Heirs of Alexandria Books in Order

How to Read the Heirs of Alexandria Series

The Heirs of Alexandria series is a rich, collaborative historical fantasy series. Written by the powerhouse trio of Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint, and Dave Freer (with the final volume finished by Flint and Freer), the series takes place in a beautifully detailed alternate Renaissance Europe. The timeline diverges in 415 CE when Hypatia of Alexandria is converted to Christianity rather than murdered, saving the Great Library of Alexandria from destruction. This single event reshapes the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and the development of magic and science across the globe.

Because the books features overlapping timelines, character paths, and geographical shifts, readers often debate the best order to tackle the series. Here, we outline the two primary methods to read the saga: the recommended chronological order and the traditional publication order.

The Recommended Chronological Reading Order

For the most seamless narrative experience, we recommend reading the books in chronological order. This pathway places the spin-off novel A Mankind Witch second in your reading sequence. Although published third, it is chronologically designated as Book 1.5. Placing it here introduces key Northern European characters and political dynamics before they converge with the Mediterranean plotlines in the latter half of the series.

1. The Shadow of the Lion (2002) — The series begins in 1530s Venice. We are introduced to the Valdosta brothers, Marco and Benito, as well as the magical protection of the Winged Lion of Venice and the underlying threat of the dark god Chernobog.
2. A Mankind Witch (2005) — Set in alternate Scandinavia, this solo novel by Dave Freer focuses on Prince Manfred of Brittany and a local thrall named Cair as they search for the stolen pagan relic, the Armring of Telemark, to prevent a holy war.
3. This Rough Magic (2003) — The story shifts to the island of Corfu, where Benito Valdosta and Maria Garavalli find themselves caught in a Hungarian siege, dealing with ancient goddess magic and naval skirmishes.
4. Much Fall of Blood (2010) — The focus shifts northward to Valahia (Transylvania). Prince Manfred and Erik Hakkensen lead a diplomatic mission to the Golden Horde and become entangled with Prince Vlad and blood magic.
5. Burdens of the Dead (2013) — Returning to the Mediterranean, Benito Valdosta must block Chernobog's fleet in the Black Sea and face the siege of Constantinople, aided by the goddess Hekate.
6. All the Plagues of Hell (2018) — The final novel sees Lucia del Maino awakening the ancient plague god Orkise in a bid to conquer Milan, forcing the surviving heroes from both the Northern and Southern threads to unite.

The Publication Order

If you prefer to read the series exactly as it was released to the public, you will read This Rough Magic before diving into the Scandinavian side story. This route is perfectly viable, though it means you will pause the Mediterranean storyline to head north for Book 1.5, only to return to the eastern front afterwards.

1. The Shadow of the Lion (2002)
2. This Rough Magic (2003)
3. A Mankind Witch (2005)
4. Much Fall of Blood (2010)
5. Burdens of the Dead (2013)
6. All the Plagues of Hell (2018)

What to Know Before You Start

The core premise of the Heirs of Alexandria universe rests on the survival of Hypatia of Alexandria, which prevents the onset of the Dark Ages. By the 16th century, this has resulted in a highly literate, technologically advanced Europe where the Church is split into two primary factions: the tolerant Petrines (who embrace the scientific and pagan integration championed by Hypatia) and the dogmatic Paulines (who view magic as heresy). Magic in this world is real, active, and deeply tied to regional folklore, pagan deities, and demonic influences.

The collaborative nature of the writing brings out unique strengths from each author. Eric Flint's influence is clear in the intricate geopolitical maneuvers and alternate history logistics. Mercedes Lackey weaves in the soft magic systems, themes of tolerance, and deeply sympathetic characters. Dave Freer adds historical accuracy regarding weaponry, maritime navigation, and a dry, character-driven humor. While Mercedes Lackey did not co-author the final book, All the Plagues of Hell, Flint and Freer successfully brought the major plotlines to a satisfying conclusion.

Understanding the Subseries and Spin-Offs

While the Heirs of Alexandria is a single, continuous narrative arc, it can be mentally divided into two geographic threads that eventually merge:

• The Venice and Mediterranean Thread: Composed of The Shadow of the Lion, This Rough Magic, and Burdens of the Dead. This thread focuses on the Valdosta family, Italian politics, naval warfare, and the defense against Chernobog's southern fleets.
• The Northern and Eastern European Thread: Composed of A Mankind Witch and Much Fall of Blood. This thread explores the pagan lands of Scandinavia, the steppes of the Golden Horde, and the dark magic of Valahia, introducing Prince Manfred and Erik Hakkensen.

Both threads collide in the climactic final volume, All the Plagues of Hell, where the characters from both regions must pool their magical and military resources to stop a continental catastrophe.