The Recommended Reading Order
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Kingdom of Lies series in its original publication order. The main story is a continuous, chronological narrative following the journey of Prisca and Lorian. Reading them out of order will lead to major plot spoilers and confusion regarding the evolving magic system and political landscape.
Once you finish the main quartet, you can dive into the spin-off duet, Kingdom of Death, which is set in the same universe and features familiar faces, but focuses on a different set of main characters.
1. Kingdom of Lies Main Series (Publication & Chronological Order)
- A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Book 1) - Published May 2023
- A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Book 2) - Published August 2023
- A Crown This Cold and Heavy (Book 3) - Published November 2023
- A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Book 4) - Published May 2024
2. Kingdom of Death Spin-off Duet
- This Vicious Dream (Book 1) - Published May 2025
- This Ancient Feud (Book 2) - Scheduled for Release August 2027
Detailed Book Breakdown
A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Book 1)
The story begins with Prisca, a young woman living in a world where magic is systematically stripped from humans at birth. Anyone caught harboring 'forbidden' magic is brutally executed. Prisca has spent her entire life hiding her lethal power, but when her secret is threatened, she is forced to flee her home. She strikes a desperate bargain with Lorian, a deadly and enigmatic mercenary commander. The chemistry is immediate and tense, establishing a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic as they navigate threats from both humans and Fae.
A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Book 2)
The stakes escalate dramatically as Prisca's connection to Lorian deepens, and his true identity as the notorious 'Bloodthirsty Prince' of the Fae realm is revealed. Betrayals and secrets complicate their uneasy alliance. Prisca must learn to master her burgeoning powers while surviving in a court filled with enemies who want her dead. The world-building expands significantly in this installment, detailing the internal politics of the Fae kingdoms.
A Crown This Cold and Heavy (Book 3)
Surrounded by adversaries on all sides, Prisca is forced to make alliances with questionable figures to stand a chance against a tyrannical king. The story shifts to include multiple points of view (POVs), giving readers a broader look at the impending war. This book is characterized by high-stakes planning, emotional trials, and intense pacing as the characters prepare for the ultimate confrontation.
A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Book 4)
The explosive finale to Prisca and Lorian's main arc. War has arrived, and the characters face an ancient, god-like threat that seeks to reshape the entire world. The multiple POVs continue here, bringing the various character threads to a unified, emotional conclusion. The book delivers on the romance, action, and found-family elements that defined the series from the beginning.
The Kingdom of Death Spin-off Duet
After concluding the main series, readers can transition to the Kingdom of Death duet, starting with This Vicious Dream. This spin-off focuses on Madinia, a fierce and tenacious character introduced in the original series. Having been locked in a tower for three years due to her knowledge of a legendary grimoire, Madinia must align with Calysian to escape and retrieve the book. While Stacia Stark has noted that this duet functions as a standalone and can technically be read first, it is best enjoyed after the main series to appreciate the cameos, world-building, and subtle continuity nods.
Where to Find the Bonus Scenes & Letters
For readers who want even more from Prisca and Lorian's story, Stacia Stark has released official bonus content available directly on her website. These scenes add emotional depth and alternative perspectives to key moments in the books:
- A Court This Cruel and Lovely Bonus Scene: Features the first meeting between Prisca and Lorian, retold entirely from Lorian's perspective.
- A Crown This Cold and Heavy Bonus Content: A collection known as 'Lorian's Letters,' offering a deeper look into his thoughts and motivations.
- A Queen This Fierce and Deadly Bonus Chapter: An extra scene that serves as a sweet epilogue-style addition for fans of the main couple.
These files can be downloaded directly by signing up for the author's official newsletter at staciastark.com/bonus-content/.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, there are a few stylistic and structural elements to keep in mind. The series begins as a tight, fast-paced single-POV story focusing closely on Prisca. However, as the rebellion grows, Stark introduces multiple POVs starting in Book 3. Some readers have noted that this transition slows down the pacing in the middle of the saga, but it allows for a much grander, epic fantasy feel in the final battle. The romance is a true slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story with high emotional tension, heavy political plotting, and a strong emphasis on found-family dynamics. If you enjoy authors like Raven Kennedy (The Plated Prisoner series) or Carissa Broadbent (The Serpent and the Wings of Night), this series will be right up your alley.