Books like The phoenix unchained by Mercedes Lackey

The Phoenix Unchained, a new series by Mercedes Lackey, takes place 1,000 years after the Obsidian Trilogy. A fresh cast of mages, including Wild, Knight, High, Elven, and Dark, explore the universe’s diverse magical traditions. They encounter the ongoing presence of Ancaladar the Dragon and cameo appearances by key characters Jermayan and Idalia. The story delves into the dynamics of High Magic, Wild Magic, and the older Dark Magic wielded by the Endarkened—demons originally transformed from elves. Mages can bond with dragons, a rare link that grants immense power, though Dark Mages frequently force such bonds, driving dragons to flee. The series examines the costs and responsibilities of magic: Wildmages pay a physical price and a deity‑mandated deed; Knight-Mages specialize in martial applications of Wild Magic; High Mages require rigorous training and ritualized spellwork. Elvenmages share similarities with Wildmages, while Dark Mages serve the Endarkened. The narrative blends mythological creatures, magic systems, and dragon alliances to create a richly imagined fantasy world. Through this new epoch, Lackey expands the Starfall universe, deepening its lore and introducing novel characters while maintaining ties to the original trilogy’s legacy.

First publish date: 2007