Books On Board
series Reading Order

Bloodlines Books in Order

6 Books
2011 – 2015 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path

While you can technically jump straight into the Bloodlines series, doing so will spoil key events of the original Vampire Academy books and leave you missing essential context. The absolute best way to experience this story is to start with the original series, as Bloodlines picks up directly after the dramatic conclusion of the final book, Last Sacrifice.

We recommend starting with the six Vampire Academy books first, then reading the Bloodlines series in publication order, and optionally integrating the bonus material for the complete picture.

Vampire Academy (Original Series)

  • Vampire Academy (2007)
  • Frostbite (2008)
  • Shadow Kiss (2008)
  • Blood Promise (2009)
  • Spirit Bound (2010)
  • Last Sacrifice (2010)

Bloodlines (Spin-Off Series)

  • Bloodlines (2011)
  • The Golden Lily (2012)
  • The Indigo Spell (2013)
  • The Fiery Heart (2013)
  • Silver Shadows (2014)
  • The Ruby Circle (2015)

Chronological & Publication Order Caveats

The publication order matches the chronological order of the main novels perfectly. However, there are a couple of companion stories to keep in mind if you want to capture every detail:

  • Adrian's Lost Chapter: Richelle Mead originally wrote the first chapter of Bloodlines with multiple points of view in the third person, but later switched to Sydney Sage's first-person perspective. The scrapped chapter, told from Adrian Ivashkov's point of view, was released online as a free bonus. It is best read right before or alongside the first Bloodlines novel.
  • Vampire Academy: The Untold Stories: This collection contains four companion stories (originally published in the 10th Anniversary Edition of the first book) detailing early events in the universe. While they focus on characters from the parent series, they provide excellent background lore on the magical rules and relationships that shape the spin-off.

POV Shift: What to Expect

One important detail for readers is that the storytelling structure changes midway through the series. The first three books are narrated solely from Sydney Sage's perspective. Starting in The Fiery Heart (Book 4) and continuing through the finale, the narrative alternates between Sydney and Adrian. This dual perspective allows readers to get inside Adrian's head as he struggles with spirit magic and his mental health, adding a deeper emotional resonance to the final arc.

Frequently Asked

QDo I need to read Vampire Academy before reading Bloodlines?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Bloodlines is a direct continuation of the events in Last Sacrifice, and characters like Sydney, Adrian, Jill, and Eddie first have their arcs established in the original series.

QWhat order should I read the Bloodlines books in?

You should read them in publication order: Bloodlines (2011), The Golden Lily (2012), The Indigo Spell (2013), The Fiery Heart (2013), Silver Shadows (2014), and The Ruby Circle (2015).

QWhat is 'Adrian's Lost Chapter' and when should I read it?

It is an alternate version of the first chapter of Bloodlines told from Adrian's perspective. It was released as a promotional gift to fans and can be read just before starting Bloodlines.

QDoes the perspective change throughout the Bloodlines series?

Yes. The first three books are narrated solely by Sydney Sage. Starting in the fourth book, The Fiery Heart, the narrative alternates between Sydney and Adrian.

QWhat companion stories exist for the series?

Aside from 'Adrian's Lost Chapter', readers can check out Vampire Academy: The Untold Stories, a collection of four short prequel and companion stories that expand on the history and lore of the characters.