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series Reading Order

Plantagenet Books in Order

5 Books
1994 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the publication order of the core Plantagenet series. Sharon Kay Penman designed these books to flow chronologically, beginning with the civil war that preceded Henry II's reign and ending with the dramatic events surrounding Richard the Lionheart. Here is the recommended path for the core novels:

  1. When Christ and His Saints Slept (1994)
  2. Time and Chance (2002)
  3. Devil’s Brood (2008)
  4. Lionheart (2011)
  5. A King’s Ransom (2014)

The Expanded Chronological Order (Including Companions)

If you want to experience the full scope of Penman's medieval world, you should integrate her standalone companion novel, The Land Beyond the Sea (2020). Although published later, its events occur in the Kingdom of Jerusalem just before the Third Crusade, bridging the narrative gap between Devil's Brood and Lionheart. Reading it chronologically offers vital context for Richard the Lionheart's crusading ventures. The expanded chronological order is:

  1. When Christ and His Saints Slept (1994) — Covers the Anarchy (the civil war between Stephen and Maude) and the rise of Henry II.
  2. Time and Chance (2002) — Focuses on Henry II's early reign, his relationship with Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his fatal conflict with Thomas Becket.
  3. Devil’s Brood (2008) — Chronicles the rebellion of Henry II's sons against his rule.
  4. The Land Beyond the Sea (2020) — Set in the Holy Land under Baldwin IV (the Leper King), setting the stage for the Crusades.
  5. Lionheart (2011) — Follows Richard I on the Third Crusade.
  6. A King’s Ransom (2014) — Documents Richard's captivity in Germany and his return to defend his lands.

Connected Series: Welsh Princes and Justin de Quincy

Penman's historical universe is deeply interconnected. Readers looking to expand their journey can explore two related series that flesh out this era:

The Welsh Princes Trilogy

This trilogy depicts Wales's struggle for independence and is the chronological successor to the Plantagenet series, covering the 13th century. It features descendants of characters from the core series, notably King John (Henry II's son) and his daughter Joan, who marries Llywelyn the Great. Reading the Plantagenet books first provides crucial context for the family dynamics in Wales.

  • Here Be Dragons (1985)
  • Falls the Shadow (1988)
  • The Reckoning (1991)

The Justin de Quincy Mysteries

For a change of pace, this four-book mystery series features a protagonist working as Eleanor of Aquitaine's personal agent. These books are set during the reign of Richard I (the same time period as Lionheart and A King's Ransom) and offer a street-level view of the political schemes of Prince John and the court.

  • The Queen’s Man (1996)
  • Cruel as the Grave (1998)
  • Dragon’s Lair (2003)
  • Prince of Darkness (2005)

What to Know Before You Start

Penman’s novels are renowned for their historical accuracy and deep respect for the source material, drawing from extensive research at actual medieval sites. However, these are massive, dense historical novels. Expect detailed family trees, political treatises, and complex military campaigns alongside the character-driven drama. While the core books are closely linked, they can technically be read as standalones, though you will miss the emotional resonance of the generational conflicts if you skip around.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading the Plantagenet series?

The best starting point is When Christ and His Saints Slept. It establishes the origin of the Plantagenet dynasty and introduces the historical events that shape the rest of the series.

QCan the Plantagenet books be read as standalones?

While each book has a distinct historical focus, they are highly continuous. It is strongly recommended to read them in order to appreciate the development of the characters and the multi-generational family conflicts.

QHow is The Land Beyond the Sea connected to the series?

The Land Beyond the Sea is a companion novel set in Outremer (Jerusalem) just before the Third Crusade. It features shared characters like Balian d'Ibelin and details the political climate Richard the Lionheart enters in Lionheart.

QDo I need to read the Welsh Princes Trilogy to understand the Plantagenet books?

No, they are separate stories. However, reading the Plantagenet series first provides valuable background on King John, who is a pivotal historical figure in the Welsh Princes Trilogy.

QWhat is the connection to the Justin de Quincy mysteries?

The Justin de Quincy series is a mystery spin-off set during the events of the later Plantagenet books. The protagonist serves as Eleanor of Aquitaine's investigator while Richard I is held captive abroad.