The Recommended Reading Path
For readers diving into Amy Raby's rich fantasy romance worlds, the best place to start is with the Kjallan Empire in Assassin's Gambit, the first book of the Hearts and Thrones series. This novel serves as the perfect entry point, establishing the series' signature blend of late-18th-century political intrigue, unique magic, and deep emotional focus. From there, readers should follow the publication order to watch the overarching imperial storyline develop across the sequels and companion novellas.
If you prefer ancient settings over gunpowder-era courts, you can start separately with the Coalition of Mages duology, which takes place in a Bronze Age-inspired world. Since this duology is self-contained and follows a single couple, it can be read completely independently of the Kjallan books.
Hearts and Thrones Series in Publication Order
The Hearts and Thrones series is set in Kjall, a fantasy empire with a technology level reminiscent of the late 1700s—complete with carriages, early gunpowder, bows, and swords. While each volume focuses on a new couple and resolves their personal romantic plotline, the political state of the empire shifts continuously. Read them in this order to fully appreciate the world-building and character arcs:
- Assassin's Gambit (2013): Focuses on Vitala Salonius, an elite strategist and assassin sent to kill the Kjallan Emperor, Lucien Florian Nigellus, only to find herself drawn into a dangerous battle of hearts and wits.
- Spy's Honor (2013): Follows Lucien's sister, Princess Rhianne, a powerful mind mage who secretly aids those persecuted by the crown, and Janto, a mysterious spy who shares her secrets.
- Archer's Sin (Novella, 2014): Often numbered as Book 2.5, this novella follows Nalica Kelden, a war mage and champion archer competing in a prestigious tournament, and her rival archer, Justien Polini.
- Prince's Fire (2014): Centers on Princess Celeste, another of Lucien's sisters, who enters a political betrothal to Prince Rayn of Inya (a powerful fire mage) to secure an empire-saving military alliance.
- Healer's Touch (2014): Follows Marius, a simple apothecary who discovers he is the emperor's long-lost cousin, and Isolda, a refugee fleeing the collapse of the neighbouring nation of Sardos.
- Guardian's Secret (Novella, 2015): Set chronologically after Healer's Touch (often numbered as Book 4.5 or 5), this M/M romance follows Drusus, a retired imperial bodyguard hiding his attraction to men in an intolerant society, who takes it upon himself to protect local taverns alongside Caz.
Coalition of Mages Series in Order
In contrast to the Kjallan Empire, the Coalition of Mages series transports readers to a Bronze Age-inspired fantasy setting. Unlike the main series, this is a direct duology that follows the same central couple, making the reading order strict:
- The Fire Seer (2014): Taya is a fire seer from humble origins sent by the Coalition to track down a rogue mage in the town of Harappa. She is paired with her former academy rival and bully, Mandir, who serves as her bodyguard.
- The Fire Seer and Her Quradum (2015): The direct sequel continuing the magical investigations and romantic progression of Taya and Mandir as they navigate the hierarchy of the Coalition.
What to Know Before You Start
Raby's books are highly regarded for combining detailed, historically-inspired settings with strong, capable heroines and intricate magic systems. In the Hearts and Thrones series, the magic is elemental and mental, with mind mages and fire mages playing key roles in the empire's military power. While the books are accessible as standalones due to their self-contained romance plots, the background political conflict—spanning from imperial expansion to civil unrest and the collapse of neighboring nations—builds progressively. Skipping books may leave you confused about why certain characters are in power or why regional alliances have shifted.