Temple Chronicles Books in Order

How to Read the Temple Chronicles: The Recommended Starting Path

If you are new to the chaotic world of Shayne Silvers' Templeverse, the best and most widely recommended starting point is the first novel in the core series: Obsidian Son. Originally published in 2012, this book introduces readers to Nate Temple, a snarky, billionaire wizard who has a habit of punching angels and stealing Death's horse in St. Louis, Missouri.

While there is a prequel novella titled Fairy Tale (Book 0.5) that chronologically takes place before the events of the first book, fans and critics alike generally advise saving it for later. Starting with Obsidian Son allows you to properly learn the rules of the magic system, get accustomed to Nate's irreverent humor, and experience the world-building as the author originally intended. Reading the prequel too early can spoil some of the mystery surrounding Nate's heritage and the supernatural underground of St. Louis.

The Sprawling Templeverse: Spin-offs and Co-authored Series

As you progress through the Temple Chronicles, you will quickly realize that Nate's adventures do not exist in a vacuum. Shayne Silvers has built a massive, interconnected universe known as the Templeverse. To fully appreciate the overarching narrative, you should be aware of the two major companion series that run alongside the main line:

• Feathers and Fire: This series follows Callie Penrose, a powerful "spell-slinger" working for the Vatican Office. It begins with the novel Unchained and runs parallel to the middle and later volumes of the Temple Chronicles. Callie and Nate cross paths frequently, and their story arcs merge significantly.
• The Phantom Queen Diaries: Co-authored by Shayne Silvers and Cameron O'Connell, this spin-off centers on Quinn MacKenna, a snarky, black-magic arms dealer based in Ireland. It begins with Whiskey Ginger and adds a fae-tinged, gritty dimension to the universe.

Temple Chronicles Publication Order List

For readers who prefer to follow the series in the exact order the books were written and published, here is the complete sequence of the Temple Chronicles books based on official release data. This list includes both the primary novels and the key novellas that bridge the gaps between major story arcs:

1. Obsidian Son (2012): Nate Temple discovers a dark conspiracy linked to his parents' murders, bringing him face-to-face with shape-shifting dragons in St. Louis.
2. Blood Debts (2015): Nate's quest for vengeance pits him against demons, angels, and the high justices of the Wizard Academy.
3. Grimm (2016): Legendary fairytale assassins, the Brothers Grimm, escape their supernatural prison and target Nate's city.
4. Silver Tongue (2016): Nate is drawn into a deadly game of wits with a sinister recruiter, weaving folklore and myth into a high-stakes mystery.
5. Beast Master (2017): Ancient powers arise as Nate struggles to contain monsters and mythological beasts threatening to shatter the Masquerade.
6. Tiny Gods (2017): The stakes escalate to mythological proportions as Nate clashes directly with ancient gods and cosmic threats.
7. Daddy Duty (2017): A fun, action-packed novella (Book 6.5) where Nate and Alucard are stuck babysitting three rebellious, teenage weredragons.
8. Fairy Tale (2017): The prequel novella (Book 0.5) that details a crucial early adventure and provides background context for the fairies and treaties of St. Louis.
9. Wild Side (2017): Nate is forced to navigate the dangerous politics of the Fae courts and deal with the fallout of his growing power.
10. War Hammer (2017): The war between supernatural factions reaches a boiling point, forcing Nate to make uneasy alliances.
11. Nine Souls (2018): Nate must protect his friends and his city from a devastating soul-stealing threat.
12. Horseman (2018): The legends of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse come to life, and Nate must find a way to stop the end of the world.
13. Beerlympian (2018): A lighthearted novella (Book 5.5) focusing on Gunnar’s bachelor party, featuring supernatural drinking games and chaotic magic.
14. Legend (2018): Nate is pushed to his absolute limits as his actions turn him into a figure of mythological proportions.
15. Knightmare (2019): The dark forces of the universe gather, forcing Nate to confront his deepest fears and his own monstrous potential.
16. Ascension (2019): A turning point in the series where the power structures of the Templeverse are permanently reshaped.
17. Carnage (2020): Nate deals with the immediate, bloody consequences of his ascension and the war that follows.
18. Savage (2021): The conflict expands, bringing in allies and enemies from all corners of the supernatural world.
19. Dark Horse (2022): Nate Temple must embrace his status as an underdog while fighting against cosmic gods and ancient entities.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order Caveats

While sticking strictly to the Temple Chronicles list above is a viable way to read the series, many dedicated fans recommend a combined chronological reading order that weaves the books of all three series together. Because characters from Feathers and Fire and The Phantom Queen Diaries cross over into Nate's stories, reading the series separately can occasionally cause confusion. For example, characters might refer to battles or relationships that occurred in another book series that you haven't read yet.

For the ultimate, spoiler-free experience, readers often consult community-generated "megalists" that interleave Callie Penrose's and Quinn MacKenna's books with Nate Temple's adventures. If you decide to read the series in a combined order, you will start with Obsidian Son, read up to Tiny Gods (Book 6), and then pause the main series to read the first two books of Feathers and Fire (Unchained and Rage) before diving into Wild Side (Book 7).

What to Know Before You Start

Before you begin your journey through the Templeverse, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• The Tone: The series features a strong dose of snarky, foul-mouthed humor, gritty action, and a rebellious protagonist. If you enjoy Jim Butcher's Dresden Files or Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, you will feel right at home.
• The Evolution: Early books in the series (particularly Obsidian Son) have been described by readers as having a slightly unpolished, high-adrenaline "frat-boy" vibe. However, Shayne Silvers' writing style and character development mature significantly as the series progresses, adding emotional depth and complex plotting.
• The Setting: St. Louis serves as a vibrant backdrop for the magic. Real-world landmarks are frequently integrated into the supernatural battles, making the setting feel alive and grounded.