11+ Reading Books – The Cadwaladr Chronicles and Quests Reading Order
The Cadwaladr Series – 11+ Vocabulary Reading Books for Exam Prep
The Cadwaladr Chronicles and Cadwaladr Quests form a structured seven-book 11+ vocabulary reading series, designed to prepare children for the 11+ through engaging storylines and built-in word-learning tools. Each novel includes a built-in dictionary and Knowledge Nuggets that explain literary devices, comprehension techniques, and SPaG.
Supporting workbooks are available for some novels and are clearly marked as follows:
- Green triangle – for use with the novel only
- Orange triangle – standalone vocabulary revision notebooks
- Blue triangle – standalone comprehension and verbal skills workbooks (no novel required)
The Cadwaladr Chronicles – 11+ Vocabulary Reading Books for Years 4–5 (Books 1–4, Prequel Series)
Four fantasy-adventure novels set in twelfth-century Wales, following Callwen ‘Cad’ Cadwaladr’s journey. These can be read independently or as a lead-in to The Cadwaladr Quests trilogy.
Book One – Trap
Cad guards a secret. When tragedy strikes, she’s imprisoned in Catrin Castle’s high tower. Can she escape in time to save her brother, Prince John?
Workbook – Green triangle: Trap Vocabulary, Comprehension, Verbal Skills & Creative Writing Workbook – to be used only with the novel.
Book Two – Cipher
Sickness strikes the castle, and a stolen cipher may hold the key. Cad and her friends race to solve the puzzle – but Cad may have to act alone.
Book Three – Siege
Cad wakes from a poisoned stupor, mute and memory lost. The castle is under siege. Can she destroy a deadly new weapon before everything falls?
Book Four – Escape
A visiting dignitary is murdered. Catrin Castle descends into chaos. Cad must face treason, secrets and Templars to save the Knights Hawk.
The Cadwaladr Quests – 11+ Vocabulary Reading Books for Year 5 (Books 5–7, Main Trilogy)
This present-day fantasy trilogy continues the series with Claire as the lead. Each novel builds advanced 11+ vocabulary through fast-paced adventure.
Book One – Tangled Time
Claire discovers she’s descended from twelfth-century knights who need her help. With time-manipulating guardians, she must protect a dangerous artefact.
Workbook – Green triangle: Tangled Time Vocabulary, Comprehension & Creative Writing Workbook – to be used only with the novel.
Revision Notebook – Orange triangle: Vocabulary Revision Notebook for Tangled Time – standalone, does not require the novel.
Verbal Skills Workbook 1 – Blue triangle: Comprehension & Verbal Skills Workbook based on Tangled Time – standalone, does not require the novel.
Book Two – Race for the Gold
Time is running out. The knights are stricken, and the Gwalch Gem is missing. Claire must face betrayal and reach Cadwaladr Castle to save her friends.
Revision Notebook – Orange triangle: Vocabulary Revision Notebook for Race for the Gold – standalone, does not require the novel.
Verbal Skills Workbook 2 – Blue triangle: Comprehension & Verbal Skills Workbook based on Race for the Gold – standalone, does not require the novel.
Book Three – Cat’s Eye
The Master is dead. Jayne Lewis is free. Claire faces betrayal, mountain storms and a final showdown that could destroy everything.
This is the finale of the Cadwaladr Quests.
Where to Start with the Cadwaladr Series – 11+ Vocabulary Reading Books
If you're new to the series, your child can begin in one of two places:
- Start with the Cadwaladr Chronicles (Books 1–4) – ideal for Years 4–5, introducing the world, characters and vocabulary structure.
- Or begin directly with the Cadwaladr Quests (Books 5–7) – suitable for confident Year 5 readers. This trilogy can be read on its own.