Reading Order Guide
(…which you’ll find surprising flexible.)
All my series are set in the same world. Their stories connect in fun ways, but you can begin with any trilogy.
All my short stories are also set in the same world. They relate more or less closely with different trilogies, but can also (mostly) be read at any time.
The Keeper Chronicles Trilogy
(Series can be read at any time.)
#1. A Threat of Shadows
#2. Pursuit of Shadows
#3. Siege of Shadows
These three books tell the story of three different Keepers as they go about their normal lives:
- telling stories
- reading books
- running from dragons
- writing books
- visiting dwarves
- keeping books
- befriending elves
- smelling books
- being betrayed by companions
- looking lovingly at books
- fighting frost goblins
- did I mention the books?
- oh, and saving the world, several times over.
When you read The Keeper Chronicles, the Keepers (who like books) have a favorite story called Tomkin and the Dragon. It comes up. A lot. To the point where I told myself, “Self, you should know what the story of Tomkin and the Dragon is.”
And so I wrote it.
Tomkin and the Dragon
(Yes, can be read at any time,
but works best if read during or after the Keeper Chronicles.)
Tomkin and the Dragon is a standalone story, told by Keeper Will, about a luckless, bookish young man who is captured by a dragon, and meets a definitely-not-in-distress damsel. (At least if you ask her.) Snarkiness and ill-fated adventures ensue.
Really, the only intelligent character in the story is the dragon.
But it’s a fun romp of a tale.
Related Short Stories
The Black Horn is a short story told by Keeper Will during the Keeper Chronicles.
It is a standalone story that can be read at any time, but goes nicely with The Keeper Chronicles.
The Candlelight Gifts is a short Christmas-themed story about Douglon and Rass, two characters from The Keeper Chronicles
It is a retelling of Gifts of the Magi by O. Henry.
It is a standalone story, but should be read after The Keeper Chronicles.
The Keeper Origins
(Guess what? Series can be read at any time.)
The world met the Keepers of Queensland in The Keeper Chronicles.
Meanwhile, 400 years in the past, there are no Keepers yet. There’s not even the country of Queensland.
There is only a young woman named Sable who’s indebted to a ruthless gang boss and trapped in the slums.
She has nothing but her younger sister and a longing for freedom.
Oh, and the power to sense when people are telling the truth.
Which comes in handy, if you’re headed for bigger and better things…
Related Short Stories
The Ghost of the White Wood is a short story that is discussed during book 2 of The Keeper Origins.
It is a standalone story, and while it’s not necessary for understanding the events of The Keeper Origins, it offers really interesting backstory for several of the characters.
It can be read at any time during The Keeper Origins.
The Deal is Struck is a standalone short story about Flibbet, an enigmatic peddler who shows up in many of my books, but most prevalently in The Keeper Origins.
This story can be read at any time, and tells the tale of Flibbet having an argument with his quirky, magical cart.
The Aenigma Lights
(As with the others, this trilogy can be read at any time.)
The Aenigma Lights are, yet again, set in the Keeper’s world, 20 years after the end of the Keeper Chronicles.
Keeper Kate thought finding the puzzle box would give her all the answers.
But it only holds far more desperate questions.
Half treasure hunt and half rescue mission, this epic fantasy adventure is a tale of puzzles, mysteries, and the kinds of friendships—both old and new—that shape the soul.
Runelight and Mistlight are available now (Mistlight audiobook coming January 2025.)
Lastlight is expected mid-2025.
Happy Reading!
Janice