🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About K.J. Parker
KJ Parker is the pen name for Tom Holt, who for 17 years had been a mysterious author whose identity was hidden to his cult of fantasy fiction readers. Best known for “The Fencer”, “The Scavenger”, and “The Engineer Trilogies”, it is only in early 2015 that Tom Holt the author of parody science fiction novels came out to assert that he was the writer behind the identity of KJ Parker. Prior to his press release admitting to writing as KJ Parker, his biographical notes asserted that KJ was an author that previously worked in numismatics, journalism, and law, and retired to dabble in metal and woodwork. According to his biography, he was raised in rural Vermont, which was a great influence on most of his works. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series, K.J. Parker 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 K.J. Parker
Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series showcases K.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.
Saevus Corax Captures the Castle
Saevus Corax Captures the Castle is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series showcases K.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.
Devices and Desires
Devices and Desires explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Engineer Trilogy Books series by K.J. Parker.
Evil for Evil
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Engineer Trilogy Books with Evil for Evil, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Escapement
The Escapement continues the Publication Order of Engineer Trilogy Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Colours in the Steel
Colours in the Steel continues the Publication Order of Fencer Trilogy Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Belly of the Bow
The Belly of the Bow continues the Publication Order of Fencer Trilogy Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Proof House
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Fencer Trilogy Books with The Proof House, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Loyal Opposition Trilogy Books series showcases K.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.
Sister Svangerd and the Devil You Know
Sister Svangerd and the Devil You Know is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Loyal Opposition Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Prosper's Demon
Prosper's Demon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Prosper's Demon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Inside Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Prosper's Demon Books with Inside Man, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Blue and Gold
Blue and Gold is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Saloninus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
The Devil You Know
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Saloninus Books with The Devil You Know, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Shadow
Shadow continues the Publication Order of Scavenger Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Pattern
Pattern continues the Publication Order of Scavenger Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Memory
Memory is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Scavenger Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City
Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City continues the Publication Order of The Siege Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Siege Books with How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
A Practical Guide to Conquering the World
A Practical Guide to Conquering the World continues the Publication Order of The Siege Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Two of Swords, Volume One
Epic adventure awaits in The Two of Swords, Volume One, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Two of Swords Books series that raises the stakes across the realm K.J. Parker has built.
The Two of Swords, Volume Two
Epic adventure awaits in The Two of Swords, Volume Two, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Two of Swords Books series that raises the stakes across the realm K.J. Parker has built.
The Two of Swords, Volume Three
Epic adventure awaits in The Two of Swords, Volume Three, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Two of Swords Books series that raises the stakes across the realm K.J. Parker has built.
The Company
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Company, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Folding Knife
The Folding Knife is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
The Hammer
The Hammer continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Sharps
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Sharps, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Savages
Savages continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Big Score
The Big Score continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Long Game
The Long Game continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Pulling the Wings Off Angels
Pulling the Wings Off Angels continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Purple and Black
Purple and Black continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Sun and I
The Sun and I is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Academic Exercises
Academic Exercises is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
A Small Price to Pay for Birdsong
A Small Price to Pay for Birdsong continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Let Maps to Others
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Let Maps to Others, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Last Witness
The Last Witness continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Downfall of the Gods
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Downfall of the Gods, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Mightier than the Sword
Epic adventure awaits in Mightier than the Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series that raises the stakes across the realm K.J. Parker has built.
My Beautiful Life
My Beautiful Life is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Burning Books for Pleasure and Profit
Burning Books for Pleasure and Profit is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Set in Stone
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Set in Stone, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Making History
Making History is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
The Father of Lies
The Father of Lies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Under My Skin
Under My Skin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
Priest's Hole
Priest's Hole continues the Publication Order of Five Stories High Books Books story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2009
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2009, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
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 K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2011
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2011, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2014
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2014 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2015
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2015 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with K.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2016
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2016, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
Tor.com Collection: Season 1
Tor.com Collection: Season 1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of K.J. Parker have come to expect.
The Best of Beneath Ceaseless Skies Online Magazine, Year Seven
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best of Beneath Ceaseless Skies Online Magazine, Year Seven, another outstanding contribution from K.J. Parker.
The Book of Swords: Part 1
Epic adventure awaits in The Book of Swords: Part 1, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm K.J. Parker has built.
The Djinn Falls in Love and Other Stories
The Djinn Falls in Love and Other Stories explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by K.J. Parker.
The Book of Magic: A Collection of Stories
Magic takes center stage in The Book of Magic: A Collection of Stories, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by K.J. Parker.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is K.J. Parker?
K.J. Parker is a bestselling author known for 14 book series containing over 60 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books, Publication Order of Engineer Trilogy Books, Publication Order of Fencer Trilogy Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best K.J. Parker series to start with?
For readers new to K.J. Parker's work, the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead to start from the very beginning.
How many books has K.J. Parker written?
K.J. Parker has written over 60 books across 14 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read K.J. Parker books in order?
Yes, reading K.J. Parker'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 K.J. Parker write in?
K.J. Parker writes primarily in fiction. With 14 series across 60 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are K.J. Parker's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of K.J. Parker'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 K.J. Parker's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, K.J. Parker's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series. The first book, Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.