The Recommended Reading Order
To fully appreciate the world-building, recurring characters, and overarching plot line of the Monstrous series, it is highly recommended to read the books in their official publication order. While the main novels focus on different couples, their stories are closely interconnected, and reading them out of sequence will spoil major plot points and character developments.
Here is the recommended reading path for the main series:
- Soul Eater (2021) — Focuses on Danny and Wyn.
- Edin (2021) — Focuses on Hunter and Edin.
- The Rycke (2021) — Focuses on Ghost and Aury.
- Wyn (2021) — Novella focusing on Danny and Wyn (often designated as Book 3.5).
- Gloam (2021) — Focuses on Rig and Gloam.
- Moth (2022) — Focuses on Charlie and Moth.
- Seraph (2022) — Focuses on Lilac and Seraph.
- Lor (2023) — Focuses on Jugs and Lor.
- Lyri (Upcoming) — Focuses on Lyri.
Detailed Breakdown of the Books and Novellas
1. Soul Eater (Book 1)
The series begins with Soul Eater, introducing us to a gritty, post-apocalyptic United States. Twenty years prior, a dimensional rift opened, releasing monsters into the world and causing the collapse of human civilization. Danny, a young military soldier stationed in a bleak human enclave, is captured by Wyn, a feared and deadly monster known as the Soul Eater. Instead of a brutal demise, Danny finds an unexpected, slow-burn connection with the ancient entity. Their journey into the lawless Wastes sets the foundation for the entire series.
2. Edin (Book 2)
Following the events of the first book, Edin shifts focus to Hunter, a scarred human soldier who has deserted his post, and Edin, a giant, cheerful, purple-skinned monster. Edin is captured by human forces, and Hunter makes the risky decision to break him out. Together, they embark on a journey across the dangerous Wastes. Edin's warm, sunny personality contrasts beautifully with Hunter's guarded, traumatized nature, developing into a sweet and passionate romance.
3. The Rycke (Book 3)
Set in a hidden sanctuary in the Wastes known as the Camp, The Rycke follows Aury, a massive, powerful monster who is deeply traumatized, and Ghost, a quiet human who helps run the settlement. Aury is a creature of immense destructive potential, yet he is gentle and protective. Ghost is one of the few humans who isn't afraid of him. Their tender, emotionally rich connection forms the heart of this installment, which also advances the broader political conflict with the human military forces.
4. Wyn (Book 3.5 Novella)
Though shorter than the main novels, the novella Wyn is crucial reading. It retells and expands on the events of the first three books from Wyn's ancient, complex perspective. It adds immense depth to his relationship with Danny and provides vital context for where they go next. Do not skip this novella, as it serves as a bridge to the second half of the series.
5. Gloam (Book 4)
Gloam brings us back to the primary timeline, focusing on Rig, a human who escapes from a military research facility, and Gloam, a monster with a skeletal appearance and the ability to manipulate shadows. Their journey is a race against time as they try to evade recapture, and their bond is forged in the fires of mutual survival and deep, physical comfort.
6. Moth (Book 5)
A massive fan-favorite in the community, Moth pairs Charlie, a vibrant and warm human, with Moth, a prickly, insecure half-monster half-human hybrid. Moth feels he doesn't fit in either world, carrying immense self-doubt and emotional armor. Charlie's relentless empathy, patience, and kindness slowly unravel Moth's defenses, leading to one of the most emotionally satisfying romances in the series.
7. Seraph (Book 6)
Seraph centers on Lilac, a rugged human monster hunter and raider, and Seraph, a powerful monster who was subjected to cruel human military experimentation. Their relationship is dark, intense, and deeply emotional as they navigate shared trauma, trust issues, and survival in a hostile winter landscape.
8. Lor (Book 7)
With Lor, the series expands its scope beyond the Wastes and into the monster realm. Lor is an ancient, arrogant monster king who becomes fascinated by Michael (nicknamed "Jugs"), a human who unexpectedly stumbles into his domain. Their dynamic combines high-stakes interdimensional fantasy with a humorous, passionate, and heartfelt romance.
9. Lyri (Book 8 - Upcoming)
The next planned installment of the series is Lyri, which focuses on the titular monster Lyri. Author Lily Mayne has confirmed that the book is in development but has opted not to set a firm release date until it is complete, prioritizing her mental health and quality of writing. She has also assured fans that Lyri will not be the final book in the series.
The Short Stories and Collections
In May 2023, Lily Mayne released A Collection of Monstrous Short Stories (Volume 1). This anthology features 16 short stories and a 20,000-word novella titled Ruke (focusing on the characters Jamie and Ruke). The stories inside provide delightful domestic updates, holiday specials, and historical letters involving the couples from the first seven books. It is best read after finishing Lor (Book 7) to avoid any character or plot spoilers.
What to Know Before You Start
Lily Mayne's Monstrous series is famous for its unique blend of gritty dystopian survival, dark atmospheric settings, and incredibly sweet, comforting romances. While the setting features violent military factions and dangerous environmental hazards, the primary focus is always on the emotional growth of the couples, found family dynamics, and absolute acceptance. Note that the books contain explicit M/M content and detailed, non-human monster anatomy, which has become a beloved hallmark of the series.
For readers wondering about standalones: while each book features a complete romance arc for a specific couple, the background plot involving the military's fight against the monsters is continuous. To get the best experience, start at the very beginning with Soul Eater.