Obsidian Books in Order

Where to Begin: The Recommended Reading Path

For the best experience traversing the magical lands of the Obsidian Universe, readers are strongly advised to follow the publication order. Although the authors later wrote a prequel series (The Dragon Prophecy) set thousands of years in the past, starting there is not recommended for first-time readers.

Diving into the series with the original publication sequence starting with The Outstretched Shadow is ideal because it establishes the foundational rules of the magic systems, introduces the core mythology of the Endarkened, and eases you into the intricate geography of the world. Beginning with the prequels can spoil key revelations, and the narrative assumes you are already familiar with the magical lore and factions introduced in the first trilogy.

The Obsidian Universe Books in Publication Order

The saga is neatly structured as three interconnected trilogies. The complete list of novels in their original release order is as follows:

The Obsidian Mountain Trilogy (2003–2006)

This is where the adventure begins, introducing readers to the young mage Kellen Tavadon as he is exiled from the city of Armethalieh and discovers the wonders of Wild Magic alongside his snarky unicorn companion, Shalkan.

• The Outstretched Shadow (2003) – Named a VOYA Best Science Fiction and Fantasy novel, this book follows Kellen's banishment and his introduction to the Elves and Wild Magic.
• To Light a Candle (2004) – Kellen transitions into a Knight-Mage as the threat of the demonic Endarkened begins to loom over the lands.
• When Darkness Falls (2006) – The epic, action-packed conclusion of the first trilogy, detailing the grand war against the forces of darkness.
• Note: An omnibus edition containing all three novels was published in 2014 under the title "The Obsidian Mountain Trilogy".

The Enduring Flame Trilogy (2007–2009)

Set one thousand years after the events of the Obsidian Mountain Trilogy, this sequel series follows a new generation of mages, including Tiercel, a young man who must learn to wield the long-dormant High Magic to stop a resurging threat.

• The Phoenix Unchained (2007) – Introduce readers to Tiercel and Harlow, two young men whose lives are turned upside down by the stirring of ancient magic.
• The Phoenix Endangered (2008) – The struggle intensifies as the dark forces begin to manipulate alliances and threaten the peaceful regions.
• The Phoenix Transformed (2009) – A dramatic finale that resolves the resurgence of magic and cements the legacy of the new mages.
• Note: An omnibus edition containing these three books was also released in 2014 as "The Enduring Flame Trilogy".

The Dragon Prophecy Trilogy (2012–2025)

This prequel trilogy takes readers thousands of years into the past, detailing the origins of the first War of the Endarkened and the alliances formed by the Elves, dragons, and other mythical creatures.

• Crown of Vengeance (2012) – Follows Vieliessar Farcarinon from her beginnings as an orphan to her rise as a prophesied savior of the Elven race.
• Blade of Empire (2017) – Chronicles the growing conflict and the uneasy alliance between Vieliessar and the Elvish general Runacarendalur.
• Deliverance of Dragons (2025) – The long-awaited conclusion that wraps up the epic prequel saga, detailing the final confrontation of the first War of the Endarkened.

Chronological Reading Order: The Timeline View

If you are planning a re-read or prefer to follow the historical timeline of the world from the very beginning, you can read the books chronologically. Keep in mind that the prequel trilogy wraps up with a release in mid-2025, making the entire nine-book saga fully complete.

1. Crown of Vengeance (Prequel - Dragon Prophecy Book 1)
2. Blade of Empire (Prequel - Dragon Prophecy Book 2)
3. Deliverance of Dragons (Prequel - Dragon Prophecy Book 3)
4. The Outstretched Shadow (Obsidian Mountain Book 1)
5. To Light a Candle (Obsidian Mountain Book 2)
6. When Darkness Falls (Obsidian Mountain Book 3)
7. The Phoenix Unchained (Enduring Flame Book 1)
8. The Phoenix Endangered (Enduring Flame Book 2)
9. The Phoenix Transformed (Enduring Flame Book 3)

What to Know Before You Start: The Magic and Collaboration

One of the most defining characteristics of the Obsidian Universe is its dual magic system. High Magic is rigid, mathematical, and requires intense academic study, whereas Wild Magic is intuitive, deeply connected to nature, and demands a personal cost or sacrifice from the caster. This dichotomy mirrors the philosophical themes of power and responsibility throughout Kellen's and Tiercel's journeys.

The series is also a showcase of seamless collaboration. Mercedes Lackey, renowned for her massive Valdemar universe, brings her signature emotional depth, character relationships, and fast-paced adventure writing. James Mallory, a classical scholar, anchors the world-building with historical weight, philosophical gravity, and structured, rule-bound systems. Together, they crafted a fantasy setting that feels both epic in scale and intimate in character development.

Spin-Offs, Side Stories, and Continuity

Unlike many other fantasy series of this scale—including Mercedes Lackey's own Valdemar saga—the Obsidian Universe features no spin-off short stories, novellas, or multi-author anthologies. The entire story is self-contained within the nine core novels listed above. Readers do not need to hunt down rare anthologies or magazine publications to get the full story. Do not confuse generic high-fantasy anthologies edited by Mercedes Lackey with this specific collaborative universe.