Leigh Bardugo’s books stretch from the war-torn kingdoms of the Grishaverse to the secret societies of Yale and the dangerous magic of 16th-century Madrid. That range is part of her appeal, but it can also make deciding where to begin more complicated than expected.
The simplest answer is that Bardugo’s three major bodies of work are separate. The Grishaverse begins with Shadow and Bone, the Alex Stern trilogy begins with Ninth House, and The Familiar is a completely standalone adult fantasy novel. You do not need to read one universe before starting another.
Within the Grishaverse, however, reading order matters. Characters and political consequences move from one series into the next, especially by the time readers reach the King of Scars duology. This guide lists every main series in the best first-time reading order, explains where the companion books belong and separates Bardugo’s standalones and picture books from her connected novels.
Leigh Bardugo Books in Order at a Glance
The Grishaverse main reading order
- Shadow and Bone (2012)
- Siege and Storm (2013)
- Ruin and Rising (2014)
- Six of Crows (2015)
- Crooked Kingdom (2016)
- King of Scars (2019)
- Rule of Wolves (2021)
The Alex Stern trilogy in order
Standalone novels
The lists above cover the novels. Bardugo has also written Grishaverse stories, illustrated companion books, short fiction and picture books, all of which are included later in this guide.
What Is the Best Order to Read Leigh Bardugo’s Books?
New readers should follow publication order within each connected universe. For the Grishaverse, that means reading the Shadow and Bone trilogy first, the Six of Crows duology second and the King of Scars duology third.
It is possible to start with Six of Crows. Bardugo’s official Grishaverse reading guide says the duology begins two years after Ruin and Rising, in a different country and with a new cast. It also warns that doing so may reveal events from the original trilogy. Readers who want the richest experience, and the fewest spoilers, should begin with Shadow and Bone.
Do not start the Grishaverse with King of Scars. That duology draws heavily on both earlier series, follows returning characters and continues conflicts established across the first five novels.
The Alex Stern books are entirely separate from the Grishaverse. They are adult dark-fantasy novels and should simply be read in numbered order, beginning with Ninth House.
The Grishaverse Books in Order
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy
1. Shadow and Bone (2012)
Alina Starkov is an orphan and mapmaker serving in Ravka’s First Army when a journey across the Shadow Fold reveals a power she never knew she possessed. Taken to the royal court and trained among the magical Grisha, she finds herself at the center of a conflict involving the mysterious Darkling and the future of Ravka.
This is the proper starting point for the Grishaverse. It introduces the world’s magic, political divisions and vocabulary while establishing characters whose choices echo through later books.
2. Siege and Storm (2013)
The second book expands the series beyond the palace and brings new forces into the struggle for Ravka. It introduces Nikolai Lantsov, who later becomes central to the King of Scars duology.
3. Ruin and Rising (2014)
The trilogy concludes Alina’s central story and resolves the war surrounding the Shadow Fold. Its ending shapes the political order readers encounter in every later Grishaverse series.
The Six of Crows Duology
4. Six of Crows (2015)
Two years after the original trilogy, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker assembles a crew for an almost impossible heist. The story moves to Ketterdam and introduces Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Nina, Matthias and Wylan.
This is the strongest alternate entry point for readers who prefer heists, shifting points of view and morally complicated characters. It stands on its own well enough to be understood, although reading the original trilogy first adds useful context.
5. Crooked Kingdom (2016)
Crooked Kingdom begins after the events of Six of Crows and completes the crew’s main two-book arc. These novels should be read back-to-back.
Optional follow-up: Six of Crows: A Darker Shore, Letters from Ketterdam (2026)
Published on June 30, 2026, A Darker Shore is an illustrated short story told through letters, reports and other found documents. It takes place after Crooked Kingdom and brings readers back to Ketterdam, with a mystery involving a feared sea captain, the Wraith and correspondence connected to Kaz Brekker.
Bardugo’s official description identifies it as a Grishaverse short story rather than a full third Crows novel. Read it only after Crooked Kingdom. Because it was released after all seven main Grishaverse novels, publication-order purists may prefer to save it until after Rule of Wolves.
The King of Scars Duology
6. King of Scars (2019)
Nikolai Lantsov attempts to rebuild Ravka while confronting threats outside the country and a darkness within himself. Nina Zenik’s story also continues after the Six of Crows duology.
This is where the earlier branches of the Grishaverse converge. Readers should finish both Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows before beginning it.
7. Rule of Wolves (2021)
Rule of Wolves concludes the duology and currently serves as the ending of the main seven-novel Grishaverse sequence. The book rewards familiarity with characters and events from both earlier series, which is why publication order works better than trying to rearrange the novels chronologically.
Where Do the Grishaverse Companion Books Fit?
The companion books are optional, but several add history, folklore and texture to Bardugo’s world.
The Language of Thorns (2017)
This illustrated collection contains six dark fairy tales from the Grishaverse. The stories can be read without knowledge of the novels, and Bardugo’s official guide calls the collection suitable even for someone new to the world. For an uninterrupted first read of the main story, place it after Crooked Kingdom.
The Lives of Saints (2020)
This illustrated collection recounts the lives of saints referenced throughout the Grishaverse. It is spoiler-free, but it will mean more once readers understand the world’s faith and culture. Read it after the original trilogy or before Rule of Wolves.
Demon in the Wood (2022)
This graphic novel explores the Darkling’s childhood. Although it is a prequel, the author’s official reading guiderecommends experiencing it after Shadow and Bone. That preserves the mystery around the character rather than revealing his background too early.
The Severed Moon: A Year-Long Journal of Magic (2019)
The Severed Moon is a guided journal containing writing prompts and quotations inspired by the Grishaverse. It is not a novel and does not advance the series plot.
The most complete Grishaverse reading order
Readers who want the novels and companion books in a smooth first-time order can use this sequence:
- Shadow and Bone
- Siege and Storm
- Ruin and Rising
- Demon in the Wood
- Six of Crows
- Crooked Kingdom
- The Language of Thorns
- King of Scars
- The Lives of Saints
- Rule of Wolves
- Six of Crows: A Darker Shore, Letters from Ketterdam
The Severed Moon can be used at any point after beginning the series.
The Alex Stern Books in Order
The Alex Stern series, now officially a completed trilogy, is adult dark fantasy set around Yale University and its secret societies. It is darker and more violent than the Grishaverse novels, with occult horror, murder investigations and themes of trauma and institutional power.
1. Ninth House (2019)
Galaxy “Alex” Stern receives an unexpected opportunity to attend Yale and monitor the university’s secret societies, whose rituals involve real magic. When a murder occurs, Alex begins investigating despite pressure from people who would rather keep Yale’s secrets buried.
2. Hell Bent (2023)
The second novel continues Alex’s search for Darlington and sends her deeper into the occult systems surrounding Yale and New Haven. It is a direct sequel and should not be read first.
3. Dead Beat (2026)
Released September 15, 2026, Dead Beat is the third and final volume. Demons are moving through New Haven after Alex’s journeys to hell, while Alex and her allies confront the Lethe Board, Yale’s societies and secrets connected to Alex herself.
Bardugo’s site identifies it as book three of the Ninth House trilogy, and publisher Flatiron Books calls it the trilogy’s conclusion. This makes the Alex Stern story a complete three-book reading project as of 2026.
Leigh Bardugo’s Standalone Novels
Wonder Woman: Warbringer (2017)
Written for the DC Icons series, Wonder Woman: Warbringer is a self-contained young adult novel about a teenage Diana. Readers do not need prior knowledge of Bardugo’s books or the wider DC universe to follow it.
The Familiar (2024)
Set in Madrid during the Spanish Golden Age, The Familiar follows Luzia Cotado, a servant whose small magical miracles attract the attention of powerful and dangerous people. It is an adult historical fantasy about ambition, faith, identity and survival under the threat of the Inquisition.
The book is unrelated to both the Grishaverse and Alex Stern. For readers drawn to Bardugo’s adult writing but hesitant about the horror elements in Ninth House, The Familiar may be the better place to start.
Leigh Bardugo’s Picture Books
The Invisible Parade (2025)
Written by Bardugo and John Picacio, The Invisible Parade is a picture book set during Día de Muertos. It follows Cala, a grieving child who encounters four mysterious riders after becoming separated from her family at a cemetery. This is a standalone story for younger readers and families.
Better Pets (2026)
Illustrated by Liz Climo, Better Pets follows children exploring a magical pet emporium filled with playful creatures. It is a standalone picture book rather than part of one of Bardugo’s fantasy series.
Leigh Bardugo’s Short Stories and Anthology Contributions
Bardugo has contributed stories to several multi-author anthologies. These are not required reading for any of her series:
- “Verse Chorus Verse” in Slasher Girls & Monster Boys (2015)
- “Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail” in Summer Days and Summer Nights (2016)
- “The Witch of Duva” in The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2017; the story also appears in The Language of Thorns
- “We Are Not Amazons” in Last Night, a Superhero Saved My Life (2016)
Some individual Grishaverse stories were published separately before being collected or adapted into later books. Readers buying current editions will generally find the major pieces most conveniently in The Language of Thorns and Demon in the Wood.
Leigh Bardugo Books in Publication Order
For collectors and readers who prefer release order, this list covers Bardugo’s principal novels and single-author books:
- Shadow and Bone (2012)
- Siege and Storm (2013)
- Ruin and Rising (2014)
- Six of Crows (2015)
- Crooked Kingdom (2016)
- Wonder Woman: Warbringer (2017)
- The Language of Thorns (2017)
- King of Scars (2019)
- Ninth House (2019)
- The Severed Moon (2019)
- The Lives of Saints (2020)
- Rule of Wolves (2021)
- Demon in the Wood (2022)
- Hell Bent (2023)
- The Familiar (2024)
- The Invisible Parade (2025)
- Better Pets (2026)
- Six of Crows: A Darker Shore, Letters from Ketterdam (2026)
- Dead Beat (2026)
This list separates original works from anniversary editions, boxed sets and collections that repackage previously published novels.
Where Should You Start With Leigh Bardugo?
The best starting point depends on the kind of story you want:
- Start with Shadow and Bone for the complete Grishaverse experience.
- Start with Six of Crows for a fast-moving fantasy heist and Bardugo’s most popular ensemble cast.
- Start with Ninth House for adult dark academia, occult mystery and a much darker tone.
- Start with The Familiar for standalone historical fantasy with no series commitment.
- Start with The Invisible Parade if you are choosing a Bardugo book for a child or a family read-aloud.
My recommendation for a new fantasy reader is Shadow and Bone if you already know you want to explore the whole Grishaverse. If you are testing Bardugo’s work with a single book, Six of Crows offers the strongest combination of intricate plotting, memorable characters and an immersive setting, even though it reveals a few details from the earlier trilogy.
Do You Have to Read Shadow and Bone Before Six of Crows?
No. Six of Crows introduces a new story, location and central cast, so readers can understand its heist without reading the trilogy first. However, it takes place after Ruin and Rising and can spoil parts of the trilogy’s outcome.
Readers who prioritize character context and world history should begin with Shadow and Bone. Readers who mainly want the Crows and do not mind minor spoilers can start with Six of Crows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grishaverse novels are there?
There are seven main Grishaverse novels: three Shadow and Bone books, two Six of Crows books and two King of Scarsbooks. A Darker Shore is an additional illustrated short story, while The Language of Thorns, The Lives of Saints and Demon in the Wood are companion works.
Is Ninth House connected to Shadow and Bone?
No. The Alex Stern trilogy and the Grishaverse take place in separate fictional worlds. Readers can begin either series without knowing the other.
Is the Alex Stern series finished?
Yes. Dead Beat, published September 15, 2026, is the third book and the announced conclusion to the Ninth Housetrilogy.
Is The Familiar part of a series?
No. The Familiar is a standalone adult historical fantasy novel and can be read by itself.
Is there a third Six of Crows novel?
There is no full third Six of Crows novel. A Darker Shore, Letters from Ketterdam is a shorter illustrated, found-document story set after Crooked Kingdom, not a conventional sequel novel.
Final Thoughts
Leigh Bardugo’s bibliography looks complicated because it includes multiple series, age categories and formats, but the central paths are straightforward. Read the seven main Grishaverse novels in publication order, read the three Alex Stern books in order, and approach Wonder Woman: Warbringer and The Familiar as standalones.
For most fantasy readers, the complete journey from Shadow and Bone through Rule of Wolves remains the most rewarding route. Readers who prefer darker adult fiction can instead begin with Ninth House, now knowing that Alex Stern’s story has a finished three-book arc.
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