J

Janny Wurts

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 31 Books

8
Series
31
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books
Start with: Stormwarden (1984)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Riftwar: The World On The Other Side Books
Start with: Daughter of the Empire (1987)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books
Start with: The Curse of the Mistwraith (1993)

About Janny Wurts

Janny Wurts is an American author and illustrator who primarily plays within the fantasy fiction sandbox. Wurts is best known for works like The Empire Trilogy and The Cycle of Fire series. As a young adult, there was no question in Janny Wurts’ mind that she would pursue the Arts. She studied Creative Writing and Illustration at Hampshire College where she graduated with a BA and then proceeded to sell her skills and services to anyone who could pay. Illustration and writing where Wurts’ specialty, though for a while she feared that she would be forced to choose between the two. Her first real taste of success came to the author via her illustrative work. A writer called Daniel Mannix hired Wurts to produce the interior illustrations for ‘The Wolves of Paris’, Mannix’s 1978 novel. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books series, Janny Wurts 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 Janny Wurts

Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books
3 books 1984–1988
1

Stormwarden

Conflict and courage define Stormwarden, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books series by Janny Wurts that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1984
2

Keeper of the Keys

Keeper of the Keys is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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1988
3

Shadowfane

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books with Shadowfane, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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1988
Publication Order of Riftwar: The World On The Other Side Books
3 books 1987–1992
1

Daughter of the Empire

Daughter of the Empire continues the Publication Order of Riftwar: The World On The Other Side Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
2

Servant of the Empire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Riftwar: The World On The Other Side Books with Servant of the Empire, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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1990
3

Mistress of the Empire

Mistress of the Empire continues the Publication Order of Riftwar: The World On The Other Side Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books
4 books 1993–2024
1

The Curse of the Mistwraith

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books with The Curse of the Mistwraith, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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1993
2

The Ships of Merior

The Ships of Merior continues the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
3

Warhost Of Vastmark

Conflict and courage define Warhost Of Vastmark, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books series by Janny Wurts that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1995
4

Song of the Mysteries

Song of the Mysteries continues the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Alliance of Light Books
5 books 1997–2007
1

Fugitive Prince

Fugitive Prince continues the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Alliance of Light Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
2

Grand Conspiracy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Alliance of Light Books with Grand Conspiracy, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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1999
3

Peril's Gate

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Alliance of Light Books with Peril's Gate, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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2001
4

Traitor's Knot

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Alliance of Light Books with Traitor's Knot, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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2005
5

Stormed Fortress

Stormed Fortress is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Alliance of Light Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2007
Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Sword of the Canon Books
2 books 2011–2017
1

Initiate's Trial

Initiate's Trial is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Sword of the Canon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2011
2

Destiny’s Conflict

Destiny’s Conflict is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow: Sword of the Canon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2017
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 1982–2002
1

Sorcerer's Legacy

Magic takes center stage in Sorcerer's Legacy, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by Janny Wurts.

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1982
2

The Master of Whitestorm

The Master of Whitestorm is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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1992
3

To Ride Hell's Chasm

To Ride Hell's Chasm is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2002
Publication Order of Blood Of Ten Chiefs Books
5 books 1986–1993
1

The Blood of Ten Chiefs

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Blood of Ten Chiefs as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Blood Of Ten Chiefs Books series showcases Janny Wurts's mastery of suspense.

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1986
2

Wolfsong

Wolfsong continues the Publication Order of Blood Of Ten Chiefs Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
3

The Winds of Change

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Blood Of Ten Chiefs Books with The Winds of Change, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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1989
4

Against the Wind

Against the Wind continues the Publication Order of Blood Of Ten Chiefs Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
5

Dark Hours

Dark Hours continues the Publication Order of Blood Of Ten Chiefs Books story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
Publication Order of Anthologies
6 books 2004–2026
1

Masters of Fantasy

Masters of Fantasy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2004
2

Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Janny Wurts.

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2006
3

Under Cover of Darkness

Under Cover of Darkness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2007
4

Catopolis

Catopolis is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janny Wurts have come to expect.

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2008
5

Here Be Dragons

Epic adventure awaits in Here Be Dragons, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Janny Wurts has built.

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2008
6

Grimdark Magazine Issue #46

Grimdark Magazine Issue #46 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Janny Wurts's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2026

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Janny Wurts?

Janny Wurts is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 31 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books, Publication Order of Riftwar: The World On The Other Side Books, Publication Order of Wars of Light and Shadow Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Janny Wurts series to start with?

For readers new to Janny Wurts's work, the Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with Stormwarden to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Janny Wurts written?

Janny Wurts has written over 31 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Janny Wurts books in order?

Yes, reading Janny Wurts'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 Janny Wurts write in?

Janny Wurts writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 31 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Janny Wurts's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Janny Wurts'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 Janny Wurts's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Janny Wurts's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Cycle Of Fire Books series. The first book, Stormwarden, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.