The Recommended Reading Order
When starting with the works of Ben Pollard, your path depends entirely on whether you are looking for immersive fantasy adventure or real-world memoir and lifestyle content. Because his fictional and non-fictional bibliographies do not overlap in continuity, readers can easily treat them as separate paths.
Path 1: The Duke of Montenegro Fantasy Saga
For readers diving into Ben Pollard’s signature fantasy work, the books must be read in publication order. This is a linear progression fantasy series where the events of the second book build directly upon the world-building, character growth, and political shifts established in the debut. Skipping ahead will lead to major spoilers and confusion regarding the magic system and character ranks.
- The Blue Blood Mage (2023)
- The Prince of Binsar (2024)
Path 2: Non-Fiction and Memoirs
If you are interested in his reflective journals, memoirs, or visual photography work, these titles can be read completely independently and in any order. They do not share a narrative connection and serve different purposes, ranging from pandemic-era journals to culinary art.
- 36 Inspirational Chefs (2011) – A collaborative cookbook featuring Pollard's professional photography.
- The Covid Chronicles – An intimate memoir of community, residency, and work during the global pandemic.
- Musings of a Star Student – A reflective collection of student experiences.
A Deep Dive into the Books
The Blue Blood Mage (2023)
This novel serves as the grand introduction to the Duke of Montenegro series. The story introduces readers to Daniel Hawthorne, a modern man who is reeling from the emotional fallout of a difficult divorce. When he is suddenly transported to a mysterious fantasy realm, he is adopted into a powerful aristocratic House. Daniel must learn to survive in a structured, matriarchal nobility while dealing with dangerous goblin hordes, complex local politics, and unwanted advances from aristocratic suitors. The book is popular among LitRPG and progression fantasy fans due to its organic magic system, though readers should be prepared for rapid pacing and an abrupt cliffhanger ending that leads directly into the sequel.
The Prince of Binsar (2024)
Picking up immediately after the cliffhanger of the first book, the sequel finds the protagonist—now known as Daniel Hawthorne del Montenegro—anointed by the church of Mithira and blessed by the goddess. With his new standing comes immense responsibility. Daniel must consolidate his power, implement local administrative reforms, and outmaneuver double-crossing nobles. The stakes escalate rapidly when news arrives of an impending military invasion led by the feared Raji under the command of the Prince of Binsar. To protect his people, Daniel must navigate the threat of open war while managing the high-pressure dynamics of an arranged marriage.
The Covid Chronicles
Shifting away from fantasy, this personal journal offers a unique, grounded, and uplifting look at daily life during the pandemic. Written during his time at National Star in Gloucestershire—a well-known UK charity supporting young people with complex disabilities—the book highlights the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of the resident students and support staff. It is praised by readers for its honest, non-depressing, and deeply human perspective on a difficult period in modern history.
36 Inspirational Chefs (2011)
A culinary collaborative project, this book showcases Ben Pollard's talent behind the camera. Working alongside co-authors Sue Christelow, Myburgh Du Plessis, and Katy Morris, Pollard served as the lead photographer. The book is known for its stunning food photography and detailed instructions, capturing the artistry of three dozen prominent culinary figures.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Ben Pollard's bibliography, it is helpful to understand his storytelling philosophy. Pollard is a strong advocate for human-centric art, pledging that his novels are 100% human-crafted without the use of generative AI. His fantasy writing is celebrated for its diverse and inclusive characters, spanning various classes, orientations, and genders, which provides a modern layer to classic LitRPG and progression fantasy structures.
Additionally, readers should note that public bibliographies occasionally experience name conflation. Some online catalogs combine the credits of the United States-based fantasy novelist with the United Kingdom-based advocate, photographer, and musician associated with the National Star charity. While databases list these under a single author profile, the genres and themes are completely distinct, allowing readers to choose the path that best fits their personal reading tastes.