Where to Start with Ed McDonald's Books
If you're looking to dive into the dark, atmospheric, and action-packed fantasy worlds of Ed McDonald, you have two distinct paths to choose from. Since his series are set in entirely different universes, the choice depends on your preference for subgenres. If you love grimdark fantasy with post-apocalyptic vibes, grizzled protagonists, and desperate military stakes, start with the Raven's Mark trilogy. If you prefer a Scottish-inspired setting featuring necromancy, secret wizarding orders, and a younger protagonist navigating political and magical intrigue, begin with The Redwinter Chronicles.
Most readers recommend starting with his debut novel, Blackwing, to experience the gritty, character-driven storytelling that first established McDonald as a major voice in modern dark fantasy. However, both series are fully independent, so you can choose whichever premise speaks to you first without worrying about spoilers or overlapping continuity.
The Raven's Mark Series (Recommended Reading Order)
The Raven's Mark is a completed grimdark fantasy trilogy set in a desolate world scarred by a magical wasteland known as the Misery. The story is told in the first person by Ryhalt Galharrow, a battle-weary bounty hunter and captain of the Blackwing mercenaries. Galharrow is bound to the service of Crowfoot, one of the mysterious and god-like immortal beings known as the Nameless, who fight a never-ending war against the monstrous Deep Kings.
For the core trilogy, you should read the books in publication order, as they follow a linear timeline with significant character development and overarching plot progression:
- Blackwing (2017) – The novel that introduced readers to Galharrow and the horrors of the Misery. Galharrow is tasked with finding a missing noblewoman who possesses a weapon that could turn the tide of the war.
- Ravencry (2018) – Set four years after the events of the first book, this installment sees Galharrow dealing with a new, cult-like threat arising within the city of Valengrad, centered around a figure known as the Bright Lady.
- Crowfall (2019) – The concluding chapter of the trilogy, which raises the stakes to their absolute limit as the alliance of the Nameless fractures and the Misery threatens to consume everything.
The Raven's Mark Prequels and Short Stories
In addition to the main trilogy, McDonald has written two prequel short stories that expand the lore of the Raven's Mark universe. While they add excellent flavor and background context, they are optional reads and are best enjoyed after you have read at least the first novel.
- "To See a Monster" (2018) – Published in Grimdark Magazine Issue #16, this story is set before the main events of the trilogy. It focuses on a disgraced soldier who challenges his slanderer to a duel while confronting painful memories of a battle where he was forced to flee.
- "The Breaking of the Sky" (2018) – Published in the charity anthology Art of War, this prequel story explores the cataclysmic historical event that created the Misery, providing deeper context on the Nameless and the war that reshaped the world.
The Redwinter Chronicles (Recommended Reading Order)
McDonald's second major series is The Redwinter Chronicles. This Scottish-inspired epic fantasy moves away from the first-person perspective of an older warrior to follow Raine, a young woman who possesses the forbidden ability to see and speak with the dead. If discovered, her secret would mean certain death. When she accidentally witnesses a clandestine magical ritual, she is thrust into the ranks of the Draoihn, a powerful and secretive order of battle-mages operating from the fortress of Redwinter.
This series is a completed trilogy, and the books must be read in order to follow Raine's journey from a terrified outcast to a key player in a brewing civil war:
- Daughter of Redwinter (2022) – The opening novel, where Raine is rescued from a clan massacre and taken to Redwinter, where she must learn to hide her necromantic abilities while training with the mages.
- Traitor of Redwinter (2023) – Raine's secrets become increasingly difficult to keep as political factions clash and she is forced to play a dangerous game of espionage to protect those she cares about.
- Witch Queen of Redwinter (2024) – The explosive finale to the trilogy, resolving the conflicts surrounding Redwinter, the magical factions, and Raine's ultimate destiny.
Publication Order of Ed McDonald's Books
If you prefer to read a writer's bibliography in the order the books were written, here is the complete chronological publication order of Ed McDonald's work:
- Blackwing (Novel, 2017)
- Ravencry (Novel, 2018)
- "To See a Monster" (Short Story in Grimdark Magazine #16, 2018)
- "The Breaking of the Sky" (Short Story in the Art of War Anthology, 2018)
- Crowfall (Novel, 2019)
- Daughter of Redwinter (Novel, 2022)
- Traitor of Redwinter (Novel, 2023)
- Witch Queen of Redwinter (Novel, 2024)
Note: The German anthology Fantastisches Lesen, published in 2019, contains selected previews of various authors, including an excerpt from the German edition of Blackwing (titled Im Zeichen des Raben). It does not contain unique story content, so English-speaking readers do not need to seek it out.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Because McDonald's two main series are completely separate, there is no master chronological timeline that unites them. However, within the Raven's Mark universe, there is a minor difference between publication order and chronological order due to the prequel short stories.
If you want a strictly chronological read of the Raven's Mark universe, you would read "The Breaking of the Sky" first (which covers the ancient history of the cataclysm), followed by "To See a Monster," and then the main trilogy starting with Blackwing. However, we strongly recommend starting with Blackwing first. The short stories assume some familiarity with the magic and factions of the world, and starting with them may feel confusing. Reading them as companion pieces after the first or second novel is the most satisfying approach.
What to Know Before You Start
Ed McDonald is a medieval historian and an active practitioner of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). This background heavily influences his work. The swordplay in his novels is celebrated for its visceral realism, avoiding typical fantasy cliches in favor of authentic combat mechanics. Additionally, while his worlds are dark, violent, and often qualify as grimdark, McDonald infuses his characters with a core of humanity, loyalty, and hope. This balance between grit and heart has made him a standout favorite among fans of modern fantasy.