Anthony Ryan Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Anthony Ryan?

If you are new to Anthony Ryan, there is one undisputed starting point: Blood Song, the first book of the Raven’s Shadow trilogy. Self-published in 2012 before being acquired by Penguin, this masterpiece of modern epic fantasy remains Ryan's signature work. It introduces readers to Vaelin Al Sorna, a young boy left at the gates of the Sixth Order to be trained as a warrior of the Faith. With its intimate coming-of-age narrative, deep worldbuilding, and military action, it is the perfect introduction to Ryan's style.

For readers who prefer a grittier, first-person grimdark narrative with a strong focus on political intrigue and survival, The Pariah (the opener of the Covenant of Steel trilogy) is an excellent alternative starting point. It offers a slightly different, more grounded flavor of Ryan's writing while retaining his signature character-driven depth.

The Raven's Shadow & Raven's Blade Cycle (Vaelin Al Sorna's Saga)

Vaelin Al Sorna's journey is a sprawling saga that spans two series, multiple novellas, and short story collections. To get the complete experience without ruining key plot twists, you should read these books in a specific sequence.

The Core Raven's Shadow Trilogy

This is where the story begins. The main trilogy shifts from Vaelin's single-perspective training and early battles in the first book to a grander, multi-perspective epic conflict in the sequels.

• Blood Song (2011/2012)
• Tower Lord (2014)
• Queen of Fire (2015)

The Companion Novellas and Collections

Ryan has written several shorter works set in the Raven's Shadow universe. While they take place at various points chronologically, the safest and most satisfying way to read them is after completing the main trilogy, or by reading the compiled anthology Songs of the Dark (2021). These stories include:

• A Duel of Evils (2017) – A prequel set centuries before the Unified Realm, detailing the clash between Kethia and the Volarian Empire.
• The Book Burner's Fall (2024) – A prequel set a century before the main trilogy, following an assassin targeting a tyrant king.
• Many Are the Dead (2018) – A prequel featuring Vaelin's mentor, Brother Sollis, investigating a mysterious threat.
• The Lady of Crows – A side story following the character Derla in Varinshold.
• The Lord Collector (2016) – A side story focusing on Jerhid, a Realm Guard officer.

The Raven's Blade Duology

After finishing the original trilogy and the novellas, you can move on to the direct sequel series. This duology picks up Vaelin's story years later, taking him to the Far West on a new quest.

• The Wolf's Call (2019)
• The Black Song (2020)

The Covenant of Steel Trilogy

This completed trilogy is a standalone grimdark epic set in a brand-new fantasy world. It follows Alwyn Scribe, a cynical outlaw and scribe who rises through the ranks of a war-torn empire. The story is told entirely from Alwyn's sharp, engaging perspective, making it one of Ryan's most cohesive works.

1. The Pariah (2021)
2. The Martyr (2022)
3. The Traitor (2023)

The Draconis Memoria Series

For readers looking for something different, this trilogy blends epic fantasy with steampunk and industrial espionage. The world is fueled by "draconic blood" harvested from wild dragons, which grants temporary superhuman abilities to select people. The story follows a corporate agent, a thief, and a naval officer trying to prevent a global collapse.

Publication vs. Chronological Order

The prequel novella Sandrunners takes place shortly before the main events of the first book. While you can read it first, starting with the core novel is recommended to grasp the mechanics of the world.

• The Waking Fire (2016)
• Sandrunners (2016 - Novella)
• The Legion of Flame (2017)
• The Empire of Ashes (2018)

The Seven Swords Novellas

This series of pulp-style fantasy novellas follows Guyime, the iron-willed bearer of a demon-cursed blade, on a quest to destroy the swords and save the world from an infernal threat. The series is fast-paced, action-heavy, and reads like a classic dark fantasy adventure. It concluded with the seventh book in 2025.

1. A Pilgrimage of Swords (2019)
2. The Kraken's Tooth (2020)
3. City of Songs (2021)
4. To Blackfyre Keep (2022)
5. Across the Sorrow Sea (2023)
6. The Road of Storms (2024)
7. The Infernus Gate (2025)

The Age of Wrath Series

Anthony Ryan's latest epic fantasy series turns to Norse-inspired mythology, featuring frozen lands, shield walls, and ancient gods. The trilogy follows a cast of warriors and mystics caught in a brewing holy war.

1. A Tide of Black Steel (2024)
2. Born of an Iron Storm (2025)
3. Upon the Forge of Battle (Forthcoming)

Slab City Blues (Sci-Fi Noir)

If you want to see Ryan's versatility outside of the fantasy genre, this self-published series of sci-fi noir novellas follows Alex McLeod, a cynical investigator working in a gritty space station slum. The stories are best read in their publication order:

• A Hymn to Gods Long Dead (2012)
• The Ballad of Bad Jack (2013)
• Slab City Blues (2014)
• A Song for Madame Choi (2014)
• An Aria for Ragnarok (2015)

What to Know Before You Start

While Ryan is famous for his expansive worldbuilding, his series are distinct and do not cross over. You do not need to worry about shared-universe connections between Raven's Shadow, The Covenant of Steel, and The Draconis Memoria. Each series stands completely on its own, allowing you to dive into whichever setting appeals to you most. His prose is dense and historically grounded, reflecting his background in medieval history, so expect intricate military tactics, complex religious hierarchies, and realistic medieval politics throughout his works.