How to Read the Summoner Series
Taran Matharu’s Summoner series is a young adult fantasy saga that combines the academic magic of Harry Potter, the multi-species political conflicts of Lord of the Rings, and the companion-collecting excitement of Pokémon. The story takes place in the Hominum Empire, where summoners pull powerful demons from the Ether to battle the Orc threat.
Because the series contains a main trilogy, a full-length prequel novel, a companion guide, and multiple short stories, first-time readers often wonder where they should begin. Below are the two recommended pathways to explore the Hominum Empire.
1. The Recommended Order (Publication Order)
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the order in which the books were published. Starting with the main trilogy preserves the mystery of the magic system and the world-building as the author originally intended. The prequels are best enjoyed as retroactive context rather than introductions.
- The Novice (Book 1) – Published May 2015
- A Fine Welcome: Othello's Journey (Short Story) – Published 2016 (Optional, read after Book 1)
- The Inquisition (Book 2) – Published May 2016
- The Battlemage (Book 3) – Published May 2017
- The Outcast (Prequel Novel) – Published May 2018
- The Summoner's Handbook (Companion Guide) – Published 2018
2. The Chronological Order
If you prefer to follow the historical timeline of the world from the earliest events to the latest, you can read the prequel works first. However, note that the prequel novel The Outcast assumes a level of familiarity with the magic system that is more gently introduced in The Novice.
- The Outcast (Prequel Novel) – Set during the early life of Arcturus, long before Fletcher's journey.
- A Fine Welcome: Othello's Journey (Short Story) – Follows Othello's difficult journey to the Academy before the events of the first book.
- The Novice (Book 1)
- The Inquisition (Book 2)
- The Battlemage (Book 3)
- The Summoner's Handbook (Companion Guide)
Detailed Book Breakdown
The Novice (2015)
This is where the story begins for readers. We follow Fletcher, an orphaned blacksmith's apprentice in a small village. When Fletcher unexpectedly discovers he can summon demons—a magical ability normally restricted to the wealthy nobility—he is forced to flee his home. He ends up at the Vocans Military Academy, where commoners and nobles alike train to become battlemages in the Empire's war against the Orcs. Alongside his rare salamander demon, Ignatius, Fletcher must navigate intense academic rivalry and deep-seated political prejudice.
The Inquisition (2016)
Taking place a year after the dramatic conclusion of the first book, Fletcher faces trial for crimes he did not commit. Once resolved, he and his classmates are sent on a dangerous mission deep into Orc territory to disrupt a devastating magical conspiracy. The stakes are raised as we explore the broader Hominum Empire and the dark secrets behind the war.
The Battlemage (2017)
The epic conclusion to the main trilogy. Fletcher and his allies are trapped in the Ether—the dangerous alien dimension where demons originate. They must find a way back to Hominum to stop the Orc army and their treacherous allies from destroying the Empire once and for all. This book resolves the major political conflicts and wraps up Fletcher's personal character arc.
The Outcast (2018)
A full-length prequel novel that focuses on Arcturus, Fletcher's mentor from the main trilogy. Set years earlier, it shows Arcturus as a poor stableboy who accidentally summons a Canid demon named Sacharissa. As the first commoner summoner in Hominum's history, Arcturus's arrival at Vocans Military Academy sparks political turmoil, class warfare, and sets the stage for the reforms and tensions seen in the main trilogy.
The Companion Works and Side Stories
Summoner: Origins vs. The Outcast
First-time readers are often confused by the listing of Summoner: Origins (2015). Originally released as a free promotional eBook novella to drum up interest for the first novel, Origins introduced Arcturus and his Canid demon. When Taran Matharu decided to write a full-length prequel, he expanded this novella into the complete novel The Outcast. Because The Outcast fully incorporates the events of Origins and finishes the narrative, you do not need to read Origins if you plan to read The Outcast.
A Fine Welcome: Othello's Journey (2016)
This is a short electronic story focusing on Othello, the dwarf classmate of Fletcher. It details his trek from the Dwarven Quarter to Vocans Academy, highlighting the cultural prejudice dwarves face in Hominum and adding depth to his character motivations in The Novice.
The Summoner's Handbook (2018)
This hardcover companion is an immersive artifact from the universe. It contains the journal of James Baker (the historic summoner whose diary Fletcher found), a complete illustrated guide to all known demon classes (including their stats, levels, and abilities), and rules on spellcrafting. It is best read after completing the main trilogy to avoid mild lore spoilers.
What to Know Before You Start
The magic system in the Hominum Empire relies on summoning scrolls, mana levels, and demon taxonomy. Every summoner is paired with a demon companion, and the strength of their bond dictates their efficacy in battle. The books tackle complex societal themes, particularly classism and racial prejudice among the humans, elves, dwarves, and orcs of the world. Understanding these dynamics adds a layer of depth to what is otherwise a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy adventure.