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Overlord
The prequel to the award-nominated epic fantasy series, The Unraveling.
Shackled by the past, imprisoned by the future
Young mage Gidion has spent ten years hiding from the mysterious woman who murdered his mother when he was a child. He lives as a peddler, traveling from town to town with his father, never having any friends, never knowing what it is to have a home.
But when the town he’s trading in is attacked by raiders, he accidentally blows his cover and must go on the run, leaving his father behind. He seeks mentoring and refuge in the Spire of Arindel, where the most powerful mages in the world live.
But his hopes for safety are soon dashed—everyone has their own agenda, and he doesn't know who to trust. As his desperation mounts, he becomes driven to ever darker decisions with even darker consequences.
The Unraveling Series Reading Order
Overlord can be read before or after Soulstealer, Book 1 of The Unraveling as there are no spoilers. But it should be read before Book 2 as there are spoilers for that, and it provides important context for the rest of the series.
The Unraveling series is perfect for classic fantasy fans and readers of Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson or Ryan Cahill.
Shackled by the past, imprisoned by the future
Young mage Gidion has spent ten years hiding from the mysterious woman who murdered his mother when he was a child. He lives as a peddler, traveling from town to town with his father, never having any friends, never knowing what it is to have a home.
But when the town he’s trading in is attacked by raiders, he accidentally blows his cover and must go on the run, leaving his father behind. He seeks mentoring and refuge in the Spire of Arindel, where the most powerful mages in the world live.
But his hopes for safety are soon dashed—everyone has their own agenda, and he doesn't know who to trust. As his desperation mounts, he becomes driven to ever darker decisions with even darker consequences.
The Unraveling Series Reading Order
Overlord can be read before or after Soulstealer, Book 1 of The Unraveling as there are no spoilers. But it should be read before Book 2 as there are spoilers for that, and it provides important context for the rest of the series.
The Unraveling series is perfect for classic fantasy fans and readers of Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson or Ryan Cahill.
- GenresFantasy
331 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 12, 2025
This was everything I wanted from a prequel. I was already buzzing for the next instalment and after reading this I am on the EDGE of my seat waiting for the next release.
Written wonderfully. I love the magic, the world build, the storyline. It is the perfect fantasy read!! ✨🙏🏼
Written wonderfully. I love the magic, the world build, the storyline. It is the perfect fantasy read!! ✨🙏🏼
February 5, 2025
I read Soulstealer last year and enjoyed the story. Overlord is a prequal in The Unraveling series and takes place years before Soulstealer. It has a very unique magic system and world building that continues on in Soulstealer. Overlord also explains more about the world in which Soulstealer is set and gives more depth to it.
The villains in Soulstealer get more depth and as a reader you understand why one of them, Gidion, turns in to a villain. As a young boy he searches for his place in the world but find he either doesn't fit in or people lie to him.
When his father gets taken by Riftlanders he seeks help within the Spire, he wants to learn war craft to be able to avenge his parents. Danial Thane, a magister of the Spire takes him under his wings but Gidion is hesitant to trust him. As for Danial Thane, WE DO NOT LIKE HIM!!!
A young woman secretly helps Gidion and tells him a secret which involves the origins of his powers. So many people have lied to him that he doesn't believe her. Gidion is lonely and struggles with all the lies and his place in the world.
When he finally accepts the truth about his heritage he decides to take action for himself. He doesn't want to be seen as inadequate and is tired of hearing he's not ready. The book ends with an attempt to rescue someone but this backfires which make Gidion decide to do something he might regret.
I rated it 3,5 stars, it can be read as a standalone and ends with enough questions to want to read more. I found myself re-reading certain parts of Soulstealer to "connect the dots". I didn't rate it higher because certain scenes were to descriptive without it adding to the story. Describing in detail how an inn room looks and comparing it to other rooms weren't necessary in my opinion.
If you like fantasy with unique worldbuilding, different POV's and a magic system that reminds you of The wheel of time then this is for you.
The villains in Soulstealer get more depth and as a reader you understand why one of them, Gidion, turns in to a villain. As a young boy he searches for his place in the world but find he either doesn't fit in or people lie to him.
When his father gets taken by Riftlanders he seeks help within the Spire, he wants to learn war craft to be able to avenge his parents. Danial Thane, a magister of the Spire takes him under his wings but Gidion is hesitant to trust him. As for Danial Thane, WE DO NOT LIKE HIM!!!
A young woman secretly helps Gidion and tells him a secret which involves the origins of his powers. So many people have lied to him that he doesn't believe her. Gidion is lonely and struggles with all the lies and his place in the world.
When he finally accepts the truth about his heritage he decides to take action for himself. He doesn't want to be seen as inadequate and is tired of hearing he's not ready. The book ends with an attempt to rescue someone but this backfires which make Gidion decide to do something he might regret.
I rated it 3,5 stars, it can be read as a standalone and ends with enough questions to want to read more. I found myself re-reading certain parts of Soulstealer to "connect the dots". I didn't rate it higher because certain scenes were to descriptive without it adding to the story. Describing in detail how an inn room looks and comparing it to other rooms weren't necessary in my opinion.
If you like fantasy with unique worldbuilding, different POV's and a magic system that reminds you of The wheel of time then this is for you.
April 8, 2025
Thank you to the author for an eCopy of the prequel to The Unravelling series.
This was an entertaining adventure of a young boy trying to find his place in the world, yet being controlled physically and/or emotionally at every avenue. It was far darker than I was expecting, and that was an aspect I really enjoyed. It added to the coming of age experience explored through Giddeon.
I did struggle a bit with this one, unfortunately due to really disliking Giddeon as our main character. He felt so irritating and irrational in how he took in emotion, which I guess is a quirk of being controlled and lied to for so long, but translated to being a bit of a tedious, repetitive read, whenever Giddeon was up against hardship.
I did, however, like the side characters in Nessa and thought Thane was an important character, though was a bit disappointed when that thread siphoned off.
The lore of the magic system, the wars, the different people and the world as a whole interested me immensely and I liked that we got to explore that in various side characters and places (e.g. in The Spire).
The pacing was quick and breezy to get through, additionally helped by the chapters feeling shorter and moreish in content. The story overall was really easy to sink my teeth into.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
This was an entertaining adventure of a young boy trying to find his place in the world, yet being controlled physically and/or emotionally at every avenue. It was far darker than I was expecting, and that was an aspect I really enjoyed. It added to the coming of age experience explored through Giddeon.
I did struggle a bit with this one, unfortunately due to really disliking Giddeon as our main character. He felt so irritating and irrational in how he took in emotion, which I guess is a quirk of being controlled and lied to for so long, but translated to being a bit of a tedious, repetitive read, whenever Giddeon was up against hardship.
I did, however, like the side characters in Nessa and thought Thane was an important character, though was a bit disappointed when that thread siphoned off.
The lore of the magic system, the wars, the different people and the world as a whole interested me immensely and I liked that we got to explore that in various side characters and places (e.g. in The Spire).
The pacing was quick and breezy to get through, additionally helped by the chapters feeling shorter and moreish in content. The story overall was really easy to sink my teeth into.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
January 15, 2025
Many thanks to the author for giving me an ARC
This is a prequel to soulstealer, however you don’t need to read soulstealer first in order to read this one
You can totally read overload and then dive into soulstealer
We follow Gideon in this book, seeing his life as a peddler through no choice of his own. We quickly become to understand his feelings and his frustration with how life is.
After an event that occurred where he was told to run as it were that’s when we embark on this journey, you don’t know who to trust! We see everything through the eyes of Gideon, who is stubborn and rather an act now think later type of character, also Gideon is not like the others…..
There isn’t as much world building in this one, but you do get the feel of the locations he travels to
I did have a fave character in this and also a character I loathed where I got really bad vibes from, this character made me uncomfortable
This is a prequel to soulstealer, however you don’t need to read soulstealer first in order to read this one
You can totally read overload and then dive into soulstealer
We follow Gideon in this book, seeing his life as a peddler through no choice of his own. We quickly become to understand his feelings and his frustration with how life is.
After an event that occurred where he was told to run as it were that’s when we embark on this journey, you don’t know who to trust! We see everything through the eyes of Gideon, who is stubborn and rather an act now think later type of character, also Gideon is not like the others…..
There isn’t as much world building in this one, but you do get the feel of the locations he travels to
I did have a fave character in this and also a character I loathed where I got really bad vibes from, this character made me uncomfortable
February 4, 2025
Firstly thank you to the author, for allowing me the privilege of being an ARC
Overload is a prequel to Soulstealer, which I am yet to read, and after reading Overload, Soulstealer is now on my reading list.
The world building isn’t too overly done which for me personally is wonderful, because I love getting to know the characters more. The way the author describes makes it very easy to follow and picture the scenes in my head. I love how they describe food, smells and scenery.
I really love how the author switches perspectives effortlessly, it really allowed me to learn more about the world from a different characters view on the world they live in, it also allowed me to see how they truly perceive other characters but I also loved some of the twists and unexpected turns I didnt see coming … but I won’t spoil that as its so much better not knowing and discovering for yourself
Overload is a prequel to Soulstealer, which I am yet to read, and after reading Overload, Soulstealer is now on my reading list.
The world building isn’t too overly done which for me personally is wonderful, because I love getting to know the characters more. The way the author describes makes it very easy to follow and picture the scenes in my head. I love how they describe food, smells and scenery.
I really love how the author switches perspectives effortlessly, it really allowed me to learn more about the world from a different characters view on the world they live in, it also allowed me to see how they truly perceive other characters but I also loved some of the twists and unexpected turns I didnt see coming … but I won’t spoil that as its so much better not knowing and discovering for yourself
February 3, 2025
Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC of this book.
Overlord is very well written and takes place a few years before Soulstealer.
I especially liked that as we followed Gideons story we also felt every emotion under the sun with him. He laughed with him, cried, felt frustrated both for him and at him (so many times I just wanted to reach into the pages and just shake some sens into him).
The whole book was easy to get into and there is not a lot of book I have read these days that does that.
It was also fun to get to learn more about the Spire and other characters that we have met in Soulstealer and get to know them alittle bit more.
This is definitely worth a read for all who likes fantasy and want to escape our world, something we all want to do from time to time these days.
Overlord is very well written and takes place a few years before Soulstealer.
I especially liked that as we followed Gideons story we also felt every emotion under the sun with him. He laughed with him, cried, felt frustrated both for him and at him (so many times I just wanted to reach into the pages and just shake some sens into him).
The whole book was easy to get into and there is not a lot of book I have read these days that does that.
It was also fun to get to learn more about the Spire and other characters that we have met in Soulstealer and get to know them alittle bit more.
This is definitely worth a read for all who likes fantasy and want to escape our world, something we all want to do from time to time these days.
January 22, 2025
Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC.
This is a prequel to the Unraveling series. And here you get an insight of the life of the villain.
Since there isn't a lot of world building in this book, I would recommend reading book 1 Soulstealer first, but you can read it in which ever order you want.
We follow the life of Gidion, while he travels to different places with his father as a peddler. Gidion is not happy with his life and has a lot of anger towards his father. Gidion is told to run and we find ourselves on a journey for the truth of Gidions life.
I really enjoyed this book, and I also feel sorry for the MMC and what he had to go through. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series! I highly recommend the series.
This is a prequel to the Unraveling series. And here you get an insight of the life of the villain.
Since there isn't a lot of world building in this book, I would recommend reading book 1 Soulstealer first, but you can read it in which ever order you want.
We follow the life of Gidion, while he travels to different places with his father as a peddler. Gidion is not happy with his life and has a lot of anger towards his father. Gidion is told to run and we find ourselves on a journey for the truth of Gidions life.
I really enjoyed this book, and I also feel sorry for the MMC and what he had to go through. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series! I highly recommend the series.
January 18, 2025
Many thanks to the author for sending me an arc.
This is a prequel to soulstealer book 1 of the unraveling series, yet you don’t need to read soulstealer first in order to read this one. You can take your pick on which to read first.
We meet a peddler named gideon and his father and learn about his anger and feelings from the go.
Compared to soulstealer i felt like there wasnt as much world building however you still get a great feel for all the places/areas the characters visit or are from.
For me it was such an easy read and keeps you immersed from the start. I can't wait to be able to purchase my own copy.
This is a prequel to soulstealer book 1 of the unraveling series, yet you don’t need to read soulstealer first in order to read this one. You can take your pick on which to read first.
We meet a peddler named gideon and his father and learn about his anger and feelings from the go.
Compared to soulstealer i felt like there wasnt as much world building however you still get a great feel for all the places/areas the characters visit or are from.
For me it was such an easy read and keeps you immersed from the start. I can't wait to be able to purchase my own copy.
January 27, 2025
Really good read, but I personally preferred Soulstealer. This book focuses on how the Ilk Lord comes back, which is questioned a lot throughout the first book. I would probably recommend reading Soulstealer and Overload closely together as I did forget certain elements of Soulstealer when reading Overload.
I would recommend this to someone who enjoys a high fantasy book, but this isn't too intense and fairly easy to follow along if you have remembered the world building from Soulstealer.
Thank you so much to El McInerney for allowing me to be an ARC for this book, I am really looking forward to what is coming next.
I would recommend this to someone who enjoys a high fantasy book, but this isn't too intense and fairly easy to follow along if you have remembered the world building from Soulstealer.
Thank you so much to El McInerney for allowing me to be an ARC for this book, I am really looking forward to what is coming next.
January 28, 2025
The author has created a spellbinding world with a young boy Gidion desperately trying to escape the clutches of the Ilk Mage. There is plenty of problems along the way as he learns the truth of his father’s reasons for hiding him from the world (similar to Michelle Paver’s Wolf Brother).
It’s an enjoyable read with a dramatic ending. Well worth it!
It’s an enjoyable read with a dramatic ending. Well worth it!
March 19, 2025
I found Overlord to be much faster-paced than Soulstealer, which I enjoyed. However, there were so many spelling mistakes in this one, and it was really getting on my nerves 🙁 Also, having read Soulstealer already, I definitely saw the ending coming! Still very good book though and I did enjoy it so much! I'm waiting for the next one! 😅
February 3, 2025
Thank you El for this opportunity to read as an ARC reader. I really enjoyed this book.
The wonderful world building to the story of Gideon and his magic and potential he has! I really hope there is a next book because I'm so evicted for the potential this series has!
The wonderful world building to the story of Gideon and his magic and potential he has! I really hope there is a next book because I'm so evicted for the potential this series has!
June 15, 2026
After reading Soulstealer I had very high hopes for this book and I wasn't disappointed. The world is so well explained that it's easy to imagine it. The story keeps you turning the pages until the end. Highly recommended
March 4, 2025
Just finished this prequel after reading soulstealer first and enjoyed how we finally learn how everything in soulstealer came about great read roll on the next book in the unravelling series!
March 17, 2025
Read it in 2 days (well evenings). I only put it down cause I’m only human and I need sleep 😊
Loved it!!!!
Want more please El xx
Loved it!!!!
Want more please El xx
December 10, 2025
I loooooove sequels and this one didn't dissapoint. I almost wish the sequel also ends up being a trilogy of it's own because I cannot get enough of these characters!
March 12, 2026
everything and more!
I rarely read prequels, but this was an incredible read. Loved every second, huge fan of this series and will talk about it to anyone who’ll listen!
I rarely read prequels, but this was an incredible read. Loved every second, huge fan of this series and will talk about it to anyone who’ll listen!
July 28, 2026
Prequel to The Unravelling series, which adds even greater depth to events in Soulstealer. Can be read before or after and a great read and well written. Fantasy at its best.
July 19, 2025
This is the prequel to Soul Stealer & gave a really good back story to how it began and certain characters become who they are in Soul Stealer. Couldn't put it down
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews