How to Read the Demon Hunters Series in Order
Jaci Burton’s Demon Hunters is a paranormal romance series consisting of four novels published between 2006 and 2009. The storyline follows a group of elite warriors sworn to protect the mortal realm from demonic threats. Because the overarching narrative builds from one book to the next, the best way to experience the series is in its original publication order.
The Recommended Reading Order
- Surviving Demon Island (2006) – Centering on Gina Bliss and Derek Marks.
- Hunting the Demon (2007) – Centering on Shay Pearson and Nic Diavolo.
- The Darkest Touch (2008) – Centering on Angelique Deveraux and Ryder.
- Taken by Sin (2009) – Centering on Isabelle and Dalton.
In-Depth Book Breakdown
Each book in the series introduces a unique pairing, balancing action-heavy demon hunting with steamy romance. Below is a closer look at each entry in the saga:
1. Surviving Demon Island (2006)
The series kicks off with an incredibly creative premise. Gina Bliss is a high-profile Hollywood action star who believes she has signed up for a rugged, survivalist-style reality television show on a remote tropical island. Derek Marks is the tough-as-nails survival consultant hired to guide the contestants. However, the reality show is a front. The island is actually a hotbed for real demonic activity, and Gina has been brought there because of her latent abilities. As she and Derek face off against literal monsters, they must also navigate their sizzling attraction to one another.
2. Hunting the Demon (2007)
The second book utilizes the fallout of the first book's reality show. Shay Pearson is a demon hunter gifted with powerful psychic visions. She decides to use the remnants of the reality show as bait to lure out Nic Diavolo, a half-demon surfer and bartender with a dark family heritage. Shay is determined to execute her mission, but Nic's charm and vulnerability challenge everything she believes about demons. Their high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse quickly turns into a passionate battle for survival.
3. The Darkest Touch (2008)
The action shifts to the eerie, atmospheric bayous of Louisiana. Archaeologist Angelique Deveraux is on a quest to locate and protect a legendary, magically charged black diamond. Ryder is a scarred, brooding demon hunter whose sole mission is to ensure the artifact does not fall into the hands of the Sons of Darkness. As they delve deep into the swamplands, Ryder is forced to shield Angelique from supernatural threats while confronting the growing darkness within his own soul.
4. Taken by Sin (2009)
The epic conclusion to the series raises the stakes to a cosmic level. Isabelle is a half-demon woman who is targeted by the Sons of Darkness due to her lineage as the daughter of a powerful demon lord. Dalton is a fallen angel who has joined the forces of the Realm of Light. Tasked with protecting Isabelle, Dalton must fight his own dark impulses while warding off the demonic armies aiming to use her powers to destroy the mortal world.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
For the Demon Hunters series, the chronological order is identical to the publication order. The timeline begins on the tropical set of the reality show in Surviving Demon Island, progresses through the immediate aftermath in Hunting the Demon, moves into the hunt for powerful magical relics in The Darkest Touch, and culminates in the final showdown involving a fallen angel in Taken by Sin. Reading the books out of order is not recommended, as recurring characters make appearances and the lore surrounding the Realm of Light and the Sons of Darkness escalates with each volume.
What to Know Before You Start
Jaci Burton’s series was published during the peak of the 2000s paranormal romance boom, sharing shelves with books by authors like Larissa Ione, Gena Showalter, and Kresley Cole. Here are a few things to keep in mind before diving in:
- High Steam Factor: Burton is famous for her highly sensual, explicit romance scenes. This series leans heavily into spicy romance alongside its action plots.
- Buffy-esque Vibe: The concept of kick-ass mortal women discovering their destiny to fight supernatural threats on a tropical island or in spooky bayous feels highly reminiscent of classic late '90s and early 2000s action television.
- Self-Contained Romances: While the overarching plot against the Sons of Darkness runs through all four books, each novel features a self-contained romance with a satisfying happily-ever-after (HEA), meaning you won't be left on a romantic cliffhanger.
- No Spin-offs or Crossovers: The series is a complete, self-contained quartet. There are no additional novellas, short stories, or spin-off series set in this specific universe.