Craig Halloran Books in Order

Where to Start with Craig Halloran

With well over 100 novels in his bibliography, Craig Halloran's massive fantasy catalog can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, his works are structured into clear, linear series. If you are new to his writing, there are two primary entry points depending on the subgenre you prefer:

• For Epic Sword and Sorcery: Start with the original The Darkslayer series. This grit-and-gore adventure follows Venir, a hulking warrior known as the Darkslayer, as he fights to save the chaotic world of Bish.
• For Young Adult & Classic High Fantasy: Start with The Chronicles of Dragon. This series follows Nath Dragon on a quest to restore the glory of dragons in a world filled with magic, dark forces, and legendary weapons.

The Nath Dragon Multiverse

The story of Nath Dragon is one of Halloran's most popular and expansive arcs. It is divided into three main series, which are best read in chronological order to follow Nath's full character arc from his origins to his final battles.

1. Prequel: The Lost Chronicles of Dragon: The Odyssey of Nath Dragon

Though published later, this five-book series details the early life, trials, and origins of Nath Dragon. It explains the background lore and sets up his destiny.

1. Exiled (2017)
2. Enslaved (2018)
3. Deadly (2018)
4. Hunted (2018)
5. Strife (2018)

Companion Story: The short story/novella The Quest for the Thunderstone (2017) can be read alongside this prequel arc.

2. The Chronicles of Dragon (Main Series)

This is the core 10-book series where Nath's journey truly takes center stage as he learns to wield his power and defeat dark evils.

1. The Hero, The Sword and The Dragons (2013)
2. Dragon Bones and Tombstones (2013)
3. Terror at the Temple (2013)
4. Clutch of the Cleric (2013)
5. Hunt for the Hero (2013)
6. Siege at the Settlements (2014)
7. Fight and the Fury (2014)
8. War in the Winds (2014)
9. Strife in the Sky (2014)
10. Finale (2014)

3. The Chronicles of Dragon: Tail of the Dragon

This sequel series picks up directly after the events of the main series, following Nath Dragon into his next chapter of adventure.

1. Tail of the Dragon (2015)
2. Claws of the Dragon (2015)
3. Battle of the Dragon (2016)
4. Eyes of the Dragon (2016)
5. Flight of the Dragon (2016)
6. Trial of the Dragon (2016)
7. Judgment of the Dragon (2017)
8. Wrath of the Dragon (2017)
9. Power of the Dragon (2017)
10. Hour of the Dragon (2017)

The Darkslayer Saga

For readers who prefer gritty, action-packed sword-and-sorcery inspired by Conan the Barbarian, this universe is a must-read. It follows Venir the Darkslayer and his companion Mezar.

1. The Darkslayer (Original Series)

1. Wrath of the Royals (2009)
2. Blades in the Night (2011)
3. Underling Revenge (2012)
4. Danger and the Druid (2012)
5. Outrage in the Outlands (2013)
6. Chaos at the Castle (2013)
7. Brutal Beginnings (2017)

2. Darkslayer: Bish and Bone

A continuation arc of the Darkslayer series that extends Venir's adventures in Bish and introduces even higher stakes.

1. Bish and Bone (2014)
2. Black Blood (2014)
3. Red Death (2014)
4. Lethal Liasons (2015)
5. Torment and Terror (2016)
6. Brigands and Badlands (2016)
7. War in the Wastelands (2016)
8. Slaughter in the Streets (2017)
9. Hunt of the Beast (2017)
10. The Battle for Bone (2017)

Note: The 2018 release The Darkslayer: Bish and Bone Collector's Edition: A Sword and Sorcery Epic Saga is a collected omnibus of this series.

The Crossover: Clash of Heroes

What happens when Craig Halloran's two greatest protagonists meet? The Clash of Heroes trilogy answers this question. Important Note: You should read both the original The Darkslayer series and the first Chronicles of Dragon series before starting this crossover to avoid major spoilers and understand the characters' powers.

1. Nath Dragon Meets The Darkslayer (2015)
2. Nath Dragon Meets The Darkslayer, Book 2 (2016)
3. Nath Dragon Meets The Darkslayer, Book 3 (2018)

Dragon Wars (Standalone Epic)

Dragon Wars is a massive, fast-paced 20-book series written in quick succession. It focuses on a separate storyline filled with epic fantasy clashes, barbarians, and wizards.

1. Blood Brothers (2020)
2. Black Frost (2020)
3. Sky Rider (2020)
4. Iron Bones (2020)
5. Thunder in Gunder (2020)
6. Monarch Madness (2020)
7. Battleground (2020)
8. Wizard Watch (2020)
9. Prisoner Island (2020)
10. Peril in the Dark (2020)
11. Death in the Desert (2020)
12. Claws and Steel (2020)
13. Grey Cloak (2020)
14. Barbarian Backlash (2021)
15. The Devil's Snare (2021)
16. Bedlam (2021)
17. The Flaming Fence (2021)
18. Ride the Sky (2021)
19. Thunder Time (2021)
20. Dark Mountain (2021)

Urban Fantasy: The John Smoke Files

If you prefer contemporary settings with supernatural twists, Craig Halloran offers a thrilling urban fantasy universe centered around John Smoke.

1. Supernatural Bounty Hunter Files

This series introduces John Smoke, a rogue bounty hunter, and his FBI handler Sidney Shaw as they track down supernatural threats.

1. Smoke Rising (2015)
2. I Smell Smoke (2015)
3. Where There's Smoke (2015)
4. Smoke on the Water (2015)
5. Smoke and Mirrors (2015)
6. Up in Smoke (2016)
7. Smoke Signals (2016)
8. Holy Smoke (2016)
9. Smoke Happens (2018)
10. Smoke Out (2018)

2. The Supernatural Dragon Hunter Files

A direct sequel series continuing John Smoke's adventures as the supernatural threats escalate to dragons.

1. Smoke and Fire (2022)
2. Smoke Screen (2022)
3. Smoke Stack (2022)
4. Smoke Break (2023)

Other Notable Series

The Henchmen Chronicles

An action-oriented high-fantasy series following the adventures of a group of loyal fighters serving the king.

1. The King's Henchmen (2019)
2. The King's Assassin (2019)
3. The King's Prisoner (2019)
4. The King's Conjurer (2019)
5. The King's Enemies (2019)

Savage and the Sorcerer

A sword-and-sorcery adventure centered around a dark curse and ancient power struggles.

1. The Scarab's Curse / The Sorcerer's Curse (2017)
2. The Scarab's Power / The Sorcerer's Power (2017)
3. The Scarab's Command / The Sorcerer's Command (2017)
4. The Sorcerer's Trick (2018)
5. The Sorcerer's War (2018)

The Gamma Earth Cycle

A post-apocalyptic science fiction series where survivors must navigate a dangerous, mutated world.

1. Escape from the Dominion (2017)
2. Flight from the Dominion (2017)
3. Prison of the Dominion (2022)

Impact Series (Zombies)

Craig Halloran's take on the classic zombie survival genre with a quirky and action-filled spin.

1. Zombie Day Care (2009)
2. Zombie Rehab (2012)
3. Zombie Warfare (2014)