D.W. Hawkins Books in Order

The Recommended Starting Point for D.W. Hawkins

For readers diving into the dark, spellbinding fantasy worlds of D.W. Hawkins, the best starting point is Child of the Flames (originally published as The Sentient Fire), the first book of the Seven Signs series. This novel introduces the core world of Eldath, its complex magical rules, and the central protagonist, Shawna Llewan. While there is a prequel novella available, starting with the first full-length novel ensures you experience the mystery, world-building, and character growth in the way the author originally intended.

The Seven Signs Series

The Seven Signs is D.W. Hawkins's flagship epic fantasy saga. Spanning seven novels and a prequel novella, it follows Shawna Llewan and her companions as they confront ancient conspiracies, dark wizards, and the destructive legacy of powerful relics. Over the course of the series, the stakes rise from personal vengeance to the fate of the entire realm of Eldath.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

When reading the Seven Signs, you have two primary options: publication order or chronological order. The main point of divergence is the prequel novella, The Killings at Rockman's Ford. Released in 2018, this novella takes place chronologically before the events of the first book, focusing on the warlock D'Jenn Pike as he investigates mysterious, magic-fueled murders in a remote town.

Why start with Publication Order? Most veteran fantasy readers recommend starting with Child of the Flames first. Starting here allows the magic system of Eldath to unfold naturally. If you begin with the prequel, some of the mystery surrounding the Conclave, warlocks, and the world's ancient history is revealed prematurely, which can dilute the suspense of the main novels.

Why choose Chronological Order? If you prefer to have a complete historical understanding of the world before the main plot begins, starting with The Killings at Rockman's Ford is a viable alternative. It provides immediate, gritty context about the Conclave of Warlocks and the nature of hostile magic before Shawna's journey starts.

The Seven Signs: Publication Order

1. Child of the Flames (2011) - Note: Originally published under the title "The Sentient Fire."
2. The Killings at Rockman's Ford (2018) - Prequel Novella
3. The Knife in the Dark (2019)
4. The Old Man of the Temple (2019)
5. The City Under the Mountain (2019)
6. The Oath of the Blade (2019)
7. The Shadow of Death (2020)
8. The Heart of Ruin (2026)

The Seven Signs: Chronological Order

1. The Killings at Rockman's Ford (2018) - Prequel Novella
2. Child of the Flames (2011)
3. The Knife in the Dark (2019)
4. The Old Man of the Temple (2019)
5. The City Under the Mountain (2019)
6. The Oath of the Blade (2019)
7. The Shadow of Death (2020)
8. The Heart of Ruin (2026)

The Great Dance Series

After concluding the Seven Signs saga, D.W. Hawkins launched a brand new series titled The Great Dance, starting with Dance of Jesters (2022). This series shifts focus to a new protagonist, Esteban Audaz, who once held immense wealth and power as the ruler of a prosperous oceanside city. After being betrayed, attacked, and left for dead, Esteban washes ashore on a mythical, feared island. Here, he uncovers the remnants of an ancient civilization and prepares to reclaim his home.

While The Great Dance features the same gritty, high-stakes storytelling fans of Hawkins expect, it stands on its own as a fresh starting point for readers who want to experience a swashbuckling tale of vengeance and political intrigue without committing to the larger Seven Signs catalog first.

• Dance of Jesters (2022)

Short Stories, Novellas, and Anthologies

In addition to his primary novel series, D.W. Hawkins has written several shorter works and contributed to multi-author anthologies. These stories flesh out his worlds and offer bite-sized entry points for new readers.

Standalone Novellas

• The Last Flight of the Black Wind (2018) - A short fantasy story set in his fantasy world, often distributed to newsletter subscribers as an introduction to his prose style and dark atmosphere.

Anthology Contributions

Hawkins has participated in several collaborative anthologies alongside other prominent indie fantasy authors, including Jacob Peppers. These books contain short stories that expand on different elements of his worlds or explore dark fantasy themes:

• Defiant Guardians (2018) - A collection of epic fantasy tales focused on warriors, guardians, and protectors.
• From the Shadows: Villainous Tales of Dark Lords, Despots, and Fallen Heroes (2020) - An anthology centering on villainous protagonists, perfect for fans of grimdark fantasy.
• From the Ashes: Legends Never Die (2021) - A collaborative anthology showcasing stories of survival and resurgence.

What to Know Before You Start

D.W. Hawkins's background as a combat veteran, UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, and musician heavily influences his writing style. His battle scenes are characterized by a gritty realism and tactile tension, prioritizing the physical stakes of combat over idealized heroism. Expect sharp dialogue, complex characters who make morally grey choices, and elements of dark fantasy—including ancient magical conspiracies and undead threats.

As an independent author, Hawkins occasionally re-releases or updates his titles. The most notable example of this is the change of his debut novel's title from The Sentient Fire to Child of the Flames. When looking for his books online or in audio formats (where he has partnered with publishers like Whole Story West), ensure you are purchasing the updated editions to get the most polished version of the text.