How to Read the Heritage of Power Series
Lindsay Buroker's Heritage of Power is a five-book fantasy series that blends steampunk technology, forbidden magic, and high-stakes adventure. Set in a world where humans fly steam-powered airships and fear the return of ancient dragons, the series follows Telryn 'Trip' Yert, a young pilot trying to hide his magical abilities in a society that executes magic-users. While the series introduces a new set of protagonists and can technically be read on its own, it is a direct spinoff and sequel to Buroker's popular Dragon Blood series. To get the most out of the story, characters, and overall world-building, readers should follow a specific reading path.
The Recommended Reading Order
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the original Dragon Blood series in its entirety before starting Heritage of Power. The events of Heritage of Power take place roughly three years after the conclusion of the main Dragon Blood story, and several key characters from the original books make major appearances or cameo roles. However, if you want to focus solely on Trip and Rysha's story, you can read the Heritage of Power books in their direct publication sequence:
- Dragon Storm (2017) – Introduces Trip, a pilot in the Iskandian army who possesses a secret magical heritage, and Rysha Ravenwood, a noblewoman and scholar training to become an elite soldier. Together, they must investigate a mysterious portal and prevent a dragon invasion.
- Revelations (2017) – Trip is forced to grapple with his growing magical powers and the dangerous secrets of his lineage as he and Rysha search for allies to stand against the hostile dragon forces.
- Origins (2018) – Trip journeys to find his biological father, the elder gold dragon Agarrenon Shivar, hoping to recruit him to defend Iskandia.
- Unraveled (2018) – As the war intensifies, Trip and Rysha must work together to locate ancient artifacts and untangle the magical schemes threatening to tear their kingdom apart.
- Gold Dragon (2018) – The epic finale of the series, where Trip faces his ultimate destiny, conflicts are resolved, and the future of humans and dragons in Iskandia is decided.
The Dragon Blood Foundation
Because the lore, history, and magic system of Heritage of Power build directly upon the foundation laid in the original series, reading the parent series first provides crucial context. The Dragon Blood series consists of eight main novels and several accompanying novellas. Here is how they should be read:
- Balanced on the Blade's Edge (Book 1)
- Deathmaker (Book 2)
- Blood Charged (Book 3)
- Patterns in the Dark (Book 4)
- The Blade's Memory (Book 5)
- Under the Ice Blades (Book 5.5 - Novella)
- Raptor (Book 6)
- Soulblade (Book 7)
- The Fowl Proposal (Book 7.1 - Novella)
- Shattered Past (Book 7.5 - Standalone Novel)
- Oaths (Book 8)
Additionally, Buroker wrote a prequel novella titled Dragon Rider, which is set more than a thousand years before the events of Balanced on the Blade's Edge. It can be read at any time, but it is best enjoyed after you have familiarized yourself with the world's lore through the main books.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the skies of Iskandia, there are a few important aspects of the universe to keep in mind:
- Forbidden Magic: In Iskandia, magic is outlawed and feared due to historical conflicts with powerful sorcerers. This makes Trip's emerging abilities a death sentence if they are discovered by the authorities, driving much of the early tension in the series.
- Familiar Faces: Fans of the original Dragon Blood series will be delighted to see returning favorites. Colonel (later General) Ridgewalker Zirkander, the sorceress Sardelle Terushan, the snarky sentient sword Jaxi, and the humorous golden dragon Bhrava Saruth (who firmly believes he is a god) all cross paths with the new cast.
- The Steampunk Aesthetic: The setting features a unique blend of magic and low-tech industrialism. Characters fight with swords and crossbows alongside steam-powered flyers and airships, adding an engaging flavor to the military fantasy elements.
- Tone and Pace: Buroker's signature writing style features lighthearted banter, fast-paced action, and romantic subplots. The series strikes a balance between world-ending stakes and cozy character interactions, keeping the narrative entertaining and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions & Reading Guidance
While Buroker designed Dragon Storm to serve as an entry point for new readers, starting there will spoil some of the major character arcs and resolutions of the Dragon Blood series. Specifically, the status of magic in Iskandia, the return of the dragons, and the relationships of the supporting cast are heavily influenced by the events of the first eight books. If you prefer to have a complete understanding of the lore, start with Balanced on the Blade's Edge. If you prefer to jump straight into a story focused on a half-dragon pilot and a scholar-warrior, you can safely begin with Dragon Storm.