The Recommended Lords of Discord Reading Order
For the best reading experience, you should read the Lords of Discord series in its publication order. Because the series follows a tight-knit family of vampires navigating a single, overarching conflict against the oppressive Vampire Ministry, reading the books out of order will spoil major plot points, character developments, and the romantic resolutions of earlier volumes.
The central narrative arc starts with the eldest Varik brother and moves down the family tree, culminating in the story of the family patriarch. Here is the recommended path through the main series:
- Claiming Marcus (2019) – Follows Marcus Varik and the human Ethan.
- Saving Rafe (2020) – Follows Rafe Varik and the rival vampire clan leader Philippe Arsenault.
- Waking Bel (2020) – Follows Beltran (Bel) Varik in a polyamorous (MMM) relationship with two werewolves, Wyatt and River.
- Embracing Winter (2020) – Follows the youngest brother, Winter Varik, and the witch Fox.
- Healing Aiden (2020) – Follows the family patriarch and Vampire King, Aiden Varik, and his long-lost love Ronan.
Lords of Discord Books in Publication Order
Author Jocelynn Drake released the entire main series in a rapid-fire publishing schedule between 2019 and 2020. A companion collection of short stories was published later in 2023. Here is the complete list of publication dates and details:
- Claiming Marcus (October 2019): This book establishes the urban fantasy setting and the Varik family dynamics. Marcus, the cautious doctor of the family, crosses paths with Ethan, a human determined to seek justice against a corrupt vampire. Their bond sets off a chain reaction of political and supernatural fallout.
- Saving Rafe (January 2020): The mischievous second brother, Rafe, finds himself entangled with rival clan leader Philippe. As vampire politics heat up and a murder mystery threatens their survival, the two must decide if they can trust one another.
- Waking Bel (April 2020): Beltran, the brilliant scientist brother, is the focus of this installment. His quiet, research-focused life is upended when he meets two werewolf mates, Wyatt and River, leading to a sweet and steamy polyamorous romance.
- Embracing Winter (July 2020): The youngest Varik brother, Winter, harbors a dark secret. When he meets the fiery witch Fox, their magical connection is key to resolving the dangerous prophecy that has loomed over the family throughout the series.
- Healing Aiden (October 2020): The final book of the main sequence focuses on Aiden Varik, the King of the American Vampires and father to the four brothers. When Ronan, a figure from Aiden's distant past, reappears, Aiden is forced to tear down his defensive walls and open his heart to a second chance at love.
- Visiting the Variks (January 2023): A collection of bonus short stories, deleted scenes, and holiday vignettes featuring the entire Varik clan and their mates.
Where to Fit the Short Stories: 'Visiting the Variks'
While the individual scenes inside Visiting the Variks occur at various points along the series timeline—some taking place shortly after specific books—you should absolutely wait to read this collection until after you have finished Healing Aiden. The stories are designed as a nostalgic and heartwarming wrap-up for fans who have completed the main journey, and reading them early will spoil which brothers end up together and how the main conflict with the Ministry is resolved.
Expanding the Universe: Connected Spin-off Series
Jocelynn Drake has expanded this paranormal universe with two spin-off series that feature overlapping characters, magic systems, and organizations. To avoid spoilers and understand the references, it is highly recommended to finish the main Lords of Discord series before diving into the spin-offs.
Princes of Mayhem
This spin-off focuses on a chaotic coven of witches rather than vampires. The central story is a four-part serialized disaster arc titled How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Saved My Life, which is also available as a single compiled volume called The Complete Works. The series also includes a holiday novella, The Necromancer's Christmas Tree of Terror. While it stands on its own, reading it after Healing Aiden will give you a deeper appreciation of the magical world-building and the recurring characters who pop up.
Kings of Chaos
The second spin-off series, Kings of Chaos, follows a clan of Chinese vampires who travel to the United States to rescue one of their brothers held captive by the fae. This series represents a direct continuation of the broader supernatural politics in the world. The books should be read in the following order:
- Two Thousand Dreams
- Two Thousand Tears
- Two Thousand Blades
- Two Thousand Shadows
- Two Thousand Promises
Because the events in Kings of Chaos build upon the new status quo established at the end of the Varik family saga, you should complete the main five books of the Lords of Discord before starting this spin-off.
What to Know Before You Start
The Lords of Discord series is a fast-paced urban fantasy romance saga featuring explicit M/M (and MMM) relationships, found-family tropes, and a healthy dose of humor. The Varik family is known for their fierce loyalty to one another, and their interactions—frequently highlighted by their sassy pet raven, Ozzie—add a lighthearted touch to the dark supernatural politics. Because the books feature continuous character development and ongoing plotlines, treating them as standalones is not recommended. Grab a copy of Claiming Marcus to begin your journey into the shadows of the Varik family.