Books On Board

A.E. Rayne Books in Order

  • 17 Books
  • 2017 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
3 of 3 reading orders shown

Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path

If you are new to the Norse-inspired fantasy worlds of New Zealand author A.E. Rayne, the best path forward follows the order in which the books were published. Although Rayne has written multiple series set in this shared universe, the overarching plotline, character arcs, and world-building build directly upon each other across series boundaries.

We highly recommend reading the series in the following order:

  1. The Furyck Saga: The foundation of the entire universe, introduced through the eyes of the warrior Jael Furyck.
  2. The Lords of Alekka: A series set in the same world that shifts the focus to a new generation, exploring new magic and political struggles in the land of Alekka.
  3. Fate of the Furycks: The sequel series that acts as a direct continuation, tying together the threads of the previous two series.

1. The Furyck Saga: The Foundation

The Furyck Saga is where the journey begins. It is an epic six-book series (plus one prequel novella) that introduces readers to the warrior Jael Furyck, warring kingdoms, dark magic, and ancient prophecies. The character growth and political intrigue here lay the groundwork for everything that follows.

The Furyck Saga in Publication Order

  • Winter's Fury (2017)
  • The Burning Sea (2017)
  • Night of the Shadow Moon (2018)
  • Hallow Wood (2018)
  • The Raven's Warning (2019)
  • Vale of the Gods (2019)
  • Kings of Fate (2021) — Prequel Novella

Chronological Order and the "Kings of Fate" Caveat

Although Kings of Fate was published in 2021 after the completion of the main saga, it is chronologically a prequel (often designated as Book 0 or Book 0.5). It focuses on the events directly preceding Winter's Fury, focusing on Jael Furyck's rivalry with her uncle Lothar in Brekka, and King Eirik Skalleson's attempts to secure a marriage for his son Eadmund across the Nebbar Straits.

You have two options for reading Kings of Fate:

  • Chronological First (Option A): Read Kings of Fate before starting Winter's Fury. This offers a smooth introduction to the key players, the political landscapes, and the looming conflicts.
  • Publication Order (Option B - Recommended): Read Kings of Fate after finishing Vale of the Gods. By reading the main series first, you get the full impact of the mystery and character revelations, and the prequel serves as a wonderful, nostalgic return to the characters' early days.

2. The Lords of Alekka: A New Horizon

Once you finish the main story of the Furyck Saga, you should progress directly to The Lords of Alekka. This six-book series is set in the same world, taking place after the events of Vale of the Gods. While it introduces a fresh cast of characters and takes readers to the new land of Alekka, it features critical crossovers, recurring characters, and elements from the original saga.

The Lords of Alekka in Reading Order

  • Eye of the Wolf (2020)
  • Mark of the Hunter (2020)
  • Blood of the Raven (2021)
  • Heart of the King (2021)
  • Fury of the Queen (2022)
  • Wrath of the Sun (2022)

While some readers suggest you can start here because the series begins a new story arc, we strongly advise against it. The historical context, the magic system, and the returning characters are far more rewarding if you have read the original saga first.

3. Fate of the Furycks: The Saga Continues

The latest installment in A.E. Rayne's fantasy universe is Fate of the Furycks. This series serves as the direct sequel to both The Furyck Saga and The Lords of Alekka, uniting the fates of characters from both series as new threats emerge. You should only start this series after completing both of the prior sagas.

Fate of the Furycks in Reading Order

  • The Shadow Isle (2023)
  • Tower of Blood and Flame (2023)
  • Home of the Hunted (2024)
  • Goddess of Secrets and War (2024)
  • The Witches of Al'athea (2025)
  • The Black-Eyed Queen (2025)
  • Bones of Winter (2026)

What to Know Before You Start

A.E. Rayne's writing is highly cinematic, characterized by gritty shield-wall battles, deep Norse mythology, and complex, flawed characters that feel incredibly human. The series was originally planned as historical fiction, but Rayne transitioned to epic fantasy to escape historical constraints, allowing her to introduce elements of dark magic and ancient gods. If you enjoy the political scheming of Game of Thrones mixed with the grit of Bernard Cornwell's historical Norse novels, you will feel right at home in the Furyck universe.

Frequently Asked

What is the best order to read A.E. Rayne's books?

The best reading order is by publication order across the series: start with The Furyck Saga (beginning with Winter's Fury), move on to The Lords of Alekka, and finish with Fate of the Furycks.

When should I read the prequel novella, Kings of Fate?

You can read Kings of Fate either first as an introduction to the world, or after finishing the main Furyck Saga (after Vale of the Gods). The author recommends reading it after the main saga as a companion story.

Are The Furyck Saga and The Lords of Alekka connected?

Yes, both series are set in the same world. The Lords of Alekka takes place after the events of The Furyck Saga and features several crossover characters and magic elements.

Can I read The Lords of Alekka as a standalone series?

While it is technically possible because it starts a new main plotline in a different land, we recommend reading The Furyck Saga first to avoid spoilers and fully understand the returning characters.

Is A.E. Rayne's fantasy world completed?

The initial story arcs for The Furyck Saga and The Lords of Alekka are complete. The narrative continues through the sequel series, Fate of the Furycks, which extends the overall saga.