Nicholas Eames
Nicholas Eames has published 5 books across 4 series. The recommended reading order starts with Kings of the Wyld (2017).
Nicholas Eames is a Canadian author of epic fantasy novels who traded the stage for the page. He attended college for theatre arts but shifted his focus to writing, eventually building a career on tales of sword-swinging adventure and dark humor. His debut novel, Kings of the Wyld, arrived in 2017 after more than a decade of creative development, with the actual writing taking two years.
Kings of the Wyld introduced readers to a genre-bending take on the quest narrative, featuring aging mercenaries and monster-slaying bands. Eames crafts epic fantasy with a rock-and-roll edge, balancing spectacle with character, and writes stories that feel both classic and irreverent. He lives in Ontario, fueled by black coffee and neat whiskey, and counts October as his favorite month. Video games fill his downtime when he is not building his next adventure.
Shelf & Shadows
Order of Anthologies
- Tagsshort-storiesfantasyDescriptionThis book is a love letter to the messy, glorious reality of life behind the legend, stripping away the polished veneer of epic fantasy to reveal the beating heart of the mercenaries living it. It captures the specific ache of aging adventurers who traded their swords for bar stools, offering a poignant look at what happens when the song ends and the silence sets in. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of spilled ale and old regrets, creating a world that feels lived-in and weary yet undeniably vibrant. You can practically feel the weight of the past pressing down on the characters, grounding the high-stakes action in a deeply human reality that resonates long after the final page is turned. At its core, this is a story about found family and the enduring bonds forged in the heat of battle, exploring the sacrifices we make for those we call our own. It balances sharp wit with genuine emotional depth, delivering a narrative that is as thrilling as it is surprisingly tender.Publication date2018
Order of Barbaric (Collected Editions) Books
- Tagsgraphic-novelsfantasyhorrorDescriptionNicholas Eames has once again proven that the intersection of high-stakes fantasy and gut-busting comedy is not merely a niche, but a vibrant landscape where modern storytelling thrives. In this third collected volume, the narrative escalates beyond simple dungeon-crawling into a complex web of divine debts and infernal bargains. It is a rare feat to balance the visceral thrill of decapitating monsters with the genuine emotional weight of a found family trying to survive their own bad decisions, yet Eames makes it look effortless. The stakes here are personal and suffocating, dragging our protagonist through the literal bowels of hell with a pace that rarely lets up for air. This is not just another adventure; it is a consequence-laden journey where every victory feels earned and every mistake is paid for in blood. The artwork complements this frenetic energy with bold lines and dynamic action sequences that capture both the grotesque horror of the underworld and the surprisingly tender moments of camaraderie. What truly sets this volume apart is its refusal to rely on the tired tropes of the genre, instead subverting expectations with a sharp, self-aware wit that never undermines the drama. The characters are flawed, loud, and utterly unforgettable, breathing life into a world that is as dangerous as it is hilarious. It is a story that understands that the best humor often comes from the darkest places. Ultimately, this book matters because it treats its audience with intelligence, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it…Publication date2 January 2024Amazon rating4.7/5Print length128LanguageEnglishPublisherVault Comics
Order of Barbaric Books
- TagshorrorDescriptionNicholas Eames returns to the raucous, blood-soaked world of the Order of Barbaric Books with a narrative that unflinchingly dissects the thin line between heroism and fanaticism. This is a story that matters because it refuses to simplify the messy reality of doing good in a land defined by violence, suggesting that the most dangerous weapons are often the convictions we hold dear. It is a bold, sprawling exploration of morality where the right choice is rarely the clean one, and the path to righteousness is paved with unintended casualties. At the heart of this chaotic journey lies a compelling conflict that questions the very nature of authority and loyalty. The central hook drives the characters into a confrontation not just with external foes, but with the creeping realization that their noble cause might be rotting from the inside out. As the stakes escalate from personal vendettas to ideological warfare, the narrative tightens its grip, forcing the reader to consider how easily a savior can transform into a tyrant when fueled by a self-righteous certainty. Eames balances the brutal action with moments of surprising introspection, allowing the story to breathe with a natural, rhythmic cadence that mirrors the unpredictable lives of its protagonists. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a world where humor and horror coexist in equal measure. By focusing on the human cost of high ideals, the novel delivers an emotional hook that resonates long after the final battle is fought, leaving us…Publication date29 November 2023Amazon rating4.5/5Print length51LanguageEnglishPublisherVault Comics
Order of The Band Books
- Tagsepic-fantasyfantasyDescriptionWhat happens when the glory days are long behind you and the world has moved on, but the call to adventure rings out one last time? Nicholas Eames tackles this question with a heart as big as the battles are bloody, introducing us to Clay Cooper and his former bandmates, Saga. Once the most famous mercenaries in the realm, they’ve settled into quiet, domestic lives, but a desperate plea from an old friend drags them back into the armor they thought they’d hung up for good. It’s a story about aging, friendship, and the heavy cost of a life lived by the sword. What truly sets this apart is the way it treats adventuring parties like aging rock bands on a disastrous reunion tour. Eames infuses the narrative with a raucous energy and a deep, abiding love for the genre, balancing laugh-out-loud humor with genuine emotional stakes. The world-building is vibrant and dangerous, filled with monsters and magic, but it’s the bond between these grizzled, weary warriors that anchors the fantasy elements in something profoundly human. This isn’t just a quest to save a damsel in distress; it’s a journey to reclaim a piece of themselves that they thought was lost forever. The action is visceral and relentless, yet the pacing never sacrifices character development for spectacle. If you’ve ever wondered what heroes do after the happy ending, or if you just want a story that feels like a warm hug from a blood-soaked ogre, this is the book for…Publication date21 February 2017Amazon rating4.4/5Print length544LanguageEnglishPublisherOrbit
- Tagsfantasyepic-fantasyDescriptionThe air in the tavern is thick with the smell of spilled ale and old blood, a testament to the legends that have passed through these doors. It is a world where glory is measured in scars and ballads, where the line between hero and monster is drawn by the sharp edge of a blade. This is the backdrop for a story that doesn't just sing of war, but bleeds with the messy, vibrant reality of it. Enter Bloody Rose, a warrior whose name alone is enough to silence a room, yet who carries the weight of a legacy she never asked for. She is the heart of Fable, a band of mercenaries as famous for their drinking as their fighting, and they are looking for a new bard to chronicle their next, possibly final, campaign. What follows is a journey that feels less like a polished epic and more like a desperate, beautiful scramble for survival. The stakes are personal and brutal, stripping away the romance of the adventuring life to reveal the exhaustion and the fierce loyalty that binds these damaged souls together. Eames writes with a rhythm that mimics the swell of a tavern song, balancing moments of heart-wrenching vulnerability with visceral, pulse-pounding action. It is a love letter to the found family we choose in the darkest of times, reminding us that even in a world of monsters, the most dangerous thing to possess is a heart.Publication date28 August 2018Amazon rating4.5/5Print length560LanguageEnglishPublisherOrbit
Frequently Asked Questions about Nicholas Eames
Nicholas Eames writes fantasy novels. His work often features music and adventure. He is known for The Band series and The Order of Barbaric series. Readers often begin with Kings of the Wyld, the first book in The Band series, as it introduces his style and world-building effectively. This approach allows for an immersive entry into his narrative universe. The series follows a retired mercenary band as they reunite for one last gig. Eames builds a world where magic and rock and roll sensibilities collide, creating a unique reading experience that appeals to fans of epic fantasy with a fun, energetic twist.
The most common starting point for Nicholas Eames is Kings of the Wyld, published in 2017. This novel is the first in The Band series and introduces readers to the world and characters that have become popular with many who enjoy his writing. It sets the stage for the adventures that follow and provides a solid foundation for understanding the subsequent books. The book follows a group of aging mercenaries who were once legends in their own time and are now called back for one final, dangerous mission, blending action, humor, and a touch of melancholy.
While The Band series and The Order of Barbaric series have internal chronologies, readers can often jump into individual books within a series without needing to read every preceding title. However, reading in order is recommended to fully appreciate character development and plot progression. For The Band series, Kings of the Wyld should be read first, followed by Bloody Rose. The Order of Barbaric books also have a sequence, with Wrong Kind of Righteous preceding Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay. Art of War is a collection of short stories.
Nicholas Eames writes both series and standalone books. His most well-known works are part of series, specifically The Band series and The Order of Barbaric series. Kings of the Wyld and Bloody Rose are installments in The Band series. Wrong Kind of Righteous and Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay are part of The Order of Barbaric series. He also has a collection of short stories titled Order of Anthologies: Art of War. While the series books build upon each other, they are structured in a way that allows for some flexibility in reading order.
As of 2024, Nicholas Eames has written four main novels and one collection of short stories. The novels are divided between two series: The Band series, which includes Kings of the Wyld and Bloody Rose, and The Order of Barbaric series, which includes Wrong Kind of Righteous and Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay. His short story collection is Order of Anthologies: Art of War. This output represents his contributions to the fantasy genre, offering readers a mix of interconnected stories and individual tales.
The first book written by Nicholas Eames is Kings of the Wyld, published in 2017. This novel launched The Band series and introduced readers to his distinctive blend of fantasy, adventure, and music-inspired storytelling. The book quickly gained attention for its unique premise and engaging characters, setting the tone for his subsequent works. It follows a retired band of mercenaries as they reunite for one last, epic performance and battle, establishing the kind of world and narrative voice that would come to define his writing in the genre.
Nicholas Eames's most recent book is Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay, released in 2024. This installment continues the story within The Order of Barbaric series, following the adventures established in its predecessors. The series is known for its over-the-top action and dark humor, often featuring a protagonist who is more brute force than finesse. This latest entry provides readers with more of the gritty, high-stakes fantasy narrative they have come to expect from Eames's work in this particular vein.
Nicholas Eames writes fantasy novels. His books are characterized by a blend of epic adventure, humor, and elements inspired by rock and roll music. He often features characters who are past their prime but still capable of extraordinary feats, set against worlds where magic and action are prominent. The Band series, for example, combines the tropes of mercenary companies with the energy of a touring band. His writing style leans into vivid descriptions and engaging plotlines, appealing to readers who enjoy a high-energy fantasy narrative.
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We verified the reading order for Nicholas Eames's books by cross-referencing official publication dates, ISBN databases, and publisher catalogs.
Last verified: April 2026
Shelf & Shadows. (…). “Nicholas Eames Books in Order.” Retrieved …, from https://www.shelfandshadows.com/authors/nicholas-eames