If you’re a fantasy reader craving epic tales of magic, war, and adventure, Raymond E. Feist’s books are a must-read. His sprawling Riftwar Cycle and related series have captivated fans for decades with intricate world-building and unforgettable characters. But with over 30 books spanning multiple series, figuring out the right reading order can feel like navigating the rifts of Midkemia itself! Don’t worry—this SEO-optimized guide will walk you through Raymond E. Feist’s books in order, helping you dive into his universe with ease, whether you prefer publication or chronological order.
Why Read Raymond E. Feist’s Books?
Raymond E. Feist is a titan of epic fantasy, best known for The Riftwar Cycle, a saga that blends classic fantasy tropes with rich political intrigue and interdimensional conflicts. His debut novel, Magician (1982), launched a universe that spans multiple worlds, including Midkemia and Kelewan, and follows heroes like Pug, Tomas, and Arutha through wars, betrayals, and quests. With millions of copies sold and a loyal fanbase, Feist’s books are perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, or The Wheel of Time.
This guide covers both publication order (recommended for first-time readers) and chronological order for those who want to follow the in-universe timeline. Let’s dive in!
List of Raymond E. Feist Books in Order Of Release
| Title | Series | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| Magician | The Riftwar Saga | 1982 |
| Silverthorn | The Riftwar Saga | 1985 |
| A Darkness at Sethanon | The Riftwar Saga | 1986 |
| Daughter of the Empire | The Empire Trilogy | 1987 |
| Prince of the Blood | Krondor’s Sons | 1989 |
| Servant of the Empire | The Empire Trilogy | 1990 |
| Mistress of the Empire | The Empire Trilogy | 1992 |
| The King’s Buccaneer | Krondor’s Sons | 1992 |
| Shadow of a Dark Queen | The Serpentwar Saga | 1994 |
| Rise of a Merchant Prince | The Serpentwar Saga | 1995 |
| Rage of a Demon King | The Serpentwar Saga | 1997 |
| Shards of a Broken Crown | The Serpentwar Saga | 1998 |
| Krondor: The Betrayal | The Riftwar Legacy | 1998 |
| Krondor: The Assassins | The Riftwar Legacy | 1999 |
| Krondor: Tear of the Gods | The Riftwar Legacy | 2000 |
| Honoured Enemy | Legends of the Riftwar | 2001 |
| Murder in LaMut | Legends of the Riftwar | 2002 |
| Talon of the Silver Hawk | Conclave of Shadows | 2002 |
| King of Foxes | Conclave of Shadows | 2003 |
| Exile’s Return | Conclave of Shadows | 2004 |
| Flight of the Nighthawks | The Darkwar Saga | 2005 |
| Jimmy the Hand | Legends of the Riftwar | 2008 |
| Into a Dark Realm | The Darkwar Saga | 2006 |
| Wrath of a Mad God | The Darkwar Saga | 2008 |
| Rides a Dread Legion | The Demonwar Saga | 2009 |
| At the Gates of Darkness | The Demonwar Saga | 2010 |
| A Kingdom Besieged | The Chaoswar Saga | 2011 |
| A Crown Imperilled | The Chaoswar Saga | 2012 |
| Magician’s End | The Chaoswar Saga | 2013 |
| Midkemia: The Chronicles of Pug | Companion Novel | 2013 |
| Master of Furies | The Firemane Saga | 2022 |
Raymond E. Feist Books in Publication Order
For first-time readers, starting with publication order is the best way to experience Feist’s storytelling as it evolved. This order preserves the narrative flow, character introductions, and plot reveals as intended. Below is the complete list of Feist’s books, grouped by series, in publication order.
The Riftwar Saga (1982–1986)
This foundational trilogy introduces Midkemia, the Riftwar, and key characters like Pug and Tomas.
- Magician (1982) – Split into Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master in some editions.
- Silverthorn (1985)
- A Darkness at Sethanon (1986)
The Empire Trilogy (1987–1992, co-authored with Janny Wurts)
A companion series set in Kelewan, focusing on the Tsurani empire and the fierce Mara of the Acoma.
4. Daughter of the Empire (1987)
5. Servant of the Empire (1990)
6. Mistress of the Empire (1992)
Krondor’s Sons (1989–1993)
Follows Prince Arutha’s sons and the next generation in Midkemia.
7. Prince of the Blood (1989)
8. The King’s Buccaneer (1992)
The Serpentwar Saga (1994–1998)
A new conflict brews as Midkemia faces an invasion from the Emerald Queen.
9. Shadow of a Dark Queen (1994)
10. Rise of a Merchant Prince (1995)
11. Rage of a Demon King (1997)
12. Shards of a Broken Crown (1998)
The Riftwar Legacy (1998–2000)
Set between the events of the Riftwar Saga, focusing on Krondor and familiar faces.
13. Krondor: The Betrayal (1998)
14. Krondor: The Assassins (1999)
15. Krondor: Tear of the Gods (2000)
Legends of the Riftwar (2001–2004, co-authored)
Standalone novels set during the Riftwar, written with various authors.
16. Honoured Enemy (2001, with William R. Forstchen)
17. Murder in LaMut (2002, with Joel Rosenberg)
18. Jimmy the Hand (2003, with S.M. Stirling)
Conclave of Shadows (2002–2004)
A darker, more political trilogy introducing Talon of the Silver Hawk.
19. Talon of the Silver Hawk (2002)
20. King of Foxes (2003)
21. Exile’s Return (2004)
The Darkwar Saga (2005–2008)
The next generation faces a cosmic threat from the Dasati.
22. Flight of the Nighthawks (2005)
23. Into a Dark Realm (2006)
24. Wrath of a Mad God (2008)
The Demonwar Saga (2009–2010)
Demons threaten Midkemia in this action-packed duology.
25. Rides a Dread Legion (2009)
26. At the Gates of Darkness (2010)
The Chaoswar Saga (2011–2013)
The final trilogy of the Riftwar Cycle, wrapping up decades of storytelling.
27. A Kingdom Besieged (2011)
28. A Crown Imperilled (2012)
29. Magician’s End (2013)
The Firemane Saga (2018–2022)
A standalone series in a new world, loosely connected to Midkemia.
30. King of Ashes (2018)
31. Queen of Storms (2020)
32. Master of Furies (2022)
Raymond E. Feist Books in Chronological Order
For readers who prefer following the in-universe timeline, chronological order aligns with Midkemia’s history. Note that this can spoil some plot twists, so it’s better for rereads or those familiar with the series.
- Magician (Riftwar begins)
- Honoured Enemy (set during the Riftwar)
- Murder in LaMut (set during the Riftwar)
- Jimmy the Hand (set during the Riftwar)
- Silverthorn
- A Darkness at Sethanon
- Daughter of the Empire (overlaps with Riftwar Saga)
- Servant of the Empire
- Mistress of the Empire
- Krondor: The Betrayal
- Krondor: The Assassins
- Krondor: Tear of the Gods
- Prince of the Blood
- The King’s Buccaneer
- Shadow of a Dark Queen
- Rise of a Merchant Prince
- Rage of a Demon King
- Shards of a Broken Crown
- Talon of the Silver Hawk
- King of Foxes
- Exile’s Return
- Flight of the Nighthawks
- Into a Dark Realm
- Wrath of a Mad God
- Rides a Dread Legion
- At the Gates of Darkness
- A Kingdom Besieged
- A Crown Imperilled
- Magician’s End
- King of Ashes (Firemane Saga, separate timeline)
- Queen of Storms
- Master of Furies
Where to Start: Magician or Beyond?
For new readers, start with Magician from the Riftwar Saga. It’s the gateway to Feist’s world, introducing the core conflict and characters. If you love political intrigue and strong female leads, the Empire Trilogy (Daughter of the Empire) is a fantastic follow-up or even an alternative starting point, as it stands alone well. For a fresh entry into a new world, try King of Ashes from the Firemane Saga.
Why Feist’s Books Are a Fantasy Must-Read
- Rich World-Building: Midkemia and Kelewan feel alive, with detailed cultures, magic systems, and histories.
- Compelling Characters: From Pug’s rise from apprentice to master magician to Mara’s cunning in the Empire Trilogy, Feist’s heroes are unforgettable.
- Epic Scope: Spanning decades and dimensions, the Riftwar Cycle is a grand adventure that rewards long-term readers.
- Accessible Yet Deep: Feist’s prose is approachable for newcomers but layered enough for seasoned fantasy fans.
Tips for Reading Raymond E. Feist’s Books
- Publication Order for First-Timers: It preserves the intended narrative flow and avoids spoilers.
- Mix and Match Series: The Empire Trilogy can be read after Magician or as a standalone. Legends of the Riftwar novels are great side stories but not essential.
- Ebook or Audiobook? Many of Feist’s books are available on Kindle, Audible, and other platforms, perfect for modern readers.
- Join the Community: Check out fantasy forums or X posts (search #Riftwar or #RaymondFeist) for fan discussions and recommendations.
FAQs About Raymond E. Feist’s Books
Q: Do I need to read all the books in order?
A: No, but starting with the Riftwar Saga and reading in publication order is recommended for the best experience. Some series, like the Empire Trilogy or Firemane Saga, can stand alone.
Q: Is the Firemane Saga connected to the Riftwar Cycle?
A: It’s set in a different world but has subtle ties to Midkemia. You can read it independently.
Q: Are there any new Feist books coming?
A: As of July 2025, Master of Furies (2022) is the latest. Follow Feist’s official site or X for updates on future releases.
Start Your Midkemian Adventure Today!
Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy fan or new to the genre, Raymond E. Feist’s books offer an epic journey through worlds of magic, war, and intrigue. Start with Magician to experience the Riftwar’s origins, or dive into the Empire Trilogy for a fresh perspective. With this guide, you’re ready to explore Midkemia in the perfect order. More books you can read about Ruth Ware, Santa Montefiore, Jennifer Lynn Barnes and more.
What’s your favorite Feist book or series? Share your thoughts in the comments or on X using #Riftwar!
