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Hussite trilogy Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Andrzej Sapkowski
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Quick Answer

Start Hussite trilogy by Andrzej Sapkowski with "The Tower Of Fools", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

This historical fantasy series is set during the Hussite Wars (1419–1434) in the Lands of the Bohemian Crown, primarily Silesia and Bohemia. It follows Reinmar von Bielau (Reynevan), a doctor and magician who eventually serves as a spy for the Hussites.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "The Tower Of Fools"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The provided comments do not contain any discussion or recommendation regarding the reading order of the 'Hussite trilogy.' The discourse focuses overwhelmingly on the recommended reading orders for Robin Hobb's 'Realm of the Elderlings' and Joe Abercrombie's 'First Law' series."

Key Reddit Advice

The specific recommended reading order for the Hussite trilogy cannot be determined from this dataset. For the series discussed, the consensus Hobb reading order is: Farseer Trilogy -> Liveship Traders -> Tawny Man Trilogy -> Rainwild Chronicles -> Fitz and the Fool Trilogy. For Abercrombie, the strong advice is: 'Do Not Skip The standalones' before reading the Age of Madness (AOM).

?Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Hussite trilogy conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Hussite trilogy. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "The Tower Of Fools" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Hussite trilogy" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "The Tower Of Fools"Explore all by Andrzej Sapkowski

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Tower Of Fools

Pub: 2020

"A fantastic novel that any fan of The Witcher will instantly appreciate." —The Gamer Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series has become a fantasy phenomenon, finding millions of fans worldwide and inspiring the hit Netflix show and video games. Now the bestselling author introduces readers to a new hero on an epic journey in The Tower of Fools, the first book of the Hussite Trilogy. Reinmar of Bielawa, sometimes known as Reynevan, is a healer, a magician, and according to some, a charlatan. When a thoughtless indiscretion forces him to flee his home, he finds himself pursued not only by brothers bent on vengeance but by the Holy Inquisition. In a time when tensions between Hussite and Catholic countries are threatening to turn into war and mystical forces are gathering in the shadows, Reynevan's journey will lead him to the Narrenturm—the Tower of Fools. The Tower is an asylum for the mad...or for those who dare to think differently and challenge the prevailing order. And escaping it, avoiding the conflict around him, and keeping his own sanity will prove more difficult than he ever imagined "A ripping yarn delivered with world-weary wit, bursting at the seams with sex, death, magic and madness." —Joe Abercrombie "This is historical fantasy done right." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A highly enjoyable historical fantasy." —Booklist The Tower of Fools is an historical novel set during the Hussite Wars in Bohemia during the 1400s, a period of religious conflict and persecution. Characters in the novel may express views that some readers might find offensive. Also by Andrzej Sapkowski: Witcher collections The Last Wish Sword of Destiny Witcher novels Blood of Elves The Time of Contempt Baptism of Fire The Tower of Swallows Lady of the Lake Season of Storms The Malady and Other Stories: An Andrzej Sapkowski Sampler (e-only) Translated by David French

2

Warriors Of God

Pub: 2021

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Tower Of Fools".

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Witcher: Reynevan—scoundrel, magician, possibly a fool—travels into the depths of war as he attempts to navigate the religious fervors of the fifteenth century. When the Hussite leaders entrust Reynevan with a dangerous secret mission, he is forced to come out of hiding in Bohmeia and depart for Silesia. At the same time, he strives to avenge the death of his brother and discover the whereabouts of his beloved. Once again pursued by multiple enemies, he must contend with danger on every front. Full of gripping action replete with twists and mysteries, seasoned with magic and Sapkowski's ever-present wit, fans of the Witcher will appreciate this rich historical epic set during the Hussite Wars. Praise for the The Tower of Fools, book one of the Hussite Trilogy: "This is historical fantasy done right." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A fantastic novel that any fan of The Witcher will instantly appreciate.” —The Gamer “A ripping yarn delivered with world-weary wit, bursting at the seams with sex, death, magic and madness.” —Joe Abercrombie “Sapkowski's energetic and satirical prose as well as the unconventional setting makes this a highly enjoyable historical fantasy.” —Booklist Also by Andrzej Sapkowski: The Hussite Trilogy The Tower of Fools Warriors of God Witcher collections The Last Wish Sword of Destiny Witcher novels Blood of Elves The Time of Contempt Baptism of Fire The Tower of Swallows Lady of the Lake Season of Storms The Malady and Other Stories: An Andrzej Sapkowski Sampler (e-only) Translated by David French

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Hussite trilogy series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Hussite trilogy?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "The Tower Of Fools" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Andrzej Sapkowski intended.

Can I read Hussite trilogy books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Hussite trilogy universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.