The Best Way to Read the Imager Portfolio
When embarking on L.E. Modesitt Jr.’s epic fantasy series, readers are faced with a classic choice: do you read in the order the books were published, or do you follow the in-universe chronology? While both paths have their merits, the most common recommendation is to read the series in publication order. L.E. Modesitt Jr. himself recommends this starting path for new readers, as it introduces the complex magic system and political landscape in a gradual, logical progression.
Reading the first three books (the Rhennthyl trilogy) establishes how imaging works in its most mature, structured form. When you subsequently jump back in time to the prequels, you get to experience the satisfying 'origin stories' of the world's institutions, knowing exactly what they will eventually become.
Publication Order (Recommended)
Following the publication order allows you to experience the series exactly as the author developed the world of Terahnar. The publication list is as follows:
- Imager (2009)
- Imager's Challenge (2009)
- Imager's Intrigue (2010)
- Scholar (2011)
- Princeps (2012)
- Imager's Battalion (2013)
- Antiagon Fire (2013)
- Rex Regis (2014)
- Madness in Solidar (2015)
- Treachery's Tools (2016)
- Assassin's Price (2017)
- Endgames (2019)
The Chronological Timeline
For readers who prefer a linear historical narrative or are planning a re-read, chronological order arranges the story arcs sequentially from the earliest historical events to the most modern era. This timeline is divided into three distinct eras spanning roughly 700 years of Solidar's history:
The Founding Era (Books 4–8)
This arc takes place seven centuries before the events of the first book. It follows the scholar Quaeryt as he works to unify the warring kingdoms into the grand empire of Solidar and establish the Collegium of Imagers.
- Scholar (2011)
- Princeps (2012)
- Imager's Battalion (2013)
- Antiagon Fire (2013)
- Rex Regis (2014)
The Middle Era (Books 9–12)
Set approximately four centuries after the Founding Era (and three centuries before the Rhennthyl trilogy), this arc follows Alastar. During this transitional period, the Collegium has fallen into political decay, and Solidar is shifting away from hereditary rule toward commerce and law.
- Madness in Solidar (2015)
- Treachery's Tools (2016)
- Assassin's Price (2017)
- Endgames (2019)
The Modern Era (Books 1–3)
The original trilogy is set in the most technologically advanced era of Solidar, where early industrialism is beginning to take root and imagers are heavily regulated. It follows Rhennthyl, a journeyman artist who discovers his abilities.
- Imager (2009)
- Imager's Challenge (2009)
- Imager's Intrigue (2010)
What to Know Before You Start
Modesitt's magic system is exceptionally grounded. In Terahnar, 'imaging' is the ability to materialize items directly from visualization. However, this magic follows strict physical and conservation laws: creating something draws heat and energy from the surrounding environment, and failing to account for this can kill the imager. Imagers must also deal with the social and political repercussions of their power, as ordinary citizens and rulers view them with a mixture of reverence, fear, and suspicion.
The pacing of the series is deliberate and detailed. Modesitt spends significant time detailing the economics of the world, day-to-day administration, political treaties, and even the characters' meals. If you enjoy cozy, slow-burn fantasy with deep sociopolitical world-building, this series is an absolute treat.
Can the Subseries Be Read Independently?
Yes. Because the three main eras feature entirely different protagonists, you can treat them as three self-contained series. If you want a shorter commitment to test the waters, starting with the Rhennthyl trilogy (Books 1-3) is perfect. Alternatively, if you want a grander, more military-focused political fantasy, you could start directly with the Quaeryt arc (Book 4, Scholar).