Where to Start with E. William Brown
For most readers, the absolute best place to start is with Fimbulwinter, the first book in the Daniel Black series. This is the series that established Brown as a prominent voice in the GameLit and progression fantasy space. If you are a fan of high-stakes isekai, detailed magic systems, and a protagonist who approaches magical problems with the logic of a modern engineer, this is your ideal entry point.
However, if your tastes lean heavily toward science fiction and space opera, you should begin with Perilous Waif, the opening novel of the Alice Long series. It offers a fast-paced, anime-influenced galactic adventure that showcases the same strategic problem-solving style in a high-tech setting.
Daniel Black Series
The Daniel Black series is a portal fantasy (isekai) where an ordinary earthling is summoned to a Norse-inspired world facing an impending apocalypse. To survive, Daniel must use his newly granted magic and engineering ingenuity to build defenses, form alliances, and outsmart gods and monsters alike. The series should be read strictly in publication order:
- Fimbulwinter (2014)
- Black Coven (2015)
- Extermination (2015)
- Thrall (2018)
Status Note: The series is currently on an extended hiatus. While the author has occasionally shared draft chapters on his SubscribeStar platform, Book 5 has not yet been published, and the series remains incomplete.
Alice Long Series
This series shifts the setting to a futuristic, spacefaring galaxy. It follows Alice, an orphan with advanced genetic modifications who finds herself caught between pirate factions, corporate entities, and interplanetary politics.
- Perilous Waif (2017)
Status Note: A sequel under the working title Merciful Troubleshooter was planned, but it remains unreleased, making this a standalone experience for the time being.
Standalone Novels
In addition to his main series, Brown has branched out into Earth-based survival stories.
- The Jungles of Alabama (2023)
This book is a standalone System Apocalypse story. Set in the backwoods of Alabama, it follows a group of survivors who must adapt to a newly gamified Earth full of monsters and levels while utilizing their unique System-granted skills.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, there are a few key details to keep in mind. E. William Brown writes in a distinct style heavily inspired by tabletop RPGs and classic science fiction. The protagonists are highly proactive and logical, often 'min-maxing' their abilities to solve complex situations. However, please note that his fantasy works contain mature themes, harem elements, and explicit content. Additionally, his active writing status has been highly intermittent, and updates on both the Daniel Black and Alice Long series have been rare for several years.