The Recommended Reading Order for Shards of Excalibur
The Shards of Excalibur series by Canadian author Edward Willett is a linear, serialized story. Because each book directly continues the overarching quest of the main characters, readers should follow the series in its publication order. Fortunately, the chronological order matches the publication order exactly, meaning there are no confusing timeline jumps or spin-off prequels to worry about.
Here is the recommended reading path for the series:
- Song of the Sword (2010 / Re-released 2014)
- Twist of the Blade (2014)
- Lake in the Clouds (2015)
- Cave Beneath the Sea (2015)
- Door into Faerie (2016)
A Closer Look at the Books
1. Song of the Sword
The story begins in Regina, Saskatchewan, introducing us to Ariane Forsythe, an ordinary teenager who has spent her life moving between foster homes. Her life changes forever when she discovers she is the heir to the power of the Lady of the Lake, inheriting magical control over water. Alongside Wally Knight, a nerdy student with his own unexpected Arthurian legacy, Ariane must embark on a global quest to find the five scattered shards of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur. Standing in their way is Rex Major, a charismatic, wealthy computer mogul who is actually Merlin in disguise, intent on claiming the sword to rule both the mortal world and the magical realm of Faerie.
2. Twist of the Blade
In the second installment, Ariane and Wally's search leads them to France, where a shard is hidden at the famous island monastery of Mont Saint-Michel. As Ariane struggles to master her growing water powers, the partnership between her and Wally is tested by secrets and the constant threat of Rex Major's agents. This volume raises the stakes, showing that the quest is far more dangerous than either teen originally anticipated.
3. Lake in the Clouds
The journey goes global as Ariane and Wally travel to New Zealand to locate the third shard. Here, the landscape brings new elemental challenges, and the characters face deep emotional betrayals. Family secrets come to the forefront, challenging Ariane's resolve and making her question who she can truly trust in her battle against Rex Major's corporate empire.
4. Cave Beneath the Sea
Ariane and Wally head to the warm waters of the Caribbean for the fourth shard, which is hidden deep in an underwater cave system. While dealing with dangerous currents and Rex Major's high-tech pursuit, Ariane also seeks answers regarding her long-missing mother. The quest becomes deeply personal, forcing Ariane to make a choice that could alter the fate of both Earth and Faerie.
5. Door into Faerie
The epic conclusion brings the series full circle. With the shards gathered, Ariane and Wally must prevent Rex Major from assembling the sword and opening a portal that would allow magical forces to overwhelm the mortal world. The final battle takes place on the boundary between realms, testing the characters' limits, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
The Publishing Journey of Shards of Excalibur
The path to keeping this series in print is nearly as adventurous as the story itself. The first novel, Song of the Sword, was originally published in 2010 by Lobster Press. However, the publisher went out of business shortly afterward, leaving the series orphaned. Edward Willett eventually recovered the rights and partnered with Regina-based literary publisher Coteau Books, which re-released the first book in 2014 alongside the rest of the series through 2016. In another twist of fate, Coteau Books declared bankruptcy in 2020. Once again, the rights reverted to Willett, who subsequently published new ebook and print-on-demand editions under his own imprint, Shadowpaw Press. Today, the entire series remains fully accessible, including a complete five-book omnibus ebook and a full audiobook series narrated by Elizabeth Klett.
What to Know Before You Start
While many Arthurian retellings focus on Camelot or medieval England, Shards of Excalibur is firmly rooted in modern settings, particularly Western Canada. The contrast between Regina's Wascana Lake and ancient magic is a hallmark of the series' charm. Rex Major's depiction as a high-tech CEO updating Merlin's wizardry into corporate influence provides a clever commentary on modern power structures. The books are designed for young adults but offer enough depth, fast-paced action, and mythological lore to satisfy older fantasy fans as well.