How to Read Donna Augustine's Karma Series in Order
If you love urban fantasy that mixes supernatural offices, cosmic bureaucracy, and slow-burn paranormal romance, Donna Augustine's Karma series is a must-read. The series introduces a world where the abstract concepts governing human existence—like Karma, Fate, Luck, and Chaos—are actually living beings operating out of an office-like setting known as the Unknown Forces of the Universe (UFU) LLC.
To experience the full journey of Camilla Fontaine, a deceased lawyer turned agent of cosmic justice, you should read the books in a specific order. While the main story forms a trilogy, there is also a parallel companion novel that completes the universe. Here is the recommended reading path for the Karma series:
The Recommended Reading Order
- Karma (2014) – Starts the main trilogy, introducing Camilla's transformation and her hunt for her killer.
- Jinxed (2014) – Continues Camilla's story as she deals with new cosmic threats and developing romantic tension.
- Fated (2015) – Concludes Camilla's primary narrative arc in an epic battle to save humanity's moral scales.
- Dead Ink (2015) – A companion romance spinoff focusing on Lars (a retired Grim Reaper) and Faith (a new immortal), which runs parallel to the events of Fated.
What to Know Before You Start the Karma Series
Donna Augustine’s Karma series is widely celebrated for its unique blend of urban fantasy, office comedy, and dark paranormal elements. Before diving in, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Premise: The story begins when Camilla Fontaine dies in a horrific train crash. Instead of passing on, she is drafted to work for the UFU (Unknown Forces of the Universe) LLC. She is given a trial period to serve as Karma, handing out cosmic punishments and seeking retribution for wrongdoings.
- The Tone: The books strike a balance between fast-paced action, sarcastic humor, and dark grit. Think of it as a supernatural office comedy meeting a murder mystery.
- The Romance: The romantic plot is a classic enemies-to-lovers story. Camilla must work with Fate, her brooding boss who initially dislikes "transfers" like her, leading to high-tension banter and a slow-burning attraction.
- The Cast: In addition to Karma and Fate, you will meet personified concepts like Lady Luck (a flirtatious coworker) and Murphy (the bumbling embodiment of Murphy's Law), adding depth and humor to the workplace dynamics.
Book-by-Book Breakdown of the Karma Universe
1. Karma (2014)
The series opener, Karma, establishes the rules of Donna Augustine's supernatural bureaucracy. Camilla Fontaine is a successful defense attorney whose life is cut short. When she wakes up, she discovers she has been recruited to be the next personification of Karma. She has one month to prove herself or face the unknown. The main plot centers on Camilla's investigation into the train crash that killed her, forcing her to partner with the intimidating and attractive Fate. As they track down the culprit, they must navigate their clashing personalities and the complex rules of the cosmic balance.
2. Jinxed (2014)
In the second book, Jinxed, Camilla is no longer just a temporary recruit, but the stakes are higher than ever. Her past life and her new role collide when an ancient, dark force begins targeting her. As she tries to figure out who is behind the threat, she must also deal with the growing romantic tension between herself and Fate. Jinxed expands the world-building, detailing how the UFU operates and showing the consequences when the universal balance is disrupted.
3. Fated (2015)
Fated brings Camilla's main story to a dramatic head. A strange darkness is spreading among humanity, causing people to abandon their conscience and turn to the dark side. Camilla suspects that a powerful, ancient rival is behind the corruption. To stop the threat and prevent a full-scale war, she must team up with Fate, whose personal secrets and complex agenda finally come to light. The book wraps up the central mystery of the trilogy, offering a satisfying conclusion to Camilla and Fate's relationship.
4. Dead Ink (2015)
While technically the fourth book in the series, Dead Ink is a companion novel and romantic spinoff. It shifts focus from Camilla to Lars, a retired Grim Reaper who has opened a tattoo shop in an attempt to live a quiet life away from the UFU and his dark urges. His peace is shattered when Faith Dover, a newly immortal woman escaping a dangerous kidnapper, walks into his shop looking for help. Dead Ink is darker and grittier than the main trilogy, focusing heavily on the romance and Lars's struggle to control his reaper instincts.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because the series is relatively short, there is no major conflict between publication and chronological order. However, there is a minor timeline overlap to keep in mind:
The events of Dead Ink run parallel to the timeline of Fated (Book 3). While Camilla is dealing with the spreading darkness and her final battle in Fated, Lars and Faith are experiencing their own struggles in Dead Ink. Because of this overlap, some readers wonder if they should read Dead Ink before or after Fated.
The safest and most satisfying way to read the series is in publication order (reading Fated first, followed by Dead Ink). Reading Fated first provides the necessary context for the global stakes in the UFU world, making the events of Dead Ink feel more cohesive. Additionally, Dead Ink functions beautifully as a standalone novel, meaning you can read it as a separate spinoff once you've completed Camilla's main trilogy.