A.P. Beswick Books in Order

Where to Start with A.P. Beswick

For readers looking to dive into the stories of British fantasy author A.P. Beswick, your choice of starting point depends on the style of fantasy you prefer. Beswick has written in two distinct worlds, each offering a very different tone and target audience. Here is where you should begin:

• For Grimdark and Dark Fantasy Fans: Start with A Forest of Vanity and Valour. This is the entry point to his popular Levanthria universe. It is a gritty, folklore-inspired story that reinvents the legend of Robin Hood. If you enjoy morally grey characters, dark magic systems, and high stakes, this is the perfect place to start.
• For Young Adult and Urban Fantasy Fans: Start with Spirit Beasts Awakening (originally published under the title Arnold Ethon and the Lions of Tsavo). This is the first book in the Spirit Beast Saga, a contemporary young adult series featuring magical creature companions that reflect human souls.

The Tales of Levanthria Universe

The Levanthria series is a shared dark fantasy universe built on grim reinterpretations of British folklore, myths, and historical figures. In this world, magic is powerful but carries a heavy cost, often acting as a metaphor for addiction. Rather than traditional heroic fantasy, Levanthria focuses on survival, corruption, and the struggles of ordinary people caught in the schemes of gods and kings.

Publication Order of Levanthria Books

Reading the Levanthria series in publication order is highly recommended for first-time readers. This allows you to experience the world-building as it was organically developed by the author. The publication sequence is as follows:

1. A Forest of Vanity and Valour (2022) - The first main novel, introducing the outlaw Silas and setting the stage in the dark woods of Levanthria.
2. A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn (2022) - The second main novel, taking readers to the oceans with a dark retelling of Blackbeard mixed with Pendle Witch folklore.
3. A Frost of Fear and Fortitude (2022) - A companion novella that serves as a prequel, detailing the backstory of the character Gregor.
4. A Kingdom of Courage and Cruelty (2023) - The third main novel in the saga, continuing the escalating conflict across the realm.
5. A Stone of Destiny and Despair (2023) - The fourth main novel, expanding the lore and raising the stakes for the surviving characters.
6. A House of Powder and Plot (2023) - A standalone companion heist novella focusing on a dwarven inventor named Morvin Torhold.
7. A Frost of Death and Deceit (2023) - A companion novella that continues Gregor's prequel storyline and resolves long-standing secrets.
8. A Heart of Secrets and Shadows (2024) - A dark fantasy romance novella co-authored with Cara Clare, focusing on Princess Calla Valento.
9. The Ballad of the Borag-I (2024) - A cozy fantasy companion novella centered on Bo, an Orc who chooses music and bardic storytelling over warfare.
10. A War of Chaos and Fury - Part 1 (2024) - The first half of the epic conclusion to the main Levanthria story arc.
11. A War of Chaos and Fury - Part 2 (2024) - The final volume that wraps up the core storyline of the main saga.

Additionally, a short prequel story titled A Loch of Grace and Greed (often referred to as Levanthria Book 0.5) is available. It follows the character Leandra and is typically offered as a free digital download on the author's official website.

Chronological Reading Order of Levanthria

For readers who prefer a linear timeline, the Levanthria stories can be read in chronological order. This method places the prequel stories first, allowing you to follow the history of the world and Gregor's personal journey before the events of the main novels unfold:

1. A Frost of Fear and Fortitude (Gregor Prequel 1)
2. A Frost of Death and Deceit (Gregor Prequel 2)
3. A Loch of Grace and Greed (Prequel Short Story)
4. A Forest of Vanity and Valour (Main Series, Book 1)
5. A Sea of Sorrow and Scorn (Main Series, Book 2)
6. A Kingdom of Courage and Cruelty (Main Series, Book 3)
7. A Stone of Destiny and Despair (Main Series, Book 4)
8. A War of Chaos and Fury - Part 1 (Main Series, Book 5)
9. A War of Chaos and Fury - Part 2 (Main Series, Book 6)

The companion novellas like A House of Powder and Plot, A Heart of Secrets and Shadows, and The Ballad of the Borag-I function as standalone tales. They expand on different corners of the world and are best read after completing the first two or three main novels, as they reference established lore without directly impacting the main plotline.

The Spirit Beast Saga

The Spirit Beast Saga is A.P. Beswick's debut trilogy. Aimed at young adult readers, this urban fantasy series is set in a contemporary world where teenagers undergo a rite of passage to connect with spirit beasts that mirror their inner souls. The series focuses on themes of grief, resilience, and personal growth. The books were originally published with longer descriptive titles but are commonly known by their shorter series names:

1. Spirit Beasts Awakening (2019) - Also published under the title Arnold Ethon and the Lions of Tsavo.
2. Spirit Beasts Unleashed (2020) - Also published under the title Arnold Ethon: The Eagle and the Jaguar.
3. Arnold Ethon and the War of the Roses (2022) - The final chapter in the trilogy, wrapping up Arnold's journey.

What to Know Before You Start

If you are new to A.P. Beswick's writing, here are a few things to keep in mind to enhance your reading experience:

• Mental Health Representation: Drawing on his career as a registered mental health nurse, Beswick infuses his books with realistic depictions of mental health issues. Struggles like addiction, depression, and trauma are treated with empathy and integrated directly into the character arcs and magic systems.
• Dark Folklore and Gritty Action: Do not expect cozy fairytales. The retellings in the Levanthria series are dark, action-packed, and full of gritty combat. Legendary characters like Robin Hood are placed in grim scenarios where moral ambiguity is the norm.
• Fast-Paced, Short Chapters: Beswick utilizes short, high-energy chapters designed to make his books quick and accessible reads. This structure keeps the narrative moving rapidly from one conflict to the next.
• Co-authored and Cozy Spin-offs: The Levanthria world is highly collaborative and experimental. A Heart of Secrets and Shadows incorporates romantic elements through co-author Cara Clare, while The Ballad of the Borag-I offers a lighter, cozy fantasy tone compared to the main grimdark saga.