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series Reading Order

Chronicles of Elantra Books in Order

19 Books
2001 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Chronicles of Elantra

The best place to begin the series is with the first published novel, Cast in Shadow. While there is a prequel novella, starting with the first full novel allows you to discover the complex city of Elantra, its sentient towers, and its diverse races alongside Kaylin Neya as she begins her career with the Hawks.

Chronicles of Elantra Main Series in Publication Order

Michelle Sagara's main series follows Kaylin's career through the Halls of Law. The core reading path follows the publication order below:

  • Cast in Shadow (2005)
  • Cast in Courtlight (2006)
  • Cast in Secret (2007)
  • Cast in Fury (2008)
  • Cast in Silence (2009)
  • Cast in Chaos (2010)
  • Cast in Ruin (2011)
  • Cast in Peril (2012)
  • Cast in Sorrow (2013)
  • Cast in Flame (2014)
  • Cast in Honor (2015)
  • Cast in Flight (2016)
  • Cast in Deception (2018)
  • Cast in Oblivion (2019)
  • Cast in Wisdom (2020)
  • Cast in Conflict (2021)
  • Cast in Eternity (2022)
  • Cast in Atonement (2024)
  • Cast in Blood (2026)

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats

The main reading caveat centers around the prequel novella, Cast in Moonlight. Set before the events of the first book when Kaylin was still a fugitive in the fiefs, it was first published in the 2010 anthology Harvest Moon (and later as a standalone ebook in 2012). While it sits first chronologically, we recommend reading it after Cast in Shadow or Cast in Courtlight when you already understand the world's factions and terminology.

Spin-Offs and Companion Series

Elantra has grown to include two distinct companion series that expand the lore and follow other fan-favorite characters. We recommend reading them at specific points in the main series:

The Wolves of Elantra

This spin-off shifts focus to Severn Handred, Kaylin's partner. It is best read after Cast in Flight (Book 12) or Cast in Deception (Book 13):

  1. The Emperor's Wolves (2020)
  2. Sword and Shadow (2022)

Lessons of the Academia (The Academia Chronicles)

This subseries deals with the reopening of the ancient Academia and takes place after the events of Cast in Eternity (Book 17):

  1. Shards of Glass (2023)
  2. Heir of Light (2025)

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting book for the Chronicles of Elantra?

You should start with the first novel, Cast in Shadow (2005). Beginning here introduces the world and character dynamics exactly as the author intended.

QWhere does the novella Cast in Moonlight fit in the reading order?

Chronologically, Cast in Moonlight is a prequel set before the first book. However, it is best read after Cast in Shadow or Cast in Courtlight once you are familiar with the setting.

QWhen should I read The Wolves of Elantra spin-off series?

The spin-off series focusing on Severn Handred is best read after finishing Cast in Flight (Book 12) or Cast in Deception (Book 13).

QWhat order should I read Lessons of the Academia (The Academia Chronicles)?

The Academia series should be read after Cast in Eternity (Book 17) of the main Chronicles of Elantra series.

QAre Michelle Sagara and Michelle West the same author?

Yes. The author writes the Chronicles of Elantra under the name Michelle Sagara, but publishes other fantasy series like The House War under her pen name, Michelle West.