🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Mercedes Lackey
Mercedes Lackey was born on June 24, 1950 and is an American author of fantasy novels. Lots of her trilogies and novels are inter-linked and set in and around the state of Valdemar. Lackey’s Valdemar novels outline complex embroidery of relations between the human and the non-human characters with many dissimilar cultures and social customs. Her other major world is much like our own, but includes covert populations of mages, vampires, elves, and other mythological beings. The Bedlam’s poet books portray a young man with the supremacy to work magic through music; Serrated Edge novels are about race car driving elves and Diana Tregarde thriller center on Wiccan who fights evil.
All Book Series by Mercedes Lackey
The Ship Who Sang
Series opener · book 1 of 8 · published 1969 Anthology · Anne McCaffrey
The Ship Who Won
Book 5 of 8 · published 1993 Anthology · Anne McCaffrey,Jody Lynn Nye
The Ship Who Dared
Latest in the series · book 8 of 8 · published 2026 Co-authored · Veronica Giguere
A Wind Turned Dark with Burning
Latest in the series · book 24 of 24 · published 2027
Clan of the Claw
Series opener · book 1 of 2 · published 2011 Anthology · John Ringo,Harry Turtledove,S.M. Stirling,Jody Lynn Nye,Michael Z. Williamson
By Tooth and Claw
Latest in the series · book 2 of 2 · published 2015 Co-authored · John Ringo,S.M. Stirling,Jody Lynn Nye,Eric Flint
A Tale of the Five Hundred Kingdoms Volume 3: A Fantasy Romance Novel
Latest in the series · book 8 of 8 · published 2014
The Elvenbane
Series opener · book 1 of 4 · published 1991 Co-authored · Andre Norton
Elvenbred
Latest in the series · book 4 of 4 · published 2026 Co-authored · Ben Ohlander
The Shadow of the Lion
Series opener · book 1 of 6 · published 2002 Anthology · Eric Flint,Dave Freer
This Rough Magic
Book 2 of 6 · published 2003 Co-authored · Eric Flint,Dave Freer
Much Fall of Blood
Book 4 of 6 · published 2010 Anthology · Eric Flint,Dave Freer
Burdens of the Dead
Book 5 of 6 · published 2013 Co-authored · Eric Flint,Dave Freer
All the Plagues of Hell
Latest in the series · book 6 of 6 · published 2018 Anthology · Eric Flint,Dave Freer
The Obsidian Mountain Trilogy
Latest in the series · book 4 of 4 · published 2014
The Otherworld
Book 9 of 12 · published 2000 Co-authored · Holly Lisle,Mark Shepherd
The Waters and the Wild
Book 11 of 12 · published 2019 Co-authored · Rosemary Edghill
Tales of the Witch World 2
Series opener · book 1 of 2 · published 1988 Anthology · Andre Norton
Castle of Deception
Series opener · book 1 of 5 · published 1992 Co-authored · Josepha Sherman
Escape from Roksamur
Latest in the series · book 5 of 5 · published 1997 Anthology · Mark Shepherd
The Arrows of the Queen Concordance:Valdemar in Talia's Time
Book 2 of 8 · published 1994 Co-authored · Juanita Coulson,Jody A. Lee,Michael Longcor,Terri Lee
A Storytelling of Crows
Book 4 of 8 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Sword of Ice and Other Tales of Valdemar
Book 2 of 23 · published 1997 Co-authored · Gary A. Braunbeck,John Helfers,Larry Dixon,Richard Lee Byers,Mickey Zucker Reichert,Tanya Huff,Elisabeth Waters,Janni Lee Simner,Lawrence Schimel,Kristin Schwengel,Stephanie D. Shaver,Ben Ohlander,Michelle Sagara,Mel White,John Yezeguielian,Philip M. Austin
Sun in Glory and Other Tales of Valdemar
Book 3 of 23 · published 2003 Anthology · Josepha Sherman
Under the Vale and Other Tales of Valdemar
Book 8 of 23 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
No True Way
Book 10 of 23 · published 2014 Co-authored · Dayle A. Dermatis,Ron Collins,Jennifer Brozek,Elisabeth Waters
The Demon's Den and Other Tales of Valdemar
Book 14 of 23 · published 2018 Anthology · Tanya Huff
Freedom Flight
Series opener · book 1 of 10 · published 1992 Co-authored · Ellen Guon
Heart Of The Tiger
Book 4 of 10 · published 1995 Anthology · William R. Forstchen
The Price of Freedom
Book 5 of 10 · published 1996 Anthology · William R. Forstchen,Ben Ohlander
Wing Commander Novelization
Book 8 of 10 · published 1999 Anthology · Peter Telep
Wing Commander Junior Novelization
Book 9 of 10 · published 1999 Anthology · Peter Telep
Pilgrim Stars
Latest in the series · book 10 of 10 · published 1999 Anthology · Peter Telep
If I Pay Thee Not in Gold
Series opener · book 1 of 7 · published 1993 Co-authored · Piers Anthony
Tiger Burning Bright
Book 2 of 7 · published 1995 Co-authored · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Andre Norton
The Planet Savers
Series opener · book 1 of 32 · published 1962 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
The Sword of Aldones
Book 2 of 32 · published 1962 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Winds of Darkover
Book 5 of 32 · published 1970 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The World Wreckers
Book 6 of 32 · published 1971 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
Darkover Landfall
Book 7 of 32 · published 1972 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Heritage of Hastur
Book 9 of 32 · published 1975 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Shattered Chain
Book 10 of 32 · published 1976 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Forbidden Tower
Book 11 of 32 · published 1977 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
Two to Conquer
Book 13 of 32 · published 1980 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
Sharra's Exile
Book 14 of 32 · published 1981 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
Thendara House
Book 16 of 32 · published 1983 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
City of Sorcery
Book 17 of 32 · published 1984 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Heirs of Hammerfell
Book 18 of 32 · published 1989 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Shadow Matrix
Book 21 of 32 · published 1997 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley
Zandru's Forge
Book 23 of 32 · published 2003 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
A Flame in Hali
Book 24 of 32 · published 2004 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
The Alton Gift
Book 25 of 32 · published 2007 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
Hastur Lord
Book 26 of 32 · published 2010 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
Death of Brendan Ensolare
Book 27 of 32 · published 2011 Anthology · Deborah Wheeler
The Children of Kings
Book 28 of 32 · published 2013 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
Thunderlord
Book 29 of 32 · published 2016 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
The Laran Gambit
Book 31 of 32 · published 2022 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
Arilinn
Latest in the series · book 32 of 32 · published 2024 Anthology · Marion Zimmer Bradley,Deborah J. Ross
Ring of Fire I
Series opener · book 1 of 12 · published 2004 Co-authored · Eric Flint,Dave Freer,K.D. Wentworth,S.L. Viehl,Mike Turner
1634: The Ram Rebellion
Book 2 of 12 · published 2006 Anthology · Eric Flint,Virginia DeMarce
Ring of Fire II
Book 3 of 12 · published 2008 Anthology · Eric Flint,Dave Freer,K.D. Wentworth,Andrew Dennis,David Carrico
1635: The Tangled Web
Book 4 of 12 · published 2009 Anthology · Eric Flint,Virginia DeMarce
Ring of Fire III
Book 5 of 12 · published 2011 Co-authored · Eric Flint,Charles E. Gannon
1636: The Barbie Consortium
Book 8 of 12 · published 2014 Anthology · Gorg Huff,Paula Goodlett
Ring of Fire IV
Book 9 of 12 · published 2016 Anthology · David Brin,Eric Flint,Charles E. Gannon,Virginia DeMarce,David Carrico
1635: The Wars for the Rhine
Book 10 of 12 · published 2016 Anthology · Anette Pedersen
1636: Flight of the Nightingale
Book 11 of 12 · published 2019 Anthology · David Carrico
1637: The Coast of Chaos
Latest in the series · book 12 of 12 · published 2021 Anthology · Eric Flint,Gorg Huff,Paula Goodlett
The Witches of Karres
Series opener · book 1 of 4 · published 1966 Anthology · James H. Schmitz
The Sorceress of Karres
Book 3 of 4 · published 2010 Anthology · Eric Flint,Dave Freer
The Shaman of Karres
Latest in the series · book 4 of 4 · published 2020 Anthology · Eric Flint
The Alton Gift
Series opener · book 1 of 32 · published 1980 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Out of the Frying Pan
Book 4 of 32 · published 1991 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Destined for the Tower
Book 5 of 32 · published 1993 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Dragon in Distress
Book 13 of 32 · published 2010 Co-authored · Elisabeth Waters
A Prince Among Frogs
Book 15 of 32 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Blood Calls to Blood
Book 19 of 32 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
The School Up the Hill
Book 21 of 32 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
The Virgin and the Volcano
Book 23 of 32 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Things That Go Grump in the Night
Book 24 of 32 · published 2011 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
The Princess, the Dragon and the Frog Prince
Book 29 of 32 · published 2012 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
A Rhumba of Rattlesnakes
Latest in the series · book 32 of 32 · published 2013 Anthology · Elisabeth Waters
Charmed Destinies
Series opener · book 1 of 6 · published 2003 Co-authored · Rachel Lee,Catherine Asaro
The Night Bird
Latest in the series · book 6 of 6 · published 2008 Anthology · Catherine Asaro
Castle of Deception
Series opener · book 1 of 8 · published 1992 Co-authored · Josepha Sherman
Thunder of the Captains
Book 5 of 8 · published 1996 Anthology · Holly Lisle,Aaron Allston
Wrath of the Princes: A Bard's Tale Novel
Book 6 of 8 · published 1997 Anthology · Holly Lisle,Aaron Allston
Curse of the Black Heron
Latest in the series · book 8 of 8 · published 1998 Anthology · Holly Lisle
Seven Seasons of Buffy
Series opener · book 1 of 41 · published 2003 Anthology · Scott Westerfeld,Charlaine Harris,Chelsea Quinn Yarbro,Kevin Andrew Murphy,Christie Golden,Sherrilyn Kenyon,Nancy Holder,Lawrence Watt-Evans,David Brin,Jacqueline Lichtenberg,Jean Lorrah,Laura Resnick,Sarah Zettel,Nancy Kilpatrick,Michelle West,Glenn Yeffeth,Margaret L. Carter,Peg Aloi,Marguerite Krause,Jennifer Crusie,Carla Montgomery
Five Seasons of Angel
Book 3 of 41 · published 2004 Anthology · Chelsea Quinn Yarbro,Peter S. Beagle,Laura Anne Gilman,Sherrilyn Kenyon,Nancy Holder,Jacqueline Lichtenberg,Jean Lorrah,Josepha Sherman,Laura Resnick,Candace Havens,Glenn Yeffeth,Michelle Sagara,Steven Harper,Amy Berner,Marguerite Krause,Abbie Bernstein,Jennifer Crusie,Don DeBrandt,K. Stoddard Hayes,Joy Davidson,Don Kerns
Stepping through the Stargate
Book 4 of 41 · published 2004 Anthology · P.N. Elrod,Roxanne Conrad
What Would Sipowicz Do? Race, Rights and Redemption in NYPD Blue
Book 5 of 41 · published 2004 Anthology · Glenn Yeffeth,Shanna Caughey
The Anthology at the End of the Universe
Book 6 of 41 · published 2005 Anthology · Stephen Baxter,John Shirley,Adam-Troy Castro,Lawrence Watt-Evans,Adam Roberts,Susan Sizemore,Mark W. Tiedemann,Jacqueline Carey,Vox Day,Cory Doctorow,A.M. Dellamonica,Glenn Yeffeth,Selina Rosen,Amy Berner,Maria Alexander,Marguerite Krause,Bruce Bethke,Don DeBrandt,Marie-Catherine Caillava,Mike Byrne
Navigating the Golden Compass
Book 9 of 41 · published 2005 Anthology · Glenn Yeffeth
Farscape Forever! Sex, Drugs and Killer Muppets
Book 11 of 41 · published 2005 Anthology · Glenn Yeffeth
Flirting With Pride And Prejudice
Book 12 of 41 · published 2005 Anthology · Glenn Yeffeth,Jennifer Crusie
King Kong Is Back! An Unauthorized Look at One Humongous Ape!
Book 14 of 41 · published 2005 Anthology · David Brin
Totally Charmed
Book 15 of 41 · published 2005 Anthology · Maggie Shayne,Rebecca York,Jody Lynn Nye,Evelyn Vaughn,Tanya Huff,Vera Nazarian,Jennifer Crusie
The Unauthorized X-Men
Book 16 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Leah Wilson,Len Wein
This Is Chick-Lit
Book 17 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Welcome to Wisteria Lane
Book 18 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Leah Wilson
The Battle for Azeroth
Book 20 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Jody Lynn Nye,Justina Robson,Doranna Durgin,Bill Fawcett,Mel White,James John Bell,James M. Ward,Scott Cuthbertson,Nancy Berman,Jerry Jackson,Chris McCubbin,Maressa Hecht Orzack,Nancy Durgin
Boarding the Enterprise
Book 22 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Robert J. Sawyer,David Gerrold
So Say We All
Book 23 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Peter B. Lloyd,Richard Hatch
Investigating CSI
Book 24 of 41 · published 2006 Anthology · Leah Wilson,Donn Cortez
Coffee at Luke's
Book 26 of 41 · published 2007 Anthology · Leah Wilson,Jennifer Crusie
Jack Bauer for President
Book 28 of 41 · published 2007 Anthology · Leah Wilson,Richard Miniter
Halo Effect
Book 29 of 41 · published 2007 Anthology · Glenn Yeffeth,Jennifer Thomason
Serenity Found
Book 33 of 41 · published 2007 Anthology · Orson Scott Card,Jacob Clifton,Michael Marano,Jane Espenson,Natalie Haynes,Nathan Fillion
Batman Unauthorized
Book 35 of 41 · published 2008 Anthology · Leah Wilson,Alan J. Porter
Secrets of the Dragon Riders
Book 36 of 41 · published 2008 Anthology · James A. Owen
James Bond in the 21st Century
Book 38 of 41 · published 2009 Anthology · Leah Wilson,Glenn Yeffeth
You Do Not Talk About Fight Club
Latest in the series · book 41 of 41 · published 2015 Anthology · Chuck Palahniuk,Read Mercer Schuchardt
DAW 30th Anniversary Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthologies
Book 10 of 30 · published 2002
Stars: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian
Book 12 of 30 · published 2003
Dragonwriter: A Tribute to Anne McCaffrey and Pern
Book 23 of 30 · published 2014
Galaxy's Edge Magazine: Issue 40, September 2019
Book 28 of 30 · published 2019
Conversations From the Edge: The Galaxy's Edge Interviews
Book 29 of 30 · published 2021
Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars
Latest in the series · book 30 of 30 · published 2024
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mercedes Lackey?
Mercedes Lackey was born on June 24, 1950 and is an American author of fantasy novels. Lots of her trilogies and novels are inter-linked and set in and around the state of Valdemar. Lackey’s Valdemar novels outline complex embroidery of relations between the human and the non-human characters with many dissimilar cultures and social customs.
Which Mercedes Lackey series should I start with?
The best place to start is the Darkover series, the earliest of Mercedes Lackey's multi-book series: it opens with The Planet Savers (1962) and runs to 32 books across 1962–2024, ending with Arilinn (2024). Mercedes Lackey's other series stand alone, so they can be read in any order.
How many books has Mercedes Lackey written?
Mercedes Lackey has 420 books catalogued in this guide, published between 1962 and 2027. 372 of them belong to 54 named series — the largest being the Darkover series with 32 books — and 48 are standalone titles, collections or anthologies.
In what order should Mercedes Lackey's series be read?
Read each series in publication order — the numbered entries in each series follow the year each book first appeared. Mercedes Lackey's series do not depend on one another, so they can be started in any order; by start date they are Darkover (1962–2024, 32 books), The Witches of Karres (1966–2020, 4 books) and Brainship (1969–2026, 8 books), plus 48 more.
How are Mercedes Lackey's books organised into series?
This guide splits Mercedes Lackey's 420 books into 54 named series and 48 titles that stand alone or appear only in collections: Darkover (32 books, 1962–2024); Elisabeth Waters Short Stories/Novellas (32 books, 1980–2013); Elemental Masters (24 books, 1995–2027); Valdemar Anthologies (23 books, 1990–2026); SERRAted Edge (12 books, 1992–2020), plus 49 further series.