Getting Started with the Demons of Fire and Night Universe
The Demons of Fire and Night Universe, crafted by the collaborative writing duo C.N. Crawford (Christine and Nick Crawford), is a masterclass in urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Spanning multiple interconnected series, this universe wraps readers in a world of dark magic, lethal court politics, enemies-to-lovers romance, and witty banter. With demons ruling the shadows of New York and fae royalty fighting for power in ancient realms, there is a lot of ground to cover.
Because the universe is composed of several distinct series, new readers often wonder where they should begin. While the authors themselves state that each subseries is designed to be self-contained and can be read independently, reading them in chronological order offers the ultimate payoff. Doing so allows you to spot recurring characters, appreciate subtle crossovers, and watch the overarching lore of the realms evolve in real-time.
The Recommended Chronological Reading Order
If you want to experience the timeline of the universe exactly as the events unfold, follow this chronological series order. This structure groups the books by their respective subseries, taking you from the demonic bargains of New York to the dangerous courts of the fae.
1. Shadows & Flame Series
This is the foundational series of the universe, introducing readers to the core rules of magic, demons, and the realms. The story follows Ursula, an amnesiac barmaid who discovers she has sold her soul to a demon and must fight to reclaim her magical lineage.
- Infernal Magic (2016)
- Nocturnal Magic (2016)
- Primeval Magic (2017)
- Eternal Magic (2019)
2. A Vampire's Mage Series
Taking place in the same universe, this series shifts the focus to witches, demigods, and vampires. It follows Rosalind, a fierce hunter who enters an uneasy, high-stakes alliance with a powerful and mysterious mage named Caine. This series contains a prequel novella, which is best read right before the first novel.
- Shadow Mage (Prequel Novella / Book 0.5) (2017)
- Magic Hunter (2016)
- Witch Hunter (2016)
- Blood Hunter (2017)
- Divine Hunter (2017)
3. A Spy Among the Fallen Series
This trilogy moves the spotlight toward the complex world of angels and fae, blending espionage elements with paranormal romance. It introduces a scrappy heroine navigating the undercover operations of the supernatural world.
- Covert Fae (2018)
- Black Ops Fae (2018)
- Rogue Fae (2019)
4. The Shadow Fae Series (Institute of the Shadow Fae)
This arc centers on Arianna, a demi-fae gladiator fighting for survival in a lethal academy tournament. It features heavy mythology, intense trials, and a brooding romance, while bringing back major characters from the wider universe.
- Court of Shadows (2018)
- Court of Darkness (2018)
- Court of Night (2018)
- Court of Dreams (2019)
5. Institute of the Storm Fae
A standalone expansion of the fae academies, continuing the themes of survival, magic school trials, and slow-burn romantic tension.
- Queen of Storms (2019)
6. Court of the Sea Fae Series
The final chronological block of the universe focuses on the depths of the ocean fae, dealing with political intrigue, dangerous kings, and an epic struggle for power.
- Dark King (2019)
- Fallen King (2019)
- Rising Queen (2020)
Alternative Starting Points & Reader Advice
Do you have to read everything in chronological order? Absolutely not. If you are not ready to commit to a 19-book marathon, you can easily select a starting point based on your favorite fantasy tropes:
- If you love demon deals and amnesia mysteries: Start with Infernal Magic (Shadows & Flame #1). It serves as the perfect introduction to how the human world and the supernatural realms interact.
- If you love urban fantasy hunters and vampire alliances: Start with Magic Hunter (A Vampire's Mage #1). It has a faster, action-oriented pace with a strong romantic core.
- If you love deadly tournaments and fae courts: Start with Court of Shadows (The Shadow Fae #1). It is highly recommended for fans of the "magical academy" trope and gladiatorial combat.
Each of these entry points is completely self-contained. You will not feel lost or confused if you start with the first book of any individual series.
Universe Crossovers and Recurring Characters
One of the biggest joys of reading the entire Demons of Fire and Night Universe is encountering familiar faces. Characters frequently cross over to assist, hinder, or guide the protagonists of other series. For instance, the powerful shadow demon Bael plays a recurring role across multiple arcs, bridging the gap between the demon-focused and fae-focused books. Similarly, characters like Caine, Rosalind, and the ancient entity Abrax pop up in unexpected places to tie the overarching lore together. Fae characters such as Aenor also appear in both Court of Dreams and the Sea Fae series, cementing the shared-world reality of these realms.
What to Know Before You Start
C.N. Crawford’s writing is known for its fast pacing, witty banter, and snappy dialogue. The books balance dark fantasy themes with a lighter, highly entertaining tone, making them quick reads that are hard to put down. Expect strong, independent heroines who rely on their wits and combat skills, paired with brooding, dangerous love interests. The romance elements are generally slow-burn, building up over the course of each series alongside the main magical conflict.