Complete six-book series
Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan
Read Michael J. Sullivan's complete six-book Legends of the First Empire series from Age of Myth through Age of Empyre.
Research checked August 2026
Legends of the First Empire is a completed six-book fantasy epic set roughly three thousand years before Riyria Revelations. It follows the people and events that later generations remember as the founding legends of Elan.
The sequence is continuous and should be read in numbered order. Although it is earliest chronologically, the author recommends publication order for readers who want the wider saga's revelations to unfold as designed.
How to choose: Read Age of Myth, Age of Swords, Age of War, Age of Legend, Age of Death, and Age of Empyre in order.
The complete six-book Legends reading order
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Book 1 - The rebellion begins
Age of Myth
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Book 2 - The clans prepare
Age of Swords
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Book 4 - The turning point
Age of Legend
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Book 5 - Journey beyond death
Age of Death
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Book 6 - Series conclusion
Age of Empyre
Questions about this reading guide
How many Legends of the First Empire books are there?
There are six novels in the completed series.
What is the Legends of the First Empire reading order?
Read Age of Myth, Age of Swords, Age of War, Age of Legend, Age of Death, and Age of Empyre.
Can I read Legends before Riyria?
Yes, it stands on its own, but Sullivan recommends experiencing his books in publication order because Legends explains history that Riyria first presents as mystery.
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