The Legends of the First Empire
6 books
The Legends of the First Empire series by Michael J. Sullivan has 6 books. Start with Age of Myth (2016), then read the rest in the order below.
The Legends of the First Empire reading order
Age of Myth
Michael J. Sullivan
In a world where the Fhrey are worshipped as immortal gods, a single act of defiance changes everything: human clansman Raithe kills one of their kind, igniting a rebellion that could reshape the fate of Elan. As Rhune tribes struggle to unite against a vastly more powerful enemy, a vivid cast of warriors, leaders, mystics, and outsiders is drawn into the gathering storm. Blending immersive world-building, elusive magic, action, and carefully layered intrigue, the novel explores the origins of legend, the cost of rebellion, and the fragile bonds forged in the face of oppression. With a straightforward, fast-paced style touched by humor and character-driven depth, it launches an epic fantasy series thousands of years before the events of the Riyria novels.
Age of Swords
Michael J. Sullivan
The gods have been proven mortal, but the revelation has only deepened the conflict between humankind and the elves. As Persephone prepares the Rhunes for war, old rivalries and long-standing divisions threaten to undermine their fragile alliance, while the rebellion’s unlikely champions struggle to unite a people who have never stood together before. Introducing new characters alongside emerging heroes, this epic fantasy explores the making of legends, the cost of vengeance, and the power of courage in the face of seemingly divine enemies. The second volume in an expansive saga, it combines sweeping battles, richly imagined history, and Michael J. Sullivan’s engaging, character-driven storytelling.
Age of War
Michael J. Sullivan
As tensions rise between humankind and the godlike Fhrey who once ruled them, Persephone struggles to unite the human clans while rivalries, loyalties, and long-buried ambitions threaten to fracture the fragile alliance. Raithe wrestles with resentment and duty, while Bryn pursues a project that could preserve the truth of their people’s history and shape the future of the conflict. When diplomacy gives way to an overwhelming war, unlikely heroes must find the courage to stand against seemingly impossible odds. Blending sweeping fantasy, intricate world-building, emotional relationships, and high-stakes battles, the novel explores leadership, sacrifice, belief, and the making of legends.
Age of Legend
Michael J. Sullivan
As the war between humanity and the Fhrey reaches a decisive stalemate, the fragile hope of peace rests on Persephone’s bold strategy. But an unexpected betrayal shatters her plans, places a cherished ally in danger, and threatens to return victory to the Fhrey. With humanity’s future hanging in the balance, unlikely heroes must pursue a legend involving a witch, a forgotten song, and a mysterious garden door. Blending epic conflict with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, courage, and the power of myth, this fourth installment delivers a pivotal chapter in the Legends of the First Empire saga.
Age of Death
Michael J. Sullivan
Three thousand years before the Riyria tales, the fragile human clans of Elan stand on the brink of war with the Fhrey, beings long revered as gods. As Persephone struggles to hold Dahl Rhen together, the arrival of Raithe—the human known as the God Killer—and an advancing Fhrey force threatens to ignite a conflict that could reshape history. Amid shifting alliances, ancient secrets, and the growing defiance of an oppressed people, the story explores courage, leadership, freedom, and the cost of challenging a seemingly invincible power. With interwoven storylines, escalating tension, and carefully planted revelations, this epic fantasy sets the stage for a climactic struggle that will determine the future of both humans and Fhrey.
Age of Empyre
Michael J. Sullivan
In the final volume of the Legends of the First Empire, the fate of Elan hangs in the balance as ancient enemies, powerful dragons, and determined human forces converge for a last, desperate struggle. With a door opened and an army advancing, the living must race against time to confront the consequences of a war that has reshaped the world and challenged the boundaries between mortals and gods. Blending epic fantasy adventure with themes of sacrifice, loyalty, destiny, and the cost of peace, the novel delivers a sweeping conclusion to the series’ foundational conflict. Michael J. Sullivan’s character-driven storytelling and richly layered mythology bring this monumental saga to an emotionally charged close.