How to Read the Bloodstained Trilogy
The Bloodstained series, co-authored by horror veteran Christopher Golden and the late James A. Moore, is a cohesive trilogy that follows a single continuous timeline. Because of this, the recommended reading path is simple and direct: read the books in order of their publication. The narrative traces the life of survivor Gayle Franklin across three decades and three legendary literary settings.
Bloodstained Books in Order
- Bloodstained Oz (2006) – Set in 1933 during the Dust Bowl in Hawley, Kansas. A massive, unnatural tornado brings a vampiric, nightmarish version of Oz to Gayle Franklin's doorstep.
- Bloodstained Wonderland (2017) – Set in 1940 during the London Blitz of World War II. Gayle and fellow survivor Elisa face a new onslaught of horrors when the boundaries between our world and Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland shatter.
- Bloodstained Neverland (2024) – Set in 1967 during San Francisco's Summer of Love. The final battle converges as the Wizard of Oz, Captain Hook, and the Wicked Witch of the West clash over the Emerald Heart of Oz, turning the Lost Boys and mermaids into ravenous monsters.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
Since the series is written sequentially and progresses chronologically through history, there is no difference between the chronological order and the publication order. The story starts in 1933 (Kansas), moves to 1940 (London), and wraps up in 1967 (San Francisco).
Key Details for Collectors and Readers
Originally published in highly limited print runs by Earthling Publications, the physical editions of these novellas are sought-after collector's items. Each book features cover and interior illustrations by artist Glenn Chadbourne, whose gritty and macabre style perfectly mirrors the grimdark tone of Golden and Moore's writing. To experience the complete story, we recommend tracking down the three novellas in sequence to see Gayle's journey from a young girl in the Dust Bowl to a hardened survivor in the 1960s.