Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lost Gods | 2021 | Anna Smith Spark | Buy |
| 2 | A Woman of the Sword | 2023 | Anna Smith Spark | Buy |
| 3 | In the Shadow of Their Dying | 2024 | Anna Smith Spark | Buy |
Anna Smith Spark’s standalone novels continue the dark, violent fantasy she became known for with her Empires of Dust series. Often called the “Queen of Grimdark,” Spark writes prose that is both brutal and lyrical, set in worlds where war and power corrupt everyone they touch.
Lost Gods (2021) and A Woman of the Sword (2023) are self-contained stories that explore similar themes of violence, ambition, and survival. In the Shadow of Their Dying (2024) is a collaborative work that keeps her signature style while moving in a new direction. Each book stands on its own and can be read independently.
These standalone works give readers a way to experience Spark’s writing without committing to her longer series. Fans of Joe Abercrombie, Mark Lawrence, or R. Scott Bakker will find familiar territory here.