Start with Of Blood and Fire, then read The Fall before continuing to book two.
Want to jump straight into the fire? Swap those first two titles. Ryan Cahill says both paths are valid, so choose the opening that excites you. The rest of the order stays the same.
Why we’re excited about this series
If your idea of a perfect fantasy evening involves an enormous map, dangerous magic, and the promise of dragons, make room on your reading pile. The Bound and the Broken starts close to home with Calen Bryer, a young man from the village of The Glade, and opens out into a world you’ll want to keep exploring. Calen is grieving, facing a test of courage, and trying to find his footing. That makes him someone to root for long before the adventure grows enormous.
And he has company. His close friends Dann and Rist give that beginning its warmth. There’s something irresistible about setting out into a vast fantasy world with people who already matter to one another. As the cast expands, keep an eye out for Dayne Ateres. His companion novella, The Exile, deserves its place on your reading pile. These are exactly the kinds of characters who make a detour into someone’s past feel like a treat.
Then there’s Epheria itself. Rival lords, an empire’s long reach, the looming Dragonguard, and centuries of conflict give the landscape a sense of history pressing in from every direction. You can feel how much lies beyond the next village, the next border, the next book. Add dragons to that promise, and yes, we’re absolutely on board. Come for the scale and spectacle, and give yourself time to get attached to the people walking through it.
Where to start
Of Blood and Fire first
Spend a little time with Calen and his world before the horizon opens up. If you love the feeling of leaving a small village behind for an enormous adventure, this is your door into Epheria. Follow it with The Fall.
The Fall first
Want the thunder before the slow build? The Fall throws you into the action and gives you a taste of just how big this world can feel. Then head into Of Blood and Fire. You can get The Fall free by signing up on the author’s website.
The Bound and the Broken reading order
Your route into Epheria takes you through four published main books, with the four novellas tucked into their reading slots. Keep those shorter books close. They’re part of the pleasure of getting lost in this world.
- Of Blood and Fire (Book 1) · Amazon
- The Fall (Novella 1) · Amazon
- Of Darkness and Light (Book 2) · Amazon
- The Exile (Novella 2) · Amazon
- Of War and Ruin (Book 3) · Amazon
- The Ice (Novella 3) · Amazon
- Of Empires and Dust (Book 4) · Amazon
- The Truth (Novella 4) · Amazon
Up next is Of Gods and Ashes (Book 5, forthcoming) · Amazon. Something to look forward to once you’re caught up!
Your reading progress
Mark each title as reading or finished. Progress is saved in this browser. If you start with The Fall, simply check it off first.
Reading Progress
0 of 8 read- Of Blood and FireReading
- The FallReading
- Of Darkness and LightReading
- The ExileReading
- Of War and RuinReading
- The IceReading
- Of Empires and DustReading
- The TruthReading
Novellas and extras
The novellas are a chance to linger with this world and its people. The Exile gives Dayne the spotlight after Book 2. The Ice takes you into Valacia’s frozen reaches after Book 3. Save The Truth for after Book 4. Let the main books raise your questions, then enjoy digging deeper between them.
Still want another little piece of Epheria? The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow is a separate short story to add to your pile. We suggest saving it as a bonus after the main checklist for a small return visit when you’re reluctant to leave. · Amazon
Is the series complete?
No. As checked on October 25, 2026, The Truth is available. The final main novel, Of Gods and Ashes, is planned for 2028. That is a target, not a guaranteed release date.
New editions are also being released. Their publication dates can be later than those of subsequent installments, so use the title order above when choosing your next book.
FAQ
Can I read only the main novels?
You can, but we would keep the novellas in your pile. Getting more time with these characters and seeing more of Epheria is a big part of the fun. Read each main book and its following novella as a pair.
Is The Truth book five?
No. The Truth is Novella 4. Book 5 is Of Gods and Ashes, which remains forthcoming.
Do the new editions change the reading order?
No. A new cover or a later paperback release does not make a book a new installment. Match the titles to the checklist rather than sorting your editions by their publication dates.
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