The Recommended Reading Order for Second Dark Ages
The Second Dark Ages is a fast-paced, four-book urban fantasy and science-fiction series co-authored by Michael Anderle and Ell Leigh Clarke. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where supernatural forces roam a war-torn Earth, the story follows the powerful vampire Archangel Michael as he fights to restore order and keep a promise to his beloved Bethany Anne.
Because the story follows a single continuous quest, you should read the books in order of their publication:
- The Dark Messiah (2016) – Michael wakes up after a nuclear blast and 150 years of rejuvenation to find Earth transformed into a wasteland. Driven by his promise to Bethany Anne, he starts his crusade to clean up the chaos.
- The Darkest Night (2017) – Michael gathers key allies, including the loyal Akio and Yuko, and sets out to hunt down the villainous William, also known as The Duke, across the ruins of Europe.
- Darkest Before the Dawn (2017) – The pursuit of The Duke intensifies, taking Michael and his companions to the far reaches of Japan in a mixture of supernatural action, mystery, and high-octane battles.
- Dawn Arrives (2018) – The final showdown with the forces of darkness. Michael works to secure the remnants of Earth and find a way to build a craft to reach Bethany Anne among the stars.
In 2019, a complete boxed set containing all four novels was released, making it easy for readers to devour the entire storyline in one go.
Where Second Dark Ages Fits in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe
For readers unfamiliar with the name Michael Anderle, the Kurtherian Gambit is a massive independent publishing franchise spanning hundreds of books. Second Dark Ages is a direct spin-off set in this universe during the Age of Earth timeline. Specifically, the events of this series take place approximately 80 to 150 years after the catastrophic "World’s Worst Day Ever" (WWDE).
Chronologically, these books occur while the original series protagonist, Bethany Anne, has departed Earth to fight the Kurtherians in deep space. During her absence, Earth falls back into chaos, prompting Michael to step up and defend the remaining human populations from rogue vampires and Wechselbalg (werewolves).
Should You Read Kurtherian Gambit First?
One of the most common questions readers ask is whether they need to read the main Kurtherian Gambit series before starting the Second Dark Ages. The short answer is: no, but it helps.
Because the Second Dark Ages centers on a self-contained four-book quest, you can jump directly into The Dark Messiah and enjoy the fast-paced battles, telepathy, pyrokinesis, and humor without prior homework. However, to fully appreciate the emotional stakes—especially Michael's deep longing for Bethany Anne and the origin of his powers—it is highly recommended to read at least the first six books of the original Kurtherian Gambit series (beginning with Death Becomes Her) before starting this spin-off.
What to Know Before You Start
Expect a mix of gritty post-apocalyptic settings, advanced technology (like flying cars and advanced AI like Eve), and classic urban fantasy creatures. The series is known for its lighthearted banter, diverse cast (such as Jacqueline the Pricolici), and relentless action. While the books are shorter and move at a breakneck speed, they deliver a satisfying, escapist story arc that perfectly wraps up Michael’s solo adventures on Earth.