Ghost Exile Books in Order

Introduction to Caina's Exile

For readers who enjoy fast-paced sword-and-sorcery blended with dark fantasy and espionage, Jonathan Moeller’s Ghost Exile series is a standout indie saga. The series serves as a direct sequel sequence to Moeller's popular The Ghosts series. It continues the story of Caina Amalas, a highly skilled spy, thief, and assassin for the Emperor of Nighmar. Having been cast out and exiled, Caina finds herself in the decadent, corrupt, and highly dangerous southern city of Istarinmul. Here, surrounded by hostile sorcerers, gladiators, and ancient dark powers, she must rebuild her network of contacts and survive the deadly machinations of the Grand Master Callatas.

Moeller’s world combines elements of Roman and Middle Eastern historical cultures, layered with necromancy, wraiths, and complex espionage networks. While the saga is epic in scale, it remains deeply personal, focusing on Caina's struggles with trauma, survival, and the moral cost of her profession.

The Core Novel Sequence (Recommended Order)

If you want to focus strictly on the main storyline without getting bogged down in side stories, you should read the nine core novels in order. This main sequence represents the spine of the Ghost Exile narrative, charting Caina’s rise from a lonely exile to a key player in the fate of empires.

1. Ghost in the Cowl (2014) – Caina arrives in the city of Istarinmul, aiming to establish a new network of spies while avoiding the notice of deadly sorcerers.
2. Ghost in the Maze (2014) – Caina must navigate the city's underbelly to prevent a catastrophic distribution of dark magic.
3. Ghost in the Hunt (2014) – A legendary assassin known as the Red Huntress is sent to end Caina's operations, forcing a deadly game of cat and mouse.
4. Ghost in the Razor (2015) – The conflict escalates as Caina faces the lethal gladiators and slave lords of Istarinmul.
5. Ghost in the Inferno (2015) – Caina takes the fight to the heart of her enemies' territory, risking everything in the fire of conflict.
6. Ghost in the Seal (2015) – Ancient seals are threatened, and Caina must stop a magical breach that could devastate the region.
7. Ghost in the Throne (2015) – The political struggle for control of Istarinmul reaches a boiling point, placing Caina in the middle of a civil war.
8. Ghost in the Pact (2016) – Unlikely alliances must be forged as the ultimate threat from the sorcerer Callatas looms.
9. Ghost in the Winds (2016) – The dramatic conclusion to the Ghost Exile saga, featuring a final, apocalyptic confrontation.

The Complete Chronological Order (Including Novellas and Short Stories)

For the completionist reader, Moeller has written multiple companion novellas and short stories that flesh out the supporting characters, resolve minor subplots, and provide deeper lore. Many of these stories are compiled in the anthology Exile of the Ghosts. The author has noted that while these stories are highly recommended for flavor, they are not strictly mandatory to understand the plot of the primary novels.

Based on their publication and chronological sequence, this is how all 21 entries fit together:

1. Blood Artists (2013) – A prequel short story exploring the sinister magic systems of the world.
2. Bound to the Eye (2013) – A prequel story providing additional backstory before the exile begins.
3. Ghost in the Cowl (2014) – Main Novel #1.
4. Ghost in the Maze (2014) – Main Novel #2.
5. Ghost Price (2014) – Novella; Caina attempts to help an impoverished widow, uncovering dangerous secrets in the process.
6. Ghost in the Hunt (2014) – Main Novel #3.
7. Ghost Relics (2014) – Novella; Caina pursues ancient artifacts of power in the ruins surrounding the city.
8. Ghost Keeper (2014) – Novella; focusing on the defence of the growing spy network.
9. Ghost Nails (2015) – Novella; setting up the tension preceding the gladiator conflicts.
10. Ghost in the Razor (2015) – Main Novel #4.
11. Ghost Light (2015) – Short story providing a brief interlude between major battles.
12. Ghost in the Inferno (2015) – Main Novel #5.
13. Ghost Lock (2015) – Short story exploring a locked-room style heist.
14. Ghost in the Seal (2015) – Main Novel #6.
15. Ghost in the Throne (2015) – Main Novel #7.
16. Ghost Arts (2015) – Short story exploring the magical disciplines of the southern lands.
17. Ghost Vigil (2015) – Companion short story showcasing the vigilance of Caina’s allies.
18. Ghost in the Pact (2016) – Main Novel #8.
19. Ghost Mimic (2016) – Novella; Caina handles impostors and double agents trying to usurp her network.
20. Ghost Vessel (2016) – Novella; focusing on a high-stakes maritime threat.
21. Ghost in the Winds (2016) – Main Novel #9.

What to Know Before You Start

The most important thing for new readers to understand is that Ghost Exile is actually the second major series in Caina Amalas's life. While you can start with Ghost in the Cowl and follow the plot thanks to Moeller's skill at recapping critical backstory, you will get a much richer experience if you start at the very beginning of her journey in The Ghosts series, starting with Child of the Ghosts. Reading that series first explains how Caina became a Ghost, her relationship with her mentor, and the events that ultimately led to her exile.

For readers who prefer physical books or condensed digital libraries, the main novels are also conveniently grouped into three omnibus editions:

• Ghost Exile Omnibus One: Contains books 1-3 (Cowl, Maze, Hunt).
• Ghost Exile Omnibus Two: Contains books 4-6 (Razor, Inferno, Seal).
• Ghost Exile Omnibus Three: Contains books 7-9 (Throne, Pact, Winds).

Once you finish Ghost in the Winds, Caina's story does not end there. Her adventures continue directly in the sequel series Ghost Night (beginning with Ghost in the Night) and subsequent series like Ghost Armor.