Guy Gavriel Kay

b. 1954

3 series 10 books in order 3 standalone books

Guy Gavriel Kay, born November 7, 1954, is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction. His novels often take place in fictional realms that mirror real historical periods and locations, such as Constantinople during the reign of Justinian I or Spain during the time of El Cid. These works are typically classified as historical fantasy, but Kay has expressed a preference for avoiding genre categorization when possible. His writing is known for its detailed historical settings and literary style.

Born: 1954
Known for: Under Heaven, The Fionavar Tapestry, The Sarantine Mosaic

Series by Guy Gavriel Kay

Under Heaven

2 books in order · 2010–2013

Under heaven

2010 · Guy Gavriel Kay

Under Heaven is an epic historical adventure set in a pseudo 8th century China. The novel follows Shen Tai, who has spent two years mourning his…
Read more →
Buy on Amazon
River of Stars

2013 · Guy Gavriel Kay

Several hundred years after the events of Under Heaven, teen Ren Daiyan shows legend-level archery prowess and becomes a marsh outlaw. Years later he…
Read more →
Buy on Amazon

The Fionavar Tapestry

3 books in order · 1984–1986

The summer tree

1984 · Guy Gavriel Kay

The Summer Tree is a 1984 novel by Guy Gavriel Kay, the first volume in a series. Five men and women are flung into the magical land of Fionavar,…
Read more →
Buy on Amazon
The wandering fire

1986 · Guy Gavriel Kay

The Wandering Fire is a 1986 novel by Canadian fantasy author Guy Gavriel Kay. It is the second book in The Fionavar Tapestry trilogy, following The…
Read more →
Buy on Amazon
The Darkest Road (The Fionavar Tapestry, Book 3)

1986 · Guy Gavriel Kay

The Darkest Road is a 1986 fantasy novel by Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay. It is the third and final book in The Fionavar Tapestry trilogy,…
Read more →
Buy on Amazon

The Sarantine Mosaic

2 books in order · 1998–2000

Sailing to Sarantium

1998 · Guy Gavriel Kay

Sailing to Sarantium is a 1998 book by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is book 1 of the series The Sarantine Mosaic. Catalog genres: Fantasy.
Read more →
Buy on Amazon
Lord of Emperors

2000 · Guy Gavriel Kay

Lord of Emperors is a 2000 book by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is book 2 of the series The Sarantine Mosaic. Catalog genres: Fantasy.
Read more →
Buy on Amazon

Standalone books

Song of Roland

2012
Read more →
Buy on Amazon
Tigana

2009
Read more →
Buy on Amazon
Ysabel

2007
Read more →
Buy on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

How many books has Guy Gavriel Kay written?

We list 10 books by Guy Gavriel Kay across 3 series, published between 1984–2013 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Guy Gavriel Kay's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “Under heaven.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Guy Gavriel Kay's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.