The Recommended Reading Order for B.V. Larson's Haven Series
For readers looking to dive into B.V. Larson’s action-packed epic fantasy saga, the recommended reading path is simple and direct: read the books in their official publication order. Because the overarching narrative is highly continuous and character arcs build directly from one installment to the next, following the order of release is the only way to experience Brand Rabing’s journey without spoilers or confusion.
The series begins with a compact, novella-length introduction that establishes the grim state of humanity and the emergence of the legendary dragon relics. From there, each book expands the geographical scope and elevates the magical stakes, culminating in a grand finale that wraps up the saga of the nine Jewels of Power.
The Haven Series in Publication Order
B.V. Larson wrote and published the Haven series between 2010 and 2013. The fast-paced publishing schedule of the early books reflects Larson's signature prolific writing style, giving readers a steady stream of adventures. Here is the complete breakdown of the books in the order they were published:
-
Amber Magic (2010)
This novella-length book serves as the gateway to the series. We are introduced to Brand Rabing, a young human living in the relatively peaceful but constantly threatened area of River Haven. Humans in this world possess no inherent magic and are routinely hunted or oppressed by elder, magical races. Brand's life changes forever when he discovers the Amber Jewel, which is embedded in the mystical Axe Ambros. Wielding this relic grants him terrifying combat prowess and berserker rage, but it also paints a massive target on his back.
-
Sky Magic (2010)
The second book shifts the focus to the fragile peace treaty between humanity and the enigmatic Fae. When Oberon, the King of the Fae, loses control of the Blue Jewel—known as Lavatis, which has the power to control the sky, weather, and rainbows—chaos ensues. The sky itself becomes a battlefield, and Brand must navigate shifting alliances to prevent a full-scale invasion of human lands.
-
Shadow Magic (2010)
The dark and folkloric elements of Larson's world take center stage in the third installment. Herla, the leader of the Wild Hunt, begins a ruthless campaign to track down and seize the remaining Jewels of Power. Brand and his allies are forced into the shadows, fighting a desperate defensive war against spectral hunters and ancient forces of darkness.
-
Dragon Magic (2010)
With the conflict expanding, Brand must venture into the most dangerous territory yet: the Everdark. In this perilous subterranean and shadowy realm, he seeks to rescue the Kindred. Along the way, he confronts a formidable dragon guarding its clutch of eggs, shedding more light on the draconic origin of the jewels themselves.
-
Blood Magic (2010)
This book centers on the Red Jewel, known as Sang, which governs the dangerous and corrupting art of Blood Magic. As the boundaries between life and death blur, Brand is forced to witness the devastating toll of using blood-fueled spells, forcing him to make hard moral choices about what he is willing to sacrifice to survive.
-
Death Magic (2011)
The stakes reach a fever pitch as the Black Jewel, which commands the raw power of Death Magic, is unleashed. Brand faces undead armies and must confront the reality that the very relics he relies on to save his people are corrupting the world around them. This volume sets the stage directly for the final confrontation.
-
Dream Magic (2013)
The epic conclusion to the seven-book saga. All nine Jewels of Power are brought into play as Brand faces a terrifying new magical threat that can reshape reality itself. Alliances are tested to their limits, and the ultimate cost of saving Haven is finally revealed in an action-heavy climax.
Haven Omnibus Collections
If you prefer to collect or read the books in larger volumes, Larson has packaged them into two main omnibus editions. These collections are excellent for binge-reading the series:
- Haven Magic (Books 1–3): Gathers Amber Magic, Sky Magic, and Shadow Magic, tracing Brand's initial discovery of the Axe Ambros, the conflict with the Fae, and the threat of the Wild Hunt.
- Dark Magic (Books 4–6): Gathers Dragon Magic, Blood Magic, and Death Magic, which cover the darker, high-stakes middle section of the saga.
The Lore of Haven: Dragons, Fae, and the Nine Jewels
What makes the Haven series stand out to fans of classic and indie fantasy is its unique core mythology. Long before the events of the first book, a primordial Sun Dragon gave birth to nine lesser dragons. Seeking to inherit their parent's immense strength, the lesser dragons turned on and devoured the Sun Dragon. When these lesser dragons were eventually hunted down and slain, their bodies rotted away, but their left eyes remained behind. These eyes became the Nine Jewels of Power.
Each jewel governs a specific form of magic, including:
- Amber Jewel: Enhances physical combat, granting its wielder berserker strength and stamina, though at the cost of mental stability.
- Blue Jewel (Lavatis): Commands the weather, the atmosphere, and the colors of the rainbow, held by Fae nobility.
- Red Jewel (Sang): Controls blood magic, allowing the manipulation of life force, which carries a corrupting influence.
- Black Jewel: Commands death and the undead, drawing forces from the grave.
In this setting, humanity is the underdog. Lacking natural magic, humans are treated as prey by the elder races, particularly the Fae (led by Oberon) and the spectral forces of the Wild Hunt (led by Herla). The discovery of these dragon relics by humans like Brand changes the geopolitical landscape, triggering a magical arms race.
Practical Reader Advice and FAQs
Before diving into B.V. Larson's fantasy world, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:
Are the books standalones?
No, the Haven books should not be read as standalone stories. While individual books focus on specific jewels or conflicts, they are highly episodic and form a single, continuous narrative arc. Reading them out of order will result in significant plot confusion.
What is the tone and style of the series?
B.V. Larson is widely known for his military science fiction (such as the Star Force and Undying Mercenaries series), and he brings that same lean, action-driven, and fast-paced prose to Haven. The world is inspired by Welsh and Germanic folklore, giving it a slightly darker, grit-filled atmosphere than standard high fantasy, while remaining highly readable and accessible.
Where is the best place to start?
Start with Amber Magic. Since it is a shorter novella, it provides a quick, low-commitment introduction to the setting, characters, and magic system. If you enjoy the fast-paced combat and folkloric setting of the first book, you can confidently proceed through the rest of the series.