The Recommended Reading Path
All of Bill McCurry's novels and novellas are set in the same dark fantasy universe and follow the same protagonist, a sarcastic and morally grey sorcerer named Bib. Because the books follow a tight chronological story arc with heavy character development, you should not read them as standalones. The best way to experience his work is to read the series in order of publication, starting with the very first book of the original saga and moving straight into the sequel series.
Phase 1: The Death-Cursed Wizard Series
This is where Bib's story begins. Cursed by the God of Death to harvest souls to pay off a desperate debt, Bib must navigate brutal magic systems, vengeful gods, and his own bloodlust. It consists of six main novels and one companion novella. While the novella is numbered as 1.5, it is highly recommended to read it in its chronological spot to appreciate the character dynamics.
- Death's Collector (2019)
- Wee Piggies of Radiant Might (2019) - Novella 1.5
- Death's Baby Sister (2019)
- Sorcerers Dark and Light (2020)
- Void Walker (2020)
- Sword Hand (2021)
- Dark Lands (2022)
Phase 2: Sorcerer of Bad Examples Series
This sequel series picks up after the events of the original saga. Bib returns from a long exile to a world that has significantly changed, bringing his trademark snark to brand new threats, mythical beasts, and annoying dragons.
- The Dragon's Manservant (2023)
- Dragons at That Awkward Age (2024)
What to Know Before You Start
McCurry's fantasy is built on a magic system inspired by equivalent exchange—meaning all magical power comes at a steep, often painful, personal cost. The dialogue is fast-paced, reflecting the author's background in improv comedy, and frequently draws comparisons to Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus. Despite the humor, the series covers mature themes like grief, cynicism, and redemptive courage, making it a rich read for dark fantasy fans.