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New World (Griff Hosker) Books in Order

7 Books
2018 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

Griff Hosker's New World series is a linear historical fiction saga that is best read in publication order. Because the narrative spans decades—following the characters from their initial flight from Norway to their settlement in North America and their eventual migration south—reading the books out of order will result in major spoilers regarding character deaths, alliances, and the growth of the clan.

Below is the complete chronological and publication reading path, including the critical crossover novel that connects the series to Hosker's other Norse sagas:

  1. Blood on the Blade (2018) – The journey begins in Orkneyjar as Erik and his family flee the tyranny of the Norwegian King.
  2. Across the Seas (2019) – Fleeing Iceland, Erik and a brave band of Norse explorers sail west into uncharted waters.
  3. The Savage Wilderness (2019) – The settlers establish a foothold in Newfoundland and Maine, facing harsh elements and their first encounters with the indigenous Skraelings.
  4. The Bear and the Wolf (2020) – Erik and Laughing Deer attempt to build a life together in the Maine wilderness amidst escalating tribal conflicts.
  5. The Vengeance Trail (2020) – A crucial crossover novel where Fótr of the Fox Clan returns from the New World to Norway to help Sámr Ship Killer rescue his family.
  6. Erik the Navigator (2021) – Erik leads his surviving clan members south to the warmer lands of the Powhatan tribe.
  7. Erik's Clan (2022) – The Norse settlers navigate shifting tribal alliances and defend their territory along the Patawomke River.
  8. The Last Viking (2023) – The final chapter in the saga, where an aging Erik fights to secure the future of his descendants before they fade into the folklore of the continent.

The Crossover Connection: Dragonheart & New World

One of the most common points of confusion for readers is the placement of The Vengeance Trail. While it is technically marketed as the final book of the Dragonheart series (which follows Jarl Dragonheart in 9th-century Britain), the author's official website places it as Book 5 of the New World series.

The novel acts as a bridge between the two sagas. In it, Fótr (from the Fox Clan in New World) returns across the Atlantic to assist Sámr Ship Killer (from Dragonheart) on a high-stakes rescue mission in Norway. For the most complete narrative experience, readers should read the first four books of New World, pause to read The Vengeance Trail, and then resume with Erik the Navigator.

What to Know Before You Start

Griff Hosker's series is set between 890 and 950 AD. The saga blends archaeological theories regarding Norse settlements in North America with fast-paced historical adventure. Hosker portrays the interactions between the Viking explorers and the indigenous populations (whom the Norse call Skraelings) with a focus on survival, trade, and cultural conflict.

Unlike academic historical texts, Hosker writes with a focus on action, maritime navigation, and community resilience. The books are relatively short and fast-paced, making them an accessible entry point for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Giles Kristian.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading the New World series?

You should start with the first book, Blood on the Blade. The series follows a continuous linear narrative, so starting from the beginning is essential to understand the journey of Erik and the Clan of the Fox.

QHow does the Dragonheart series connect to the New World series?

The connection happens in the crossover novel, The Vengeance Trail. Fótr from the New World series returns from North America to help Sámr Ship Killer from the Dragonheart series on a rescue mission.

QAre the New World books standalone reads?

No, they are not standalone. The books form a continuous saga where characters age, clans migrate, and relationships develop over decades.

QWho is the main protagonist of the series?

The main protagonist is Erik the Navigator. He leads the Clan of the Fox across the Atlantic and guides them through the challenges of settling in North America.

QWhat is the historical setting of the New World series?

The series is set between 890 and 950 AD, starting in the Norse settlements of Orkneyjar and Iceland, before moving to North America (Newfoundland, Maine, and the Shenandoah region).

QHow many books are in the New World series?

There are eight books in total when including the crossover novel, The Vengeance Trail, which is considered Book 5 of the series on the author's official website.