Ann Chamberlin Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Begin?

Ann Chamberlin’s bibliography spans vibrant Ottoman courts, medieval battlefields, early Islamic sands, and ancient biblical times. Because she writes in distinct historical periods and mythic universes, you don't have to read her entire catalog in one strict order. Instead, your best starting point depends on your preferred flavor of historical fiction:

• For Epic Historical Intrigue & Palace Politics: Start with the Reign of the Favored Women Trilogy (Ottoman Trilogy), beginning with Sofia (1996). This is her most famous and commercially successful work, offering an immersive look at female agency within the Ottoman harem.
• For Mythic Fantasy & Medieval History: Start with the Joan of Arc Tapestries series, beginning with The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well (1999). It is a perfect match if you enjoy Arthurian legend, pagan folklore, and fresh perspectives on French history.
• For Ancient History & Biblical Retellings: Pick up her standalone novels like Leaving Eden (1999) or Snakesleeper (2007). These explore the clash between older goddess-worshiping cultures and rising monotheistic traditions.

The Reign of the Favored Women Trilogy (Ottoman Empire)

This trilogy is Chamberlin’s signature achievement. Set in the 16th and 17th-century Ottoman Empire, it took Turkish bestseller lists by storm upon translation. The narrative details the complex lives of historical and fictional women who wielded immense power behind the scenes of the Sultan's court. You must read these books in strict publication and chronological order, as they follow a continuous timeline and evolving cast of characters.

1. Sofia (1996) – Introduces Sofia, a Venetian noblewoman captured by pirates and sold into the Sultan's harem, alongside the Italian sailor Giorgio Veniero.
2. The Sultan's Daughter (1997) – Continues the saga with Giorgio now serving as a eunuch tasked with guarding the Sultan's daughter, Esmikhan, amid rising political stakes.
3. Reign of the Favored Women (1998) – Focuses on Safiye (formerly Sofia) as she navigates the dangerous waters of the harem to secure the throne for her son.

Joan of Arc Tapestries

This trilogy blends historical realism with ancient myth and pagan magic. Inspired by Margaret Murray's theories of a surviving pre-Christian "witch cult" in medieval Europe, Chamberlin reframes the story of Joan of Arc. The books explore the idea that Joan’s destiny was guided by ancient prophecies attributed to Merlin and the "Old Ways" of earth-revering traditions. Read these in order to follow the thread of the prophecies and the life of the French saint.

1. The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well (1999) – Set in 15th-century France, introducing the seer Yann and the early life of Gilles de Rais.
2. The Merlin of the Oak Wood (2001) – Expands on the growing political and spiritual tensions as the young Joan begins to rise.
3. Gloria: The Merlin and The Saint (2003) – The culmination of the trilogy, weaving the tragic and glorious fates of the saint and her companions together.

The Sword and the Well Trilogy

Set in 7th-century Arabia during the dawn of Islam, this trilogy follows the legendary general Khalid ibn al-Walid, who famously never lost a battle. The series combines detailed military history with the domestic struggles of characters like Rayah. It should be read in chronological order to follow the rise of the early Islamic empire.

1. The Woman at the Well (2011)
2. The Sword of God (2012)
3. The Sword and the Well (2014)

The Valkyries Trilogy

For readers who enjoy Norse mythology, this trilogy adapts Old Norse sagas like the Nibelungenlied and the Volsungensaga. The narrative follows Brynhild as she escapes ritual sacrifice to serve Odin as a Valkyrie, only to realize the manipulative nature of the gods. Read these in order to follow her rebellion and journey.

1. Choosers of the Slain (2014)
2. The Linden's Red Plague (2021)
3. Twilight of the Gods (2022)

Standalone Novels & Alternative Perspectives

Chamberlin’s standalone novels are excellent for readers who want self-contained stories. Several of these books focus heavily on feminist reinterpretations of biblical events and ancient history:

• The Virgin and the Tower (1979) – Chamberlin's debut novel, exploring medieval settings and romance.
• Tamar (1994) / Snakesleeper (2007) – Note for readers: Chamberlin originally published Tamar in 1994 and later revised and rereleased it under the title Snakesleeper in 2007. The story follows a young woman in King David's harem fighting to preserve her goddess-worshiping heritage. We recommend reading the updated Snakesleeper edition.
• Leaving Eden (1999) – A bold retelling of the Genesis story narrated by Na’amah, the daughter of Adam and his mythological first wife, Lilith. It examines the historical transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture and the shift in religious worship.
• The Book of Wizzy (2016) – A major stylistic departure for Chamberlin, this is a contemporary Mormon murder mystery set in Park City, Utah, following a housekeeper who stumbles upon a crime.
• The Levite's Concubine (2023) – A powerful novel bridging modern archaeology students in the 1970s with ancient biblical narratives.

Non-Fiction and Companion Works

If you want to understand the research behind Chamberlin's historical fiction, her non-fiction books are invaluable companion reads:

• A History of Women's Seclusion in the Middle East (2006) – A scholarly exploration of the history, culture, and reality of the harem and women's quarters, providing the academic foundation for her Ottoman Trilogy.
• Clogs and Shawls: Mormons, Moorlands, and the Search for Zion (2020) – A memoir exploring her family history and personal roots.

What to Know Before You Start

Ann Chamberlin’s novels are shaped by her background in anthropology and Middle Eastern archaeology. Having studied Hebrew, Arabic, and ancient Akkadian, and having spent time excavating historical sites in Israel, she brings an authentic linguistic and cultural depth to her books. Her stories are characterized by strong, independent female protagonists who find agency within historical systems of seclusion, offering a nuanced view of the past that avoids modern cliches.