Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
For most readers, the ideal starting point is Farlander, the debut novel that launched Col Buchanan’s signature dark fantasy series, the Heart of the World. This series is a complete, linear story, meaning you should read it in strict publication order. There are no prequels or spin-off novels to worry about, making it exceptionally easy to follow.
If you prefer interactive fiction, choose-your-own-path mechanics, and a blend of science fiction and space fantasy, you can start with The Good King: A Solo Adventure Through The High Wild or the serialized episodes of The High Wild: Neverwar. These projects are entirely separate from his epic fantasy series and take place in a different universe.
The Heart of the World Series in Publication Order
The Heart of the World tetralogy is a dark, gritty epic fantasy set around the Midèrēs Sea. The books build directly upon one another, so reading them in sequence is essential to understanding the overarching plot and character arcs.
- Farlander (2010) – Introduces Ash, a terminally ill assassin belonging to the ancient order of the Roshun, and Nico, a young apprentice he takes under his wing amidst the brutal siege of the city-state of Bar-Khos.
- Stands a Shadow (2011) – The Holy Empire of Mann continues its relentless expansion. The story follows Nico's dangerous training and introduces Curl, a streetwise survivor who becomes entangled in the rebellion.
- The Black Dream (2015) – The conflict reaches a fever pitch as political conspiracies deepen and the supernatural forces influencing the war begin to emerge.
- Fierce Gods (2017) – The epic culmination of the series, wrapping up the fates of the Roshun, the Mannian Empire, and the survivors of the conflict.
A Deep Dive into the Heart of the World
Buchanan’s main fantasy series stands out for its unique blend of gritty realism, light gunpowder technology, airships, and a highly constrained magic system. Rather than focusing on grand wizards, the narrative centers on the Roshun—an elite guild of assassins who do not kill for political power, but rather to exact blood-vengease for those who pay their blood-price.
The series is highly character-driven, focusing on themes of choice, moral ambiguity, and the personal cost of violence. Major perspectives include Ash, whose failing health contrasts with his lethal skills; Nico, whose innocence is slowly chipped away; Bahn, a soldier struggling with his sanity; and Curl, who represents the desperate struggle of the lower classes caught in the crossfire of empire building.
Exploring The High Wild: Interactive Space Fantasy
In the early 2020s, Col Buchanan shifted his focus to self-published space fantasy under the banner of The High Wild. This setting is vastly different from the Midèrēs Sea, taking place in a star system known as the Halos after the devastating "Neverwar" has ended in the defeat of the galaxy's defenders.
This project is split into two primary formats:
The High Wild: Neverwar Serialized Episodes
Released as an ongoing adventure serial, these episodes follow the crew of the Child of Jih, a living "Rogue Prophetship" crewed by escaped slaves. The narrative combines standard reading sections with gamebook elements, letting readers vote on or choose paths that influence how the narrative unfolds in subsequent releases.
- Neverwar: Episode 1 (2021)
- Neverwar: Episode 2 (2021)
- Neverwar: Episode 3 (2021)
The Good King (Solo Gamebook)
Published in 2023, The Good King is a standalone, interactive roleplaying gamebook optimized for digital e-readers. Playing as Rooster Quinn, a cynical blademaster, your task is to protect a young royal heir exiled on the harsh moon of Gale. The book features multiple branching paths, choices, and combat mechanics, making it a highly replayable experience for fans of classic interactive fiction.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- Pacing and Tone: The Heart of the World is often categorized as grimdark or gritty fantasy. It deals with heavy themes, including war, addiction, and systemic oppression. However, it maintains a strong focus on human resilience and personal redemption.
- Completed Arc: Unlike many modern fantasy series that remain unfinished, the four-book arc of the Heart of the World is complete. You can read from Farlander to Fierce Gods with a satisfying conclusion.
- Format Shift: Be aware that The High Wild works are not traditional novels. If you purchase The Good King expecting a standard narrative, you will be surprised by the interactive gamebook format. Ensure you choose the style of reading you prefer before purchasing.