How to Start Reading the Imp Series
When entering the devilishly fun world of Debra Dunbar's Imp series, the first choice you need to make is whether to read in chronological order or publication order. The main storyline follows Samantha Martin, a thousand-year-old imp posing as a human landlord who prefers pranking mortals to ruling Hel. However, her antics constantly drag her into cosmic disputes involving angels, werewolves, elves, and vampires.
For the best experience, most readers recommend starting with A Demon Bound (the first full-length novel). While the prequel novella, Imp, takes place chronologically first, A Demon Bound does a much better job of introducing the rules of the world, Sam's unique personality, and the overarching urban fantasy conflict. Once you are hooked, you can easily go back to read the prequel and the companion short stories.
The Core Imp Series in Recommended Order
If you want to focus strictly on Samantha's main story, follow this core progression of novels and key novellas:
- Imp (2012) – The prequel novella introducing Sam's life of leisure and mischief on Earth before the angels start paying close attention.
- A Demon Bound (2012) – Book 1. Sam is blackmailed into hunting a rogue angel after her hellhound bites a local werewolf.
- Satan's Sword (2012) – Book 2. A vampire heist, a powerful relic, and mounting clashes with Sam's angelic overseer.
- Elven Blood (2013) – Book 3. Sam is forced to navigate elven politics and demon assassins in her new role as the Iblis (demon leader).
- Devil's Paw (2013) – Book 4. Earthly and supernatural politics collide as Sam deals with local werewolf packs.
- Imp Forsaken (2013) – Book 5. Sam faces internal demonic conflicts and threats to her freedom.
- Angels of Chaos (2014) – Book 6. Tensions between the angelic host and the demons of Hel reach a boiling point.
- Kingdom of Lies (2015) – Book 7. Rebellion and interdimensional chaos force Sam to take her demonic duties seriously.
- Exodus (2016) – Book 8. Major structural shifts in the supernatural hierarchy force Sam into hiding.
- Queen of the Damned (2018) – Book 9. Sam must step up to claim power in a changing demonic landscape.
- The Morning Star (2018) – Book 10. The climax of Sam's initial cosmic conflict.
- With This Ring (2020) – Book 11. Follows Sam as she navigates new relationship dynamics and ongoing supernatural threats.
- A Crown of Imp and Bone (2023) – Book 12. The latest main-line novel, continuing Sam's adventures as she guards her realm.
The Expanded Imp World: Intertwined Spin-Offs
As the series grew, Debra Dunbar expanded her universe into the Imp World. These spin-off series and standalone novels run parallel to the main books, featuring crossovers and recurring characters. If you want the full, immersive experience, you should weave these series in chronologically:
The Half-Breed Series
This paranormal romance spin-off focuses on the struggles of half-demons navigating human and supernatural prejudices. The series includes Demons of Desire, Sins of the Flesh, Cornucopia, Unholy Pleasures, and City of Lust.
The Northern Wolves Series
Set in the snowy wilderness of Alaska, this subseries explores werewolf pack dynamics, fae encounters, and shifter romance. It begins with Juneau to Kenai and continues through Rogue, Winter Fae, and Bad Seed.
The California Demon Series
Focusing on the West Coast paranormal scene, this series follows new demonic protagonists dealing with corporate greed, local magic, and California vibes. It contains California Demon, Sinners on Sunset, Ventura Hellway, The Devil Went Down to Glendale, and Route 666.
Standalone Imp World Novels
These books fill in gaps for major side characters:
- No Man's Land (2014) – Focuses on Jaq the werewolf and Kelly the exiled vampire.
- Stolen Souls (2014) – Starring Nyalla, who finds herself babysitting Satan's hellhounds.
- Three Wishes (2015) – Explores the backstory of Dar and his efforts to free enslaved humans in Hel.
- Far from Center (2017) – Focuses on the archangel Gabriel dealing with a loss of his powers on Earth.
- Northern Lights (2017) – Follows Rafi's story in the north.
- Penance (2018) – Explores Uriel's redemption arc.
Chronological Reading Order vs. Publication Order
While purists can read in publication order, the author's official chronological timeline is the most satisfying way to experience the universe because the actions of the main series directly trigger the events in the spin-offs. For example, the climax of Angels of Chaos directly impacts the beginning of the Half-Breed series, and the changes in The Morning Star set up the status quo for the California Demon series.
If you choose the chronological path, you will start with the prequel novella Imp and the short story A Suburban Summoning, insert No Man's Land between Books 2 and 3 of the main series, read the first Half-Breed book after Book 5, and read the Northern Wolves and California Demon series later in the timeline before tackling A Crown of Imp and Bone.
What to Know Before You Start
Debra Dunbar's Imp series is not your typical dark, brooding urban fantasy. It is heavily injected with dark humor, sarcasm, and lighthearted pranks. Samantha is an antihero who makes selfish choices, but her growth into a protector of those she cares about forms the emotional anchor of the series. The books do contain mature content, including explicit language and paranormal romance elements. There are no co-authored books in the Imp universe; all novels are written solely by Debra Dunbar, ensuring a consistent, entertaining voice throughout the entire saga.