The Recommended Reading Order
For the absolute best reading experience, you should follow the Publication Order of the series. Because the overarching plot involving the Astra Planeta's trials and the Harpies' struggles progresses chronologically, reading them in order ensures you won't miss character introductions or major lore revelations.
- The Warlord (2021) — Focuses on Taliyah Skyhawk and Alaroc 'Roc' Phaethon.
- The Immortal (2022) — Focuses on Halo Phaninon and Ophelia.
- The Phantom (2023) — Focuses on Roux and Blythe.
- The Wrath (2024) — Focuses on Rathbone the Only and Neeka the Unwanted.
Connection to the Lords of the Underworld Universe
If you are a fan of Gena Showalter's massive Lords of the Underworld series, you will immediately recognize many of the characters in Rise of the Warlords. This spin-off centers heavily on the fierce Harpy sisters (such as Taliyah Skyhawk) who were introduced in the main series. While having background knowledge of the underworld adds depth to the experience, it is not required. Showalter does an excellent job of re-introducing the mythical factions, allowing new readers to jump straight into The Warlord without feeling lost.
Detailed Book Breakdown
1. The Warlord (2021)
The series kicks off with the story of Taliyah Skyhawk, a fierce Harpy warrior who is determined to become the leader of her people. To achieve this, she must contend with Alaroc 'Roc' Phaethon, the ruthless leader of the Astra Planeta. Under a celestial curse, Roc is forced to sacrifice his bride to his god. When Taliyah becomes that bride, a thrilling, high-stakes enemies-to-lovers romance begins, packed with witty banter and intense magical combat.
2. The Immortal (2022)
The second installment follows Halo Phaninon, a cold-blooded and merciless assassin who has shut away his emotions. He is paired with Ophelia, a stubborn and independent Harpy warrior. The two find themselves trapped in a deadly, resetting time loop where they must repeatedly face death together. As they struggle to escape, the forced proximity begins to melt Halo's icy exterior, leading to a passionate bond.
3. The Phantom (2023)
This book centers on the vengeful Harpy Blythe and the tortured Astra Planeta warrior Roux. Blythe is consumed by a desire for vengeance against those who harmed her family, while Roux is battling his own dark past. When their paths collide, their mutual animosity transforms into an intense, sizzling attraction that forces both to choose between their past trauma and a future together.
4. The Wrath (2024)
Shifting the setting away from the standard Astra Planeta trials, the final book focuses on Rathbone the Only, the King of the Realm of Agonies and nephew of Hades. Rathbone has spent centuries searching for the remains of his deceased wife in a desperate bid to resurrect her. He hires Neeka the Unwanted, a snarky harpy-oracle. However, Neeka has seen visions of the future and knows that resurrecting Rathbone's wife will bring about the apocalypse. She must use all her wits and seductive charms to distract the king, leading to an emotional and climactic romance.
What to Know Before You Start
The core of the series revolves around the Astra Planeta, a powerful race of celestial warriors caught in a cosmic struggle between the gods Chaos and Erebus. Every 500 years, these warriors must face trials to determine if they will be blessed or cursed, with the ultimate goal of ascending to godhood. The Harpy sisters provide a perfect chaotic counterpoint to the rigid, duty-bound Astra warriors.
Regarding the status of the series: according to Gena Showalter's official website FAQ, she is no longer writing for the publisher of Rise of the Warlords (HQN / HarperCollins). This makes future full-length novels in this specific universe tricky to publish. As a result, the series is currently considered complete with the release of The Wrath in 2024, providing a solid four-book arc that wraps up the primary storylines of these couples.