How to Read the Demon Kissed Series: The Recommended Order
If you are diving into the dark, action-packed world of H.M. Ward's Demon Kissed, the best way to experience the story is by following the core narrative path. While the series has companion novellas that take place earlier in the timeline, starting with the main books ensures you build a proper connection with the protagonist, Ivy Taylor, and understand the complex lore of the Martis and the Valefar without being spoiled.
Here is the recommended reading order for the full experience:
- Demon Kissed (Book 1) - The essential starting point where Ivy Taylor survives a demon's kiss and acquires supernatural abilities.
- Cursed (Book 2) - Ivy's high-stakes journey into the Underworld to rescue Collin.
- Valefar, Vol. 1 (Companion Novella) - Collin's backstory, best read here to add emotional depth to his character and motivations.
- Torn (Book 3) - The stakes escalate dramatically as Ivy faces betrayal and hellish trials.
- Valefar, Vol. 2 (Companion Novella) - The second part of Collin's background, expanding on his past before meeting Ivy.
- Satan's Stone (Book 4) - Ivy hunts for a powerful demonic artifact to defeat the threat of Kreturus.
- The 13th Prophecy (Book 5) - The dramatic conclusion to Ivy's main prophecy arc, wrapping up her battle for her soul.
- Assassin: Fall of the Golden Valefar (Book 6 / Eric's Story) - A post-apocalyptic spin-off focusing on Eric that serves as a bridge to a wider universe.
Publication Order of Demon Kissed Books
For purists who want to read the books exactly as H.M. Ward released them to the public, the publication order is very close to the recommended path. Ward released the main books and the companion Valefar volumes almost simultaneously during a highly productive period between 2011 and 2012.
Main Demon Kissed Series
- Demon Kissed (2011)
- Cursed (2011)
- Torn (2011)
- Satan's Stone (2012)
- The 13th Prophecy (2012)
- Assassin: Fall of the Golden Valefar (2012)
Demon Kissed: Valefar Companion Novellas
- Valefar, Vol. 1 (2011)
- Valefar, Vol. 2 (2012)
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats
If you prefer to read the series in strict chronological order based on the in-universe timeline, the structure changes slightly because of the companion novellas. Valefar, Vol. 1 and Valefar, Vol. 2 focus on Collin Smith and take place roughly one year before the events of the first book, Demon Kissed.
However, we do not recommend starting with the Valefar novellas. Because they were written as companion pieces, they assume the reader already has a basic familiarity with the concepts of the Martis (angels) and the Valefar (demons). Starting with them can feel disorienting and strip away the mystery surrounding Collin's character when he is first introduced in Ivy's story. Additionally, Assassin: Fall of the Golden Valefar takes place after the main events of The 13th Prophecy but transitions into a post-apocalyptic setting, representing a significant chronological jump forward.
Deep Dive: Main Series and Subseries Breakdown
The Main Arc: Ivy Taylor's Story (Books 1–5)
The core of the franchise follows Ivy Taylor, a seventeen-year-old high school student whose life is shattered when she survives a soul-stealing kiss from a Valefar—a half-demon, half-vampire creature. Instead of dying or losing her soul, she gains supernatural abilities and becomes the central figure of the 13th Prophecy, which dictates she could become the queen of the demons. Throughout the five main books, Ivy is caught in the middle of an ancient war between the celestial Martis (protectors of humanity) and the Valefar (servants of hell), all while navigating a forbidden romance with Collin, a demon who managed to keep his soul.
The Valefar Novellas: Collin's Backstory
The two companion novellas, Valefar, Vol. 1 and Valefar, Vol. 2, shift the focus entirely to Collin Smith. These stories explore his past and detail what occurred in the year leading up to his fateful meeting with Ivy. They provide essential context on his internal struggles, the curse of the Valefar, and his relationship with the demonic hierarchy. Note that these novellas have occasionally gone out of print or became hard to find on digital storefronts, but they remain highly valued by fans looking for complete character depth.
Assassin: Fall of the Golden Valefar (Eric's Story)
The sixth book, Assassin, functions as a spin-off that pivots the focus to another popular character: Eric. Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic future following the culmination of Ivy's arc, this novel explores the fallout of the war and Eric's path as an assassin. H.M. Ward designed this book to serve as an alternative entry point into the universe, but because it deals with the aftermath of the original five books, most fans strongly advise reading it last. It also features a shift in tone, incorporating spicier romance and more mature themes compared to the young adult rating of the earlier books.
What to Know Before You Start
Before jumping into Demon Kissed, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, this is a fast-paced, cliffhanger-heavy series that blends elements of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and supernatural horror. H.M. Ward wrote these books during the height of the indie YA paranormal romance boom, and they capture that era's high-stakes, dramatic flair.
Second, although the series has a clean resolution at the end of Book 6, H.M. Ward has previously listed an untitled seventh book on platforms like Goodreads. However, there has been no official announcement or release date for a continuation in over a decade, meaning the series should be considered complete as a six-book saga (plus the two novellas). If you decide to read, treat the ending of Assassin as the final word on the universe for the foreseeable future.