- The Dark Warden (2014) – Main Novel 6
- The Gorgon Spirit (2015) – Main Novel 7
- The Broken Mage (2015) – Main Novel 8
- The Knight's Tale (2015) – Novella/Short Story Collection
- The World Gate (2015) – Main Novel 9
- The Soldier's Tale (2015) – Novella/Short Story Collection
- The Knight Quests (2016) – Short Story Collection
- The High Lords (2016) – Main Novel 10
- The False King (2016) – Main Novel 11
- The Dwarven Prince (2016) – Main Novel 12
- Excalibur (2017) – Main Novel 13
- The Dragon Knight (2017) – Main Novel 14
- The Shadow Prison (2017) – Main Novel 15 (Series Finale)
The Broader Andomhaim Reading Order
Jonathan Moeller did not stop writing in this universe after completing Frostborn. Instead, the narrative continues chronologically through several sequential series. To get the complete experience of the setting and its recurring characters, readers should follow the series progression in this order:
- Frostborn (15 novels, 2013–2017): The foundation of the saga.
- Sevenfold Sword (12 novels, 2017–2019): Follows the next stage of Ridmark Arban's journey as the Shield Knight.
- Dragontiarna (10 novels, 2019–2021): Expands the focus to multiple point-of-view characters and cosmic stakes.
- The Shield War (6 novels, 2021–2022): Continues the overarching story of the defense of Andomhaim.
Spin-Offs and Companion Series
In addition to the main chronological progression, Moeller has penned companion series set in the same world that offer different entry points or side stories:
- Dragonskull (9 novels): A separate, completed epic fantasy series that takes place after the main Frostborn arc. It features new conflicts and characters in the same world.
- Blades of Ruin (4+ novels): Starting with Blade of Flames, this series is designed to be accessible to new readers without requiring prior knowledge of the extensive Frostborn backlist.
- Shield Knight Novellas: A collection of short stories and novellas (such as Third's Tale and Calliande's Tale) that take place alongside the main series. They are optional and can be read after the novels to avoid spoilers.
What to Know Before You Start
Jonathan Moeller is a highly prolific, independent author who produces fast-paced, action-oriented fantasy resembling classic Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. His work blends Arthurian legend, Tolkien-esque races (such as high elves, orcs, and dwarves), and continuous high-stakes adventure. While you can read spin-offs like Dragonskull or Blades of Ruin standalone, reading the core series in order offers the best character development and world-building progression.
Note that Moeller's LitRPG series, Stealth & Spells Online (formerly titled Sevenfold Sword Online), is entirely separate and does not take place in the Andomhaim fantasy universe.