The Order of Mercedes Lackey's Books: A Guide for Fantasy Fans
Mercedes Lackey is a prolific fantasy author, known for her intricate worlds, diverse characters, and engaging plots. With so many books across multiple series, it can be daunting to figure out the reading order. Fear not, fellow fantasy enthusiasts! This guide will help you navigate the labyrinth of Lackey's works, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey through her magical universes.
Note: This list prioritizes series order, but individual books within series are not necessarily in chronological order of publication.
Valdemar
This sprawling series is often where readers first encounter Lackey's magic. The overarching Valdemar world is vast, but most books focus on specific characters and subplots.
Core Series:
- The Last Herald-Mage (Heralds of Valdemar)
- Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar)
- Swords of the Falcon (Heralds of Valdemar)
- Magic's Price (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The White Dragon (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The Serpent's Shadow (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The Oath of the Chaste (Heralds of Valdemar)
- Brightly Burning (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The Silver Gryphon (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The Queen's Own (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The Talons of the Talon (Heralds of Valdemar)
- The Skull of the Gods (Heralds of Valdemar)
Other Valdemar Series:
- The Collegium Chronicles (Can be read independently)
- The Riders of the Storm (Can be read after The Last Herald-Mage)
- The Tarma (Can be read after The Silver Gryphon)
- The Winds of Change (Can be read after The Silver Gryphon)
- The Mage Wars (Can be read after The Talons of the Talon)
- The Emperies (Can be read after The Skull of the Gods)
- The Elemental Masters (Can be read after The Emperies)
The Bard's Tale
This series follows the adventures of the bard, Davin, and his companions. It can be enjoyed independently from the Valdemar series.
- The Bard's Tale
- The Bard's Quest
- The Bard's Legacy
The Elemental Masters
This series explores the magic of the elements, focusing on different characters and their individual journeys. It is best read after the Valdemar series.
- The Phoenix and the Mirror
- The Serpent and the Staff
- The Water and the Stone
- The Fire and the Wind
The Five Hundred Kingdoms
This series follows the adventures of the "Five Hundred," a magical band of warriors protecting the Five Hundred Kingdoms.
Main Series:
- The Last Herald-Mage (This can be read in the Valdemar series, but also introduces the Five Hundred Kingdoms)
- The Owl's Song
- The Eagle's Shadow
- The Serpent's Fang
- The Lion's Paw
Other Five Hundred Kingdoms Series:
- The Mage Wars (Can be read after The Lion's Paw)
Other Series
- The Dragonriders of Pern (This is a collaboration with Anne McCaffrey and is set within her world. It can be read independently from Lackey's other works.)
- The Black Gryphon (Stand-alone novel)
- The Fairy Godmother (Stand-alone novel)
- The Robin Hood (Standalone novel, retelling of the classic story)
- The Sun Sword (Standalone novel)
- The Hero and the Crown (Standalone novel)
- The Stormwrack (Standalone novel)
This list offers a starting point for exploring Mercedes Lackey's vast and captivating world. Enjoy the journey!
