Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragonsbane | 1985 | Barbara Hambly | Buy |
| 2 | Dragonshadow | 1999 | Barbara Hambly | Buy |
| 3 | Knight of the Demon Queen | 2000 | Barbara Hambly | Buy |
| 4 | Dragonstar | 2002 | Barbara Hambly | Buy |
| 5 | Cat’s Paw | 2024 | Barbara Hambly | Buy |
The Winterlands series by Barbara Hambly begins with Dragonsbane (1985), which follows Jenny Waynest, a witch with limited powers, and her partner Lord John Aversin, who earned the title of dragonslayer through luck as much as skill. When summoned to deal with a new dragon threat, they leave the impoverished northern Winterlands for a corrupt southern court.
Dragonsbane was followed by three sequels (Dragonshadow, Knight of the Demon Queen, and Dragonstar) published between 1999 and 2002, plus Cat’s Paw in 2024. The series is known for depicting its heroes as flawed, middle-aged, and uncertain. Hambly avoids the usual fantasy trope of invincible warriors, instead writing characters who struggle with limited resources and difficult choices.