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Blackthorn Books in Order

8 Books
2012 – 2019 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Blackthorn Series

Lindsay J. Pryor’s Blackthorn series is a dark paranormal romance saga set in a dystopian society where humans police the third species: vampires, lycans, and witches. Because the series features a complex, overarching storyline and a continuous plot that builds from book to book, the author strongly recommends reading the books in publication order.

Blackthorn Books in Publication Order

To experience the full weight of the character relationships, political intrigue, and the central prophecy, you should read the Blackthorn books in this order:

  1. Blood Shadows (2012) – Introduces the fiery dynamic between Caitlin Parish and master vampire Kane Malloy.
  2. Blood Roses (2013) – Follows the slow-burning attraction between Leila, a serryn witch, and Caleb Dehain.
  3. Blood Torn (2014) – Focuses on lycan leader Jask Tao and serryn witch Sophia.
  4. Blood Deep (2014) – Explores the mystery surrounding Caitlin's cousin Eden and the elusive vampire Sirius.
  5. Blood Dark (2015) – Returns to Kane and Caitlin as the stakes in Blackthorn rise.
  6. Blood Instinct (2016) – Focuses on lycan Caleb and the half-vampire, half-lycan Jemma.
  7. Blood Bound (2016) – Weaves the fates of the characters closer together as the prophecy nears.
  8. Blood Broken (2019) – The epic, action-packed finale that wraps up the entire series.

Lowtown: The Standalone Spin-off Series

For readers who want to explore more of Lindsay J. Pryor's world, the author created the Lowtown spin-off series. These books are set in Lowtown, a corrupt, stratified neighboring district mentioned in Blackthorn.

Unlike the main Blackthorn series, the Lowtown books are written as standalones. They do not have an overarching plot or cliffhangers, meaning you can read them in any order or skip them entirely without affecting your understanding of the main series. The Lowtown books include:

  • Haven (2017)
  • Rogue (2019)

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for the Blackthorn series?

It is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. The books follow a continuous, overarching plot, and skipping books will make the overarching story and character developments difficult to follow.

QWhere should I start reading Lindsay J. Pryor's books?

You should start with Blood Shadows, the first book in the Blackthorn series. This book establishes the dystopian setting, the rules of the world, and introduces the central plotlines.

QDo I need to read Blackthorn before reading the Lowtown spin-off?

No. The Lowtown series books (Haven and Rogue) are standalones that can be read in any order and do not require prior knowledge of the main Blackthorn series, though reading both offers a richer understanding of the world.

QIs the Blackthorn series finished?

Yes. The main Blackthorn series concluded with the eighth book, Blood Broken, which was published in 2019.

QWho are the main characters of the Blackthorn series?

The series features a rotating cast of couples, including Caitlin Parish and Kane Malloy, Leila and Caleb Dehain, and Sophia and Jask Tao, whose stories intertwine throughout the overarching plot.

QWhat genres do the Blackthorn books belong to?

The series is a blend of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and dystopian fiction, featuring mature themes and a gritty atmosphere.