The Recommended Reading Order for Summoner
The best way to read the Summoner series by Eric Vall is in strict numerical (publication) order. The series follows a single continuous story arc centered on the main character, Gryff, as he grows from a magic-less orphan into a powerful academy summoner who must face world-ending demonic threats. Skipping books or reading them out of order will leave you confused by the progression of Gryff's abilities, his expanding circle of allies, and the escalating stakes of the plot.
- Summoner 1 (2018)
- Summoner 2 (2018)
- Summoner 3 (2019)
- Summoner 4 (2019)
- Summoner 5 (2019)
- Summoner 6 (2019)
- Summoner 7 (2019)
- Summoner 8 (2019)
- Summoner 9 (2019)
- Summoner 10 (2019)
- Summoner 11 (2019)
- Summoner 12 (2020)
- Summoner 13 (2020)
- Summoner 14 (2020)
- Summoner 15 (2020)
- Summoner 16 (2020)
- Summoner 17 (2020)
- Summoner 18 (2020)
- Summoner 19 (2020)
- Summoner 20 (2021)
- Summoner 21 (2021)
- Summoner 22 (2021)
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive in, there are a few important details to keep in mind about the series and the author:
- Two Different "Summoner" Series: Make sure you do not confuse Eric Vall's series with the popular Young Adult fantasy trilogy Summoner (consisting of The Novice, The Inquisition, and The Battlemage) written by Taran Matharu. They are entirely separate universes with different magic rules, target demographics, and story tones.
- Harem-Lit and Progression Fantasy: Eric Vall is a prominent author in the harem-lit and gamelit/progression fantasy genres. The series features explicit romantic relationships, polyamorous dynamics, and a strong emphasis on the protagonist growing steadily more powerful. If you enjoy quick-paced pulp adventure, magical academy politics, and spicy fantasy romance, this series is right up your alley.
- Audiobook Adaptations: The series has highly rated audiobook versions narrated by popular voice actors in the genre, which many fans recommend as an immersive way to experience Gryff's journey.
The Core Storyline and Magic System
The story begins when Gryff, a low-status orphan in a society where summoners are relegated to basic labor, unexpectedly defends his village from a rogue monster by summoning a powerful creature of his own. This feat earns him a spot at the prestigious Varle Academy, where he must navigate class prejudice, competitive magical duels, and assassination plots from noble mages.
The magic system revolves around summoning runes and capturing monsters, requiring tactical choices and creative combinations during combat. As the series progresses, the scope expands beyond school rivalries to encompass portal travel, exploring the dangerous Shadowscape, uncovering the ancient history of humanity and demons, and ultimately engaging in cosmic conflicts to save the realm.