Can I read the Nameless Dwarf series without reading the Shader series?

Yes. Although the Nameless Dwarf was originally introduced in the Shader series, Derek Prior revised the Annals of the Nameless Dwarf to remove these connections, making it a completely self-contained reading experience.

What is the correct reading order for the Nameless Dwarf books?

You should read the revised Annals of the Nameless Dwarf in publication order, starting with Ravine of Blood and Shadow , followed by Mountain of Madness and Curse of the Black Axe .

Are the Shader Origins prequels necessary to understand the main series?

No, the Shader Origins novellas ( Ward of the Philosopher and The Seventh Horse ) are optional companion works. It is recommended to read the main Shader series first to grasp the world-building before diving into the prequels.

What is 'Dead or Alivela of Shadrak the Unseen'?

This is a common metadata typo found in digital catalogs. The correct title is Dead or Alive: A Novella of Shadrak the Unseen (also published as The Witch Ring ), featuring the popular assassin character Shadrak.

Where is the best starting point for Derek Prior's books?

The best starting point is Ravine of Blood and Shadow , the first book of the Annals of the Nameless Dwarf , which showcases Prior's signature blend of grit, humor, and dwarf-centric heroic fantasy.

Derek Prior Books in Order

Where to Start with Derek Prior

Derek Prior (who also publishes as D.P. Prior) is best known for his fast-paced, character-driven epic fantasy books. If you are new to his work, you have two main entry points, depending on what flavor of fantasy you prefer:

Option A: Annals of the Nameless Dwarf (Recommended): Start with Ravine of Blood and Shadow. This is Prior's signature series. Defying traditional fantasy trends, it places a dwarf protagonist at the center of a gritty, high-stakes adventure full of dark magic, loyalty, and redemption.
Option B: The Shader Series: Start with Sword of the Archon. This series is a dark, post-apocalyptic sword-and-sorcery epic following Deacon Shader, a holy knight navigating a world torn apart by religious conflict and a catastrophic magical event known as the Unweaving.

The Nameless Dwarf Reading Order

The Nameless Dwarf series focuses on Carnac Thayn, a cursed dwarf warrior struggling to find redemption after a devastating past. The books should be read in their publication order, which mirrors the chronological progression of the story. Note that Prior completely revised these books to remove external dependencies on the Shader series, making this a fully self-contained adventure.

Ravine of Blood and Shadow / Carnifex: A Portent of Blood (2012)
Mountain of Madness (2012)
Curse of the Black Axe (2016)
Land of Nightmare (2019)
Skull of the Lich Lord (2019)
Fate of the Dwarf Lords (2019)
Last of the Exalted (2020)
Dead Dwarves Don't Die (2021)
Tomb of the Witch Queen (2022)
The Hunter: Takes a Demon to Catch a Demon (2023)

Original vs. Revised Editions

Early readers of Derek Prior's work might remember older titles like The Ant-Man of Malfen or The Axe of the Dwarf Lords. These were part of the original publication run where the Nameless Dwarf's story was heavily intertwined with the events of the Shader books. Prior later went back and heavily revised the entire series, restructuring the books into the Annals of the Nameless Dwarf to allow new readers to experience the dwarf's story without needing to read the Shader series first. We recommend sticking to the revised editions listed above.

The Shader Series Reading Order

If you prefer a broader epic fantasy scope with post-apocalyptic overtones, undead hordes, and holy wars, the Shader series is the place to go. The main series follows Deacon Shader's struggles across the Templum's empire and the dreaming world of Aethir. Read the main books in this order:

Sword of the Archon (2010)
Best Laid Plans (2011)
The Unweaving (2014)
The Archon's Assassin (2015)

Shader Origins

Prior has also written prequel novellas that flesh out the backstories of key players in the Shader universe. These are best read after completing the main Shader series to avoid spoilers, though they take place chronologically before the events of Sword of the Archon.

Ward of the Philosopher: Shader Origins (2015)
The Seventh Horse: Shader Origins (2015)

Sorcerers' Isle Series

Set in a different corner of Prior's fantasy realms, this series focuses on magic, intense clan rivalries, and ancient secrets. It offers a fresh setting for readers who want to experience Prior's visceral action scenes and detailed magic systems in a new context. Read them in order:

The Codex of Her Scars (2018)
The Crucible of Her Blood (2022)

Standalones, Spin-offs, and Related Novellas

If you want to explore the edges of Prior's bibliography, check out these standalone stories and spin-offs:

Dead or Alive: A Novella of Shadrak the Unseen (2017): This novella focuses on Shadrak, the deadly assassin from the Night Hawks guild. Note that some catalogs mistakenly list this book under the title Dead or Alivela of Shadrak the Unseen due to a digital metadata typo. It has also been published under the title The Witch Ring.
Husk (Plague Demon Chronicles) (2014): A dark fantasy standalone following the grim events of a demonic plague.
Thanatos Rising (Memoirs of Harry Chesterton) (2010): A contemporary dark mystery following a postgraduate student investigating occult happenings near an ancient monastery.

What to Know Before You Start

Prior’s background in mental health nursing and martial arts brings a distinct realism to his fantasy. Combat scenes are detailed, visceral, and tactically grounded, reflecting his real-life MMA training. At the same time, his characters frequently deal with heavy psychological burdens, trauma, and moral ambiguity, ensuring the high-stakes action always carries emotional weight.