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Series

The Mongoliad Cycle

The Mongoliad Cycle is a collaborative medieval adventure set during the Mongol invasions of Europe. The first three volumes follow the Shield-Brethren and their allies as they travel east to strike at Ögedei Khan’s court, while a parallel struggle in Rome concerns the papal succession and the political institutions attempting to respond to the Mongol advance.

Katabasis and Siege Perilous continue the wider Foreworld setting after the central trilogy. Katabasis follows survivors returning across a devastated Eurasian landscape after Ögedei’s death, whereas Siege Perilous moves to Montségur and combines the persecution of the Cathars with a Grail quest. Neal Stephenson is one of the collaborators on the first three volumes; the fourth and fifth were written by other members of the Foreworld project.

Reading order

Books in this series (5 books)

The Mongoliad: Book 2 cover

#2 – The Mongoliad: Book 2

Neal Stephenson

The Shield-Brethren continue east through territory controlled by the Mongol Empire, divided between the need for secrecy and the violence required to reach Ögedei’s court. Cnán and the knights encounter allies and enemies whose loyalties are shaped by conquest, clan politics and the belief that Mongol…

The Mongoliad: Book 3 cover

#3 – The Mongoliad: Book 3

Neal Stephenson

The surviving Shield-Brethren reach the centre of Mongol power, where Ögedei’s court is shaped by succession rivalry, ritual and the brutal spectacle of the Circus of Swords. Their assassination mission can succeed only if they survive the arena, understand the divisions within the imperial family and…

Katabasis cover

#4 – Katabasis

Neal Stephenson

Ögedei Khan’s death has halted the Mongol invasion of the West, but the surviving Shield-Brethren remain deep inside a devastated empire. Exhausted by battle and divided by betrayal, they begin the long return across a frozen landscape in which former allies, displaced communities and Mongol factions…

Siege Perilous cover

#5 – Siege Perilous

Neal Stephenson

Ocyrhoe, a fugitive carrying a chalice of uncertain power, reaches the Cathar stronghold of Montségur as forces loyal to the French crown and the Church close around it. She joins a community already marked for destruction and attempts to protect both the cup and the people…