Books On Board

Sage Books in Order

  • 15 Books
  • 2014 – 2023 Published

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Reading order
1 of 1 reading orders shown

Where to Start with the Sage Saga

If you are planning to embark on the Sage Saga, the best starting point is unquestionably the original novel, The Last of the Sages. Published in 2014, this book introduces readers to the desolate kingdom of Allay, the grueling Sentinel Academy, and James Alters—a reluctant, lazy dreamer who is forced by his father into a world of supernatural warrior training. Starting here establishes the core mechanics of Sage power, the geography of Allay, and the emotional foundation of the series.

While Julius St. Clair has written spin-offs and companion novellas, they rely heavily on the context built in the primary trilogy. Trying to start with the later character arcs or prequels will leave you confused about the stakes and the lore of the Sentinel Academy.

Recommended Reading Order: Story Timeline vs. Numbered List

For the most satisfying reading experience, we highly recommend reading the Sage Saga in its Chronological Story Order. Because Julius St. Clair published some companion stories and novellas out of order, the strict publication timeline can feel a bit disjointed. Specifically, the novellas The Sage Academy and The Ancestors of the Sages function as mid-point expansions that are best read right after the books they expand upon.

Option 1: The Chronological Story Order (Recommended)

This order integrates the novellas where they fit naturally within the timeline of James Alters and the kingdom's history:

  1. The Last of the Sages (2014) – Book 1. The journey begins as James is forced into Sentinel Academy.
  2. The Sage Academy (2016) – Novella (Book 1.5). Focuses on James's ongoing training and personal growth at the academy while Catherine is away on royal duties.
  3. The Dark Kingdom (2014) – Book 2. Princess Catherine and her Sages hunt for legendary stones to save Allay.
  4. Hail to the Queen (2014) – Book 3. The conclusion of the original trilogy, focusing on James's maturation into a selfless hero.
  5. Of Heroes and Villains (2015) – Book 4. Introduces Bastion, a young Sage struggling with a dark inner power.
  6. The Legendary Warrior (2016) – Book 5. Bastion finds himself caught in a web of deception and power struggles.
  7. The End of the Fantasy (2016) – Book 6. The onset of the devastating Yama invasion.
  8. Rise of the Sages (2016) – Book 7. The defense of Allay intensifies as ancient secrets are revealed.
  9. Ancient Knights (2016) – Book 8. A deeper dive into the historical protectors of Allay.
  10. The Last War (2016) – Book 9. A massive war erupts between the lands of Paragon, Terra, and Cimmerian.
  11. The End of an Era (2016) – Book 10. The aftermath of the war and the rise of a ruthless new tyrant.
  12. Hail to the King (2016) – Book 11. Shifting powers determine the survival of the kingdom.
  13. The Ancestors of the Sages (2018) – Novella (Book 11.5). Elder Alanna investigates a vanishing castle, bridging the gap to the final books.
  14. The King's Apprentice (2021) – Book 12. A tyrant king selects an apprentice with a secret, dangerous agenda.
  15. Legend of the Sages (2025) – Book 13. The epic conclusion to the entire saga, dealing with the Echelon and the fate of James Alters.

Option 2: The Official Database / Publication Sequence

If you prefer to follow the books in the order they are numbered in standard catalog databases (which lists the novellas later in the sequence based on secondary release waves), use this list:

  1. The Last of the Sages (2014)
  2. The Dark Kingdom (2014)
  3. Hail to the Queen (2014)
  4. Of Heroes and Villains (2015)
  5. The Sage Academy (2016)
  6. The Legendary Warrior (2016)
  7. The End of the Fantasy (2016)
  8. Rise of the Sages (2016)
  9. Ancient Knights (2016)
  10. The Last War (2016)
  11. The End of an Era (2016)
  12. Hail to the King (2016)
  13. The Ancestors of the Sages (2018)
  14. The King's Apprentice (2021)
  15. The Legend of the Sages (2025)

Breaking Down the Story Arcs

The Original James Alters Trilogy (Books 1-3)

The series starts as a character study of a reluctant hero. James begins as an unmotivated slacker, but his training at the Sentinel Academy forces him to adapt. Alongside Princess Catherine, James uncovers the true responsibilities of possessing godlike supernatural powers. This arc is the most self-contained and serves as a complete story for readers who only want a short trilogy.

The Bastion & Yama Invasion Arc (Books 4-8)

With the kingdom united, the perspective shifts. A young Sage named Bastion becomes the focal point. He is gifted with an incredible but highly destructive power that threatens to consume him. During his struggles, the deadly Yama invasion begins, forcing alliances between old enemies and expanding the physical boundaries of Julius St. Clair's world.

The World War Arc (Books 9-11)

The conflict scales up to a continental level. The nations of Paragon, Terra, and Cimmerian clash in a massive conflict that changes the face of the world forever. As the old order of Sages and Solons breaks down, a new tyrant seizes control of the remnants of the kingdoms, setting the stage for the final books.

The Next Generation & Finale (Books 12-13 / Novella 11.5)

The final phase of the saga introduces a new apprentice who works under the tyrant king while secretly plotting his downfall. Alongside the struggles of Queen Emma, the threat of the Echelon looms, culminating in a final battle where the legendary legacy of James Alters and the ancient Sages is decided once and for all.

What to Know Before You Start

Julius St. Clair's writing style is heavily influenced by shonen manga and anime (particularly titles like Naruto). You can expect fast-paced combat, distinct power systems, and characters who shout their resolve in the heat of battle. The emotional stakes are raw, reflecting the author's own personal struggles during his college writing years. While some readers note that the world-building is relatively sparse in early books and minor grammatical errors slip through, the sheer momentum of the plot and the endearing nature of the characters make it a highly readable, page-turning epic.

Frequently Asked

Do I need to read the novellas to understand the main story?

While you can follow the main plot without them, reading The Sage Academy (Book 1.5) and The Ancestors of the Sages (Book 11.5) adds crucial context to James's training and the origins of the Sage powers.

Is the Sage Saga completed?

Yes, the saga officially concludes with the release of the final novel, Legend of the Sages, which ties up the remaining loose ends regarding the tyrant's rule and the destiny of James Alters.

Can the books be read as standalones?

No. The series features a highly continuous story. You should start with The Last of the Sages and read them sequentially to avoid major spoilers and confusion.

What is the age rating for the Sage Saga?

The series is targeted at Young Adult (YA) and crossover epic fantasy readers, featuring themes of sacrifice, growth, and war, with anime-inspired action sequences.

Who is the main protagonist of the Sage Saga?

The main protagonist is James Alters, though later arcs shift the spotlight to characters like Bastion, Elder Alanna, and the tyrant's apprentice, Milo.