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Mark Lawrence

Bestselling Author • 14 Series • 50 Books

14
Series
50
Books
14
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Broken Empire Books
Start with: Prince of Thorns (2011)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books
Start with: Prince of Fools (2014)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books
Start with: Red Sister (2017)

About Mark Lawrence

A man born on 1st January 1968, Mark Lawrence is known as a novelist who has dual nationality. The forty-seven years old author has both American and British citizenship and gets best recognized for the famous book The Broken Empire trilogy of books. Mark Lawrence has won a few awards and in 2014, his novel Emperor of Thorns won the David Gemmell Legend Awards in the best novel category. Mark Lawrence is already married and has been blessed with four children, and one of his children is severely disabled. His main job is being a research scientist and focuses on various but rather intractable problems in his field of artificial intelligence. Mark Lawrence has held secret level clearance with the US and UK governments. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Broken Empire Books series, Mark Lawrence 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 Mark Lawrence

Publication Order of Broken Empire Books
5 books 2011–2014
1

Prince of Thorns

Prince of Thorns continues the Publication Order of Broken Empire Books story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
2

King of Thorns

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Broken Empire Books with King of Thorns, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2012
3

Sleeping Beauty

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Broken Empire Books with Sleeping Beauty, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2013
4

Emperor of Thorns

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Broken Empire Books with Emperor of Thorns, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2013
5

Select Mode

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Broken Empire Books with Select Mode, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2014
Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books
4 books 2014–2023
1

Prince of Fools

Prince of Fools continues the Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
2

The Liar’s Key

The Liar’s Key is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2015
3

The Wheel of Osheim

The Wheel of Osheim continues the Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
4

The New World

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books with The New World, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2023
Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books
6 books 2017–2024
1

Red Sister

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Red Sister, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2017
2

Grey Sister

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Grey Sister, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2018
3

Bound

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Bound, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2018
4

Holy Sister

Holy Sister is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2019
5

The Devil You Know

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with The Devil You Know, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2021
6

Thaw

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Thaw, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2024
Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books
6 books 2017–2024
1

Red Sister

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Red Sister, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2017
2

The Devil You Know

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with The Devil You Know, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2021
3

Grey Sister

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Grey Sister, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2018
4

Bound

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Bound, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2018
5

Holy Sister

Holy Sister is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2019
6

Thaw

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books with Thaw, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2024
Publication Order of Impossible Times Books
3 books 2019–2019
1

One Word Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in One Word Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Impossible Times Books series showcases Mark Lawrence's mastery of suspense.

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2019
2

Limited Wish

Limited Wish is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Impossible Times Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2019
3

Dispel Illusion

Dispel Illusion is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Impossible Times Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2019
Publication Order of The Kindness Academy Books
1 books 2026–2026
1

Daughter of Crows

Daughter of Crows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Kindness Academy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2026
Publication Order of Book Of The Ice Books
3 books 2020–2022
1

The Girl and the Stars

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ice Books with The Girl and the Stars, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2020
2

The Girl and the Mountain

The Girl and the Mountain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Book Of The Ice Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2021
3

The Girl and the Moon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Book Of The Ice Books with The Girl and the Moon, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2022
Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books
7 books 2023–2025
1

The Book That Wouldn't Burn

The Book That Wouldn't Burn is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2023
2

Overdue

Overdue continues the Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
3

Returns

Returns continues the Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
4

About Pain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books with About Pain, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2024
5

The Book That Broke the World

The Book That Broke the World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2024
6

Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2025
7

The Book That Held Her Heart

The Book That Held Her Heart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Library Trilogy Books series by Mark Lawrence.

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2025
Publication Order of The Visitor Books
2 books 2020–2021
1

The Visitor: Kill or Cure

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Visitor: Kill or Cure as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Visitor Books series showcases Mark Lawrence's mastery of suspense.

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2020
2

The Visitor

The Visitor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Visitor Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2021
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
1 books 2015–2015
1

Gunlaw

Gunlaw is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2015
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 2004–2014
1

During the Dance

During the Dance is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2004
2

Quick

Quick is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2014
Publication Order of Collections
2 books 2017–2024
1

Road Brothers, Tales from the Broken Empire

Road Brothers, Tales from the Broken Empire continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
2

Tales of Abeth

Tales of Abeth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Dark Tide Books
2 books 2012–2013
1

Dark Tide

Dark Tide is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Dark Tide Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2012
2

Darker Tide

Darker Tide continues the Publication Order of Dark Tide Books story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
Publication Order of Anthologies
6 books 2012–2019
1

Fading Light

Fading Light continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Mark Lawrence's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
2

Unfettered

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Unfettered, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2013
3

Unfettered II: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy

Unfettered II: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Lawrence have come to expect.

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2016
4

Art of War

Conflict and courage define Art of War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Mark Lawrence that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2018
5

Knee-Deep in Grit: Two Bloody Years of Grimdark Fiction

A gripping mystery unfolds in Knee-Deep in Grit: Two Bloody Years of Grimdark Fiction as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Mark Lawrence's mastery of suspense.

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2018
6

Unfettered III: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Unfettered III: New Tales By Masters of Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from Mark Lawrence.

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2019

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mark Lawrence?

Mark Lawrence is a bestselling author known for 14 book series containing over 50 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Broken Empire Books, Publication Order of Red Queen's War Books, Publication Order of Book Of The Ancestor Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Mark Lawrence series to start with?

For readers new to Mark Lawrence's work, the Publication Order of Broken Empire Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 5 books. Begin with Prince of Thorns to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Mark Lawrence written?

Mark Lawrence has written over 50 books across 14 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Mark Lawrence books in order?

Yes, reading Mark Lawrence'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 Mark Lawrence write in?

Mark Lawrence writes primarily in fiction. With 14 series across 50 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Mark Lawrence's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Mark Lawrence'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 Mark Lawrence's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Mark Lawrence's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Broken Empire Books series. The first book, Prince of Thorns, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.