The Valdemar Universe
The massive magical world of Valdemar and its Heralds.
Series in The Valdemar Universe
The Mage Storms
The Mage Storms trilogy begins after the defeat of Hardorn, when Valdemar and Karse must work with former enemies against a new threat from the Eastern Empire. Karal, a young Karsite priest serving as an aide to an ambassador, becomes a central viewpoint as diplomacy and danger intensify. The official series page also connects the growing crisis to an ancient cataclysm. Read Storm Warning, Storm Rising, and Storm Breaking in order; the novels build one political and magical conflict across the trilogy.
View Series →By the Sword
By the Sword is a standalone Valdemar novel centered on Kerowyn, who chooses a life of arms after a violent attack reshapes her family’s future. She trains with her grandmother Kethry, then builds a place for herself among the mercenaries known as the Skybolts. The story offers a different perspective on Valdemar from the Herald-focused trilogies, following a capable fighter through work, leadership, and hard decisions. It can be read on its own, with Vows and Honor providing helpful background on Kethry.
View Series →The Mage Winds
The Mage Winds trilogy follows Elspeth after she comes of age and learns she may become Valdemar’s first Herald-Mage in centuries. Rather than accept a destiny she does not understand, she seeks the knowledge needed to use her emerging abilities. At the same time, Tayledras scout Darkwind and others encounter a returning magical danger that threatens both the Hawkbrothers and Valdemar. Read Winds of Fate, Winds of Change, and Winds of Fury in publication order; this route continues events from earlier Valdemar stories.
View Series →The Last Herald-Mage
The Last Herald-Mage trilogy follows Vanyel Ashkevron through a defining period in the history of Valdemar. Its three books trace his growth from a troubled young man into a Herald-Mage whose choices matter to the kingdom and its people. The series combines court life, friendship, magical training, and the costs of wielding exceptional power. Read Magic’s Pawn, Magic’s Promise, and Magic’s Price in publication order; the official author page identifies them as one continuous trilogy.
View Series →The Herald Spy
The Herald Spy is the sequel to The Collegium Chronicles and follows Mags as an adult Herald. His responsibilities extend beyond the ordinary duties of a Herald as he serves Valdemar in sensitive work that draws on observation, trust, and his training. The series also continues his relationships with Amily and the people around the court. Read Closer to Home, Closer to the Heart, and Closer to the Chest in order. Readers new to Mags should start with The Collegium Chronicles for his earlier life.
View Series →Family Spies
Family Spies continues the story of Mags and Amily through their children, after the events of The Herald Spy trilogy. The novels shift attention to the next generation while keeping the family and political life of Valdemar at the centre. The official author page describes the series as focusing on Mags and Amily’s children, so it works best after the earlier Mags books. Read The Hills Have Spies, Eye Spy, and Spy, Spy Again in publication order to follow the family’s changing responsibilities and the children’s own adventures.
View Series →The Heralds of Valdemar
This trilogy introduces Talia, a young woman taken from an isolated life and Chosen by a Companion to train as one of Valdemar’s Heralds. The Heralds travel the kingdom, uphold justice, and serve its people, while Talia’s developing empathic Gift draws her toward the Queen’s service. The three books follow her arrival, training, and first major responsibilities. Start with Arrows of the Queen and continue through Arrow’s Flight and Arrow’s Fall for the intended character arc.
View Series →Vows and Honor
Vows and Honor follows Tarma, a sword-sworn Shin’a’in warrior, and Kethry, a sorceress whose enchanted sword draws her toward people in need. The official author page describes the sequence as a duology plus a collection of related short stories, and the novels introduce their shared oath and adventures. Begin with The Oathbound, continue with Oathbreakers, then read Oathblood for additional stories. The series sits within Valdemar but can be followed as its own character-focused route.
View Series →Darian's Tale (Owl Mage Trilogy)
Also known as Darian’s Tale, the Owl Mage trilogy follows a young, reluctant apprentice wizard in the aftermath of the Mage Storms. When his village is attacked, Darian must leave home and finds refuge and training among the Hawkbrothers. As he grows into his responsibilities, his role expands beyond apprenticeship and into diplomacy with the northern tribes. Read Owlflight, Owlsight, and Owlknight in order. The official author page presents these books as a connected Valdemar sequence and identifies the alternative series name.
View Series →The Collegium Chronicles
Set roughly fifty years after The Last Herald-Mage, The Collegium Chronicles follows Mags, an orphan whose life changes when he enters Valdemar’s Heralds’ Collegium. The books explore his past, training, friendships, and the traditions that take shape as the institution develops. This route adds background to the Herald system and follows one protagonist through a continuous story. Read Foundation, Intrigues, Changes, Redoubt, and Bastion in publication order; The Herald Spy is the sequel series featuring Mags as an adult.
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