The Recommended Reading Order
For readers diving into the work of Brian Lee Durfee, your journey should start with his signature contribution to modern grimdark fantasy: The Five Warrior Angels trilogy. Because this epic series follows a singular, continuous narrative with a massive cast of characters, it must be read in strict publication order. There are no prequels or side stories to navigate, making the reading path straightforward but intense.
Separately, for those interested in his early horror writing, Durfee published two alternate-history horror novels under the pen name Brian D. Lee. These should be read in order of release, though they represent a completely different genre and universe from his fantasy work.
The Five Warrior Angels Trilogy
Set in the war-torn lands of the Five Isles, this series is a masterclass in modern grimdark fantasy. It features a sprawling religious conflict, moral ambiguity, and a deep subversion of classic chosen-one tropes. The story begins in the kingdom of Gul Kana and follows a cast of knights, assassins, princesses, and commoners caught in a conflict driven by ancient, potentially deceptive prophecies.
1. The Forgetting Moon (2016)
The trilogy kicks off with The Forgetting Moon, introducing readers to the remote whaling village of Gallows Haven in the kingdom of Gul Kana. Here we meet Nail, an orphaned boy raised by a gruff, mysterious warrior named Shawcroft. Nail's quiet life is shattered when an invading army from Sør Sevier, led by the fanatical "Angel Prince" Aeros Raijael, sweeps across the land to claim the ancient, magical weapons of the legendary Five Warrior Angels. Aeros believes himself to be the rightful heir of the savior Raijael, launching a bloody crusade to unite the Five Isles. As the war approaches, Nail discovers he has a fated connection to these powerful relics. Meanwhile, we follow other key perspectives, including the royal sisters of Gul Kana, Jondralyn and Tala, and the battle-weary knight Gault, as alliances crumble and old myths prove to be terrifying realities.
2. The Blackest Heart (2019)
The second volume, The Blackest Heart, escalates the conflict as the invading forces of the Red Queen and Aeros Raijael press deeper into Gul Kana. The moral lines become even more blurred as characters make desperate alliances to survive. Nail is forced to grapple with his growing power and the burden of a prophecy that everyone wants to control or exploit. The political conspiracies within the royal court of Gul Kana intensify, and Jondralyn and Tala find themselves fighting not just for their kingdom, but for their own agency. The battles are grander, the betrayals are deeper, and Durfee continues to challenge the conventional boundaries of heroism in a world where trust is a liability.
3. The Lonesome Crown (2022)
The trilogy reaches its epic conclusion in The Lonesome Crown. With the Five Isles on the brink of total collapse and the mystery of the Five Warrior Angels coming to a head, the surviving characters must make their final stands. Long-buried secrets about the origin of the prophecies and the true nature of the angels are finally revealed. Nail, Jondralyn, Tala, and Gault face devastating choices in a climax filled with sacrifice, intense battle sequences, and a subversion of classic fantasy endings that leaves a lasting impression. It is a massive, satisfying wrap-up to one of the most ambitious grimdark stories of the decade.
The Pseudonymous Horror Novels (Writing as Brian D. Lee)
Before breaking into epic fantasy, Durfee explored gritty, alternate-history horror. Writing under the pseudonym Brian D. Lee, he created a dark, unsettling universe focused on an anti-vampire conflict in rural settings.
1. South Severe (2011)
Published in 2011, South Severe is an alternate-history horror novel set in a rural town. Blending eerie atmosphere with raw emotional depth, the story subverts classic vampire lore, presenting a gritty, action-packed struggle against monstrous forces. It established Durfee's early style of combining dark violence with deeply human, flawed characters.
2. Bedlam Blues (2011)
The second book in this horror sequence, Bedlam Blues, is set in a small desert town near an abandoned gold mine. It follows an idealistic young sheriff attempting to solve a series of gruesome murders, while also tracking a high school football team with a mysterious, indestructible quarterback. Note for collectors: This book is extremely rare. Durfee has stated that only ten print-on-demand copies were ever produced in 2011, specifically for close friends, making it a legendary piece of trivia for his most dedicated fans.
What to Know Before You Start
Brian Lee Durfee's writing style is uniquely influenced by his diverse life experiences. As an accomplished wildlife and fantasy illustrator whose artwork has featured in Magic: The Gathering and national parks, Durfee brings a highly visual, cinematic quality to his prose. His descriptions of landscapes, armor, and battle scenes are incredibly detailed and painterly.
Furthermore, his time working as a prison guard at the Utah State Prison, where he taught creative writing to inmates, heavily informs the gritty realism, psychological depth, and complex morality of his characters. Readers should expect a true grimdark experience: the tone is dark, violent, and mature, with themes of betrayal, religious fanaticism, and the devastating cost of war. If you enjoy authors like George R.R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie, or Steven Erikson, you will find yourself right at home in the Five Isles.
Additionally, Durfee remains highly connected to the fantasy community through his YouTube channel, Brian Lee Durfee Reviews, where he frequently shares his love for physical books, writing advice, and reviews of fellow authors' works.