Legend of Vanx Malic Books in Order

Where to Start the Legend of Vanx Malic

If you are ready to embark on this sword-and-sorcery adventure, the absolute best place to start is with the first novel, Through the Wildwood (2012). This book introduces you to Vanx Malic, a charming but cursed half-Zythian bard who finds himself in chains for romancing the Duchess of Highlake. His subsequent escape into the deadly, flesh-eating Wildwood sets the stage for the entire saga. Because the series is highly serialized and features a continuous, developing narrative, starting anywhere else will leave you lost in the deep fantasy lore of Mathias's world.

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, we recommend following the publication order. This sequence allows you to experience the overarching narrative exactly as the author intended, with the companion novella positioned perfectly to introduce key players right before they join the main storyline. Here is the step-by-step path through the series:

1. Through the Wildwood (2012) – The adventure begins as Vanx escapes exile and forms his initial ragtag band of allies.
2. Dragon Isle (2012) – Vanx faces deadly dragons and heart-wrenching betrayals on a quest to save a princess.
3. Foxwise (2013) – A companion novella (often numbered as Book 2.5) that details a critical quest to save the Fae valley's Heart Tree.
4. Saint Elm's Deep (2013) – The journey deepens as the characters venture into the icy realm of the Hoar Witch.
5. That Frigid Fargin Witch (2013) – The action ramps up as Vanx and his companions confront the powerful magical forces arrayed against them.
6. Trigon Daze (2015) – The saga enters its second half, expanding the magical conflicts and stakes.
7. Paragon Dracus (2015) – Epic battles and deep draconic secrets come to light.
8. The Far Side of Creation (2016) – The scope of the adventure expands to the very edges of the known world.
9. The Long Journey Home (2016) – A grueling journey back that tests the limits of the companions' loyalty.
10. The Tome of Arbor (2016) – Ancient secrets of the land are unlocked as the finale approaches.
11. A Gossamer Lens (2016) – The epic, award-winning conclusion to the main ten-book saga.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order: The Foxwise Caveat

For the most part, the chronological timeline of the series aligns perfectly with its publication order. The only notable exception is the novella Foxwise (2013), which is frequently cataloged as Book 2.5. This side story focuses on General Foxwise Posy-Thorn and his pixie allies as they quest to retrieve a magical Shard to heal their valley's poisoned Heart Tree. Because this quest takes place prior to Foxwise's arrival in the main narrative, it functions chronologically as a prequel to the events of Saint Elm's Deep.

While you could technically skip Foxwise or read it as a prequel before starting Book 1, doing so is not recommended. The novella has a very different tone and focus, shifting from Vanx's gritty rogue adventures to Fae politics and quests. Reading it after Dragon Isle provides the ideal context, letting you meet Foxwise just before he integrates into the main party in Book 3.

Save on the Saga: The Omnibus Collections

Because the Legend of Vanx Malic was published independently, purchasing individual ebooks can add up. Fortunately, M.R. Mathias packaged the entire 10-book saga (along with the novella) into three neat, cost-effective omnibus collections. If you want to dive in, look for these collections:

• To Kill a Witch (Books 1–4 + Foxwise Novella) – This collection won the 2017 American Book Fest Award for Fiction: Fantasy and covers the entire initial arc dealing with the Hoar Witch.
• The Legend Grows Stronger (Books 5–8) – Collects the middle chapter of Vanx's adventures, including Trigon Daze, Paragon Dracus, The Far Side of Creation, and The Long Journey Home.
• The Tome and the Lens (Books 9–10) – Combines the final two books, The Tome of Arbor and the Readers' Favorite Award-winning finale A Gossamer Lens, bringing the main saga to a close.

The Shared Universe: Spin-offs, Crossovers, and Devious Arcana

M.R. Mathias's fantasy writing is highly interconnected. The Legend of Vanx Malic shares a world history and geography with The Wardstone Trilogy (beginning with The Sword and the Dragon) and The Dragoneer Saga (beginning with The Royal Dragoneers). While these series take place on different continents and can be read independently, they are bound by common magical laws, history, and locations like the Cardinal Towers.

If you finish the main ten books and want more, you should pick up the crossover series Devious Arcana (starting with Nefarious Allure). The author has described this series as a direct bridge and continuation, functioning as both Book 11 of the Vanx Malic saga and Book 7 of The Dragoneer Saga. It features characters utilizing a magical pocket watch to travel through time, leading to major crossover elements and resolutions for fans of both series.

What to Know Before You Start

The Legend of Vanx Malic is an indie fantasy series that wears its classic sword-and-sorcery influences on its sleeve, drawing comparisons to Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. However, it updates the subgenre with modern sensibilities. The series features a highly diverse cast, including shape-shifting princesses and a prominent lesbian barbarian, making it a pioneer in modern indie fantasy inclusivity.

Furthermore, the series' real-world origin adds to its charm. M.R. Mathias wrote the initial books by hand while serving time in a Texas prison, dedicating himself to a strict daily writing routine. This raw, underdog determination is reflected in Vanx Malic himself, giving the entire epic a grounded, personal feel that resonates deeply with its dedicated cult following.