The Recommended Reading Order
To experience the full emotional depth and character growth of the series, you must read the books in their original publication order. The trilogy forms a single, continuous narrative following Lanen Kaelar's journey from a sheltered farm girl to a key figure in the fate of both humans and dragons. Reading the books out of order will spoil major plot points and cliffhangers.
1. Song in the Silence (1996)
The series begins with Song in the Silence. Lanen Kaelar has spent her life on a remote farm, mocked by her family for her secret obsession with the mythical "True Dragons" (known as the Kantri). Following the death of her adoptive father and an unwanted marriage proposal, she takes her destiny into her own hands and sets sail for the legendary Dragon Isle, a place guarded by deadly, impassable storms. Lanen not only survives the voyage but makes contact with Akhor, the silver-scaled King of the Dragons. She discovers she possesses "Truespeech," allowing her to bridge the mind-gap between their species. However, an ancient pact made by her biological father threatens to deliver her to dark demonic forces.
2. The Lesser Kindred (2000)
The sequel, The Lesser Kindred, follows Lanen as she attempts to build a life alongside Akhor, who has taken human form under the name Varian. Their hopes for a peaceful future are cut short when a malicious mage interferes, forcing Lanen to make agonizing sacrifices. To save the dragon race from extinction, she must risk losing the life and love she fought so hard to obtain. The book expands the world of Kolmar and introduces more complex political dynamics and magical threats, ending on a dramatic cliffhanger.
3. Redeeming the Lost (2004)
The trilogy reaches its epic conclusion in Redeeming the Lost. The story picks up immediately after the events of the second book, with a pregnant Lanen kidnapped by the Demonlord, who has manifested as a black dragon of molten rock. Varian, stripped of his dragon form, must team up with an unlikely group of allies—including the reformed assassin Jamie and Lanen's long-lost mother Maran Vena—to rescue her. The narrative culminates in a final battle against demonic legions, the return of "the Lost" dragons, and the ultimate test of Lanen's courage.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the world of Kolmar, here are a few elements that set Elizabeth Kerner's trilogy apart from standard high fantasy:
- A Character-Driven Focus: While the books feature demons, magic, and epic struggles, the heart of the story lies in character relationships, emotional growth, and the unique bond between Lanen and Akhor.
- Intelligent, Sophisticated Dragons: The Kantri are not savage beasts or mere beasts of burden. They are highly intelligent, ancient, telepathic beings with a distinct culture and philosophy.
- Feminine Strength: Lanen Kaelar is a refreshing protagonist. She is not a sword-wielding warrior, but her resilience, empathy, and intelligence make her a powerful and relatable heroine.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because The Tale of Lanen Kaelar is a single, tightly connected trilogy, the publication order and the chronological order are identical. There are no prequels, side novels, or spin-offs to navigate. For the best experience, simply read the books in order from one to three.
Understanding the World of Kolmar
The world of Kolmar is defined by a historical divide between humans and dragons. Long ago, the Kantri fled to the Dragon Isle to escape the greed and cruelty of mortal men. They protected their sanctuary with a barrier of magical storms, isolating themselves for over a century. Lanen's journey is the spark that restarts the relationship between the two races. However, this reunion awakens the Demonlord and his forces of chaos, who seek to destroy both dragonkind and humanity.
Key Characters in the Series
- Lanen Kaelar: A young woman whose empathy, courage, and rare gift of Truespeech allow her to communicate with the dragons.
- Akhor / Varian: The silver Dragon King who takes on a mortal human form to stay by Lanen's side.
- Maran Vena: Lanen's biological mother, who returns in the final book to aid in her rescue using a magical viewing device called the Farseer.
- Jamie: A former assassin who becomes one of Lanen and Varian's most trusted allies.
- The Demonlord: An ancient force of chaos and the main antagonist, bent on using Lanen to fulfill a dark prophecy.