Where to Start the Amaranthine Saga
For the best reading experience, you should start with the very first novel, Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox. This book introduces the world, the concept of the Emergence (when supernatural beings revealed themselves to humanity), and the rules of the Amaranthine. It establishes the cozy, anime-inspired atmosphere that defines the rest of the series.
The Recommended Reading Order (Publication Order)
While the main Amaranthine Saga consists of seven primary novels, Forthright has written a parallel series of companion novellas called the Songs of the Amaranthine. Although the author initially described these short stories as optional, the overarching plotlines eventually interweave tightly. Forthright strongly recommends reading both series in the order they were published.
Following the publication order prevents spoilers and ensures you have all the necessary context for the later books, particularly before starting the sixth novel, Pimiko and the Uncharted Island.
- Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox (Amaranthine Saga #1) - 2018
- Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga #2) - 2018
- Marked by Stars (Songs of the Amaranthine #1) - 2018
- Followed by Thunder (Songs of the Amaranthine #2) - 2019
- Tamiko and the Two Janitors (Amaranthine Saga #3) - 2019
- Dragged through Hedgerows (Songs of the Amaranthine #3) - 2019
- Governed by Whimsy (Songs of the Amaranthine #4) - 2020
- Mikoto and the Reaver Village (Amaranthine Saga #4) - 2020
- Hemmed in Silver (Songs of the Amaranthine #5) - 2020
- Captured on Film (Songs of the Amaranthine #6) - 2021
- Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate (Amaranthine Saga #5) - 2021
- Bathed in Moonlight (Songs of the Amaranthine #7) - 2021
- Flattered by Flowers (Songs of the Amaranthine #8) - 2022
- Pimiko and the Uncharted Island (Amaranthine Saga #6) - 2022
- Scribbled in Margins (Songs of the Amaranthine #9) - 2023
- Rhomiko and the Confirmed Bachelor (Amaranthine Saga #7) - 2024
The Chronological Order (For Completionists)
If you are planning a reread or want to experience the history of the world in the exact order the events occur, you can read chronologically. Be aware that this shifts some of the short stories and prequels to the very beginning, which might make the initial world-building harder to follow for first-time readers.
- Followed by Thunder (Prequel era)
- Scribbled in Margins
- Marked by Stars
- Bathed in Moonlight
- Flattered by Flowers
- Governed by Whimsy
- Hemmed in Silver
- Dragged through Hedgerows
- Captured on Film
- Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
- Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
- Tamiko and the Two Janitors
- Mikoto and the Reaver Village
- Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
- Pimiko and the Uncharted Island
- Rhomiko and the Confirmed Bachelor
Note: Forthright's ongoing blog serials, such as Lord Mettlebright's Man, bridge the gaps between several of these titles and are updated directly on the author's website.