Where Should You Start Reading?
Edward W. Robertson has built a massive following across both epic fantasy and post-apocalyptic science fiction. Because his series are quite distinct, your starting point depends entirely on which genre you prefer. If you want magic, theological mysteries, and witty banter, you should start with the world of Rale. If you want gritty survival, pandemics, and alien invasions, you should start with the Breakers series.
Option A: The Epic Fantasy Path (The World of Rale)
This is Robertson's most famous body of work. It is an interconnected fantasy universe following the sorcerer Dante Galand and his fighter companion Blays Harves. The recommended order is to follow the character publication history, starting with the original trilogy, moving to the long sequel series, and reading the prequel series last.
Option B: The Sci-Fi/Post-Apocalyptic Path (Breakers)
If you prefer near-future survival stories, start with Breakers. This series begins with a devastating plague but quickly escalates into a larger science fiction conflict. Once finished, you can leap 1,000 years into the future with the spin-off/sequel series Rebel Stars.
The Dante and Blays Saga: Cycle of Arawn & Cycle of Galand
To experience the evolution of Dante and Blays, you should read the main series first. While the prequel series The Cycle of the Scour takes place 100 years prior, it was written later and contains world-building reveals that are much more satisfying if you already know the main characters and the magic system. Read them in this order:
1. The Cycle of Arawn (Trilogy)
This is the foundation. It introduces Dante as a young man discovering forbidden shadow magic and Blays as his companion. The trilogy is best read in order:
- The White Tree (2011)
- The Great Rift (2012)
- The Black Star (2014)
2. The Cycle of Galand (Sequel Series)
Picking up after the events of Arawn, this ten-book saga expands the world's theology, magic, and scale. The final book, which shares the name of the series, brings Dante and Blays' story to its ultimate conclusion. Read them in this order:
- The Red Sea (2015)
- The Silver Thief (2015)
- The Wound of the World (2016)
- The Light of Life (2017)
- The Spear of Stars (2018)
- What Lies Beyond (2019)
- The Twelve Plagues (2021)
- The 13th God (2022)
- The Shattered Path (2024)
- The Cycle of Galand (2024)
3. The Cycle of the Scour (Prequel Series)
This series is set roughly 100 years before The White Tree. It focuses on the legendary sorcerer Cally. While you can technically read this first, it serves best as a companion that enriches your understanding of the magic system. The fourth book, The Third Scour, was released in 2025 and officially concluded Robertson's stories in the world of Rale.
- The Sealed Citadel (2019)
- The Black Book (2020)
- The Last Tomb (2022)
- The Third Scour (2025)
The Breakers & Rebel Stars Universe
If you prefer science fiction, the Breakers universe offers a massive multi-book journey. The timeline transitions from a modern-day apocalyptic event to a far-future space opera.
1. The Breakers Series
The story follows various survivors trying to navigate a world hit by a dual crisis: a bioweapon plague followed immediately by an alien invasion. While there is a prequel novella, it is highly recommended to start with the first novel to experience the mystery as the characters do.
- Outcome (Prequel Novella, 2013) - Note: Best read after Book 1 or 2 to avoid spoiling the early series mysteries.
- Breakers (2012)
- Melt Down (2012)
- Knifepoint (2013)
- Reapers (2013)
- Cut Off (2014)
- Captives (2014)
- Relapse (2014)
- Blackout (2015)
2. Rebel Stars (Sequel Series)
Set a millennium after the events of Breakers, this space-opera series explores humanity's spread across the stars and parallel Earths. Read them in chronological order:
- Outlaw (2014)
- Rebel (2014)
- Traitor (2015)
- Ronin (2016)
- Freefall (2018)
- Stardust (2018)
Other Series and Standalones
For readers who want something different, Robertson has written several other books outside his two major universes.
The Cutting Room
A science fiction thriller series featuring Blake Din, an agent working in the "Primetime" timeline who travels to parallel Earths to stop interdimensional criminals.
- The Cutting Room (2013) - Originally released as a multi-part serial; also available as a complete collection.
The Order Series
A Western-infused epic fantasy co-authored with Sam Lang, featuring Wit, a newly minted wizard, and a dwarven prisoner named Wa'llach.
- Students of the Order (2020)
Standalone Novels and Collections
These stories are completely separate from his main series and can be read at any time:
- Titans (Standalone Novel, 2011)
- When We Were Mutants & Other Stories (Short Story Collection, 2010)
- The Battle for Moscow, Idaho & Other Stories (Short Story Collection, 2011)
- The Zombies of Hobbiton (Short Story, 2011)
- Lightless (Short Story, 2011)
- Breathe For Me (Short Story, 2012)