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series Reading Order

Cousins’ War Books in Order

30 Books
2 Reading orders
2001 – 2017 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start the Cousins’ War Series

If you want to experience the saga as it was written, we recommend starting with The White Queen. This book introduces the key conflicts of the Wars of the Roses and establishes the series' signature blend of political intrigue and female agency. However, if you prefer a strict historical timeline, you can start with The Lady of the Rivers, which serves as a prequel set during the early reign of King Henry VI.

Cousins’ War Publication Order

Originally published between 2009 and 2014, the Cousins’ War series focuses specifically on the Plantagenet dynasty and the Wars of the Roses. Reading in publication order lets you experience the story exactly as Philippa Gregory unfolded it for her readers:

  1. The White Queen (2009)
  2. The Red Queen (2010)
  3. The Lady of the Rivers (2011)
  4. The Kingmaker’s Daughter (2012)
  5. The White Princess (2013)
  6. The King’s Curse (2014)

The Plantagenet and Tudor Chronological Order

Philippa Gregory officially merged the Cousins’ War books and the Tudor Court books into a single overarching series: The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels. Here is how the Cousins’ War books slot into the complete 15-novel chronological timeline alongside their Tudor counterparts:

  1. The Lady of the Rivers (2011) – Cousins’ War
  2. The White Queen (2009) – Cousins’ War
  3. The Red Queen (2010) – Cousins’ War
  4. The Kingmaker's Daughter (2012) – Cousins’ War
  5. The White Princess (2013) – Cousins’ War
  6. The Constant Princess (2005)
  7. The King's Curse (2014) – Cousins’ War
  8. Three Sisters, Three Queens (2016)
  9. The Other Boleyn Girl (2001)
  10. The Boleyn Inheritance (2006)
  11. The Taming of the Queen (2015)
  12. The Queen's Fool (2003)
  13. The Virgin's Lover (2004)
  14. The Last Tudor (2017)
  15. The Other Queen (2008)

Chronological Caveats and Overlaps

While a chronological read offers a seamless journey through English history, it is worth noting that several books overlap in their timelines. For instance, The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker's Daughter all cover similar historical years (roughly 1464 to 1485) but from the perspectives of different rival women: Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville, respectively. Reading these back-to-back in chronological order can feel repetitive for some, whereas reading in publication order keeps the narrative perspectives fresh.

BBC Adaptation and Screen Connections

The Cousins’ War served as the primary basis for the 2013 BBC/Starz television adaptation The White Queen. The ten-part television series adapted three of the novels: The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker's Daughter. A sequel series, The White Princess, was released in 2017, adapting the novel of the same name.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting book for the Cousins’ War?

We recommend starting with The White Queen as it introduces the core conflicts of the Wars of the Roses. If you prefer reading chronologically, start with the prequel, The Lady of the Rivers.

QHow are the Cousins’ War and the Tudor Court series related?

Philippa Gregory has officially combined both series into a single 15-book sequence called The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels. The Cousins’ War books serve as the Plantagenet-era foundation of this larger saga.

QWhich books were adapted into the television series The White Queen?

The 2013 BBC and Starz television series The White Queen adapted three novels: The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker’s Daughter.

QDo I need to read the Cousins’ War books in order?

While each novel can technically stand alone, reading them in either publication order or chronological order is highly recommended to fully appreciate the complex political struggles and family dynamics.

QAre the Cousins’ War books historically accurate?

The books are works of historical fiction grounded in deep research. While Gregory uses real historical events and figures, she fills in personal details, dialogues, and occasionally incorporates elements of family folklore (such as the magical heritage of Jacquetta of Luxembourg).

QWho is the main character of the Cousins’ War series?

There is no single main character; instead, the series is told from the perspective of different powerful women of the era, including Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, and Anne Neville.