Where to Start with Dartanyan Johnson's Books
For readers new to Dartanyan Johnson, the best starting point is his debut novel, Crestahn Kingdom (2020). While there are prequel stories set in this universe, starting with the first published novel is highly recommended. It introduces the core magic system, the key conflict of the Crystal of Life, and the iconic protagonist Princess Sha'ella. Starting here allows you to experience the world-building as it was originally unveiled, establishing the high stakes before you dive into the history of the realm through the prequels.
Alternatively, if you prefer romantic fantasy (romantasy) with high stakes and a faster focus on character dynamics, you can begin with Ashes & Rubble (2024), the opening book of his second major series. It is set in an entirely different universe, making it a perfect standalone entry point for fans of fantasy romance.
The Crystal of Life Series
This is Dartanyan Johnson's flagship series. It is a genre-bending mix of epic dark fantasy and space opera, featuring powerful crystal magic, starships, ancient kingdoms, and fierce, complex heroines. The main series follows Princess Sha'ella as she battles a tyrannical Sovereign to protect her people and secure the legendary Crystal of Life.
Publication Order
- Crestahn Kingdom (2020) – The first novel in the series. Princess Sha'ella must rally her allies against the Sovereign's overwhelming force.
- Forever A King (2021) – The second main novel, following the political intrigue, assassination attempts, and wars that Sha'ella faces as queen.
- The Flying Fortress (2022) – The third main novel, shifting the focus to a side character named Moriq, who trains prisoners in a dangerous tournament.
- Escaping Altetza (2022) – A prequel novelette focusing on Lendelam's attempt to free an ancestor from the Beztiqi royal family.
Prequels and Short Stories
In addition to the main novels, the universe includes side stories and prequels that flesh out the history of Crestahn:
- The Story of Sha'el (2020) – A prequel novella telling the story of Sha'el, a humble blacksmith who stands up to a corrupt king and becomes the first Crestonian king of Feldentus.
- Escaping Altetza (2022) – Set before the main events of Crestahn Kingdom, this novelette details the risky rescue of Tenma.
Chronological Reading Order
If you want to read the events of the Crestahn universe in the order they occurred historically, follow this timeline:
- The Story of Sha'el (Novella)
- Escaping Altetza (Novelette)
- Crestahn Kingdom (Book 1)
- Forever A King (Book 2)
- The Flying Fortress (Book 3)
A Kingdom Cast in Shadows Series
This series represents Johnson's expansion into the romantasy subgenre, blending gritty epic fantasy with intimate character relationships. Set in a separate universe from Crestahn, it offers a fresh start for readers.
- Ashes & Rubble (2024) – Book 1. The story follows Prince Aeveus Fehlik, who is accused of murdering his father and goes on the run to find the real killer. Meanwhile, Karessa Auruchie teams up with an elven tracker named Clyde to hunt the prince down for a massive bounty.
- Galenthian's Stone (Upcoming / In Progress) – The planned sequel, continuing the story of Aeveus and Karessa.
Standalones and Anthology Contributions
Johnson has also published standalone short fiction and contributed to indie collections:
- The King's Secret (2021) – A standalone fantasy short story about a band of young warriors who must delay the awakening of the ogre mage Ushganore and his goblin horde.
- "Grown From Tainted Seeds" (2023) – A short story contributed to the paranormal anthology The Blood of the Covenant. It follows apprentice elementalists preparing for a looming war.
What to Know Before You Start
Before launching his writing career in 2020, Dartanyan Johnson was an Oakland-based rapper performing under the moniker Bugz Bizarre, even running his own indie label, BlackBack Entertainment. This musical background heavily influences his writing style, giving his action sequences a rhythmic, fast-paced drive. He writes with a self-published, DIY spirit under his imprint D.CATZ Johnson Publishing. Readers who enjoy classic tabletop roleplaying campaigns, Brandon Sanderson's magic systems, and stories centered on strong female leads will find themselves right at home in his books.