Terry Brooks Reading Order

10 books (1991–2025)

Terry Brooks has edited eight fantasy and non-fiction anthologies published from 1991 to 2025, with new volumes continuing to be released. These collections should be read in publication order, beginning with Once Upon a Time and progressing through the various Legends, Unfettered, and specialty editions that follow. The series spans multiple themed volumes including Dragon, Sword, and King; Multiverse; Unbound; and interview collections like Conversations From the Edge: The Galaxy's Edge Interviews.

Start with Once Upon a Time, the first of 8 books in the Anthologies series.

#	Title
1	Once Upon a Time 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Unfettered 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Multiverse 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Unbound 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Unfettered II: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Unfettered III: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Conversations From the Edge: The Galaxy's Edge Interviews 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Deep Magic - Spring 2021 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Grimoire 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2012–2013)

The Dark Legacy of Shannara is a complete fantasy trilogy by Terry Brooks published between 2012 and 2013. Though the chronological sequence differs from publication order, new readers should begin with Bloodfire Quest, as the release order provides the optimal reading experience. The series concludes with Witch Wraith, following the three-book arc through Bloodfire Quest, Wards of Faerie, and Witch Wraith.

Start with Bloodfire Quest. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	Bloodfire Quest 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Wards of Faerie 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Witch Wraith 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2014–2016)

The Defenders of Shannara is a complete fantasy series by Terry Brooks consisting of three books published between 2014 and 2016. While the chronological order of events differs from publication order, new readers should begin with The High Druid's Blade, followed by The Darkling Child and The Sorcerer's Daughter, as the publication sequence provides the best entry point to the series.

Start with The High Druid's Blade. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	The High Druid's Blade 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Darkling Child 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Sorcerer's Daughter 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

4 books (2017–2020)

The Fall of Shannara is a complete fantasy series by Terry Brooks consisting of four books published between 2017 and 2020. While the chronological sequence of events differs from publication order, new readers should begin with The Black Elfstone and follow the publication order of The Black Elfstone, The Skaar Invasion, The Stiehl Assassin, and The Last Druid to experience the narrative as intended by the author.

Start with The Black Elfstone. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	The Black Elfstone 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Skaar Invasion 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Stiehl Assassin 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Last Druid 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2006–2008)

The Genesis of Shannara is a complete three-book fantasy series by Terry Brooks published between 2006 and 2008, consisting of Armageddon's Children, The Elves of Cintra, and The Gypsy Morph. While the chronological sequence differs from publication order, new readers should start with Armageddon's Children and follow the books as published for the optimal reading experience.

Start with Armageddon's Children. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	Armageddon's Children 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Elves of Cintra 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Gypsy Morph 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

4 books (1990–1993)

The Heritage of Shannara is a four-book fantasy series by Terry Brooks published between 1990 and 1993, following The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara, The Elf Queen of Shannara, and The Talismans of Shannara. The series is complete and should be read in publication order rather than chronological order, which diverges from the internal timeline. New readers are encouraged to begin with The Scions of Shannara to experience the story as the author originally presented it.

Start with The Scions of Shannara. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	The Scions of Shannara 1990Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Druid of Shannara 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Elf Queen of Shannara 1992Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Talismans of Shannara 1993Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2003–2005)

The High Druid of Shannara is a complete fantasy trilogy by Terry Brooks published between 2003 and 2005, consisting of Jarka Ruus, Tanequil, and Straken. While the chronological order differs from publication order, new readers should follow the publication sequence for the best experience. The series concludes a major arc within Brooks' broader Shannara universe.

Start with Jarka Ruus. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	Jarka Ruus 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Tanequil 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Straken 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (1998–1999)

The Legends series is a three-book anthology collection published between 1998 and 1999, featuring short fiction from some of fantasy's most celebrated authors. Each volume brings together original stories set in the worlds and universes of established fantasy series, with contributors including Stephen King, Anne McCaffrey, George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, Robert Jordan, and many others. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King.

Start with Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King(With: Diana Gabaldon,George R.R. Martin,Orson Scott Card,Robert Silverberg,Neil Gaiman,Elizabeth Haydon) and read in order.

#	Title
1	Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King(With: Diana Gabaldon,George R.R. Martin,Orson Scott Card,Robert Silverberg,Neil Gaiman,Elizabeth Haydon) 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Legends(By: Stephen King,Anne McCaffrey,Robert Silverberg) 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Legends 3(By: Terry Pratchett,Tad Williams,Robert Jordan,Robert Silverberg,Ursula K. Le Guin) 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2010–2011)

The Legends of Shannara series by Terry Brooks consists of two fantasy novels published in 2010 and 2011. Though the books can be read in chronological order within the story world, publication order is recommended for new readers. The series is complete with Bearers of the Black Staff followed by The Measure of the Magic.

Start with Bearers of the Black Staff. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	Bearers of the Black Staff 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Measure of the Magic 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (1986–2009)

The Magic Kingdom of Landover is a six-book fantasy series by Terry Brooks published between 1986 and 2009. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold! and concluding with A Princess of Landover. This closed series follows a self-contained narrative arc across its installments.

Start with Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold!, the first of 6 books in the Magic Kingdom Of Landover series.

#	Title
1	Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold! 1986Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Black Unicorn 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Wizard at Large 1988Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Tangle Box 1994Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Witches' Brew 1995Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	A Princess of Landover 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (1999–2003)

Terry Brooks shares insights into his creative process and the fantasy genre through this two-book nonfiction collection published between 1999 and 2003. The series consists of Myths & Magic followed by Sometimes the Magic Works, which should be read in publication order. This complete series offers behind-the-scenes perspectives from the acclaimed fantasy author on writing, storytelling, and the craft of building imaginary worlds.

Start with Myths & Magic and read in order.

#	Title
1	Myths & Magic 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Sometimes the Magic Works 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (1977–2003)

The Original Shannara series consists of five complete fantasy novels by Terry Brooks published between 1977 and 2003. While the books span different time periods within the world's history, readers should begin with The Sword of Shannara rather than following strict chronological order, as the publication sequence provides the optimal narrative experience for newcomers to the series. The chronological placement differs from publication order, with First King of Shannara serving as a prequel despite its later release date.

Start with The Sword of Shannara. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	The Sword of Shannara 1977Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Elfstones of Shannara 1982Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Wishsong of Shannara 1985Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	First King of Shannara 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Indomitable 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2012–2013)

The Paladins of Shannara is a complete fantasy series by Terry Brooks consisting of three books published between 2012 and 2013. Though the chronological timeline differs from publication order, new readers should begin with Allanon's Quest, followed by The Black Irix and The Weapons Master's Choice, as this sequence provides the intended reading experience despite not matching the series' internal timeline.

Start with Allanon's Quest. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

1 book (2011–2011)

1 book (2008–2008)

#	Title
1	Dark Wraith of Shannara 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2021–2021)

#	Title
1	Small Magic 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (1987–2018)

Terry Brooks's three standalone fantasy novels span three decades, beginning with Revelation in 1987 and concluding with Street Freaks in 2018. Each book operates as an independent work unconnected by shared characters or worlds, offering distinct stories rather than a serialized narrative. The complete series should be read in publication order to experience Brooks's evolving storytelling across the 31-year span.

Start with Revelation and read in order.

#	Title
1	Revelation 1987Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Hook 1991Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Street Freaks 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

12 books (1976–2020)

This series consists of novelized adaptations of Star Wars films spanning from 1976 to 2020, with each book written by different authors who expanded upon their corresponding movie scripts. The complete collection contains 11 books and should be read in publication order to follow the cinematic releases chronologically. These standalone novelizations offer deeper characterization and internal monologue compared to their film counterparts, making them valuable supplements for fans seeking extended narratives of the saga's most pivotal moments.

Start with A New Hope(By: Alan Dean Foster,George Lucas), the first of 11 books in the Star Wars: Movie Novelizations series.

#	Title
1	A New Hope(By: Alan Dean Foster,George Lucas) 1976Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	A New Hope: Star Wars: Episode IV(By: Alan Dean Foster,George Lucas) 1976Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Empire Strikes Back(By: Donald F. Glut) 1980Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Return of the Jedi(By: James Kahn) 1983Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Phantom Menace(With: George Lucas) 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Attack of the Clones(By: R.A. Salvatore) 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Revenge of the Sith(By: Matthew Woodring Stover) 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	The Force Awakens(By: Alan Dean Foster) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Rogue One(By: Alexander Freed) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Solo(By: Mur Lafferty) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	The Last Jedi(By: Jason Fry) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	The Rise of Skywalker(By: Rae Carson) 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2025–2026)

The First Druids of Shannara is an ongoing fantasy series by Terry Brooks consisting of two books published in 2025 and 2026. Begin with Galaphile, as the publication order differs from the chronological sequence within the story world, and starting with the first published entry provides the optimal reading experience for new readers to the series.

Start with Galaphile. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

3 books (2021–2023)

Terry Brooks's Viridian Deep trilogy consists of three fantasy novels published between 2021 and 2023. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Child of Light, followed by Daughter of Darkness, and concluding with Sister of Starlit Seas. This series represents Brooks's fantasy storytelling in a self-contained narrative arc.

Start with Child of Light and read in order.

#	Title
1	Child of Light 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Daughter of Darkness 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Sister of Starlit Seas 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2000–2002)

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is a three-book fantasy series by Terry Brooks published between 2000 and 2002. The complete trilogy follows publication order of Ilse Witch, Antrax, and Morgawr, which differs from chronological story sequence. First-time readers should follow publication order rather than chronological order to experience the narrative as intended by the author.

Start with Ilse Witch. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

#	Title
1	Ilse Witch 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Antrax 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Morgawr 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

5 books (1997–2018)

Terry Brooks's Word & Void series spans five books published across two decades, beginning with Running with the Demon in 1997 and concluding with Warrior in 2018. This complete fantasy series should be read in publication order to experience the narrative as intended. The sequence traces interconnected stories of good and evil through Running with the Demon, A Knight of the Word, Angel Fire East, Imaginary Friends, and Warrior.

Start with Running with the Demon, the first of 5 books in the Word & Void series.

#	Title
1	Running with the Demon 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	A Knight of the Word 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Angel Fire East 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Imaginary Friends 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Warrior 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible