Books On Board

Tom Swan & the Head of St. George Books in Order

  • 9 Books
  • 2012 – 2023 Published

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The Recommended Reading Order for Tom Swan

The adventures of Tom Swan follow a strict chronological sequence. Although publication formats (novellas versus compiled volumes) have shifted over the years, the narrative progression remains linear. The safest and most rewarding path is to read the story arcs in chronological order, following Tom's growth from a naive young merchant-scholar into a seasoned spy and agent.

1. Tom Swan and the Head of St. George (First Major Arc)

This is the definitive starting point of the series. Originally published as six individual serialized novellas between 2012 and 2013, they are now widely available as a single compiled novel. It introduces Tom Swan in the 1450s, fleeing England and landing in the middle of the Hundred Years' War. The individual installments should be read in this order:

  • Castillon (2012) – Tom is captured during the final stages of the Hundred Years' War and forced to use his wits to survive.
  • Venice (2012) – Tom enters the service of a cardinal and is thrust into the espionage and political intrigues of the Venetian Republic.
  • Constantinople (2012) – Plunged into the desperate defense and ultimate fall of the legendary city in 1453.
  • Rome (2013) – Tom travels to the papal capital, dealing with relic-hunters and Vatican schemes.
  • Rhodes (2013) – The action shifts to the Aegean outpost of the Knights Hospitaller as they prepare for Ottoman conflict.
  • Chios (2013) – Tom defends the Genoese-controlled island of Chios against a devastating Turkish siege.

2. Tom Swan and the Siege of Belgrade (Second Major Arc)

Published in collected format in 2023, this arc was originally released in seven serialized parts. Set in 1456, it follows Tom to the borders of the Kingdom of Hungary as crusaders and local defenders fight to halt the advance of Mehmed the Conqueror.

3. Tom Swan and the Last Spartans (Third Major Arc)

Published in collected format in 2023 (originally released in five serial parts), this arc follows Tom to Greece, specifically the Despotate of the Morea, around 1460. He must help the remnants of the Byzantine Empire protect their last strongholds against Ottoman domination.

4. Tom Swan and the Keys of Saint Peter (Fourth Major Arc)

Though published as a collected volume in 2021—before the print compilations of the Belgrade and Spartan arcs—narratively and historically, Keys of Saint Peter is the fourth major chapter in Tom's journey, taking place later in the 1460s and 1470s as he is sent on secret missions by the Papacy across Italy and France.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the majority of the series, the publication order matches the chronological order of Tom's life. The only major point of confusion stems from how the books were compiled. Author Christian Cameron originally published the middle arcs (Belgrade and Last Spartans) as digital serials on subscription platforms and his website. Because of this, their physical collected editions did not see print until 2023, whereas The Keys of Saint Peter was published as a complete novel in 2021.

For the best experience, ignore the print release dates of the compiled books and read the series chronologically: start with Head of St. George, continue to Siege of Belgrade, move to The Last Spartans, and finish with The Keys of Saint Peter.

What to Know Before You Start

Christian Cameron is a trained historian, military veteran, and passionate historical reenactor. His deep understanding of medieval arms, armor, and daily life infuses the Tom Swan series with an exceptional level of realism. Unlike many fantasy or historical fiction protagonists who are master swordsmen from day one, Tom is a merchant-scholar by trade. He loves ancient history, Greek pottery, and Roman ruins, and must rely on his clever mind, quick tongue, and spycraft to survive situations where he is physically outmatched.

Because the series was written as serialized fiction, the chapters are fast-paced and episodic, making them highly readable. The overall tone is lighter and more swashbuckling than Cameron's weightier, battle-heavy historical sagas like the Chivalry series or the Long War series, though it still features his trademark gritty detail.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading the Tom Swan series?

You should start with the compiled novel Tom Swan and the Head of St. George, which contains the first six novellas (beginning with Castillon).

Are the Tom Swan books standalone?

No, they are highly serialized. You should read them in chronological order starting with the first arc to understand Tom's character growth, recurring companions, and the overarching political plots.

Why was The Keys of Saint Peter published before the Siege of Belgrade collection?

The Keys of Saint Peter was published as a full novel in 2021, while Siege of Belgrade and The Last Spartans were originally serialized online before getting physical, compiled print releases in 2023.

Is the Tom Swan series related to the Chivalry series?

No, they are set in different eras. The Chivalry series takes place in the 14th century following Sir William Gold, while Tom Swan is set in the mid-to-late 15th century. They do, however, share Christian Cameron's signature historical realism.

Who is the author of the Tom Swan series?

The series is written by Christian Cameron, who also writes fantasy novels under the pen name Miles Cameron.