Dragon Kin Books in Order

Where to Start Reading the Dragon Kin Series

For readers diving into G.A. Aiken's chaotic, steamy, and laugh-out-loud fantasy world, the ultimate question is where to begin. The short answer: start with Dragon Actually. While some readers are tempted to start chronologically with the prequel novellas, doing so is not recommended. The novellas rely heavily on the context, humor, and world-building established in the main novels. Starting with the first published novel introduces you to the core dragon family and the political landscape of the world naturally.

Each book in the series features a different central romance, meaning their individual love stories resolve by the end of each book. However, the overarching plot—involving warring kingdoms, family rivalries, and shifting alliances—develops continuously across the series. Reading the books out of order will spoil major plot points and make the recurring character appearances far less satisfying.

Dragon Kin Publication Order

The author-preferred way to experience the Dragon Kin universe is in publication order. This matches the way the world was originally revealed, ensuring you aren't spoiled by prequel stories that were written with long-time fans in mind. Here is the publication order of the books and novellas:

• Dragon Actually (2004/2008): Originally published as the ebook To Challenge a Dragon in 2004, this first full-length novel follows Annwyl the Bloody, a fierce human warrior princess, and Fearghus the Destroyer, a grumpy dragon shifter. It establishes the central tone of high-octane violence, steamy romance, and sharp banter.
• About a Dragon (2006/2008): Originally published as the ebook The Distressing Damsel, this story pairs Briec the Mighty, a vain silver dragon, with Talaith, a clever Nolwenn witch fleeing for her life.
• What a Dragon Should Know (2009): This fan-favorite novel follows the charming and beautiful Gwenvael the Handsome as he attempts to woo Dagmar Reinholdt, a brilliant and highly manipulative human coordinator.
• Last Dragon Standing (2010): The spotlight shifts to Keita the Harper (a cunning dragoness who hides her lethal intelligence behind a shallow facade) and Ragnar the Cunning, a fierce warlord from the Northlands.
• Dragon on Top (2011 Novella): Originally published in the Supernatural anthology, this novella focuses on Ghleanna the Decapitator and Bram the Beast as they navigate a steamy, battle-filled romance.
• The Dragon Who Loved Me (2011): This novel follows Rhona the Fearless, a reliable dragon warrior, and Vigholf the Abhorrent, a northern dragon warrior who is determined to win her heart.
• How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (2012): This story centers on Éibhear the Blue, the youngest brother of Fearghus, and Isabail (Izzy), the battle-hardened daughter of Talaith and Briec.
• A Tale of Two Dragons (2013 Novella): A short, comedic prequel novella detailing the romance between Braith and Addolgar the Cheerful. It is frequently packaged with special editions of Dragon Actually.
• Light My Fire (2014): The romance centers on Celyn the Charming, a gold dragon royal guard, and Elina Shestakov, a fierce rider from the barbarian Steppes.
• Feel the Burn (2015): This book pairs Gaius Domitus, a one-eyed rebel dragon king, with Kachka, a ruthless barbarian warrior from the Eastern Steppes.
• Bring the Heat (2017): The final main novel centers on Aidan the Divine, a royal gold dragon, and Branwen the Awful, a low-born beast-handling warrior.
• Can't Get Enough (2020 Novella): Originally published in the 2008 anthology Everlasting Bad Boys under Shelly Laurenston, this prequel novella focusing on Fearghus's parents, Ailean the Bashful and Shalin, was released as a standalone e-book in 2020.

Dragon Kin Chronological Order

If you are planning a re-read or prefer to follow the historical timeline of the characters' lives, you can rearrange the books chronologically. This order places the stories of the older generation first:

1. Can't Get Enough (Prequel novella featuring Ailean and Shalin)
2. A Tale of Two Dragons (Prequel novella featuring Addolgar and Braith)
3. Chains & Flames (Bonus novella often included in Dragon Actually, taking place before the main book)
4. Dragon Actually
5. Dragon on Top (Chronologically fits early in the timeline, before the events of the later novels)
6. About a Dragon
7. What a Dragon Should Know
8. Last Dragon Standing
9. The Dragon Who Loved Me
10. How to Drive a Dragon Crazy
11. Light My Fire
12. Feel the Burn
13. Bring the Heat

The Spin-Off: The Scarred Earth Saga

Once you finish the main Dragon Kin series, you don't have to leave the universe. G.A. Aiken has continued writing in this shared world with The Scarred Earth Saga. This spin-off series shifts focus away from the main dragon clans to the broader world, specifically focusing on the Hill Lands and a new cast of characters including battle-hardened blacksmiths, centaurs, and warrior nuns.

While the tone remains identical—packed with graphic action, steamy romance, and hilarious family arguments—the focus is on different myths. However, characters from the Dragon Kin series do make guest appearances, making it a true treat for returning readers. The reading order for the spin-off is:

1. The Blacksmith Queen (2019)
2. The Princess Knight (2020)
3. The Heretic Royal (2022)
4. The Farmer Prince (Upcoming)

What to Know Before You Start

The most important thing to know before starting the Dragon Kin series is the tone. This is high fantasy mixed with high-heat paranormal romance and dark comedy. The heroines are often more violent, bloodthirsty, and stubborn than the heroes, resulting in a fun dynamic where the shape-shifting dragons are frequently overwhelmed by their human mates.

Additionally, G.A. Aiken is the fantasy-writing pseudonym of Shelly Laurenston. Under the Laurenston name, she writes contemporary shape-shifter romances (such as the Pride series and the Honey Badger Chronicles). If you enjoy the fast-paced, dialogue-driven humor of Dragon Kin, her contemporary books offer a very similar reading experience.