Terry has written more than 30 books, three-quarters of which are related to one another. It can be confusing as a new reader where to start without spoiling the adventure.

Where should I start reading Shannara? When is the best time for me to read the prequel First King of Shannara without spoiling the Heritage series? Should I start reading the books in published order or chronological order? These are questions that come into the website often and they are why this page of the website exists.

It’s not only difficult for new readers. It can even be confusing for long-time readers returning to the series.

To help aid both sets of readers, presented here are two different lists:

One for new readers just beginning Shannara

Another for revisiting readers wanting a chronological re-read

Caution: It is important to make a note right now for new readers. If as a new reader you read the novels in chronological order, you will be significantly spoiling your foray through Terry’s work. First King of Shannara, despite being a prequel to The Sword of Shannara, is best read after you have finished The Heritage of Shannara series.

New Readers

The Original Shannara Novels

The Sword of Shannara – In the Shadow of the Warlock Lord – first 1/3 of The Sword of Shannara

– The Druids’ Keep – middle 1/3 of The Sword of Shannara

– The Secret of the Sword – last 1/3 of The Sword of Shannara

The Elfstones of Shannara

The Wishsong of Shannara

A Shannara Novella

Indomitable – An epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara

A Shannara Graphic Novel

Dark Wraith of Shannara

The Heritage of Shannara

The Scions of Shannara

The Druid of Shannara

The Elf Queen of Shannara

The Talismans of Shannara

A Shannara Prequel

First King of Shannara>

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara

Ilse Witch

Antrax

Morgawr

High Druid of Shannara

Jarka Ruus

Tanequil

Straken

Genesis of Shannara

Armageddon’s Children

The Elves of Cintra

The Gypsy Morph

Legends of Shannara

Bearers of the Black Staff

The Measure of the Magic

The Dark Legacy of Shannara

Wards of Faerie

Bloodfire Quest

Witch Wraith

Paladins of Shannara

Allanon’s Quest (e-short story)

The Weapons Master’s Choice (e-short story)

The Black Irix (e-short story)

Defenders of Shannara

The High Druid’s Blade

The Darkling Child

The Sorcerer’s Daughter

The Fall of Shannara

The Black Elfstone

The Skaar Invasion

The Stiehl Assassin

The Last Druid (forthcoming October 20, 2020)

Revisiting Readers

Genesis of Shannara

Armageddon’s Children

The Elves of Cintra

The Gypsy Morph

Legends of Shannara

Bearers of the Black Staff

The Measure of the Magic

A Shannara Prequel

First King of Shannara

The Original Shannara Novels

Allanon’s Quest (e-short story set before The Sword of Shannara)

The Sword of Shannara – In the Shadow of the Warlock Lord – first 1/3 of The Sword of Shannara

– The Druids’ Keep – middle 1/3 of The Sword of Shannara

– The Secret of the Sword – last 1/3 of The Sword of Shannara

The Black Irix (e-short story set after The Sword of Shannara)

The Elfstones of Shannara

The Weapons Master’s Choice (e-short story set before The Wishsong of Shannara)

The Wishsong of Shannara

A Shannara Short Story

Indomitable – An epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara

A Shannara Graphic Novel

Dark Wraith of Shannara

The Heritage of Shannara

The Scions of Shannara

The Druid of Shannara

The Elf Queen of Shannara

The Talismans of Shannara

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara

Ilse Witch

Antrax

Morgawr

High Druid of Shannara

Jarka Ruus

Tanequil

Straken

The Dark Legacy of Shannara

Wards of Faerie

Bloodfire Quest

Witch Wraith

Defenders of Shannara

The High Druid’s Blade

The Darkling Child

The Sorcerer’s Daughter

The Fall of Shannara

The Black Elfstone

The Skaar Invasion

The Stiehl Assassin

The Last Druid (forthcoming October 20, 2020)

It is also important to note that Terry has purposefully written most of his series to be read at any time by new readers. He writes in large generational gaps between series, telling the story of all new characters each time out. It means if a new reader wants to start with Bearers of the Black Staff—despite it being wholly out of order with both lists above—they will be able to understand perfectly what is going on and enjoy the novel.

The two reading lists above are merely a guide to aid readers in not spoiling themselves. And to have a richer experience while reading all of Terry’s work.

Happy reading!