The Recommended Reading Order
The Imperium Spacemage series, written by the late Australian author Timothy Ellis (who passed away in late 2023), blends space opera military action with high-fantasy spellcasting. The story follows Bud, a young mage from a legendary bloodline, as he rises through the ranks of the Imperium's navy to fight a hostile, plant-like alien species known as the Trixone.
To experience Bud's career progression naturally, readers should follow the series in its publication order, which mirrors his promotional trajectory:
- Midshipman Spacemage (2020)
- Ensign Spacemage (2020)
- Lieutenant Spacemage (2020)
- Lieutenant Commander Spacemage (2020)
- Commander Spacemage (2020)
- Fleet Captain Spacemage (2020)
- Ganesha's Spacemage (2021)
- Shiva's Spacemage (2021)
- Destiny's Spacemage (2021)
The Prequel Trilogy: The Spacemage Chronicle
Before Bud took to the stars, his ancestor Thorn paved the way. Set approximately 82 years before the formation of the Imperium, The Spacemage Chronicle trilogy introduces the foundational mechanics of space-based magic in this universe. Although not mandatory to enjoy Bud's adventures, reading these first provides invaluable context regarding Thorn's lineage and the magical rules of the galaxy:
- Yesterday's Spacemage (2018)
- Today's Spacemage (2018)
- Tomorrow's Spacemage (2018)
The Sequel Series: Dragon Host
Bud's journey does not end with the conclusion of the Imperium Spacemage series. After the events of Destiny's Spacemage, Bud's narrative continues directly into the Dragon Host series, where he navigates the Keerah War and works to restore the ancient, legendary dragon-kin populations. The sequel series is ordered as follows:
- Dragon Rider (2022)
- Dragon Imperative (2022)
- Dragon Homeworld (2022)
- Dragon Nemesis (2022)
- Dragon Squared (2023)
- Dragon Heart (2023)
Connecting to the Hunter Legacy Universe
The Spacemage stories are part of a massive, interconnected universe containing over a hundred books. If you want to experience the complete chronological evolution of this universe, here is where the Spacemage threads intersect with the broader franchise:
- The Hunter Legacy: The core series starting with Hero at Large, detailing the initial conflicts and the eventual rise of the Hunter Imperium.
- A.I. Destiny: A spin-off series focusing on the roles of artificial intelligence within the empire.
- Imperium Spacemage: Bud's rank-climbing military career and magical warfare.
- Dragon Host: Bud's post-navy quest involving the Keerah War and the mythical Dragon Host.
What to Know Before You Start
Timothy Ellis's universe features a lighthearted, fast-paced tone with a heavy focus on progression, technological details, and spiritual mythology. Readers should note that Bud is a highly capable, sometimes overpowered protagonist. While this means the narrative focuses more on problem-solving, duty, and administrative growth rather than constant gritty survival, it provides a highly satisfying feel-good escape for space opera enthusiasts.