The Recommended Reading Order for WarMage Redux
To fully experience Raven Alby's progression from a fresh graduate to a legendary battle-hardened mage, you should read the WarMage Redux series in its exact publication order. Because the narrative is highly serialized, jumping ahead will spoil major plot points, character deaths, and shifts in kingdom alliances. The series consists of eight novels released in rapid succession between 2021 and 2022.
- The Return of Raven (2021) – Raven graduates from Fowler Academy and officially joins Lomberdoon's defense forces, only to face a mysterious and deadly plague targeting the realm's dragons.
- Dragons Rising (2021) – As the dragon plague worsens, Raven and Leander uncover signs of a coordinated foreign invasion threatening to exploit their weakened defenses.
- Scale and Fire (2021) – Diplomatic tensions rise as Raven is sent on a high-stakes peace mission to the distant kingdom of Malenspire, while dealing with the fallout of a prince's tragic death.
- Red Raven (2021) – Raven's magical abilities are put to the ultimate test when ancient threats resurface, forcing her to push her bond with Leander to new limits.
- Above the Storm (2022) – Tasked with leading her specialized STAR force, Raven travels to a remote island to quell an impending civil war and secure vital magical secrets.
- Wing and Fury (2022) – Lomberdoon faces relentless attacks, requiring Raven to coordinate defense strategies across multiple fronts while seeking a cure for the ongoing draconic affliction.
- Against The Dark (2022) – The shadow forces behind the realm's instability step into the light, leading to direct confrontations that threaten the future of all magic.
- The Crimson Assault (2022) – The explosive finale of the Redux series, where Raven, Leander, and the defenders of Lomberdoon make their final stand to restore peace to their homeland.
The Essential Prequel: WarMage: The Never Ending War
While you can start directly with The Return of Raven, you will miss crucial context regarding Raven's origin, the history of Lomberdoon, and how she met her fiery dragon companion, Leander. To get the complete story, readers are highly encouraged to start with the original eight-book series, WarMage: The Never Ending War. This prequel saga details her challenging training years at Fowler Academy, her struggle to master her raw power, and the legacy of her mother. The reading order for the prequel series is:
- WarMage: Unexpected
- WarMage: Unrestrained
- WarMage: Uncontrolled
- WarMage: Undeniable
- WarMage: Unleashed
- WarMage: Unrelenting
- WarMage: Night Riders
- WarMage: Dragon Rider
How WarMage Fits Into the Oriceran Universe
WarMage and WarMage Redux are part of the vast Oriceran Universe, a shared fantasy setting created by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle under LMBPN Publishing. In this universe, magic has returned to Earth and its parallel realms, resulting in a world where tech and spellcasting coexist, and flora and fauna mutate in bizarre, unpredictable ways (including giant rodents and sea monsters). While other Oriceran series like the Leira Chronicles or the Academy of Necessary Magic run parallel to Raven's story, you do not need to read them to enjoy the WarMage saga. However, if you want a complete universe experience, beginning with the short prequel story Quest for Magic is highly recommended by fans.
What to Know Before You Start
The WarMage Redux books are fast-paced, action-driven, and full of snarky dialogue, reflecting the signature style of authors Martha Carr and Michael Anderle. The core of the series is the heartwarming and humorous partnership between Raven and Leander. Expect a blend of young adult coming-of-age themes, political intrigue, military fantasy, and a highly creative magic system. The books are relatively short and designed to be read quickly, making them perfect for binge-reading. Keep in mind that these books are best read in order, as each novel directly builds on the cliffhangers and political shifts of the previous installment.