The Recommended Reading Order
Because the Dreamhouse Kings series is written as one continuous, chronological narrative with massive cliffhangers ending almost every volume, there is only one way to experience it: in publication order. Skipping ahead or reading the books out of sequence will spoil major twists and leave you lost in time.
Here is the recommended reading order for the main series:
- House of Dark Shadows (2008) – The King family moves from Los Angeles to a creepy Victorian fixer-upper in Pinedale, California. Xander, David, and Toria discover that the house has portals to different historical eras, but their awe turns to terror when their mother is abducted and dragged into the past.
- Watcher in the Woods (2008) – The search for their kidnapped mother begins in earnest. The siblings must navigate dangerous portals while dodging a mysterious watcher who wants control of their house.
- Gatekeepers (2008) – The Kings learn of their ancient duty as Gatekeepers, responsible for protecting the timeline. They face off against Taksidian, a dark force who seeks the house for apocalyptic purposes.
- Timescape (2009) – After catching a glimpse of a desolate, ruined future, the King brothers realize the stakes go far beyond their own family, prompting them to take the fight directly to Taksidian.
- Whirlwind (2009) – Traveling across volatile eras becomes increasingly chaotic as the siblings realize how altering past events directly damages their present-day reality.
- Frenzy (2010) – The action-packed finale resolves the mystery of the house, the fate of the Kings' mother, and the ultimate battle against Taksidian.
What to Know Before You Start
Before stepping into the world of Pinedale, there are a few unique elements of Robert Liparulo's series that readers should keep in mind:
- A Continuous Serial: Unlike fantasy series where each book tells a self-contained story, Dreamhouse Kings functions like a single long novel split into six parts. You will want to have the next book on hand as soon as you finish the previous one.
- Clean Thrills and Spooky Atmospheres: Published by Thomas Nelson, the series features Christian themes woven subtly into the plot. The story leans heavily into suspense, eerie imagery, and heart-pounding action, making it a perfect fit for readers who love spooky vibes and jump scares without excessive gore.
- The Rules of the House: The portals are tied to physical areas of the house (such as a linen closet or the attic hallway) and require specific objects to navigate safely. However, the house itself is practically a living character with its own mysterious will, often shifting to trap the children or guide them toward historical dangers.
Are There Any Spin-offs or Companion Novels?
No. Unlike larger YA universes, the Dreamhouse Kings series is entirely self-contained. There are no official spin-offs, prequels, co-authored books, or companion short stories. Robert Liparulo has written other highly regarded thrillers (such as the John Hutchinson series and the Immortal Files series), but those exist in completely separate universes aimed at mature audiences. If you want to experience the Dreamhouse Kings story, the six core books are all you need to read.
Why this Series Resonates
Dreamhouse Kings succeeds by balancing high-stakes science fiction and historical adventure with authentic sibling relationships. The contrast between Xander's impulsive bravery and David's growing resilience, mixed with lighthearted banter, provides a grounding element against the dark, time-bending schemes of Taksidian. It is a thrilling, cinematic ride that remains highly readable for both teens and adults looking for an engaging page-turner.