How to Read the Magelands Universe
The Magelands saga, penned by Scottish author Christopher Mitchell, is a sprawling epic fantasy universe set on the Star Continent—a world where five distinct cultures with unique magical elements clash in wars, political intrigues, and ancient prophecies. With over 30 novels and novellas published at a breakneck pace since 2018, entering this universe can feel daunting. Fortunately, the reading order is highly structured. You have a few choices depending on whether you want to dive straight into the main action or build your knowledge from the ground up.
The Recommended Reading Path
According to the author's official reading guidance, the best way to experience the saga is by following the order of chronological relevance, which means starting with the Origins subseries before moving into the Epic and the Eternal Siege series. The recommended sequence is:
- The Magelands Origins: A duology that introduces the backstories and struggles of core characters before the grand conflicts begin.
- The Magelands Epic: The foundational eight-book series (accompanied by a prequel novella) that charts the war between the Holdings and the Rahain Republic.
- The Magelands Eternal Siege: A massive 17-book sequel series set in the same world that raises the stakes to a cosmic level.
- The Magelands Dominion (also known as the Magelands Empire): The sequel phase that picks up immediately after the conclusion of the Eternal Siege.
Phase 1: Magelands Origins
Though published slightly after the first few books of the main series, the two books in the Origins collection serve as the chronological starting point for the entire saga. Reading these first provides invaluable context on the cultures, magic systems, and motivations of key characters like Killop, Keira, and Daphne before they are thrown into the fires of the main narrative.
- Retreat of the Kell (2020) – Focuses on the origins of Killop and the fire mage Keira.
- The Trials of Daphne Holdfast (2020) – Focuses on the early struggles of the mage Daphne.
Phase 2: Magelands Epic
This is the core series that launched the franchise. If you prefer to start with the publication order rather than chronologically, you can begin here. The series officially kicks off with The Queen's Executioner, which introduces six mages from five lands navigating a brewing global conflict. The series is preceded by a free prequel novella, From the Ashes, which introduces the fire mage Keira.
- From The Ashes (2018) – Prequel Novella / Book 0.5
- The Queen's Executioner (2019) – Book 1
- The Severed City (2019) – Book 2
- Needs of the Empire (2019) – Book 3
- Sacrifice (2019) – Book 4
- Fragile Empire (2020) – Book 5
- Storm Mage (2020) – Book 6
- Soulwitch Rises (2020) – Book 7
- Renegade Gods (2020) – Book 8
Phase 3: Magelands Eternal Siege
Following the events of the Epic series, Mitchell launched the Eternal Siege, a monumental 17-book saga. While the author notes that this series can serve as a secondary entry point for new readers because it introduces new primary conflicts, reading the Epic series first is highly recommended to fully appreciate the world-building, character growth, and returning cast. The series follows the defense of the city of Salve and the mystery of the Dragon Eyre.
- The Mortal Blade (2020) – Book 1
- The Dragon's Blade (2020) – Book 2
- The Prince's Blade (2020) – Book 3
- Falls of Iron (2021) – Book 4
- Paths of Fire (2021) – Book 5
- Gates of Ruin (2021) – Book 6
- City of Salve (2021) – Book 7
- Red City (2021) – Book 8
- City Ascendant (2021) – Book 9
- Dragon Eyre Badblood (2022) – Book 10
- Divine Retribution (2022) – Book 11 (Note: Originally released as a prequel novella for newsletter subscribers, this book occupies slot 11 in the local reading structure)
- Dragon Eyre Ashfall (2022) – Book 12
- Dragon Eyre Blackrose (2022) – Book 13
- Dreams of Kell (2022) – Book 14
- God Restrainer (2022) – Book 15
- Holdfast Imperium (2023) – Book 16
- World's End (2023) – Book 17
What to Know Before You Start
Christopher Mitchell's universe is celebrated for its rapid pacing and lack of generic filler. Inspired by Greek tragedies and classic epic fantasy, the tone balances dark themes of war, slavery, and betrayal with witty banter and flawed, relatable protagonists. The magic system is cleanly divided among five peoples: the Holdings (who practice mental and elemental magic), the Rahain (who command shadow and spirit), the Kellach Brigdomin (renowned warriors with affinity for fire), and others who wield distinct regional styles.
Readers should note that while the series contains gritty themes and some strong language, it does not feature explicit sex or graphic nudity. Additionally, because the author is exceptionally prolific, books are grouped into logical, multi-book arcs. For instance, the first four books of the Magelands Epic function as a self-contained story arc, which is often sold together as a box set.