Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Prince in Waiting | 1970 | John Christopher | Buy |
| 2 | Beyond the Burning Lands | 1971 | John Christopher | Buy |
| 3 | The Sword of the Spirits | 1972 | John Christopher | Buy |
The Sword of the Spirits is a post-apocalyptic trilogy by John Christopher, published between 1970 and 1972. It is set in a future England where civilization has regressed to something resembling the Middle Ages. Walled cities are ruled by princes, wars are fought with swords and horses, and a priestly caste called the Seers enforces a ban on all technology. The main character is Luke, a young man from the city of Winchester who is caught up in political scheming and warfare.
In The Prince in Waiting (1970), Luke’s father seizes power in Winchester with the backing of the Seers, who have their own plans for Luke’s future. Beyond the Burning Lands (1971) sends Luke on a dangerous journey south through volcanic wastelands to forge an alliance with another city. The Sword of the Spirits (1972) brings Luke’s story to its conclusion as he attempts to unite the warring cities under a single rule. The trilogy has a darker tone than much of Christopher’s other YA work, and Luke is not always a sympathetic figure, which gives the books an edge that has kept them in print for over fifty years.