Books in Order: Comprehensive Reading Guide for Marion Zimmer Bradley's Works

Marion Zimmer Bradley: An Intricate Tapestry of a Wordsmith

An American literary stalwart, Marion Zimmer Bradley’s prodigious command over various genres ranging from fantasy and science fiction to controversial gay & lesbian pulp fiction novels, she was truly a versatile scribe. Not only did she bring to light feminist perspectives in her stories, but she also helped budding writers through her extensive Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which marked the beginning of the career of distinguished author, Mercedes Lackey. Bradley’s failing health led to her demise in 1999 at the ripe age of 69.

Commencing her illustrious career through a story that was published in Volume 23, No. 12 of the renowned magazine, Amazing Stories, Bradley’s journey into the literary world received a kickstart. The story, titled Outpost, laid the foundation for many narrative masterpieces to follow, the first of which came a decade later in 1957 with the publishing of her novel, Falcons of Narabedla.

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Writing Style and Prolific Series:

Bradley is best remembered for her immense contribution to the Darkover and Avalon series, which showed her astute storytelling and unique writing style. She had an innate ability to weave complex characters and intricate plots that captivated her readers.

Books in Order of Marion Zimmer Bradley:

If you are looking to delve into Bradley’s literary world, here are her books in order of publication, to give you a chronological perspective:

Publication Order of Darkover Books

The Planet Savers (By: Elisabeth Waters) (1962) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Sword of Aldones (1962) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Bloody Sun (1964) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Star of Danger (1965) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Winds of Darkover (1970) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The World Wreckers (1971) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Darkover Landfall (1972) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Spell Sword (1974) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Heritage of Hastur (1975) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Shattered Chain (1976) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Forbidden Tower (1977) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Stormqueen! (1978) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Two to Conquer (1980) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Sharra’s Exile (1981) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Hawkmistress! (1982) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Thendara House (1983) 📚 Buy on Amazon
City of Sorcery (1984) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Heirs of Hammerfell (1989) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Rediscovery (With: Mercedes Lackey) (1993) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Exile’s Song (1996) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Shadow Matrix (1997) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Traitor’s Sun (1999) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Zandru’s Forge (With: Deborah J. Ross) (2003) 📚 Buy on Amazon
A Flame in Hali (With: Deborah J. Ross) (2004) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Hastur Lord (With: Deborah J. Ross) (2010) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Death of Brendan Ensolare (By: Deborah Wheeler) (2011) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Children of Kings (With: Deborah J. Ross) (2013) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Thunderlord (With: Deborah J. Ross) (2016) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Ski the Hellers (By: Elisabeth Waters) (2020) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Laran Gambit (With: Deborah J. Ross) (2022) 📚 Buy on Amazon