Books On Board

Pure/ Dark Ones Books in Order

  • 17 Books
  • 2012 – 2021 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order

Aja James's immersive paranormal romance saga, the Pure/Dark Ones series, is best read in publication order. While each book spotlights a different couple and delivers a satisfying romance, the overarching plot—featuring a brewing war, complex mythological lore, and the rules of the Eternal Mate bond—unfolds progressively. Reading out of order will spoil major plot points and make the world-building harder to follow.

Here is the complete order of the books, including novels and key novellas that flesh out the universe:

  1. Pure Healing (2012) – Introduces Rain, a Healer of the Pure Ones, and her Protector, Valerius.
  2. Dark Longing (2018) – Focuses on the vampire warrior Inanna and Gabriel, a human with a familiar soul.
  3. Dark Desires (2018) – Explores the scorching connection between Stefan and Genevieve.
  4. Dark Pleasures (2018) – The story of the vampire King Dominic and his human mate, Chloe.
  5. Pure Rapture (2018) – Follows the half-Pure, half-vampire warrior Gabriel and Sophia.
  6. Dark Redemption (2018) – Deals with the fallen angel Cassiel and the mortal doctor Elena.
  7. Pure Awakening (2018) – Centers on Skye, a half-breed healer, and her protector, Caelen.
  8. Pure Ecstasy (2019) – Follows the powerful Pure warrior Alexander and the vampire princess Lilith.
  9. Dark Obsession (2019) – The intense romance between the vampire commander Marcus and his captive, Hope.
  10. Pure Providence (2019) – Focuses on Michael, a Pure leader, and the mysterious woman named Faith.
  11. Pure Magnetism (2019) – Follows the shifter Leo and the Pure scholar Juliet.
  12. Pure Surrender (2020) – Centers on the ancient dragon shifter Ryuu and the mortal woman Hana.
  13. Pure Darkness (2020) – A pivotal novella centering on the enigmatic Creature, a shapeshifter searching for redemption.
  14. Dark Possession (2020) – Explores the dark bond between the vampire lord Vladimir and the Pure warrior Diana.
  15. Pure Requiem (2020) – The emotional journey of the warrior Gideon and the healer Harmony.
  16. Pure Destiny (2021) – Centers on the hybrid warrior Nicholas and his destiny with the seer Maya.
  17. Dark Purity (2021) – The grand series finale that unites Ere and Sorin, bringing the overarching prophecies and wars to a climax.

What to Know Before You Start

The Pure/Dark Ones universe is built on a rich foundation of mythological elements, blending vampire lore, shapeshifters, angels, and dragons into a cohesive mythology. The central conflict revolves around two factions of immortal beings: the Pure Ones, who are bound by sacred laws and face death if they love outside their soulmate bonds, and the Dark Ones, their shadowy and often volatile counterparts.

As self-published author Aja James has noted, the series was written to push the boundaries of traditional paranormal romance by adding high-stakes fantasy politics and epic battles. The tone is emotional, steamy, and often dark, dealing with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

The Spin-Off Series: Dragon Tails

Once you finish the main 17-book arc, the adventure doesn't end. Aja James launched a spin-off series titled Dragon Tails. This series focuses on the popular characters Ere and Sorin, who were introduced late in the original series (culminating in their story in Dark Purity). In this spin-off, the duo travels through time and myth, exploring new adventures and legendary realms.

While the author design-engineered Dragon Tails to be accessible to new readers, fans of the original series will get the most enjoyment out of it by seeing how the lore continues. The Dragon Tails books follow a specific title pattern:

  • Dream of Dragons (2021)
  • Song of Dragons (2021)
  • Wish of Dragons (2022)
  • Myth of Dragons (2022)
  • Truth of Dragons (2022)
  • Heart of Dragons (2022)
  • Gift of Dragons (2023)
  • Embrace of Dragons (2024)
  • Kiss of Dragons (2024)
  • Love of Dragons (2025)

Are the Books Standalone?

Technically, each novel features a self-contained romance with a guaranteed happily-ever-after (HEA) for the featured couple. However, the overarching plot involving the war against the vampire hordes, the mystery of the prophecies, and the shifting power dynamics of the immortal world carries over from book to book. Skip around, and you will miss vital character growth, world-building elements, and plot resolutions that make the final books so impactful. For the best experience, start with Pure Healing and follow the timeline chronologically.

Frequently Asked

Can I read the Pure/Dark Ones books as standalones?

While each book features a self-contained romance and ends with a happily-ever-after, they all contribute to a single, continuous story arc. It is highly recommended to read them in order to understand the developing world-building and character dynamics.

What is the best starting point for the series?

The best starting point is Pure Healing, the first book in the series published in 2012. It sets up the rules of the Pure Ones and introduces the core conflicts of the universe.

How does the Dragon Tails series connect to Pure/Dark Ones?

Dragon Tails is a direct spin-off series focusing on the characters Ere and Sorin, who play a central role in the main series finale, Dark Purity. The spin-off follows them on adventures through time and myth.

Are there novellas in the Pure/Dark Ones reading order?

Yes, works like Pure Darkness are crucial novellas that provide important backstory and redemption arcs for key characters. They should not be skipped and are best read in their publication spots.

How many books are in the complete Pure/Dark Ones series?

The main series contains 17 books in total (including novels and novellas), starting with Pure Healing and concluding with Dark Purity in 2021.