🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Ellen Kushner
Ellen Kushner is a children’s fiction and fantasy author best known for writing the Swords of Riverside series of novels. Over the years, she has held a variety of jobs that include public speaker, radio host, performer, teacher, and author. Upon graduating from high school, she went to Barnard College and then proceeded to Bryn Mawr College. After she was done with college, she decided to find a job as a fiction editor working for a publishing company in New York. However, she did not stay long in publishing as she left soon after to go become a published author herself. She published “Swordspoint” her debut novel in 1987 and the novel went on to become the progenitor of mannerpunk subgenre of urban fantasy and a cult classic. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Ellen Kushner 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 Ellen Kushner
Swordspoint
Epic adventure awaits in Swordspoint, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The World of Riverside Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ellen Kushner has built.
The Privilege of the Sword
Epic adventure awaits in The Privilege of the Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The World of Riverside Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ellen Kushner has built.
Swords of Riverside
Epic adventure awaits in Swords of Riverside, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The World of Riverside Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ellen Kushner has built.
The Man with the Knives
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The World of Riverside Books with The Man with the Knives, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Thomas the Rhymer
Thomas the Rhymer continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
St. Nicholas and the Valley Beyond
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with St. Nicholas and the Valley Beyond, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
The Golden Dreydl
The Golden Dreydl continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Death of the Duke
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Death of the Duke as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Ellen Kushner's mastery of suspense.
The Witches of Lublin
Magic takes center stage in The Witches of Lublin, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Ellen Kushner Audiobooks Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Ellen Kushner.
Outlaws of Sherwood Forest
Outlaws of Sherwood Forest continues the Publication Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Enchanted Kingdom
Epic adventure awaits in The Enchanted Kingdom, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ellen Kushner has built.
Statue of Liberty Adventure
Statue of Liberty Adventure is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
Mystery of the Secret Room
Mystery of the Secret Room continues the Publication Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Knights of the Round Table
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books with Knights of the Round Table, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Outlaws of Sherwood Forest
Outlaws of Sherwood Forest continues the Chronological Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Enchanted Kingdom
Epic adventure awaits in The Enchanted Kingdom, a landmark entry in the Chronological Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ellen Kushner has built.
Statue of Liberty Adventure
Statue of Liberty Adventure is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
Mystery of the Secret Room
Mystery of the Secret Room continues the Chronological Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Knights of the Round Table
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Choose Your Own Adventure Books with Knights of the Round Table, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Arrivals
Arrivals continues the Publication Order of Tremontaine Books story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Departures
Departures continues the Publication Order of Tremontaine Books story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Convocation
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tremontaine Books with Convocation, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Dissolution
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tremontaine Books with Dissolution, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Ambition
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tremontaine Books with Ambition, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
What the River Wants
What the River Wants is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tremontaine Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
Basilisk
Basilisk continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Borderland
Borderland continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror Fourth Annual Collection
The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror Fourth Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fourth Annual Collection
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fourth Annual Collection, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Life on the Border
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Life on the Border, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Fifth Annual Collection
Fifth Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Seventh Annual Collection
Seventh Annual Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
Bending the Landscape: Fantasy
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Bending the Landscape: Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
The Horns of Elfland
The Horns of Elfland continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers
Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Ellen Kushner.
Starlight 2
Starlight 2 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Eleventh Annual Collection
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Eleventh Annual Collection, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Stories by Women
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Stories by Women continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
New Magics
Magic takes center stage in New Magics, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Ellen Kushner.
In Lands That Never Were
In Lands That Never Were is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales
The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Last Drink Bird Head
Last Drink Bird Head is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
The Beastly Bride: Tales of the Animal People
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Beastly Bride: Tales of the Animal People, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Heiresses of Russ 2011: The Year's Best Lesbian Speculative Fiction
Heiresses of Russ 2011: The Year's Best Lesbian Speculative Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Teeth: Vampire Tales
Teeth: Vampire Tales continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Welcome to Bordertown
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Welcome to Bordertown, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Season of Wonder
Season of Wonder is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ellen Kushner have come to expect.
Queen Victoria's Book of Spell
Magic takes center stage in Queen Victoria's Book of Spell, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Ellen Kushner.
Games Creatures Play
Games Creatures Play continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Book Of Swords: Part 2
Epic adventure awaits in The Book Of Swords: Part 2, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Ellen Kushner has built.
Silk & Steel
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Silk & Steel, another outstanding contribution from Ellen Kushner.
Far Out: Recent Queer Science Fiction and Fantasy
Far Out: Recent Queer Science Fiction and Fantasy continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ellen Kushner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ellen Kushner?
Ellen Kushner is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 53 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The World of Riverside Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Ellen Kushner series to start with?
For readers new to Ellen Kushner's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 28 books. Begin with Basilisk to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Ellen Kushner written?
Ellen Kushner has written over 53 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Ellen Kushner books in order?
Yes, reading Ellen Kushner'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 Ellen Kushner write in?
Ellen Kushner writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 53 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Ellen Kushner's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Ellen Kushner'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 Ellen Kushner's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ellen Kushner's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Basilisk, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.