Muirwood Books in Order

How to Read the Muirwood Series

Step into the enchanting world of Muirwood, where a unique magic system called the Medium guides the destiny of orphans, knights, and kings. Written by bestselling author Jeff Wheeler, this sprawling epic fantasy universe is divided into three primary trilogies, supplemented by companion novellas and crossover links to his other fantasy worlds. To get the most out of the story's rich lore and character development, readers should follow the series in its publication order, which aligns with how the author intended the mysteries of the Medium to unfold.

Here is the recommended reading path to experience the Muirwood saga:

1. Legends of Muirwood Trilogy: Start here to learn the core rules of the world alongside the protagonist, Lia.
2. Covenant of Muirwood Trilogy: Set years later, this subseries expands the magic, political borders, and consequences of the original trilogy.
3. Dawning of Muirwood Trilogy: This trilogy explores the ancient history and deeper origins of the world's magical forces.

The Legends of Muirwood (The Foundation)

The journey begins with the original trilogy, which establishes the Abbey of Muirwood and introduces the concept of the Medium—a spiritual and magical force that flows through all living things. The story follows Lia, a kitchen servant at Muirwood Abbey, who discovers she has a rare connection to the Medium. Across these books, Lia progresses from an outcast orphan to a powerful figure fighting to save her kingdom.

• The Wretched of Muirwood (2011): Lia is a kitchen slave at Muirwood Abbey who gets caught up in a political conflict after rescuing a wounded squire named Colvin.
• The Blight of Muirwood (2011): A deadly plague begins sweeping the land, testing Lia's skills and her resolve as the Abbey's newly appointed hunter.
• The Scourge of Muirwood (2011): The epic conclusion where Lia must embrace her true destiny to defeat a powerful enemy threatening the fabric of their world.
• In the Twilight Kingdom (2023): A companion novella set within the Legends of Muirwood timeline that offers additional depth to the universe.

The Covenant of Muirwood (The Expansion)

The Covenant of Muirwood trilogy is set generations after the events of the original trilogy. It introduces a new protagonist, Maia, a banished princess who must navigate a world where women are forbidden from using magic. This series expands the lore, introducing new nations and deeper conflicts surrounding the ancient covenants of the land.

• The Lost Abbey (2016): A prequel novella focusing on Maia's banishment and her quest to find a hidden abbey. While it takes place chronologically first in this subseries, most readers prefer reading it after the main trilogy to avoid spoilers.
• The Banished of Muirwood (2015): Maia is sent to a remote abbey to protect her kingdom, secretly using her forbidden magical medallion.
• The Ciphers of Muirwood (2015): The stakes escalate as Maia uncovers dark secrets about the magic of the land and her own lineage.
• The Void of Muirwood (2015): The climax of the Covenant trilogy, resolving the threats to the kingdoms and the fate of the covenants.

The Dawning of Muirwood (The Prequels)

The Dawning of Muirwood trilogy serves as a prequel series set long before the events of the Legends of Muirwood. It explores the ancient history of the land, the rise of the Druids, and how the magical properties of the world were first discovered and structured.

• The Druid (2022): The first book details the origins of the magical order and the initial struggles to control the Medium.
• The Hunted (2022): The narrative continues as the ancient factions clash over ideological and magical differences.
• The Betrayed (2022): The final book in the prequel trilogy that bridges the ancient history with the lore established in the main series.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

While the Dawning of Muirwood takes place chronologically first in the history of the world, starting there is not recommended for newcomers. The prequels assume a familiarity with the world's magic and geography, and the pacing is designed for readers who already understand the concepts introduced in the original Legends of Muirwood. Sticking to the publication order (Legends of Muirwood, followed by Covenant of Muirwood, and ending with Dawning of Muirwood) is the safest and most rewarding path.

Connecting the Broader Jeff Wheeler Universe

One of the most exciting aspects for fans of Jeff Wheeler is that his various fantasy series—including the Kingfountain, Mirrowen, and Muirwood sagas—are subtly interconnected. The author has shared a master reading order for fans who want to catch every Easter egg and cross-universe connection. If you are planning a deep dive into his entire bibliography, Wheeler recommends the following order:

1. Kingfountain Trilogy (Books 1–3)
2. Legends of Muirwood Trilogy
3. Kingfountain Trilogy (Books 4–6)
4. Covenant of Muirwood Trilogy
5. Whispers from Mirrowen Series
6. Dawning of Muirwood Trilogy

What to Know Before You Start

The Muirwood series is highly regarded for its clean language, strong moral themes, and focus on faith and resilience. The Medium behaves similarly to the Force in Star Wars, serving as both a source of power and a moral compass. The books are suitable for young adults and seasoned fantasy readers alike, blending classic medieval aesthetics with deep, character-driven storytelling. While the trilogies are self-contained, they build upon one another, meaning you should not attempt to read the Covenant or Dawning books without first finishing the Legends of Muirwood.