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A.K. Larkwood

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A.K. Larkwood has published 2 books. The recommended reading order starts with The Unspoken Name (2020).

About A.K. Larkwood

A.K. Larkwood is an American fantasy author who burst onto the scene with her debut novel The Unspoken Name in 2020, immediately earning praise for her richly imagined worlds and ambitious storytelling. She crafts narratives that blend space opera, epic fantasy, and character-driven adventure into something wholly distinctive and compelling.

Her Serpent Gates series showcases Larkwood's talent for weaving complex characters with imaginative settings. The Unspoken Name introduces Csorwe, a girl destined for sacrifice who instead becomes a mage's sword, navigating themes of power, identity, and moral complexity. The sequel, The Thousand Eyes, reunites Csorwe, Shuthmili, and Tal Charossa as they face a terrifying imperial relic from an ancient snake empire.

Readers are drawn to Larkwood's subtle yet fascinating world-building and her ability to balance bold adventure with genuine emotion. Her romances feel heartfelt rather than forced, and even quieter character moments remain engaging. Fans praise her light touch with humor that works beautifully alongside darker themes.

For newcomers, start with The Unspoken Name to experience Larkwood's unique voice from the beginning. Her debut proved strong enough that devoted readers…

Tags
epic-fantasyfantasy
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Order of The Serpent Gates Books

  1. The Thousand Eyes

    Tags
    fantasyepic-fantasy
    Description
    The sequel to A. K. Larkwood's stunning debut fantasy, The Unspoken Name. The Thousand Eyes continues The Serpent Gates series—perfect for fans of Jenn Lyons, Joe Abercrombie, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Just when they thought they were out... Two years after defying the wizard Belthandros Sethennai and escaping into the great unknown, Csorwe and Shuthmili have made a new life for themselves, hunting for secrets among the ruins of an ancient snake empire. Along for the ride is Tal Charossa, determined to leave the humiliation and heartbreak of his hometown far behind him, even if it means enduring the company of his old rival and her insufferable girlfriend. All three of them would be quite happy never to see Sethennai again. But when a routine expedition goes off the rails and a terrifying imperial relic awakens, they find that a common enemy may be all it takes to bring them back into his orbit. "I cannot recommend this series enough." —Tamsyn Muir, New York Times bestselling author of Gideon the Ninth At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
    Publication date
    2022
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  2. The Unspoken Name

    Tags
    epic-fantasyfantasy
    Description
    The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood is the incredible first epic fantasy in the Serpent Gates duology. 'An astounding debut . . . unlike anything I've read before' - Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld Does she owe her life to those planning her death . . . Csorwe was raised by a death cult steeped in old magic. And on her fourteenth birthday, she’ll be sacrificed to their god. But as she waits for the end, she’s offered a chance to escape her fate. A sorcerer wants her as his assistant, sword-hand and assassin. As this involves her not dying that day, she accepts. Csorwe spends years living on a knife-edge, helping her master hunt an artefact which could change many worlds. Then comes the day she's been dreading. They encounter Csorwe’s old cult – seeking the same magical object – and Csorwe is forced to reckon with her past. She also meets Shuthmili, the war-mage who’ll change her future. If she’s to survive, Csorwe must evade her enemies, claim the artefact and stop the death cult once and for all. As she plunges from one danger to the next, the hunt is on . . . Continue the thrilling fantasy adventure with The Thousand Eyes.
    Publication date
    2020
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How We Verified This Reading Order

We verified the reading order for A.K. Larkwood's books by cross-referencing official publication dates, ISBN databases, and publisher catalogs.

Last verified: February 2026

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