Mercedes Lackey Books in Order (Updated August 6, 2026)

Mercedes Lackey is an American fantasy and science fiction author with a bibliography spanning more than four decades. She is best known for Valdemar, a shared fantasy world of Heralds, magical Companions, Bards, Healers, mages, gryphons, and several thousand years of history.

Her other major settings include Elemental Masters, the Five Hundred Kingdoms, the Obsidian universe, Dragon Jousters, Bardic Voices, the SERRAted Edge, Bedlam’s Bard, Hunter, and several collaborative science fiction series.

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This is not a bibliography that should be read as one uninterrupted sequence. The useful approach is to choose a continuity, complete its immediate story arc, and only then move to another era or universe.

The Fastest Way Into Mercedes Lackey’s Books

Start with one of these books according to the experience you want:

Arrows of the Queen (1987): A sheltered girl named Talia is Chosen by a magical Companion and taken to Valdemar’s capital to train as the Queen’s Own Herald.
Magic’s Pawn (1989): A young nobleman rejected by his family discovers powerful magical gifts and a new life among Valdemar’s Heralds.
The Black Gryphon (1994), with Larry Dixon: A gryphon warrior and a healer struggle against a destructive mage during the ancient conflict that shaped the distant history of Valdemar.
The Fire Rose (1995): A scholar accepts employment with a mysterious magician in an early twentieth century retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
The Fairy Godmother (2004): A woman denied her expected fairy tale becomes responsible for guiding other people through the magical force known as the Tradition.
Joust (2003): An enslaved boy becomes a dragon caretaker and searches for a way to change the balance of power between two warring nations.
The Outstretched Shadow (2003), with James Mallory: A young man raised in a rigid magical city discovers a different form of magic as an ancient enemy begins returning.
Hunter (2015): A monster hunter and her magical Hounds are brought from the frontier to a fortified city where politics may be as dangerous as the creatures outside.

For most fantasy readers, Arrows of the Queen remains the clearest introduction. It was the first Valdemar novel published and explains the kingdom through a newcomer who must learn how its institutions work.

Valdemar: What Belongs Together?

Valdemar is one universe containing several eras and character arcs.

The books cover ancient mage wars, the founding of the kingdom, the creation of the Heraldic system, legendary Heralds from earlier centuries, Talia’s career, later wars, and the magical crises that reshape the eastern nations.

Publication order preserves the gradual discovery of this history. Internal chronological order begins thousands of years earlier and explains several mysteries before the original novels introduce them.

New readers should begin with the Arrows trilogy rather than with the earliest historical period.

A Practical Valdemar Reading Route

This route emphasizes character continuity rather than strict publication dates:

Arrows of the Queen (1987): Talia is Chosen as Queen’s Own and begins learning the political and emotional responsibilities of a Herald.
Arrow’s Flight (1987): Talia leaves the Collegium for field training and confronts the full strength and danger of her empathic Gift.
Arrow’s Fall (1988): Talia becomes involved in a marriage negotiation that places Valdemar’s heir and the kingdom itself in danger.
Magic’s Pawn (1989): Vanyel Ashkevron discovers love, loss, and magic generations before Talia’s birth.
Magic’s Promise (1990): Vanyel investigates a troubled neighboring kingdom while carrying the personal cost of his earlier choices.
Magic’s Price (1990): Vanyel faces the final threat to his family and Valdemar, becoming the legendary Last Herald Mage.
By the Sword (1991): Kerowyn leaves her expected life behind, becomes a mercenary commander, and eventually enters Valdemar’s service.
Winds of Fate (1991): Princess Elspeth searches for magical training as a new enemy threatens Valdemar.
Winds of Change (1992): Elspeth trains among the Tayledras while political and magical dangers converge.
Winds of Fury (1993): Elspeth and her allies return toward Valdemar for the confrontation with Ancar of Hardorn.
Storm Warning (1994): Karal, a young priest from Karse, becomes part of an alliance formed to survive a magical catastrophe.
Storm Rising (1995): Repeated waves of unstable magic force former enemies to cooperate.
Storm Breaking (1996): The allied nations attempt to stop the final and most destructive Mage Storm.
Owlflight (1997), with Larry Dixon: Darian survives the destruction of his village and finds a new home among the Tayledras.
Owlsight (1998), with Larry Dixon: Darian and Keisha investigate threats affecting the growing community around Errold’s Grove.
Owlknight (1999), with Larry Dixon: Darian returns as an experienced protector and faces a danger tied to the northern wilderness.
Exile’s Honor (2002): Karsite officer Alberich defects to Valdemar after being Chosen by a Companion.
Exile’s Valor (2003): Alberich serves as Weaponsmaster while uncovering danger surrounding Valdemar’s royal succession.
Take a Thief (2001): Street thief Skif is Chosen and must adapt to the discipline and responsibilities of Heraldic training.
Brightly Burning (2000): Trainee Herald Lavan develops a destructive Gift during a period of military crisis.
Foundation (2008): Orphaned mine worker Mags is Chosen during the early formation of the Heralds’ Collegium.
Intrigues (2010): Mags faces hostility, political suspicion, and questions about his origins.
Changes (2011): Mags develops his abilities as intrigue around Valdemar becomes more dangerous.
Redoubt (2012): Mags is drawn into a kidnapping and an international conspiracy.
Bastion (2013): Mags and his allies retreat to a remote stronghold while uncovering more of his history.
Closer to Home (2014): Mags begins working as a full Herald and spy while investigating conflict between noble families.
Closer to the Heart (2015): Mags and Amily confront a conspiracy aimed at the royal wedding.
Closer to the Chest (2016): A campaign of intimidation targets women in Haven, forcing Mags to investigate hidden offenders.
The Hills Have Spies (2018): Mags and Amily’s son Perry undertakes a mission involving missing people and trained animals.
Eye Spy (2019): Their daughter Abi discovers a Gift that allows her to sense structural weaknesses and concealed spaces.
Spy, Spy Again (2020): Members of the family follow separate missions that converge around a threat to Valdemar.
Beyond (2021): Baron Kordas Valdemar prepares his people to escape an oppressive empire and seek a distant refuge.
Into the West (2022): The refugees cross dangerous territory while trying to keep their people, animals, and resources together.
Valdemar (2023): Kordas and his followers establish Haven and receive the first signs of the magical system that will define the kingdom.
Gryphon in Light (2023), with Larry Dixon: Kelvren and his allies begin a new gryphon-centered adventure after the Mage Storms.
Vanyel and Vixen (Forthcoming December 15, 2026): Vanyel and his aunt Savil become involved in another historical Valdemar conflict before the events that make him a legend.

This is not the only valid route. It is designed to introduce the original kingdom first, then widen the history without beginning in the remote past.

The Arrows Trilogy in Order

1. Arrows of the Queen

Arrows of the Queen (1987): Talia escapes an isolated and restrictive community after the Companion Rolan Chooses her to become the Queen’s Own Herald.

At the Collegium, she must learn court politics, mental Gifts, Heraldic ethics, and the responsibilities attached to her bond with Rolan.

This is the safest Valdemar starting point because Talia enters the world without prior knowledge and learns alongside the reader.

2. Arrow’s Flight

Arrow’s Flight (1987): Talia begins her field internship with Herald Kris and discovers that training at the Collegium did not fully prepare her for the strain of using empathy across a kingdom.

The journey develops her abilities and prepares her for the political responsibilities waiting at court.

3. Arrow’s Fall

Arrow’s Fall (1988): Talia returns to Haven as rival kingdoms seek influence over Princess Elspeth’s future.

A diplomatic mission places Talia and Kris in an increasingly dangerous situation and closes the original trilogy with consequences felt throughout later Valdemar books.

The Last Herald Mage Trilogy in Order

The Last Herald Mage takes place generations before the Arrows trilogy.

1. Magic’s Pawn

Magic’s Pawn (1989): Vanyel Ashkevron is sent away by his disapproving father and discovers acceptance, love, and dangerous magical potential at the home of his aunt Savil.

The novel begins the transformation of an unhappy nobleman into Valdemar’s most famous historical Herald Mage.

2. Magic’s Promise

Magic’s Promise (1990): An older Vanyel investigates disturbances in the neighboring kingdom of Lineas while struggling with grief and the burden of his growing reputation.

The story expands his role from trainee to one of Valdemar’s principal defenders.

3. Magic’s Price

Magic’s Price (1990): Vanyel confronts an enemy targeting his family, his people, and the magical defenses of Valdemar.

This concludes his life story and explains why later generations remember him as the Last Herald Mage.

Vows and Honor Books in Order

The Vows and Honor stories follow the warrior Tarma and the sorceress Kethry.

1. The Oathbound

The Oathbound (1988): Tarma and Kethry travel as mercenaries while following magical and personal oaths that repeatedly draw them into conflicts involving abused or endangered women.

The book collects connected adventures rather than presenting one continuous novel.

2. Oathbreakers

Oathbreakers (1989): Tarma and Kethry join a mercenary company and become involved in a struggle involving a missing ruler, political betrayal, and the cost of broken vows.

The second book gives the pair a more sustained central conflict.

3. Oathblood

Oathblood (1998): Additional stories fill gaps in Tarma and Kethry’s careers and extend their partnership beyond the first two volumes.

Read it after Oathbreakers even though some stories occur earlier.

Related Novel: By the Sword

By the Sword (1991): Kerowyn, Kethry’s granddaughter, uses the magical sword Need and builds a career as a mercenary before her path connects with Valdemar.

This novel links Vows and Honor to the later political and military history surrounding Talia and Elspeth.

The Mage Winds Trilogy in Order

1. Winds of Fate

Winds of Fate (1991): Princess Elspeth leaves Valdemar to find teachers capable of restoring the kingdom’s lost understanding of magic.

Her journey brings her into contact with Darkwind, the Tayledras, and a conflict involving the sorcerer Mornelithe Falconsbane.

2. Winds of Change

Winds of Change (1992): Elspeth continues her magical training as Darkwind and the Tayledras confront corruption within their own community.

The story deepens the connection between Valdemar and the cultures beyond its borders.

3. Winds of Fury

Winds of Fury (1993): Elspeth and Darkwind return toward Valdemar while King Ancar’s aggression threatens the region.

The trilogy closes the immediate war but opens the larger magical crisis continued in Mage Storms.

The Mage Storms Trilogy in Order

1. Storm Warning

Storm Warning (1994): Karal travels from Karse to Valdemar as part of a fragile alliance formed against Ancar and the returning threat of magical instability.

The novel begins transforming Karse from a traditional enemy into an essential partner.

2. Storm Rising

Storm Rising (1995): Magical waves disrupt weather, communication, spells, and political stability across several nations.

The alliance must discover the origin of the disturbances before the next wave causes greater destruction.

3. Storm Breaking

Storm Breaking (1996): The allies attempt to prevent the final Mage Storm from repeating an ancient magical catastrophe.

This completes the Winds and Storms sequence while connecting current events to the Mage Wars.

The Mage Wars Trilogy in Order

Included: Ancient Valdemar history

1. The Black Gryphon

The Black Gryphon (1994), with Larry Dixon: Gryphon warrior Skandranon Rashkae fights for the mage Urtho while healer Amberdrake helps soldiers survive the psychological cost of war.

The novel takes place thousands of years before Valdemar exists.

2. The White Gryphon

The White Gryphon (1995), with Larry Dixon: Survivors of the magical Cataclysm establish a new city and attempt to build peace while facing murder and political suspicion.

The focus shifts from open war to reconstruction.

3. The Silver Gryphon

The Silver Gryphon (1996), with Larry Dixon: The children of earlier heroes become stranded in dangerous territory and must survive without immediate help.

This completes the original gryphon trilogy.

Founding of Valdemar Books in Order

1. Beyond

Beyond (2021): Baron Kordas Valdemar secretly organizes an escape from an empire that treats nobles and commoners alike as property of the state.

The novel begins the migration that will eventually create the kingdom of Valdemar.

2. Into the West

Into the West (2022): Kordas leads the refugees across unfamiliar lands while balancing supplies, internal tensions, and the dangers of pursuit.

The journey develops the community that will form the kingdom’s first population.

3. Valdemar

Valdemar (2023): The settlers establish Haven and begin encountering the magical forces that will shape their institutions.

The trilogy explains the origin of the kingdom and the first appearance of the Companions.

Collegium Chronicles in Order

Foundation (2008): Mags escapes forced labor in a mine after being Chosen by a Companion.
Intrigues (2010): Mags struggles with suspicion and class prejudice while enemies investigate his origins.
Changes (2011): His training expands into intelligence work and more dangerous political responsibilities.
Redoubt (2012): Mags is kidnapped and forced to confront people connected to his unknown past.
Bastion (2013): He travels to a remote defensive site while his allies uncover the conspiracy surrounding him.

The series should be followed by The Herald Spy trilogy.

The Herald Spy Trilogy in Order

Closer to Home (2014): Mags investigates a feud between noble households while adapting to adult Heraldic service.
Closer to the Heart (2015): A plot against the royal wedding threatens the stability of Valdemar.
Closer to the Chest (2016): Mags and Amily investigate a campaign of threats and violence directed against women.

These books continue Mags’s life rather than beginning a separate continuity.

Family Spies Books in Order

The Hills Have Spies (2018): Perry travels with Mags and uses his animal-related Gift during an investigation.
Eye Spy (2019): Abi’s unusual ability to perceive stress in structures gives her a distinct role in Valdemar’s service.
Spy, Spy Again (2020): The family becomes involved in overlapping missions that expose a larger threat.

Read Collegium Chronicles and The Herald Spy first.

Owl Mage Trilogy in Order

Owlflight (1997), with Larry Dixon: Darian escapes the destruction of his village and is taken in by Tayledras protectors.
Owlsight (1998), with Larry Dixon: Keisha and Darian investigate illness and instability near the developing settlement.
Owlknight (1999), with Larry Dixon: Darian returns as an experienced adult to confront a threat affecting the region’s future.

The trilogy occurs after the Mage Storms and shows how frontier communities rebuild.

Valdemar Standalone Novels

Take a Thief

Take a Thief (2001): Skif survives as a thief in Haven until a Companion Chooses him and redirects his talents toward service.

The book takes place before the Arrows trilogy and explains one of Talia’s important allies.

Brightly Burning

Brightly Burning (2000): Lavan Chitward discovers a powerful fire-related Gift while Valdemar faces invasion.

The novel recounts the life of a legendary Herald mentioned in other books.

By the Sword

By the Sword (1991): Kerowyn becomes a soldier, commander, and bearer of the sword Need before entering Valdemar’s military history.

It works best after Vows and Honor and before Mage Winds.

Elemental Masters Books in Order

Elemental Masters is a historical fantasy series in which magicians command Air, Fire, Water, or Earth. Many novels reinterpret fairy tales, legends, historical figures, or Sherlock Holmes stories.

Most installments have self-contained central characters. Publication order is the simplest route because later books increasingly reuse people and institutions from earlier novels.

The Fire Rose (1995): A scholar travels to San Francisco to work for a magician transformed by a failed spell in a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
The Serpent’s Shadow (2001): A physician of mixed Indian and British heritage fights occult danger in a version of Snow White.
The Gates of Sleep (2002): A girl cursed in infancy grows up among artists before her hidden enemies return in a Sleeping Beauty variation.
Phoenix and Ashes (2004): A young woman trapped by cruel magic meets a damaged pilot after the First World War in a Cinderella retelling.
The Wizard of London (2005): Young Sarah and Nan become involved with Elemental magic in a story drawing from The Snow Queen.
Reserved for the Cat (2007): A dancer receives supernatural assistance from a cat while trying to rebuild her career.
Unnatural Issue (2011): A woman endangered by her father’s destructive obsession becomes part of a story based on Donkeyskin.
Home from the Sea (2012): A Welsh woman discovers family secrets involving sea magic, selkies, and old bargains.
Steadfast (2013): A dancer and a disabled veteran encounter magic in a reworking of The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Blood Red (2014): Rosamund leaves her sheltered community and faces werewolves in a version of Little Red Riding Hood.
From a High Tower (2015): A young woman raised in isolation becomes a performer and mage in a Rapunzel-inspired story.
A Study in Sable (2016): Nan and Sarah work with Sherlock Holmes on a supernatural case involving music and murder.
A Scandal in Battersea (2017): Holmes, Watson, Nan, and Sarah confront occult kidnappings and a threat to London.
The Bartered Brides (2018): A series of disturbing murders draws the recurring investigators into a case shaped by Bluebeard traditions.
The Case of the Spellbound Child (2019): Holmes and the Elemental Masters investigate missing children and dangerous magical coercion.
Jolene (2020): A young woman in the Appalachian region encounters earth magic and a powerful rival in a story inspired by The Queen of the Copper Mountain.
The Silver Bullets of Annie Oakley (2022): Annie Oakley becomes involved with supernatural danger while touring with Buffalo Bill’s show.
Miss Amelia’s List (2024): A young woman enters Regency society while using magical insight to navigate family expectations and hidden threats.
The Cyprian (2025): A Regency woman whose social position leaves her vulnerable finds herself involved in magic, secrets, and an unconventional path toward security.

The Fire Rose is more isolated from the later British-centered books. The Serpent’s Shadow is a useful alternative starting point for readers who want the recurring English setting.

Five Hundred Kingdoms Books in Order

In the Five Hundred Kingdoms, the Tradition pushes people toward familiar fairy tale roles. Fairy Godmothers and other magical officials attempt to guide those stories toward less destructive outcomes.

The Fairy Godmother (2004): Elena is denied the expected Cinderella ending and becomes an apprentice Fairy Godmother instead.
One Good Knight (2006): A princess and a supposedly sacrificial maiden become involved in a dragon crisis that refuses to follow the expected story.
Fortune’s Fool (2007): A sea king’s daughter and a prince with a hidden identity become caught in several overlapping fairy tale patterns.
The Snow Queen (2008): Fairy Godmother Aleksia investigates a magical threat while accepting the frightening reputation attached to her role.
The Sleeping Beauty (2010): A princess is pushed toward several competing fairy tale destinies after the death of her mother.
Beauty and the Werewolf (2011): A young woman sent to live with a cursed nobleman becomes involved in a variation of Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood.

Five Hundred Kingdoms Novellas

Moontide (2005): A young woman living on a secluded island becomes part of a magical story involving family duty and the sea.

A Tangled Web (2010): Characters connected to the Greek underworld become entangled with the Tradition’s attempt to force events into familiar patterns.

Both are optional. Read them after The Fairy Godmother.

Dragon Jousters Books in Order

Joust (2003): Enslaved boy Vetch becomes caretaker to a dragon and learns that kindness may change how dragons are trained.
Alta (2004): Vetch, now known as Kiron, attempts to build a new kind of dragon fighting force for his homeland.
Sanctuary (2005): Kiron and his allies seek refuge while trying to preserve their dragons and resist political enemies.
Aerie (2006): The young dragon riders confront the supernatural force behind the conflict between their nations.

The four books form one continuous story and should be read without interruption.

Bardic Voices Books in Order

Main Sequence

The Lark and the Wren (1992): A gifted young musician leaves home to pursue Bardic training and an independent life.
The Robin and the Kestrel (1994): Two musicians become involved in a political conflict fueled by religious intolerance.
The Eagle and the Nightingales (1996): Nightingale uses music and diplomacy during negotiations among humans and nonhuman peoples.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds (1997): A constable investigates murders connected to music, magic, and the darker side of the city.

Related Novel

A Cast of Corbies (1994), with Josepha Sherman: A troupe of performers discovers that its talents can be used against political oppression.

The books share the Free Bards setting but shift central characters.

Obsidian Universe Books in Order

The Obsidian universe contains several connected series written with James Mallory.

The Obsidian Trilogy

The Outstretched Shadow (2003), with James Mallory: Kellen Tavadon rejects the rigid magic of his city and discovers Wild Magic as an ancient enemy begins to return.
To Light a Candle (2004), with James Mallory: Kellen and his allies prepare for war while trying to unite peoples with old reasons to distrust one another.
When Darkness Falls (2006), with James Mallory: The alliance confronts the Endarkened in the final struggle for survival.

The Enduring Flame Trilogy

The Phoenix Unchained (2007), with James Mallory: A thousand years after the earlier war, new heroes discover that the enemy has not disappeared forever.
The Phoenix Endangered (2008), with James Mallory: The companions cross dangerous lands while seeking help against a returning threat.
The Phoenix Transformed (2009), with James Mallory: The second trilogy reaches its confrontation with the forces threatening the balance of the world.

The Dragon Prophecy Trilogy

Crown of Vengeance (2012), with James Mallory: Young elven leader Vieliessar struggles to unite her people before the ancient enemy rises.
Blade of Empire (2017), with James Mallory: The Elven army prepares for a conflict involving prophecy, political division, and the survival of several races.
Deliverance of Dragons (2025), with James Mallory: The early history of the Obsidian world reaches its decisive war as alliances and dragons become central to resisting the Endarkened.

Chronologically, Dragon Prophecy occurs before the other two trilogies. First-time readers should still begin with The Outstretched Shadow because it introduces the universe more naturally.

The Halfblood Chronicles in Order

Written with Andre Norton.

The Elvenbane (1991), with Andre Norton: A human and elven child raised by dragons may become the key to resisting elven rule over enslaved humanity.
Elvenblood (1995), with Andre Norton: Halfblood rebels and their allies attempt to widen the struggle against the elven lords.
Elvenborn (2002), with Andre Norton: Political divisions among elves and humans create new opportunities and new dangers for the rebellion.

A planned fourth volume, Elvenbred, was never completed. The series remains unfinished.

Hunter Trilogy in Order

Hunter (2015): Joyeaux Charmand is summoned from the frontier to Apex City, where Hunters protect humanity from magical monsters.
Elite (2016): Joy becomes more deeply involved in the city’s political system while confronting threats inside and outside its walls.
Apex (2017): Joy and her allies face the final struggle over the city’s leadership and the survival of its people.

The trilogy is complete.

The Secret World Chronicle in Order

Written with Steve Libbey, Cody Martin, and Dennis Lee.

Invasion (2011): Superheroes and ordinary citizens resist an attack by a technologically advanced Nazi force.
World Divided (2012): The defenders struggle with the political and personal consequences of the invasion.
Revolution (2013): Resistance movements and superpowered teams confront enemies operating across several fronts.
Collision (2015): The conflict expands as alliances shift and hidden forces become more visible.
Avalanche (2018): The heroes face another escalation in the war for their world.

These novels grew from a shared online storytelling project and contain several viewpoints.

SERRAted Edge Books in Order

The SERRAted Edge combines elves, race cars, child protection, and contemporary fantasy.

Original Sequence

Born to Run (1992), with Larry Dixon: A human mechanic and elven allies become involved in protecting vulnerable children from supernatural and human danger.
Wheels of Fire (1992), with Mark Shepherd: Elven racers confront threats connected to both the racing world and child exploitation.
When the Bough Breaks (1993), with Holly Lisle: Human and elven characters work to rescue children endangered by abuse and dark magic.
Chrome Circle (1994), with Larry Dixon: Racing, elven politics, and the fight against destructive supernatural forces converge.

Later SERRAted Edge Novels

This Scepter’d Isle (2004), with Roberta Gellis: The history of elves in England becomes tied to Tudor politics and the future of the magical courts.
Ill Met by Moonlight (2005), with Roberta Gellis: Elven factions influence the childhood and safety of the future Elizabeth I.
By Slanderous Tongues (2007), with Roberta Gellis: Political and magical threats continue around the Tudor court.
And Less Than Kind (2008), with Roberta Gellis: The historical sequence follows the dangerous transition between rulers.
The Waters and the Wild (2019), with Rosemary Edghill: A child endangered by supernatural forces becomes connected to modern elven protectors.
Silence (2025), with Cody Martin: Contemporary characters become involved in a new conflict linking hidden magic, vulnerable people, and the continuing SERRAted Edge world.

The Tudor books form a historical branch. The modern novels can be read separately, though shared lore rewards publication order.

Bedlam’s Bard Books in Order

Knight of Ghosts and Shadows (1990), with Ellen Guon: Musician Eric Banyon discovers magical ability and becomes involved with elves living in modern Los Angeles.
Summoned to Tourney (1992), with Ellen Guon: Eric and his allies confront another conflict involving elven courts and human danger.
Beyond World’s End (2001), with Rosemary Edghill: Eric returns to a changed magical community and new responsibilities.
Spirits White as Lightning (2001), with Rosemary Edghill: Bardic magic and modern supernatural threats place Eric’s allies in danger.
A Host of Furious Fancies (2012), with Rosemary Edghill: This omnibus combines Beyond World’s End and Spirits White as Lightning.
Mad Maudlin (2003), with Rosemary Edghill: Eric and his circle investigate danger involving children, magic, and urban exploitation.
Music to My Sorrow (2005), with Rosemary Edghill: The conflict surrounding Eric’s family and supernatural enemies reaches another decisive stage.

Some editions combine the books differently. Check contents before buying an omnibus alongside individual volumes.

Diana Tregarde Books in Order

Burning Water (1989): Guardian and romance novelist Diana Tregarde investigates ritual murders connected to ancient supernatural power.
Children of the Night (1990): Diana becomes involved with vampires and occult danger in New York.
Jinx High (1991): A school reunion and a troubled teenager draw Diana into a conflict involving destructive magic.

The novels are largely self-contained, but publication order gives the clearest development of Diana’s role as a Guardian.

The Doubled Edge Books in Order

Written with Roberta Gellis and connected to the historical branch of the SERRAted Edge world.

This Scepter’d Isle (2004): Elven factions attempt to protect the future Elizabeth I.
Ill Met by Moonlight (2005): The struggle continues during Elizabeth’s dangerous childhood.
By Slanderous Tongues (2007): Court intrigue and elven politics threaten the succession.
And Less Than Kind (2008): The historical arc follows England through another dangerous political transition.

Read these four in sequence.

Heirs of Alexandria Books in Order

Written with Eric Flint and Dave Freer.

The Shadow of the Lion (2002): Young characters in an alternate magical Venice become involved in political, religious, and supernatural conspiracies.
This Rough Magic (2003): The conflict moves toward Corfu as historical powers and magical enemies pursue competing plans.
A Mankind Witch (2005), by Dave Freer: Northern politics, magic, and warfare expand the alternate European setting.
Much Fall of Blood (2010), with Eric Flint and Dave Freer: Several cultures and rulers become involved in a wider military and supernatural struggle.
Burdens of the Dead (2013), with Eric Flint and Dave Freer: The heroes confront threats around Constantinople and the eastern Mediterranean.
All the Plagues of Hell (2018), with Eric Flint and Dave Freer: Political ambition and magical corruption push the alternate Renaissance conflict toward another crisis.

The books share one world, though viewpoint characters and locations change.

The Heralds of Valdemar Anthologies

These are shared-world collections containing stories by Lackey and invited authors. They are optional and should not be inserted into the main novels as numbered installments.

Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar (1997): Early shared-world stories explore Heralds, Companions, and other residents of Valdemar.
Sun in Glory and Other Tales of Valdemar (2003): The anthology adds stories from several historical periods.
Crossroads and Other Tales of Valdemar (2005): Characters face decisions involving duty, grief, justice, and magical responsibility.
Moving Targets and Other Tales of Valdemar (2008): The collection includes both serious and comic stories from across the world.
Changing the World (2009): Contributors explore people whose choices alter Valdemar and its neighboring lands.
Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar (2010): Stories center on journeys, discoveries, and personal direction.
Under the Vale and Other Tales of Valdemar (2011): The anthology explores hidden communities and lesser-seen corners of the setting.
No True Way (2014): Characters confront uncertainty over the correct path or moral choice.
Crucible (2015): Trials and moments of pressure reshape Heralds and ordinary citizens.
Tempest (2016): Conflict, weather, and sudden disruption connect the anthology’s stories.
Pathways (2017): The stories focus on roads taken through Valdemar’s institutions and wider world.
Choices (2018): Characters face decisions with personal and political consequences.
Seasons (2019): The collection uses cycles of change to explore different periods of Valdemar.
Passages (2020): Journeys, transitions, and rites of passage shape the included stories.
Boundaries (2021): Characters encounter physical, cultural, and personal limits.
Shenanigans (2022): The anthology emphasizes mischief and lighter adventures alongside danger.
Anything with Nothing (2023): The stories explore improvisation, scarcity, and unexpected solutions.
Feuds (2024): Rivalries ranging from comic disputes to serious family conflicts drive the collection.

The anthologies include work by many authors. They are not written solely by Mercedes Lackey.

Standalone Fairy Tale Novels

Firebird

Firebird (1996): A neglected prince gains magical insight and becomes involved with a princess, a powerful enemy, and several strands of Russian folklore.

The novel is independent of Elemental Masters and the Five Hundred Kingdoms.

The Black Swan

The Black Swan (1999): The daughter of the sorcerer Rothbart begins questioning her father’s control over women transformed into swans.

The story reinterprets Swan Lake from a viewpoint outside the traditional central romance.

Briarheart

Briarheart (2021): A princess’s older sister protects her family from the curse and political danger surrounding a Sleeping Beauty story.

This young adult novel stands alone.

Other Standalone Fantasy and Science Fiction

Sacred Ground

Sacred Ground (1995): Private investigator Jennifer Talldeer investigates sabotage and supernatural danger connected to Indigenous history and family responsibility.

The novel has thematic similarities to Diana Tregarde but belongs to its own continuity.

The House of the Four Winds

The House of the Four Winds (2014), with James Mallory: A princess traveling under a concealed identity joins a ship and becomes involved in piracy, sorcery, and adventure.

It begins the One Dozen Daughters concept, but no full continuing sequence followed.

The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump

The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump (1993): An environmental investigator examines magical pollution in a satirical modern world where supernatural systems are regulated like technology.

The novel is a standalone.

Brainship Books by Mercedes Lackey

These books belong to Anne McCaffrey’s Federated Sentient Planets setting.

The Ship Who Searched

The Ship Who Searched (1992), with Anne McCaffrey: A young woman whose body is severely disabled becomes a brainship and undertakes missions involving archaeology and personal discovery.

The Ship Who Dared

The Ship Who Dared (2026), with Veronica Giguere: A brainship and her human partner face a new challenge within the Federated Sentient Planets universe.

These books share the Brainship setting but do not form a simple two-volume character sequence. Readers interested in the whole continuity should begin with Anne McCaffrey’s The Ship Who Sang.

Mercedes Lackey Books in Broad Publication Order

A complete year-by-year list would be extremely long because Lackey has published novels, collaborations, anthologies, omnibuses, and short fiction across many simultaneous series.

The following list covers her principal original novels and major continuing series in broad publication order:

Arrows of the Queen (1987): Talia is Chosen as Queen’s Own and enters Heraldic training.
Arrow’s Flight (1987): Talia begins her field internship.
Arrow’s Fall (1988): A diplomatic crisis threatens Valdemar and its heir.
The Oathbound (1988): Tarma and Kethry follow their vows through linked mercenary adventures.
Magic’s Pawn (1989): Vanyel discovers magic and love.
Oathbreakers (1989): Tarma and Kethry become involved in a political struggle.
Burning Water (1989): Diana Tregarde investigates ritual murder.
Magic’s Promise (1990): Vanyel confronts danger in Lineas.
Magic’s Price (1990): Vanyel faces his final defense of Valdemar.
Children of the Night (1990): Diana investigates vampires and occult danger.
Knight of Ghosts and Shadows (1990), with Ellen Guon: Eric Banyon discovers Bardic magic and modern elves.
By the Sword (1991): Kerowyn becomes a mercenary and military leader.
The Elvenbane (1991), with Andre Norton: A halfblood child raised by dragons threatens elven rule.
Jinx High (1991): Diana Tregarde investigates magical danger surrounding a student.
Winds of Fate (1991): Elspeth seeks magical training beyond Valdemar.
The Ship Who Searched (1992), with Anne McCaffrey: A young woman becomes a brainship.
The Lark and the Wren (1992): Rune leaves home to pursue music and freedom.
Born to Run (1992), with Larry Dixon: Elves and humans protect endangered children amid auto racing.
Summoned to Tourney (1992), with Ellen Guon): Eric Banyon faces another conflict involving the elven courts.
Winds of Change (1992): Elspeth’s magical education continues.
Wheels of Fire (1992), with Mark Shepherd: Elven racers confront human and supernatural exploitation.
The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump (1993): A magical pollution investigator uncovers a dangerous environmental problem.
Winds of Fury (1993): Elspeth returns toward Valdemar to confront Ancar.
When the Bough Breaks (1993), with Holly Lisle: Elven allies work to rescue endangered children.
The Black Gryphon (1994), with Larry Dixon: Skandranon and Amberdrake serve during the ancient Mage Wars.
Storm Warning (1994): Karal joins the alliance against magical disaster.
The Robin and the Kestrel (1994): Free Bards confront intolerance and political manipulation.
A Cast of Corbies (1994), with Josepha Sherman: Performers use music and solidarity against oppression.
Chrome Circle (1994), with Larry Dixon: The original SERRAted Edge sequence reaches a major confrontation.
The White Gryphon (1995), with Larry Dixon: Survivors of the Cataclysm build a new society.
Storm Rising (1995): Magical instability spreads across the region.
The Fire Rose (1995): A scholar enters a Beauty and the Beast story shaped by Elemental magic.
Sacred Ground (1995): Jennifer Talldeer investigates supernatural sabotage.
Elvenblood (1995), with Andre Norton: The halfblood rebellion expands.
The Silver Gryphon (1996), with Larry Dixon: A younger generation of gryphons and humans faces danger.
Storm Breaking (1996): The alliance attempts to stop the final Mage Storm.
Firebird (1996): A prince enters a Russian folklore adventure.
The Eagle and the Nightingales (1996): Music and diplomacy become central to a political crisis.
Owlflight (1997), with Larry Dixon: Darian finds a new life after his village falls.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds (1997): Murders connected to magic and music trouble a city.
Owlsight (1998), with Larry Dixon: Darian and Keisha investigate threats to their community.
Oathblood (1998): Additional Tarma and Kethry stories complete their collected adventures.
Owlknight (1999), with Larry Dixon: Darian returns as a protector.
The Black Swan (1999): Swan Lake is retold through Rothbart’s daughter.
Brightly Burning (2000): Lavan Firestorm becomes a legendary Herald.
The Serpent’s Shadow (2001): A physician fights magical persecution in Edwardian London.
Take a Thief (2001): Skif moves from street crime to Heraldic training.
Beyond World’s End (2001), with Rosemary Edghill: Eric Banyon returns to modern Bardic conflict.
Spirits White as Lightning (2001), with Rosemary Edghill: Eric’s allies face another supernatural threat.
The Shadow of the Lion (2002), with Eric Flint and Dave Freer: Alternate Venice becomes the center of political and magical conspiracy.
Elvenborn (2002), with Andre Norton: The Halfblood conflict enters a new political phase.
Exile’s Honor (2002): Alberich defects from Karse and becomes a Herald.
The Gates of Sleep (2002): A Sleeping Beauty variation unfolds among artists and Elemental mages.
Joust (2003): Vetch becomes a dragon boy and questions the system that enslaves him.
The Outstretched Shadow (2003), with James Mallory: Kellen discovers Wild Magic and an ancient enemy.
Exile’s Valor (2003): Alberich protects Valdemar during a succession crisis.
Mad Maudlin (2003), with Rosemary Edghill: Eric’s circle investigates a threat involving vulnerable children.
This Rough Magic (2003), with Eric Flint and Dave Freer: The Heirs of Alexandria conflict moves toward Corfu.
The Fairy Godmother (2004): Elena becomes responsible for managing the Tradition.
Phoenix and Ashes (2004): Cinderella is reimagined after the First World War.
Alta (2004): Kiron builds a new dragon rider force.
To Light a Candle (2004), with James Mallory: Kellen’s allies prepare for war.
This Scepter’d Isle (2004), with Roberta Gellis: Elves intervene in Tudor succession politics.
One Good Knight (2006): A princess and dragon sacrifice refuse their assigned fairy tale roles.
Aerie (2006): The Dragon Jousters series reaches its conclusion.
When Darkness Falls (2006), with James Mallory: The Obsidian trilogy confronts the Endarkened.
Fortune’s Fool (2007): Fairy tale patterns converge around a sea princess and disguised prince.
Reserved for the Cat (2007): A supernatural cat aids a struggling dancer.
The Phoenix Unchained (2007), with James Mallory: A later generation discovers the return of an ancient enemy.
Foundation (2008): Mags enters the Heralds’ Collegium.
The Snow Queen (2008): Aleksia investigates danger while carrying a feared fairy tale identity.
The Phoenix Endangered (2008), with James Mallory: The companions continue their journey against the returning threat.
The Phoenix Transformed (2009), with James Mallory: The Enduring Flame trilogy concludes.
Intrigues (2010): Mags faces suspicion and political hostility.
The Sleeping Beauty (2010): Several fairy tale destinies compete to control one princess.
Changes (2011): Mags’s training moves toward espionage.
Beauty and the Werewolf (2011): A cursed nobleman and independent heroine enter overlapping fairy tale roles.
Crown of Vengeance (2012), with James Mallory: Vieliessar attempts to unite the elves before war.
Redoubt (2012): Mags is kidnapped by people connected to his past.
Home from the Sea (2012): A Welsh family’s history reveals sea magic and old bargains.
Bastion (2013): Mags retreats to a remote fortress while investigating his origins.
Steadfast (2013): A dancer and veteran face Elemental danger.
The House of the Four Winds (2014), with James Mallory: A disguised princess joins a magical maritime adventure.
Closer to Home (2014): Mags investigates conflict between noble families.
Blood Red (2014): Rosamund confronts werewolves and inherited danger.
Hunter (2015): Joyeaux Charmand enters the political world of Apex City.
Closer to the Heart (2015): Mags uncovers a plot against the royal wedding.
From a High Tower (2015): A Rapunzel figure becomes a performer and mage.
Elite (2016): Joy’s role among the Hunters becomes more politically dangerous.
Closer to the Chest (2016): Mags and Amily investigate organized intimidation.
A Study in Sable (2016): Elemental mages assist Sherlock Holmes.
Apex (2017): Joy’s trilogy reaches its final conflict.
Blade of Empire (2017), with James Mallory: The elven alliance prepares for war.
A Scandal in Battersea (2017): Holmes and the Elemental Masters confront occult kidnappings.
The Hills Have Spies (2018): Perry joins a mission involving missing villagers.
The Bartered Brides (2018): Magical murders draw recurring investigators into a Bluebeard-related case.
Eye Spy (2019): Abi discovers a Gift useful to Valdemar.
The Waters and the Wild (2019), with Rosemary Edghill: Modern elves protect a child threatened by supernatural danger.
The Case of the Spellbound Child (2019): Holmes and his magical allies investigate missing children.
Spy, Spy Again (2020): The family’s separate missions converge.
Jolene (2020): Appalachian earth magic shapes a new Elemental Masters conflict.
Beyond (2021): Kordas Valdemar begins the escape from the Empire.
Briarheart (2021): A princess’s older sister resists a Sleeping Beauty curse.
The Silver Bullets of Annie Oakley (2022): Annie Oakley confronts supernatural danger.
Into the West (2022): The Valdemar refugees continue their migration.
Valdemar (2023): Haven is founded and the first Companions appear.
Gryphon in Light (2023), with Larry Dixon: Kelvren begins a new gryphon adventure.
Miss Amelia’s List (2024): Regency society and Elemental magic shape a woman’s search for independence.
Deliverance of Dragons (2025), with James Mallory: The Dragon Prophecy trilogy reaches its final war.
Silence (2025), with Cody Martin: A new modern SERRAted Edge story returns to hidden elves and vulnerable humans.
The Cyprian (2025): Regency magic and social vulnerability shape a new Elemental Masters story.
The Ship Who Dared (2026), with Veronica Giguere: A new Brainship adventure enters the Federated Sentient Planets universe.
Vanyel and Vixen (Forthcoming December 15, 2026): Vanyel and Savil return in a historical Valdemar novel.

Latest Mercedes Lackey Book Status

The latest published novel carrying Mercedes Lackey’s name is:

The Ship Who Dared (2026), with Veronica Giguere: This science fiction novel returns to the Brainship setting created by Anne McCaffrey.

Her latest solo novel is:

The Cyprian (2025): This Elemental Masters story uses a Regency setting and follows a woman navigating both social restrictions and hidden magic.

Her next confirmed Valdemar novel is:

Vanyel and Vixen (December 15, 2026): The book returns to Vanyel Ashkevron and Herald Savil during an earlier period of Valdemar’s history.

Because August 6, 2026 falls before that publication date, Vanyel and Vixen should remain marked as forthcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mercedes Lackey book should I read first?

Begin with Arrows of the Queen (1987).

Talia is new to the Heralds, Haven, Companions, and Valdemar’s political system, so the novel explains the world without requiring historical background.

Should Valdemar be read chronologically?

Not on a first reading.

The ancient books explain the Mage Wars and the founding of the kingdom before the original novels reveal why those events matter. Publication-based character arcs preserve more discovery.

What is the first Valdemar book chronologically?

The Black Gryphon (1994): It begins during the ancient Mage Wars, thousands of years before the kingdom of Valdemar is founded.

What is the first Valdemar book published?

Arrows of the Queen (1987): It introduced Talia and established the core Heraldic setting.

Are the Last Herald Mage books prequels?

Yes.

Magic’s Pawn, Magic’s Promise, and Magic’s Price take place before Talia’s lifetime and explain the life of the legendary Vanyel Ashkevron.

Where should I read By the Sword?

Read it after Vows and Honor and before Mage Winds.

It connects Kethry’s family line and the mercenary world to Valdemar’s later wars.

Are Collegium Chronicles and The Herald Spy connected?

Yes.

The Herald Spy continues Mags’s life after the five Collegium Chronicles novels. Family Spies then follows Mags, Amily, and their children.

Is the Founding of Valdemar trilogy complete?

Yes.

Beyond, Into the West, and Valdemar form the completed trilogy.

Is Gryphon in Light part of Mage Wars?

It belongs to the same Valdemar universe and returns to gryphon characters, but it begins a later trilogy rather than serving as Mage Wars Book Four.

Is Elemental Masters one continuous story?

No.

The books share a magical system and historical world, while several later installments reuse characters. Most novels still contain their own central story.

Are the Five Hundred Kingdoms connected to Elemental Masters?

No.

Both reinterpret fairy tales, but the Five Hundred Kingdoms uses the Tradition in a secondary fantasy world. Elemental Masters takes place in a magical version of historical Earth.

Is the Obsidian universe complete?

The original Obsidian trilogy and Enduring Flame trilogy are complete. Dragon Prophecy is also complete with Deliverance of Dragons.

Is the Halfblood Chronicles complete?

No.

The Elvenbane, Elvenblood, and Elvenborn were published, but the planned continuation Elvenbred was never completed.

Are the Brainship books original Mercedes Lackey settings?

No.

They belong to Anne McCaffrey’s Federated Sentient Planets universe. Lackey wrote The Ship Who Searched with McCaffrey and The Ship Who Dared with Veronica Giguere.

What is Mercedes Lackey’s newest Valdemar novel?

The newest published main Valdemar novel is Gryphon in Light (2023).

Vanyel and Vixen is scheduled for December 15, 2026 and was still forthcoming on this article’s update date.

What is Mercedes Lackey’s newest Elemental Masters book?

The Cyprian (2025): It was published on December 30, 2025.

The Clearest Reading Decision

Begin Valdemar with the Arrows trilogy. Continue to the Last Herald Mage, Vows and Honor, By the Sword, Mage Winds, and Mage Storms before exploring the ancient Mage Wars or the kingdom’s founding.

Choose Elemental Masters when you want loosely connected historical fairy tale retellings. Choose the Five Hundred Kingdoms for a more playful secondary-world approach to fairy tale rules.

Dragon Jousters, Hunter, and the main Obsidian trilogies offer compact completed sequences. The Halfblood Chronicles remains unfinished, while Bedlam’s Bard and the SERRAted Edge share a broad contemporary fantasy tradition with more complicated collaboration and edition histories.

The safest single starting point remains Arrows of the Queen (1987). It introduces Mercedes Lackey’s largest world through one character, one Companion bond, and one clear path into the much wider Valdemar chronology.

Frank

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Frank is the editor of BookSeries.blog, focusing on publication order, chronological timelines, and spoiler-free reading guides for book series and fictional universes.

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