The Recommended Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Pax Arcana series in its publication order, which closely mirrors the internal chronological sequence. This progression allows you to experience John Charming's character growth, the unfolding of the overarching conspiracy, and the gradual evolution of the magical universe naturally. While the novels form the essential backbone of the series, the digital-first short stories and novellas provide invaluable backstory and context about the hidden supernatural world.
The Master Reading Order
- Charmed I'm Sure (2013) – Short Story / Novella #0.01
- Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls (2013) – Short Story / Novella #0.02
- Charming (2013) – Novel #1
- Pushing Luck (2013) – Short Story / Novella #1.3
- Surreal Estate (2013) – Short Story / Novella #1.4
- Dog-Gone (2014) – Short Story / Novella #1.5
- Daring (2014) – Novel #2
- Talking Dirty (2015) – Short Story / Novella #2.1
- Bulls Rush In (2015) – Short Story / Novella #2.2
- Fearless (2015) – Novel #3
- In Shining Armor (2016) – Novel #4
- Legend Has It (2017) – Novel #5
- Low Elf Esteem (2018) – Short Story / Novella #5.5
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
In many urban fantasy series, chronological timelines can deviate wildly from publication dates, but Elliott James has kept the Pax Arcana timeline relatively linear. The main novels proceed sequentially from Charming through to Legend Has It. However, the short stories fill very specific chronological niches that often bridge the gaps between the main releases.
For instance, the early novellas Charmed I'm Sure and Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls serve as chronological prequels that introduce readers to John's nomadic lifestyle before he settles in Virginia. Meanwhile, stories like Dog-Gone, Talking Dirty, and Bulls Rush In take place directly in the spaces between the novels, showing the day-to-day monster hunting and complications that John faces between his larger missions. The final novella, Low Elf Esteem, acts as a post-series addition published in 2018, which rounds out the lore following the events of Legend Has It.
The Core Novels Breakdown
Charming (2013)
The series opener introduces John Charming, a bartender who is secretly a werewolf and a former member of the Knights Templar. When his cover is blown in rural Virginia, he is forced back into the supernatural underworld, aligning with a fierce Valkyrie named Sig to stop a local vampire threat and keep the peace.
Daring (2014)
The second novel dives deeper into werewolf politics and the hierarchy of the packs. John finds himself dealing with a mysterious and dangerous alpha who is trying to unite the werewolf packs into a formidable army. John must confront his own inner beast and figure out where his loyalties truly lie.
Fearless (2015)
John is tasked with protecting a college student who has become the target of magical predators. This entry increases the tension, introducing new mythological entities and unraveling a deeper web of betrayals that shakes the foundations of the magical community.
In Shining Armor (2016)
A kidnapped baby threatens to destroy the fragile peace between the supernatural community and the human-protecting knights. John Charming has to step in as a mediator and protector, dealing with high-stakes alliances and deadly consequences.
Legend Has It (2017)
This book raises the stakes to their absolute limit. John Charming's past, his lineage as a descendant of Prince Charming, and the secrets of the Pax Arcana itself come to a head in a thrilling narrative that tests the limits of his strength, humor, and heart.
What to Know Before You Start
The Pax Arcana universe is built on a clever premise: the supernatural exists all around us, but a global illusion spell known as the "Pax Arcana" keeps normal humans completely oblivious to it. The protagonist, John Charming, is a descendant of the legendary witch-finders and dragon-slayers who inspired the "Prince Charming" archetype. However, John's life took a dark turn when he was infected with lycanthropy, turning him into a werewolf—the very kind of creature he was trained to hunt by the modern-day Knights Templar.
The tone of the series is fast-paced, humorous, and action-packed, making it a perfect fit for fans of Jim Dresden (from The Dresden Files) or Atticus O'Sullivan (from The Iron Druid Chronicles). The books feature a rich cast of secondary characters including Sig, the battle-hardened Valkyrie, and Ted Cahill, a sheriff who gets dragged into the supernatural world.
Practical Reader Advice
- Best Starting Point: While you can start with the prequel short story Charmed I'm Sure, the best place to begin is the first full-length novel, Charming. It establishes the world, characters, and rules of magic with the pacing of a full novel, making the subsequent short stories much more rewarding.
- Are the short stories optional? Yes, you can enjoy the main novels without reading the short stories. However, the short stories add color, build up the supporting cast, and explain minor references that appear in the novels.
- Status of the Series: The main narrative arc concluded or paused with Legend Has It in 2017. While the author has not published a full Pax Arcana novel since then, the world remains rich and complete for readers looking for a finished, satisfying story arc.