Step into the enchanting world of the Elder Races, where mythical creatures and passionate romance collide in a spellbinding paranormal saga! Crafted by Thea Harrison, this New York Times bestselling series blends urban fantasy, steamy romance, and intricate world-building, inviting readers to explore a realm where dragons, fae, and vampyres live alongside humans. From its gripping debut to its devoted fanbase, Elder Races is a must-read for anyone craving adventure and heart-pounding love stories.
With its unique mix of mythology and modern settings, the series hooks you from the first page and never lets go. Ready to meet a dragon-shifter billionaire or a vampyre queen finding her spark? Let’s dive into the magic of Elder Races!
How Elder Races Began
Thea Harrison, a pen name for Teddy Harrison, launched the Elder Races series in 2011 with Dragon Bound, a novel that skyrocketed to success, winning the 2012 RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance. Inspired by her love for mythology and fantasy, Harrison crafted a world where seven Elder Races—Wyr, Light and Dark Fae, Elves, Demonkind, Nightkind, and Human Witches—coexist with humans, navigating politics, power, and passion. Her background in romance writing as Amanda Carpenter gave her the chops to weave emotionally rich stories, but Elder Races marked her bold leap into paranormal territory, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following.
The Heart of Elder Races
The series kicks off with Dragon Bound, where half-human, half-Wyr Pia Giovanni is blackmailed into stealing from Dragos Cuelebre, the most powerful dragon alive. Their fiery chemistry sets the stage for a thrilling romance amid a world of danger and magic. Storm’s Heart follows Tricks, a Dark Fae heir, as she navigates betrayal and love with a storm-wielding Wyr warrior. Serpent’s Kiss dives into the life of Carling, an ancient vampyre seeking renewal through a transformative romance with sentinel Rune. Oracle’s Moon introduces Grace, a reluctant Oracle, whose connection with a Djinn prince sparks adventure and heart.
Elder Races shines through its vivid world-building, where portal-like Other lands add a touch of portal fantasy, and each race has distinct cultures and politics. Themes of transformation, loyalty, and defying odds resonate, with alpha heroes and kind, resilient heroines driving steamy yet plot-rich romances. Harrison’s prose, though occasionally repetitive, delivers immersive storytelling that balances action, intrigue, and emotional depth, making each book a standalone gem within a broader saga.
Why Elder Races Resonates
Elder Races has left a lasting mark on paranormal romance, praised for its diverse supernatural cast and expansive world-building. Fans adore the series for its bold characters—like Dragos, the ultimate draconic alpha, or Pia, a clever heroine who laughs at locks. Its influence echoes in the genre’s shift toward richer mythologies and emotionally complex leads. With 24 books, including novellas, the series remains a fan favorite, with readers eagerly awaiting Harrison’s promised new arc set in England, announced after her move to self-publishing in 2021.
- First Book: Dragon Bound (2011)
- Total Books: 24, including 11 novels and multiple novellas
- Awards: 2012 RITA for Dragon Bound, multiple RT Reviewers Choice Awards
- Setting: Modern world with magical Other lands
Grab Dragon Bound and soar into the Elder Races’ thrilling blend of romance and fantasy—your next obsession awaits!