The Ultimate Recommended Reading Path
For readers new to Dyrk Ashton's books, there are two distinct entry points depending on the style of fantasy you prefer. If you are looking for an epic, mythology-heavy urban fantasy featuring ancient gods and modern action, the Paternus trilogy is the place to start. If you prefer progression fantasy, magic academies, and the bond between a rider and a legendary creature, you should begin with the Kraken Rider Z series.
Because the two universes are entirely separate, you do not need to read one before the other. However, starting with the Paternus series allows you to experience the author's solo debut work that put him on the map in the indie fantasy community. Let's break down the details of each reading path.
The Paternus Universe Reading Order
The Paternus universe blends modern contemporary settings with global mythology, linking everything from Norse and Hindu gods to Mesoamerican legends. The core narrative is a trilogy, but Ashton has released several short stories that expand the lore. While the short stories are optional, they add rich history and character background that make the main books even more satisfying.
Publication and Recommended Chronological Order
The safest and most enjoyable way to read the Paternus stories is in order of publication, which closely aligns with how the narrative expands. The chronological placement of the short stories fits perfectly between the main installments as follows:
- Paternus: Rise of Gods (Book 1 - 2016): The starting point of the saga. We meet Fi Patterson and Zeke Prisco, two ordinary teenagers who are pulled into a hidden, ancient war when their boss is attacked. They discover that the gods, monsters, and devils of global mythology are actually real, belonging to a single prehistoric race known as the Firstborn. Peter, a catatonic elderly patient at the care facility where Fi and Zeke work, is revealed to be the primordial Pater, the creator and father of the Firstborn.
- Paternus: Berserker (Short Story - 2017): Often described by the author as a missing chapter, this standalone short story focuses on the brutal history of the Berserkers and their savage battle history. It is best read immediately after Book 1 to expand your understanding of the world's combatants before diving into the sequel. It helps bridge the developmental gap for Zeke and the introduction to the broader Firstborn politics.
- Paternus: Wrath of Gods (Book 2 - 2018): The conflict escalates as the characters embark on a globe-trotting quest to rally ancient mythological warriors. The battle lines are drawn between the protective Deva faction and the destructive Asura faction, and the stakes rise as the enemies prepare for an all-out war. Readers get to see a wider array of mythological figures active in the modern world.
- Paternus: Deluge (Short Story - 2018): Originally published in the fantasy anthology Lost Lore, this backstory novella provides crucial context about two of the series' secondary characters and their history during a great flood. Read this after Wrath of Gods to deepen your appreciation of the lore. It highlights the historical timeline of the Firstborn and how human myths of a global deluge originated from their ancient conflicts.
- Paternus: War of Gods (Book 3 - 2020): The epic finale of the trilogy, taking readers from the battlefields of Earth to mythical realms like Asgard. All storylines converge in a massive battle that decides the fate of the Firstborn, the Deva, the Asura, and humanity itself. It wraps up the character arcs of Fi and Zeke in a explosive climax.
What About Valkyrie Rain?
Another notable short story set in the Paternus universe is Valkyrie Rain. Published in the 2018 charity anthology Art of War, this story is told from the perspective of a Valkyrie during a legendary mythological war, specifically the Second Holocaust (Ragnarok). It features Pruor, a daughter of Thor and Sif, and explores the origins of the petit gods. Because it takes place in the distant past, it can be read at any point, but most fans recommend reading it as a prequel or a companion piece after completing the main trilogy to avoid spoiling the core mystery of the Firstborn and the true nature of their ancient lineage.
Kraken Rider Z Series Reading Order
Co-authored with fellow fantasy writer David Estes, the Kraken Rider Z series represents a shift in tone for Ashton. Set in an entirely new world, this progression fantasy series focuses on Zee Tarrow, a humble hull-scrubber who secretly bonds with a baby kraken named Jessup. In a society that worships dragon riders and fears krakens, Zee must hide his companion while navigating training and rising threats.
The reading order for Kraken Rider Z is straightforward and follows the order of publication:
- Kraken Rider Z (Book 1 - 2023): The introduction to Zee, Jessup, and the island kingdom of Tosh. This book establishes their bond and Zee's journey to become a rider. It features traditional progression fantasy themes, including training montages, magical growth, and overcoming social stratification in a class-based society.
- Thunder Kraken (Book 2 - 2025): The sequel continues Zee's progression as they face escalating dangers and discover more about the world's deep lore. Ebook and paperback formats were released in early 2025, followed by the audiobook later in the year. The bond between Zee and Jessup is tested as they face naval skirmishes and elemental challenges.
As this series is planned as a trilogy, readers can look forward to a third installment to wrap up Zee and Jessup's story.
What to Know Before You Start
Dyrk Ashton's writing is highly cinematic, a reflection of his background as an actor, filmmaker, and film professor. He holds a PhD in Film Studies, and his dissertation focused on Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. This cinematic training is evident in his prose, which features detailed, fast-paced action sequences, dry humor, and extensive research. In Paternus, this translates into a unified field theory of mythology, meaning that all mythic traditions are connected within a single history. The series features mature themes, complex worldbuilding, and detailed battles that feel like a big-budget movie.
By contrast, Kraken Rider Z is lighter, focusing on progression fantasy tropes such as training montages, power level growth, and a strong animal companionship dynamic. Understanding this difference helps you set the right expectations before diving into either series. While Paternus is a solo urban fantasy project, Kraken Rider Z is a collaborative high-fantasy project that leans into the popular progression subgenre.