Where to Start Reading David Estes
David Estes is a prolific force in indie science fiction and fantasy, having penned over thirty novels that span gritty subterranean post-apocalyptic landscapes, classical epic fantasy, and co-authored progression fantasy. Because his bibliography is so extensive, choosing a starting point depends heavily on your preferred subgenre:
- For Dystopian & Science Fiction Fans: Start with the Dwellers / Country Saga universe. Specifically, pick up The Moon Dwellers. This is a classic YA dystopian story that serves as the perfect entry point to his earlier works.
- For Epic Fantasy Fans: Start with Fatemarked, the first book of the Fatemarked Epic. It introduces a sprawling, high-stakes medieval fantasy setting full of prophecies, warring kingdoms, and unique magical marks.
- For Progression Fantasy & Monster Companion Fans: Start with Kraken Rider Z, a lighthearted but epic progression fantasy co-written with Dyrk Ashton featuring a bond between a young boy and a baby kraken.
The Dwellers & Country Saga Universe
One of David Estes' most popular early achievements is a shared dystopian setting featuring two distinct series that eventually collide. These series should not be read completely independently if you want to experience the overarching narrative as intended.
The Dwellers Saga takes place entirely underground, where humanity has retreated after a global catastrophe. Meanwhile, the Country Saga (its sister series) takes place on the harsh, ruined surface. After the characters in both environments have their own adventures, the two storylines converge in the final book, The Earth Dwellers.
Recommended Chronological Reading Order:
- The Moon Dwellers (2012) - Dwellers Saga Book 1
- The Star Dwellers (2012) - Dwellers Saga Book 2
- The Sun Dwellers (2012) - Dwellers Saga Book 3
- Fire Country (2013) - Country Saga Book 1
- Ice Country (2013) - Country Saga Book 2
- Water & Storm Country (2013) - Country Saga Book 3
- The Earth Dwellers (2013) - Crossover Finale
Note: You can swap the order of the trilogies (reading the Country Saga before the Dwellers Saga), but you must read both before starting The Earth Dwellers to understand the crossover plot.
The Fatemarked Universe (The World of Finfalla)
The Fatemarked universe is a massive, multi-trilogy high fantasy world. It is set across various continents, following different characters in different eras, but they all share the same world-building lore. While each individual series has a complete, self-contained story arc, they are best read in publication order to appreciate how the history and geography of the world develop over time.
1. The Fatemarked Epic
This is the foundational series of the world, introducing readers to the concept of the Fatemarked—individuals born with special magical brands that grant them abilities, prophesied to bring peace or ruin to warring kingdoms.
- Fatemarked (2017)
- Truthmarked (2017)
- Soulmarked (2017)
- Deathmarked (2019)
- Lifemarked (2019)
2. The Kingfall Histories
Taking place on a different continent with an entirely new cast of characters, this series is a follow-up to the events of the Fatemarked Epic. It features minor character cameos from the first series and expands the magical systems of the world.
- Kingfall (2021)
- Dragonfall (2021)
- Magefall (2021)
- Nightfall (2022)
- Endfall (2023)
3. The Forsworn Oath
The latest series set in this shared world, taking place chronologically years after the events of The Kingfall Histories. It ties together lore and characters from both previous series while introducing a brand-new threat in the kingdom of Finfalla.
- Forsworn (2024)
- Heartsworn (2024)
- Stormsworn (2025)
- Soulsworn (2025)
- Bloodsworn (2026)
Co-Authored Fantasy Series
In recent years, David Estes has collaborated with other popular indie fantasy authors to produce highly successful progression and epic fantasy series. These are completely separate from his main solo universes and can be read independently.
Kraken Rider Z (Co-authored with Dyrk Ashton)
A progression fantasy series focusing on Zee Tarrow, a young man who bonds with a tiny baby kraken in a world dominated by dragon riders.
- Kraken Rider Z (2023)
- Thunder Kraken (2025)
The Bloodwood Saga (Co-authored with Ben Galley)
An epic dark fantasy series set in a world made up of giant trees and dangerous canopies, following the hunter Tarko Terelta.
- Demon's Reign (2022)
- Demon's Rage (2024)
- Demon's Ruin (2026)
The Last King (Co-authored with G.D. Penman)
A fast-paced fantasy trilogy focusing on magic, politics, and survival.
- Shadebound (2022)
- Bloodbound (2023)
- Thronebound (2023)
Other Sci-Fi and Dystopian Series
For readers who enjoy Estes' non-high fantasy works, he has written several other completed trilogies that do not connect to the Dwellers or Fatemarked worlds.
The Slip Trilogy
A YA sci-fi dystopian thriller set in a futuristic world focused on identity, technology, and corporate control.
- Slip (2014)
- Grip (2014)
- Flip (2015)
Salem's Revenge
A post-apocalyptic fantasy series blending horror elements, where witches have taken over the Earth and human witch hunters fight back.
- Brew (2014)
- Boil (2014)
- Burn (2015)
Evolution Trilogy
Estes' debut young adult paranormal series centered on a hidden conflict between angels and demons.
- Angel Evolution (2011)
- Demon Evolution (2011)
- Archangel Evolution (2011)
What to Know Before You Start
David Estes is known for releasing books rapidly, often publishing entire series within a year or two. While his shared universes (like the Fatemarked world and the Dwellers world) have chronological links, he designed each series to be self-contained enough that you will not feel lost if you start with a later series first. However, reading them in publication order remains the most satisfying way to experience his detailed world-building and see the evolution of his writing style.