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Kara Gillian Books in Order

9 Books
2009 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

The Kara Gillian series (often referred to as the Demon Summoner series) is built on tight, chronological continuity. The overarching narrative functions as one continuous saga where characters evolve, stakes escalate, and major plot developments directly flow from one book to the next. For this reason, reading the books in publication order is highly recommended for the best experience.

While the series consists primarily of nine novels, there is also a notable crossover short story that fits neatly between the fifth and sixth books. Below is the complete sequential roadmap to follow Kara's journey.

Core Series and Chronological Roadmap

  • Mark of the Demon (2009): Homicide detective Kara Gillian is tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders in Beaulac, Louisiana, executed by a serial killer known as the Symbol Man. While attempting to summon a minor celestial demon to aid her investigation, she accidentally summons Rhyzkahl, a powerful and seductive demon lord. This event alters the trajectory of her life and career.
  • Blood of the Demon (2010): Kara grapples with the fallout of her previous case, including her aunt Tessa's mysterious coma. When a bizarre murder-suicide points to dark, arcane influences, Kara must navigate the increasingly dangerous politics of the demon realm while keeping her supernatural activities secret from her police colleagues.
  • Secrets of the Demon (2010): As mud-covered bodies and rock-and-roll-inspired slayings crop up in Beaulac, Kara works alongside her FBI partners. However, she begins to suspect that federal investigators know far more about the supernatural than they let on, forcing her to question who she can truly trust.
  • Sins of the Demon (2012): Kara is drafted by a secret task force within the FBI, drawing her deeper into institutional conspiracies. Her bonds with both the mortal world and the demon realm are tested as she uncovers a conspiracy that stretches from the bayous to the halls of government power.
  • Touch of the Demon (2012): The boundaries between Earth and the demon realm begin to fray dangerously. Kara is forced to make desperate alliances and confront the darker aspects of Rhyzkahl's nature to prevent an supernatural invasion that could destroy her home.
  • Blood and Sequins (2013 - Crossover Short Story): Set between the events of Touch of the Demon and Fury of the Demon, this short story was published in the anthology Glitter & Mayhem. It serves as a lighthearted crossover featuring characters from both the Kara Gillian universe and Diana Rowland’s White Trash Zombie series. While not strictly essential to the main plot, it is a fun addition for completists.
  • Fury of the Demon (2014): Kara's world is shattered as she deals with the devastating consequences of the battle for Beaulac. The demonic political landscape shifts, and Kara finds herself caught in the crossfire of ancient rivalries.
  • Vengeance of the Demon (2015): Reeling from betrayal, Kara takes the fight directly to her enemies. As she learns more about the true nature of the demon lords and the history of summoning, she is forced to decide how much of her humanity she is willing to sacrifice for justice.
  • Legacy of the Demon (2016): The pen-ultimate chapter forces Kara to confront the legacy of her own family's history with demon summoning. With the threat of a global arcane catastrophe looming, she must unite fractious allies from both realms.
  • Rise of the Demon (2022): The final installment wraps up Kara's decade-long saga. Kara faces the ultimate apocalyptic threat, forcing her to make heart-wrenching sacrifices to secure the safety of both Earth and the demon realm.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the Kara Gillian series, publication order and chronological order are almost identical. The only minor deviation is the placement of the short crossover story "Blood and Sequins," which was published in 2013 between the releases of the fifth book (2012) and the sixth book (2014). For the most cohesive experience, read it right after Touch of the Demon.

Because the main storyline does not feature prequels or time-skips that alter the sequence of events, readers do not have to worry about complicated timelines. Simply start at the beginning with Mark of the Demon and follow the narrative straight through to the conclusion in Rise of the Demon.

What to Know Before You Start

Diana Rowland’s series stands out in the crowded urban fantasy landscape due to its unique blend of genres and authentic background detail. Here are a few key elements that define the series:

  • Real-Life Police Procedural Expertise: Before becoming an author, Diana Rowland worked as a street cop and a crime scene investigator. This background shines through in the gritty realism of the police investigations, forensics, and department politics depicted in the books.
  • Deep Demon Mythology: Rowland constructs a complex supernatural hierarchy consisting of 12 distinct demon species, each with its own physical traits, societal roles, and magical capabilities. The interactions between these species and the powerful demon lords form a major part of the series' world-building.
  • Beaulac, Louisiana: The humid, swampy atmosphere of southern Louisiana is practically a character itself. The setting grounds the high-stakes supernatural drama in a rich, regional culture.
  • Maturing Themes: The series features romantic elements, particularly the tension between Kara, the demon lord Rhyzkahl, and FBI agent Ryan Kristoff. However, the narrative remains focused on mystery, horror, and action, with mature themes that evolve as Kara grows.

Practical Reader Advice

If you are looking to dive into the series, here is some quick, practical guidance to keep in mind:

  • Can the books be read as standalones? No. The overarching mystery, the evolution of the demon realm's politics, and Kara's personal relationships are highly serialized. Starting anywhere other than Mark of the Demon will leave you confused by the complex lore and shifting character dynamics.
  • Is the White Trash Zombie series connected? Diana Rowland's other popular series, White Trash Zombie, is set in a separate universe. The only connection is the fun crossover short story "Blood and Sequins." You do not need to read the White Trash Zombie series to understand the main Kara Gillian plot.
  • Is the series complete? Yes. Rise of the Demon, published in 2022, serves as the definitive final chapter of Kara Gillian's story, wrapping up the major character arcs and the overarching supernatural conflict.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Kara Gillian series?

You should start with the first novel, Mark of the Demon. The series features a highly serialized, continuous plot, meaning later books will not make sense without the context of the early installments.

QAre there any spin-offs or side stories in the series?

There are no major spin-offs, but there is one notable crossover short story titled "Blood and Sequins" (published in the anthology Glitter & Mayhem). It features characters from both the Kara Gillian and White Trash Zombie series.

QWhere does "Blood and Sequins" fit in the reading order?

Chronologically, "Blood and Sequins" takes place between Touch of the Demon (Book 5) and Fury of the Demon (Book 6).

QIs the Kara Gillian series finished?

Yes, the series is complete. The ninth book, Rise of the Demon (published in 2022), serves as the final volume of Kara's story.

QAre Diana Rowland's Kara Gillian and White Trash Zombie series in the same universe?

No, they are separate universes. The only connection is the crossover short story "Blood and Sequins", which was written as a playful crossover for an anthology and is not canonical to the main plots of either series.