Twelve Kingdoms books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Twelve Kingdoms series?"

"There are four books in the Twelve Kingdoms series, published between 1985 and 1989."

Q: "What is the first book in the Twelve Kingdoms series?"

"The first book in the Twelve Kingdoms series is Mustapha and His Wise Dog, published in 1985."

Q: "Do the Twelve Kingdoms books follow the same characters?"

"Each book follows a different cast of characters, though the overarching story concerns the growing threat of Morgeld, an evil demigod. The series spans generations across the Twelve Kingdoms, with new heroes taking up the fight in each volume. All four were paperback originals from Avon Books and have not been reprinted."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Mustapha and His Wise Dog	1985	Esther M. Friesner	Buy
2	Spells of Mortal Weaving	1986	Esther M. Friesner	Buy
3	The Witchwood Cradle	1987	Esther M. Friesner	Buy
4	The Water King’s Laughter	1989	Esther M. Friesner	Buy

The Chronicles of the Twelve Kingdoms is a four-book fantasy series by Esther M. Friesner, published between 1985 and 1989 by Avon Books. The series begins with Mustapha and His Wise Dog, which follows a young man cast out by his brothers who wanders the world with his talking dog Elcolog, in a style influenced by the Arabian Nights.

Each book follows a different set of characters, though the overarching conflict concerns the growing threat of Morgeld, an evil demigod whose shadow falls across the Twelve Kingdoms over the course of generations. Spells of Mortal Weaving, The Witchwood Cradle, and The Water King’s Laughter continue the saga with new heroes taking up the fight. All four books were paperback originals and have never been reprinted or released digitally, making them collector’s items for fans of 1980s fantasy. Friesner, who went on to win two Nebula Awards, wrote these early in her career before becoming better known for her humorous fantasy and her YA historical novels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Twelve Kingdoms series?

There are four books in the Twelve Kingdoms series, published between 1985 and 1989.

What is the first book in the Twelve Kingdoms series?

The first book in the Twelve Kingdoms series is Mustapha and His Wise Dog, published in 1985.

Do the Twelve Kingdoms books follow the same characters?

Each book follows a different cast of characters, though the overarching story concerns the growing threat of Morgeld, an evil demigod. The series spans generations across the Twelve Kingdoms, with new heroes taking up the fight in each volume. All four were paperback originals from Avon Books and have not been reprinted.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order