Golden Guard Books in Order

The Golden Guard trilogy steps back in time from the main Air Awakens saga to show how some of that world's most beloved side characters first forged their friendships and legends. Instead of following Vhalla Yarl, these short novels and novella focus on the men and women who will become the elite Golden Guard of Solaris.

The stories open in the capital, where Jax Wendyll is serving the crown as punishment for a bloody past and the younger Prince Baldair seems more interested in parties than politics. Alongside them is Erion Le'Dan, a Western lord who has grown used to being the responsible one in any room that includes Jax and Baldair. When the three friends chase rumors of pirate treasure, they stumble into a murder tied to the long dead Pirate Queen and a mystery that cuts deeper than any of them expect.

From there the focus shifts. In The Prince's Rogue, we follow Baldair on a journey that pushes him beyond the role of charming playboy prince. His partnership with the no nonsense mercenary Raylynn Westwind drags him into dangerous territory, both in terms of sword fights and emotions. Their quest is full of banter, clashing priorities, and the slow realization that Baldair might be capable of more than court gossip gives him credit for.

The Farmer's War turns the spotlight to Craig and Daniel, two soldiers from very different backgrounds who are thrown together on what should be a simple mission. Deliver a message, keep their heads down, and get one step closer to their own goals. Instead, the jungles of the North swallow their plans. Monsters, enemy soldiers, and the raw realities of war force them to rely on each other in ways neither expected.

Across all three stories the through line is camaraderie. You see how practical jokes and shared danger slowly turn acquaintances into the tightly knit unit known as the Golden Guard. The tone leans a little lighter than the main series at times, with more focus on sword and sorcery adventure, banter, and found family, but the stakes are still real, and the scars these characters earn carry into Air Awakens proper.

You can read the Golden Guard trilogy either before or after Vhalla's journey. Starting here gives you a ground level view of the Solaris Empire and introduces familiar faces in their younger days, while reading it later lets you fill in emotional backstory for characters you already know you care about.