🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Dave Duncan
David Duncan was born in Newport-on-Tay, in Scotland in 1933. He spent his early years being educated and learning just as any normal boy would do. He spent his high schooling years at the High School of Dundee and following his graduation he went on to do studies in geology from the University of St. Andrews. In 1955 after his graduation, Dave moved over to Canada to settle in at Calgary, Albert. In 1960 he became a Canadian citizen and started a career as a geologist within the petroleum industry. He stayed in that career path for nearly 30 years before he decided to take up writing as a career. His passion was in science fiction and fantasy, and within just two years of starting his first attempts at writing, he had already made his first sale with the book A Rose Red City. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Dave Duncan has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Dave Duncan
The Reluctant Swordsman
Epic adventure awaits in The Reluctant Swordsman, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Seventh Sword Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Dave Duncan has built.
The Coming of Wisdom
The Coming of Wisdom continues the Publication Order of The Seventh Sword Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Destiny of the Sword
Epic adventure awaits in The Destiny of the Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Seventh Sword Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Dave Duncan has built.
The Death of Nnanji
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Death of Nnanji as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Seventh Sword Books series showcases Dave Duncan's mastery of suspense.
Magic Casement
Magic takes center stage in Magic Casement, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of A Man of His Word Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Dave Duncan.
Faery Lands Forlorn
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of A Man of His Word Books with Faery Lands Forlorn, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Perilous Seas
Perilous Seas is an essential installment in the Publication Order of A Man of His Word Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Emperor and Clown
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of A Man of His Word Books with Emperor and Clown, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Cutting Edge
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of A Handful of Men Books with The Cutting Edge, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Upland Outlaws
Upland Outlaws is an essential installment in the Publication Order of A Handful of Men Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
The Stricken Field
The Stricken Field is an essential installment in the Publication Order of A Handful of Men Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
The Living God
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of A Handful of Men Books with The Living God, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Reaver Road
The Reaver Road is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Omar Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
The Hunters' Haunt
The Hunters' Haunt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Omar Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Demon Sword
Epic adventure awaits in Demon Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Years of Longdirk Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Dave Duncan has built.
Demon Rider
Demon Rider continues the Publication Order of Years of Longdirk Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Demon Knight
Demon Knight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Years of Longdirk Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Past Imperative
Past Imperative continues the Publication Order of The Great Game Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Present Tense
Present Tense is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Great Game Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Future Indefinite
Future Indefinite continues the Publication Order of The Great Game Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Gilded Chain
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The King's Blades Books with The Gilded Chain, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Lord of the Fire Lands
Lord of the Fire Lands is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The King's Blades Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Sky of Swords
Epic adventure awaits in Sky of Swords, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The King's Blades Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Dave Duncan has built.
Paragon Lost
Paragon Lost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The King's Blades Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Impossible Odds
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The King's Blades Books with Impossible Odds, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Jaguar Knights
The Jaguar Knights is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The King's Blades Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
One Velvet Glove
One Velvet Glove explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The King's Blades Books series by Dave Duncan.
The Ethical Swordsman
Epic adventure awaits in The Ethical Swordsman, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The King's Blades Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Dave Duncan has built.
Sir Stalwart
Conflict and courage define Sir Stalwart, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of The King's Daggers Books series by Dave Duncan that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Crooked House
The Crooked House continues the Publication Order of The King's Daggers Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Silvercloak
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The King's Daggers Books with Silvercloak, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Monster War
Conflict and courage define The Monster War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of The King's Daggers Books series by Dave Duncan that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Children of Chaos
Children of Chaos continues the Publication Order of Dodec Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Mother of Lies
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dodec Books with Mother of Lies, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Alchemist's Apprentice
The Alchemist's Apprentice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Venice Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
The Alchemist's Code
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Venice Trilogy Books with The Alchemist's Code, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Alchemist's Pursuit
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Venice Trilogy Books with The Alchemist's Pursuit, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Speak to the Devil
Speak to the Devil is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Brothers Magnus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
When the Saints
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Brothers Magnus Books with When the Saints, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Speaker and the Saints
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Brothers Magnus Books with The Speaker and the Saints, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
King of Swords
Epic adventure awaits in King of Swords, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Starfolk Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Dave Duncan has built.
Queen of Stars
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Starfolk Books with Queen of Stars, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Ironfoot
Ironfoot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Enchanter General Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Trial by Treason
Trial by Treason continues the Publication Order of The Enchanter General Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Merlin Redux
Merlin Redux is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Enchanter General Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
The Runner and the Wizard
Magic takes center stage in The Runner and the Wizard, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Ivor of Glenbroch Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Dave Duncan.
The Runner and the Saint
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ivor of Glenbroch Books with The Runner and the Saint, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Runner and the Kelpie
The Runner and the Kelpie continues the Publication Order of Ivor of Glenbroch Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Adventures of Ivor
The Adventures of Ivor continues the Publication Order of Ivor of Glenbroch Books story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Rose-Red City
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Rose-Red City, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Shadow
Shadow continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
West of January
West of January is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Strings
Strings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Hero!
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hero!, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Cursed
The Cursed is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Daughter of Troy
Daughter of Troy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ill Met in the Arena
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Ill Met in the Arena, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Pock's World
Pock's World continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Against the Light
Against the Light is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Wildcatter
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Wildcatter, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
The Eye of Strife
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Eye of Strife, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Irona 700
Irona 700 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Eocene Station
Eocene Station is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Portal of a Thousand Worlds
Portal of a Thousand Worlds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Pillar of Darkness
Pillar of Darkness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
The Traitor's Son
The Traitor's Son continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Corridor to Nightmare
Corridor to Nightmare is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
Northern Stars
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Northern Stars, another outstanding contribution from Dave Duncan.
Arrowdreams: An Anthology of Alternate Canadas
Arrowdreams: An Anthology of Alternate Canadas continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Dave Duncan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Imaginarium 2013
Imaginarium 2013 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Duncan have come to expect.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dave Duncan?
Dave Duncan is a bestselling author known for 16 book series containing over 70 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Seventh Sword Books, Publication Order of A Man of His Word Books, Publication Order of A Handful of Men Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Dave Duncan series to start with?
For readers new to Dave Duncan's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 18 books. Begin with A Rose-Red City to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Dave Duncan written?
Dave Duncan has written over 70 books across 16 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Dave Duncan books in order?
Yes, reading Dave Duncan's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Dave Duncan write in?
Dave Duncan writes primarily in fiction. With 16 series across 70 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Dave Duncan's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Dave Duncan's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Dave Duncan's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Dave Duncan's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, A Rose-Red City, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.