How to Read the New Species Series in Order
If you are planning to dive into the steamy, action-packed world of the New Species, there is only one way to go: publication order. Unlike some fantasy or sci-fi series where prequels or split timelines complicate the chronological path, Laurann Dohner wrote the New Species books in a sequential progression. Reading them in order of release is the most rewarding way to experience the overall story arc, the political evolution of the New Species Organization (NSO), and the character relationships.
The overarching narrative begins with the immediate aftermath of the New Species being liberated from the horrific pharmaceutical company, Mercile. As the series progresses, the Species establish their own secure sanctuary called Homeland, build a buffer territory known as the Wild Zone, negotiate treaties with the human government, and deal with ongoing threats from hate groups and remaining factions of scientists. Bypassing books or reading them out of order will spoil major political developments, character crossovers, and the fates of certain key players.
The Complete New Species Reading Order
Here is the official publication order for the New Species books. Keep in mind that some volumes contain multiple stories:
- Fury (Book 1) - Published: August 2011. Introduces Ellie and Fury, establishing the conflict between the newly freed New Species and their former captors.
- Slade (Book 2) - Published: August 2011. Focuses on Dr. Trisha Norbit and Slade during a high-stakes escape.
- Valiant (Book 3) - Published: October 2011. Pairs the fierce, lion-spliced Valiant with Tammy.
- Justice (Book 4) - Published: December 2011. Features Justice North, the leader of the NSO, and his complex bond with a human woman, Jessie.
- Brawn (Book 5) - Published: December 2011. Follows Brawn as he rescues and protects a human ally.
- Wrath (Book 6) - Published: May 2012. Centers on the protective canine-spliced Wrath and Lauren.
- Tiger (Book 7) - Published: August 2012. Follows the feline-spliced Tiger and Zandy.
- Obsidian (Book 8) - Published: December 2012. Explores the romance between Obsidian and Doctor Allison.
- Shadow (Book 9) - Published: December 2012. Features Shadow, a stealthy feline-spliced New Species, and human female Lauren.
- Moon (Book 10) - Published: March 2013. Centers on Moon and his protective instincts towards Joy.
- True (Book 11) - Published: November 2013. Explores the emotional healing between True and Jeanie.
- Darkness (Book 12) - Published: June 2014. Follows Darkness and Kat as they face external dangers.
- Smiley (Book 13) - Published: December 2014. Focuses on the cheerful but deadly Smiley and human female Vanni.
- Numbers (Book 14) - Published: August 2015. A double-feature novel containing two stories:
- Mourn: The emotional healing of Mourn (formerly Subject 140) and human widow Dana.
- Hero: The reunion of Hero (Subject 927) and his childhood companion Candi.
- Best Friends (Book 15) - Published: December 2019. The second double-feature collection:
- Snow: Follows the quiet feline-spliced Snow and Melinda York.
- Lash: Follows Lash and Mary Muller as they navigate the transition from friendship to love.
Decoding the New Species Universe
Each book in the New Species series focuses on a primary couple, resolving their immediate romantic arc by the final page. However, the world-building is highly interconnected. The characters live, work, and fight together within the New Species Organization (NSO). You will frequently see previous characters interacting in the background, offering advice, or serving as active combat support in later books.
Understanding the Splices: Canines, Felines, and Primates
The New Species are humans whose DNA was artificially spliced with animal genes by the corrupt Mercile corporation. Depending on their genetic makeup, they exhibit unique physical traits, sensory abilities, and instincts. The three primary divisions among the Species are:
- Feline Species: Spliced with big cats like lions, tigers, and panthers. They are highly territorial, possess retractable claws, and have incredible agility. Notable feline-spliced characters include Valiant, Tiger, Shadow, and Snow.
- Canine Species: Spliced with wolves and wild dogs. They are fiercely loyal, pack-oriented, and possess an acute sense of smell and hearing. Notable canine-spliced characters include Fury, Slade, Wrath, and Moon.
- Primate Species: Spliced with chimpanzees or other primates. They possess massive physical strength and highly analytical minds, though they are often self-conscious about their differences. Brawn is one of the most prominent primate-spliced characters in the series.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
Laurann Dohner's New Species is a cornerstone of the paranormal romance genre, specifically known for its protective alpha males and intense emotional stakes. However, because of the dark history of the characters, readers should be prepared for specific thematic elements:
The Legacy of Abuse: The New Species spent their entire lives in cages, subjected to painful medical testing, abuse, and deprivation before their liberation. While the books are filled with romance and hope, the characters carry deep psychological and physical scars. Themes of post-traumatic stress, trust issues, and healing are central to every book.
High Steam and Instinctual Attraction: The series features explicit, high-heat romantic encounters. The animalistic splicing gives the characters heightened primal drives, including scents that trigger protective or possessive instincts. If you prefer slow-burn or clean romance, this series may not be for you.
Are There Spin-Offs or Co-Authored Books?
At present, there are no direct spin-off series, companion novellas, or co-authored novels set in the New Species universe. The entire story exists within the 15 numbered main volumes. However, if you enjoy Laurann Dohner’s signature style of possessive, protective heroes and fast-paced romantic suspense, she has written several other popular series including the VLG (Vampire Love Games) series, the Cyborg Seduction series, and the Clones series. For books by other authors with similar premises, romance fans highly recommend Lora Leigh's Breeds series and Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series.