Cradle Reading Order

In a world where everyone cultivates spiritual power to achieve incredible feats, Lindon is an "Unsouled," an outcast wi… In a world where everyone cultivates spiritual power to achieve incredible feats, Lindon is an "Unsouled," an outcast with no path to advancement in the sacred arts. Mocked by his clan and deemed worthless, he dreams of a future where he can protect his home and family from the dangers beyond their isolated valley. When a powerful entity threatens his entire homeland, Lindon seizes a desperate chance to break free from his limitations and prove his worth. He must forge his own path, embracing forbidden techniques and a perilous quest that could lead to his ruin or reveal his true, unprecedented potential. read more

Outside Sacred Valley, ancient ruins rise from the earth, drawing sacred artists from miles around to fight for the trea… Outside Sacred Valley, ancient ruins rise from the earth, drawing sacred artists from miles around to fight for the treasures within. Lindon has reached Copper, taking the first step on the road to power, but the warriors of the outside world are still far beyond him. To advance, he turns to the arcane skills of the Soulsmiths, who craft weapons from the stuff of souls. With new powers come new enemies, and Lindon soon finds himself facing an entire sect of Golds. read more

Lindon has a year left. When his time runs out, he’ll have to fight an opponent that no one believes he can beat. Unles… Lindon has a year left. When his time runs out, he’ll have to fight an opponent that no one believes he can beat. Unless he learns the magic of the sacred arts the right way, from scratch, he won’t have a chance to win…and even then, the odds are against him. In the course of their training, Lindon and Yerin travel to the Blackflame Empire, where they struggle to master an ancient power. Success means a chance at life, but failure means death. In the sacred arts, only those who risk the most can travel far. read more

With his duel fast approaching, Lindon is locked away in prison.As a Blackflame, he is too dangerous to remain free. The… With his duel fast approaching, Lindon is locked away in prison.As a Blackflame, he is too dangerous to remain free. The Skysworn, protectors of the Empire, have imprisoned him to keep him under control until the day of his promised fight arrives.When it does, he will face Jai Long.But a new danger approaches the Empire, closer every day. Only the Skysworn stand between the people of the land and total annihilation.And Lindon may be forced to join them. read more

Long ago, the Monarch Northstrider created a world of his own. This world, known as Ghostwater, housed some of his most… Long ago, the Monarch Northstrider created a world of his own. This world, known as Ghostwater, housed some of his most valuable experiments. It has been damaged by the attack of the Bleeding Phoenix, and a team of Skysworn have been sent to recover whatever they can from the dying world. Now, Lindon must brave the depths of this new dimension, scavenging treasures and pushing his skills to new heights to compete with new enemies. Because Ghostwater is not as empty as it seems. read more

A tournament approaches. All around the world, great clans and sects prepare their disciples to fight against one ano… A tournament approaches. All around the world, great clans and sects prepare their disciples to fight against one another in a competition of young Underlords. Even the Blackflame Empire is drawn in, but their youth are not strong enough to compete. Yet. read more

The seventh volume in the New York Times best-selling Cradle series! Emriss Silentborn, Memory of the World. Tiberian Ar… The seventh volume in the New York Times best-selling Cradle series! Emriss Silentborn, Memory of the World. Tiberian Arelius, the fallen Patriarch. Akura Malice, Queen of Shadows. Seshethkunaaz, King of Dragons. Reigan Shen, Emperor of Lions. Luminous Queen Sha Miara. The Eight-Man Empire. Northstrider. The Monarchs, the most powerful sacred artists on Cradle, rule with unquestioned authority. They are mysterious and distant, and catching a glimpse of one is privilege enough for a lifetime. Now, they have all gathered in one place, bringing their heirs and greatest students together for a competition to determine whose successor is the best in the world: The Uncrowned King tournament. read more

As the Uncrowned King tournament reaches its final rounds, tensions between the competing factions are higher than ever.… As the Uncrowned King tournament reaches its final rounds, tensions between the competing factions are higher than ever. The outcome may determine the power balance throughout the rest of the world. Each Monarch schemes to seize any advantage they can...while far away, a Dreadgod stirs. When the tournament ends, the Dreadgod will rise. Whether it will be driven back into the sea or allowed to rampage depends on the Monarchs. And on which of them is left standing. read more

It's time to go back home. In the years since Lindon left Sacred Valley, he has attained power beyond anything his famil… It's time to go back home. In the years since Lindon left Sacred Valley, he has attained power beyond anything his family thought possible. Now he'll have to put those powers to the test, because a Dreadgod is on its way. Lindon and his allies set out to evacuate the valley before the arrival of the Wandering Titan, but their sacred arts are weakened by an ancient curse. They'll have to persuade the squabbling inhabitants of Sacred Valley to leave behind their home and set off into the outside world. But it has been a long time since Lindon left, and more has changed than he realized. He has always sought power to save his family...but now he might be too late. read more

Sacred Valley has been saved…at least, what’s left of it. With his home finally secure, Lindon delves deep into the a… Sacred Valley has been saved…at least, what’s left of it. With his home finally secure, Lindon delves deep into the ancient labyrinth, seeking long-lost Soulsmithing knowledge and the secret to destroying the Dreadgods. Monarchs plot against him and against each other, unaware of the threats gathering in realms beyond. Far above Lindon and the Monarchs and the Dreadgods, another war is waged. Suriel and the Abidan clash against the Mad King and his forces in a battle for the fate of many worlds. And if it is lost, Cradle will be destroyed. read more

The battle in the heavens has left a target on Lindon's back. His most reliable ally is gone, the Monarchs see him as a… The battle in the heavens has left a target on Lindon's back. His most reliable ally is gone, the Monarchs see him as a threat, and he has inherited one of the most valuable facilities in the world. At any moment, his enemies could band together to kill him. If it weren't for the Dreadgods. All four are empowered and unleashed, rampaging through Cradle, and grudges old and new must be set aside. The Monarchs need every capable fighter to help them defend their territory. And Lindon needs time. While he fights, he sends his friends off to train. They'll need to advance impossibly fast if they want to join him in battle against the kings and queens of Cradle. Together, they will need power enough to rival a Dreadgod. read more

The final book in the New York Times best-selling Cradle series! Years ago Lindon left his home as a powerless Unsouled.… The final book in the New York Times best-selling Cradle series! Years ago Lindon left his home as a powerless Unsouled. Now he goes to war with the most powerful beings in the world over the future of Cradle itself. The Weeping Dragon has a grudge to settle and Lindon intends to take out the Dreadgod with his friends by his side. But rival Monarchs know his plans and they won't let things end so easily. If Lindon does win he will ascend to the heavens. But he may not find a safe haven there either. In the worlds above Suriel and Ozriel face off against the Mad King to determine the new shape of the cosmos. The victor will decide the fate of countless universes. Whether he wins or dies Lindon will soon leave this life behind. The time has come to say good-bye to Cradle. Series Description The Cradle series is a completed twelve-volume series now being published in trade paperback and trade hardcover for the first time. It is the best-selling example of the Progression Fantasy subgenre, which includes works of fantasy whose primary plot revolves around a character growing more powerful in their use of magic. Cradle is high-stakes, fast-paced, and action-focused, with minimal time dedicated to world-building, and as such the books are lean and focused. The series is often compared to anime, with fans emphasizing the story's specialty of loud and colorful super-powered battles along with lots of humor. read more