Where Should You Start Reading Dave Wolverton?
For most readers, the best place to start is with his signature epic fantasy series, The Runelords (written under his pseudonym, David Farland). The first novel, The Sum of All Men (often published simply as The Runelords), introduces a highly unique magic system based on the transfer of physical and mental attributes. If you prefer classic, award-winning science fiction, start with his debut standalone novel, On My Way to Paradise (1989), which won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Special Award. For Star Wars fans, his standalone novel The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994) is an absolute must-read that introduced major lore elements like the Nightsisters of Dathomir.
The Runelords Series Reading Order
The Runelords is Wolverton's magnum opus. The main narrative is divided into two distinct story cycles. It is highly recommended to read these in publication order, as the second cycle takes place years later and follows the children of the original characters.
The Earth King Cycle
- The Runelords / The Sum of All Men (1998)
- Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999)
- Wizardborn (2001)
- The Lair of Bones (2002/2003)
The Scions of the Earth Cycle
- Sons of the Oak (2006)
- Worldbinder (2007)
- The Wyrmling Horde (2008)
- Chaosbound (2009)
The Prequels and Unfinished Finale
- Barbarians (2013) – A prequel novella (set hundreds of years before the main series) focusing on the character Dval.
- Ashes and Starlight (2014) – The second prequel novella following Dval.
- A Tale of Tales (2012 / Unfinished) – Intended as the ninth and final novel to wrap up the series. Following Wolverton's passing in 2022, the draft remained roughly 80% complete and has not been officially published.
Serpent Catch Series
Originally conceived as a science-fiction duology, this series explores a world where humans are forced to tame giant alien sea serpents. Depending on the edition you find, it is published either as two larger books or split into four volumes:
- Spirit Walker (1991)
- Serpent Catch (1991)
- Blade Kin (1993)
- Path of the Hero (1993)
The Golden Queen Series
This space opera series blends science fiction with fairy-tale motifs, following a team trying to save humanity from an insectoid alien threat known as the Swarm:
- The Golden Queen (1994)
- Beyond the Gate (1995)
- Lords of the Seventh Swarm (1997)
Ravenspell Books (As David Farland)
A fun, middle-grade fantasy series following a young boy who gets turned into a mouse. Best read in chronological order:
- Of Mice and Magic (2005)
- The Wizard of Ooze (2007)
- Freaky Fly Day (2009)
Star Wars & Media Tie-in Contributions
Wolverton was a major architect of the early Star Wars Expanded Universe. While database listings often show full series like Jedi Apprentice or Star Wars Legends under his name, he only wrote specific volumes:
- The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994) – A key standalone Star Wars novel set after the events of Return of the Jedi.
- Jedi Apprentice Series – Wolverton wrote The Rising Force (Book 1) and The Hidden Past (Book 3) in 1999, establishing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi series before Jude Watson took over the remaining books.
- Star Wars Episode I Adventures & Missions – He authored several quick-read adventure gamebooks around 1999 and 2000, including The Ghostling Children and The Hunt for Anakin Skywalker.
- The Mummy Chronicles – Wolverton wrote these four historical fantasy adventure novels in 2001 (such as Revenge of the Scorpion King) to tie in with the movie franchise.
Standalone Novels & Non-Fiction
Outside of his main universes, Wolverton wrote standalone stories and guides for writers:
- On My Way to Paradise (1989) – His award-winning sci-fi debut.
- A Very Strange Trip (1999) – A comedic time-travel adventure based on a story idea by L. Ron Hubbard.
- Nightingale (2011) – A young adult science-fantasy novel written as David Farland.
- Million Dollar Writing Series – Practical books on the craft of fiction, including Million Dollar Outlines (2013).