William asked Michael J. Sullivan:

I just discovered your writing from the short story "The Jester" in the Unfettered anthology and found that story incredible. I was wondering if there was a good guide to the order I should read your different series?

Michael J. Sullivan Hey there, it can be confusing because I have several places in which you can start. So the answer to that question might depend on your own personal preferences. Here's the deal.

Currently, I have three different series:

* The Riyria Revelations: Theft of Swords | Rise of Empire | Heir of Novron

* The Riyria Chronicles: The Crown Tower | The Rose and the Thorn | The Death of Dulgath | The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter

* Legends of the First Empire: Age of Myth | Age of Swords | Age of War | Age of Legend | Age of Death | Age of Empyre

While Riyria Revelations and Riyria Chronicles are closely related, Legends is a whole different set of books (although set in the same world - with 3,000 years between them).

I personally prefer "order of publication" which would mean: Theft of Swords >> Rise of Empire >> Heir of Novron >> The Crown Tower >> The Rose and the Thorn >> The Death of Dulgath >> Age of Myth >> Age of Swords >> Age of War >> The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter

But if you like chronological reading, I would do Riyria first and then Legends, so: The Crown Tower >> The Rose and the Thorn >> The Death of Dulgath >> The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter >> Theft of Swords >> Rise of Empire >> Heir of Novron >> Age of Myth >> Age of Swords >> Age of War

If you like ensemble casts and more epic tales, then I'd start with Legends of the First Empire, so: Age of Myth >> Age of Swords >> Age of War >> heft of Swords >> Rise of Empire >> Heir of Novron >> The Crown Tower >> The Rose and the Thorn >> The Death of Dulgath >> The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter

Also, if you aren't sure if you want to "dig in" to a whole series, and want to test the waters to see if you like my writing style, then you might want to start with The Death of Dulgath, as it doesn't require any prior knowledge of any of the books and it was written to be a standalone tale.

The good news is I've heard from people who have read the books in all kinds of different orders and they all report that their approach was "the best way" which means my goal of allowing multiple jumping in points worked!

I do hope you'll give the books a try, and if you do, please drop me a line and let me know what you thought. Good, bad, or indifferent, all I ever ask for is an honest opinion.

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