David Farland was the fantasy pen name of American author James David Wolverton, who also published science fiction, licensed novels, and early fantasy as Dave Wolverton.
That name change divides his bibliography more than continuity does. The Runelords, Ravenspell, Nightingale, and several later books appeared as David Farland. The Golden Queen, Serpent Catch, major Star Wars titles, and much of his early science fiction appeared as Dave Wolverton.
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His largest series, The Runelords, is still unfinished. The first four novels form a completed opening arc, but the second arc ends with Chaosbound. The planned conclusion, A Tale of Tales, was not completed before Farland’s death in 2022 and has not received a reliable publication date.
The Reading Order That Matters Most
New readers should begin with the original Runelords arc:
- The Sum of All Men
- Brotherhood of the Wolf
- Wizardborn
- The Lair of Bones
These four books tell a complete major story centered on Gaborn Val Orden, Raj Ahten, the Earth King, and the invasion of the reavers.
Continue into the second arc only after accepting that it remains unresolved:
- Sons of the Oak
- Worldbinder
- The Wyrmling Horde
- Chaosbound
The shorter Runelords stories are optional. Read them after the first four novels unless a specific edition clearly places them elsewhere.
David Farland and Dave Wolverton
Both names belong to the same author.
Dave Wolverton: Used mainly for science fiction, early fantasy, Star Wars, and other licensed fiction.
David Farland: Used mainly for epic fantasy, young adult fantasy, historical fiction, and writing instruction.
Reissues sometimes replace the original Dave Wolverton credit with David Farland. That does not create a second edition by a different author.
A complete bibliography needs both names.
The Runelords Books in Order
The Runelords takes place in a world where attributes can be transferred from one person to another through magical endowments.
A ruler might receive another person’s strength, speed, stamina, sight, hearing, wit, or beauty. The person giving the endowment becomes a Dedicate and loses that quality for as long as the recipient remains alive.
This system creates extraordinary champions, but it also makes every powerful Runelord dependent on vulnerable people hidden and guarded elsewhere.
The Original Runelords Arc
1. The Sum of All Men
The Sum of All Men (1998): Prince Gaborn Val Orden travels to ask for Princess Iome’s hand just as the conqueror Raj Ahten invades Heredon, forcing Gaborn to confront a ruler who has taken thousands of endowments and intends to become the legendary Sum of All Men.
This book was published in some markets as The Runelords.
The two titles refer to the same first novel. Readers do not need to buy both.
The novel introduces Gaborn, Iome, Raj Ahten, Binnesman, the Earth King tradition, the forcibles used to transfer attributes, and the moral cost of creating Runelords.
2. Brotherhood of the Wolf
Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999): Gaborn accepts the powers and duties of the Earth King while trying to unite rival rulers against Raj Ahten and the far greater threat posed by a vast reaver invasion.
The story continues directly from the first novel.
Gaborn must decide whom to protect through his supernatural gift, knowing that choosing one person can mean abandoning another. The book also expands the conflict from a struggle among human kingdoms into a battle for human survival.
3. Wizardborn
Wizardborn (2001): Gaborn’s ability to protect his chosen people begins failing as reavers spread across the land, while Averan develops a strange connection to the invading creatures and Raj Ahten pursues greater power.
The third novel deepens the magical and ecological questions surrounding the reavers.
Averan’s role becomes essential because she can perceive the creatures in ways that ordinary warriors and wizards cannot. The book also shows the strain placed on Gaborn by a power that offers warnings without simple solutions.
4. The Lair of Bones
The Lair of Bones (2003): Gaborn, Iome, Averan, Binnesman, and their allies carry the war into the reavers’ underground domain, seeking the source of the invasion before the remaining human kingdoms are destroyed.
The novel completes the first Runelords arc.
It resolves the principal struggle involving Gaborn’s rise as Earth King, Raj Ahten’s campaign, and the immediate reaver threat. Readers who want a satisfying stopping point can end here.
Some bibliographies use 2002 for the earliest edition, while other prominent editions use 2003. The order remains unchanged.
The Second Runelords Arc
The second arc moves the focus toward Gaborn and Iome’s son, Fallion.
It also changes the structure of the world through shadow worlds, alternate versions of familiar people, and a struggle involving forces larger than the kingdoms of the first four novels.
5. Sons of the Oak
Sons of the Oak (2004): After tragedy strikes the royal family, young Fallion and Jaz flee assassins while enemies attempt to prevent the child from fulfilling a destiny connected to the divided worlds.
The book begins a new phase rather than providing another self-contained Gaborn adventure.
Characters from the first arc remain important, but Fallion becomes the central figure. His abilities and identity are tied to the deeper cosmology behind the rune system.
6. Worldbinder
Worldbinder (2007): Fallion attempts to reunite divided shadow worlds, only to enter a reality where familiar people have different lives and the balance between humans, wyrmlings, and supernatural powers has changed.
The novel introduces alternate versions of established characters.
It should not be read without Sons of the Oak. The worldbinding event and Fallion’s purpose depend directly on the fifth book.
7. The Wyrmling Horde
The Wyrmling Horde (2008): Fallion and his allies confront armies of wyrmlings while searching for the power, knowledge, and alliances needed to survive in the newly bound world.
The war becomes increasingly connected to Lord Despair and the forces operating behind the physical conflict.
The novel continues the transformed setting of Worldbinder without returning to the simpler political structure of the opening arc.
8. Chaosbound
Chaosbound (2009): Fallion’s allies struggle against the wyrmling empire and the influence of Lord Despair while divided groups pursue different paths through a world damaged by magical transformation.
This is the latest published full-length Runelords novel.
It does not conclude Fallion’s story. Major character, cosmological, and military conflicts remain open at the end.
A Tale of Tales
A Tale of Tales: This was planned as the ninth Runelords novel and the conclusion of the second arc.
Farland’s official site has described the manuscript as approximately 80 percent complete. He died on January 14, 2022 before finishing it.
Retailers have repeatedly displayed placeholder release dates, including dates in 2026. Those listings should not be treated as confirmation that the book is complete or scheduled for release.
As of August 7, 2026:
Status: Unpublished.
Reliable release date: None confirmed.
Safe reading-order treatment: Do not include it among available books.
Is The Runelords Series Complete?
The answer depends on the arc.
Books One Through Four
Complete: The Sum of All Men through The Lair of Bones form a finished central story.
Books Five Through Eight
Incomplete: Sons of the Oak through Chaosbound begin a second story that has no published conclusion.
The Full Series
Incomplete: The planned ninth novel remains unavailable.
Readers concerned about unfinished series can safely read the first four books and stop.
Runelords Short Fiction
Farland wrote several shorter stories connected to the Runelords world. Availability varies because some appeared as digital releases, promotional editions, or parts of collections.
Barbarians
Barbarians (2013): An earlier conflict in the Runelords world follows warriors and cultures beyond the central royal cast, adding historical depth to the societies shaped by endowments and war.
It is commonly listed as a prequel.
Read it after The Lair of Bones. Its worldbuilding is easier to appreciate once the rune system and major powers are familiar.
Ashes and Starlight
Ashes and Starlight (2016): This Runelords prequel story explores an earlier episode involving dangerous loyalties, supernatural power, and people caught between larger political forces.
It is optional background rather than the ninth novel.
Read it after the first arc or alongside the other prequel stories.
Woven of Shadow
Woven of Shadow (2018): A shorter Runelords tale examines hidden magic and people living beyond the central conflicts of Gaborn and Fallion.
The story does not complete the second arc.
Its separate cover and release should not be mistaken for a full numbered installment.
The King’s Despatcher
The King’s Despatcher (2019): A royal messenger undertakes a dangerous assignment in the Runelords world, showing how ordinary service can become entangled with magical and political threats.
This is another optional shorter work.
It is best read after the core novels already available.
Recommended Runelords Order With Short Fiction
A cautious first-reading sequence is:
- The Sum of All Men (1998): Gaborn meets Iome as Raj Ahten begins his invasion.
- Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999): Gaborn becomes Earth King and prepares for the reavers.
- Wizardborn (2001): Averan’s connection to the reavers becomes increasingly important.
- The Lair of Bones (2003): The opening arc reaches its conclusion.
- Barbarians (2013): Read the optional historical prequel.
- Ashes and Starlight (2016): Continue with another earlier-set companion story.
- Sons of the Oak (2004): Begin Fallion’s unfinished arc.
- Worldbinder (2007): Enter the merged shadow world.
- The Wyrmling Horde (2008): Continue the war against the wyrmlings.
- Chaosbound (2009): Reach the latest published point in the main narrative.
- Woven of Shadow (2018): Add optional background fiction.
- The King’s Despatcher (2019): Finish with another shorter visit to the setting.
The short works can also be saved until all eight novels are complete.
The Golden Queen Books in Order
The Golden Queen is a science fantasy trilogy originally published under the name Dave Wolverton.
It combines planetary adventure, alien species, ancient technology, warfare, prophecy, and characters drawn into a conflict extending across worlds.
1. The Golden Queen
The Golden Queen (1994): Gallen O’Day and Maggie Flynn become involved with the golden-skinned queen Everynne and a struggle against powerful enemies whose conflict reaches far beyond their home world.
The novel begins as a meeting between people from very different societies and develops into a wider interplanetary war.
It introduces the major civilizations, technologies, and loyalties needed for the trilogy.
2. Beyond the Gate
Beyond the Gate (1995): Gallen, Maggie, Everynne, and their allies travel beyond the worlds already known to them as the conflict expands through gates, alien territories, and competing claims to power.
The book continues the first novel directly.
It should not be treated as an independent planetary adventure because the relationships and political stakes are already established.
3. Lords of the Seventh Swarm
Lords of the Seventh Swarm (1997): The surviving characters confront the expanding threat behind the earlier wars as ancient powers and dangerous species force the trilogy toward its final campaign.
The novel completes The Golden Queen.
The trilogy is fully published and can be read without any other Dave Wolverton series.
The Golden Queen Reading Order
- The Golden Queen
- Beyond the Gate
- Lords of the Seventh Swarm
Publication order and narrative order are identical.
The series is separate from Runelords despite sharing epic scale, prophecy, and world-threatening enemies.
Serpent Catch Books in Order
The Serpent Catch material has appeared in more than one form, which creates frequent confusion.
The original story was published under Dave Wolverton as two novels:
- Serpent Catch
- Path of the Hero
Farland later revised and expanded the material into four volumes with new titles:
- Spirit Walker
- Serpent Catch
- Blade Kin
- Path of the Crushed Heart
Readers should choose one edition structure rather than buying every title and expecting six separate stories.
The Revised Four-Book Serpent Catch Order
1. Spirit Walker
Spirit Walker: Tull, a young warrior shaped by a harsh society and a dangerous world, begins a journey involving strange creatures, cultural conflict, and a destiny larger than his original community.
This revised volume opens the expanded edition of the saga.
It contains material developed from the earlier two-book version.
2. Serpent Catch
Serpent Catch: Tull enters a larger struggle involving monstrous serpents, human survival, and societies whose beliefs about power and identity are tested by the dangers around them.
This is Book Two in the revised four-volume sequence.
It should not be confused with the original novel of the same title, which covered a larger portion of the story before the expansion.
3. Blade Kin
Blade Kin: Tull’s journey continues through warfare, divided loyalties, and revelations concerning the people and creatures connected to his fate.
The third revised volume carries the story toward its final transformation.
It has no independent starting point.
4. Path of the Crushed Heart
Path of the Crushed Heart: Tull faces the final consequences of his choices, relationships, and violent world as the expanded Serpent Catch narrative reaches its conclusion.
This is the fourth and final revised book.
It corresponds broadly to material once included under Path of the Hero, but the editions should not be assumed to match chapter for chapter.
Original Serpent Catch Duology
Serpent Catch
Serpent Catch: The original first novel begins Tull’s science fantasy journey through danger, cultural conflict, unusual species, and a struggle for survival.
Path of the Hero
Path of the Hero: The original second novel completes the story begun in Serpent Catch.
The two-book edition is complete.
Which Serpent Catch Edition Should You Read?
Choose the revised four-book sequence when it is readily available:
- Spirit Walker
- Serpent Catch
- Blade Kin
- Path of the Crushed Heart
Choose the original duology when you already own those editions:
- Serpent Catch
- Path of the Hero
Do not combine the two arrangements into one six-book order.
Ravenspell Books in Order
Ravenspell is a humorous middle grade fantasy series about a human boy transformed into a mouse and drawn into a conflict among animal magicians.
1. Of Mice and Magic
Of Mice and Magic (2005): Benjamin Ravenspell buys a mouse named Amber, only for her to transform him into a mouse and reveal that he is a powerful magical familiar wanted by dangerous animal sorcerers.
Ben and Amber function as two halves of a magical partnership.
Their uneasy alliance becomes essential when Nightwing, an evil bat, attempts to use Ben’s power.
2. The Wizard of Ooze
The Wizard of Ooze (2007): Amber, Ben, and their companions confront Sebaceous Ooze, a magical worm whose song enslaves mice and supports a plan involving a volcano and an army of slobber goblins.
The second book continues the animal cast and magical rules established in Of Mice and Magic.
Its comic tone does not remove the need to read the first book.
3. Freaky Fly Day
Freaky Fly Day (2009): Ben and Amber travel toward Disneyland but become involved in another magical crisis as the ancient force known as the Ever Shade threatens to return.
The third book continues the Ravenspell adventure after the characters’ earlier victories.
It completes the main published trilogy.
Ravenspell Reading Order
- Of Mice and Magic
- The Wizard of Ooze
- Freaky Fly Day
The series is separate from Runelords and is written for younger readers.
Nightingale
Nightingale (2011): Sixteen-year-old foster child Bron Jones discovers that he is not fully human and belongs to an ancient hidden species whose abilities and conflicts place him in danger.
The novel combines young adult fantasy, thriller elements, secret identities, unusual mental powers, and Bron’s search for belonging.
It was intended to open a larger Nightingale series, but no second full-length novel was published.
Status: One novel available, larger storyline incomplete or dormant.
On My Way to Paradise
On My Way to Paradise (1989): Angelo Osic becomes involved with mercenaries and warfare on a distant world, beginning a difficult journey through violence, survival, and questions about the kind of person he wants to become.
This was Farland’s first published novel under the Dave Wolverton name.
It began as an award-winning shorter work before being expanded.
The novel is self-contained and is not part of The Golden Queen or Serpent Catch.
In the Company of Angels
In the Company of Angels (2009): Mormon pioneers crossing the American frontier confront hunger, exposure, grief, and difficult questions of faith while struggling to survive the journey west.
This is a historical novel based on the experiences of the Willie Handcart Company.
It is separate from Farland’s speculative fiction and requires no series background.
Other Standalone and Independent Books
Rindin the Puffer
Rindin the Puffer: A young pufferfish faces dangers and challenges beneath the sea in a children’s story centered on courage and self-discovery.
This is a picture or children’s book rather than part of Farland’s fantasy series.
The Smiling Man
The Smiling Man: A dark speculative story follows an encounter with a disturbing figure whose appearance conceals a more dangerous truth.
This shorter work is independent.
Both Eyes Open
Both Eyes Open: A short speculative work explores perception, danger, or revelation through a character forced to reconsider what can be trusted.
It is not connected to Runelords.
Farland published a large amount of short fiction, and many stories remain available only through individual digital releases, anthologies, or collections.
Star Wars Books by Dave Wolverton
Farland wrote more than twenty Star Wars novels and stories, primarily under the Dave Wolverton name.
His best-known contribution is The Courtship of Princess Leia, which introduced Dathomir, the Nightsisters, and the Hapes Consortium into the former Expanded Universe.
These books belong to Star Wars Legends continuity.
The Courtship of Princess Leia
The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994): Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker become involved in a political marriage crisis, a journey to Dathomir, and a conflict involving the Hapes Consortium, Imperial warlord Zsinj, and the Force-using Nightsisters.
The novel takes place after Return of the Jedi.
It is a complete Star Wars Legends adventure, although its characters and locations recur throughout the larger Expanded Universe.
It does not connect to any original Farland setting.
Jedi Apprentice
The Rising Force
The Rising Force (1999): A young Obi-Wan Kenobi struggles to become a Padawan before he is sent away from the Jedi Temple, while Qui-Gon Jinn remains reluctant to accept another apprentice.
This is Book One of the Jedi Apprentice series.
Dave Wolverton wrote only the opening novel. Jude Watson continued the series from The Dark Rival onward.
Readers following the full Jedi Apprentice storyline should continue with the later books by Watson.
Star Wars Missions
Wolverton also wrote several books in the Star Wars Missions game-book series.
The sequence was shared with other writers and follows young readers through interactive missions involving familiar Star Wars characters and conflicts.
These books should be read as part of the wider Star Wars Missions order, not grouped as an independent David Farland series.
His contributions include several middle-grade mission adventures, but they do not create a separate continuity from the licensed line.
The Mummy Chronicles Books in Order
The Mummy Chronicles is a four-book young adult series based on the film franchise.
It follows Alex O’Connell during his adolescence and belongs to licensed Mummy continuity.
1. Revenge of the Scorpion King
Revenge of the Scorpion King (2001): Alex O’Connell becomes involved in a new danger connected to the Scorpion King, ancient curses, and the supernatural legacy surrounding his family.
2. Heart of the Pharaoh
Heart of the Pharaoh: Alex faces another threat involving Egyptian history, magical artifacts, and enemies seeking power from the ancient world.
3. The Curse of the Nile
The Curse of the Nile: A new Egyptian curse places Alex and his allies in danger as the series continues its mixture of archaeology, adventure, and supernatural pursuit.
4. Flight of the Phoenix
Flight of the Phoenix: Alex confronts another ancient power in the final published Mummy Chronicles adventure.
The four books should be read numerically.
They are separate from Farland’s original novels.
Writing Books by David Farland
Farland was also a writing teacher and published several books on craft, careers, and storytelling.
These are not fiction and have no required order.
Million Dollar Outlines
Million Dollar Outlines: Farland explains how to build commercial story structures, strengthen conflict, develop escalating complications, and shape an outline before drafting.
Drawing on the Power of Resonance in Writing
Drawing on the Power of Resonance in Writing: This craft book examines how familiar patterns, emotional associations, and cultural expectations can give a story greater impact.
Writing Wonder
Writing Wonder: Farland discusses techniques for creating awe, imaginative power, and strong speculative concepts.
Daily Meditations
Daily Meditations: Short reflections and exercises provide regular guidance for writers developing discipline and professional habits.
Blockbuster Book Signings
Blockbuster Book Signings: Farland offers practical advice on planning events, attracting readers, and using signings as part of an author’s career.
The craft books can be chosen by need rather than publication date.
David Farland Books in Broad Publication Order
The following order covers the principal original and licensed novels without inserting every short story or writing guide.
- On My Way to Paradise (1989): Angelo Osic enters a mercenary conflict on a distant world.
- Serpent Catch: Tull begins the original two-book science fantasy journey.
- Path of the Hero: Tull’s original duology reaches its conclusion.
- The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994): Han, Leia, and Luke travel to Dathomir during a political marriage crisis.
- The Golden Queen (1994): Gallen and Maggie meet Everynne and enter an interplanetary conflict.
- Beyond the Gate (1995): The Golden Queen story expands beyond the opening worlds.
- Lords of the Seventh Swarm (1997): The science fantasy trilogy concludes.
- The Sum of All Men (1998): Gaborn confronts Raj Ahten and the morality of endowments.
- Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999): The Earth King prepares for the reaver invasion.
- The Rising Force (1999): Young Obi-Wan struggles to become Qui-Gon Jinn’s Padawan.
- Wizardborn (2001): Averan’s connection to the reavers becomes central.
- Revenge of the Scorpion King (2001): Alex O’Connell begins the Mummy Chronicles.
- The Lair of Bones (2003): The first Runelords arc concludes underground.
- Sons of the Oak (2004): Fallion becomes central after tragedy strikes his family.
- Of Mice and Magic (2005): Ben is transformed into a mouse by Amber.
- Worldbinder (2007): Fallion merges shadow worlds and enters a changed reality.
- The Wizard of Ooze (2007): Amber and Ben confront an enslaving worm wizard.
- The Wyrmling Horde (2008): Fallion’s allies fight the wyrmling empire.
- Chaosbound (2009): The second Runelords arc reaches its latest published point.
- Freaky Fly Day (2009): The Ravenspell heroes confront the approaching Ever Shade.
- In the Company of Angels (2009): Handcart pioneers struggle across the American frontier.
- Nightingale (2011): Bron Jones discovers his nonhuman heritage.
Later releases include revised Serpent Catch editions, Runelords short fiction, reissues, and writing guides.
Recommended Reading Order for Everything
A continuity-first order works better than following publication dates across unrelated genres.
Route One: The Runelords
- The Sum of All Men: Begin Gaborn’s story and learn the rune system.
- Brotherhood of the Wolf: Continue into the reaver invasion.
- Wizardborn: Follow Averan and the failing Earth King powers.
- The Lair of Bones: Complete the first arc.
- Sons of the Oak: Begin Fallion’s unfinished story.
- Worldbinder: Enter the combined shadow world.
- The Wyrmling Horde: Continue the struggle against the wyrmlings.
- Chaosbound: Reach the final published novel.
- Runelords short fiction: Read the optional historical and side stories afterward.
Stop after Book Four when a complete ending is more important than reading every published volume.
Route Two: Dave Wolverton Science Fantasy
- The Golden Queen: Begin the completed interplanetary trilogy.
- Beyond the Gate: Continue through the widening conflict.
- Lords of the Seventh Swarm: Complete the trilogy.
- Spirit Walker: Begin the revised Serpent Catch sequence.
- Serpent Catch: Continue Tull’s journey.
- Blade Kin: Follow the expanding conflict.
- Path of the Crushed Heart: Complete the revised four-book version.
- On My Way to Paradise: Finish with the independent military science fiction novel.
Route Three: Younger Readers
- Of Mice and Magic: Begin Ravenspell.
- The Wizard of Ooze: Continue the animal magic adventure.
- Freaky Fly Day: Complete the trilogy.
- Nightingale: Read Bron Jones’s separate young adult fantasy.
- Rindin the Puffer: Add the independent children’s story.
Route Four: Licensed Fiction
- The Courtship of Princess Leia: Read Farland’s major Star Wars Legends novel.
- The Rising Force: Begin Jedi Apprentice, then continue with Jude Watson.
- The Mummy Chronicles: Read the four books in numbered order.
- Star Wars Missions: Follow the full licensed series order when collecting Wolverton’s individual contributions.
Route Five: Historical Fiction
- In the Company of Angels: Read the standalone account of the Willie Handcart Company.
Latest David Farland Book Status
David Farland died on January 14, 2022.
His latest full-length completed novel depends on how revised editions and licensed work are counted, but Chaosbound remains the latest published main Runelords novel.
Later publications include short fiction, revised editions, collections, writing books, and reissues.
No newly completed posthumous novel has been reliably confirmed as of August 7, 2026.
Upcoming David Farland Books
A Tale of Tales
Status: Planned but incomplete.
Series position: Runelords Book Nine.
Reliable date: None.
Retailer listings showing August 30, 2026 or another near-term date appear to be placeholder records. The official Runelords page still describes the manuscript as 80 percent complete.
Until Farland’s estate or a publisher confirms that the manuscript has been completed and scheduled, it should remain outside the published bibliography.
Series Completion Status
The First Runelords Arc
Complete: Four books, ending with The Lair of Bones.
The Second Runelords Arc
Incomplete: Four books are published, ending with Chaosbound.
The Golden Queen
Complete: Three books, ending with Lords of the Seventh Swarm.
Serpent Catch
Complete: Available as an original two-book version or an expanded four-book version.
Ravenspell
Complete as a published trilogy: Three books, ending with Freaky Fly Day.
Nightingale
One novel published: The larger planned series did not continue.
The Mummy Chronicles
Complete: Four licensed books.
On My Way to Paradise
Complete standalone: No sequel is required.
In the Company of Angels
Complete standalone: The historical novel has no series continuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What David Farland book should I read first?
Start with The Sum of All Men.
It opens The Runelords, introduces Farland’s best-known magic system, and begins a four-book arc with a published ending.
Is The Runelords the same book as The Sum of All Men?
Yes.
The Runelords is the title used for some editions of The Sum of All Men. Both are Book One.
What is the correct Runelords order?
Read The Sum of All Men, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Wizardborn, The Lair of Bones, Sons of the Oak, Worldbinder, The Wyrmling Horde, and Chaosbound.
The planned ninth book is not published.
Can I stop after The Lair of Bones?
Yes.
The first four novels form a completed major arc and provide the safest stopping point.
Does Sons of the Oak begin a new series?
It begins the second Runelords arc but remains Book Five of the same larger series.
Fallion replaces Gaborn as the principal focus.
Is A Tale of Tales published?
No reliable evidence confirms a completed public release as of August 7, 2026.
Retailer preorder dates should be treated as placeholders unless the estate or publisher announces otherwise.
Did David Farland finish A Tale of Tales?
The official site states that the manuscript was about 80 percent complete.
Farland died before completing it.
Are the Runelords short stories required?
No.
They add history and side perspectives but do not resolve Fallion’s unfinished main story.
What is the Golden Queen order?
Read The Golden Queen, Beyond the Gate, and Lords of the Seventh Swarm.
The trilogy is complete.
Is The Golden Queen connected to Runelords?
No.
It is a separate science fantasy continuity originally published under the Dave Wolverton name.
What is the Serpent Catch order?
For the expanded edition, read Spirit Walker, Serpent Catch, Blade Kin, and Path of the Crushed Heart.
For the original edition, read Serpent Catch and Path of the Hero.
Why are there two Serpent Catch orders?
Farland revised and expanded the original two novels into four shorter volumes.
The two arrangements cover the same broad saga in different editions.
Should I buy both Serpent Catch versions?
Not for an ordinary first reading.
Choose either the original duology or the revised four-book edition.
What is the Ravenspell order?
Read Of Mice and Magic, The Wizard of Ooze, and Freaky Fly Day.
Is Nightingale part of a completed series?
No.
Only the first novel was published.
Is On My Way to Paradise part of a series?
No.
It is a standalone science fiction novel.
Which name appears on Farland’s science fiction?
Most early science fiction appeared under Dave Wolverton.
Newer reissues may use David Farland, but the author is the same.
What Star Wars book did Dave Wolverton write?
His best-known Star Wars novel is The Courtship of Princess Leia.
He also wrote The Rising Force, the first Jedi Apprentice book, and numerous shorter or middle-grade Star Wars works.
Is The Courtship of Princess Leia current Star Wars canon?
No.
It belongs to Star Wars Legends continuity.
Did Farland write the full Jedi Apprentice series?
No.
He wrote the first book, The Rising Force. Jude Watson wrote the continuing sequence.
What is the order of The Mummy Chronicles?
Read Revenge of the Scorpion King, Heart of the Pharaoh, The Curse of the Nile, and Flight of the Phoenix.
What was David Farland’s final completed Runelords novel?
Chaosbound, published in 2009, remains the eighth and latest completed main novel.
The Best Way Through the Bibliography
Begin with the four-book opening Runelords arc. It gives readers Farland’s most important fantasy concept and a complete conflict without requiring commitment to the unfinished Fallion sequence.
Continue through Sons of the Oak, Worldbinder, The Wyrmling Horde, and Chaosbound only when an unresolved ending is acceptable.
For a fully completed alternative, read The Golden Queen Trilogy. For younger readers, use the three Ravenspell books. For science fiction, choose On My Way to Paradise. For Star Wars readers, begin with The Courtship of Princess Leia or use The Rising Force as the opening of Jedi Apprentice.
The most important bibliographic rule is simple: David Farland and Dave Wolverton are the same author, but their series remain separate. The most important continuity warning is equally clear: the first Runelords arc is complete, while the full nine-book plan is not.
Frank is the editor of BookSeries.blog, focusing on publication order, chronological timelines, and spoiler-free reading guides for book series and fictional universes.