Aaron Hodges Books in Order

Where to Start with Aaron Hodges

For readers new to Aaron Hodges' bibliography, the absolute best place to begin is the Sword of Light Trilogy, starting with his debut novel, Stormwielder. This series serves as the foundation for his expansive Three Nations universe and showcases his signature style: fast-paced action, soft magic systems, and deeply flawed heroes striving for redemption. If you prefer science fiction, dystopian themes, or cybernetic action over epic high fantasy, then starting with The Evolution Gene trilogy (the condensed and polished version of his Praegressus Project) is highly recommended.

The Three Nations Universe

The Three Nations is Aaron Hodges' flagship high-fantasy setting. It spans three distinct trilogies set in different eras, plus a prequel companion novel. While retail sites sometimes group all ten books under a single "Three Nations" banner, they are best read as three separate story arcs in chronological order.

The Suggested Reading Path for the Three Nations

To experience the evolution of the world, its magic, and the legacy of its gods, you should read these trilogies in chronological order:

1. The Sword of Light Trilogy (The First Era): This is where it all begins. It follows Eric, a young man cursed with uncontrollable weather magic, and Alastair, his mentor, as they battle demons and faltering gods.
   • Dragon Born (Prequel, 2017) – Although published after the main trilogy, this acts as a prequel. It is best read either first to get immediate historical context, or after the main trilogy to enjoy the lore reveals.
   • Stormwielder (Book 1, 2015/2021)
   • Firestorm (Book 2, 2016/2021)
   • Soul Blade (Book 3, 2016/2021)
2. Legend of the Gods Trilogy (The Second Era): Set roughly a century after the events of the Sword of Light. In this era, the old gods have departed, and the ruling Tsar has outlawed magic, forcing users into hiding or rebellion.
   • Oathbreaker (Book 1, 2018)
   • Shield of Winter (Book 2, 2018)
   • Dawn of War (Book 3, 2018)
3. The Knights of Alana Trilogy (The Third Era): This trilogy continues the timeline, examining the long-term impact of the world's ancient magic and the lingering conflicts of the gods.
   • Daughter of Fate (Book 1, 2019)
   • Queen of Vengeance (Book 2, 2019)
   • Crown of Chaos (Book 3, 2019)

Dystopian Science Fiction: Praegressus Project vs. The Evolution Gene

For fans of sci-fi and dystopian thrillers, Hodges wrote a series about a global plague that mutates humans into monstrous creatures called the "Chead." The remaining human population relies on a cybernetic and genetic enhancement program to survive. Readers should note that there are two versions of this story in Hodges' catalog:

• The Praegressus Project: The original five-book run published in 2017. The books in order are: Rebirth, Renegades, Retaliation, Rebellion, and Retribution.
• The Evolution Gene: A revised, condensed, and polished three-book trilogy published in 2017–2019. It contains The Pursuit of Truth, The Genome Project, and The Way the World Ends.

Reading Advice: Unless you are a completionist who wants to read the original raw draft of the story, you should read The Evolution Gene version. It streamlines the narrative pacing, improves character arcs, and represents the author's preferred version of the story.

Science Fantasy, Progression Fantasy, and Other Worlds

Outside of his main two universes, Hodges has written several standalone series that range from military science-fantasy to portal progression fantasy:

Descendants of the Fall

An epic military science-fantasy hybrid. The narrative follows a world recovering from a historical collapse, only to be threatened by an invading alien-like species called the Tangata. The series features Lukys, a dedicated soldier, and Erika, an archivist uncovering lost magic. Read them in order:

1. Warbringer (2020)
2. Wrath of the Forgotten (2020)
3. Age of Gods (2020)
4. Dreams of Fury (2021)

The Alfurian Chronicles

A science-fantasy trilogy that follows Rydian Holt, a gladiator fighting under the yoke of alien overlords known as the Alfur on the planet Talamh. Rydian's quest shifts from survival to rebellion as he seeks the truth behind the "Light" that powers their technology. Read them in order:

1. Defiant (2021)
2. Guardian (2021)
3. Conquest (2022)

Swords of Heaven and Hell

A LitRPG and portal progression fantasy series. The story focuses on Jaxon Daniyal, a veteran hero known as the "Darkstrider" who is pulled into a dangerous new setting. Read them in order:

1. Darkstrider (2023)
2. Voidlight (2023)

Trials of the Aegis

This epic fantasy series introduces Kaila and Theron as they fight back against the oppressive rule of the Magisterium, unlocking forbidden, ancient powers along the way. Read them in order:

1. Warden's Justice (2024)
2. Rogue's Gambit (2024)

Standalone Works, Tie-Ins, and Non-Fiction

If you want a break from long, multi-book commitments, Hodges has written several standalone projects:

• Untamed Isles: The Path Awakens (2021): A fantasy novel centered on Zachary Sicario, a retired master thief afflicted by a terminal wasting illness. He must embark on a dangerous voyage to a mysterious, newly risen island to find a cure. This book also serves as a lore companion to the monster-taming MMORPG *Untamed Isles*, for which Hodges penned the core setting backstory.
• Help! My Wizard Mentor Had a Heart Attack and Now I'm Being Chased by a Horde of Giant Spiders! (2022): A lighthearted, comedic fantasy standalone parodying classic wizard-and-apprentice tropes.
• Solo: A Memoir (2019): A non-fiction travelogue detailing the author's real-life backpacking journey across South America after leaving his office career as an environmental engineer, which directly inspired his transition to full-time writing.