Land of Stories Books in Order

How to Read The Land of Stories: Recommended Reading Orders

Chris Colfer's rich fairy-tale universe spans the core six-book fantasy series, a trilogy of prequel novels, graphic novels, and a variety of companion books and guides. Because the prequel trilogy features direct narrative ties and character origins for the main series, readers generally choose between two primary reading orders depending on whether they prefer experiencing the mystery as it unfolded for original readers or seeing the historical progression of the world first.

Option 1: Publication Order (Highly Recommended)

For first-time readers, reading in publication order is the most organic way to experience the universe. It allows you to discover the magic of the Land of Stories alongside the twins Alex and Conner Bailey, and then dive into the prequel series to learn the history and secrets of the characters you have grown to love. The core storyline is completed first, preventing prequel-era spoilers from dampening the original series' mysteries.

1. The Wishing Spell (2012)
2. The Enchantress Returns (2013)
3. A Grimm Warning (2014)
4. Beyond the Kingdoms (2015)
5. An Author's Odyssey (2016)
6. Worlds Collide (2017)
7. A Tale of Magic... (2019)
8. A Tale of Witchcraft... (2020)
9. A Tale of Sorcery... (2021)

Option 2: Chronological Order

If you prefer a linear progression of history, chronological order places the prequel trilogy first. This path details Brystal Evergreen's life and the founding of the magical systems generations before the Bailey twins tumble into the fairy tale world. Note that starting here can make the tone feel slightly different, as the prequel books lean a bit more heavily into broader societal themes, whereas the main series is a classic portal fantasy adventure.

1. A Tale of Magic... (2019)
2. A Tale of Witchcraft... (2020)
3. A Tale of Sorcery... (2021)
4. The Wishing Spell (2012)
5. The Enchantress Returns (2013)
6. A Grimm Warning (2014)
7. Beyond the Kingdoms (2015)
8. An Author's Odyssey (2016)
9. Worlds Collide (2017)

The Core Series: The Land of Stories

The main series follows twins Alex and Conner Bailey, who are grieving the loss of their father. After receiving a cherished book of fairy tales from their grandmother, they discover it is a portal to a world where classic stories are real. Throughout their journey, they encounter iconic figures such as Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Goldilocks, and Sleeping Beauty, finding that these fairy-tale figures are far more complex than simple stories suggest.

• The Wishing Spell (Book 1): Alex and Conner fall into the Land of Stories and must collect the unique items required for the Wishing Spell to get back home, all while avoiding the dangerous schemes of the Evil Queen.
• The Enchantress Returns (Book 2): When the twins' mother is kidnapped by the legendary Enchantress who cursed Sleeping Beauty, Alex and Conner must sneak back into the magical world to save her and the kingdoms.
• A Grimm Warning (Book 3): Conner travels to Europe on a school trip where he decodes a secret message from the Brothers Grimm, revealing that a historical French army is marching to invade the Land of Stories.
• Beyond the Kingdoms (Book 4): The twins pursue the villainous Masked Man across the magical world, only to discover he has a portal potion allowing him to enter books and recruit infamous literary villains.
• An Author's Odyssey (Book 5): To combat the Masked Man's army of literary villains, Conner and Alex must enter Conner's own short stories to recruit his original creations.
• Worlds Collide (Book 6): The boundary between the real world and the Land of Stories completely breaks down, forcing the twins to face their final, most dangerous battle in the middle of New York City.

The Prequel Trilogy: A Tale of Magic...

Set generations before the events of the main series, the prequel trilogy centers on Brystal Evergreen. In a kingdom where reading is illegal for women and magic is outlawed under pain of death, Brystal discovers a secret library and learns she has magical abilities. She is recruited to attend a secret academy for magic, embarking on a path that shapes the future of the fairy-tale world. This trilogy provides crucial backstory for key elements in the main series—most notably detailing the origin story of the beloved Fairy Godmother.

• A Tale of Magic... (2019): Introduces Brystal Evergreen as she discovers her powers, fights oppression, and works to show the world that magic can be a force for good.
• A Tale of Witchcraft... (2020): Brystal and her friends must confront a mysterious school of witchcraft that threatens the fragile peace magic users have established.
• A Tale of Sorcery... (2021): The final book in the prequel trilogy, where the magical community faces a ancient threat and Brystal must secure the future of magic once and for all.

Companion Books, Spin-offs, and Guides

Chris Colfer has expanded the universe with several side stories, guides, and picture books. While none of these are strictly required to understand the core narrative of Alex and Conner, they offer delightful lore expansion for dedicated fans.

Adventures from the Land of Stories

These short companion books provide fun, first-person insights from major characters and are best read after Book 4 or 5 of the main series, where these characters are fully established.

• Queen Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty (2015): A humorous, illustrated guide containing advice, rules, and diary entries from Queen Red Riding Hood herself.
• The Mother Goose Diaries (2015): Chronicles the legendary, centuries-spanning escapades and gossip of Mother Goose.

Graphic Novels & Picture Books

• The Curvy Tree (2015): A picture book based on the fable told to the Baileys' father, focusing on self-acceptance.
• Trollbella Throws a Party (2017): A picture book following the demanding Queen Trollbella as she tries to plan the perfect celebration.
• Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive (2021): A graphic novel detailing Goldilocks' adventures as an outlaw before the events of the main series.

Guides & Collections

• The Ultimate Book Hugger's Guide (2018): The definitive encyclopedia of the series, containing character profiles, maps, timeline details, and behind-the-scenes notes from the author.

What to Know Before You Start

The Land of Stories is a portal fantasy written primarily for middle-grade readers, but its clever deconstruction of classic folklore and emotional depth make it highly enjoyable for teenagers and adults as well. If you are choosing how to dive in, remember that the companion books are strictly optional. Focus first on the main six-book series. While the prequel series *A Tale of Magic...* features a slightly more mature tone, it is a perfect follow-up for readers who miss the lore and want to see how the Fairy Council and the magical laws came to be.