Alice Borchardt Books in Order

Alice Borchardt was a master of weaving detailed historical settings with sensuous, dark fantasy. The late-blooming author (and older sister of Anne Rice) did not publish her first novel until she was in her mid-50s, yet she left behind a legacy of seven highly acclaimed novels. Her books combine rigorous historical research with shape-shifting lore, pagan magic, and Arthurian myth.

Because her bibliography spans three distinct series with overlapping character threads, choosing where to start can be tricky. Below, you will find the best reading paths, details on each series, and critical context to help you navigate her work.

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start

For the best experience, you should read Alice Borchardt's novels grouped by series, following their original publication sequence. While some readers look for chronological timelines, her stories are best enjoyed in the order she developed them. Here are the two ideal starting points depending on your interests:

• The Werewolf Route (Recommended): Start with The Silver Wolf (1998). This is Borchardt's most famous and beloved novel, launching the Legends of the Wolves trilogy. It is the perfect introduction to her style, balancing historical grit with supernatural shape-shifting romance.
• The Medieval History Route: Start with Devoted (1995). This was Borchardt's debut novel. It features a story of Viking raids, pagan sorcery, and forbidden romance in tenth-century France. It is ideal if you prefer early medieval settings with a lighter touch of the supernatural.

1. Legends of the Wolves Series

Set during the transition from the ancient Roman world to the early Dark Ages, this trilogy centers on a race of ancient, noble shapeshifters who can transform between wolves and humans. Unlike traditional horror werewolves, Borchardt’s wolves are complex, intelligent, and deeply connected to nature.

Publication Order

1. The Silver Wolf (1998)
2. Night of the Wolf (1999)
3. The Wolf King (2001)

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

The series features a significant chronological shift in its second volume. While The Silver Wolf and The Wolf King are set in the 8th century during the reign of Charlemagne, the second book, Night of the Wolf, is actually a historical prequel. It is set hundreds of years earlier in ancient Gaul during Julius Caesar's campaigns.

We highly recommend sticking to the publication order. The Silver Wolf introduces the rules of the shape-shifting world and establishes the central relationship of the trilogy. Reading the prequel, Night of the Wolf, second provides crucial backstory for the werewolf lord Maeniel, which makes the events of the final book, The Wolf King, much more satisfying.

2. The Devoted Series

Borchardt's debut series is a duology set in tenth-century France. The books follow the clash between the emerging Christian Church and the remaining pagan "Forest People," all while Viking raiders threaten the coastline. The series consists of:

1. Devoted (1995)
2. Beguiled (1997)

The story follows Elin, a pagan woman gifted with the sight, who is rescued from Viking slavery by Owen, the young Bishop of Chantalon. The two form an unlikely alliance and marriage, fighting off the ruthless Norse commander Hakon while navigating their own deep religious differences. This duology is directly sequential and must be read in order.

3. Tales of Guinevere

Borchardt's final series is a unique reimagining of the Arthurian legend, shifting the focus to Guinevere, portrayed here as a powerful warrior queen of the Picts (the "Painted People") who wears magical armor. The published books are:

1. The Dragon Queen (2001)
2. The Raven Warrior (2003)

Important Note on the Unfinished Trilogy: Borchardt intended this series to be a trilogy, but she passed away in 2007 before writing the final volume. While the two existing books are excellent, readers should be prepared for an unresolved overarching story.

The Shared Universe: The Maeniel Connection

Although the Legends of the Wolves and Tales of Guinevere are generally categorized as separate series, they are linked by a shared character. Maeniel, the shape-shifting wolf-man who co-stars in the wolf trilogy, appears in The Dragon Queen as a protective father figure and mentor who helps raise Guinevere. Reading the wolf trilogy first is not strictly necessary to understand the Guinevere books, but doing so provides a rich backstory for Maeniel and his shape-shifting kind, adding extra depth to his role in Arthurian Britain.

What to Know Before You Start

Borchardt's writing style is dense, poetic, and highly atmospheric, mirroring the lush prose of her sister Anne Rice (who actively supported Alice's writing career, helped her secure an agent, and wrote introductions for her novels). The books contain sensual themes, detailed descriptions of nature, and intense battle scenes. They are best suited for readers who enjoy slow-burn historical fantasy that prioritizes character depth and setting over fast-paced action.