The Recommended Starting Point
For readers new to David Hair, the best entry point depends largely on your preferred flavor of fantasy. If you are a fan of sprawling, adult epic fantasy with complex magic systems and high-stakes geopolitics in the vein of Brandon Sanderson or George R.R. Martin, you should start with Mage's Blood, the first book of The Moontide Quartet. It introduces his flagship fantasy world and represents his most celebrated work to date.
If you prefer young adult contemporary fantasy rich in folklore and cultural authenticity, the best place to begin is The Bone Tiki, the award-winning opening novel of his Aotearoa series. For fans of historical fantasy and classical mythology, the co-authored Athena's Champion (written with Cath Mayo) is a perfect standalone starting point that reconstructs the myth of Odysseus.
The Urte Saga: Moontide and Sunsurge
David Hair’s most popular fantasy setting is the world of Urte, an epic playground divided by a massive ocean where two distinct continents—Yavim and Rondia—clash every twelve years. A colossal bridge, the Leviathan Bridge, is exposed only during the "Moontide," allowing the magic-wielding, Eastern-inspired Rondian Empire to launch crusades against the Western-inspired Javonites. This setting spans two separate quartets that share a continuous history. You should absolutely read these in chronological order, as the events of the second quartet directly spoil and build upon the resolutions of the first.
1. The Moontide Quartet
This series establishes the world, the magic system of Gnosis, and the political tensions surrounding the third crusade across the Leviathan Bridge. It should be read in publication order:
- Mage's Blood (2012)
- Scarlet Tides (2013)
- Unholy War (2014)
- Ascendant's Rite (2015)
2. The Sunsurge Quartet
Set a generation after the conclusion of The Moontide Quartet, this series follows a new cast of characters dealing with the aftermath of the previous wars, new magic, and a collapsing imperial order. It must be read after finishing the Moontide books:
- Empress of the Fall (2017)
- Prince of the Spear (2018)
- Hearts of Ice (2019)
- Mother of Daemons (2020)
The Talmont Trilogy
A newer entry in Hair's adult epic fantasy catalog, the Talmont Trilogy features an environmentally conscious, post-apocalyptic setting where ancient forces, elemental magic, and the survival of a fractured empire collide. The plot follows the rogue Vestal Knights known as the Falcons as they unravel the dark truth behind the empire's life-sustaining crystals. This trilogy should be read in order of release:
- The Burning Land (2024)
- The Drowning Sea (2025)
- The Falling Sky (2026)
The Tethered Citadel Trilogy
Combining military fantasy, treasure hunting, and exploratory adventure, The Tethered Citadel follows a disgraced commander leading a band of misfits across a harsh, magic-blighted borderland. It features a unique, self-contained story arc that is separate from the Urte universe. Read them in the following order:
- Map's Edge (2020)
- World's Edge (2021)
- Sorcerer's Edge (2022)
The Olympus Trilogy (Co-authored with Cath Mayo)
For readers who love mythological retellings, Hair teamed up with author Cath Mayo to write a gritty, historically detailed reimagining of the Greek Bronze Age. The trilogy follows Odysseus as a young man trying to navigate the whims and politics of the gods. Read them in order:
- Athena's Champion (2018)
- Oracle's War (2019)
- Sacred Bride (2019)
Young Adult Series
David Hair began his career writing highly acclaimed YA fantasy that draws heavily on his personal experiences living in New Zealand and India. These series blend contemporary teenagers with ancient legends and mythology.
1. The Aotearoa Series
Set in New Zealand, this series follows Matiu Douglas as he discovers a magical parallel version of his homeland where Māori mythology is real. While the first three books are the most widely available, the complete series comprises six novels:
- The Bone Tiki (2009)
- The Taniwha's Tear (2010)
- The Lost Tohunga (2012)
- Justice and Utu (2012)
- Ghosts of Parihaka (2013)
- Magic and Makutu (2014)
2. The Return of Ravana Series
Inspired by the Indian epic The Ramayana, this series follows four modern teenagers who realize they are reincarnations of ancient Indian figures. The series is notable for having alternate titles depending on the region of publication (often published with simpler titles in certain markets):
- Pyre of Queens (also published as The Pyre) (2010)
- Swayamvara (also published as The Ghost Bride or The Adversaries) (2011)
- Souls in Exile (also published as The Exile) (2011)
- King of Lanka (also published as The King) (2012)
What to Know Before You Start
David Hair's fantasy is highly praised for its cultural and historical grounding. His time living in New Delhi heavily influenced the authentic mythology and atmosphere of The Return of Ravana, while his background in History and Classical Studies shines in The Olympus Trilogy. When approaching his books, keep in mind that the Urte books (Moontide and Sunsurge) feature a very large cast, complex terminology, and mature themes. If you prefer a tighter, more action-focused story with a smaller cast, start with The Tethered Citadel or The Talmont Trilogy before committing to the grand scale of the Urte saga.