The Recommended Reading Path
David A. Wells has written across three distinct series, each set in its own standalone universe. Because these worlds do not overlap, there is no master chronological order to worry about. Instead, you can choose where to begin based on your favorite subgenre. Here is how we recommend approaching his books:
- For Classic Epic Fantasy: Start with the Sovereign of the Seven Isles series, beginning with Thinblade (2011). This is Wells's flagship series, featuring a linear seven-book arc that details a classic rancher-to-king hero's journey filled with deep magic, political intrigue, and ancient evils.
- For Post-Apocalyptic Sword & Sci-Fi: Start with the Dragonfall trilogy, beginning with The Dragon's Egg (2015). This series takes place on a ruined Earth in the late 22nd century, blending high-tech remnants with dragon overlords and magic.
- For Space Fantasy & Sci-Fi: Start with Sarafina (2022), the first entry in The Primogenitor Conflict, which trade traditional fantasy tropes for spaceships, plasma cannons, and cosmic-level clashes.
Sovereign of the Seven Isles: Reading Order
The Sovereign of the Seven Isles is a completed high fantasy series. The story follows Alexander Valentine, a simple rancher who discovers he is the sole heir to the throne of Ruatha. Armed with the legendary Thinblade, Alexander must master a complex system of magic called "Reishi" and lead his allies to defeat the corrupt Prince Phane and the terrifying Shades. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly, and because it is one continuous storyline, you must read them in sequence:
- Thinblade (2011)
- Sovereign Stone (2011)
- Mindbender (2011)
- Blood of the Earth (2012)
- Cursed Bones (2012)
- Linkershim (2013)
- Reishi Adept (2014)
For readers who prefer physical collections or consolidated digital downloads, an omnibus edition containing books 1 through 3 was released in 2022. The magic system of the Seven Isles is a major draw for readers. Practitioners, known as Reishi Adepts, manipulate elemental and spiritual forces, with Alexander's training culminating in the ultimate clash in the seventh book, Reishi Adept. There are no companion short stories, prequels, or spin-offs, making this a refreshingly straightforward series to read from start to finish.
The Dragonfall Trilogy: Reading Order
In 2015, Wells shifted focus to a post-apocalyptic setting with the Dragonfall trilogy. Set in the year 2178, the story takes place seventy-five years after "Dragonfall"—an event where what were believed to be meteorites turned out to be dragon eggs. When the eggs hatched, the small dragons operated from the shadows, offering humans magic in exchange for service. A sudden, catastrophic war killed nine billion people in a single afternoon, allowing the dragons to establish an absolute tyranny over the survivors.
The story follows the legacy of four legendary leaders who rose to fight the dragons—the Wizard, the Dragon Rider, the Monk, and the Dragon Slayer—and their alliance with a single rebel dragon. Reading this trilogy requires following the publication sequence:
- The Dragon's Egg (2015)
- The Dragon's Codex (2016)
- The Dragon's Fang (2017)
This trilogy is highly recommended for fans who enjoy a mix of survivalist grit, high-action combat, and the fusion of futuristic technology with high-fantasy elements.
The Primogenitor Conflict: Space Opera Boundaries
In 2022, Wells introduced a new series called The Primogenitor Conflict with its debut novel, Sarafina. This series represents his most explicit blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. The story follows characters like Eli and Bash in a setting where primitive warfare (like battling beasts with swords) clashes with interstellar technology.
- Sarafina (2022)
As of 2026, Sarafina remains the only published entry in this series. While the book concludes its immediate story arc, it leaves the door open for future expansions in the universe of the Primogenitor Conflict.
What to Know Before You Start
David A. Wells is a self-published indie author who has built a dedicated following through word-of-mouth and engaging world-building. His storytelling is characterized by fast pacing, clear-cut stakes, and protagonists who undergo significant growth. One key detail to keep in mind is that the author does not maintain an active presence on social media platforms and does not run any book clubs. According to his official website, davidawells.me, he only contacts readers via email to announce new book releases, so readers should be wary of any social media accounts claiming to represent him.
For the best experience, start with Thinblade to see his writing style develop across a massive epic, and then dive into the high-octane post-apocalyptic world of Dragonfall.