Shield of Sparrows
fantasy romance
Series · romantic fantasy
Kingdoms of the Compass
The Kingdoms of the Compass series by J. R. Ward has 1 book and is best read in publication order, starting with Crown of War and Shadow (2026).
- Books
- 1 book
- First published
- 2026
- Status
- ongoing
- Last checked
Start here: Crown of War and Shadow (2026) — then read straight through in publication order.
Reading order
The order the books were released — the default way to read the series.
- Book 1:
Crown of War and Shadow
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Crown of War and Shadow
About the Kingdoms of the Compass series
Kingdoms of the Compass is J.R. Ward's move into epic romantic fantasy, trading Caldwell's vampire underworld for an original secondary world under siege from demonic invasion. Crown of War and Shadow opens the series with Sorrel, an outcast marked by mystical abilities she's spent her life hiding, tasked with returning a stolen crown to the Queen in order to save the realm. To cross the deadly Badlands standing between her and that goal, she strikes a bargain with Merc, a brooding mercenary with secrets of his own: a night together in exchange for safe passage. What starts as a transaction becomes something neither of them can keep contained, even as enemies and betrayals close in around them.
It's Ward's first fully original epic-fantasy world -- no ties to the Black Dagger Brotherhood or Caldwell -- built around forced proximity, a chosen-mates dynamic, and the kind of high-stakes political and magical worldbuilding that lets a slow-burn romance play out against a war for the realm's survival. Published by Bramble, the romantasy-focused Macmillan imprint, it's a clear bid for the same readership drawn to the current wave of adult romantic fantasy.
Only the first book has been released so far; the publisher has confirmed a four-book arc, with books two through four not yet titled or dated.
Frequently asked questions
How many books are in Kingdoms of the Compass?
One so far: Crown of War and Shadow (February 2026). The publisher has confirmed a four-book arc, but books two through four are not yet titled or dated.
Is Kingdoms of the Compass connected to the Black Dagger Brotherhood?
No. It's a fully original epic-fantasy world with no vampires, no Caldwell, and no shared characters.
When is the next Kingdoms of the Compass book coming out?
Not yet announced. J.R. Ward's publisher has confirmed the series will run to four books, but no title or date has been set for book two as of mid-2026.
What is Crown of War and Shadow about?
An outcast woman named Sorrel, hiding mystical abilities, must return a stolen crown to save her world from demonic invasion, and strikes a dangerous bargain with the mercenary Merc to get her across hostile territory.
If you like the Kingdoms of the Compass series
Reading order last verified .