Books On Board
author Reading Order

Angus Donald Books in Order

38 Books
5 Series & collections
2009 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

Where Should You Start Reading Angus Donald?

For most readers, the absolute best starting point is Outlaw (2009), the novel that launched Angus Donald's career and introduced his signature grit. It serves as the opening chapter of the acclaimed Outlaw Chronicles, reimagining Robin Hood not as a merry archer in green tights, but as a ruthless medieval gangster and warlord in 12th-century Sherwood Forest.

However, if you prefer Viking historical fiction, you can easily start with The Last Berserker (2021), which kicks off the Fire Born saga. If you are a fan of 17th-century military history, Blood's Game (2017) is the perfect entry point. Each series is distinct, meaning you can dive into whichever era appeals to you most without worrying about crossover spoilers.

The Outlaw Chronicles: Publication vs. Chronological Order

The Outlaw Chronicles is Angus Donald's most famous and extensive work, following the life of narrator Alan Dale and his alliance with Robin Hood. Because Donald has written several companion short stories, novellas, and mid-series additions, there are two distinct ways to tackle the saga: publication order and chronological order.

Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended)

Reading in publication order allows you to experience the series as it was written, with the main narrative flow intact. The novellas and short stories published along the way can be read as supplementary context.

  • Outlaw (2009)
  • Holy Warrior (2010)
  • King's Man (2011)
  • Warlord (2012)
  • The Rise of Robin Hood (2013) – Short Story
  • The Betrayal of Father Tuck (2013) – Short Story
  • The Hostility of Hanno (2013) – Short Story
  • Grail Knight (2013) – Novella
  • The Iron Castle (2014)
  • The King's Assassin (2015)
  • The Death of Robin Hood (2016)
  • Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold (2020) – Novella
  • Robin Hood and the Castle of Bones (2020) – Novella

Option 2: Chronological Order

If you want to read the events exactly as they unfold in history (spanning from 1180 to the final years of Robin Hood's life), the author's official chronological order is the way to go:

  1. The Rise of Robin Hood (set in 1180)
  2. Outlaw (set in 1188)
  3. Holy Warrior (set in 1190)
  4. The Hostility of Hanno (set in 1191)
  5. Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold (set in 1191)
  6. Robin Hood and the Castle of Bones (set in 1192)
  7. The Betrayal of Father Tuck (set in 1192)
  8. King's Man (set in 1192)
  9. Warlord (set in 1194)
  10. Grail Knight (set in 1204)
  11. The Iron Castle (set in 1215)
  12. The King's Assassin (set in 1216)
  13. The Death of Robin Hood (set in 1216)

The Fire Born Series

Set in the 8th century during the brutal Saxon Wars, this complete five-book series follows Bjarki and Tor, two legendary warriors navigating a world of shield-walls, Norse gods, and intense loyalty. The story should be read strictly in publication order:

  1. The Last Berserker (2021)
  2. The Saxon Wolf (2022)
  3. The Loki Sword (2022)
  4. King of the North (2023)
  5. Blood of the Bear (2024)

The Holcroft Blood Trilogy

For fans of the 17th century, this trilogy follows the brilliant but unusual artillery officer Holcroft Blood during the Monmouth Rebellion, the Glorious Revolution, and the Nine Years' War. This series is also best read in order:

  1. Blood's Game (2017)
  2. Blood's Revolution (2018)
  3. Blood's Campaign (2019)

The Broken Kingdom Series

Also known as the Wormkind Chronicles, this series takes readers back to post-Roman Britain, delivering a gritty, realistic reimagining of the King Arthur mythos. This saga must be read in sequence:

  1. Arthur's Bane (2023)
  2. Arthur's Escape (2023)
  3. Arthur's Revenge (2024)
  4. Arthur's Folly (2024)

Exploring Fantasy as Angus Macallan

In addition to his historical fiction, Angus Donald wrote an epic, Asian-inspired fantasy novel under the pseudonym Angus Macallan. Titled Gates of Stone (2019), it was envisioned as the start of the Lord of the Islands trilogy, but currently stands as a standalone adventure for fans looking to explore his fantasy writing.

What to Know Before You Start

Angus Donald writes with a gritty, uncompromising realism inspired by authors like Bernard Cornwell. While the novels are deeply researched and features historical figures like Richard the Lionheart and John, King of England, Donald focuses heavily on the grim realities of medieval life—expect mud, blood, betrayal, and dark political maneuvering. The series does not shy away from graphic combat and torture, so readers sensitive to violence should proceed with caution.

Frequently Asked

QDo I need to read the Outlaw Chronicles in order?

Yes. While each book features a distinct historical campaign (like the Third Crusade or the Siege of Chalus-Chabrol), the overarching development of narrator Alan Dale and his relationship with Robin Hood is a continuous story that is best read in order.

QWhat is the difference between the Outlaw Chronicles novellas and main novels?

The main novels (like Outlaw and Holy Warrior) are full-length epic stories, while the novellas (like The Rise of Robin Hood or the 2020 releases) are shorter, targeted stories that fill in the chronological gaps between the main books.

QIs the Fire Born series finished?

Yes, the Fire Born series is a completed five-book saga. It wraps up with the fifth novel, Blood of the Bear, which was published in 2024.

QWho is Holcroft Blood based on?

Holcroft Blood is inspired by the real historical figure of the same name, who was an prominent English military commander and director of artillery during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

QWhat is the Broken Kingdom series about?

The Broken Kingdom series is a gritty, historically grounded retelling of the King Arthur legend set in post-Roman Britain, focusing on the dark realities of the era rather than fantasy elements.

QAre Gates of Stone and Angus Donald's works related?

No. Gates of Stone is an epic fantasy novel set in an Asian-inspired archipelago, written under his pen name Angus Macallan. It is completely separate from his European historical fiction.