Grisha Books in Order

Where to Begin: The Great Grishaverse Starting Point Debate

Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse is a sprawling, rich fantasy universe consisting of three distinct series, several companion books, and short story collections. For new readers, deciding where to start can be daunting. The debate usually centers on two entry points: the original Shadow and Bone trilogy or the highly acclaimed Six of Crows duology.

While both paths are popular, the safest and most satisfying route is the Publication Order, starting with Shadow and Bone. Here is why: the original trilogy establishes the fundamental rules of the world's magic (known as the 'Small Science'), maps out the geography of Ravka, and introduces historical events that directly impact later books. Reading the books out of order will expose you to major spoilers regarding the fate of key characters and nations. Furthermore, the final duology, King of Scars, weaves together character arcs from both preceding series, making it practically unreadable without prior knowledge of both.

The Core Grishaverse Reading Order

To experience the character arcs, world-building, and plot progression as the author intended, we recommend following the publication order. This order ensures you are never spoiled and can appreciate every returning character cameo.

Phase 1: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy

This is where the magic begins. Set in the war-torn nation of Ravka, which is inspired by tsarist Russia, this trilogy follows Alina Starkov, a low-ranking mapmaker who discovers she possesses the rare power to summon light.

• Shadow and Bone (2012) - Also published in some regions as The Gathering Dark. This debut novel introduces Alina, the mysterious leader of the Grisha known as the Darkling, and the Shadow Fold—a swath of near-impenetrable darkness splitting the nation.
• Siege and Storm (2013) - Alina is on the run, trying to forge new alliances while confronting the dark power rising against Ravka.
• Ruin and Rising (2014) - The epic conclusion of Alina's journey as she searches for the final amplifier to defeat the Darkling once and for all.

Phase 2: The Six of Crows Duology

Set two years after the events of the original trilogy, this duology moves across the sea to the bustling, corrupt harbor city of Ketterdam. It swaps the royal courts and magical training grounds for a dark, gritty heist story with a completely new cast of characters.

• Six of Crows (2015) - Brilliant criminal mastermind Kaz Brekker is offered a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. To pull it off, he recruits a crew of six deadly outcasts.
• Crooked Kingdom (2016) - Kaz and his crew find themselves double-crossed and fighting for their lives in the streets of Ketterdam.

Phase 3: The King of Scars Duology

This duology returns to Ravka and acts as the grand culmination of the entire Grishaverse. It features returning characters from both the original trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, resolving long-standing plotlines.

• King of Scars (2019) - Follows Nikolai Lantsov, the young king of Ravka, as he struggles to rebuild his country while fighting a dark curse residing within him.
• Rule of Wolves (2021) - The final battle for Ravka's future, featuring perspectives from several beloved characters across the entire universe.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

For readers who want to try a chronological approach, the order shifts slightly, primarily involving the prequel novella The Demon in the Wood. However, we strongly caution against starting here.

1. The Demon in the Wood (2014) - A prequel story focusing on the Darkling's childhood. Reading this first ruins the mystery and menace of his character in the original trilogy.
2. The Witch of Duva (2012) - A dark folklore tale set in Ravka.
3. Shadow and Bone (2012)
4. Siege and Storm (2013)
5. The Too-Clever Fox (2013) - A Ravkan folk story.
6. Little Knife (2014) - A Ravkan folk story.
7. Ruin and Rising (2014)
8. Six of Crows (2015)
9. Crooked Kingdom (2016)
10. King of Scars (2019)
11. Rule of Wolves (2021)

Companion Books and Folklore Collections

Leigh Bardugo has written several companion works that add depth and flavor to the universe. You do not need to read these to understand the main plot, but they are delightful additions for fans who want to spend more time in the world.

The Language of Thorns (2017)

A beautifully illustrated collection of dark fairy tales and folklore told within the Grishaverse. It includes stories that were previously published as standalone e-books, such as The Witch of Duva, The Too-Clever Fox, and Little Knife, alongside new tales like Ayama and the Thorn Wood, The Soldier Prince, and When Water Sang Fire. It is best read after finishing the original trilogy.

The Lives of Saints (2020)

In the novels, characters often refer to the Istorii Sankt'ya, a book of saints. Bardugo published this real-world replica, detailing the myths and tragic demises of the Grishaverse's saints (or Istorii). Reading this after the original trilogy adds fantastic context to the religious and political elements of the world.

Demon in the Wood Graphic Novel (2022)

Originally published as a short story in 2014, this prequel about the childhood of the Darkling was adapted into a graphic novel illustrated by Dani Pendergast in 2022. It is highly recommended to read this only after completing Ruin and Rising to preserve the main storyline's tension.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Ravka or Ketterdam, keep in mind that the magic system is not referred to as magic by its practitioners. They call it the Small Science—the manipulation of matter at its most fundamental level. The Grisha are divided into three orders: the Corporalki (who manipulate the human body), the Etherealki (who summon elements like wind, fire, and water), and the Materialki (who manipulate glass, steel, and chemicals).

Additionally, if you have watched the Netflix adaptation of Shadow and Bone, you will find that the show combined the plots of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology into a single timeline. In the books, these stories are separated by two years and take place in completely different settings, meaning you will get a much more focused and detailed experience in the novels.