Edward Willett Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Edward Willett

With a career spanning dozens of novels across science fiction and fantasy, Edward Willett offers a variety of entry points depending on your favorite subgenres. Because almost all of his series are self-contained, you do not need to worry about a massive, interconnected universe. Instead, you can choose the path that best matches your reading taste.

If you love portal fantasy and multiverse adventures, the best starting point is Worldshaper, the first book in his Worldshaper trilogy. It offers an engaging look at reality-bending magic and serves as a fantastic introduction to his style.

If you prefer young adult epic fantasy, look no further than the Masks of Aygrima trilogy, written under his pseudonym E.C. Blake. Starting with Masks, this series features a dark, mask-controlled empire and a compelling rebellion storyline.

For fans of classic space opera and genetic engineering, the place to start is the Helix War series, beginning with the award-winning novel Marseguro. It features a fascinating underwater setting and intense political conflicts.

For modern Arthurian urban fantasy, start with Song of the Sword, the opening volume of his five-book series The Shards of Excalibur, which relocates the Arthurian mythos to modern-day Canada.

The Worldshaper Series

The Worldshaper series is one of Willett's most popular fantasy sequences, focusing on a woman named Shawna Howell who discovers she is a "Shaper"—someone capable of creating and altering entire pocket dimensions. The series is best read in publication order:

1. Worldshaper (2018)
2. Master of the World (2019)
3. The Moonlit World (2020)

Reader Note: Do not confuse this novel trilogy with the Shaper of Worlds anthologies. While the anthologies are edited by Willett and feature stories by various famous authors, they are companion collections funded via Kickstarter and named after his podcast, The Worldshapers, rather than direct sequels to the novels.

The Masks of Aygrima Trilogy (Writing as E.C. Blake)

Written under the pen name E.C. Blake, this trilogy is a darker, young-adult-friendly epic fantasy set in a land where every citizen must wear a magical mask that enforces loyalty to the ruling Autarch. The story follows Mara Holdfast, whose mask shatters during her presentation ceremony, revealing her dangerous, uncontrolled magical abilities. Read the trilogy in this order:

1. Masks (2013)
2. Shadows (2014)
3. Faces (2015)

The Shards of Excalibur Series

This five-book urban fantasy series takes the classic legends of King Arthur, Merlin, and Excalibur and transplants them to modern-day Saskatchewan, Canada. The series follows two teenagers, Ariane and Rex, who are tasked by the Lady of the Lake with finding the scattered shards of the famous sword before Merlin's ancient enemy, Rex's own mother, can claim them. You must read these in chronological/publication order:

1. Song of the Sword (2014)
2. Twist of the Blade (2014)
3. Lake in the Clouds (2015)
4. Cave Beneath the Sea (2015)
5. Door Into Faerie (2016)

The Helix War Series

This science fiction series explores the conflict between Earth's fanatical religious theocracy and a colony of genetically modified, water-dwelling humans called Selkies who have hidden themselves on the aquatic world of Marseguro. The first book, Marseguro, won the prestigious Aurora Award in 2009. The recommended reading order is:

1. Marseguro (2008)
2. Terra Insegura (2009)

Reader Note: These two books have also been compiled into a single omnibus edition titled The Helix War. Tuscany Bay Books has re-released these editions, and the author has indicated plans to eventually write a third installment in the universe.

The Peregrine Rising Series

Originally published under the titles of its individual volumes, this two-book science fiction duology is officially known as the Peregrine Rising series. The story begins on a generation ship whose passengers arrive at their destination planet only to discover that humanity developed faster-than-light travel while they were in transit, already colonizing the world and establishing a stratified empire. Read them in this order:

1. Right to Know (2013)
2. Falcon's Egg (2015)

The Andy Nebula YA Series

A fun, satirical science fiction series aimed at younger readers, this series follows the adventures of Andy Nebula, a street kid who becomes an interstellar rock star in a galaxy where music is a mind-altering drug. Read them in this order:

1. Andy Nebula: Interstellar Rock Star (1999) (also revised and re-released as From the Street to the Stars)
2. Andy Nebula: Double Trouble (2011)

Standalone Novels and Other Pseudonyms

In addition to his main series, Willett has written a number of standalone science fiction and fantasy novels. These require no prior reading and can be enjoyed in any order:

• Soulworm (1997) – Willett's debut fantasy novel about a demonic entity invading a small town through a computer program.
• The Dark Unicorn (1998) – A young adult portal fantasy where a young girl finds herself trapped in a magical realm.
• Lost in Translation (2005) – A standalone space opera focusing on telepathic translators trying to prevent an interstellar war.
• Magebane (2011) – A standalone steampunk-tinged fantasy novel published under the pseudonym Lee Arthur Chane.
• Spirit Singer (2013) – A award-winning YA fantasy about a girl who can communicate with the spirits of the dead.
• Flames of Nevyana (2016) – A standalone YA fantasy set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, later re-released under the title Blue Fire under his E.C. Blake pseudonym.
• The Cityborn (2017) – A dystopian science fiction thriller set in a towering, vertical canyon city.
• Star Song (2021) – A space opera following a young woman who can communicate with an ancient alien space station.
• The Tangled Stars (2022) – A humorous space opera featuring a mismatched crew, space pirates, and ancient alien artifacts.

What to Know Before You Start

Because Edward Willett writes across several age demographics, pay close attention to the target audience of the book you choose. Standalones like The Cityborn and The Tangled Stars are aimed at adult science fiction fans, whereas The Shards of Excalibur and Andy Nebula are written for young adults and middle-grade readers. Regardless of target age, his writing style remains friendly, fast-paced, and highly focused on imaginative world-building.