Read Raymond E Feist Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 23, 2026

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Raymond E. Feist, a name synonymous with epic fantasy, has captivated readers for over three decades with his intricate world-building, complex characters, and immersive storytelling. His novels transport readers to a universe filled with magic, political intrigue, and mythological depth. Feist’s work has become a cornerstone of the fantasy genre, making him a revered author within this literary space. Whether you are a seasoned fantasy reader or just beginning your journey, Raymond E. Feist’s books offer an experience that promises to both challenge and enchant you. But with so many books spanning several decades and multiple storylines, understanding the correct reading order is crucial to fully appreciating the scope and depth of his work.

List Of Raymond E Feist Books In Order

Magician (1982)	Details
Silverthorn (1985)	Details
A Darkness at Sethanon (1986)	Details
The Empire Trilogy (written with Janny Wurts) (1991-1993)	Details
Prince of the Blood (1989)	Details
The Riftwar Legacy (Krondor’s Sons Trilogy) (1994-1997)	Details
The Serpentwar Saga (1997-2000)	Details
The Darkwar Saga (2002-2004)	Details
The Demonwar Saga (2005-2007)	Details
The Chaoswar Saga (2011-2013)	Details
The Firemane Saga (2014-2020)	Details

More On Raymond E Feist Books In Chronological Order

1. Magician (1982)

So, this is where it all begins! ’Magician’ takes us to the world of Midkemia, where the young orphan Pug gets caught in the middle of a mysterious conflict. He’s taken on as an apprentice by the magician Kulgan, but things aren’t as simple as they seem. The arrival of an alien race from another world, the Tsurani, kicks off an interdimensional war that changes everything. It’s an epic tale of magic, destiny, and struggle, and it’s the beginning of the Riftwar Saga that keeps readers hooked for more!

2. Silverthorn (1985)

Now we dive into the aftermath of Pug’s first major battle! ’Silverthorn’ continues Pug’s journey as he’s faced with a new threat: a deadly disease that’s sweeping through the land. But it’s not just a plague-there’s a sinister plot behind it, one that leads Pug to make some huge sacrifices. Alongside old friends like Tomas and new allies, Pug will need to figure out how to battle the forces of darkness that seem to always be lurking just around the corner.

3. A Darkness at Sethanon (1986)

The final chapter of the Riftwar Trilogy! The world is in chaos after the events of ’Silverthorn,’ and now Pug, Tomas, and the gang are racing against time to stop an ancient evil from tearing everything apart. There’s a lot going on here: secret cults, wars, magical artifacts, and the legendary city of Sethanon itself. If you’ve been following along, expect a lot of emotional moments, epic battles, and game-changing revelations that lay the foundation for everything that follows in Feist’s world.

4. The Empire Trilogy (written with Janny Wurts) (1991-1993)

The Empire Trilogy shifts gears, taking us from Midkemia to the land of the Tsurani. This trilogy, which consists of *Daughter of the Empire*, *Servant of the Empire*, and *Mistress of the Empire*, focuses on the rise of a powerful female protagonist, Mara of the Acoma. She’s faced with the task of maintaining her family’s honor and survival in a brutal, cutthroat society, all while dealing with political intrigue, war, and betrayal. The world of the Tsurani is much different from Midkemia, so if you’ve been longing for a change of pace, this one is a fresh but equally captivating journey.

5. Prince of the Blood (1989)

This one takes us to the younger generation of Feist’s characters, specifically focusing on Prince Arutha’s sons, Borric and Erland. They’re out to prove themselves in a world that’s still reeling from the Riftwar’s aftermath. *Prince of the Blood* is full of political intrigue, betrayal, and new adventures, while still maintaining the high fantasy elements that Feist does so well. If you liked the original *Riftwar* books but wanted to see the world through fresh eyes, this is a great next step.

6. The Riftwar Legacy (Krondor’s Sons Trilogy) (1994-1997)

The *Krondor’s Sons* trilogy expands on the world of Midkemia after the events of the Riftwar. The first book, *Shadow of a Dark Queen*, introduces the adventures of a band of unlikely heroes, including the mercenary James and the wizard William. Over the course of three books (*Shadow of a Dark Queen*, *Rise of a Merchant Prince*, and *Rage of a Demon King*), we see the political and military tensions escalate, and these new characters play a huge role in keeping the world from falling apart again. Definitely worth a read if you love a good mix of magic and military strategy.

7. The Serpentwar Saga (1997-2000)

The *Serpentwar Saga* gets even darker. The story kicks off with *Shadow of a Dark Queen*, where new heroes emerge in the wake of Midkemia’s previous wars. The enemy this time? A serpent-like race with mind-bending powers, threatening to bring the world to its knees. Over the course of four books, Feist crafts an intense journey full of magic, war, and deeply moral questions. There’s a lot of character development here, and if you’re into high stakes and epic world-building, this will keep you on the edge of your seat.

8. The Darkwar Saga (2002-2004)

The *Darkwar Saga* is where things start to get even more complicated in Feist’s world. Pug is once again at the center, as he faces off against an evil that comes from another dimension. With enemies that aren’t just from Midkemia, the world is once again in turmoil. There’s a focus on deep, complicated magic systems, and we get to learn more about the Pantathians and their dark, ancient origins. This series is a bit of a deep dive into Feist’s world, with lots of lore and revelations for longtime fans.

9. The Demonwar Saga (2005-2007)

As the title suggests, *The Demonwar Saga* brings an entirely new threat to Midkemia-demons. And not just any demons, but ones that threaten the very fabric of reality itself. The books are intense, with a mix of dark magic, impossible odds, and characters fighting for survival. The saga starts with *Rides a Dread Legion* and continues to explore the consequences of ancient forces coming back to wreak havoc on the world. Feist blends action, adventure, and myth like no other in this saga.

10. The Chaoswar Saga (2011-2013)

By the time we reach *The Chaoswar Saga*, Midkemia has been through many crises, but nothing quite like this. The world is on the brink of destruction as forces of chaos, both divine and mortal, threaten to bring an end to everything. The saga, which includes *A Kingdom Besieged*, *The Empress*, and *The Chaoswar*, is a true culmination of everything Feist has built up over the years. Fans of the *Riftwar* and its many offshoots will appreciate how it ties together so many threads, giving closure to old characters and opening doors to new possibilities.

11. The Firemane Saga (2014-2020)

The *Firemane Saga* is a little different from the previous series in that it’s set in a completely new world, with a fresh set of characters and a focus on a new generation. Feist’s return to storytelling in this series is marked by battles, betrayal, and the rise of new heroes. The books-*King of Ashes*, *King of Storms*, and *Master of Furies*-explore the intricacies of a land where the threat of magic is constant, and alliances are just as dangerous as enemies. If you’re looking for something that feels both familiar and new, this is a great series to dive into.

Background On Raymond E Feist Books

Raymond E. Feist’s career began in 1982 with the release of Magician, the first book in the Riftwar Saga. This debut novel introduced readers to the world of Midkemia, a land on the brink of war and chaos. Over time, Feist’s expansive universe grew to include numerous sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and companion novels, all set within the same detailed, rich world. His books are renowned for their gripping narrative arcs, with themes ranging from power struggles and betrayal to personal growth and redemption.

Feist’s work is most commonly categorized under the Riftwar Cycle, a sprawling series that spans multiple generations and explores the consequences of conflict, magic, and political intrigue. His other major series, such as The Empire Trilogy and The Darkwar Saga, further expand on the mythology of Midkemia and the neighboring world of Kelewan, providing more perspectives on the wider universe. Feist has even collaborated with other authors to create novels that take place in the same world, further enriching the tapestry of characters and plotlines.

One of Feist’s most compelling strengths lies in his ability to create vast, interconnected storylines. His books are filled with complex characters who evolve over time, making them feel like real people navigating a world that’s as dangerous as it is enchanting. The sheer scale of his world-building, coupled with intricate political and military maneuvers, offers a profound experience for anyone looking to lose themselves in a fantasy realm.

Reading Order Explained

The vastness of Raymond E. Feist’s literary universe can be overwhelming for new readers, especially when it comes to knowing where to start. While it’s possible to read his books in any order, for the best experience, following a chronological or publication-based reading order can help guide you through the key plotlines and character arcs.

The Riftwar Saga

This series is the cornerstone of Feist’s work. Starting with Magician, the Riftwar Saga introduces the reader to the conflict between the Kingdom of the Isles (Midkemia) and the Empire of Tsuranuanni (Kelewan). The series spans several books, each pushing the overarching narrative forward.

• Magician (1982) – The first book, introducing young Pug and the devastating conflict with the Tsurani Empire.
• Silverthorn (1985) – The second book picks up after the events of Magician, with new threats rising on Midkemia.
• A Darkness at Sethanon (1986) – The thrilling conclusion to the Riftwar Saga, with Pug’s development into a powerful magician.

The Empire Trilogy

This trilogy is written by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts, and it is set in the world of Kelewan, the Empire’s counterpart to Midkemia. It provides a different perspective on the Riftwar and is set alongside the events of the Riftwar Saga.

• Daughter of the Empire (1987)
• Servant of the Empire (1990)
• Mistress of the Empire (1992)

These books offer a deep dive into the politics and culture of Kelewan, enriching the reader’s understanding of the broader universe that Feist has created.

The Serpentwar Saga

The Serpentwar Saga begins several years after the events of the Riftwar and introduces a new generation of characters. This series explores another wave of conflict, this time facing an ancient, mythical threat.

• Shadow of a Dark Queen (1994)
• Rise of a Merchant Prince (1995)
• Rage of a Demon King (1997)
• Shards of a Broken Crown (1998)

The Darkwar Saga

This series picks up where the Serpentwar Saga leaves off and explores new threats from the magical realm. It delves into the consequences of the previous wars, exploring the complex relationships between humans and otherworldly beings.

• The Shadow of a Dark Queen (2001)
• The Empire of the Isles (2005)

The Chaoswar Saga

The Chaoswar Saga is the final chapter in the Riftwar Cycle, bringing all of the character arcs and storylines full circle.

• A Kingdom Besieged (2011)
• The Horse Lord (2014)

With these works and additional novels, the reading order essentially follows the evolution of Feist’s universe over several generations. It’s recommended to start with Magician and progress through the main sagas before exploring companion books and spin-offs.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most compelling aspects of Raymond E. Feist’s books is his ability to weave complex, multi-layered narratives that are deeply personal while simultaneously expansive in scope. Each book is not merely a plot-driven journey but an exploration of characters who feel real and alive. Feist takes the time to develop each protagonist and antagonist, allowing their struggles, triumphs, and failures to resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

Feist’s world-building is another standout feature. He doesn’t simply build a fictional world; he creates an entire ecosystem of cultures, histories, politics, and conflicts. Midkemia feels like a living, breathing world, where every village, every ruling family, and every decision can have long-reaching consequences. His exploration of different cultures, especially through the Empire Trilogy and The Darkwar Saga, provides a fresh perspective on the traditional high-fantasy tropes of medieval kingdoms.

Another highlight is Feist’s masterful use of magic. In many fantasy worlds, magic is simply a tool or a weapon. But in Feist’s works, magic is something more profound, often entwining itself with the characters’ development and the moral questions they face. It’s treated as a force with its own rules, limitations, and consequences, which keeps the stakes high and the conflict engaging.

Finally, Feist excels at writing large-scale battles and strategic warfare. His military and political conflicts are often layered and multifaceted, making them exciting to follow, while also revealing deeper philosophical questions about power, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Should You Read Raymond E Feist Books In Order?

Yes, if you want to fully appreciate the nuances of Feist’s work, reading his books in order is highly recommended. Feist’s novels are interconnected, and reading them in sequence allows for a deeper understanding of the overarching narrative, character progression, and thematic elements. The world of Midkemia is complex, with many characters and plotlines that evolve over the course of the series. By reading in order, you can experience the world as it unfolds, watching characters grow, relationships evolve, and plot twists take shape.

However, if you’re simply interested in a specific series or storyline, there are standalone books or trilogies, like the Empire Trilogy, that can be enjoyed without knowing every detail of the previous books. But to fully appreciate the grand scope of Feist’s creation, beginning with Magician and following the recommended order of the main sagas is the best route.