Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start?
For readers new to Amanda McCrina's work, the absolute best starting point is her acclaimed World War II companion novels set in Poland and Ukraine. Although these books are written as standalones and can technically be read in any order, they share thematic ties, settings, and historical backdrops that make reading them in a specific order highly rewarding.
We recommend starting with Traitor (2020), which introduces the tense conflict between Polish and Ukrainian factions in 1944. Follow it with its companion novel, The Silent Unseen (2022), which explores the same timeframe and region from a different perspective. From there, you can move chronologically forward to her Cold War espionage thriller I'll Tell You No Lies (2023), set in 1955, or jump back in time to her World War I epic Beyond Seven Forests (2026).
If you prefer Roman-inspired speculative fiction and political intrigue over mid-20th-century history, you should start with her debut novel, His Own Good Sword, or dive into the Blood Oath duology starting with Blood Road.
Amanda McCrina Books in Publication Order
If you want to experience Amanda McCrina's growth as an author, reading in publication order is a fantastic choice. This order takes you from her early Roman-inspired historical fantasy settings straight into her gritty, meticulously researched young adult historical fiction.
Cymeriad Series
- His Own Good Sword (2012)
Blood Oath Series
- Blood Road (2017)
- Blood Oath (2018)
Standalone Historical Fiction Novels
- Traitor (2020)
- The Silent Unseen (2022) - Note: Also published in paperback/alternative editions in 2023.
- I'll Tell You No Lies (2023)
- Beyond Seven Forests (2026)
Chronological Order for the Historical Fiction Novels
For readers who want to follow the timeline of real-world history, McCrina's historical novels can be arranged chronologically. While the characters do not cross over directly, reading in this order highlights the shifting political landscapes of Eastern Europe and America across forty years of conflict.
- Beyond Seven Forests (Set in the winter of 1916 during World War I in occupied Poland)
- Traitor (Set in the summer/autumn of 1944 during World War II in Poland/Galicia)
- The Silent Unseen (Set in late 1944 during the immediate aftermath of the German retreat from Poland)
- I'll Tell You No Lies (Set in 1955 during the height of Cold War espionage in the United States)
Understanding Amanda McCrina's Series & Settings
The World War II & WWI Historical Novels
McCrina is most famous for her gritty, complex, and morally gray portrayals of 20th-century conflicts. Unlike generic historical fiction, her books focus on lesser-known aspects of history, such as the brutal conflict between the Polish Home Army, Ukrainian nationalists, and the Soviet Red Army. These books do not shy away from the horrific choices forced upon young people during wartime, emphasizing survival and loyalty over simple heroism.
The Blood Oath Duology
Set in a world heavily inspired by the military structure and political landscape of the Roman Empire, this duology follows Torien, a young soldier who begins to question the empire he serves. It is a story of rebellion, military duty, and survival in a harsh, occupied land.
The Cymeriad Universe
Starting with McCrina's debut His Own Good Sword, this series is set in the fictional world of Cymeria. Although categorized as fantasy, the setting features no magic or mythical creatures. Instead, it offers a grounded, realistic look at military garrison life and tribal politics in a Roman-style conquered territory.