Reading order · 12 books · 2016 to 2023 · Set in an invented world
Cradle Books in Order
Cradle follows Lindon, a boy born without power in a world where martial artists cultivate magic to become ever stronger. Refusing to accept his fate, he climbs from weakness to power, book by book. A hugely popular self-published fantasy series.
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Series facts
The reading order
Every Cradle book in publication order. Choose a title for its cast and summary.
12 books · Set in an invented world
- 1Unsouled2016With LindonLindon is born Unsouled, without the power his clan prizes, and is forbidden to learn the sacred arts.Buy on Amazon
- 2Soulsmith2016With LindonLindon leaves his valley and meets Yerin, a young sword artist, as he learns the art of soulsmithing.Buy on Amazon
- 3Blackflame2017With LindonLindon takes on the dangerous Path of Black Flame, under the guidance of the mysterious Eithan.Buy on Amazon
- 4Skysworn2017With LindonJudged too dangerous to roam free, Lindon is held by the Skysworn until his duel with Jai Long, as a growing threat draws closer to the Empire.Buy on Amazon
- 5Ghostwater2018With LindonLindon joins a Skysworn team sent to salvage a pocket world of a Monarch’s experiments, only to find it is far from deserted.Buy on Amazon
- 6Underlord2019With LindonLindon returns home to the Sacred Valley, now far stronger than when he left.Buy on Amazon
- 7Uncrowned2019With LindonLindon competes in a great tournament between the strongest young fighters in the world.Buy on Amazon
- 8Wintersteel2020With LindonIn the final rounds of the Uncrowned King tournament, rivalries sharpen and a Dreadgod stirs, waiting for the contest to end.Buy on Amazon
- 9Bloodline2021With LindonLindon returns to Sacred Valley as a Dreadgod approaches, and must persuade its stubborn people to flee before it is too late.Buy on Amazon
- 10Reaper2021With Lindon and YerinWith his home secure, Lindon explores an ancient labyrinth for lost knowledge that could help defeat the Dreadgods, as rival Monarchs scheme against him.Buy on Amazon
- 11Dreadgod2022With LindonWith four Dreadgods unleashed and the Monarchs watching him warily, Lindon must defend Cradle while his friends race to grow stronger.Buy on Amazon
- 12Waybound2023With LindonLindon, who left home a powerless Unsouled, contends with the world’s mightiest beings to decide Cradle’s future, in the final book of the series.Buy on Amazon
Do you need to read them in order?
Read in order, starting with Unsouled.
Who appears in which book
The series’ main characters, book by book. Lead means the book is told around them; minor covers cameos.
| Book | Lindon | Yerin | Little Blue | Eithan Arelius | Orthos | Mercy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Unsouled | LLead | |||||
| 2 Soulsmith | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | |||
| 3 Blackflame | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | |
| 4 Skysworn | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 5 Ghostwater | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 6 Underlord | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 7 Uncrowned | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 8 Wintersteel | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 9 Bloodline | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 10 Reaper | LLead | LLead | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 11 Dreadgod | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
| 12 Waybound | LLead | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor | ·Minor | MMajor |
Characters in the Cradle books
6 characters from Will Wight’s chart, with the number of Cradle books each appears in.
| Character | Books | First in this series |
|---|---|---|
| LindonUnsouled boy who refuses to stay weak | 12 | Unsouled 2016 |
| YerinSword artist and Lindon's partner | 11 | Soulsmith 2016 |
| Little BlueRiverseed spirit | 11 | Soulsmith 2016 |
| Eithan AreliusMysterious, cheerful mentor | 10 | Blackflame 2017 |
| OrthosTurtle-dragon companion | 10 | Blackflame 2017 |
| MercyAkura family member | 9 | Skysworn 2017 |