Recommended Reading Order
The core Alex Verus series follows a strict chronological progression that aligns perfectly with its publication order. Benedict Jacka crafted the story as a continuous, 12-book narrative. Because major plot developments carry over from one book to the next, we recommend reading the main series in publication order. In addition to the main novels, there are two companion novellas, Favours and Gardens, which add extra depth to side characters and the aftermath of the finale.
The Complete Alex Verus Reading List
Here is the recommended reading path for the entire Alex Verus series, including where the novellas fit into the timeline:
- Fated (2012) - The first novel. Alex Verus is hired to retrieve a powerful relic, thrusting him into the crosshairs of London's Light and Dark mages.
- Cursed (2012) - Alex agrees to protect a young woman cursed with a magic that drains the life of anyone close to her.
- Taken (2012) - Mages are disappearing in London, and Alex must investigate a tournament held by the ruling Council.
- Chosen (2013) - Alex's dark past catches up with him as his former master, Richard Drakh, returns to London.
- Hidden (2014) - When Alex's apprentice Luna accidentally triggers a powerful curse, he must find a way to save her.
- Veiled (2015) - To escape political pressure, Alex takes a job as an independent investigator for the Light Council.
- Favours (2021) - Novella #6.1. Centered on the time mage Sonder, this side story is set between Veiled and Burned. It is best read here, though it was published later.
- Burned (2016) - The Council turns on Alex, forcing him to make alliances with dangerous factions.
- Bound (2017) - Alex attempts to navigate the dangerous political games of the magical establishment.
- Marked (2018) - The conflict between Light and Dark mages escalates, and Alex's name is placed on the execution list.
- Fallen (2019) - Out of options, Alex is forced to take drastic measures to survive and protect his friends.
- Forged (2020) - The penultimate book, where Alex faces off against the Dark mage Richard Drakh in a bid for survival.
- Risen (2021) - The epic final book of the main series, concluding Alex's core storyline.
- Gardens (2022) - Novella #12.1. Set four months after Risen, this epilogue story offers an outsider's view of the aftermath. Warning: Read this only after finishing Risen to avoid major spoilers.
Novellas and Companion Stories
Unlike many urban fantasy series with sprawling spin-offs, Benedict Jacka kept the Alex Verus universe focused. The two companion novellas are self-published and focus on other characters in the universe:
- Favours: Written from the perspective of Sonder, a time mage who frequently colludes with and clashes with Alex. It fills in the gap between Veiled and Burned while Sonder is working for Caldera.
- Gardens: Set after the events of Risen, it provides a darker, horror-tinged look at the new status quo from an outsider's point of view. It is currently exclusive to Amazon's Kindle Store.
Are There Spin-Offs or Crossovers?
Benedict Jacka has not co-authored any books in this universe, and there are no direct spin-off series. While Jacka launched a new urban fantasy series starting with An Inheritance of Magic (2023), he has confirmed that it takes place in a completely different universe with a distinct magic system (drucraft) and has no connection to the Alex Verus books.