Lyonesse books in order

The Lyonesse trilogy by Jack Vance is a fantasy epic set on the Elder Isles, a lost land between England and France, blending Arthurian legend with original mythology.
Series · Fantasy · Historical Fantasy · Arthurian Legend

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 Salt in the Wound 2023 Jack Vance N/A
2 Lyonesse 1983 Jack Vance N/A
3 Suldrun’s Garden / Lyonesse 1983 Jack Vance Buy
4 The Green Pearl 1985 Jack Vance Buy
5 Darksolstice 2010 Jack Vance N/A
6 Madouc 1989 Jack Vance Buy

The Lyonesse trilogy is Jack Vance’s major fantasy work, set on the Elder Isles in a pre-Arthurian age. Suldrun’s Garden (1983), The Green Pearl (1985), and Madouc (1989) chronicle the political rivalries and magical conflicts of the islands’ various kingdoms.

The trilogy is considered one of the finest fantasies of the 1980s. Vance brings the same precise worldbuilding and dry humor that characterizes his science fiction to a setting steeped in Celtic and Arthurian mythology. The books feature scheming kings, capricious fairies, and young heroes caught between warring realms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Lyonesse series?

There are six books in the Lyonesse series, published between 1983 and 2023.

What is the first book in the Lyonesse series?

The first book in the Lyonesse series is Salt in the Wound, published in 2023.

What are the Elder Isles?

The Elder Isles are a group of fictional islands located between England and France in pre-Arthurian times. They are Vance’s version of the legendary sunken lands associated with Arthurian myth. The trilogy chronicles the political intrigues and magical conflicts among the islands’ kingdoms before they sink beneath the sea.

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